THE veterans team at Stevenage Town – known as the Old Dogs – has been relaunched. In 2003, Pete Claridge founded the team made up of players aged 35 and over. At the time, Pete was suffering from kidney problems and rather than thinking of himself, he se

THE veterans team at Stevenage Town - known as the Old Dogs - has been relaunched.

In 2003, Pete Claridge founded the team made up of players aged 35 and over.

At the time, Pete was suffering from kidney problems and rather than thinking of himself, he set up the team to raise funds for The Lister Kidney Foundation to help other sufferers.

Pete sadly lost his battle against his illness last year but his wife, Jill, had also supported Pete's passion for rugby and she has become the patron of the team.

The team was reformed on Saturday and Jill was present when the Old Dogs took on Finchley at North Road.

An exciting game ended with the Old Dogs scoring with the last move of the game to win 22-17.

Old Dogs captain Steve Gibbs said: "It was wonderful to see Jill and we are delighted she has agreed to be our patron.

"I think Pete would have approved of the team's commitment and winning was a great bonus of course."

A collection was made afterwards for The Lister Kidney Foundation.