Following the relegation from DN2 to DN3 last year, it could have been an easy option for people to either stop training, playing or switch clubs but this was not the case. The relegation has made the team stronger and closer than ever. We finished 3rd overall which is an achievement in itself. The calibre of teams in DN3 are not to be underestimated and the league has certainly changed in terms of competitiveness since we were last in it. We achieved some amazing results and put in some excellent performances but sadly consistency is what we lacked. This is by no means a reflection on the training as the training was consistent but the attendees were not and this showed from game to game. Consistency is key, and once we find our stride nothing will be able to stop us.

There is a lot of young blood in the team now and it’s great to see. The likes of Cameron & Jack Lithgo, Olly Hamilton, Lee Burdon, Harry Hazel, Lloyd Thrift and Adam Campbell have all improved massively this season in both confidence and skill. The potential they all possess hasn’t even begun to be tapped yet but they are all exceptional players so given more time, who knows what they will achieve. We also have some new up and comers as well in the like of Connor Story, Josh Hepenstall, Harrison Davis and Aaron Metcalf who are becoming strong contenders as regulars in the starting Second XV.

I’m pretty sure in one match this season I was the oldest, or one of the oldest, on the pitch! I never thought that day would come as I have always considered myself still one of the young ones. But times moves on and legacies get handed down. When I started at Carew a good 10+ years ago, I was under the watchful eyes and mentoring of the likes of Peter & Jeff Storey, Vince & Billy Lithgo, Steve Brookes, Ian Cambridge and Kenny Braham to name a few! I looked up to these individuals and wanted to play alongside them to show that I could hang with the best of them and that the club had a future. Now the likes of myself, Lee Kidson, Adam Train, Gareth ‘Buffa’ Ruddock, Marty Lithgo and Murry Stockdale are the oldies of the team now (and Vince as he never stopped playing!) and I like to think that we offer the same inspiration and mentoring to the young ones now as those before gave us. Sorry, forgot to mention Graham Wilson, who is 37 and some of you will be quite surprised to know that he once played in DN1 (he doesn’t like to talk about it as he is a rather humble person).

I also want to mention a few unsung heroes of the season as well that sometimes fly under the radar because they just do what they do and receive any formal recognition but I think they deserve some. I’d like to personally thank the following:

Gary Farman for his efforts every week to ensure that both teams have a fixture to play and referees are organised.

John ‘H’ Harrison for running touch and producing some of the finest post match reports I’ve read.

Michael Driver for promoting and driving the club forward on Social Media, getting SCRUFC noticed.

Laura Dickson for stepping up and offering her services as Club Physio.

Kyle Burns for being our very own paparazzi and making sure we all have decent profile pictures on Facebook and Instagram.

The coaching trio of Liam ‘Cook of the North’ Savage, Benji ‘Power Dwarf’ Glaister-Smith and Vince ‘War Horse’ Lithgo for giving up their own time to ensure they we progress forward each and every match and develop and grow as a team.

I’d also like to thank everyone who donned the maroon and gold of Seaton Carew this season, without you there would be no club.

We have a solid foundation to build on next year and have the talent, skill and experience to take this club forward and compete again for promotion next year.

“Things can only get better,
Can only get better if we see it through,
That means me and I mean you too,
So teach me now that things can only get better,
They can only get, they only get, take it on from here,
You know I know that things can only get better” D-Ream

All captains have to find their style: some are motivational speakers, some lead by coaching and some are natural born leaders, they talk and people listen. I like to think I’ve adopted the style of lead by example over my 2 seasons as captain. I lace up my boots, cross the whitewash and give my absolute all and hope that people follow suit. Something I will continue to do whether I’m Captain or not for as long as I wear Maroon and Gold!

SCRUFC is more than just team, it’s a family, and one I’m glad to say I’m a part of.