Exeter University Football Club Reunion: 7–8 March 2020

A group of EUAFC alumni had an enjoyable weekend reminiscing and celebrating their time playing football for the university. With an age range of 22 to 70 plus, many decades of surprisingly similar memories were shared of tussles with local teams, facilities that still exist such as Duckes Meadow, facilities that no longer exist such as Gras Lawn, and memorable UAU/BUCS matches and trips. 

Two topics were central to almost all alumni memories – Ted Wragg and the Black Horse. Many Ted stories were told – a favourite being when he ‘skived’ a meeting with the current Education Secretary Sir Keith Joseph to watch a Devon and Exeter league match. Many Black Horse stories were also told – some possibly shouldn’t have been(!) – and it was reassuring for all to realise that the ‘Black Horse experience’  transcended the generations.

A hard core group re-familiarised themselves with the Black Horse on Friday night, followed by a fascinating tour of St Luke’s campus on Saturday morning by Craig Williams, professor in sport, football alumnus and Ted Wragg’s son-in-law.

Then it was on to Topsham and drinks at the Lighter Inn. Unfortunately the EUAFC 1^st XI game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, so after a visit to the Topsham ground it was off to Exmouth FC to revisit a ground virtually all of us had played at several times. Many stories were exchanged during an entertaining match with lots of goals – 6-1 to Exmouth.

It was then on to the Black Horse – spiritual home of EUAFC – for the England vs. Wales Rugby match and the England win 33-30 which was enjoyed by virtually all.

A great meal at La Cote Brasserie followed with great stories shared, four current team members present and money raised for EUAFC. The alumni clearly retained and displayed their EUAFC stamina for on and off the field activity - and final drinks at Las Iguanas continued for some time further. 

All agreed that the weekend had been a great success and we’re already looking forward to bigger and better things next year!

John Palmer, 1979-83