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FROM THE fields and mills we rise. That slogan, shortened to #WeRise on Twitter, has become the rallying cry at Mitcham & Carshalton. Having been on their knees three years ago, the Surrey club are prospering – despite the pandemic.
“Losing match-day revenue is a concern but lockdown has been a blessing in its own way,” says chairman and flanker
Keir Waller. “It reignited us. Some people on furlough found themselves with time to help build the player base, work our social media and develop our facilities. They were able to add that layer of paint to the changing rooms or help clear out the garden. It’s let us take stock of what we have and how to move forward.”
One player, Jacob Williams, took the lead in generating new sponsorship, with four new brand partners finalised during the summer. Work on a beer garden was completed while additional changing rooms were created.
They set a goal of having 75 active players by Christmas and were propelled towards that figure by the relaunch of a women’s team under DoR Ed Marsh. Everyone at the club is itching to play again, with the first XV having won promotion to Surrey Four. Key players include fly-half Williams, openside Max
Duggan and lock Fergus Garnade, the new captain.
As well as the league, the club won a MasterCard Community
Award after entering a competition in The Sun. “Rugby can still be a bit rah-rah-rah and in instances we’ve been judged by clubs because of our location,” Waller says. “It’s predominantly a football area and we believe there needs to be an opportunity for those who’ve not played rugby. We give people that opportunity.”
The prize included a visit from Neil Back, who watched England’s first game of RWC 2019 in their clubhouse. “He’s a great bloke, even if he did rugby-tackle me into the sofa!” adds Waller.
We wish the ‘Lavender & Greens’ well when fixtures resume. If you feel your club merits a Team of the Month award, email alan.pearey@futurenet.com.
Email stories and pics to Clubs Editor Michael Austin at aus231@aol.com or call 01400 282189. Team of the Month entries to alan.pearey@futurenet.com