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60 seconds with...Mark Fenton-Smith

60 seconds with...Mark Fenton-Smith

Matt Holdstock26 Sep 2018 - 06:30
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In the latest episode, Fents shares a few pearls of wisdom

In this edition of 60 seconds, we speak to Old Gs stalwart Mark Fenton-Smith. Fents has been around at Old Gs for as long as most people can remember, but not as long as Hodgey. No one actually knows who did Hodgey's tackling for him before Fents arrived!

Having been an asset to the first team as a no nonsense centre in his glory days, Fents was a key part of numerous Kent Vase triumphs and the promotion to London 3. He also had a spell as 1st XV captain which lasted a mere pre-season game before he got injured and missed the whole season.

In his twilight years, and since taking a slightly lesser playing role, but strangely not slightly less yellow cards, Fents is now in the role of director of rugby. He pulls the operational matchdays and squad selections together and is the go to man on the playing side of the club. Despite claiming to be an Old G through and through he also coaches on a Sunday within the Gravesend, yes Gravesend, youth section - which he is regularly reminded of..... Maybe it's just a trick to snap up future talent to bring them to Old Gs…

So get yourself a brew and have a read of the below....

Name: Mark “FENTS” Fenton-Smith

Age: 25

Position: Sin Bin

Previous Clubs? Vigo

Old Gs Best Mate?
I have lots! So would be unfair to single out anyone individual!

Favourite Old Gs rugby memory?
Plenty in the tank! Tours, cup finals, winning the league, unbeaten season!

Favourite team to play against?
In the early days we had some epic battles with the likes of Anchorians, Parkhouse and Medway, more recently I’ve loved our raids over the fence under lights with the Vets and during pre-season.

Best player you have played with?
I have been fortunate enough to have stepped onto the pitch with some stellar players over the years, Sassman Pat Foreman, Fiddlers Dad John (I will never forget his team talk under our own posts on my debut some 20 odd years ago), Lee Harrison who went on to play professionally. But someone I have always thought was up there with the best, has got to be our very own Matty Coomber, the number of games we have won over the years purely from his tenacity in the tackle (often with his face) and the ability to secure turn over after turnover was unbelievable. Sorry Omar I know you thought I was going to say you for your kicking expertise!

What would be your dream job?
Whatever it is that Holdy pretends to do. Let’s be honest he’s still a student and gets to watch sport all day every day! Alternatively my dream job would be not to have a job and just get paid for doing all things sassy!

If you ruled the country what 3 things would you change?
Competitive Sport in Schools…come on since when did everything always finish as a draw!
Free Beer every time Old G’s win
I’d permit all of Old Gs to drive on the hard shoulder just so I don’t have to read the million texts about bloody traffic!

What was the last film that you watched?
Greatest Showman … yes I know!

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Put it all on Red

If you didn’t have to sleep what would you do with the extra time?
Sleeping’s cheating, you’ve obviously never been to Vegas

Favourite food and drink?
Can’t beat decent steak and a bottle of vin rouge with friends

What’s your hidden talent?
Did you know I can swim faster than a shark, I have the speed of a panther and the strength of a bear

Who would play the role of you in a Hollywood film about your life?
Channing Tatum, I was once his body double when he made Magic Mike, so it’s only fair he returns the favour

What’s your favourite pie filling?
Pie Flavour??? It’s a pie, does it need any more than that

Who is your hero/idol?
Daran Poppy, a true Old Gs hero.

On a scale of 1-10 how cool are you?
11...Senor Sass for a reason

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Peter Pan

Which 3 celebs would you have round for dinner and why?
Gordon Ramsey (he can cook)
Cameron Diaz (just because it’s Cameron Diaz)
Michael McIntyre (he can make me laugh when I am not eating Gordons food or staring at Cameron’s….eyes)

Ideal plan for a first date?
Does anyone actually still go on dates? I thought it was all swipe right swipe left these days! Ever since Lord Lockwood raised the bar by proposing on the summit of Mount Etna it’s been hard to compete. First date, I guess would be plenty of booze and a burger…classy I know, but it’s the simple things in life!

Describe your perfect Sunday…
Lay in with a nice cup of tea and a bacon sarnie, followed by a good old fashioned boozy roast dinner surrounded by all my Old G’s pals and families. Working from home on Monday is a given.

If you could swap lives for a week with anyone at Old Gs who would you choose?
Last time I did this a few years ago, I said Loz. After 6 months in the Priory I’ve decided that was probably not a great move! I am going to say Stuey Hodge just so I can have a go on the tractor!

Which 3 Old Gs players would you take on holiday with you?
Omar
Dave Boyer
Hodgey
They all need a holiday!

Describe yourself in 3 words…
My Finger Hurts!

Further reading