THE OLD HABERDASHERS' R.F.C.
Report for the 1996/97 Season

Despite gaining promotion for the first time since the creation of the leagues, 1996/7 was a disappointing season for O.H.R.F.C. - with the 1st XV's elevation merely the result of league restructuring, whilst poor availability led to the cancellation of a number of 'Ex A' XV games. However, the club should focus on the number of positive aspects of the season - most notably the rejuvenation of the 'A' XV under Rob Greene and the fine form shown by a number of players thrown into the spotlight in the absence of many of the stars of the previous season. In this respect and perhaps most crucially for the coming season, the club learnt that it was not enough to rely on the performance of a small number of very talented players; and that there is no substitute for training and regular availability.

Despite good performances in recent seasons 1996/7 was always going to be a trying time for the Club with the departure of two of the previous year's back row - Levine and Davies. However, injuries disrupted the season to an even greater extent, with the result that the side played in an extremely disjointed manner and failed to force home advantages in a number of games that were there for the taking. Indeed, this was not surprising given that between them - stalwarts of the previous year (Beagley, Davies, Griffiths (D), Levine, Griffiths (A) and Bannister) played only 15 games - compared to 150 the previous year.

That the club bounced back from such losses is a great tribute to the quality of players rising to the challenge in the 1st XV, and exceptional performances were turned in all year from Larder and Simmons, whilst the whole-hearted efforts of Reeves, Scott, Rosney and Whitaker were much more appreciated by players than touchline "experts". However, again pride of place must go to our mad Aussie hooker Peter Hurley who was the figure-head of the best front five in the league and even by his standards accumulated a record number of stitches in the Club's cause. Outside the pack, performances were less eye-catching than in previous years - but Bitmead and Brooke both contributed some good games at fly-half, Charles was solid (and got more solid), and Cameron, Djaba and Bannister showed signs what awaits once we get our act together. Indeed, signs for the forthcoming season are good - with the return of Davies and West, but more importantly with a realisation that hard work is required to return the sort of results the Club's undoubted talent deserves.

Such an ethic was the basis on which the 'A' XV's season was based, and credit must go to the side for their improved performance following the disasters of 1995/6. Availability and team-spirit were outstanding - with Donnohoe, Murphy, Fenner, Corney, Hughes, Crawford and Hogg leading the way. However, pride of place must go to skipper Rob Greene who overcame the loss of vice-captain Hopkins and the hurdles presented by a thick Irish accent to put the team back on the road to recovery. The key now is for some players no longer required regularly by the 1st XV to spread their skills and experience amongst the 'A's. The 'Ex A's suffered as a result of injuries and poor availability higher up the Club and had a number of games cancelled at short notice, in spite of the valiant efforts of Stuart Parris, Neil Hughes and Howard Lancaster. Such a situation is unacceptable and the Club's main priority in 1997/8 must be to ensure three sides go onto the paddock every Saturday as
otherwise player-base will start being eroded. In this respect, I ask all players to make themselves available as often as possible (for which ever side they are chosen), support the Club's various social events and please drag a friend down to play.

If we all muck-in in 1997/8, I am sure that we can return to the level of rugby that the talent of O.H.R.F.C. deserves. Such a situation would be a fitting tribute to the many people who dedicate so much time to the Club. In this respect I would like to thank Lee Rosney for his years of hard (and unrecognised) work as vice-captain, the Committee for struggling on (in spite of other commitments and usually a lack of minutes!), our regularly disappointed spectators (Messrs Tanner, Egan, Lakeland and Bannister) and the ever moaning steward. A better time in 1997/8 would also be no more than the players deserve, as even despite the poor results of 1996/7 the humour and fun of the season merely showed what an extraordinary bunch of men, boys and wingers play their rugby at Croxdale Road.

Results