We are very sad to announce the death of longstanding Club member, ex-player and Vice-President Chris Bensted. Chris joined Blackheath in the early 1960s and made his 1st XV debut in 1963 against Neath. He then played for the 1st XV for the next 10 seasons, making his final appearance in 1973 against Newport. He represented Kent on numerous occasions through this period.
Chris then went on to Captain the Blackheathens for two seasons in 1976-1977 and 197-1978. He played on many occasions for Peter Piper’s Golden Oldies team.
One of his team-mates from the 1970s, Keith Butler, says: “I locked the scrum with Chris in the Heathens side in the late 70s for many a game. He’d done it all for Club and County and as a youngster I learnt a hell of a lot from him. A great captain, mentor and bloke. May he Rest in Peace.”
In recognition of his many years of service to the Club, Chris was elected as a Vice-President.
A group of Chris’s old team-mates attended the lunch before the match against Taunton Titans and we held a minute’s silence in his memory before the start of the match.
His funeral is taking place on Tuesday 7th December at 1400 at Thames View Crematorium and Cemetery, Gravesend Road, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 3JH, and then afterwards at Gravesend RFC.
Dr Alan Thompson
22nd November 2021
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