Hello one and all,

I hope you’ve all had a relaxing summer and had chance to recuperate from any niggling injuries, because as from next Tuesday the 1st, pre season training will commence.  For those of you who have not been kept abreast of events, after a number of years at the helm Martin Tart has stepped down as chairman and Dave Newstead has taken over the reins.  From a playing and coaching perspective, Paul Towers has stepped down as coach due to personal commitments ant Trevor Edwards has come in to head a new coaching setup.  I  am continuing as captain and to support me I have asked Des Horton to be my vice-captain and Eddie Lodge to be pack leader.  Matt Paylor has stepped up to captain the seconds and Wonga the thirds. 

Our expectations are as follows;

• 1.       We run a Third team on a regular basis
• 2.       The Seconds compete in and hopefully win the social league which they are entered into thanks to Paylor
• 3.       The First’s attain promotion by winning Durham and Northumberland 3

Regardless of whether you perceive yourself to be 1sts, 2nds, 3rds, colts, or a social member, we can all contribute to achieving these targets.

This starts with training.  All, regardless of age, ability, beauty or waist size, are welcome and expected to train so that we may develop as a club.  If you ask any of the lads who have been coming down over the summer they’ll tell you that there’s some really enjoyable and rewarding drills being done, and this will only improve as numbers increase.

It’s been said before, but, with the integration of the colts combined with relegation, if players aren’t training they won’t be selected, and that goes for both firsts and seconds including myself, Des, Eddie and others who in the past this has not applied to. It’s down to us all to support our club and help set this precedent by coming down Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Everyone wants to play enjoyable, competitive and winning rugby regardless of ability and everyone wants GRUFC to be successful at all levels, from mini’s upwards.  I assure you if we all train and develop as a squad, both individually and collectively we will all be more successful and we will all enjoy our rugby more.

I hope to see you all there this Tuesday, and then ongoing throughout the summer

Regards

Flinty