Welcome to the new season 2008 / 09

Well, it’s only two more training sessions till we visit Stow for the first game of the season, and after Tuesday night together with Coaches Stuart and Woody I’m feeling very confidant that we can have a much improved and successful season. The forwards had a good session on the scrum machine and are looking fitter than last season and very aggressive. We have a couple of positional changes in the pack this season as well as some new faces (and old in the case of Daz Arris). The backs also look dangerous with some very quick and strong runners who should benefit from the new ELV’s. This season should also see the break through into the first team of the first player to go from our minis through colts and in to the first team. Tim Westmacott is the son of our very own Brian and looks a very promising player who can play either open side or in the centre.

Back to the training and as usual Stuart has worked us hard on both fitness and skills on a Tuesday night and with the addition this season of Woody who has bought new ideas as well as sand bags and kettle bells the players all agree that it has been a good pre season. We are looking for improvement week on week for what is still a young and inexperienced side and whilst we are hopeful for good results from the off we don’t expect to be at full tilt to November time.

What we have seen is a group of very determined players who are already starting to form a close bond and who are willing listeners and workers. As captain it will be a pleasure to lead a team that you know will always give everything every time they pull on the shirt and will always fight to the end of each match for a correct result. And I don’t believe you can ask any more than that.

There were rumblings last season from some parts of the club that the first team were not as good as previous seasons, well whether right or wrong this has galvanized this group and there is a determination to show people that they are good players and more importantly a good group. We ask then for your full support this coming season, to come and watch the boys home and away and let us show you we are a good side.

Our first game is away at Stow on 30th August along with the seconds we will be traveling by coach and supporters are encouraged to come along support both teams and enjoy a few beers with the lads. This is a great way to get to know some of the new and younger players who are fast becoming key people on and off the pitch.

Please contact myself, JD or Olly Bertram if you would like a seat on the coach.

In the mean time please log on the club website for latest news on the club as well as latest news on games, teams etc. you can even get to know who you will be watching by reading the player profiles.

Finally  I would like to wish JD and his two’s continued success this season and hope he can find one or two more gems for the firsts.

I look forward to seeing you all in the bar for a beer, after watching some good rugby

Yours in Rugby

Ian ‘Wiggy’ Wyllie

Club captain

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Dear All,

Well…..What a great season the 2nd XV had in 2007-2008 then. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty chuffed with both the Team’s performance and also how some of the players improved and matured in such a short space of time. I would like to thank everyone involved last year particularly my Captain of Vice, Mark Anthony who has handed the mantle to Mark O’Flaherty for the season 2008-2009 and I know he is as keen as I am to make this year even better.

Moving forward, the only way we will improve on last season is if we have the availability of players every week. Tell your wives and girlfriends and “partners” that you are unavailable on Saturdays until May 2009……set out your stall and stand up for what you stand for……….Hoorah for Rugger. Stay after the Match and drink lots of beer with your Team mates and then go home (in a Taxi or get a lift with the missus….why not bring the missus??). Let’s win but have fun doing it.

Tell your friends; tell your family….Claverdon 2nd XV mean business this season so don’t get in our way.

If you aspire to play for Claverdon 2nd XV, then please call me (JD) on 07973518455 or email me, but be ready to join a Rollercoaster of success. It is not for the fainthearted; get on board if you think you can handle it.

Let me hear you roar Claverdon 2’s.

Grrrrrrrrr,

JD
Your 2nd XV Captain

Claverdon RFC – The Home of Village Rugby

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