It is with much sadness that the Club announces the passing of Andy ‘Gabby’ Gamblin on 1st November 2018. ‘Gabby’ played in the Colts in the late 70’s and made his first senior appearance on 16th February 1980, when I (Alan Foulger), then captain of the 2nd XV, was a player short before kick-off and spotting ‘Gabby’ loitering on the touchline, quickly found him some shorts and boots and recruited him as wing forward, even though he had only played as a hooker in the Colts. He played well that day and was let off having to pay the £1 match fee.

He quickly progressed to the 1st XV squad and became a permanent fixture in the team as a hooker. He became 1st XV captain for the 1991-92 season after Mike Tipton stepped down. Following three years of captaincy by Mark Wells, ‘Gabby’ was re-appointed the captaincy for the 1995-96 season. That season was crowned with Gosport & Fareham RFC making their first ever appearance in a Hampshire Cup Final. Unfortunately, ‘Gos’ were outplayed by a Havant side that was well established in the National leagues. However, there was a bonus, as Havant had already qualified for the following seasons National Pilkington Cup, so ‘Gos’ qualified as Hampshire’s representative for the 1st round. Although, ‘Gabby’ had stepped down from the captaincy the following season, he was given the honour of leading the side out at Gosport Park as ‘Gos’ entertained Weston-Super-Mare (from the National Leagues), losing narrowly on the day.

Our condolences go out to all his family and friends. ‘Gabby’ was a great stalwart of the Club and that tradition is carried on by his brother Brett and sons Dan and Josh. His funeral will be held on 30th November 2018 at 1pm at Portchester Crematorium. The wake will be held at the Club from 2.30pm onwards.

There will be a minute’s silence before the home games this Saturday 17th November 2018. The games are scheduled to kick-off at 2.30pm.
RIP ‘Gabby’.

(Words provided by Alan Foulger)