Club Chairs News April/May 2023

What a great month!

The club has had some great results recently culminating in the U15s winning their county final 22-15, at OAs, in some style. Endeavour, application, fitness, and great rugby skills were to the fore in overcoming a strong Chess Valley side, with some very big forwards. The game plan was kept to as the support play, elusive running and quick thinking overcame an opposition lead in the final minutes, of a well contested game. Congratulations to the squad, the hardworking coaching and management team of Adam Rees, Nathan Stewart and Phil Clark, not forgetting the mums and dads and supporters from all the club for their great support.

Other teams in the minis and juniors have had good results in the last few weeks including a good result in a tri tournament at home for the U13s on the same day. Thanks must go to all the junior and mini parents who give up much time coaching the players and doing endless essential tasks to assist the smooth running of all sections of the club, and not least supporting. AGAIN THANK YOU!

The senior squad finished their season in style. After reaching the semi finals of the RFU Papa John Pizzas competition. The semi final was lost by the smallest margin but a good performance in front of a very supportive crowd.

The senior squads have done well this season. The 1st XV squad finished 4th in the league, reached the final of a County cup competition and ran 2 sides regularly, and a vets game against St Albans earlier in the season. This is down to the dedication of a much improved, enthusiastic and more involved management team lead by Chris Monahan our coach.

The Mini and Junior presentation day on Sunday 14th of May went well thanks to the hard work by a good number of members. The senior presentation night date is in mid July TBA.

Sadly I have to announce the passing of Charlie Lower, a stalwart of the club for many years. Charlie attended St Albans Grammar School for Boys ( Verulam) and  played his first game for the club as a teenager in the early 70s. He became a regular member of the 1st XV and played front row for many years. Since hanging up his boots he helped with coaching and more recently assisting on selection problems. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

During the close season there will be a number of improvements done to give the club some much improved facilities. We are hoping to run work weekends  to do a number of achievable volunteer tasks, dates to be circulated. Free food and dinks will be available to attendees.

Thanks to all,       Regards Ian “Shanks” Graham

OTHER CHAIRS INTRO SUBJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED AS RELEVANT DURING THE SUMMER ARE:

A) NEW TACKLE LAWS UPDATE   in progress

B) SUMMER PROJECTS    inc flood lights, lounge bar

C) VOLUNTEERS SUMMER WORKS

D) RFU GROUND GRANTS UPDATED, PITCH MAINTENANCE, AND OUTSIDE PITCH HIRES

E) 75TH ANNIVERSARY IDEAS, PIN BADGES, FUNCTIONS      

F)  BAR PRICES AND POSSIBLE CHANGE OF SUPPLIERS

G) CLUBROOOM REDECORATION MID JULY                     

H) SUMMER INSPECTIONS  

I) COURSES AND COUNTY MEETINGS

J) AGM 13TH July 2023

K) KIT SUPPLIERS

PS There’s always something happening at the club ,regularly check the website and other media.