This Friday evening, the one and only Mark Garner-Jones will lead the Southport Vets as captain in a special charity fixture against Wooden Spoon, in support of the Elise Dot Foundation and the Wooden Spoon charity.

Now, the term “legend” gets thrown around far too often in sports, but if anyone truly embodies it, it’s Mark. While etiquette dictates that one should never reveal a man’s age, let’s just say Mark has proudly represented our club across six decades. And not as a nostalgic benchwarmer—he still laces up week in, week out for the third team, earning the respect (and possibly the disbelief) of all who know him.

But it’s not just his on-field heroics that cement his status as a club icon. Mark’s legacy extends to his unwavering commitment to the end-of-season night out (where he is always the last man standing), his endless library of rugby tales and life lessons, and, of course, his truly unforgettable homemade fancy dress outfits.

We’re all looking forward to seeing his legendary pre-match warm-up—consisting of a vape and a bottle of Lucozade—in full flow on Friday. More importantly, we want to take a moment to thank him for his dedication, his passion, and the countless positive experiences he has provided for the young players coming through.

Here’s to Mark—captain, club legend, and the undisputed king of the after-party!

The game, which kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday (14th March 2025), is to raise funds and awareness for both the Wooden Spoon and Elsie’s Story.