As the new chairman of the Clacton Rugby Union Football Club, I would like to welcome you to our club. I have been involved with Clacton Rugby since my days as a youth player, and I feel honoured to take on the position at such an exciting time. Andy Sellman, our previous chairman, stood down from the post at the AGM in April, and he is now able to concentrate on being bar manager. Andy was thrust into the chairman’s role at short notice over two years ago, but he has kept the club on an even keel throughout, and we all appreciate the work he continues to put in.
As far as the rugby playing goes, pride of place this year must go to our Senior 1st XV. Having gained promotion the previous year, they entered Essex Division One with great trepidation, and their first objective was to avoid relegation. The summer coaching was undertaken by Ben Clements, but his employment then took him overseas for the first four months of the season. However, with captain Ben Buxey at the helm, the side confounded everyone by winning their first five league games, and over the Christmas period were actually in top spot. Some long term injuries then took their toll, but their final position of third place was outstanding and a credit to all the players. There were many memorable games, but winning at the grounds of established clubs like Bancroft, Ilford Wanderers and Upper Clapton was an indication that Clacton had arrived.
This season will probably be harder – there is a general recognition that the second season after a promotion is harder than the first – but, if we can steer clear of injuries, I see no reason why we cannot make a challenge for the league title. Ben Buxey has decided to stand down after three seasons as captain, and Joe Wigfall has taken his place. Good luck Joe. Coach Ben Clements has also moved to pastures new, and this opened the door for Alex Barbour to expand his coaching CV. Summer training went very well with Alex getting the captains and players vote to become their coach. However, with Alex’s commitment to our youth programme the task would possibly stretch him to far so I have asked him to head up a team of coaches looking after the seniors.
At present Alex, Jason Brammer (new to the club), Alan Lee and Matt Mahoney are working together, and all is looking very promising. Thank you, and all the best.
The second XV – the Kestrels – had a disappointing year in Division Two of the Suffolk Merit League. Captain Alan Lee was always struggling for numbers, and the First XV injury situation did him no favours at all. In the end, we had to cancel and forfeit a number of games, but the intention is to continue running the Kestrels, and hopefully attract some new players.
I was very much involved in the Youth Section, and we built on the success of the previous year. Youth chairman Pete Watts kept us on the right path, whilst Alex Barbour expanded the links he had with the local primary and secondary schools. Emma Barbour has organised everyone, as well as running the club shop, and she was rightly given the Clubman of the Year award at the end of last season. Sides were put out at most levels, and this year we have entered into the Essex League system. Many of the first team players help out with the qualified coaches that we have and, having achieved the RFU Seal of Approval, the future looks bright.
Once again, we held special lunches in both autumn and spring, with the February lunch being attended by the President of the RFU, Brian Williams plus dignitaries from Essex RFU and Eastern Counties RFU. With various grants and assistance from the RFU and Essex County Council, we have continued over the summer to improve the clubhouse. With a new kitchen and bar refurbishment, it looks a fantastic job. Well done you to all who took part, and thanks to Andy Sellman for the project management.
We are short of youth/mini’s coaches/assistants and team managers/assistants. If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.
Brian White
August 2009
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