434 days have passed since Mildenhall and Red Lodge RFC last took to the pitch in anger. A lot has changed in the world since then. “COVID,” is now the number one used word in the world according to the Oxford dictionary. Pubs closed on March 20th, 2020 and still have not fully reopened. In all life is very different. Here at Mildenhall and Red Lodge, the Eagles too have seen changes.
A new coaching set up is in place with former Bury St Edmunds player Haydn Morgans now coaching the forwards, with Iain Hunter now coaching the backs with assistance from Jack Moffatt, under the direction of Director of Rugby Dale Pellatt. The team is now captained by Jack Moffatt with, aforementioned Hunter stepping to the developmental role of Club captain, in readiness for the club forming a second XV. Since the fateful day when the club took on Shelford on March 7th, 2020 the club has also become Eastern Counties west 2 league champions and been promoted to Eastern Counties west 1, the clubs highest ever league standing. However, this Saturday once more sees the men in black and red take to the pitch, in a friendly game against local club Thetford RFC.
“Being back to training has been a massive boost to the morale,” said 1st XV captain Jack Moffatt, however it does not fill the “massive gap in life,” like playing he further added. It is this insatiable drive to play games, develop and get better that see the Eagles take on a club, who’s 1st XV sit in the league above the Eagles currently. Despite the game being played under adapted laws Iain Hunter is confident of a useful outing, “you can do as many full-blooded run throughs as you want in training, but until you are out on the pitch, do you see truly how effectual what you have been working on will be. A game against a mixed Thetford team will be a huge challenge for us, and one we relish.”
With new sponsorship on board the club is looking stronger and stronger, and match day support would be hugely beneficial, therefore should you wish to come along and support both teams, Thetford RFC recommends bringing your own chair should you wish to purchase drinks, from the bar as outdoor seating is limited. Kick off 3pm.