Match Preview

At the oddly named Coombe Dingle sports complex last week, a handful of us supporters gathered to watch the game against St Brendans where It was bitterly cold in the wind whilst the occasional heavy downpour sent many of the Old Farts running for cover. The final score of 31-45 gave us the win and the five points but none of us were aware at the time that the win had secured promotion to the Gloucestershire Premier.

Coincidentally, our promotion into Gloucestershire One was also secured when we played against none other than St.Brendans in April 2014!

It seems like we’ve been trying forever to get out of Gloucester 1, but now the lads have finally done it and we can now look forward to life in the Gloucester Premier alongside the likes of Old Richians, Berry Hill and Hucclecote amongst others . Of course, this is only the first item to be ticked off the seasons wish list as the St Brendans win only guaranteed us second place mathematically, but another win this Saturday will make club history and confirm us as champions and the celebrations can really begin.

However, Cirencester stand in our way and Jake McMahon was in no mood for anything other than a win earlier this week when he said “This game isn’t just a league game, it’s the last 80 mins of 7 seasons hard work that the players, ex-players and coaches have put in. A rallying cry for a huge performance from the players and a call for as many supporters as possible to watch history being made.”

It doesn’t end there of course as the challenges continue to mount as our trip to Westbury on the 14th March draws closer. But for me personally, promotion was always the priority whilst anything else would be a bonus. But seasons like this don’t come around too often and the confidence and belief in the club at present tells me there’s more to come.

It was a fantastic achievement to get promoted and it shows that the efforts of all concerned have been rewarded. Well done all!

Whilst the 1sts face Cirencester the 2s travel to Old Pats with a robust selection which includes at least six players who have featured for the 1s regularly this season. They do however face a big challenge as usual.

The Squad;

1. Jake Kellaway
2. Jake McMahon
3. Euan Bryce
4. Toby Harris
5. Gareth Flounders
6. Chad Crosby ©
7. Aaron Rickets
8. Jack Flounders
9. Luke Stephens
10. Luke McMahon
11. Josh Flounders
12. Connor Jones
13. Jake Hanley
14. Ton Brind
15. Joe Langbridge

Finishers

16. Gareth Winters
17. Sean Norton
18. Gav Worrall

Finally, See Kev Norwood for coach seats for next weeks National Cup Quarter Final down in Westbury. Leaving the club at approximately 11.30am and returning around an hour and a half after the final whistle. Adults are £12 and kids are £6. Breakfasts, hot drinks etc will be served prior to departure.

OCRFC
GBTS