Weekly Update - So much more than just a Rugby Club but a Family & Community
I have never felt prouder to be a member of this very special rugby club, as I have been over the past week. “Not just a rugby club but a family & community”, these were the words spoken by departing Head Physio Tiana on Saturday night before she heads off to sunny Brisbane. The visiting Chesham Chairman said to me post match, “this is what we can only dream of.” There were a number of supporters down on Saturday that we haven’t seen for a while, one said to me early on Saturday evening, “every time I come down I feel like I belong and its like one big welcoming family”. These sentiments were echoed in other messages that I received over the weekend from many different sources.
So what made this last week so special in particular…..
Players Christmas Dinner:
It started on Tuesday evening where we had over 80 players (men and women), coaches and medical staff in attendance for a post training Christmas dinner. This is an astonishing number for a wet and murky mid December evening, whereas back in my day we would have been lucky to have 10 players at training. Also this was a player led dinner. They organised it, preparing the veg and laid the tables the previous night. Instead of a secret Santa the players had a secret Christmas card scheme where every player received an anonymous card from another player, with a message of support and what they admire/respect from that player.
I left that evening being immensely proud to be associated with the club and everything that we stand for. It simply epitomised the values of the sport, of teamwork, respect and enjoyment. Well done Rhys Amos and team for organising.
Pre-Match Christmas Lunch:
The clubhouse looked amazing on Saturday and was literally packed to the rafters from 11:30 until well past the two matches. A huge shout out to Angie and team, who managed to served 200 meals on the day, full Christmas roast with all the trimmings. I was watching the empty plates returning to the kitchen and they definitely were well received.
We had record takings over the bar on Saturday, achieving our highest ever takings on a match day. Clinton and team did a brilliant job and kept the drinks flowing from both the indoor and outdoor bars.
Post Match Christmas Play:
The players put on a Christmas play post match. Chief Narrator, Director and Creativity Supplier, Owain Griffiths, did a tremendous job recreating the Charles Dickens special. With Tyson on security, 1st XV captain Henry Revill played the role of Scrooge, Ghost of Christmas Past, previous Head Coach Phil Smith, who put in a surprise appearance, Christmas Present was Russ Bolton (obviously) and Christmas Future was Aled Lewis (I’ll leave you draw your own conclusions on that one!). The play was followed by carols and were sung with gusto from everyone there.
This was such a unique affair and there are not that many clubs in the country that put on this type of entertainment. It was really special.
Minis Christmas Special
It didn’t all finish there however. On Sunday we had our Minis Christmas special with all girls and boys players, coaches and management in Christmas fancy dress. Santa, despite his busiest time of the year managed to arrive in style on his splendid looking sleigh, with his sparkling elf both driving the reindeers as well as on crowd control duty. A number of senior players trained and played with the U12s and again the clubhouse was buzzing on Sunday morning.
Two Comprehensive Wins vs Windsor and Chesham:
To top the weekend off both the 1st XV and 2nd XV had wins against Windsor (57-12) and Chesham (51-19). We were on top from early on in both games and stayed in control throughout. Man of the Match in the 1st’s was Rafe Sadleir, who played a key role in our dominance up front as well as a number of barnstorming runs and Thomas Rendell won the 2nd XV award, returning from a long injury.
Both sides remain close to the top of their leagues and promotion is definitely on the cards as we enter the business end of the season.
Boxing Day - Both Touch & a Married vs Singles Match:
The clubhouse will be open from 10:30am and the bar from 11am. There is the normal fancy dress touch rugby for all ages as well as a fancy dress married vs singles match, kick off at midday. I believe the married team are going as Pirates, but the Singles team have yet to announce their attire.
Girls Rugby Open Day:
One of our aspirations is to reinvigorate our girls rugby. Part of this plan is an open training session on Wed 14th January for any girls age 7-11. The session, which runs from 6-7pm, will be lead by our two Head Coaches and England Roses, Connie Powell and Poppy Cleall. No experience needed, just bring energy, enthusiasm and a smile. If anyone is keen please contact [email protected] or just turn up on the evening.
From all the Exec Committee we wish all members, supporters & staff a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas and New Year with friends and family and here’s hoping 2026 will continue in the same positivity.
Best wishes
Noel