Today's matches at "The Vale" are postponed due to frosted pitches.

The club will be open from 14:00 for the latest cup matches on the big screen so come down for a pint.

"Clevedon lose bragging rights!"

Clevedon lost the toss and played down from the mountain top that passes as N&B's first team pitch! 😘

They started brightly enough, but after 15 minutes, second row George Angel sustained a nasty ankle injury that stopped play for a bit, while he was attended to by the physios.

When play resumed and after a reshuffle in the pack, Clevedon carried on where they left, but could not score that important downhill try, which in the end proved crucial in the final result.

The second half saw "The Ravens" pecking away at Clevedon's line and when the injured Charlie Tucker went off, and after another reshuffle, Clevedon had to up their defence, which they did for a wee while.

As any team in this league knows, the advantage of the rolling countryside at West End Park is huge and the home side really know how to play it, achieving some good results throughout the season.

A fine win for Nailsea and Backwell extends their unbeaten run and keeps them in with a great chance of promotion. Good luck for the rest of the season boys.

Next week, the 1st XV are at home to Chipping Sodbury for the first time this year. In fact, it'll be seven weeks since the "The Seagulls" were last at "The Vale" (or was it? 🦢) and will be a match worth watching.

The seconds are also at home against Oldfield Old Boys. Both games kick off a 14:30.

"It's really appreciated"

Hi everyone,

First of all I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the thoughtful messages over the last few days, it’s really appreciated!

Second of all, a massive apology to all those who had to see my ankle on Saturday, but you will be glad to hear it’s just an operation away from being on the way to a speedy recovery.

Finally, thank you very much to everyone who supported me on pitch and I’d like to give a massive shout out to the Nailsea physios and Chloe for being so reactive and professional.

I will hopefully be in the blue and gold soon and will try and keep you updated until then.

Cheers and thanks again!
George

"Sweepstake back by demand!"

You can enter now by filling out an entry form and handing over two quid to either Crunch or Weavie when you see them in the clubhouse.

Visit the Six Nations website for the latest information.

A PDF version is available here!

"You are as old as you feel"

On Friday this week, 20th January, Dave Rawle leads his troops into battle away against Weston Vets

This is their first outing for a while, so why not pop down and cheer on the boys, well old men really!!

The mind is always willing but is the body !

The 19:30 kick off is at The Recreation Ground, Sunnyside Rd, Weston-super-Mare BS23 3PA

"Local rivalry set to continue!"

Clevedon make the short trip to Nailsea to take on the might of Nailsea and Backwell at West End Park, who are currently lording it at the head of the table, after an excellent no-loss season so far.

Clevedon, who endured a narrow loss at home earlier in the season, will be determined to make amends and reverse the result. If the second team game last week was anything to go by, it's going to be a close and nail-biting match for everyone.

Be there or be square! Kick off will be at 14:30.

"Dinner, Dance and Awards Night"

Tickets are on sale now for this season's Annual Presentation and Dinner Dance on Friday, 31st May 2024. Log on to the Pitchero link below and get yours now !

This is a whole club event so members, players and supporters are all welcome to help us celebrate the season (adults only).

If you don't want to miss out, please get your tickets early!

"Opening Hours"

Please Note: We reserve the right to change the opening hours at any time. Please see our Pitchero website for the latest opening hours.

"Father Christmas visits CRFC"

Clevedon RFC were treated to a rare visit of Santa Claus, who Hohoho'd his way around the clubhouse, declaring that it was a real beard, it was his real belly and it was a genuine outfit.

Those who dissented were given short shrift and subject to some amazing wit and repartee from "The Claus" and told that their presents would be lost in the post. A few tears and a few tantrums later, he left to feed Rudolf in the garden.

Have a great time everyone and we'll see you next year.

"A festive treat"

Against the league leaders, Clevedon performed superbly. The first few scrums saw Longlevens shunted all over the place. Their attack was positive and they made good ground that had Longlevens scrambling defensively, which they did well.

However, it was Longlevens who took the lead with a try out wide after 20 minutes and it remained at 5-0 until the second half.

