Simon celebrates 25 years

Posted in: BAFL 2, Chester Romans    By Simon Taylor Oct 30, 2009 - 6:07:41 PM

Simon celebrates 25 years

When the whistle blew to end the game between the Chester Romans and the Edinburgh Wolves and the Scottish side came away with an 18-6 victory, the Romans didn’t have too much to celebrate…except for this day, the last game of the Romans’ season had some significance for one Roman who had just completed playing his 25^th year in the sport.

Simon Wainwright from Runcorn began playing for the Halton Demons based in Widnes when the sport first burst onto our scene in the mid eighties. Simon is a linebacker, always has been, and still leads by example on the pitch to this day now in his mid forties. Simon is a firefighter by trade and his job and commitment to the sport still have him in excellent shape as many an opponent can vouch for.

 

Simon has two bowl medals to his name after a career spanning three clubs. When the Halton Demons folded he moved to the St Helens Cardinals and when they folded in 1998 he moved to his present club the Chester Romans, helping them to win the Division 2 bowl in his first season there. Simon has countless game MVP and defensive awards and a cherished sack leader award whilst with the Cardinals.

 

Upon hearing of Simon completing his 25^th year, many people associated with the NFL and our sport sent their well wishes to Simon which were published in a special Romans match programme against Edinburgh. Simon is a Miami Dolphins fan, so perhaps the cherry on the cake came when one of the ‘Marks’ Brothers, former Dolphins wide receiver Mark ‘Super’ Duper, and Dan Marino’s favourite target, wanted the world to know and he put a post on his own facebook page sending out his congratulations to Simon.

 

Another former Dolphin and leading scorer during their undefeated 1972 team, Marlin Briscoe sent his congratulations as did Greg Townsend, the Raiders all time sack leader (109.5) who envied Simon’s longevity in the sport.

 

Plenty of other NFL stars such as Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson, new Buccaneer pro bowler Cato June, former NFL defensive rookie of the year Texans Demeco Ryans, and Chargers defensive end Andre Coleman all sent their respects to Simon.

 

Other notable messages were sent by the NFL’s Alistair Kirkwood, Ken Walters at BAFL, commentator Mike Carlson, former kicker Rob Hart, Ron Lynn at Stanford University, Michigan co-ordinator Greg Robinson and Sky Sports’ Cecil Martin. Rounding off the messages gathered for Simon were a Dolphins cheerleader and two players from the new LFL.

 

High praise and respect indeed from that group of athletes. Simon has been a great leader for the Romans on and off the field and for the sport in general on these shores. I’m sure everyone in the league will agree with the physicality of our sport it is a great achievement indeed. The question remains do we see a 26^th season?

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