HOW refreshing to read letters to The Press that are not moaning about Brexit.

It was great to see Reg Coultas’ name mentioned along with Don Butler and a few more, they bring back so many memories.

I was privileged to play as open side prop for York RUFC between late 1955 and February 1962.

I agree the York pitch was not one of the best but the comradeship at Hobmoor could not be matched.

Unless I am mistaken, Reg was still playing in my last game at Scarborough. He was a brilliant hooker, captain and scrum leader.

I don’t remember him having elocution lessons. To me he always had that authoritative voice. A lovely man.

I agree with the comments regarding how the ball is put into the pack nowadays.

Hookers are superfluous and the props simply shoves.

In the old days the prop generally followed the ball in after the scrum-half had placed it down the middle of the front rows and after the hooker had struck so that it couldn’t come out again. The opposing hooker nowadays doesn’t get a sniff of it.

Don and I started our rugby at the tender age of 16, playing league at Old Priory Youth Club, often being beaten 40-0, but the team all stuck together until we all went to do our national service in 1952, when we beat Heworth in the York Press and Herald Cup final.

Two more names from that team for you to reminisce with are Pete Waters and Nev Bycroft.

I won’t mention Butler’s exploits, it could fill the whole of The Press.

Finally, thanks to John Z, Mike H and William M for stirring very happy and nostalgic memories.

Ray Theakston, Haxby, York