After the rugby had finished last season, the club embarked on tour to Torquay which was a fantastic opportunity for players, club members, and old farts alike to relax and enjoy themselves after a long season.

The tour itself, due to depart the club around Friday lunchtime, started around 6pm on the Thursday evening with more than a dozen tourists deciding they’d best sleep over at the club in case they missed the coach. In the morning after a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast they were ready to go, and the club itself had gained three stars on trip advisor.

Around 35 people converged at the clubhouse in good time as there were consequences for those who were late. This was probably because half of them were experiencing their first senior tour and may have been a little concerned about what might await them. Whilst many were involved in important pre tour business like voting of the tour chairman, the issuing of playing cards and counting the kitty, others busied themselves by considering which ‘virgins’ they might buy, stocking up for the journey or trying to hide from the man with the snuff.

Whilst all this was going on, the appointed justices for the kangaroo court sat quietly in the corner discussing what trumped-up charges they could come up with. In the event, the numerous ‘virgin’ tourists’ names were first to be written down and once the specially commissioned tour shirts were handed out, they quickly added George Perrins whose appalling spelling on them left them and many others thinking he should still be in school. But whilst there would be many more additions before the court hearings, for now at least, the justices were very pleased with themselves, and we hadn’t even left the clubhouse.

Once there we found that the hotel like the weather was nice, but there was no sea view as we were all confined to the lower ground floor, probably for the sake of the other residents. However, a short walk down the hill and the seafront with all its attractions could be found and many were quick to explore and enjoy. However, after a good night out that short walk back uphill saw many get to know the local taxi drivers very well!

On the Saturday we travelled to Teignmouth RFC to play our game of rugby. For reasons I won’t go into we were to play Old Walcountians RFC from London who were already waiting and sizing us up as we dismounted the coach. However, it soon transpired that they were excellent company as were our hosts.

We played our game in superhero costumes whilst they mostly played with no costumes at all, which gave a different perspective on the tackle law. Several amusing incidents ensued in the game and after an improbable and ridiculous 37-37 draw we all enjoyed the sunny afternoon. Some sang karaoke, some chatted and told tales, some played games and one senior member even used the Teignmouth pitch for a quick nap. But overall, days like that are why we tour in the first place.

There were many incidents of humor and mischievous behaviour of which I can’t comment on here, except to say no one got into trouble or got left behind, so it goes down as a very successful trip. The final act of the tour and the season was the traditional seaside swim in the warm 11 degrees of the English Channel. This was well received by all who had to participate, and they even thanked the senior tourists profusely for the experience, adding that they are already looking forward to next year!

Before next year’s tour though, we have got a new season ahead of us and after last season where everyone and everything was trying to get back to normality, local rugby seemed to take a back seat. Some clubs struggled with numbers resulting in cancelations of some games. However, whilst we seemed to buck the trend player-wise, we occasionally suffered through no fault of our own. Hopefully though, with the changes imposed by the RFU and this year’s more ‘local’ feel to the leagues, it’s hoped that it should be easier for all clubs to fulfill their fixtures. We will see.

The upcoming season will see a few changes on the playing front. We say goodbye and thanks to Chad Crosby, our longest-ever serving club captain who after seven years in the post deserves a rest. Gav Worrall retires from club coach whilst Bret Bennett and Harvey Williams step down from leading the 2s and 3s. There are also a few other people who have retired, moved on or moved away and we wish them all well. However, I suspect we’ve not seen the last of them!

In terms of management, Keith Trigg hangs up his keys to the bar whilst Eric Reddy, Matt Hurdle and Rob Stokes continue as officers with Cherokee Blair keeping them under control. We also welcome new additions to the general committee with Mark Stubbs, Keith Trigg, Bret Bennett and Kev Norwood joining the existing incumbents.

Taking over from Chad at the helm is Rob Trigg. Rob has been around the club since he was a youngster and is well respected by his peers. The last few seasons have arguably seen Rob play his best rugby winning several awards for his performances at the recent presentation evening. He will work closely with new head coach Lewis McKissick and forwards/player-coach James Allen and they are confident of a successful year.
The 2s see new captain Steve Arrington (Zulu) taking over. Instantly recognisable by his thick South African accent, Steve has been around the club for a few years after time playing for Cambridge and youth rugby in his homeland.

The mighty thirds see Matt Meadows taking on the crucial role of captain. He will be a busy man having also taken on the role of bar manager and will soon learn how to juggle running the bar with attending committee and selection meetings, captaining the thirds on a Saturday and manage his strict training schedule! He very much looks forward to taking the thirds forward and welcoming you to the club.

Jake Kellaway continues in a few roles after seemingly taking on half the posts available last year. He’s a busy lad and it’s good to hear that he’s finally slowed down a little. Shame that it’s a bit late for Gav Worralls car though!

Other news sees a ladies team making their home at OCRFC. Hardwicke and Quedgeley ladies will be based at Old Crypts and will train on a Wednesday evening and play on a Sunday afternoon. This is an excellent addition to the club bringing many new members and the opportunity for us to be more diverse and to see more rugby at the club. Leanne Reames is the ladies contact should you need to know more.

Most of the above are already common knowledge thanks to the posts our new media lady Amy Kemmett has been putting out. She has been busy updating the website and social media and is adding further platforms to get the Cryptian message across. But some older club members, having only recently upgraded to WhatsApp from ‘carrier pigeon’’ are unhappy that there are new apps such as Pitchero, Instagram and Flip Flop. There are also confused to hear that they’ve now got new hashtags!!

Senior training including the ladies, has already commenced and there are many events planned before the end of August so keep an eye on the social media.

See you soon.

OCRFC GBTS