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February 2009

I have been a bit tardy about this newsletter – and a little superstitious – I am not sure which. Probably both. Sorry.

Like all of you who watch the news, I have seen the effects of the wider economy on our club and that has meant it has been a slightly edgy season off the pitch in large part due to this. On the pitch, lots of amazing things – more later. Off the pitch, the bit that we try to do “behind the scenes” to make “on the pitch” work as seamlessly as possible, has been interesting and stressful at the same time. But I love it.

The committee structure is broadly working – five sub-committees reporting to a Club committee. The Finance sub-committee are trying to create accurate budgets – working out how much we actually need to run the club. I know it sounds odd but as a small club it has been run on a month by month basis financially. As we expand, our costs grow, and now clear, accurate expenditure and income plans are crucial. Sponsorship is harder to bring in at present. Lots of good businesses are more careful with their money and we greatly appreciate the continued support of so many and the hard work of the Finance sub-committee in putting together next season’s budget plans.

We have ongoing issues with the front pitch. All the reports are done and in and we should soon hear something further. I will keep you informed. Legal issues are never easy to conclude especially when a lot of money is involved. It is something I inherited and something I would love to put to bed. It is happening but it takes time.

The Junior Section is amazing. So many children and young people playing rugby. Playing well and winning. Well done Ray Robinson and the Junior Crew.

I want to say a further thanks to Simon Thompson for his work with the Seal of Approval. This is an RFU accolade for Junior Sections and I know that a lot of work and attention has gone towards this award. With this we can then look to develop the ‘Whole Club Award’ drawing together all the club sections and committees to build the one club system we need to go for grants and funding all together.

>TRFC Girls/Women – fantastic – lots of international trials, massive County representation and good matches to watch. 

I am now the DRFU Welfare Manager. I work with Sue Oner – our Welfare Officer at TRFC. Sue keeps all the CRB checks up to date. All our coaches and all our helpers have to be CRB’d. Sue organises this and does a great job.

If you are reading this you will be on our website – great isn’t it. Jim Tomkins puts the hours in. Big hours. The website site looks great and information is updated regularly so it is always worth a visit.

Jeff Lawson and I are part of the RFU Leadership Academy. We attend seminars and workshops with other clubs members and look to gather support and put together applications for funding and club development. More soon.

Now the playing side of the club. This season we started a third XV – the Tavy Rams – Dominic Bourton as Chief Horn. Dominic and I have known each other for years and the enthusiasm and dedication he has brought to the cause has been awesome. Lots of MarJohns students are turning out to play for the club, bringing with them great skill and enthusiasm and nakedness. The 3rd XV is currently second in their league and moving towards their cup final (the Ellis cup). Keep it up Rams.

The playing structure of the club is now more flexible, but we can always do more here. Such is the nature of rugby. The ‘Development’ team run with passion and style by John Wakem is playing well and moving to towards their cup final (the Lockie cup). John works with Rushy and Dominic and they co-ordinate the teams each weekend and, apart from a few blips early on, we have regularly put out strong teams with lots of benchers and have been winning lots of games. All good.

>Now the 1st XV and the superstitious bit……... I sat down to write this Newsletter in September 2008. Each week I did a bit but each time we lost. We lost our first three league games due to naïve mistakes and a lack of cohesion. We were never beaten by many points but the youth and the ‘newness’ of the team showed through. I thought ‘Oh my goodness’. Then, the following week, I did not sit down to write and we won. We then won some more and we are still winning. The wonderful thing about TRFC is that despite a lot of uncertainly and no little anxiety we have had a procession of young local players stepping up and winning. 

Our 1st XV has an average age of about 22 years – significantly down on last year. Last year’s Colts stepping up and lots of players “coming back” has contributed. We are more mobile, fitter and much harder to beat. Jake’s leadership and Rushy and guys coahing, and the responsibility taken by so many players to hold the line and fight for each other have been fantastic to see. Needless to say they are fed well by Dukes, and we are using the new school all weather set up on Thursdays which helps; but basically the spirit is there in abundance. The coaching is there. Keep on keeping on.

Well – just so you know, Cyrus my nine year old wrote this - not me. Keep winning!

Nigel Larcombe-Williams

CHAIRMAN TRFC




Chairman’s first 2009 Newsletter



....TRFC