The second half started with Clevedon again attacking well, resulting in an unconverted try for speedy winger Matthew Mannion after 55 minutes. A few minutes later, Charles Tucker scored in the corner after some deft handling and footworking skills in the build up. He boshed his way over the last defender to give Clevedon a 5-10 lead.

Near the end of the game, Clevedon gave away a silly penalty in the 22, from which Longlevens scored a converted try to lead 12-10 with 5 remaining.

Clevedon worked their way back into the opposition half and those that were there and who had watched last week, were expecting another miracle drop goal winner. Alas, it wasn't to be and one of Clevedon's best performances of the season ended with only a single bonus point as their reward.

Nevermind, eh? The injuries sustained to the Giltrow brothers with Joel breaking an ankle and Alex getting a dead leg, combined with an Alfie Parsons wrist injury, did cause some disruption that will hopefully see two of the three recovering in time for the next game, next year.

Clevedon's next game is at home to Midsomer Norton on the 6th January 2024. The seconds are away to Nailsea & Backwell.

"Drop goal wins it"

A riveting, if not spectacular game at The Vale kept those that kept watching (too cold for some, boring for others) entertained until the final seconds of the game.

With Cleve leading 16-15, Clevedon were awarded a penalty on the halfway line that the ref said was the last play of the match. Rather than go for the penalty attempt (too far even for Ethan), they kicked into the 22 for a lineout.

Clevedon won the lineout and somehow in the gloom (it was 16:10hrs), and unbeknown to those still watching, Ethan Thomas dropped the winning goal

To say it was a surprise would be the understatement of Clevedon’s year so far. No one was expecting or thinking about a drop goal, except of course the dogged Clevedon team on the pitch.

Whether the new-fangled, triffid-like, game-following video camera caught the decisive action, in the near dark conditions, only DOR Tony Dauncey will know when he reviews the footage.

If it caught the drop goal, I wonder if it caught the sheer joy and surprise on the faces of people like Pete Hand, Trev Alder and Tony Donkin? I hope so because they were a picture!

As the flag and rope getter-inners trudged around on the frost hardening ground, at least they had warm thoughts of another last second victory that Clevedon seem to be making a habit of when really they shouldn’t be.

Archie Birkbeck came on to the bench, while Matthew Mannion started in place of Joey Tucker who failed a fitness test.

Next week, Clevedon firsts are at home to Chipping Sodbury for a 14:30 kick off and the seconds are also at home against Oldfield Old Boys for a 14:30 kick off.

"For the lack of photos!"

Only 12 taken week due to inclement conditions and cold fingers.

"The time is near"

Ho, Ho, Hope you can make it !

Christmas Party Night @ "The Vale" on Saturday, 9th December.

Free Entry, Adults Only.

19:00 'til Late.

"The first team game is on!!"

View the Instagram video here.

Hopefully, it will warm up before kick off!!

Unfortunately, the seconds game away to Gordano isn't due to injuries and unavailability. Gordano have been given the result as a Home Walk Over.

"A 14 point yellow card didn't help!"

Clevedon, despite what the scoreline suggests, played well with a squad that featured two debutants on the bench.

Cinderford II, as befitting a side whose first team play in National One, started off with plenty of pace and width, scoring three quick tries before Clevedon got on the scoreboard.

After half an hour, through player coach Alex Giltrow, Clevedon scored their only try of the match to make the scoreline 19-7 at half time.

And that's where it stayed until a late yellow card allowed Cinderford to grab two quick tries and an interception right on the final whistle, 38-7.

A disappointing visit to the Forest was alleviated with a wine and cheese party on the way home, which was an hour quicker than the "scenic route" on the way there!.

Nevertheless, this was another encouraging match from Clevedon, who tackled and defended well and attacked with purpose when they had the ball. As they say in pro game "We'll get some learnings from this and move on!"

Read the Cinderford report here.

Next week, Clevedon are playing Keynsham at home in the first round of the Somerset Cup, kick of at 14:00. The seconds are away to Gordano.

"KEEP THE DATE"

Ho, Ho, Hope you can make it !

Christmas Party Night @ "The Vale" on Saturday, 9th December.

Free Entry, Adults Only.

19:00 'til Late.

