Back Blues for a rip-roaring start
Chichester RFC kick off a new season in London one south on Saturday hoping strong local support on the sidelines can help them mount a promotion push.
They begin with two huge games - at home to Horsham this weekend and away to Havant seven days later.
A good start could kickstart a season of success at Oaklands Park and CRFC bosses hope plenty of people turn out to see it unfold.
Director of rugby Paul Colley said: “As one season finishes, the even harder work of preparing for the next season starts almost immediately and as we now enter the later stages of preseason, our thoughts turn to the first league game of the 2019-20 campaign at home on Saturday - the mouthwatering Sussex derby clash between us and Horsham.
“We have not played Horsham at first-team level for many years, but back in my own first-team playing days Horsham v Chi was a big clash.
“Horsham are on the rise and have won promotion up to London one south.
“It looks like being another highly competitive and exciting league. Alongside Horsham as new sides in the league are the Honorary Artillery Company (HAC), a side I don’t think Chichester have ever played, Belize Park, another London-based side also new to Chichester, KCS Charlie Wallace will captain the Chi RFC first XV this season
Old Boys from Surrey and Beckenham from Kent, two old foes we’ve met in previous league campaigns.
“Also in the league are some well-established London one clubs, with both Camberley and Medway from last year no doubt looking to push on from strong seasons.
“Westcombe Park, with our ex-head coach Rob Lawrence at the helm, will also no doubt be looking to return to higher level rugby.
“In the second week we are travelling to our huge local rivals Havant. The word is they are amassing a very big
squad and will undoubtedly be looking to turn the tables on us and indeed be pushing for promotion.
“How the season will pan out we obviously don’t know but what we do know is that whatever the game, the role that supporters can play is massive - in a game based so much on passion and emotion, the support on the sidelines is invaluable.
“We hope to see you all on Saturday and over the course of the season.”
Off the field work has continued apace with chairman Paddy Mcalpine working feverishly to finish the Oaklands Pavilion project in style – with final refurbishments taking place to make the pavilion an outstanding rugby and nonrugby venue.
Colley added: “On the rugby side we are building for our base of last year with the core of both the coaching/ support staff and the playing squad remaining, plus a few new additions.
“It takes a huge team effort to support quality rugby provision as the list of people shows. My thanks in advance go to all those involved and those who support via sponsorship, watching and using our excellent facilities.