Gavey trains with the stars

ANDY GAVEY has just enjoyed the day of a lifetime training with England's Rugby World Cup heroes after almost turning down the opportunity. The Guernseyman won first prize in a trade draw run by one of the suppliers for Sarnia Roofing, of which he is managing director, and his first reaction was that he would not go.

Being notified at short notice and busy with work commitments, Gavey wanted to donate the prize to a charity, but it was non-transferable and he decided it was not a trip he could not let pass him by.

'This competition had loads of different prizes. I thought I might win a rugby shirt or ball or cap, something like that. As it turned out I was one of eight guys to win first prize,' he said.

That meant spending the day at Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot, Surrey, with Sir Clive Woodward and his charges.

'Sir Clive told us it was just a light training session. It really opened my eyes as to how hard they train.'

One of the England coaches took the competition winners for their own training session just a few yards away from the England squad.

'He put us through our paces. I will probably be feeling the effects of it for a few days but it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

As a memento of the day, Gavey had a ball signed by 10 members of the squad, which he has donated to the local Lord's Taverners.

It will be auctioned for the benefit of needy children at the Taverners' Calcutta Cup lunch event on Saturday at St Pierre Park.