Towcestrians RFC 2004-2005

The 2004-2005 season will go down in our history books as probably the most successful season ever for TOWCESTRIANS RFC, where we clinched the Midlands Three East (South) League title, only days after a young Tows side clinched the Lewis Shield at the expense of Northampton Old Scouts at Franklin's Gardens.

The Annual Dinner was, as expected, a much anticipated evening for everyone and John Woolley began by welcoming honoured guests, Derek Watkins, EMRU, Bernard Philips, Wayside, Towcester and ‘Chad’ Chambers of Nu-Cam Systems. He could hardly contain his delight as he reflected on a ‘marvellous year’ for the club as he reminded those present that apart from the League title and the Lewis Shield, Towcestrians RFC had also won the Northampton Paget Cup, the 2nd XV had won their league and the 3rd XV were runners-up in their respective league and these playing achievements extended into the Mini & Juniors section – highlighted by a wonderful win at their National Cup Final for the U13’s at Twickenham .
Guest Speaker and new Colts XV Coach, Martin Hynes, extended his congratulations to the club on a great season, which he knew had been a result of hard work and dedication by both coaches and players. However, he did issue a cautionary note that especially when moving up to a higher league, we would need to earn the respect of our opponents, which means improved skills and fitness levels, and that everyone would need to be even more dedicated.

Club Captain, Paul Osborne-Wright (‘Oz’) heaped praise on his 1st team squad and was quick to thank 2nd Team Captain, Chris Dodd, for his excellent support with team selections and guidance of the 2nd team to their league title. He then focussed on the Captains and players of the 3rd and 4th XV’s remarking that whilst it was the 1st team squad, which get the accolades, it is in the 3rd and 4th XV’s where we not only develop players, but where we have players who are the backbone of a successfulclub and they too deservedly should feel very much a part of this season’s success. He added that it was not by mistake that Towcestrians had done so well this year, when we each team had been ably led and he thanked Crispin Slee, Pete Sergeant and Frank Osborne for their unstinting efforts.

‘Oz’ then turned his attention to the Coaching team and commented on how delighted he was that their commitment had also been rewarded with this season’s excellent results. Frank Packman was commended for developing a coaching and training regime, which whilst not always popular with the players, definitely returned the results, which we all feel that Towcestrians deserved and he wanted to ensure that Frank knew that he was recognised by everyone as the main architect for this success.

‘Oz’ then presented the ‘HEYGATES’ most improved 1ST XV player of the Year to ‘Big ‘Ol’ Joe Chambers, the ‘1st XV Player’s Player of the Year’ to Marc Yeates and the WAYSIDE 1st XV Player of the Year to ‘Jim Wallis’. Chris Dodd presented Richard Carter with the HOZELOCK 2nd XV ‘Player of the Year’ before Seb & Henry Cooke were jointly presented with the NU-CAM 3rd XV ‘Player of the Year’ and Dave Lawrence the 4th XV ‘Player of the Year’. Colts Captain, James Padfield then presented the ‘Most Improved COLTS Player of the Year’ to Rob Whitlock, the COLTS XV ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ to Tom Harris and the COLTS ‘Player of the Year’ to James Padfield.

Club Captain, Paul ‘Oz’ Osborne-Wright sends out the same message as he did pre 2004-2005 season and would tell you: ‘’This is a very good time for players and ex-players to join Towcestrians RFC. Our pre-season training started in June under the guidance of Frank Packman, Robbie George and Martin Hynes, and we regularly get up to 30 players at a session. We know we have a tough season ahead and that we will be tested to the limit, however, we are confident that our training schedules will continue to make this possible. Anyone who is serious about playing rugby, will know they need to get fit. So, if you are interested, come down to join us on a training evening at 7.00pm on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays’’.

For more information contact:
David Taylor on: (01327) 352248
e-mail: david.taylor@towcestriansrfc.net
web site: www.TowcestriansRFC.Net

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