Hawks call off game in memory of Dave
HENLEY Hawks postponed yesterday’s match with Hinckley as a mark of respect for second row forward Dave Hyde.
Hyde, 35, was taken to hospital after Henley’s game with Old Albanians at Dry Leas last Saturday and died later that evening.
Chairman Chris Nixon said: “Dave was a gentle giant, strong family man, great friend to many and a much loved and highlyrespected member of our club.
“Our thoughts go out to his wife Katherine, his young son Tore, close family and all his friends within our club. He will be so greatly missed.”
Hyde joined Henley from fellow Oxfordshire side Witney in 2016 and quickly became a mainstay in the Hawks pack– making 109 appearances – where his power and aerial abilities caused opposition defences plenty of problems. He also represented Oxfordshire in the County Championship, where he was part of the side that beat Sussex in the final at Twickenham in 2017.
A Henley tribute said: “Dave was a destructive ball carrier, who possessed the innate ability to offload out of contact with opposition players left trailing behind him.
“The delicate skills he learned during his basketball days helped him become a ball-playing second-row with a great touch.
“One of the first names on the teamsheet, he was a team man first and foremost, he played the game for the team and for the men that took the field with him.
“He epitomised loyalty, friendship, trust and sacrifice, all the qualities that made him a true asset to Henley as a player, but more importantly a true friend, brother, son, husband and father.
“As a club, we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and goodwill from the rugby community, in which Dave was such a well-known and popular figure. We send our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to contact us.
“There will be a big part of the club gone, but never forgotten.