Stourbridge RFC is very proud of these facilities. Many years of hard work and detailed planning has gone into getting us where we are today. Already much work is going into next year’s improvement projects that could include the installation of an Artifi cial Grass Pitch to replace the traditional grass pitch in front of the Clubhouse. This would be an arrangement with RFU and will be a tremendous facility for us to offer to our members and the local community. As ever, lots of preparation has gone into this project by several members of the Stourbridge Committee. This will hopefully be available for the start of next season and will help to enable a high standard of skilful rugby to be played irrespective of the weather. It should give all our players more opportunities to play on a perfect surface and it will also enable others to use the facilities through a web booking system.
Talking of preparation this leads me onto a key theme today, the preparation done by our Rugby Coaches. I was once told, fail to prepare then prepare to fail. This is so true, and on this subject, we have three of the best in the business with us today, perhaps it’s the Australian infl uence that makes each prepare meticulously. All three guys came out of the Randwick club in Sydney - Eddie Jones, Glen Ella and our very own Rod Petty. What a terrific job Eddie has done in turning around England’s fortunes and Glen, a past coach of Stourbridge and about to assist Eddie with England’s attacking force for the summer tour of Argentina. Rod, also a perfectionist, works hard at preparing our lads to perform to their best week in week out. Our players have been lucky to have benefi ted from the Australian influence of Glen and Rod and they have no doubt themselves learnt from coaching at Stourbridge. So, two out of three have already coached at Stourbridge - Eddie feel free to call the club at any time... Well done to you all and keep up the excellent work.
On the playing front this season, the 1st XV, having lived with the best for two thirds of the season have tailed off over the past couple of months. This shows that strength in depth is required if we are to push for promotion next year and there is a need to ensure competitive matches are regularly available for all squad members. The Lions have had a great season, winning their league and being promoted to level 6, which will enable greater movement of players between the two clubs next season. The tremendous Lions spirit and enjoyment of the game is infectious and we hope to benefit from this for many seasons to come. The Greyhounds also won their league and gained promotion, the Colts have performed strongly and the M&J section continues to fl ourish and has been very successful in all age groups. What a great credit this is to all players, coaches, helpers and supporters throughout the whole club.
Socially the club is growing together as the family atmosphere is back. Our two big events, this May weekend and the Bonfire Night, have both exceeded expectations and the club has had many other enjoyable events during the year. This has been largely down to the very hard work of Miles Edge, Robin Edwards and Louise Price, ably supported by Sharon Dickens in the offi ce and Bar & Catering staff who have all worked tirelessly. Very recently we have also seen the return of Donna Tromans as Hospitality Manager who will no doubt take us to another level.
Welcome back Donna...
All the hard work that is necessary to run a successful club sometimes goes unnoticed and behind the scenes we would welcome any member who would like to volunteer in whatever capacity for next season to step forward. Stourbridge RFC is a very special club and has been a very special place to me for many years. It is about all members focussed and pulling together to create a great atmosphere and environment for us to enjoy. Long may it continue and thanks again for your support today.
Nick Perry
President - Stourbridge RFC
