Back in Midlands 3 West (North) initially with relief and a pre-season warm up win over Bridgnorth 2nd XV, boosted confidence. Then the league fixtures were announced! It looked a difficult task, with more away matches during the pre-Christmas period made worse when we agreed to switch the fixture with Edwardians so they could be at home for a big fund-raising event on Guy Fawkes night. The first away match was probably the furthest distance at Trentham RFC and having just been promoted, they were an unknown quantity. With just 14-players making the long journey and one of those injured at half time, despite scoring first, a 10-36 defeat inevitably followed. The following weekend saw a 25-12 home win against Uttoxeter RFC, followed by a tough defeat away to Burntwood RFC and then a ‘no-show’ by Cannock RFC in what was supposed to be our next home match, before the end of September. Our next home match was scheduled to be in December, so the long journeys were not relished. Of the next 5-away matches during October and November one did include a narrow 19-14 win at Wednesbury RFC, long journeys went otherwise unrewarded. Then in December a narrow 3-0 home win over Harborne RFC followed by another away defeat at Old Saltlians RFC followed by the Christmas Meal against Shropshire rivals and unbeaten league leaders Shrewsbury RFC and despite leading for most of the first half, late scores even prevented a losing bonus point in a 3-21 defeat, but they were tested. This did give the squad confidence and hope for the run of home matches to come in the New Year.

The first two matches were both lost as Uttoxeter RFC gained their revenge and 2nd placed Burntwood RFC won at our place. A series of 4-away match wins started to built momentum and with Cannock RFC & Trentham RFC only playing seldom and both refusing the long journey to South Shropshire, the team were able to climb towards ‘mid-table respectability’ of 9th place, but with more victories than the team above, by end of the season. Given the inauspicious start and number of away games in the first half of the season, the squad did very well. It was significant that for the final third of the season there was a consistency of player availability, the squad became more cohesive, performances improved, so the results followed.

The 1st XV played 20-matches with 3-games awarded due to no-show opponents. These matches included 8-victories, a total of 280-points and 34-tries. The points scored this season were more shared out with a couple of people asked to take kicking duties, but Hayden Edwards finished as Top Points Scorer (66-points with 1-try, 11-conversions & 13-penalties). Top Try Scorer was joint this year as Tom Leach (6) and James Cutts (6) shared the honour, with Sid Gittins (5 & 1-con) and Phillip Leader (4 & 2-cons), Josh Winfield (4) & Ed Lewis (4) close.

With a new Team Manager, the Development XV managed 6-matches, including a home victory against Bishop Castle 2nd XV and a home win and an away defeat to Bromyard 2nd XV before Christmas. Then a stunning narrow away win at Worcester Wanderers 2nd XV, a high scoring narrow defeat to Bridgnorth 3rd XV and a good win over Stourbridge 4th XV afterwards. A total of 4-wins and 147-points were scored, with a consistent squad it is hoped to build with at least one match per month next season. All the players need to be congratulated on their efforts and determination shown this season. In a hard-fought League campaign finished more of a high after a valiant late effort to the season.