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WRFC Chairmans report 2007-2008
THIS YEARS VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
As my years have advanced I have often thought, “blimey, is it Monday already?” That process speeds up the more mature you get. I have heard getting old described as “waking up every twenty minutes for breakfast” It has certainly reached the stage for me where I am now thinking “blimey, is it September already?”
Yes the arrival of the new season is here, with each new season comes renewed hope and optimism. Certainly this year we have seen new faces at training. A combination of Coaches Bob and Dave’s recruitment, graduates from the youth section and a higher profile of the club in our community. It does appear that six years on from moving to Tatbank, folk are finally beginning to know we are there. I certainly believe we have a good and committed team in place, both on and off the field. At times it does feel thankless so here and now I would like to thank that team publicly for all the hard work that has been put in. As a team, as a club, as a family we are moving steadily in the right direction. Off the field we have come a long way. Cast your minds back to a dark little nicotine stained den with no recognisable way in, a potholed car park, unprotected grounds, that were used as a local park with all the associated problems. Yes not so long back it was a very sorry sight, our HQ. Slowly but effectively we have pulled together, invested and have evolved to a pretty impressive sport and leisure facility. With each new situation, we react, The smoking ban has resulted in an excellent covered patio area, popular with smokers and non-smokers alike. We have extended the training area and installed extra lighting. Rugby is our priority, but as a sports club we need our other user groups support. This season we have installed brand new goal posts on the football pitches and welcome three new football teams to the fold. We have put in lighting and water to our bowling green. Coupled with last years bar renovation and extension, off the field we have not stood still. There is a long way to go, but what a long way we have come? On the field, last years league position was disappointing, however in one way we managed to reverse a trend of a good start, indifferent middle and late collapse. We got the collapse out of the way early on. The recovery might have been labelled as indifferent but we finished with a strong run in, even managing an appearance in a cup semi final. Yes the season finished with optimism and momentum. So can the momentum be maintained? To maintain an impact on our community, we really need to produce home grown players. The hard work put in amongst our youth section is beginning to do just that. This was reflected in last seasons playing awards, with genuine Warley youth picking up two of the top accolades. That has been complemented by some good recruitment by our coaches and the odd face or two just dropping in, simply because we can now be found. Our 2nd XV are certainly feeling optimistic having joined a 2nd XV merit table. Bob and Dave have worked the players hard in pre season training and they are certainly looking fit. Nick and Derek will spend another season as team skippers, this is good continuity and we wish them well. The leagues are once again meddled with, so we await the seasons start to gauge just how effective a force our first team will be, but that is what all sport is about, no guarantee but great optimism. Lets hope we can get this years campaign off to flyer for both sides, as September beckons, believe me April will soon follow. Nothing breeds confidence like a bit of success, so good luck to every one.
Dick |
2007 Awards
Club Awards 2006/7
This years awards, presented at the annual dinner dance at The Eaton Hotel, Hagley Road, Birmingham, were as difficult to call as any other year. The playing committee had to think long and hard, for although it was a barren year on the field for the first team, the season actually ended on quite a high. The seconds, for their part, were almost the opposite. So buoyed up are they, the talk is of joining a merit table. Unfortunately, the match reports from Plimsole Weathersock were sparse this year. But believe me, the club has endured a full and enjoyable season, with some welcome additions to the playing staff. Anyone passing Tatbank on Tuesdays first official day back at training, would have seen 32 players breaking sweat on the command of our two coaches Bob and Dave. The club has some bounce at the moment.
So back to the awards.
First up was Clubman of the Year, bestowed upon Steve Powell. Steve has had spells in both sides; coaches in the youth set up and is more than a little handy in the endless work needed at the clubhouse.
Next up was Young player of the Year, at last our youth set up has produced some very bright candidates for this award, with no less than four youth players breaking into the adult section. The honour fell this year to Cash Redding. He has played fearlessly and beyond his years. He and his young colleagues promise much for the future.
The Chairman’s Trophy is awarded to players who have represented both of the adult sides, have consistently performed well and would have been considered for an award, had they had remained in one side or the other. Receiver of this year’s award was Conal Kavanagh who has done just that.
The Second team player of the Year was harder to call than ever of late with their relative success. But decisions have to be made and it is heartening to see another genuine young player breaking through. So notable was this year’s winner, Ben Smith, that he grabbed two appearances for the first team.
Finally the First team player of the Year. This year’s award went to a true gentleman of the game. A man who suffered a truly horrific injury last year, in quite questionable circumstances, circumstances which would have convinced many a player to leave the sport. Shamefully, the local RFU did not share Warley’s view of those circumstances. Happily our winner made a sterling comeback this year and Edwin Knight is a very popular winner.
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