For those of you with less than 13 years service the name Bruce Vogel will probably not mean much. But for the rest of us showing a bit of grey at the temple and bounce around the waist there will be fond memories of the gentle giant.

Bruce was one of those officers everyone had something good to say about, and although amiable by nature he was a force to be reckoned with on the rugby pitch, a fact backed up by frequent appearances at international level as well as captaining a very competitive police side during their strongest seasons. Tragically it was whilst playing in the game he loved that Bruce collapsed and later died from a heart attack in January 1989.

It is testament to the character of the man that his name is remembered every year when Police Old Bill take on Football Club Contemptibles for the Bruce Vogel Trophy. This year's date was May 19, and in a change of venue the match took place at the Police Sports and Recreation Club.

Although a 'friendly' match this is often one of the hardest fixtures we play, with Football Club having to raise their game to deal with a fired up police side. This year was no exception with gritty performances from both sides made all the more challenging by the heat and oppressive humidity.

On the day the Police side proved the more powerful with some impressive runs from the backs, resulting in a 38-12 victory. For me, in my final match as the Old Bill Captain, it was a fitting end to three seasons of rugby and a sweet victory indeed.

As is often the way, the harder fought the match the greater the camaraderie in the bar afterwards. No-one would accuse me of being a religious man but if Bruce was up there looking down I am sure he would have been proud to see 40 players lifting a glass of ale and toasting his absence. Cheers Bruce, you haven't been forgotten.

- B.J. Smith, Old Bill Captain

"Get the Bill!": The Contemptibles were no match for the Bills, particularly nimble Louis "Mach 1" Tam shown here sprinting for the tryline