Everyone at Mansfield Park were saddened to hear of the death earlier this week of another great Robbie Dye, Elliot Broatch. So soon after the passing of his great friend and teammate Norman Suddon, Hawick RFC have lost another two of their favourite sons of the legendary 60’s sides.
One of three brothers, together with Drew and Rob, who all proudly wore the ‘Green Jersey’, Elliot, a product of Hawick YM, first played for Hawick in 1953 as a youngster. He went on to play a grand total of 274 games for the club, over 13 seasons, a terrific achievement.
He played at centre, where he struck up an excellent partnership with ‘Stevie’, and together with brother Drew at stand off, (before Drew switched codes), they formed a formidable Greens midfield.
A member of Fither Heg’s all conquering Hawick side of the early 60’s, Elliot also had the honour of captaining ed the Green’s in 1965/66, when he proudly led his side to the double, winning both the Unofficial Scottish Championship and the Border League that season.
Elliot also represented the South of Scotland on a number of occasions, with great distinction, over several Inter-District Championship winning seasons, most notably against Wilson Whineray’s mighty All Blacks, at Mansfield Park in November ‘63. That day in front of a huge 10,000 strong crowd, partnering Langholm’s Christie Elliot in the centre, and in the company of 8 other Hawick teammates, they gave the mighty New Zealanders a real fright, narrowly losing out 8-0.
After he retired from playing, Elliot assisted his great friend and coach at the time, Derrick Grant, helping out with the backs, during a very successful period for the club in the early 70’s. However it was as a selector for many years, where Elliot came into his own, commanding great respect for his honest appraisals of young talent, and knowledge of the game.
Elliot also played his part on the Hawick Committee, where he was instrumental is analysing and keeping meticulous records of player appearances. He was also proud to be elected as Hawick President in season 95/96 when he presided over Hawick’s winning of the first ever Scottish Cup.
Elliot was honoured with a Life Membership of the club for services rendered over many decades…..an award he richly deserved.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette, his brothers Drew and Rob, sister Betty, and their extended family, to whom we all send our heartfelt thoughts and most sincere condolences.
Rest in peace Elliot, a true Robbie Dye.
