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This Sunday will mark the 22nd year that the Denton Hurdle Memorial trophy has been contested.

Denton stood 5' 10", weighed about 200 lbs and was blessed with safe hands, good speed, a good boot (all necessary and welcomed attributes for his position at fullback) and huge muscular thighs. Though an imposing figure on the field, he was definitely the gentle giant off the park and beloved by all. His opinion of the game was that no matter what the outcome the sun would still rise the next day.

Denton was a product of the Bermuda system: He played schoolboy rugby at Warwick Academy where he also participated and starred in the Whitney Sevens; Under 21 rugby, 2nd XV rugby and 2nd XV/ 1st XV Friday night rugby at BAA. He made his break into the 1st XV in 1974 against The Penguins RFC, a touring team from the U.K. Denton was 16 years old at the time and not only did he have the pleasure of sharing this honour with two of his schoolmates, this game was the first for big brother Derek as captain of Teachers RFC.

Denton's college years were spent at the Bermuda College then at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia where he was an essential member of their soccer team; and had the opportunity to tour both England and Bermuda with this squad.

Although he achieved the honour of captaining both his club and his country, if you asked him, the highlight of Denton's playing days was undoubtedly being chosen the outstanding player of the 1984 Easter Classic (this was the predecessor to the World Rugby Classic) by the U.K. international players who had come here to play in that game. He talked about that game often.

Denton played his last game for Teachers RFC on February 10th 1985, his 28th birthday.

After visits to the doctor it was found that a leaking valve was causing quite a bit of his blood to leak back into his heart. This condition had caused his heart to grow to near 10 times its normal size - no surprise to anyone that knew him. He saw Teachers RFC off on their tour to Wales and France, and then headed off to Halifax Nova Scotia for the operation. He realized he would not play rugby again but was looking forward to passing on his knowledge and experience to others through coaching. On May 8th 1985 he passed away due to complications from what was called a successful operation.

At the time of his passing Denton was a Physical Education teacher at Warwick Academy. He was also captain of Teachers RFC and the Bermuda National XV.

In his memory, every year on the nearest Sunday to his birthday, Teachers RFC play the pick of the other rugby clubs on the island for the Denton Hurdle Memorial Trophy. This day now has a 1st XV match, 2nd XV match, and since last year a Women's match.

It has become a tradition with Teachers RFC to attend the early morning church service at Bright Temple AME Church in Warwick on the morning of the game. Denton would attend their service on Sunday mornings and then play rugby Sunday afternoons.

The Hurdle name is still prominent in local rugby with his brother Derek (former captain and coach of the Bermuda National team) still playing at 59 years old (not so often now), his nephew Bobby, and now his great nephew Tyler carrying on the family tradition. If Denton had lived this would have be his 50th birthday.

Bobby and Derek Hurdle are Denton's nephew and brother.[[In-content Ad]]

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