Eric was educated at the RGS and qualified in dentistry at Newcastle Medical School. He played as prop forward for both Medicals and Old Novos. Eric was part of the excellent County Cup winning Medicals side of the early 1950s. Eric would go on to represent the Northumberland County side for a number of seasons throughout the late 40s and early 50s,for whom he also kicked goals. He followed his younger brother Brian, as Club President in 1969, therefore being the first President of the newly named and now open club of Novocastrians RFC. For his services to the club he was later elected an Honorary Life Member.
As a dentists he practiced locally and at retirement was running a practice in Killingworth, which was taken over by son David. His wife Sally pre-deceased him and he is survived by two sons; Michael and David and daughter Pamela.
I'm sure tomorrow's game against Medicals will see many members of both clubs raising a glass to Eric.
The funeral will take place at Bamburgh Church on Friday 5th February at 11am.
Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.