Captains Corner
This Season – 2005/2006
B.I.R.F.C. 60th Anniversary (1943 – 2005)
The Ironsides are now in their 5th successive season in the Surrey 1 League and building steadily on previous seasons successes. Last year’s 1st XV finished in 12th position with 12 points having played 16, won 6 and Drawn 0. A better reflection of last years achievement is in the points tally, for 275 and against 274. In true Ironsides fashion, we were let down in the easy games but as always rallied hard in the tougher fixtures. There is no question that our narrow losses on the field cost us at least 7 places on the table.
This year, our aim is to finish in the top 6, certainly achievable when looking at the effort and talent we have seen down at pre-season training. Another factor of this years success is the arrival of a new and experienced coaching staff, Mick Pugh and Kieran Forkin. Their involvement has been well received and attendance at our sessions are evidence of that. Ultimately though, it will be up to each individual player make the effort to attend training, keep fit and be eager to learn in order for us to achieve our aims.
The 2nd Team looks to be very strong this season, in contrast to a poor 2003/4 finish. With many players vying for 1st team spots, the “Super 2’s” will always be a tough team to beat. Under the leadership of Miles Pearce and Gareth Thomas they will be looking to emulate the 2002/3 season when they finished a close 2nd in the Merit League.
The 3rd’s are arguably the best team in the club to play for. Many 1st team players, including myself started playing for the “Three’s”. Also in a Merit league, Paul Connor and Bruce Marcus will hoping to emulate the 2002/2003 season when they finished 2nd after a one-point final match against K.C.S. Old Boys.
“The Mothers” as they are affectionately known, were the 2003/2004 League Champions. A rare and subtle blend of old an new, The Mothers will be looking to retain their title lead by Mick Wilkie and Jason Chapman. It’s been said that you have not played rugby until you have played with our Mothers.
Iron’s are in a good position this year to achieve success across every team. Training, facilities and membership are all better than in the previous 4 years since I joined the club. Closer involvement with the Junior Club, Local Sponsorship and positive publicity will help to keep us moving in the right direction. It’s now up to the players to prove their worth on the field irrespective of what team they play for. Any club is only as strong as it’s weakest team.
Woody