A view from my Chair

The anticipation of the challenges ahead, and the recognition that the rewards will be determined by the collective effort, both on and off the pitch. If the last couple of roller coaster seasons are anything to go by with across the club Champions or promotion near misses, Cup Final wins or narrow defeats, then hold on tight for yet another exhilarating ride.

So what can we look forward to this Season. With the election of the new committee at the AGM we see familiar faces being joined by new ones in leading the club forward over the season and beyond. It is their voluntary efforts that keep the club running and ensures that there are games of rugby for the players to compete in and for the supporters to enjoy. There is a strong mix of skills and ambition to continue to move to new levels of organisation. We are very confident that the Committee will lead the continued development of the club's profile in the local community as well as the rugby community. We are also confident that the work to improve the facilities will gain pace but urge that all of us are patient as we can't expect overnight success. The Committee will need all of our support to achieve their goals.

There are still volunteer roles vacant important one’s being Sports Bar social events committee members, a varied mix of ALL club sections is vital in providing events for our membership to enjoy whilst enhancing our finances in the sustainability of Northwich RUFC.

On the pitch the expectation is that the 1st Team will push for promotion and they have it within them to achieve this goal. For the 2nd new territory is being entered into with much tougher and experienced opposition with their promotion to the Sale Sharks Division 1 League. The strength of the 2nd highlights the depth of talent that is developing at the club and with the mix of both youth and experience in its ranks which will enhance the seconds chances this season as well as providing the depth needed for the first team as well as the foundations for the thirds, a successful league season and cup run is anticipated.

This season starts with stability, DoR Postie, now embarks on his 3rd season in charge, and strengthens his coaching unit, recruiting defensive coach Roger Pickering. We look forward to the impact that there combined efforts can make this season.

Chris Dale remains Club captain as the 1st XV once more fight for promotion from the North 1 West. 2nd XV Captaincy is retained by Anthony Kellar who can look forward to another year of growth, development and challenges. Steve Taylor steps down from his Captaincy of the 3s to take control of the Veterans, whilst George Goodfellow takes charge of the 3rds.

Continued development of the Academy section is a vital building block for the future of the club 1st teamer Kyle Lindsey takes charge. The introduction of Academy youth rugby to the club is perhaps the most significant development in recent times to the long term future, adding to this ongoing off field activities to improve the facilities serves to add an exciting area of development for the club.

Scott Naylor leads the M&Js, his brief to further integrate all sections into ONE CLUB, improve playing numbers and have a thriving M & J section, with teams regularly playing at all age groups from U6 upwards, to enable a majority of senior players to have come through the M&J section.

In rounding this message up we must express appreciation to all our club volunteers who have been very busy during the close-season with the Lions breakfasts, Rugbyforce day, a very well organised and successful 20 primary schools tag festival, and not forgetting amongst others the up-coming Northwich Community Festival.

There is a commitment to pre-season training, fitness and club development which has never been so strong and expectations by everyone involved with the club is high.

Have a great season everyone and make your contribution count.

by JB

Updated 11:10 - 2 Sep 2019 by john blower