All Members,
Take a moment to pat yourself on the back and enjoy the success on the field yesterday with our 1st XV winning promotion. I say all, as these things do not happen by accident and it is the combined effort of many from simply giving your support on a Saturday through to playing the game.
Contributions to the club are made by so many, recording the action on the camera, announcing the game and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. The team that prepare the pitch providing a premier surface to play on, the coaching, management and physio/conditioning staff that keep our lads fit and playing.
The Board whose support has been unwavering and the staff in and around that club that provide such a welcoming and hospitable club house. Groups within the club, PPA, veterans and the Mini & Junior Section and a great team around DoR all add to our community. Our Sponsors who give and enable the players to perform and the club to operate.
We are human, things don't always click and there are challenges with personality and method. It’s the same in the game, the scrum is the most unnatural thing to want to do and can be so wrong. When we work at it, understand and communicate it changes into an unstoppable force.
We can be the same, give one another time, consideration and understanding, look each other in the eye and have the discussion. When we do this, as we have done the rewards arrive as they did on Saturday.
This journey didn’t start in September or even July when we met for pre-season, it started in November 2024 with a change to our coaching structure. We had to look at each game in isolation and create the belief in ourselves and the will to survive. A spark was lit and the flame grew stronger.
In this moment of celebration there remains a determination for the 1st team to perform in the final two games of the season and the United to battle for promotion which is within grasp. The Athletic continue to grow and will further enjoy the run in to the end of season. I have no doubt our squad will achieve and back each other to the hilt.
"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights". Muhammad Ali sums up the great work that has been done and continues.
We have the opportunity to celebrate a record breaking 150th year, every member can play their part. Enjoy the rugby, engage and put the badge first.
Chin Out
Mongo
Mark Matthews - DoR
