Second in our series of profiles of key members of the Green Machine is hooker Dan Stockdale – believed to be the first 4th generation Wharfedale player and in contention with Jimmy Bullough to be the father of the first 5th generation Green.
- How long have you been involved with the club?
Until this season – where I am ready and waiting – I had played in the green shirt of Wharfedale every year for 24 years.
- What’s the day job?
Sheep and beef farmer on the family farm in Burnsall.
- Who’s at home?
Wife Julie and two boys – Eddy (aged 2) and Ben (14 weeks).
- What is your earliest rugby memory?
Dad took me to Wharfedale aged 6 to watch the U7s train. I remember thinking it looked fun and the rest is history!
- What is your favourite Wharfedale memory?
Struggling to pick just one! There are loads: shoving Fylde back over their own line to draw a match at the Avenue, the injury time winner at Tynedale to stay up, winning at Hartpury in their first match in National 1 (and the bus trip afterwards!) – and two cracking tours, to West Cork and Isle of Man. But there is nothing to match the roar at the Avenue for a breakaway try or going through the tunnel after winning a hard-fought game. That sound will stay with me for ever!
- What is your favourite away ground?
No question – North Ribblesdale! Fierce enemies on the pitch, a one-eyed crowd to rival the Avenue, excellent food and many, many beers with friends afterwards. You simply cannot beat the Boxing Day fixture at Ribb.
- Three things that you like
Sheep, rugby and shooting
- And three things that you can’t stand…
Vegans who think their diet is better for the environment than British produced meat; Chris Packham – who hasn’t got a clue (apologies – Dan’s original wording was quite colourful and has been edited to protect the club); and cold showers after a game – there is nothing worse!
- Which three people would you most like to have round for dinner?
Tommy Banks to do the cooking – went to his restaurant last year and the food was unbelievable; Pete Tong to provide the music – and I’ll save a seat next to me for Mila Kunis!
- Three statements about yourself – two true and one a lie….
a. I have won an all-Ireland Gaelic football medal.
b. I once scored 20 in an 18-hole round of pub golf.
c. I have been National Young Farmers’ Champion at fencing, 7-a-side rugby and public speaking.