I think Colin Forward's arrival at Malmesbury Grammar School overlapped my last year, so the pupils hadn't yet had time to quantify or characterise him. I don't think he had yet aquired a nickname, no doubt he earned plenty later on. I do remember him showing me that drawing was not just lines, by producing a picture in seconds from a black graphite sploge; he also got me an 'O' level in Art.
On the downside, as a ball playing soccer winger, during my initiation into the other game, he took one look at my stocky physique and decided I was a born prop forward. The nearest I got to a ball that term was as it passed me on the way to the hooker.
The highlight however was a game at Home against Trowbridge, which Colin refereed with his usual energy and not without a little bias. I remember we won the game after 10 minutes extra time, all points gained by penalties (kicked by 'Edder' Martin). I happened to get my rugby colours also, and can discuss the craft and skill of a prop forward with any Gloster Man. On an intellectual level of course.
Bryan Green
