The year started with Chippenham RFC hosting the 2nd annual Spring Chick tournament in March. The Largest all ladies touch tournament in the northern hemisphere which attracted 24 teams from across Europe. The Cheetahs entered a side with several of the Male Cheetah players acting as refs for the tournament. Unfortunately the ladies were knocked out at the quarter final stage this year.

Sam Cultler was picked for the England men’s open side team for the touch world cup which took place in Australia in april. Very wet weather in sued with some matches been delayed, England touch displayed some good skills but the Host Nation took the gold medal in the end.
Several other team members tried out for the South West Saxon side, with 4 been chosen for the various regional senior sides and 1 been picked for the junior regional touch sides.

The Cheetahs entered 2 teams in the 02 touch tour Bath fixture at the beginning of June. 40 teams from across the south west of England were in attendance with the both the Cheetahs Red and Black teams qualifying strongly out of the group stages. Cheetahs Red we’re eventually knocked out in the quarter finals finishing in 7th place and Blacks were knocked out in the Semi finishing in 4th place. Guest appearances from Jonny Wilkinson and Jonathan Joseph ensured lots of selfies were pappped.

The following week The South West Saxons held a tournament at Chippenham RFC followed by trials and training sessions on the Sunday afternoon. The Cheetahs again entered 2 teams but the blacks did not qualify out of the group with the younger Red team being knocked out in the semi’s.

With a large contingent of players training with the Saxons in July the Cheetahs were forced to amalgamate a with The Bath Rebels and Mouger teams to enter the Bath Cavalier tournament held at Stoddard and Pitt in Bath. The team got off to a slow start as players got used to each other but after a couple of games and getting the team bonded and performed well finishing in 3rd behind Cavalier A and B sides.

The 6th Yule log trophy took place in December with the Cheetahs travelling away to Bath to play on the astro against Bath Short Striders and Bath Mougers. The Cheetahs spilt into 2 Teams, red and blue and played a round robin league with the Blues and Striders eventually playing for the trophy. After a competitive game which went to a 3 man drop off and right to reply scores been made the Blues were successful in retaining the trophy for Chippenham.

Finally on the Morning of the 19th of December the Cheetahs gathered for the Challenge Cup and Annual awards dinner. 3 large teams were formed from the Club members, The Dark side, Team Chomp and Yule Be Sorry. After a competitive round robin league Team Chomp were declared the winners. The players then adjourned to the club house for Christmas Dinner and awards ceremony. All awards are nominated by fellow players with juniors section been under 16 and adults 17 and above. Following 2015 winners are

Best Hands Junior James Wilkinson
Best hands Senior James Timbrell
Most Improved Junior Alex F
Most Improved Senior Chris Ward

Cheetah of the Year Sue Wilkinson

Congratulations to all the winners, those who successfully trailed/qualified for Saxons and England sides and to those in the team who successfully retained the Yule log trophy (1st back to back wins)

See you all next year hopefully for more of the same.

Matt