The new season dawned and rather than letting it drift along without control and degenerate into a lack of interest, malaise and collapse that might sound the death knell of this proud Club, considerable thought and preparation has occurred during the summer months. Having had a different skipper for each of the previous 3-season, Dan Bird was installed as new Captain, but with fresh ideas of his own and an enthusiasm to match. The Committee decided to appoint a Team Manager to form a 3-person selection committee and assist the captain with off pitch preparation and communication with players. We are delighted that Paul ‘Comp’ Harding was willing to bring his experience and common-sense approach to this role. The club were delighted that an approach to Guy Turpin to take on the job of Club Secretary was accepted, and he has been a welcome addition to the work behind the scenes.

Most crucially, it was felt that a closer-knit group of youngsters would be required and moves were made during the summer, where regular ‘Running Club’ and ‘Weight Training’ sessions were organised. Internet searches were conducted for new players, especially in the front row and although proved ultimately fruitless new players have been attracted. An ‘Open Day’ was arranged for the first pre-season friendly to announce to the town that the Rugby Club had emerged for its summer recess and hibernation and to try and encourage more people to come and watch.

In the modern era a club without a website is almost unheard of so a lot of preparation and work behind the scenes has gone on to set this site up and establish it as something worth looking at – we hope. Zack Weavers volunteered to skipper the 2nd XV with assistance from Anthony ‘Willie’ Griffiths as interest from several of the older players has been re-kindled and there is a positive vibe around the club at the start of the new season. An unbeaten pre-season was followed by two victories in the League and a cup win for a 6-game unbeaten start for the 1st XV and only 3-tries conceded compared with 27-tries scored. The 1st XV competed in North Midlands 4 (North), but as the autumn set in a few narrow defeats in closely contested games gnawed away at confidence and in the run up to Christmas there were 3-League defeats and incredibly a 0-0 draw, before a victory in the final game. Then afterwards 3 more defeats dented enthusiasm again, before a pick in fortune as the warmer spring weather returned to finish the campaign with 3-victories. At the end of the season there were 13-wins, 12-defeats and a draw. Among the scorers Craig Shorter established himself as a vital cog with (126-points with 4-tries, 23-conversions & 20-penalties) and James Manley (7-tries & 4-conversions for 43 points), while new skipper Dan Bird weighed in with 4-tries from Prop.

Unfortunately, by the end of the season the 2nd XV only managed to turn out a side for 5-matches, four before Christmas and ALL of them at home. This does indicate a worrying situation that we only appear to be able to gather sufficient enthusiasm for a game if at home and many players would prefer to find alternative activities on a Saturday afternoon than honour a return fixture! In contrast the Under-12 XV were willing to play home or away and managed 10-games with 4-vctories, a draw and 5-defeats. George Warrington topped the Junior scoring charts with (61-points; 5-tries & 18-conversions), closely followed by Louis Edwards (49-points with 3-tries & 17-conversions), while Charlie Edwards (45-points with 9-tries) and Harry Booton (35-points with 7-tries).