Old Walcountians’ Dave Rees hung up his rugby boots last season at the tender age of 56, but his retirement did not last long when he answered an SOS call and took to the field last weekend.

The Counts’ legend has been involved with the Woodmansterne-based club for 25 years, and after retiring from the second team at the end of last term, he took up a coaching role with the first team.

However, during the side’s opening day Surrey Two 29-14 defeat at Old Emanuel on Saturday, a lack of players and injuries left Rees once again pulling on the Old Walcountians colours just after half time.

The 57-year-old could not prevent the defeat, but he helped prevent any further scores from the hosts.

He said: “We were low on numbers because one of the lads was getting married, and had invited his team-mates.

“Then we got four injuries and the lads said to me ‘You can still do it, come and help us out’.

“It was an honour really to go out there and help a club that is in my heart and has been for 25 years, and I could not stand by and see the lads I’ve coached over the summer get battered.”

He added: “And for the young lads to ask me, that was the best thing.

“I have kept fit, the lads know that from pre-season training, and apart from a few aches and pains on Sunday morning I was fine.

“However, I’m not sure I would do it again – although everyone says I would not be able to resist if the team needs me.

“I’m not sure the Old Emanuel lads knew what to make of a grey-haired man coming on, but I’ve had grey hair since I was about 23.

“There were lots of handshakes after, which was great.”

Tries from James Henderson and Josh Brown, plus two Tom Harrison conversions, were not enough to upset Old Emanuel, but Rees is upbeat about the Old Boys’ chances this season.

“The lads have done very well in pre-season, so I have high hopes,” Rees, who spent 14 years also coaching U5s to U18s at Sutton & Epsom, said.

“Saturday was a tough start, but when you have six to eight men missing at a wedding, it is always going to that way.”

Old Walcountians go to London Welsh Amateurs this weekend in the first round of the London & SE Junior Vase.