"Coach trip up the Wye Valley"

Clevedon firsts are away to Cinderford for a 14:00 kick off. The coach will be leaving the clubhouse at 11:00, but there are limited places available.

The second team are gameless this week, as Stothert & Pitt have sadly disbanded, so no home game.

Please contact Tony Dauncey, if you're interested.

"Our old rivals Bridgwater..."

A two minute silence preceded this match and was observed by everyone in attendance. Once the end of the silence was signalled by the ref, and after a break of 6 years, this old rivalry of many years could continue.

The pitch was in very decent nick considering the weather we've had, albeit with a few damper patches that the groundsmen, who have worked tirelessly all season, had forked in the morning.

The joy of playing our old rivals Bridgwater for the first time in a while brought out a large crowd who defied the squelchy underfoot conditions.

The game was highly entertaining if you were a Bridgy supporter, not so for the Clevedon ones who were expecting a closer game than they got.

Clevedon dominated up front and B&A had the edge out wide. In hindsight and with the conditions as they were, Clevedon should've played a tighter game, but didn't and Bridgy came out on top by a decent margin.

Main sponsor Harvey Russell of RAW, Fire & Security flying high during his playing days 6 years ago.

This was a fine win away from home against the promoted Old Reds second team.

From the kick off, the Old Reds winger was offside, resulting in a scrum on the halfway line. Clevedon dominated this first scrum and earnt a penalty. They found themselves further up the field and after some back chat they kicked for position. A couple of phases later and from another dominant scrum, Ed Ryder scored wide out. A dream start for Clevedon.

That was the last of their scoring in the half. Old Reds scored two converted tries to lead 14-5 at the break.

The second half was a lot better with Clevedon scoring tries through a pick and go from Ben Smith and a bullocking run from Trolley, both unconverted. Ethan Thomas kicked three penalties and Clevedon had a 10 point lead with a quarter of an hour left to play.

With five minutes remaining, Clevedon were looking comfy. However, Old Reds had other ideas and pounded the Clevedon line and were awarded a penalty try.

With Clevedon down to 14 men, those final 5 minutes were nervy, to say the least, but Clevedon held out for the win.

The photos can be found here and as you'll see, most of them were long range but enough to give you a feel of the afternoon.

"Lets get ready to rumble..."

See this Instagram post by @clevedon_rfc

This week at The Vale Clevedon 1st team take on their old friends and rivals Bridgwater in this eagerly awaited league fixture

The kick off is at 14:30pm.

It is also sponsors' day, so we will have a chance to thank them all for their support so far this season. Let's get to down to the club and cheer the boys on.

After the match we have some live music starting at 18:00 with Bob Irwin. It is without doubt that we are in for a good day (and evening!).

The seconds are away to Old Sulians.

Cheers, Tucks
Neil Tucker

"Please Note: 14:00 kick off"

There is no rugby at The Vale tomorrow as both the firsts and the seconds are away to Old reds for a 14:00 kick off.

See you there.

"It seems a comfortable win, but..."

Barton Hill certainly weren't the walkover the scoreline suggests.

The scoreboard ticked over regularly and as time time wore on the result was never in doubt.

The only thing that was in doubt was whether the scoreboard operative could add up and work out the numbers that were required. He had plenty of know-alls to help him, so it wasn't really a problem!

MOTM this week was Alfie Parsons for his four tries. Barton Hill chose E.T. and probably because they wanted him down a dirty pint after his try saving tackle!

There are no games next week. The following week, 4th November, Clevedon firsts are away to Old Reds II and the seconds are also away to Old Reds III for a rare double fixture. Both fixtures will kick off at 14:30.

"Join our partners at PURE Results..."

1st XV shirt partners PURE Results are offering the chance to join them and several members of the senior squad to get in to shape for Christmas!

To sign up for this offer please use this link.

If you have any questions about this or any other fitness needs, please reach out to the boys at PURE Results.

Anthony Dauncey

"Last ditch win..."

In a game that was littered with silly mistakes, Clevedon came out on top with the last kick of the game.

Ethan Thomas slotted the penalty right on the final whistle and Clevedon came away from Longwood Lane with an unlikely victory.

