CRFC Chairman’s Report July 2016
Welcome to the AGM of Cullompton Rugby Club, and as chairman I would like to thank all the support players, members and supporters have given me over the past 6 years and especially the last 12 months. This season has seen many changes, ups and downs but yet again has proven that Cullompton RFC is about a club and not a team. We have had notable performances and successes with our seniors, ladies, colts and junior teams. We have seen coaches come and go, seniors rediscover their passion for rugby, juniors become county champions, Colts go from strength to strength and the ladies providing many county players. The weather has played a large part this season with many matches being postponed and others being played in unsuitable conditions but only to get the back log of games played. Off the field our clubhouse is regularly used for daytime and evening meetings, seminars, conferences, weddings, parties, skittles and dart matches. We have also improved the training lights and safety fencing around the main pitch.
Our first XV have had a real turbulent year starting off the same as we had finished the previous season, by losing the first 5 games. Then with a review of the coaching set up and the more senior players stepping up and taking a lead our fortunes changed considerably. There was a renewed energy about our play and winning was the name of the game. Unfortunately injuries and unavailability’s near the latter part of the season prevented us finishing higher than mid table. A lot of credit must go to Steve Luxon who, as team manager, has provided the drive and enthusiasm to reignite the passion for rugby amongst the players. Being relegated last season was almost a blessing in disguise with more local derbies providing bigger crowds and less traveling needed for away games. Higher leagues and a higher standard of rugby definitely has a place for ambitious players and clubs with the cash, but there’s still a lot to be said for local grass roots rugby played by local lads voluntarily. Our seconds and thirds have recorded some fantastic results this season, which were even more credible considering most Saturday mornings there were a lot of phone calls trying to get a team together. Under the guidance of Kevin Walker we ran a successful Colts team this year who had a fantastic run in a tough league and cup competition. This team is a priority for us at Cullompton and with good junior teams coming up through things are looking promising. We look forward to seeing the older colts progressing through to the seniors this season
Our junior section has again had a very successful season with about 250 registered players supported by more than 60 volunteers. We have rugby for boys and girls, from 4yrs of age, through to seniors. We are one of only 3 clubs in Devon to have this. There were several memorable victories from all age groups including the U15s winning the Devon cup. I’d like to thank Lizz Wyle for all her hard work and drive in doing a fantastic job as Junior Chairman before stepping down at the end of the season
Our ladies section yet again have had a tremendous season winning against some formidable opponents. They play with a spirit, on and off the field, that is a true representation of what rugby is all about. Two special mentions are worthy here to former players. Firstly Abbie Brown on being picked for England at internationals, sevens and the Olympics and also Sara Cox for getting selected as a referee at the Olympics. A fantastic effort by both of them.
2017 will be our 125th anniversary year, a major milestone for any club to celebrate. To help mark this special occasion we are pulling together a calendar of events and merchandise for all members and supporters of the club. The plan is to kick the celebrations off at our first game of 2017, home to Wellington, have a marque on the field for an end of season presentation and ball in April and then a birthday bash in October. There will also be a whole club photo taken in September. Watch out for further details. I’m keen for players, members and supporters of all ages, past and present to get involved and help celebrate. So if you know of any past members let them know, I’d hate to think they missed out because they didn’t know.
Like all successful amateur clubs there is a tremendous amount of voluntary work that goes on behind the scenes. Pitches don’t get cut, changing rooms cleaned, the bar managed, functions happen, sponsors found, matches organised, budgets scrutinised and a whole host of other jobs too long to mention, without people stepping forward to help. You all know who you are, and I would personally like to thank you for all you do for Cullompton Rugby Club. I know the players are often the face of the club but without a backbone, which I see you as, they would struggle to remain upright. Your help is very valued. Anyone wishing to join this elite band of volunteers, even if only for a hour a week, please make contact with me. I’m sure I can find a role that you will enjoy to match your skills and availability.
Very soon we will be electing a committee for the coming year. We have decided to restructure it to make it smaller and more strategic, looking at the club with a long term aim. This committee will be under pinned by 6 sub-committees who will be the tactical element of the club, making sure all the important day to day jobs are done. This will mean that there are several members standing down this time of which I would like to thank them all for their hard work on the committee. We’re also going to set up a focus group of members not on the committee but have been long term members and have an understanding of the background and ethics of the club and a passion for its long term future. This group will meet with the officers of the club two or three times a year to discuss their views. They will have no decision making power but their experience and knowledge of Cullompton rugby club is essential to the running of it.
We’ve heard tonight about developments around Cullompton and the possible implications it might have on the rugby club. I can assure you that we will look at every proposal very carefully and get professional advice when needed to ensure the best for our long term future. For 125 years this club has gone from strength to strength and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t continue happening for another 125 years.
I would like to take this opportunity again to thank everyone involved with Cullompton rugby club to help make it one of the best and friendliest amateur clubs in the South West and look forward to your continued support for the coming season.

Phil Shere
Chairman CRFC
July 2015