As most of you will have read,, the RFU have announced the end of the 2019/20 season. A decision that seems sensible in the current climate. Rest assured as soon as we are given the go ahead, we will resume activities in preparation for the new season in September.
From the club’s perspective it has been another season of continuing development and success, both on and off the field. We now run FIVE senior teams, including our newly formed SRFC Rockets captained by Durham County’s Katie Dodgson. We also have our Vets team, the Occasionals, which next season will be skippered by former 1st XV scrum half Owain Jenkins.
Our senior teams end the season still pushing for titles and promotion, with all three sides very much in the frame. Whilst it’s disappointing to have ended our campaign prematurely, we should be very proud that the club can put out 3 successful sides each week. A huge congratulations to all concerned. It’s also worth acknowledging the achievements of first team centre Jonny Horner, who ends the season on a prolific 37 tries, agonisingly short of the club record of 42, which we are all convinced he would have achieved. We are very sure Jonny’s late grandad, Len Horner, would have been bursting with pride at Jonny’s achievements.
At junior level we now run sides at every age group and it’s a testament to the dedication of our volunteers that we put out so many sides every Sunday, the addition of our under 13s, under 15s and next year the under 18s girls is a great source of pride, and thanks must go to Clare, Gareth and Lee, who run these squads.
We have decided to hold all the club’s presentation evenings in September, which will give us the chance to come together, once again, as a rugby family. The occasion will be bitter sweet as we say goodbye to outgoing coach’s Paul Lee and Martin Howe. Both have been an integral part of our renaissance, and in my humble opinion two of the greatest players in the Club’s history, playing first team rugby in every decade since the 1980”s. A phenomenal achievement. I am very proud to have called them friends and teammates for over 35 years. Good luck on the golf course lads . Next season the new coaching team will be led by Scott Powell, with Rob Green, Mark Skirving and Simon Brown supporting.
And finally we should mention the current situation and the impact of coronavirus on our community. The uniqueness of our sport is that we are a family, we are part of a community that comes together and supports each other. We have all been inspired by the many stories across the rugby family, working together to support those who are the most vulnerable in their community – this is the spirit of our game
We know that this spirit, during these difficult times, will ensure that we come through this together and that we return next season to celebrate everything that is good about our club, our town and our community. This will always be our field of dreams
Look after each other, be a family and stay safe
Yours in Rugby
Graham
Chair
Stockton RFC