Old Bristolians were lively in the backs and regularly made ground with their attacks.

Clevedon repelled them time and time again and at one stage went into the lead, but conceded a converted try shortly afterwards to make it a one point game in Old B's favour.

The Clevedon supporters thought the game was up. One last attack by Clevedon, extracted a penalty from Bristolians that was within range, albeit across a strong wind. A difficult chance the MOTM Thomas took with ease.

Next week, Clevedon are at home to Barton Hill for a 14:30 kickoff. The seconds are away to Imperial.

"Tree planting..."

Just to let you all know that the council intend to plant some trees on the piece of land that sits behind the Barn (not ours) and on the empty bit by the car park.

I'm sure the dogs will love them!

"A great local derby match"

Clevedon, at home against local rivals Nailsea & Backwell was a busy old affair, both off and on the pitch.

In what was billed as a Community Day, the Clevedon Junior section turned out in force to play tag rubgy before the main event.

A huge number of supporters from both sides crowded The Vale, who were royally entertained by this pulsating local derby.

You cannot beat a good local derby for atmosphere and the nerves were definitely heightened for this one.

The lead changed hands several times and an interception, converted try by N&B as Clevedon were pressing, proved to be the crucial score.

Clevedon could easily have won this match, given a more generous rub of the green.

In the last 5 minutes, Clevedon were camped on the N&B line for scrum after scrum, with N&B giving away penalties like confetti. The final whistle blew before Clevedon could make their scrummage dominance count and to end a great local derby.

There is no first team game this Saturday, but the seconds are at home to N&B in a rearranged fixture. Kick off is at 15:00.

"Clevedon last minute try secures win"

This was a really tight contest between two committed and effervescent sides.

Clevedon made that mistake and Norton kicked a penalty for a 34-31 scoreline and only 4 minutes remaining.

Clevedon, full of confidence, made their way back up to the Midsomer Norton red zone and took the brave decision to go for a lineout on the 5 metre line, rather than kick the penalty. That was messed up and Norton conceded the scrum.

With five front row players in the pack due to injuries, including veterans Ben Stone and Blaize Bosley, Clevedon shoved Norton over the line and Largenton, playing out of position at eight, bunny hopped the ball over the line for Fisher to touch down. Cue pandemonium amongst the Clevedon supporters and cue disbelief from the Midsomer Norton ones !

This was a thoroughly entertaining, nailbiting and enthralling game, which was a credit to both sides.

Clevedon have Nailsea & Backwell at home next week for a 15:00 kick off. The seconds are away to Bristol Harlequins.

"Clevedon made to pay for mistakes as Griffins take the spoils"

Clevedon welcomed promotion favourites Longlevens to the Vale with a much changed side, the visitors were clearly focussed on avenging defeat at the same venue last season.

Clevedon had the upper hand in the opening exchanges there well organised structure giving them good position with Will Egerton and Charlie Tucker to the fore, however the blue and golds soon ran out of patience and were punished after an aimless kick saw the visiting fullback make 60 yards , the visitors recycled the ball quickly and Clevedon were deemed to have offended, the visitors kicked to the corner and after several phases the home side ran out of defenders leaving them 0-7 down against the run of play after 12 mins.

Things went from bad to worse as the now confident visitors had momentum and made the most of it, playing multiple phases to extend there lead to 0-14 after 19 mins.

This young Clevedon side are full of character and they weren’t ready to lie down, George Angel skilfully picked off a dangerous lineout deep in his own territory, the hard running Wingrove drew in several defenders and earned a penalty, Clevedon went to their line out and drove into the 22, where a great trundle by Largenton saw him stopped illegally 5 yards out. From the following line out the home team were held up over the line but they weren’t done there, from the goal line drop out strong play from Egerton , followed by a break from Rory McGuigan put Levens on the back foot then a clever chip into the corner saw Harrison beat the defender for his 3rd try in 8 days.

Clevedon then shot themselves in the foot as an inaccurate exit play gave the visiting Griffins a scrum on the 22 and after several missed tackles it was 7 – 21 after 30 mins.

