Vince Bendin may not have worn the Hertford stripes as a player but his contributions to the club over the last two decades should nonetheless be applauded and will certainly not be forgotten.

Whether it was helping out coaching, or administration within age group rugby, being an excellent Chair of the youth section, volunteering as duty officer or simply supporting the senior teams when his boys were playing, Vince gave freely of his time and dedicated his efforts, selflessly, to the benefit of others.

He brought an air of calm and order when dealing with sometimes tricky situations and had an empathy that disguised his steely determination and allowed him to achieve where others may have struggled.

A native of the Northeast, even when he moved up to Barnard Castle a few years ago, he maintained his contact and commitment to Hertford RFC by returning at least once a season to do a volunteer stint as duty officer on a Saturday.

And if all of that weren’t enough, he produced two of the best players Hertford have fielded in the last 10 years in Alex and Matt.

It is therefore with great sadness that we offer our condolences to Alex, Matt and his beloved wife, Steph.

He was quite simply, one of the best and will be missed but not forgotten.

We thank you for your efforts, now rest well, dear friend.

'The family have asked us to say that they will update us with the funeral arrangements in the northeast for those who wish to make the journey when they are available, and we will advise on here accordingly.

They are also hoping to give an opportunity for those who knew Vince to pay their respects at the Rugby Club in due course, which we will also communicate.'