Player Retirements

In appreciation of three outstanding players retiring this season Gavin Roberts, Derek Salisbury and Jack Collister who were a big part of our most successful period ever, since the introduction of league rugby

Gavin Roberts aka “The Welsh Wizard” aka “The quiet man”

Gavin joined the club from Mold season in 2007/8 and quickly became a favourite with the supporters with his silky runs. He became the top try scorer for the club with 144 tries in the league and cup. And is one of only three players in the last 40 years to get to the 100 try mark. Initially, the kicking duties were dominated by Simon Mason and Richard Vasey, but when called upon he proved that he was an outstanding kicker, he was one of only 7 players who have scored more than 300 points in a season his highest being 320. In his last season, cut short by the pandemic, he scored 284 points in 25 games and would certainly have reached the 300 total again. His final total of 1834 points is a club record. Gavin was a fierce tackler despite his slender frame. He played 312 league games for the club in 13 seasons. He will be missed on and off the field.

Derek Salisbury aka “Degsy”

Derek joined the club from Orrell for the second half of the 2006/7 season and has been the cornerstone of the pack. He was only 19 but learnt fast, apart from his powerful scrummaging he was mobile in the loose and had very soft hands keeping the game flowing with his offloads. He played 350 league games for the club in 14 seasons and scored 52 tries one of only three forwards to score more than 50 tries in the last 40 years. Latterly, despite having a problem with his back, he continued to play and contributed to the success of the team in 2019/20 season which saw the 1st Team go unbeaten. Derek has now moved into coaching, and we wish him well in his new venture.  

Jack Collister aka “John” aka “Bus Singer”

Jack joined the club from Hoylake in 2009/10 where he had been playing as a prop, but he quickly moved to the back row where he played at 6 and 8. He quickly established himself in the 1^st XV and continued to be indispensable covering both the back row and second row, and if necessary, prop. He continues to play until 2011/12 when Caldy lost in the play-off against Richmond away. However, in the next season, he moved to the Midlands where he and his wife were working and joined Loughborough Univ. Propping for them in National 1 for two seasons. Caldy persuaded him to return to the club in the 2014/15 season and he travelled from the Midlands to take part in training. During his time with the club, he scored 22 tries but he was a powerful player in the tight and loose and in the line out. With Covid and a growing family he felt it was time to play locally at a lower level. We will miss him on the field and for his singing on the bus home.