Had there been a DJ at the Old Patesians Rugby Club reunion on Saturday, one of the songs he, or she, would surely have been belting out at some stage of the proceedings would have been 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'.

Rugby players like a top tune of course but as it happened, the only hits that people invited to the Everest Road reunion wanted to talk about were those that took place out on the rugby pitch in past decades, as players from yesteryear gathered to reminisce about old times.

The special day, organised by Old Pats stalwart Dave Kingscott, was for players who represented the club primarily in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

More than 50 turned up for a three-course lunch washed down with a few beers on a day when even England’s spectacular Six Nations collapse against Scotland couldn’t wipe away the smiles.

The majority of those who turned up are now in their 50s, 60s or 70s and Kingscott was delighted with the atmosphere generated: “It was a brilliant day. You could see the joy on everyone’s face as they greeted each other and, back in familiar surroundings, people were totally relaxed.

“The club did us proud with a superb lunch from Jan and his team and a wonderful buffet later on prepared by my mother – Di Kingscott – who, yet again, refused to be paid for her time, preferring the cash to go towards a defibrillator.

“It was great to see so many old friends and teammates – I think there were only two or three present that I hadn’t played alongside. As one would expect, the reminiscing over historical events – both on and off the field – was full of banter and laughter.

“By close of play we numbered an extremely happy Welshman, a couple of disbelieving Scots and many frustrated Englishmen relieved with a draw. But, as always, the spirit of rugby was the winner at the final whistle – everyone just enjoyed themselves.”

And some of them came a fair way as well, with Martin Cooper – a second row in the late 70s and early 80s – driving up from Taunton before staying in his camper van overnight.

Ray Jones didn’t have so far to come – he lives just round the corner from the Old Pats – but at 86 the one-time prop who played in the 60s and 70s was the oldest person there.

And, along with proceeds from the buffet, those ex-players who enjoyed so many good times at the club also helped to raise over £300 towards a defibrillator which will be available to everyone who uses the sports and social club at Everest Road, as well as being available to people in the wider community.

So after Saturday’s success, is Kingscott planning another reunion?

“Oh yes,” he said, “we might even have a tour,” before adding with a laugh, “but I don’t think we’d get away with that!”