On behalf of Clacton Rugby Union Football Club, I would like to welcome you to our website. I am now into my second year as Chairman of the club, and I hope it will be as successful and exciting as the first, both on and off the field.
From the playing perspective, it was not an easy year for our senior sides. The first XV had a new captain in Joe Wigfall, and our previous coach, Ben Clements had left. The pre-season had gone well, but we had to change our coach after only a couple of games, and Alex Barbour was thrust into the job at fairly short notice. Nevertheless, the two of them worked hard together, and the side finished a creditable fourth in Essex League Division One. Injuries and the terrible winter weather made for a disjointed campaign, and I know some people thought we should have been in one of the promotion spots. Our record away from Vista Road probably let us down eventually, but when I look at some of the other clubs around, I am proud of our achievements.
Injury has forced Joe Wigfall to stand down as captain, but I’m pleased to see that Jake Buxey has taken over again after a four year break. He is a natural leader who is never short of a word and, with Alex Barbour continuing as coach, I think the forthcoming season will be a success.
The disappointment of the season was the second XV – the Kestrels. Despite the strenuous efforts of their captain Alan Lee, they had to call off their first three games because of lack of numbers, and it was reluctantly decided to withdraw from the Suffolk Merit League. However, with several of the youth squad hitting the eligibility age, some friendly fixtures were played towards the end of the season, and Alan is hopeful of resuming activities in the Suffolk League.
The annual May Day Sevens were played on probably the coldest and wettest day ever, but it was still a success for a competition that is now firmly established on the rugby calendar.
The Youth Section built on its success of last year, thanks again to the sterling off-the-field work done by Pete Watts and Emma Barbour. Alex Barbour, along with assistance from Dave Hitchin and Nigel Hellard, have seen the club open on three nights a week for youth training, and we have competed in the Essex Leagues at three different age levels. Alex also continues to spend a lot of time in the local schools, and this will all pay dividends in the future.
The Beach Rugby event had much better weather, and seems to get bigger each year. I was also able to achieve my own personal goal when the club held an Easter Youth Tournament. To see the Vista Road soccer pitches converted to rugby, and the numbers that turned up, proved the idea was a good one, and I am looking to repeat it next year.
Off the field, I am pleased to say that the kitchen refurbishment has been completed, and it is a busy place on most weekends. We were able to utilise the facility for our customary special lunches, and I am pleased to say they were both well attended. The summer clubhouse work this year has seen one of the changing rooms re-floored and bench seating installed as we strive to make the facilities modern and comfortable.
I am sad to report that our bar manager, Andy Sellman, decided to stand down from the post. Andy’s hard work has kept the bar on an even keel for some time now, whilst his knowledge of real ales is legendary, and I was disappointed to see him go. Nevertheless, the clubhouse remains a popular venue for family functions, with the monies earned helping to defray the playing expenses.
My thanks go to all the committee members who assist in running the club. It would be impossible to operate without them and I am always appreciative of the work they put in.
Brian White
September 2010
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