Results Summary
Fixtures Summary
02 View From the Chair Dec 11
View from the Chair…
It only seems five minutes ago that Lesley was applying the thumbscrews to force me to produce some copy for the first edition of ‘The Red Lion Roars’ and now, here we are in December, and it’s happening again!
I know from chatting to many of you over the last couple of months that you appreciated the first edition of the newsletter and I would like (despite the aching thumbs!) to say thank you to Lesley for her hard work and skill in making it all happen.
Elsewhere, you will read of Martin Crook’s great success in identifying, with the help of the Town Council, some new playing space /changing areas that will, hopefully, be available for us to rent very early in the New Year. Although, not a permanent solution, this does at least give us a short-term fix.
I know how frustrating it is for everybody as another season passes and we seem no nearer to making our permanent move. Believe me, Martin and I have every sympathy as we have lost count of the number of meetings we have attended, alternatives we have considered and red herrings we have pursued while seeking to make things happen.
Unfortunately, as we all know, the economy seems to deteriorate rather than improve and, although it would probably be unfair to blame the Greek government for our lack of progress, it is tempting sometimes! All is not yet lost, however, and we continue to try our hardest to find the permanent solution.
On the field, the senior teams have had mixed results with the highlight probably being the Wasps (our Ladies team) who have produced some excellent results including a comprehensive win over table-toppers, Peterborough, although this is their first season in the official leagues.
The 1st XV have recorded some notable wins and produced some sparkling rugby but, as a predominantly young side (and much changed from last year), they currently lack consistency. Coaches Al Turner and Justin Loveridge , working with Andy Lyle, have a clear understanding of what is necessary to achieve success and a defined plan of how to achieve it and I have every confidence that all the planning and hard work ( with perhaps a modicum of good luck!) will bear fruit.
A word of sympathy for 1st team winger David Martin, who established himself as a regular (and regular scorer) in the 1st XV before injuring his hip while scoring a try at Harlow. I understand he is progressing well and I for one can’t wait to see him back playing again.
The 2nd XV, under Roger Miller, is also a team in transition containing a mixture of youngsters aspiring to play in the 1st XV and some older, more mature, players who have, perhaps, ‘done their time’ in the senior team and now, for good reasons, cannot commit to the rigorous regime required to play London League games every week. They too have had some excellent games although last-minute calls from the 1st XV as a result of illness or injury can disrupt their rhythm.
The 3rd XV under Marty are, as usual, enjoying their season and again pushing for honours in their Merit Table. I always enjoy watching the 3rds if I have the chance and, if you want to see whole-hearted commitment and enjoyment of the game by some of the real club stalwarts, I would recommend the experience.
Our youth and mini sections go from strength to strength and have again recorded some notable results although, of course, player development and enjoyment are as important as results - particularly at mini and the lower end of the youth age spectrum. Having said that, the Cup season is now on us and I would not dare to suggest that any Wymondham team was anything other than whole-hearted in pursuit of silverware!
The Colts and Under 17’s are already well down the Cup route and I have been privileged to watch some tremendous matches over the last few weeks. We have won some and lost some but we have never been outplayed and the U17’s last-minute loss to a penalty at Cambridge in the EC Cup ‘mini league’ was gut wrenching - especially as Cambridge had comprehensively won their games against the other competing clubs. The home match win against Colchester on Sunday 11th December (25–15) sees the U17’s going through to the semi-finals of the EC Cup and gains them a place in the National U17’s competition!
As mentioned last time, I was delighted to welcome Williams Lea to the family of Wymondham sponsors and the Christmas card competition which they so generously sponsored has proved a great success with some excellent designs from our younger members and an ‘interesting’ entry from Edward Coleman which has proved very popular with the Senior Players!
Christmas card competition sponsored by Williams Lea.
One of our winning cards
– designed by Reuben Lane aged 9.
Cards are available to purchase behind the bar
- so do remember to stock up!
The Sponsors’ Lunch is scheduled for 14th January at which we would like to see all our existing sponsors and anybody who might be thinking of joining us. This will be a good opportunity to ‘network’ and, if you are undecided as to whether to take the plunge, do come along and talk to existing sponsors - many of whom can point to specific business they have won through their sponsorship contacts.
Of course, I can’t mention sponsorship without once again thanking Leathes Prior Solicitors, our Main Sponsors, for their continued support both in monetary terms and for turning up time after time to our lunches to cheer on the team.
I am pleased to confirm that Leathes Prior and Williams Lea have agreed to be joint headline sponsors of the 2012 Annual Dinner and that we have signed multi-faceted rugby star and celebrity, Matt Dawson, to speak. Tickets are sure to be in great demand so do be sure that you book early (see our website for details) and claim the ‘Early Bird’ ticket price.
Before I finish, could I just remind you that there will be a Norfolk Rugby Carol Service in St John’s Cathedral on Earlham Road in Norwich at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday 20th December followed by drinks and refreshments in The Narthex at the Cathedral. Annette and I will be there and hope to see many of you too.
Finally, it only remains for me to thank you all for your support and to wish you and yours an extremely Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
John Mackay,
Chairman
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HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!
