Rugby - Mid-Season Report
We approached our new season in London 2NW with a certain amount of apprehension having not played at this level since 1998-99. However, after winning three of our first four games confidence grew. Stiffer opposition came from Staines and Hammersmith & Fulham who beat us and we now stand in mid table having won four and lost four. Our captain, Craig Foster, suffered a broken jaw at Staines so is out until early next year, all being well; being elected Club Captain seems to have carried a poisoned chalice in the last three years!
The Lambs, also promoted to Herts Middlesex Merit Table 3, have recorded some notable wins playing expansive rugby under their new coach Phil Smith. Our A XV is also in the merit tables and has played regularly when the opposition arrives. Mark Grose, the captain, has convinced some older players that their playing days are not over; well done to them all.
After more than 15 years of valued service to the Club, Colin Wyatt has retired as Fixture Secretary and we were delighted that Middlesex Rugby acknowledged his contribution to the game with their award as a Valued Volunteer; well done and thank you Colin!
By coincidence, our league fixture with HAC was scheduled for Nov 15th in the Remembrance Week of the centenary of WW1; many OMTs joined the HAC and 27 of those were lost in the war. We commemorated their sacrifice with poppies placed next to their names on the memorial boards and had two minutes' silence before the match; unfortunately we lost.
The World Cup is to be hosted by England in 2015 and the Webb Ellis Trophy will be touring the country before competition begins. We have made a proposal to have the trophy at Sandy Lodge for a day, probably in August; we await acceptance of our request.
On the social scene, our Supporters’ Lunches continue to be well attended and we had 45 when we played Old Haberdashers’ on October 11th; the next gathering is on December 6th when we play Chiswick. Just before Christmas, on December 20th Tom Kenison is arranging a “Themed Picnic Ball” at the Clubhouse and awards will be made for the best and most original theme. I am sure we will all enjoy an indoor picnic with tables of 10.
On December 28th, we celebrate OMT Rugby Day when the Black Sheep XV of recent School leavers team will play the Chairman’s XV (not-so-recent leavers) and we hope to have some Youth team fixtures as well. Kick-off will be at noon followed by food and refreshments in the Clubhouse.
Our touchline supporters’ numbers are slowly growing and I thank you all for your knowledgeable comments - your support is welcomed by the players.
Enjoy your rugby with OMTFC!
Richard Clack
Chairman OMTFC
November 2014