Brian Hampshaw , from Yeadon, is enjoying his 28th successive season as the Aireborough Rugby Club's official linesman.

Sixtythree years-old Brian (pictured above) began his association with the club in 1971 when he went to watch the Airebronians, as they were then known, where he knew several of the players.

On this first visit he was asked to run touch which he did and has continued to do ever since, becoming a highly regarded member of the club for his commitment and reliability.

He is well-known throughout Yorkshire refereeing circles for the assistance he has given both on and off the pitch and has been a splendid ambassador for the club.

In recognition of his services to the club Brian was awarded life membership in 1992 joining only six others in that position. He has always enjoyed his match days and the opportunity to visit other clubs along with the general comradeship and friendship associated with the game.

One of his favourite grounds is at the Otley club, with the worse being Baildon due to the extreme weather conditions which occur in the winter months. He can remember when Brian Campsall, who is now an international referee, was starting out in local rugby and was obviously destined for higher things. Brian believes that two significant landmarks in Aireborough's club history have been the move to their current location at Nunroyd Park in Yeadon in 1991 and when the club won the Yorkshire Silver Trophy in 1993.

He has experienced many changes in the laws of rugby which he believes have improved the game and the introduction of leagues has created more excitement for players and spectators. In his younger days Brian played soccer for Horsforth AFC and Woodside Wanderers.

His cricket playing days started at Otley Wesleyans; followed by Green Lane where he remembers scoring the last winning runs on the original ground and finally the Yeadon Cricket Club where he played under Barrie Leadbeater's captaincy.

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