VERY sad to hear of the death of Peter Geraghty (“Tributes to Challenge Cup final referee Peter”, The Press, August 4).

I first met Peter 45 years ago when he was a top rugby league referee, and he took time out to run a new referees’ course at his home, going through the rulebook with a small group of us that included the recently departed, dear Bill Batten.

Peter’s enthusiasm and love for our game was infectious, and he came to our early whistling attempts on Knavesmire in the old York Sunday Morning League, and always with great encouragement he guided us.

My favourite tale of Peter’s many was when he told us of the time he went up to Cumbria on a frosty mid-winter’s day and as match referee he was asked to adjudicate if the pitch was playable as one of the teams was reluctant to play.

An hour before kick-off Peter went out in his civvies and declared the pitch playable and the match on as there was ‘give’ in the grass as he walked around. It was only when Peter ran on to the pitch in his studded boots that he realised the ground was rock hard.

With both teams already on the field and a big crowd waiting for the action to start, Peter had no option than to play the match. What he soon realised was that on his original pitch inspection he had been wearing Hush Puppies with a cushioned sole.

Always inspect a pitch in your rugby boots was Peter’s solid advice to us rookies. Wonderful memories of a warm, true gentleman.

Geoff Robb,

Hunters Close,

Dunnington, York