TRIBUTES have been paid to a Pwllheli Rugby Club stalwart who has died aged 53, after a battle with a rare cancer.

Bil Parry, right, who was well known and hugely respected throughout the rugby community in the region, passed away in the early hours of the morning of 14 August after a battle with Sarcoma, a rare type of cancer.

A poignant friendly match was played over last weekend between Pwllheli RFC and Bro Ffestiniog RFC, with a minute’s silence taking place before the match and Bil’s two sons, Tom of Pwllheli and Huw of Bro Ffestiniog, both scoring the game’s only points for their respective teams.

Bil, who lived in Gellilydan and spent many of his rugby playing days in Harlech, was part of the backroom staff who have guided Pwllheli RFC to three successive Division One North titles between 2015-2017, helping the club through their “most successful period ever”.

Pwllheli chairman Will Martin said: “It was very sad news, hearing about his passing.

“Bil will be much missed, he was highly respected at clubs across the region and would always ensure things ran smoothly behind the scenes.

Bil’s wife, Mags, and family have set up a fund-raiser in his memory with all proceeds going to Sarcoma UK."

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