The scorer of one of Northampton Saints’ most iconic tries, David Pinches, has passed away at the age of 69.
It was back in 1976 when Pinches, a centre, scored a spectacular effort to defeat Birmingham Moseley in a tense encounter that finished 6-4 in favour of the hosts at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.
That victory secured the men in Black, Green and Gold the Daily Mail Pennant, as winners of the first merit league table that the newspaper administered. Pinches, Saint #1428, would go on to make 117 appearances and score a further ten tries for the Club.
Pinches was also a much-loved and respected figure at Northampton Casuals RFC, and captained the club in the 1986/87 season. He was also happy to boot up for their extras sides too, further endearing him to the Bedford Road club – who celebrated him for his ’positive, enthusiastic attitude to life and to rugby’.
A father of two boys; Christopher and Mark, Pinches spent the majority of his working life as a printer at Arkle Print in Moulton Park industrial estate.
In retirement, Pinches, who lived in Pitsford, remained active as an avid walker and pickle ball participant.
He passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Sunday 17 May at Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Kettering Road, Northampton.
Funeral details are yet to be confirmed, but will be shared in an updated version of this story once available.