Looking forward to 2019/20 we have a strong change to do well in the "refreshed" Essex 1. Some old favourites come back to see us – Maldon and Canvey will be fun encounters. There are also some interesting trips out on the books with Cottenham in Cambridgeshire an early season fixture in the RFU Vase.

14th December sees our first home VP's lunch and also the Christmas Party so book that one early.

The end of the season will also see a tour to Holland so make sure and save your pennies for that. It's going to be an exciting season and into 2020 we see a number of stag do's, weddings and significant birthdays coming up so keep an eye on the social calendar folks.

Finally, congratulations to Gwyn Taylor as new first team captain. I'm sure he'll bring a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to the role along with his massive beard. Also thanks to Andy May for years of service. Let's hope he continues with the club and is on hand to provide the help, advice and tackling support that the new man so obviously needs!

Finally a big thanks to George Ketley and Big John for their work at the Village Fete. Well done guys. You've certainly raised the profile a bit. Let's see what comes of it – I expect a grey army of newly retired fans to be trailing up Fox Burrows Lane in a week or two.

All the best
Scott