The John Marsh Rugby Tournament held in Spartak Stadium between October 8-10 drew teams from Ukraine, Russia, and Moldova.
Teams competing in the tournament were primarily for colt-level players aged under 18 years, but included limited mini and junior games as well.
The games were played in honor of John Marsh, a well-known and respected expat from Yorkshire, England who passed away in April this year. John, an engineer, was an owner of Atlas Ward Building Systems. The job led him to spend many years in the Middle East and elsewhere, often during trying times and in world hotspots. Despite a rough exterior and real toughness, John was both a gentle man and a gentleman. He was a lover, more than a fan, of the sport of rugby.
The trophy presented at the conclusion of the event on October 10 was donated by Marsh's many friends in Ukraine and various other places he was known and loved. Many of those friends attended the event and assisted in the presentation of medals to participants.
Chris Jones told the boys of John Marsh's love for the game and his appreciation of the sportsmanship that is the embodiment of the sport and so integral to the game.
The trophy will remain in Kyiv and be awarded to winning teams in years to come.
On a chilly, overcast and gray day in October 2004, John Marsh was honored, as he will be again in future Octobers. Many of John's friends departed the game and ceremonies and retired to the pub to talk, give many toasts and share some little libation. It was as John Marsh would have had it.
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