PENGUINS AGAINST CANCER
Simon Lau Memorial Match 2025
Honor Oak Park
Saturday 25th October 2025
Prior to the match Simon was remembered by his family, teams and supporters with a minute’s respectful, warm applause that echoed around Honor Oak Park.
Simon Lau Memorial Trophy, is played for in the Penguins v Freshers rugby match in memory of Simon Lau, GHRFC player from 2008-2014, who died of pancreatic cancer in October 2023, aged just 33. Simon was a true clubman, adored by all who knew him and it is right to honour his memory and his contributions to GHRFC. This is now a perfect focus for the fixture previously known simply as PAC Day.
The match was underway and instantly revealed the spirit and speed at which this contest would unfold; the wise, languid patience of waddling Penguins counterpoint to the zip and enthusiasm of bewildered Freshers. At times, champagne rugby bubbled to the top of the mature bottle, while a very large contingent of supporters grew hoarse shouting for both sides and changing allegiance throughout the match. Medicinal cider, lager and Guinness enabled the cheering and frivolity to continue throughout a hugely entertaining game.
The Penguins, now with more silver hair than silver ware, romped to an early lead, scoring at will for the most part. Great hands and footwork saw the cunning backs slice through the floundering young defence: Strand students stranded in the midfield, and the back row were at sixes and sevens. The game looked done and dusted at half time but the Penguins, whilst confident with a very favourable score board, looked a little jaded after the cavalier antics and eccentric running lines produced in the first 40 minutes.
Sure enough, the Freshers came out firing on all cylinders catching the seniors off guard; they were still fixing their scrum caps and dentures in place while the youngsters scored without reply - a kick chase try, a smash and grab off a close-range scrum and a fine individual effort from Tom Piperson. With the gap closing, now at 46-40, both sides were evenly matched and they continued with an expansive running style from everywhere, regardless of risk or game plan. At last, the Penguins scored again but wide and alas the conversion was missed. Toby Davis, an elderly Fresher, grasped an opportunity to slot a brace of drop goals bringing the scores close once more and the chants of ‘gin avoidance’ echoing in Toby’s ears. With the end in sight, a try from either side would secure Victory.
The Freshers were finishing strongly and they broke the gain line repeatedly advancing into the Penguin’s half. Suddenly, sleight of hand, a deft pass and dart from a pair of young knees took the attack beyond desperate tacklers and the line was in sight. The spectators were hungry for a hat-trick treat rather than plain old gin avoidance but, déjà vu mon amis, only the French referee was aware of the score. Instinctively, Callum passed to Toby who duly kicked his third, and magnificent, drop goal.
The final whistle blew, photos were taken and Simon’s parents presented the trophy. The final score was 51-49 to the Penguins.
The club house following the match proved a fantastic warm up for the evening ahead with a mini raffle, speeches and the usual post-match presentations and drinks. Rauri Hadlington Penguins Captain impressed from the base throughout the match, as always, and led the antics and presentations in the bar.
Simon Lau Memorial Dinner: The Horniman at Hayes Galleria, London Bridge
Drinks were flowing, the event was in full swing and dinner was served. The food was excellent and the venue truly accommodating and supportive. After dinner Dr Simon Hughes, PAC Research Committee Lead, announced that the recipient of this year’s £5,000 research grant for Pancreatic Cancer Research, in memory of Simon, is Dr Chanthirika Ragulan at the Institute of Cancer Research
After an eventful day with silliness on the pitch and on the sidelines, the celebration of Simon’s life, cut short all too soon, continued into the evening at the Horniman at Hays, on the Thames within sight of Guy’s Hospital and HMS Belfast. Supported by the Rugby Club and PAC the youngsters and seniors of GHRFC gathered, shared stories and enjoyed an evening of age-old-traditions, singing without regard to tunes and generous fund raising for Penguins Against Cancer.
GHRFC President, Ben Challacombe, introduced the evening and welcomed everyone, including the Lau Family. A slide show, on a loop, referenced Simon, outlined PAC events and highlighted the achievements of the Charity over the last 12 years. Charlie Beardmore, PAC President spoke about the 6 Research awards that PAC has established, including the Simon Lau Pancreatic Research Award and he proudly announced the milestone figure of £666,000 that PAC has raised and disbursed to this date.
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Pat Gush, PAC Vice President, closed the formalities with the magic raffle, assisted beautifully by Charlie and Ben. A brief auction of memorabilia and Penguin goodies rounded off the proceedings, raising £1,200 towards the PAC Pancreatic Research Award. Everyone was on great form and Simon’s family thoroughly enjoyed the evening. It was lovely to have the GKT netball there, GHRFC out in strength as well as the GKTWRFC - a fitting mark of respect for a fellow student and a reflection of how the Club and PAC are a force for good.
Overall, a great night was had by all and we look forward to next year’s fixture and the continuing growth and success of Guy’s Hospital RFC and Penguins Against Cancer.
Pat Gush, Vice President PAC and VP GHRFC
