Spalding Rugby Club paid a mark of respect for one of their own after he died in the early hours of Friday.
Steve Machin was a hero off the field and was one of the first to tackle a terrorist on London Bridge in 2019 after the young man had murdered two people at a conference.
A special ceremony was held at his Spalding home last month when the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Toby Dennis presented him with his MBE in a private event with his wife Pip and children Ollie and Keira.
And club players showed their respect on the pitch at the weekend with a minute’s applause ahead of the fixture with Bourne.
Steve was awarded the MBE for services to HM Prison and Probation Service in the first birthday honours of King Charles.
He was the former Head of Counter Terrorism at Whitemoor Prison, in March, where he had worked since 1998.
He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year after persistent hip pain.
“It is with great sadness that we, as a club, announce the passing of Steve Machin who left us in the early hours of September 1 at the young age of 50 years,” said a club statement on Facebook.
“Steve had a long history with Spalding RFC, arriving as a big young pup at the age of 17 to play his first senior games for the club in the first and second row, while at Spalding Grammar School.
“His large size belied his age as he first entered the changing room, a big lad, but it was very soon recognised he had the skills.”
He played in the first team until his early 30s and was a popular member.
His experience was put to good use when he became a coach when Ollie joined the Under 6s.
“We are sure the boys and girls he coached along the way were forever grateful for his guidance and knowledge and as a club we are forever grateful he passed on his wisdom,” the club said.
Steve had been at a conference in London when a man stabbed two people. He was one of the first on the scene and tried to disarm the man who was shot by police.
Five people were stabbed and two died in the attack.
