Wootton Bassett team succeeds in honour of former coach

8:51am Tuesday 22nd April 2008

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SIX months after a tragedy that claimed the lives of three popular Wootton Bassett parents a group of youngsters are still paying tribute.

Bob Fry, 53, ran Brinkworth Cats Football Club's B team of with friend Mark Luffman.

In the six months since Bob's death the team has gone from strength to strength - all in the name of Bob.

"He'd be ecstatic," said coach Mark, 39.

"This is what he always wanted, for the team to succeed, and through their own hard work and determination they've done it."

Bob and his wife Deb, both from Springfield Crescent, Wootton Bassett, and friend Jean Dinsmore of Coxstalls drowned in the Algarve on October 22 last year.

They had leapt into the sea off the coast of Praia do Tonel, near Sagres, in the Algarve where their children were trapped in strong currents.

The children were saved but the three adults, and a German man, lost their lives in the tragedy.

The Fry's son George, nine, is a member of Brinkworth Cats and would have been playing in the match held in memory of his heroic parents in the weeks following their death with his sister Lydia, 11, cheering from the sidelines.

Six months on, the young players - aged nine and 10 - haven't forgotten Bob and play every game in his memory.

And their fantastic season could be capped with a trophy as the top placed sportsmen in the North Wiltshire Youth and Minor Football League.

Each team in the league is given a mark by the opposition after a match. So far the Brinkworth Cats carry a 96.4 sportsmanship average making them top sportsmen in the league.

"Bob, I think is still very much in the minds of the players but obviously more so with George," said Mark.

The team has won seven, drawn two and lost seven out of their games since Bob died.

"Our first game we lost 3-0 and we just thought we have to do better than this'. Now I couldn't be happier with what they have achieved.

"When we lost Bob I was daunted by taking on the team by myself but all the parents have supported the team by doing all sorts from cheering on the boys to setting up the pitch.

"It has been a real team effort and I am sure Bob would be proud."