Club Chairman Rich Lainchbury expressed his condolences to Martin's family and commented that 'clubs get built on firm foundations and Martin was a man made of the strongest stone. Thank you Martin'

A tribute to Martin from Phil Jarvis
Martin grew up on the Wirral attending Wirral Grammar School for Boys and it wasn’t long before he found himself in the ranks of Wirral Rugby Club. Martin studied agriculture at the Welsh Agricultural College in Aberystwyth and, of course, continued to grace the grass in the College rugby team.

His work took him to Devon, Herefordshire and Wiltshire which meant his rugby was played at Cullompton, Luctonians and Corsham respectively.

When Martin arrived at Market Harborough Rugby Club in 1997, he joined the Vets and was a tenacious back row player on the pitch and also kept many entertained during the ‘after match debriefs’ in the bar.

One of the many outstanding contributions Martin made to the MHRUFC, was his development of the club’s youngsters, helping scores of players transition from junior rugby into the senior club. As a Colts coach, his warrior approach was blended with inspirational leadership, a sharp tactical game plan and always encouraging team camaraderie and ethics. The Colts were always the best dressed team in the club, a credit to Martin and his band of coaches (Simon M, Simon N, Jamie R, Chris S to name but a few). If Martin planted a metaphorical Standard or Flag in the ground, everyone rallied round, all wanted to play for or with Martin - ‘All for one and one for all’.

Martin took that passion into the 1st Team coaching arena, always there to offer a helping hand, rousing the team before matches and celebrating or consoling in equal measure when the shrill of the full-time whistle brought pitch proceedings to an end.

Rugby was threaded through Martin’s persona, as a player on many pitches around the country, and he was ‘one of the best rugby club tourists ever’, often mischievous and always smiling. Those that knew him well, will have been witness to several renditions of Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West). Trips to Twickenham, Rome, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand were included in the ‘Martin Dyke rugby itinerary’.

Martin spent much of his career in the ranks of AB Agri (and its predecessors) where he travelled throughout the UK, Europe, Russia and China in pursuit of more business opportunities. Martin would often discuss the nuances of the agricultural industry over a coffee, always striving for better outcomes for his company and himself. A leader and mentor at work as well as in rugby circles.

Whilst Martin will be known for his passion for Rugby Union, he also volunteered for Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL), and distributed prescriptions to those unable to get out and about during the Covid pandemic.

Martin was just getting into the nuts and bolts of the rugby club’s administration and continuing his passion for motorbikes and the Isle of Man TT, when illness struck. Martin and Dawn battled his ill health with the same determination and resolution that Martin showed on the rugby pitch. He continued to watch the 1 st team on a regular basis, right up until the end of the 2023/24 season.

There wasn’t just one Dyke family member to cross rugby club thresholds, as Martin was immensely proud of sons Tom and Lewis at both at Market Harborough and Belsize Park Rugby Clubs. Both sons played with their father’s tenacity and fervour both on and off the pitch. Martin’s wife Dawn is a regular spectator at Northampton Road, developing the patience of a saint when post-match rugby debriefs overran. It wasn’t only Martin that had a game plan, Dawn knew when it was time to bring a halt to proceedings and no-one ever argues with the referee!!

Dawn, Tom, Lewis and your wider family, we offer our heartfelt condolences. We will remember Martin fondly as one of life’s brightest stars.

Martin’s funeral will be held at Great Glen, Crematorium on Friday 18th October 2024 – arrive at 2.30pm for 3.00pm service.

Afterwards a tribute and celebration of Martin’s life will be held at Market Harborough Rugby Club, Northampton Road, LE16 9HF – for catering purposes please could you RSVP
lewis.dyke@gmail.com by Friday 11 October.

Dress code smart casual - colourful – not black. Touring club ties if you have them, will win prizes!!!