Oldham prop enjoys unforgettable weekend

Tom Spencer wasn't going to let his wedding mess up a date with his Oldham Rugby League Club team mates on the top of Mount Snowdon in the middle of a Welsh winter.

The Roughyeds prop, 30, didn't relish the day he told bride-to-be Lauren, 27, that his day-before preparation for their big date in Preston would be to climb Snowdon during an Oldham training session, risking life and limb on the snow-covered slopes and in 100-miles-an-hour gales.

"I think she was shocked at first," said the former Wigan Warriors and Leigh Centurions tough guy, "but when she realised I was serious, she couldn't have been more understanding.

"She just told me to be careful; to take all precautions where necessary; and to make sure I didn't turn up in Preston with a limb in plaster !

"I suppose to many people, what I did will sound like madness.

"But you've got to be part of a squad, or a team, to realise how important these things are. I just wanted to be with the other lads on the mountain and to do my bit.

"It was as much about bonding as anything else and there was no way I wanted to miss it."

Said Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton: "Tom's commitment to the cause was terrific. He was adamant he wasn't going to miss our Welsh adventure. Thankfully, he came through it unscathed. That was a bonus."

The wedding took place as planned 24 hours later at Bartle Hall Hotel, an 18th century manor house in 16 acres of landscaped gardens (not a mountain in sight !) between Preston and Blackpool.

Added Tom: "I had a fantastic two days. Saturday on Snowdon with the lads was fantastic, but nothing to compare with Sunday. What a day that was -- never to be forgotten."