Friday 28th August 2026 sees the Hull Ionians Buccaneers travel to Bridlington RUFC to play in the Richard Girking Memorial Match.
Richard was Bridlington born and bred. A Bridlington Window Cleaner all of his working days and, a great character on and off the field. Girks was liked by all who met him.
Richard left Bridlington RUFC for a season at Hull & East Riding RUFC in the mid 80's and later played at Hull Ionians RUFC in seasons 1993/94, 94/95 & 95/96. Richard was a strong running robust centre, appearing 52 times for the 1stXV and scoring 9 tries. Richard was Captain of Hull Ionians RUFC when we opened our Brantingham Park facilities in season 1995/96.
Girks returned to Bridlington RUFC the following year and finished his playing days at his home Club. He went on to coach Bridlington and later became Club Chairman.
The Girking family are well known to Hull Ionians with Richard's son Ryan having a spell with us as a player before returning to Bridlington and, Richard's brother Steve also played and coached Hull Ionians, most notably when we appeared in the NPI Cup Final at Twickenham.
This game will be a fitting tribute to a great player and a great man, bringing together the two clubs he was associated with.