Old Northamptonians RFC

The 4th XV are the ROCK holding up the rest of the club. Although many players are Vets the door is open to all. Players returning after a long time out of the game, young players who in a few games can pick up tips from the older lads, in fact everyone is welcome.

Over the past 7 years we have played in the East Midland Merit table, finishing up 2nd on 6 occasions and 1st in 2009. Many of our games are against local rivals with some of the lads having faced the same opposition players for 30 years. That’s what it’s all about.

Never a dull moment with a bunch of old gits, the banter flows from the start of the afternoon and continues throughout the week via our email group. The Caftan, a real one from Egypt is awarded for the most bizarre moment of the day. Previously awarded for, falling in a river beside the pitch, gone to fill the water bottles 4 times when needed as a substitute.

Although fun and enjoyment are a big part of they day, we have lads who, though now a bit older and slower, haven’t lost any competitive edge. For 80 minutes we will try our best to win and often do. To the surprise of many teams much younger than ours we perform well as a team, criticism of our own players isn’t tolerated on the pitch. The team spirit is the most important giving great moments on and off the pitch.

Thanks to all who have played and supported us, we now look forward to many more years as players come to a certain age and join the 4ths!