Weekly Update - Carlsberg Weekend....
If Carlsberg did rugby weekends, our weekend might just qualify…
Minis Tournament:
Firstly and most importantly we had one of our biggest weekends of the year with our minis tournament which was a massive success. The weather even played ball, holding off the worst of it until most people had headed home. Our President, Mike Hall, wrote an excellent welcome note in the programme, titled “Winners and Learners”. It truly felt like everyone was a winner today!
The scale of this was massive with 1,600 medals, 1,500 burgers, hot dogs and bacon rolls cooked, countless marquees erected and what felt like close to 1,000 cars parked. All food sold out, all matches kicked off and finished on time.
An operation of this size and scale requires a huge amount of planning and organising and crucially, numerous willing volunteers too. Thankfully we had all this in abundance. Tina Moore and Jim Brunt did an amazing job in running the show and their efforts are hugely appreciated. A huge thanks to our sponsors too, whose support makes all this all possible.
Additionally, so many people volunteered, running BBQ stands, marshalling the car parks, which was no mean feat, running the rugby schedules, selling coffees, the list goes on and on. A huge thank you to everyone who helped out
1st XV Put on a Great Show:
Saturday was another special day, our appetite was wet from a super pre-match lunch and speeches but the rugby on display left all supporters truly entertained. We started off poorly against a strong Grasshoppers side and after the first 10 or 15 minutes we all felt we were in for a long afternoon. Having gone a couple of tries down we forced our way back to a slender lead of 19-17 at half time. Through superior team play, fitness and scrum in particular we put Grasshoppers to the sword to end up winning 50-22. It really was hugely entertaining rugby with some cracking tries.
Chatting to Russ afterwards and some senior players, they didn’t share the same level of excitement as the supporters and were frustrated with some aspects of their play. This demonstrates the standards they are setting themselves, which is admirable.
Also worth mentioning that 13 of the 18 squad came through the mini and junior system, with 7 of the starting 15 all alumni from Colts of 2019/20. They were given a guard of honour from the current U5s, again emphasising what we are all about as a great community based club.
Congratulations to Callum Saganowski for his man of the match performance, pictured with match sponsor Richard Bond.
Women Win Again:
Our newly fledging Women’s side won away at A&C 34-15 to record their second win from two league matches. Despite going behind from early on they dug in and defeated a strong established A&C side. This really is a great start from Charlotte and team.
2nd XV Pipped at the Death:
Unfortunately success wasn’t shared across the board with the 2nd XV narrowly losing 36-33 to A&C who scored a try with last play of the game. Its been a tremendous start to the season and the 2s still remain top of the league, shared with Maidenhead.
Tripute Brewery, who sponsor the leagues, awarded our 2nd XV the team of the month for September, a well deserved recognition for their achievements. Some suitable refreshments are coming their way as prizes.
Munster Beat Leinster!
Not one of your normal items we’d report on but for those that know me, I’m an avid Munster man and was particularly happy on Saturday night when we beat the Lions packed Leinster side away with a bonus win! As my dear wife Nikki will tell you I couldn’t shut up about it!!
Sportsmans Dinner:
Delighted to announce that we have secured the services of not one but two true rugby legends for our annual Sportsmans Dinner. This year have both Andy Powell, Wales and British Lion and Andy Gomarsall, England world cup winner, speaking. The evening is booked for Friday 23rd January and details for booking tickets will be announced in the coming week.
Volunteers of the Month:
In recognition of the tremendous work been done, especially including todays tournament, Im delighted to announce both Jim Brunt and Tina Moore, our joint mini chair, as volunteers of the month. Beech House vouchers are on their way.
Request for Accommodation:
We put out a request for accommodation assistance for a new player coming from New Zealand three weeks ago. We were over-whelmed with the response with no less than eight different families offering assistance. This generosity really demonstrates how hospitable we are as a club and its hugely appreciated.
Next Weekend:
Finally the 1st XV have a league fixture against London Irish next Saturday, kick off 3pm. This is always a cracking day out with great hospitality. No matches for the 2nd or Women’s teams.
Thanks again for everyones support
Noel