Steven Groves Releases End of Season Members Letter
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By James DEAN in GENRAL Published: Tuesday, 27 June 06 - 05:28 PM (GMT) Last Updated: Monday, 17 September 07 - 10:20 AM (GMT) |
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26th June 2006
Dear All,
This letter starts with great news. As a committee we set ourselves three targets for last season, and I’m pleased to say that we achieved all three.
Champions of Hants III – promoted to Hants II next year
2nd XV playing regularly – and will compete in Dorset & Wiltshire 3 South next year
FLOODLIGHTS INSTALLED
In more detail:
The 1st XV were disappointed that the final game ended in defeat. Skipper Stu Holt, and the coaching team Stu Wilson and Alan Walker had hoped to complete the league season undefeated. Unfortunately, in atrocious conditions at Fawley the home team managed to kick three penalties to our one. This didn’t dampen the celebrations though and a great evening was enjoyed by all.
Success for the club then continued at the annual Basingstoke rugby festival. Finally, after a few years of trying we managed to win the cup competition. Many players and supporters complemented the club’s style of play on the day and to play three, 30 minute matches and not concede a try was doubly pleasing.
Also on the field, the 2nd XV had mixed success, but the fact that we were able to field a 2nd XV is in itself a success. Three years ago the club was unable to fulfil two 1st XV league games due to lack of players. There were discussions about the club pulling out of the leagues altogether. However, we stood strong and now thirty plus guys will be playing and training each week for East Dorset RFC.
With so many lads training each week, the installation of the floodlights is a timely addition to Iford Lane. Training will start on Tuesday 4th July at 7pm, and then continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stu and Alan will be joined this year by club favourite - Moose. The club is grateful to Moose for making himself available. After a couple of successful years at Ellingham and Ringwood I’m sure Moose is looking forward to taking East Dorset up to Hants I within a few years.
All players are asked to attend the first training session which will be followed by a players meeting in the clubhouse. This is an important meeting and will give Stu Wilson and Stu Holt the opportunity to discuss with the players the plans we have for the forthcoming season.
Off the field the club has recently held its AGM and annual awards evening. In summary the club officials for 2006-7 are:
President – Mr. Gary Fretton (01202 242517)
Chairman – Ms. Diana Payne (01202 511361)
Treasurer – Ms. Vicky Keating (07967 485474)
Secretary – Mr. Stephen Groves (07738 567247)
1st XV Captain – Mr. Stuart Holt (07815 899956)
2nd XV Captain – Mr. Lawrence Engel (01202 385199)
Social Secretary and Bar Manager – Mr. Leigh Horrex (01202 249403)
Membership Secretary – Mr. Howard Larkin (01202 474342)
Marketing and Sponsorship – Morgan Leadbitter, James Dean, Calum Docherty
The committee are very grateful to James and Morgan for their efforts in getting the club’s website up and running. Please take an opportunity to visit it at www.eastdorsetrugby.com. The website will be updated regularly and has pages for team sheets, results and fixtures, and a picture gallery. If you have any comments, or wish to help please feel free to contact James or Morgan via the website.
Winners at the awards evening included:
Kris Bradley – 1st XV Player of the Year
Marcus Herrigshaw – Most Improved Player
Tom ‘Spanky’ Robinson – Best Newcomer
Ryan Parker – 2nd XV Player of the Year
Louis Brencher – Clubman of the Year
Congratulations to all!
This year’s membership fees stay the same as last year and new, current and past members are reminded that they are due on the 1st August.
Full Playing Members - £30 Full Members - £15 Social Members - £5
Everybody is reminded that the club is a private members club and as such its facilities are only accessible to members and guests. It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that people using the club pay their memberships.
The club has received its allocation of tickets for the autumn international matches at Twickenham. There are 4 fixtures scheduled as below:
Date ko Opponent Tickets
Saturday 5th NOV 2006 15:30 NEW ZEALAND 6 allocated
Saturday 11th Nov 2006 14:30 ARGENTINA 6 applied for
Saturday 18th Nov 2006 14:30 SOUTH AFRICA 6 allocated
Saturday 25th Nov 2006 14:30 SOUTH AFRICA 6 allocated
Tickets are only available for members, therefore if you haven’t paid your membership you won’t get an international ticket.
Application forms will be allocated with membership cards and club handbooks when you have paid your membership fees. Please see Howard Larkin for further details.
Here’s a very big plea to everybody. The club is excited about the forthcoming season, however it’s going to be very difficult trying to ensure that things tick smoothly not only each Saturday but also during the week too. However Saturday’s are going to be very busy, and in order to ensure that we compete well on the field we are desperately in need of non-playing volunteers. If you, or a relative or friend, think that they you can spare a few hours on a Saturday afternoon or during the week then please contact me or one of the committee, either at the club or via the website.
Tasks include preparing the water bottles, putting out the flags and post-protectors, putting up the supporters rope, and obviously clearing them away afterwards. These jobs are a whole lot easier if there is a team effort, rather than relying on the same usual stalwarts.
Finally I’m very pleased to announce that the club this year will be supported by Fresh Recruits. Jo Keating, Managing Director of Fresh Recruits is the sister of our Treasurer this year and also a close friend of Mike Rose. Jo’s very kindly donated £2500 to the club so that the first XV can get a complete new kit. This will include playing shirts, shorts and socks. The money will also go a long way to pay for the new training equipment which the club is buying this year (at the request of the coaching team). Keep you eyes peeled for images of the exciting new kit.
The new kit for the 1st XV means that the 2nd XV will inherit last year’s striking 1st XV kit and I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that it brings as much success to the 2nds as it did the 1sts last year.
I’m looking forward to seeing each of you at the club soon, and please feel free to introduce friends or relatives to the wonderful atmosphere that is: EAST DORSET RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB!
Yours in Rugby,
Stephen Groves
Hon. Sec. East Dorset RFC
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