Bristol Combination Bowl Final

There has been so much written and spoken through social media and about the cup winning success, and rightly so, what I would like to add is the fantastic support the whole squad received from the club, Senior members, players, wife’s, girlfriends, family and friends was fantastic, the support on Saturday lifted and added to the performance, the noise levels cheering either great play or when scoring tries was encouraging and definitely was the 16th man on the pitch.

I must also congratulate Old Elizabethans who played their part in a great game of rugby, a 11-16 score line at half time was a well-deserved lead, and their competiveness around the breakdown disrupted our pattern and deprived us of quick quality ball. Their attitude and team spirit was great and I’m sure they will do very well after gaining promotion.

I will let the pictures circulating on FB tell the story of day, the after match party was also memorable with some dodgy dancing, but the singing was great to see and be part of as this great tradition is sometimes lost in the current day rugby environment. If like me most of you woke up Sunday with a bloody hangover, but well worth it, even carrying the wife home after 8 pints of Thatcher’s was entertaining.

It was a pleasure this season to work with a strong group of players who clearly want the success of winning Rugby, and their friendship of the field is as strong as it is on the field. Paul Todd has captained the side well and his contribution in coaching and guiding the backline must be acknowledge, well done Paul even though your stepping down as captain that input is still going to be needed for next season.
I am pleased to say that Steve Penfold will assist me next season with the coaching, his experience and the respect he has from the players will make us a stronger group, with Craig Skuse as the new skipper the good times can you continue next season.

Finally I must wish Aaron baker all the best for his new adventure moving to Australia in September, I have known Aaron for nearly 10 years and have shared some great rugby memories with him winning both cup competitions and league titles, so it’s quite ironic that his last game is another final. I hope the move is a great success and wish Aaron and his family all the best.

Enjoy the Break, and looking forward already to 2016/17 season, don’t forget Holidays May, June July, & August and not any in September through to April!!!!!!!!!!.

Crocks