Rugby Club AGM Report
The off-field management stays the same but there are changes all through on the playing side. At the Club AGM last week all three men’s captains stood down.
Gavin Taylor led the way after three successful years in charge. In his report he said how after a slow start to the season there was a team meeting to discuss issues. The team went on to finish seventh in the twelve-team table winning seven matches out of eight in the second half of the season.
Head coach Matt Skirving said, “With Gavin Taylor stepping away from the captaincy I am pleased to say that three players put themselves forward to take on the role. I am pleased to announce that Jake Deveraux has been elected by his team mates. I look forward to how we build on the successes of last season”
The 2nd XV is taken on by Brad Green while Olili Latimer takes on the challenging task of the Thirds. Players will not be the main problem but fixtures will be.
The top five continue in their roles with chair Teri Taylor starting her third year in charge. On field across the board, we are doing well although there are gaps at under 14s. But it has been necessary to merge the Ladies with Royston & the Colts with St Neots. But generally, these combined teams have done well and meant that the players get game time.
The Ladies will have co-captains with Nat Rundle leading for Biggleswade and Katy Miller for Royston.
Secretary Graham Horgan in his report highlighted the drop in playing numbers nationwide.
“Rugby player numbers have dropped from 254,000 pre-Covid to 195,000 in 2023. That is a 25% drop” so there is little wonder that our 3rd XV struggles to find opposition within a reasonable travelling distance” he stated. “So, the Club is doing well to field three sides and sometimes even four when the Vets XV has a run out” he added.
But the financial situation causes concern with a serious loss made this year due to the rising cost of utilities and services. Treasurer Chris Moss reported that the small level of reserves means that we are still in the black but the capacity for additional spending is limited.
Chairman Teri Taylor summed up. “This season has seen some challenges but the Club is going from strength to strength thanks to the efforts of the coaching team. Next season looks set to be an exciting one.”
