Season’s Successful Conclusion

East Retford Rugby Club’s official playing season ended last weekend with a series of events, the first of which was the annual Sportsman’s Dinner held in a marquee behind the Clubhouse at Ordsall Road, attended by 174 members and guests. The speakers were former Bath and England full back, Jon Callard, and comedian John Stiles, son of Nobby Stiles who many will remember was a member of England’s 1966 Football World Cup winning team.

The Club wishes to thank SP Fabrications Ltd from Ollerton who sponsored the guest of honour, and the four Club members, collectively known as the Contractors, who combined to sponsor the comedian. Thanks are also due to those who donated sporting memorabilia and tickets for auction at the Dinner.

On Saturday the younger members of the Club held their Presentation Evening. As in previous years, the event was well supported and over 300 people comprising players, family members and friends attended. Due to numbers, the event was held in two separate sessions with the Under 7 to Under 13 age groups in the first session and the Youth players (Under 14 and above) following on later in the evening.

Mementos were given to all players and four particular awards were made in each age group, namely to the Players’ Player of the Year, the Coach’s Player of the Year, the Supporters’ Player of the Year and the Most Improved Player of the Year. The overall award to the Junior Player of the Year went to Luke Borton.

Under 16s coach, Garry Woodcock, presented Senior Club ties to all those players who had graduated from the Youth section last year and have represented the Club at senior level this season.

Three long-serving coaches at the Club have decided to retire - Chris Wilson who has been coaching the Under 14s this season, and Simon Coney and Glenn Spears who have been looking after the Under 15s. Club President, Mike Phillips, thanked all three individuals for their hard work and the significant contribution they had each made to Junior and Youth rugby in Retford over the past many years. A suitably inscribed tankard has been presented to them. This season’s Under 14s are next season’s Under 15s and the Club would like to welcome and thank Jonathan Severn, a former player at Retford, who has agreed to take over the coaching of this age group in the coming season. This year’s Under 15s (next year’s Under 16s) will be coached by Garry Woodcock.

President’s Day, generously sponsored by RMF Engineering Ltd, Dinnington, was held on Sunday. Over 120 guests including the Mayor of Retford, Cllr Anthony Tromans and Mrs. June Tromans, and Cllrs. Michael and Wendy Quigley, Leader and Chairman respectively of Bassetlaw District Council, attended a buffet lunch hosted by the Club President and his wife. This was followed by the traditional match between the Club’s 1^st XV and a President’s XV, represented this year by a forward pack from Market Rasen & Louth Rugby Club and a back line from N. Derbyshire Rugby Club. Replacements for both teams were from amongst those E. Retford players not required by the 1^st team and one guest from Northolt Rugby Club. For the first time in some years the President’s team won the match, albeit narrowly by 49 – 44 points, in what, it was agreed by spectators, was one of the most enjoyable for some time. Thanks must go to all the players who took part and especially, of course, to the visitors from other clubs.

Although the playing season may now have ended, there will be continuing activity at the Club over the summer. Many of the Junior and Youth players will be meeting weekly to continue fitness and skills training and play some Tag rugby, and it is also hoped to organise one or two social events. Details of all activities and events will be publicised on the Club’s website (www.retfordrugby.com).