Sunday, 23 July 2023By Roger Holmes
* Tony's funeral is on 11th August in Burnley. Further details to follow.
Tony Dubowski 1956-2023.
An Appreciation
We are shocked and saddened to report the somber news of the sudden passing of former Clitheroe player and Life Member Tony Dubowski.
Tony was a late starter to rugby and was in his mid twenties before he first joined the Club back in January 1982, turning out for the 2nd XV away at Carnforth.
That week the Clitheroe Advertiser reported that he ‘showed great promise on his debut in the second row’[!]. Two months later he was on the first of many tours this time to the Isle of Man.
Then on the 10th April of that year, he started at prop in the 1st XV, alongside Bob Howarth and John Bolton; a position he was to make his own for the next decade or two.
A regular in the No 3 jersey, Tony was a fine barrel chested technical front rower, who relished the tussle with his opposite number and seemed impervious to pain, but after the game was over was quick to seek out the opposition and discuss the finer points of scrummaging over a few bottles of Newcastle Brown.
Over his long playing career he was a permanent fixture in maroon and gold; proving a wise mentor to many an upcoming player – especially if they were in the front row union!
‘Dubo’ graced the jersey in hundreds of games and even scored a few tries. He specialised in a close range charge from a tap penalty.
Tony was a regular on Club tours & traveled to all corners of the country and fully embraced the fun and high jinks on offer.
A cornerstone of the pack in the 1992/93 promotion season with regular front rowers Phil Isherwood and John Procter, he was still turning out well into the next century!
Off the pitch he was unswerving in helping the Club and members at every and any opportunity. A true friend to many at Clitheroe Rugby Club and was a strong supporter of the Past Players get togethers.
There are too many tales to recall here but we will remember them fondly in due course.
We offer our most sincere condolences to Annette and Tony’s wider family and friends at this difficult time.
