One of my pastimes is reading the histories of memorable schools
At present I am reading about a grammar school here in Kent
The history of this ancient school was published in 1962
And contains many photographs to illustrate the chapters
Recent Headmasters and famous pupils are remembered
As well as the timeline of the school buildings past and present
But one photograph interested me because it was a moment in time
It showed a simple line out at a inter house rugby match
And was taken on a cold March day in the early sixties
I know this playing field well having played rugger there myself
Little has changed apart from the demolition of the equipment huts
Which were replaced by the addition of the impressive science block
The actual players were so clean cut and tidy despite the conditions
They fascinate me as I wonder what became of them
And do many even remember this timeless game
I recall many of my rugby matches although I am much younger
Than these sixth form boys who on that cold brittle day
Played this the most English of games on those exposed fields
If by chance one of them found this book forgotten in a shop
I wonder if he would recognise himself in his golden youth