OUNDLE
Promotion to Midlands Premier last April made Oundle (population 6,000) the second highest-placed Northamptonshire club behind Saints for the first time in the RFU Leagues. The achievement fulfilled the vision of DoR Peter Croot.
Head coach Jon Phillips, an ex-lock with 300-plus games for Northampton, has been a prime figure in their rise. In his day job, he is DoR at Tresham College, Kettering, and works part-time at Oundle School. His club coaching team includes forwards specialist Darrell Ball, ex-London Scottish, London Welsh and the Army, backs mentor John Hill, formerly of Ulster, and defence/breakdown specialist Darren Fox, ex-Northampton and Bedford.
Secretary and founder member Graham Snelling appeared at No 8 in their inaugural match against Bedford 4ths in 1976. His sons Toby and Grant now play for Oundle. “It’s a tremendous advert for our ‘family feel’ here,” he said.