It is with great sadness that we report the death of former Club Captain and Coach Brian Hibbitt, who passed away last Sunday 22nd March. Brian was Club Captain from 1970 to 1972 but stood in many a time over and above that period as 1st XV Skipper. Having retired from playing after a serious neck injury, he continued to contribute strongly to the club, taking over as Coach during the early 80’s, helping to forge the club that we know today.

Brian was a fine player and uncompromising prop forward, who never took a step backwards. Though quiet and considered, both on and off the field, he was never one to start a fight but was more than capable of finishing one or two off. He famously was the skipper and cornerstone of the pack, that did so well in the 1975/6 season in the narrow loss to Sale in the Cheshire Cup, for the then Old Sandbachians.

His skills as a player were not just appreciated by the club, being put forward for County trials, while also regularly performing for the British Police and Cheshire Police. It was during one of these games that Brian unfortunately suffered a broken neck and though he recovered, he soon after decided to retire from playing, so as not to risk a recurrence of the injury.

Still keen to give back to the club, he moved into coaching, which was very much in the embryonic stage at that time. Where his thoughtful and respected manner was a great assistance to the Club Captain, who very much ran things rugby wise, back in those times.
Brian had not been in the best of health recently, so it was no surprise to hear of his recent demise. He will be warmly remembered by many of the senior members of the club and missed by all that knew him.

Brian’s funeral will take place on Thursday 16th April at 2.00 pm at the Birches Crematorium and Remembrance Park, Birches Lane, Lostock Green, CW9 7SU. Following the service everyone is warmly invited to the Wilbraham Arms, Alsager, ST7 2AX for refreshments. The funeral service will also be streamed live, for those who are unable to attend, details to be provided in the future in this regard.

The family would like to take the chance to thank everyone for all the love and best wishes, that they have received, it means a lot to them.
RIP Hibby.