The new year represents an opportunity to reflect on a busy and successful first half of the season. Across our teams we’ve played nearly 40 games so far and brought a number of players back to the game. We’ve also been successful in both recruiting additional volunteers and building relationships with a variety of sponsors (more would be very welcome!). I’d like to thank everyone who’s played, volunteered, sponsored, coached or otherwise supported the club so far this season.
I’d also like to thank Neville, Rich, Martin and all the staff in the clubhouse for looking after us so far this season, the pitch remains excellent and hope the till has been ringing (I’d encourage all of you to get your CACSSA card, which is free with your CSSC membership).
A special mention to Gary, Hawks and Iz at Norton for their help using the Norton ground for matches and training, plus Rich Hine for organising the bar.
The 2nd half of the season will be equally busy, with both Civil Service and Norton needing to finalise if we should merge, and what that merger will need to look like
For the Civil Service element at the very least, we will look to change how we referenced in official correspondence, including with the RFU, to CCS Rugby, the CCS referencing Cheltenham Civil Service. We hope that this will serve two purposes, one to reflect that we are club open to non-Civil Servants, and especially in the digital age, to reduce the connection for some of our members to ‘Civil Service’ & ‘Cheltenham’ on the internet. Club members will have the opportunity to consider this change at an EGM/AGM before its adoption.
We will need to inform the RFU about these changes by the end of March in order for them to be enacted for season 2024/25. We are trying to confirm with the RFU what steps will be need to take if we wish to take this forward.
On the playing side, for the mens side, the Warpigs, the number of league games has been disappointing, resulting in us having to arrange a significant number of friendly matches, often at short notice. However, results have been very positive, with wins in all three league games thus far (a fourth is due this weekend). Whilst the number of games has been disappointing, the quality and competitiveness has been excellent, including a superb comeback win against Cinderford 3s.
We have also been able to field a mens 2nd XV, Warpigs United, on a number of occasions so far this season. The ability to offer regular rugby at the right level of competitiveness, has encouraged a number of players who had stopped playing to return to the game. Our current intention is to enter our United side into the GRFU Merit Tables next season.
Our Ladies team is also enjoying a good season, after recruiting well over the summer. Four players are also currently in the Gloucestershire Women’s training squad, and we hope that they will go on to earn County colours.
The Ladies are currently third in a very competitive league and unbeaten in four games. This included a last-gasp away draw in dreadful conditions with Cheltenham North, with Service running in a try with the last play of the game.
The Sharks have sadly lost a number of our younger players, with the majority now playing across three age grade teams. Lots of good rugby is being played, supported by excellent coaching across our age groups. We also proud to confirm we have three Sharks representing the club at the DPP. This is extremely encouraging for both developing their rugby skills and for future progression into our adult squads. The prospect of a colts side for the first time in decades is very exciting. The Sharks Christmas event is due to take place this weekend in the clubhouse, with further events planned later in the season.
Walking rugby continues ‘apace’ with weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings. I’d encourage former players and those new to the game to pop along and give it a go.
As always, I’m very interested in feedback and comments, feel free to reach out to me via chair@ccsrfc.co.uk
Finally I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and hopefully rugby filled new year.
Jim
Chair
CCS Rugby