He then went on to become one of the stalwarts of the 3rd XV during the captaincy of Richard Macfarlane and was instrumental in the side winning the inaugural Notts Pennant in 2001.

Young Spanky writes:

When we won the Pennant in 2001, I put together a pen portrait of the team for a forthcoming programme. At the time I described him as ‘Mr Dependable. Aggressive and quick, frightening in the tackle. He ran hard from the centres and when asked to play fly half always called a crash ball and took it himself! His defence was ferocious and the opposition quickly learnt to pass before he arrived.

Dave really was a club man and could be relied upon to play anywhere in the backs as the need arose and if often did being the third team.

In 2001 he was voted by the 3rd XV as player of the season which was no mean feat in a side that contained Messrs Pykett, Waude, Gelsthorpe and Kev Rose. A top rugby bloke, he loved the playing game and the camaraderie of the clubhouse post-match.

Former captain Nick Scott writes.

Dave Watson (Watto)

Dave was an integral part of Newark Rugby in the Nineties.

Our grandfathers and fathers grew up together in the same village, and our children have grown up together, so it was great when Watto phoned me in the late Eighties to say that he fancied playing rugby at Newark, along with Dicko (Chris Dixon – the start of the Dixon family involvement at Newark). I was able to give them a lift to the club, along with another young farmer’s boy from just down the road, Darren Gourley.

Coming from the same school as me, where rugby was not really allowed, Dave soon showed on the pitch that he was an outstanding sportsman with a gift for rugby. Tall for a winger, great pace – but real farmer’s strength too.
One of the early training sessions, I saw him accelerate into contact rather than slow down like most wingers – awesome. In defence, he would hurtle towards the ball carrier and stop them dead in their tracks, even when they were at full speed on the wing.

Watto had a heart as big as a Lion, and I was proud, along with the other farmer’s boys from Clifton and Scarle, Darren and Dicko, to fight some great battles together on the pitch

His talent was not just rugby. Only a couple of cricket seasons ago, Collingham cricket were short of a player for an away game. Watto said he would make up the numbers…….he hit 5 sixes, lost 3 balls and got 48. That farmer strength again. And on the shooting field, there were not many better shots when it came to Partridge either – naturally talented

But on the pitch was only part of what Watto brought to Newark.

He always looked as though he was about to break out into the biggest smile. He always greeted everyone with that warm, cheeky Watto grin, making everyone feel included and one of his friends. Meeting Watto was always a pleasure, shaking those great big hands as he always found something funny and friendly to greet you with. We played a lot of rugby together, we earned our living alongside each other – but the best part was how we partied together – particularly after rugby – in Newark and the village pubs around after shooting.

Watto was just the greatest of company, brilliant to be out with, part of the Newark family and team in so many ways. No one more generous and kind, nothing ever too much trouble – a true friend

All our thoughts go to Julie, Harry and Amy – we will all miss one of the great people in our clubs and in our lives

Farewell Watto – Farmer, Sportsman, Friend

Our thoughts are with Julie and Dave’s family and friends.
Funeral details will be posted when the arrangements are known.

Dave (top left) is photographed in that all-conquering third team.