By Ben Fowler
SEASON 2007-2008
16-6-2008
For the first XV we make our debut in London 4NE, a division that throws
together teams from Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. It is a big step up,
but, the greater the challenge, the greater the reward. The 2nd XV will
look to build again, this season under the stewardship of Tom Warwick
and Neil Powell, two outstanding stalwarts of the club, who, I am sure
will contiunue the excellent work of their predecessors. For the 3rd XV
we look forward to more of the same from a side that houses some
outstanding young talent, and is helping to shape the longer term future
of the club. Both the 2nd and 3rd XV have massive parts to play, not
only do they compete week in week out in very competitive BL Merit
divisions, but, they are invaluable in aiding the development of future
1st XV stars. We have started to see that work come to fruition over the
past couple of seasons, and it is very rewarding to see young players
who learnt their trade in the 2nd XV really make a mark on the step up
to 1st XV duty. Long may it continue.
Senior training begins on Wednesday 25th June at 7pm sharp, this will be
increased to two nights per week, when we get closer to the start of the
season. As I have outlined above, we have had a tremendous few seasons,
but we are entering new territories as a playing squad. We need to
challenge ourselves even more this year, and that requires commitment,
effort and sacrifice. MAKE THE EFFORT TO GET TO TRAINING, AND TAKE THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF REACHING OUT TO YOUR FRIENDS AS WELL! We have seen
what we are all capable of when we put the work in, let's aim to make
2008/09 an even bigger success!
Good luck for the season, let's enjoy every moment of it.
See you on the 25th
Ben
15-8-2007
As I write, we are 8 weeks into pre-season training and just a week away
from our first game. I have been exceptionally impressed with the
dedication, the passion and the application the players have shown at
training. The sessions have been hard and at times firey, but the
players have really stepped up a gear and made sure we have achieved a
great deal and that each session has been of the highest quality. Thank
you to both players and coaches for this. It is clear that the bulk of
the squad have thrown themselves into fitness and weight training in
their own time, and that is also very pleasing to see, and underlines
the shear determination to succeed that exists throughout the entire
playing squad of the club.
Make no mistake about it, this is another big season for the club. The
fantastic efforts of the players last year, with the 2nds winning their
BL Merit Division in style, the 3rds winning their BL Merit Division
Plate Final and the 1sts achieving a credible 4th place in their 1st
season in Essex One, will need to be built upon in 07-08. The
installation of floodlights and the commitment of those who run the club
to continue to develop at a staggering pace, means that this club will
stand still for no man.
These are exciting times at Central Park, and I would like to finish by
saying to the players, excellent effort so far, do not sit back though
as the hard work is just beginning, let's make this a memorable season
for everybody involved.
To the supporters, come rain, wind or shine, your dedication and spirit
is a huge lift to all of us, we look forward to seeing a big touchline
on many occasions this year, we hope we can produce a brand of rugby
that will keep you entertained week in week out.
Thank you all and look forward to seeing you all on Thursday 23rd August
when we tackled Upminster 1st XV in our first pre-season game, kick off
7:45pm at Central Park
Cheers
Ben Fowler
As we put to bed the historic 2007/08 season, the time has come to focus
on the challenge ahead. 2008/09 brings with it new opposition, lots more
travelling, but a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves at a higher
level.
1st Xv Captain
2007-08
