HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to Lydney RFC stalwart Steve Cockfield following his untimely death at the age of 58.

Steve – who was affectionately known as Spud – played for the Severnsiders for 23 years between 1977 and 2000.

A hugely popular and influential figure both on and off the field, his sudden death from pancreatic cancer has shocked and saddened his many friends.

Steve, who ran his own joinery business, played in the pack for the firsts and won several Combination Cup with the Lydney United XV.

Keith Davis, a former team-mate and friend from their days at Whitecross School in Lydney, said Steve was “marvellous guy”.

“We were in the same class and I used to say if you wanted to get better at something, hang on to Spud.

“It wasn’t anything he did, you just seemed to be better if you were with him – he was always a good force to be with.

“I played a lot for Lydney and he was always in my dream team. If there was a player you always wanted on your side it was Spud because he just made the difference.

“Nobody could read a game of rugby better than Spud – he was never more than a couple of yards away from the ball at any time .

“You always wondered how a bloke so slow could get everywhere like that.

“It was just the way he read the game, he was fantastic at it and you always wanted him in your team.

“He was a back row forward, so number eight or blindside. He was never going to be openside – not enough speed for that.

“He was a better back row forward but he could play in the second row – he was never going to let you down.

“His claim to fame was that in 1989 when Lydney were in Division Three of the National League, he played the first game of the season at West Hartlepool in the second row.

“He was the smallest second row ever to play in Division Three - he was 13 st and 5ft 11in.

“Off the field he was a marvellous guy to be with, a real dry wit.

“There was never a dull moment, he always had a smile and a laugh and he was a great guy to be with.”

In 1999, when Lydney played the mighty Saracens he appeared on the front page of the newspaper with his own particular homage to their trademark red ‘fez’.

Steve’s version was a black flowerpot with white masking tape to make a Lydney version.

His wife of 33 years, Karen, said “I have been absolutely overwhelmed and comforted by the large number of truly heartfelt tributes and lovely stories that have come pouring in from far and wide. I am clearly not alone in my misery and utter grief over the loss of such a kind and loving gentle man.

“I will miss him forever, but he lives on in people’s hearts with so many great memories to treasure”.

His funeral will take place at St James’s Church in his home village of Bream on Tuesday (December 15) at 11.30am.

Because of Covid restrictions on numbers at the church, those wishing to pay their respects are asked to line the main Coleford road in Bream from its junction with New Road and the church.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested for Pancreatic Cancer and St David’s Hospice and these may be sent to Philip Blatchly funeral directors, Highcroft House, Woolaston GL15 6PN.