THE OLD HABERDASHERS' R.F.C. Report for the 1999/2000 Season

When it was announced at the end of season ball last year that I was to captain O.H.R.F.C. 1st XV in the forthcoming season I was surprised, but looking forward to the challenges ahead. The newly installed 2nd XV captain Chris Corney was in a very similar position - we were new to the system and had plenty to learn. Over the last few years the Club as a whole had changed and like many other small clubs in our position, our aim was to keep two sides running on a regular basis. Over the year I would say we were partially successful in this - one of the main problems lies in constantly having the opposition 2nd XV cry off at the last minute leaving us without a game. It was most definitely an experience that we have both learnt from and next season the rebuilding of the Club will continue.

Training began in early August and under the supervision of Andy Charles a healthy number of players attended. The sessions were as enjoyable as they can be with the aim of getting fit for the warm up C.L.O.B. tournament. With a small player base, particularly in the front five positions, this tournament highlighted some of the problems we would face over the year. However, we reached the plate semi-finals and thus looked forward to the start of the league and cup campaign.

Playing Old Millhillians, who are a league above us in the cup, was always going to be difficult but the hard earned victory was to become one of the highlights of the season. We won 7-6 with the reliable Andy Brooke kicking a touchline conversion in the last few minutes sealing the win. We remained unbeaten in the cups mainly through availability problems!!

It was my aim to finish in the top six of the league and therefore retain our position. This looked a possibility after the first game, a 6-6 draw with Hitchin. However the Rugby World Cup seriously hampered availability through October and November and we were not to win a game until early December. Perhaps the greatest victory of the season was recorded against London New Zealand. By this stage injuries had been mounting to a number of key players - both myself and the vice - captain Mike Scott were not to play again, Simon Liddle, Ben Simmons and the evergreen Pete Hurley were also out whilst Martin Reeves (the stand in captain) through no fault of his own pulled out on the morning of the game. This left Randal Whitaker to lead the side - we arrived late to the wrong ground but soon had fifteen men at the correct place and destroyed the eventual league champions 27-18.

The past annual fixture versus O.M.Ts was revived the day after Boxing Day and although we lost, a good day was had by all. I hope this fixture will continue to flourish. The month of January became our most successful, winning two league games against Upper Clapton and Stevenage. As usual the dinner was held at The Cumberland Hotel in Harrow and we had a smashing evening. Simon Lloyd played his first full season for the 1st XV for many years and was awarded a colours tie. He celebrated it in fine style.

The end of season run in was not too successful in terms of results, losing six matches in a row. However the games were closely contested and we managed to lose by less than one score in three of the fixtures. Our overall league position was twelfth meaning that we move into the Herts./Middx. league two and will play sides both home and away next year.

At this point I would like to mention a number of key players and thank them for their effort. To Lee Rossney who notched up his two hundredth appearance for the 1st XV in our last game of the season. This is a tremendous achievement and he should be warmly congratulated. Lee has been a great help and once more organised an extremely successful O.H. 7s tournament - well done. Martin Reeves the stand in 1st XV captain has done a great job and his enthusiasm in the changing room will be sorely missed as he enters retirement. James Howarth, a student studying in London for nine months, played remarkably well over the year and he was awarded with player of the season. He will be a huge loss when he goes back north to finish his education.

There is always a great deal of work that is carried out behind the scenes to keep any club alive and I am indebted to a large number of people who put in enormous effort - including Pauline, Mel and the girls at the Croxdale Road Club House; Peter Vacher - Ground Managers, John Egan - Referees, Andy Gray - Fixture Secretary, Chris Corney 2nd XV Captain, and Martin Baker.

In conclusion I would like to write a few words about the future of O.H.R.F.C. There is no doubt that the Club has reached a crossroads and is in a very perilous position. Many of the older generation of forwards are retiring this season leaving a huge hole to fill. There are some young players coming through but unfortunately they are limited. Jamie Baxter is one of these new players and we hope to attract more youngsters who will offer O.H.R.F.C. a great deal both on and off the field. Old Haberdashers is in a privileged position due to our connection with the School. However, it seems that this connection has been neglected and we must do our utmost to utilise it in the future. Fortunately for those new players coming through, this issue is being addressed - Nathan Williams who left school last year is working for O.H.R.F.C. one day a week as an administrative officer and I hope this bodes well for the future.

Thanks to everyone who participated in Old Haberdshers' rugby this year, I hope to see you all back fully refreshed for next season.

Michael Yeabsley