SIDCUP’s support for the British and Irish Lions was beamed around the world - but one rugby fanatic won’t be getting on the housing ladder any time soon.
Charlie Brooks, 26, was one of seven tourists from Sidcup Rugby Club whose massive flag was there for all to see as winger George North romped over in the corner to score the Lions’ third try against Australia in Sydney on Saturday (July 6).
The 8ft by 5ft Union Jack emblazoned with the words Sidcup Rangers could be clearly seen on TV back home pinned to the stands of the ANZ Arena in the same corner where the Lions ran in three second half tries to smash the Aussies in the decisive third test.
Plumber Charlie was saving for a deposit on a house but the fund took a Jamie Roberts-sized hit when he spent £10,000 following the Lions around Australia for three weeks all the way to their series-winning 41-16 win.
The Dartford resident told News Shopper: "The deposit is gone. I worked hard and saved hard but I’m starting again now."
Charlie and fellow tourists Pete Grayson, Richard Day Snr and Richard Day Jnr, Duncan Reid, Sam Carmen and Kevin Cook were inundated with texts as soon the 150 people watching at Sidcup RFC in Sydney Road caught a glimpse of the flag.
Proud Sidcup Rangers (left to right): Duncan Reid, Richard Day Snr, Pete Grayson, Richard Day Jnr, Kevin Cook, Charlie Brooks.
First team captain Pete, 29, spent £8,500 on the trip but the openside flanker, who grew up in School Road, Chislehurst, doesn’t regret a penny of it.
He said: "The best moment was when we all got texts from different people back at the club as soon as George North scored.
"Knowing that it had been seen back home after seeing North score topped the whole trip off.
"It was the perfect end to it really."
The solicitor is one of around 80 Sidcup Rangers who earn the title by going on tour with the club.
This year’s group got themselves noticed after unsuccessful attempts to get the flag on TV during the previous two tests in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Charlie added: "I was ecstatic. It was a relief because we were telling the boys back home that we were going to get it on the telly and that was our last chance to do it.
"It was great to be out there and it was the experience of a lifetime."
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