Cornish Pirates

Martin Scrase
27th October 2009

Martin Scrase, who was Penzance & Newlyn RFC's first ever CEO, has passed away at his home in Newlyn, aged 66.

Martin has been unwell for quite some time, but he faced his illness bravely and with dignity.

A local man, Martin was born in Penzance and brought up in Madron. He was a former head boy at Humphry Davy Grammar School, captained Cornwall Schools in 1960 and 1961, and he played for Mounts Bay Colts and the Pirates before entering the Army and beginning his chosen career at Sandhurst in 1962.

Martin's career in the Army lasted 37 years, and it took him to places world-wide. Also, importantly, it allowed him to maintain close contact with his favourite sport, rugby, which he played at representative level for BAOR, The Army, Swaziland, Hong Kong and Brunei.

In 1980, Martin received an MBE award, following a significant tour of the Far East as Senior Administrator of the Gurkha Field Force.

When he left the Army in 1998, Lieutenant Colonel Martin Scrase was appointed as Penzance & Newlyn RFC's first ever Chief Executive, when his task was to draw together all the non-playing activities at the club, working in conjunction with the then Pirates Director of Rugby, Peter Johnson.

The role of CEO was one that Martin relished, as he looked forward to the challenges the post offered, and the Pirates were indeed fortunate to have a man of his calibre at the helm.

Throughout his tenure, Martin served the club admirably, during times when no better man could have been in charge to plot a course as the Pirates climbed up the leagues and improved and developed their infrastructure.

Martin retired from office in May, 2004, it a time when Dicky Evans, the then club President, commented:

“I have worked with Martin for over five years and he has done a fantastic job for the club. His commitment and enthusiasm were a major factor in the Pirates success during this period.”

It was a time of mixed emotions for Martin, following three league promotions during his time as CEO, but he felt it was time to hand over the reigns to a successor. He was overwhelmed with the kind messages he received when he stood down, but it was of course of no surprise to everyone who knew him and appreciated how closely he'd been associated with the burgeoning success of the Pirates. He considered it a great privilege to serve the club, and the Pirates were privileged in return.

Sincere condolences from all at the Pirates go to his wife Christine and family at this time, and our thoughts are with them.