ONE of Gwent rugby's longest-serving and hardest-working rugby officials, Newport Saracens' Harold Dormer, has died. He was 84.

Mr Dormer, of Northfield Close, Caerleon, joined Saracens as a prop in 1938 and went on to serve the club for 64 years.

He joined the committee just after World War 11 and completed 57 years service. He also served as secretary for many years, as well as chairman and treasurer and served the Monmouthshire RU for 40 years.

Most of his working life was spent with the South Wales Electricity Board and he was an active churchgoer, latterly attending St Woolos Cathedral. He leaves wife Sheila. Another long-serving member of Newport Saracens, Mark Thom, said: "Harold was a stalwart of this club and of the community in which he lived.

"He was the most loyal person I have ever met and nobody could have served Newport Saracens better.

"His service to this club must be something of a record. It was his life."

Meanwhile, Saracens lost a tough encounter away to Pill Harriers 19-15. Pill went into the second half with a 12-0 lead before Saracens could even muster up a response.

The lacklustre first half performance by the Saracens left them with a lot to do, Darren Gregg kicked a penalty but Pill responded with another try.

Gregg went on to kick another penalty and a Matthew Watkins try but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

*PICTURED: Ebbw Vale's Neil Edwards