IN her report presented at Crediton Rugby Club AGM, chairman Liz Goodman reflected on a remarkable season for the club on and off the field.

She said: “It was a Trophy laden season for all the senior men’s sides. With the first XV, whilst finishing as runners up in the league, we were the only side to defeat the league champions Topsham.

“We took the Frank Webb Cup at Okehampton with an aggregate one point victory over the two games. Okehampton became an even happier hunting ground for the 1st XV as we also went there to win the Devon Senior Shield.

“For the second XV, a remarkable double, winning the Counties 3 Devon NE League and gaining promotion to Counties 2 Devon.

“Following on from that we travelled to Torquay for the final of the 2nd’s XV Shield where we had a comfortable victory over Torquay 2nd’s.

“The Third XV were Champions of a very competitive Devon Merit Table, probably the toughest Merit Table competition for a number of years.

“We held off the huge challenge of Barnstaple 3rd’s and Ilfracombe 1st’s. Although were then defeated by Barnstaple 3rd’s in the David Butt Memorial Trophy Final, we contributed to a superb game which showed grassroots rugby at its best.

WOMEN’S XV

“The Women’s XV had a good year, continued to consolidate their position in NC1 South West (West).

“Despite some availability issues earlier on in the season, the squad rallied round and provided a solid finish to the season.

“Off the pitch, the ladies go from strength to strength with various socials, summer sports and an end of season tour to Bath.

“Hopefully a higher retention of U18 girls moving up to seniors next season will provide some more depth and competition for the upcoming season.

“For our U18’s its been a frustrating season with low numbers and few teams to play but non the less they made it into the plate final which was a huge achievement, a second place result having played a great game on a full size pitch.

“The girls finished the season on a high after the Senior presentation night and we look forward to seeing some move up to our Womens team.

“The Colts were always in a difficult group for the Colts Cup but nonetheless did the club proud in reaching the quarter final stage.

“The Club ethos is, we believe the correct one so far as the Colts are concerned, in that whilst it is nice to win trophies, it is equally important to keep players interested.

“In order to do that, then all players get equal game time during the season and we make full use of the half game rule.

“Some Clubs prefer the route of an elite squad which means some players don’t get their share of game time as they simply pick their best players for each game.

“The benefit for us is that the Colts leave age grade rugby and filter into the senior sides. This seasons 3rd XV was indeed a very young side which seems to buck the trend of other Club 3rd XVs.

VETERANS

“For the Veterans, our newest team, a season of success winning the inaugural Devon Wooden Spoon League and then defeating the combined League side to round things off.

“More Vets teams are joining this coming season and it promises to be a strong competition.

“We continue to see excellent achievement coming out of CRFC with representation in the Exeter College Academy, Exeter Chiefs Academy, Devon U20’s, England Students and England men and Womens U20’s, and we follow with pride, Louie Gulley and his signing for Exeter Chiefs. Well done to them all.

“Our Junior Section is and has always been an important part of CRFC. It is here our young people learn the rugby values of Teamwork, Respect, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Skills that will support them through their rugby journey and in to adulthood.

“So many of our players go on to play in our senior teams and this is part of what make CRFC so special.

“Our Juniors have had an excellent season on and off the pitch, players joining our first year U9 were a record high, and all our teams have had the excitement of playing a couple of games on our main pitch.

“We have throughly enjoyed seeing our junior forming the tunnel onto the pitch for our 1st XV, and supporting as ball people. We have seen fantastic fund raising for portable training lights and the new river pitch cafe is just great on those wet Sunday mornings.”

OFF THE PITCH

Liz continued: “We continue to be top of our game off the pitch too, how we manage to juggle so many games for so many members, beats me every week!

“Challenging parking, not enough playing space, a clubhouse that really is past its best! Well it is the love indeed that many of our brilliant and enthusiastic volunteers have that keeps its all going and their dedication is just amazing.

“Our membership stands at a record 790, we have increased to 19 teams. Running this business takes a lot of money, but you can all help! Drink more from the bar, yes soft drinks or alcohol every bit helps and please also support by sharing the benefits to people who may like to sponsor with us.

“Last year 123 of our senior men, women, U18 girls and Colts were sponsored. These two areas are by far the biggest incomes which pay towards the running of CRFC.

RELOCATION

“It was the end of a 15-year long struggle of negotiations in January when we completed on the purchase of the 21.27 acres of land for the relocation of CRFC. Made possible through a mitigation payment from Lidl UK to MDDC via Section 106 Funding.

“This is a milestone mark, but much work remains to ensure our successful relocation.

“We now enter the realms of pitch designs, ball strike assessments, drainage designs, planning applications and consultations.

“Our short term plan is to put in a planning application for pitches and a stone carpark so this season we can use the area. We have a grant application in for a full pitch through the RFU.

“Our long term plan is to move in its entirety but there are many tackles to have and points to score before then.

TESTIMONIAL

“Two memorable Presentation Award evenings, a brilliantly successful Beer and Cider Festival, the best ever supported Clean Up Day, would of happily brought the season to a close but no Jack Yeandle wanted to come home to Crediton for the final event of his Testimonial Year!

“Oh my goodness what a day, 1,200 people visited Crediton to enjoy the fast pace of touch rugby, with teams made up from Chiefs players past and present, our own CRFC men and women, and a few non players to add to the mix.

“The weather was good, the food enjoyed and the beer flowed all 45 kegs of it! It indeed was the most memorable day.”

She concluded: “We are tremendously proud of CRFC, and what this community club continues to achieve, the young people that develop through our club who turn into wonderful men and women, the volunteers who give up tireless amounts of energy and time, the highly successful team spirit both on and off the pitch, you need both for a winning result!

“Four year ago, I said jump on and join me on the CRFC bus, you did, we upgraded to a double decker and what a journey!

“I promised myself I would make my sons, James, Will, Matt and Scott proud, I did, they tell me they are infact super proud of their mum, and it is because of them I now park up my imaginary bus!

“Thank you CRFC for allowing me, trusting me, and supporting me in being your first female Chairman not Chairperson nor a Chairlady, I was just your Chairman!”