Solent Stars - Who Were Those Masked Men?

There was snow on the ground as the Solent Stars team made its way back from a match in the Midlands in the depths of winter in the 1985/86 season.

Spirits were high following another win, when the coach driver slowed to point out a car that had skidded off the road.

Dave Bugden, the then team manager/general administrator, insisted that the coach driver - against his will - pulled over so that we could see if help could be given.

A Citroen 2CV had fallen partly into a ditch and onto its side and its occupants, a young couple and their baby were standing alongside the vehicle in the snow. Dave Bugden quickly sized up the situation and came back into the coach to arrange a rescue party.

The faces of the young couple were a sight to see as TJ Robinson, Ron Whitehead, Bryan Skeoch, Mike Griffiths, Ken Nottage and Roy Lewis all appeared from the coach. They must have thought it was the Giants Night Out. Quickly and efficiently the group literally righted the vehicle and pulled it back onto the hard shoulder.

The young woman looked admiringly at what had happened and those who had done it and in words similar to those used at the end of Lone Ranger stories said, I don't know who you are, but you certainly saved us this evening".