Sprigga’s View (cont’d) disagreements amongst us from time to time we must not lose sight of that!! What can we learn from the All Blacks? Can you imagine what would have happened in a professional football game if a referee had given a penalty with 2 minutes to go and then changed his decision to merely restart the game? The respect Sprigga’s View shown to the official by their captain and the team is something Welcome to a new season of what I know will be entertaining to be admired. Put that alongside their dedication to the cause, rugby at Fenley Field and I hope to see as many members as team­work, skill levels, commitment and discipline (Sonny Bill possible in the excepted!) they are real champions of the world. Clubhouse before and Spectators? Being privileged to be at the 3 Tests I was struck by after the games, which the respect shown to the All Blacks performing the Haka. The is what makes us a Lions supporters were in the majority and the absolute silence during that spectacle was a delight to behold, compared to the successful community mindless singing and lack of respect that goes on at Rugby Club; or in Gareth Twickenham. The spectators were true rugby supporters and I Chilcott’s words a urge all of you to follow that ethos when decisions go against us proper Rugby Club. That man was so inspirational at the Club or the opposition are taking a penalty. Respect is a vital and Dinner and for him to call us that made me very proud to be crucial part of being an Old Laurentian!! your Chairman. This year sees a new Head Coach Andy Milner and new Club In my New Year’s message, I revealed my hopes for 2017 in Captain in Charlie Seager and I had the privilege to see the guys Rugby terms and sadly only one came to fruition but that was training the other day. The commitment and skill level was a real the British & Irish Lions beating the All Blacks; and whilst the surprise to witness and I was delighted to see respect being series was drawn, believe me every Kiwi accepts that we drilled into them by the actions of the referee Carl Adams, who won. A team put together in little more than 6 weeks showed is the epitome of a poacher turned gamekeeper. Hearing Andy tremendous spirit in coming back from the 1st Test defeat briefing Carl and the way the players responded was awesome st and shook up the World Champions. What can we the OL’s and as always, I have high hopes for the season ahead. The 1 team remain in Midlands 2 East (South) and will be targeting as learn from this? Firstly, can I apologise for getting a minimum a play­off place. The 2nds will again be in philosophical but I think we can learn something from both Warwickshire 1 and will be challenging for the title and winning teams and the spectators at each of the Tests, so let me the Clonmell Cup. I am delighted to confirm that the 3rds have explain. re­joined the Leagues and I intend to personally help them to The Lions are a treasured part of rugby folklore and being a compete in Warwickshire 3. Particular thanks to Barry Hipwell proud Scot I was naturally disappointed that no Scottish for leading the team so well last year and making R2R work. The players featured in the Tests, but that did not stop me Vets will also continue under Ash McEwan who organised a fervently supporting the team as it is the people of the 4 great Vets tournament for the Mike Lewis Memorial trophy and countries coming together that makes Britain Great. When we will repeat the event as part of our centenary celebrations in you analyse the Test Results since 1989, which I will term the 2019/20. Whilst the Colts did not materialise last season we are modern era, the Lions have won 10 games, lost 13 and drawn concentrating our efforts on transferring the current U16’s into one. That 3 game deficit can be attributed solely to the that position for next season and thanks to Dan Volkman & disastrous 2005 tour of New Zealand under the direction of Rebecca Taylor for taking on that vital role. Sir Clive Woodward & Alastair Campbell which created 2 On the social side Ben Scott has taken over from Rich Hayes, separate squads and a test team picked on the basis of who did a great job over the years, and his committee ran some narrow nationalism and past form. It led to division within excellent Lions Breakfast Parties and got the Clubhouse full for the Lions and could have led to the end of the institution but a “Free Gig” by a band involving the incomparable Chris Tew and Ian McGeechan and Warren Gatland have restored the one Paul Golby who started in the Colts with me in 1972!!! whole concept and ethos. One group all pulling in the same The new season is always a time of hope but I am confident the direction and committed to the Lions, irrespective of club is in good shape and thank you to all our members and nationality, with the whole squad walking around the pitch players for your continuing support. The mantra for the Club is at the end of the final test. and must remain RESPECT – respect the Club, your team mates, The Lions won not just those on the pitch!! The lesson for us? supporters, the opposition and most importantly the referee as st nd rd Whatever our role is within OLRFC, 1 2 3 team players, without them there is no sport. Enjoy the new season and see Vets, VP’s, Minis, Juniors, volunteers, officers we are ONE you all at the Bar! club and whilst there will be some tensions and OL’s Vets Tournament Rhondda Vets, a team drawn from several clubs in the Rhondda Valley, were popular winners of the inaugural Veterans competition for the Mike Lewis Memorial Cup at Fenley Field on Saturday 16th May, coming as they do from the area that Mike called home. Jenny Lewis was present to hand over the trophy that bears her late husband’s name at Encouraging and positive reports were received the end of a very successful and entertaining day of rugby. from the Chairman, Treasurer and Playing Also remembered on the day was Dom Marsella, another Chairman; and Ian McPherson, who is managing OL’s stalwart who passed away last year, in the shape of Marsellas Old Boys, a team made up of old friends and the Club Development programme for the OLS, colleagues of Dom’s. presented an interesting and optimistic update on Following a series of group games the first semi­final was the plans for a possible relocation. contested by Rhondda and Marsellas, the Welsh side The election of Officers that followed saw few coming through 10­5. With OLs toppling the fancied changes from the previous Management Newbold side 10­0 in the other semi, the final pitched OLs Committee, and against Rhondda. The Welsh side were just too sharp all round for the hosts and ran out 12­0 winners to claim the continuing as Chairman and Secretary trophy. respectively. It was OL’s Ash McEwan who came up with the idea for the Welcomed to the Committee was tournament and the main man behind its organisation. , who succeeds as Hon. Treasurer, Matt moving over to take on responsibility for House and Grounds. Another new arrival on the Committee is who has taken on the role of Social Secretary, succeeding , who has done a terrific job in this role for several years. Succeeding Ben Wiles as Club Captain is who has been an ever present in the 1st XV in the last couple of seasons. All other key roles within the club remain as before. OL’s Vets at the tournament Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation The Club’s annual dinner and awards presentations was After an outstanding first season with the club, Ash Moore held on Friday 19th May when Bath, England and British was named Best Newcomer; and Ollie Jones scooped the Lions legend Gareth Chilcott was the guest of honour and Under 23 Player of the Year award. main speaker. Over 100 members turned up for the At the other end of the scale, the Veterans award went to event at Fenley Field to enjoy a fine meal prepared by the evergreen Gary Hammond, who also came close to Rob Bean and to winning the award for leading try scorer. But with 18 tries recognise the apiece over the season that honour fell jointly to Ben outstanding Shepherd and Jordan Bunn. contributors to the Named as Most Improved Player was Ben Roach, the 2nd club’s season. XV’s Player of the Year was James Harris and for the unsung Taking top billing on the heroes of the 3rd XV the top award went to Martin Nobes. night was Andy Orbinson Mike Roberts’ untiring work as Fixture Secretary, a job that (pictured), who earned is essential but rarely makes the headlines, was rewarded the accolade of Player of the Year and pulled off a when he was named as Clubman of the Year; and receiving notable double when voted Players’ Player of the Year. a special award for his Outstanding Contribution to the club Voted by OL’s supporters as their Most Entertaining in so many ways over many years was Arwel Jones.