Brightlingsea Rugby Club
Newsletter 1/09, May 2009
We will aim to publish newsletters at regular intervals to keep everyone up to date with what's going on in the club. Contributions from members are welcome at any time. If you have anything you want to tell the rest of the club about you can write to Jeff Dunn (Space) at 21 Partridge Drive, Fordham, Colchester, CO6 3NH, (tel) 01206 241061; (mob) 07736 978699 or e-mail him : mailto:jeff.dunn4@btinternet.com You can also visit the club's website http://www.brfcuk.com
Review of 2008-9 Season
The 1st XV was not as consistent as we would have liked but came through with a creditable 2nd place finish. In a normal season this would have secured us promotion but as it is we will take our place in a restructured Essex II next season. The season went down to the wire with a 2nd place decider at home against nearest rivals Stanford-le-Hope. Our lads held their nerve against an early onslaught from a very good team who came down determined to attack from the off. Having soaked up the pressure they hit back late in the first half and turned a 10-3 lead at the interval into a 35-3 rout dominating the second period. Technically it was an excellent performance but more importantly they passed a real test of character with flying colours. We urgently need to strengthen the squad but we have a nucleus of players good enough to compete with anyone at this level.
The end of the season was something of a damp squib with the cup competitions designed by Essex RFU to supplement the limited league programme failing to capture the imagination.
The Pirates had a difficult time despite manager Andy Farrow’s efforts to get teams out. We need to give the incoming manager John “OJ” Fletcher our full support next season. In particular this means 1st XV squad players being prepared to turn out for the Pirates when not required in the league.
Next Season
Congratulations to Steve Barber and Sam Girdlestone on their election as Club Captain and Vice-Captain respectively at the AGM on 24 April. Thanks to Richard Block for his leadership and commitment last year.
Barbs is arranging fitness sessions to start in June with full training starting in mid-July. Full details will be published on the website and sent out to all players shortly. Training is for everyone whether you are expecting to play for the 1st XV or not. However long you’ve been playing and whatever level you want to play at you can always improve and we have the coaching set up in place to help you.
The indications are that the ELV’s, with the exception of the 5m offside line at the scrum and pass back into the 22 are to be rejected. Apparently the IRB reps split on hemispheric lines with the North lead by England championing the return of the rolling maul and rejection of the quick free-kick for ruck infringements. The South clearly have a lot to learn when it comes to committee politics and for the foreseeable future will have to content themselves with the consolation prize of dominating the game on the park with fast, open rugby. We can no doubt expect confirmation and some coaching guidance from the RFU shortly after the new season has started!!
Finances
Once again match fees and memberships were a problem and as the Club’s main source of income we can’t afford to let it carry on. The AGM voted to increase playing membership to £25, £6 for students, which we are sure everyone will agree is still very reasonable. There will be a concerted campaign to collect membership from everyone before the season starts. As far as match fees are concerned these will stay at £5 per game. This will include drivers to away games but for those taking a full car the captain will pay expenses at 40p per mile.
Youth Development
It was disappointing that we did not manage to get our Youth Section off the ground this season as planned. This is vital for our long-term survival and we have to address it seriously this season. We are very pleased to welcome Mark Burt (aka Marky Mark) as our new Youth Chairman to work alongside Dave Edwards. We look forward to reporting some progress in the next few months.
On the Social Side
The allocation of international tickets has been a complete shambles over the past couple of seasons. The latest RFU wheeze is to allocate them to the clubs who manage to tick the most boxes on the Rugby First website. We are confident that whatever hare-brained scheme they come up with next we will be able to get our hands on enough to keep everyone happy.
We are delighted to report that Brian Williams, RFU President has agreed to come down as guest of honour together with Council Member Andrew Sarek to our first VP’s day which we will be organizing in September as soon as the new fixtures are announced. This promises to be a great day with a chance to enjoy a good lunch, support the lads – hopefully the Pirates as well depending on the fixture list – and enjoy a few beers and a chat about rugby with two leading figures in our sport who are passionate about promoting the game at grass roots level. Details will be announced as soon as possible and we are looking forward to an excellent turnout.
Our VP’s are very important to the Club and we want to make sure you get good value for your support. If anyone would like to volunteer to come onto the committee as VP representative you would be more than welcome. Anyone interested should let Space or Colin know. Failing that we would like to hear everyone’s views on what social events we should try to organize next season. We will be aiming for at least 3 VP lunches, dates to be announced once we have the fixtures.
It was very disappointing to have to cancel the planned dinner last year particularly with such a high-profile speaker lined up. As a committee we really need to know what the members want and what you will support. Please let us know.
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