Dynamic duo are delighted
MIDLAND SIDES BOUNCE BACK AS CHAMPIONS AFTER RELEGATION BLOW
THE conclusion of the 2019/20 season was like none that had come before it. In most cases, the final four or five games lay tantalisingly ahead for clubs to fight for titles, promotions or survival.
Instead of clubs battling it out on the pitch, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the RFU calculated league tables using a ‘best playing formula,’ using methodology that focused on home and away form set against remaining fixtures.
It resulted in the Coventry and Warwickshire area gaining three title winners; Stratford-upon-avon, Old Coventrians and Rugby Welsh. For the first two clubs on that list, it was a case of a return at the first time of asking following relegations last term. We spoke to the men in charge for a summary of their seasons.
■ Stratford-upon-avon, Midlands Two West South champions
2018/19 finish: 14th (of 14, relegated) Wadworth 6X South West 1 East
2019/20 season before cancellation: 1st, with 81 points, 11 points clear of second-placed Nuneaton Old Edwardians, having played a game more, with four rounds remaining
Final league placing: 1st, 99.55pts
Richard Pepperrell, director of rugby: “Following two very difficult seasons after a level transfer to South West (East 1), leading to a relegation, Stratford-upon-avon RFC are delighted to be heading back to level six again. We weren’t necessarily aiming for promotion in this first season but are delighted that it happened.
“We are most pleased with the development of the wider senior section of the club. We played every second team game available and were on for a league and shield double at this level too. Last season our second team managed only five games in the season as we were simply not able to field a team.
“The coaches, captain and players worked tirelessly from pre-season all the way through to the end to finish in such a strong position. Our only loss of the season came in the first game, away to Barkers Butts, we lost this game by a single point and to be honest it is my opinion that after the traumas of the season before, the players were simply not ready to win a tight game yet. After that we won every league game we played. Including bonus point wins away at closest title rivals Malvern and Nuneaton Old Eds. “We feel that we were the dominant team in the league and when the season was ended, felt like we had done enough to earn promotion that year. Our biggest disappointment with the abrupt end to the season was that we were due to play all three title rivals at home in the run in and were hoping for an end to the season that the players and supporters deserved.
“On Friday the captain, Matt Cook, called a night in (out) on Zoom and announced our championship win and the players enjoyed each others virtual company until 3am. This year we have created a great bunch of lads and are already looking to getting back to action in level six.”
■ Old Coventrians, Midlands Three West South champions
2018/19 finish: 11th (of 12, relegated) Midlands Two West South 2019/20 season before cancellation: 1st, 13 points clear of second place with four rounds remaining
Final league placing: 1st 96.56pts
Head coach Al Roberts: “It was a strange season, waterlogged pitches and an early finish due to coronavirus. We are so pleased the RFU decided to support the efforts of clubs at grass root level.
“After relegation last season myself and Marc Thomas wanted to bounce straight back and felt we had good enough players to win the league. We managed to keep the majority of players from the previous season and gained some new players. The Joy brothers joined us from Kenil
worth and strengthen our squad giving us options at 9 and 10.
“Dom Ames joined from Hinckley at hooker and made his presence felt physically on the field. Olly and Freddie Clark signed and made an impact. We used 41 players in the first team this season in both league and cup games and 21 of these players had come through the mini and junior section of OC’S which is testament to the good work of the M&J coaches.
“We started the season well prepared and the players knew the game plan off by heart – we just needed to sharpen up the execution. As the season went on the team gelled together and improved week on week. We sustained losses away to Alcester, Berkswell and Rugby St Andrews but managed to pick up bonus points from these three losses. We finished with 60 points from 15 wins and managed to pick up 19 bonus points due to our style of play, ending up on 79 points. We were unbeaten at home.
“With only four games left to play we were 13 points clear and the club was thriving on and off the field. The Archers, our second team, were playing well and most of the time consisted of 20 plus players many of whom would be at training Tuesday and Thursday along with the majority of the first team.
“Outstanding performances from several players week in week out included Elliott Sheepy who played at 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12 during the season. Paul Wilkes who played every first team game at hooker or prop, playing some of his best rugby so far. Olly
Clarke’s speed, skill and aggression in the centres, Cory Joy a live wire at scrum-half with impressive attack and defensive skills and Scott Parry who carried the ball and broke through tackles every game. Off the field we had a great physio team of Jess Shemmans and Nia Edwards who worked hard supporting the players needs. A massive thank you goes to Rich Clarke who spends endless and thankless hours organising.
“As a club we are looking forward to next season.”