Fergus Scholefield Memorial Cup Match

Fergus Scholefield Memorial Cup Match: Penguins V Guy’s 2nds & Freshers

Honor Oak Park - Saturday 24^th January 2026

In 2016 Penguins Against Cancer was very proud to launch the Fergus Scholefield Cancer Research Fund, in memory of a brave young man who, at the tender age of 2, battled through the treatment of his brain tumour with the support of family and friends. Sadly, it was not possible to cure him of the disease and Fergus died before his third birthday.

Fergus Scholefield Memorial Cup: is an annual match played in memory of Fergus and always supported by PAC, GHRFC, friends and family who come to play watch and celebrate together.  Following an address by Prof Ben Challacombe (GHRFC President) there was a minute’s applause in memory of Fergus, to remind us what an important and special fixture this is for the players and wider community of GHRFC as well as for PAC, its Research funds and the Charity’s supporters.

In a typically hard-fought game, played in the spirit of Guy’s and the young Scholefield, Penguins came out victorious 27-26. So annual and right this victory is, that it has almost become another of the many traditions befitting the Oldest Rugby Club in the World. No quarter given by either side, yet despite how hard they try and no matter the level of skill displayed by the youngsters, the wise lolloping Penguins muster their vast catalogue of tricks to win each year at the hallowed ground of Honor Oak Park. The Memorial Cup and Fergus’s cherished cuddly lion remains firmly in the hands of the Penguins.

Harking back to the heady days of the 90s and the back-row-curry-club, there were numerous front fives playing in the three quarters and crash balls were the favourite play of the day. At first one could be forgiven for assuming a deliberate switch of positions across both teams, with a shilling on the side as a quite wager. The changing room was awash with boot money for the Welsh players and handwritten incentives to entice them to change codes. They were having none of it; pride, values and the allure of Gordons with a splash of tonic has too strong a hold. Nevertheless, the boot money was taken and spent in the bar on shandy Bass and raffle tickets.

The current practice is to evaluate statistics and analyse player potential alongside match strategy. This fixture remains apace with the demands of modern attritional rugby and game-plan tactics. This was evident from the player cam and the meticulous note taking on the touch line by Eric Statto. Eric revealed the following headlines: No injuries, except for Freddie’s paper cut and Declan’s Stains. Only one yellow card (Ben Sullivan), primarily for playing too well and passing with speed and accuracy. No fights, but there was a scuffle in the bar as the last pasty was sold and a couple of silly arguments over the effect of laces in a 1940s rugby ball. Tremendous fun was had on the pitch and on the touchline and both sides were a credit to GHRFC, to the spirit of rugby and indeed to Barny, the Scholefield Family and the memory of Fergus.

STUDENT XV: Loose head- Declan Staines; Hooker- Freddie Clarke; Tighthead- Carrot; Lock- Henry; Lock- Caleb; Number 8- CG; Scrum half- Darren Lee; Outside half- Ben Sullivan; Wing- Avy Rai; Centre-Donny; Wing- Aarash; Full back- Faz; Also: Davann & Zain

PENGUINS XV: Loose: George; Hooker: WRT; Tight: Melvyn; Lock: Elias; Lock: Paul; Number 8: Joshua John; Scrumhalf: Cameron; Flyhalf: Fraser; Wing: Bilal; Centre: Cal; Wing: Lucas; Fullback: Dunbar; Also: Lando & Freddie Spencer

Following the match the club house was buzzing. 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. Will Taylor had arranged a raffle of goodies to set up the evening ahead. His mini raffle, the usual speeches and the array of post-match presentations/drinks shared the joy and love that is GHRFC. Rauri Hadlington, Penguins Captain (NA Injured) messaged the chat: looking forward to discover the winner of the perfume bottles - having seen each winner thus far, eat or drink their prize: George A, wine from the cup; Pat G, gin from the cup; Paul O, wine & beer from the cup; George T, a tin of tomatoes (yes, from the cup); and Henry C, a family box of quality street – from the tub, including wrappers! Barny enjoyed the videos and photos, and with transatlantic FOMO, he sent his own video from Canada, thanking the club for keeping Fergus’s memory alive and joining us in a Canadian, long-standing imbibing tradition.

Nawaz, near Guy’s Hospital, hosted the players and Supporters post HOP for an evening of Indian Cuisine, jolly japes and top-tastik, tomfoolery. The tomatoes that George consumed from the trophy earlier that evening had clearly loosened his altruistic fervour and with stealth like generosity, he covered the bill for all attendees and stole into the bleak dark night that surrounded Bermondsey and Southwark.

We know that Fergus's journey and strength has inspired many more to improve the lives of others and continue the search for better understanding and treatments for cancer.

The PAC Bursary, in his name, supports researchers in cancer to keep pushing the boundaries so that Fergus’s short life continues to motivate people for many years to come.

The Fergus Scholefield Paediatric Cancer Research Fund is awarded annually, through a strict and rigorous vetting process. It has been set by the Penguins Trustees at a maximum amount of £5,000. This amount will be reviewed annually by the Trustees. Cancer Research (click here ….) RESEARCH | pac-website

Overall, a great night was had by everyone present, and we look forward to next year’s fixture as well as the continuing growth and success of Guy’s Hospital RFC and Penguins Against Cancer.

Pat Gush, Vice President PAC and VP GHRFC

(Click on picture below for slideshow)