Getting to know our Committee: Marshall Shirtliff

Marshall Shirtliff

NAME: Marshall Shirtliff

POSITION: Vice-President

NICKNAME:  Marsh or Marshie

WHEN DID YOU JOIN HAMMIES?  1970

WHICH CLUBS AND TEAMS DID YOU PLAY FOR?

Hammies 1970 – 1997

Defense 1972 – 1973

FAVOURITE POSITION PLAYED?

Loose forward

RUGBY HONOURS AND ACHIEVEMENTS:

Being part of the winning Hammies 2009 Grand Challenge and Nationals administration.

Receiving Hammies life membership in 2005

FAVOURITE HAMMIES MOMENT:

Receiving the 2009 Grand Challenge trophy at Newlands

FAVOURITE HAMMIES LEGEND AND WHY:

Wayne Wyness – Hammies and Springbok center of the 1960’s. A thorough gentleman and great player who played well into his senior years, always encouraging and nurturing younger players whilst exuding his own enthusiastic youthful spirit.

MOST MEMORABLE RUGBY MOMENT:

Being present to watch the Boks receive the 1995 World Cup at Ellis Park

WHAT MOVIE CHARACTER DESCRIBES YOU BEST, AND WHY?

Some of my friends call me “The Godfather” – so Marlon Brando I guess – It must have something to do with my organizational skills.

SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:

I am a very keen scuba diver and have been privileged to dive at famous sites around the world.

LIKES:

Rugby, horse racing and wine – not necessarily in that order

DISLIKES:

Pretentious people and cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli and brussel sprouts, etc.)

FUNNIEST MOMENT ON THE FIELD:

Watching Paddy Greenacre, then about 53, chasing a 30 year old back who had punched him. The chase went on over numerous fields and held our veteran league game up for five minutes. Needless to say, our Paddy didn’t get his man.

FAVOURITE RUGBY PLAYER OF ALL TIME:

Difficult call this, but I think I’ll settle for Theuns Stofberg, Springbok (1976 – 1984), flank and captain (1980 – 1984) – he was remarkably fast and strong for a big loosie in his era.

GOALS FOR 2021:

Staying alive and helping to elevate Hammies back to number one in the WP.