Castle Cary Rugby Football Club
Club Secretary: Viv Armson
Hi everyone and welcome to the spring edition of the Club Newsletter. Please make every effort to join in with the forthcoming
As you're all aware, we have new and exciting plans for our Clubhouse. Here are the highlights of our progress:
- We have raised £41,217.49 so far towards the cost of building. Still more is needed!
- We have been working with the RFU to ensure that the plans meet its requirements.
- We are actively applying for funding to help us, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let Viv know.
- We will be shortly asking for quotes for the necessary work.
Chairman's report: Bryan Hunt
We're well into the season and both teams are doing really well. Congratulations boys and keep up the good work.
May I take this opportunity to remind you that we are a club privileged to have access to International tickets. These are for the use of our Club members, their families and friends only and are NOT FOR RESALE. Unfortunately, members have listed club-supplied International tickets for sale on eBay and the RFU has had sight of this activity. It is considering what action should be taken against us. We have appealed and are waiting for the outcome of the RFU's decision. If you apply for tickets, are successful but then subsequently find you don't need them, they MUST be returned to the Club and not sold on.
Club coaches: Andy Gibbens & Jerry Davies
The first team has managed to win six games in a row since Christmas and the defence has only allowed three tries in those games. Half a try a game: not bad!
The forwards have been in dominant mood and when we keep partnerships together the backs have done well too. We are up to third and following promotion this is a great achievement. Congrats to Hoggy and his men.
The seconds continue to compete in their new division. Let's all remember this was the division the firsts were in last year. Martin White has done sterling work at coaching and in getting teams on the park. We are also very proud of the fact that players are progressing from seconds to firsts. Congratulations to Chris Wake, Jo Pullen and Richard Johnson.
Junior update: Karen Travers & Steve Armson
Some of you have mentioned that you would like the squads to play more games. We're pleased to tell you that Joe Pullen has already secured quite a few matches for all age groups for next season!
We have had a difficult start to the year with frozen pitches and opposition calling off games at the last minute but would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience. It is very frustrating for all concerned. We update the website as soon as we have the information, so please keep checking it.
As always, we have had some excellent games, and are looking forward to a busy end of the season. With the sizes of some of our squads getting larger every weekend, the remaining fixtures should be exciting.
The website's homepage now has a new layout and on the left-hand side is a 'Forthcoming' section. This will give you a rundown of the upcoming games and a link to directions for away fixtures.
Nearly all the age groups now have 'parent representatives'. If you are unsure who they are please ask your child's coach and they will point you in the right direction. If you can give them your contact details, that will make communication a lot easier if we have to call off training or if games change, etc.
We would like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who helps out, be it coaching, helping in the kitchen, parent representatives, selling raffle tickets to name but a few tasks and to those who provide sponsorship within the Club. It all helps things run smoothly and makes our lives a little easier. You may have noticed some of the coaches sporting new jackets recently. These have been provided by Rich Pfyl (U17s' coach) of The Charlton Inn in Shepton Mallet.
We will be collecting the Tesco school and club vouchers again this year. They are being given out from 1st March until 9th May. Last year we had enough points to get a tackling pad.
We have also organised a Bag2School collection for Monday 29th March. We will be collecting quality second hand ladies', men's and children's clothing, as well as bedding, curtains, soft toys, shoes, belts and handbags. Please do not put in bric-a-brac, duvets, carpet, mats or dirty or wet clothing. Bags will be available at the Club shortly and please only bring full bags on Sunday 28th March as we do not have space to store them.
Dates for your diary:
- Sunday 28th March: bring your full bags to the Club for our Bag2School collection
- Sunday 18th April: Super Sunday trip to Bristol Rugby
- Friday 14th May: Annual Development Squad Presentation, 7:00 pm at the Clubhouse
Club Treasurer: Chris Watts
The Club is in a good financial position and looks forward to expanding its facilities. This is necessary in the most part because of the increase in Youth Section membership, which is fantastic, but I would like to remind the parents of these children that the Club exists for the two senior sides — which your child may one day play for. So with that in mind, if you are serious about Castle Cary RFC, come and watch YOUR ADULT TEAMS on Saturdays. They are playing a great brand of rugby at the moment. Your support would be much appreciated, and don't forget the annual end-of-season dinner dance, an opportunity to have a great night out with friends old and new! Enjoy being part of a marvellous Club.
Social: Gary Powell & Richard Wraith
We have lots going on at the club so come and join us! Dates for your diaries include:
- Saturday 17th April: Lads & Lasses game, 2:00 pm
- Friday 14th May: Annual Development SquadPresentation, 7:00 pm
- Saturday 15th May: Annual Club Ball, 8:00 pm
- Saturday–Sunday 22nd–23rd May: Kay's 7s Weekend
- Saturday–Sunday 5th–6th June: Rugby Force Weekend — Your Club Needs You!