The home side regrouped and took the game to the opposition, however the visitors were getting the rub of the green as passes went to ground or decisions went against them in promising positions, frustration got the better of Joe Williams as the home scrum half saw yellow after taking matters into his own hands after repeated cynical offences by the visitors, immediately the visiting flanker followed him to the bin following a shoulder to the head and could consider himself lucky not to see red. This spurred the home side on and from the resulting penalty they again set up the catch and drive, this was again stopped illegally and the referee had no choice but to award the penalty try and send another man to the bin.

Half time Clevedon 14 – 21 Longlevens

With a man advantage Clevedon new they had to come out of the blocks with a bang , however an early missed tackle lead to a break on the flank and the visitors capitalised to score and make it 14-28. On 47 minutes Rawle replaced Egerton and made an immediate impact offering a direct option offo f the base of the scrum however just a minute later playmaker Thomas left the field with a hamstring injury and Clevedon were really up against it with front row replacement Warren Taylor taking up position on the wing.

Clevedon weren’t finished and had the best of the next 20 minutes dominating there visitors up front , but without a regular kicker and with a makeshift backline they just lacked accuracy as time after time there set piece and powerful runners created turnovers and earned penalties only for touch to be missed or the final pass be dropped. On 70 minutes this took its toll as the Griffins scored from a well worked catch and drive, immediately after they scored again as Clevedon were now down to 14 as Tom O’Connell left the field and Clevedon had used all there subs.

The seasiders through everything they had to try and get something from the game , but they ran out of time and will be disappointed to come away from the game with nothing.

Ultimately this was a game that with more accuracy Clevedon could have got something out of, this young side need to put the same effort into training as they do into a Saturday afternoon if they want to compete with the big boys in what is becoming an ever tougher league.

Man of the match – Jack Crew

"Neil Tucker awarded the Ted Arnold Trophy"

On Tuesday evening at the Bristol and District Rugby Combination Member clubs’ meeting, Neil Tucker was presented with the Ted Arnold Trophy by David Woodward, former Bristol player and current chairman of the Bristol Rugby Former Players Association, founded in 1929.

The Ted Arnold Trophy was donated by Malcolm Pearce, former Chairman of Bristol FC (just pre-Bears era), who named it after Ted Arnold, a staunch supporter of the club for many, many years.

Originally, it was presented to people within the Bristol club, like great past Bristol players Paul Hull and Matt Salter.

Eventually, it was decided, by the Bristol Former Players Association, through their own officers and committee, that they should present it annually to community rugby based deserving candidates.

Neil Tucker is the latest recipient, and this is what was said about him at the meeting:

A very proud moment indeed for Tucks and the whole of Clevedon Rugby Club.

Beers are on you!!🍻

Clevedon travelled away again this week to Chipping Sodbury and had to avoid road closures for the Tour of Britain cycling and accompanying festivities.

It was sunny, hot and humid 2 hours before kick off and after a great lunch for the suits it was even worse, but no complaints about the September sunshine.

A brisk start by Sodbury saw them score an unconverted try on 6 minutes, after the ball ricocheted off the upright.

Shortly afterwards, Ethan Thomas kicked a penalty and then came a couple of converted Clevedon tries for Giltrow and Harrison.

Chipping Sodbury scored a try and conversion on 35 minutes, before Giltrow nullified that by adding his second converted try for a 12-24 half time score line.

Four minutes into the second half Ethan Thomas, after a scything run, increased the scoreline, and added the extras, 12-31, getting the try bonus point in the process.

Sodbury replied ten minutes later with a converted try of their own, 19-31 and that was that for them, despite their huge efforts to close the gap.

Clevedon added a further try through Harrison and a couple of penalties by Thomas for a 19 -44 final scoreline.

Mention should go to referee Steve Leysham, who allowed regular drinks breaks, and marshalled the myriad of replacements and injuries very well.

All the players from both sides should be congratulated on a very physical and demanding game. They royally entertained the crowd and supporters of both clubs, who were also suffering in the heat!. Good job everyone and especially MOTM Cameron Wingrove.

This new low tackling law has a gruesome side effect with more facial cuts and bruises than last season. The stitches count is already into double figures after 2 games and keeping the physios busy.

Clevedon have Longlevens at home next week for a 15:00 kick off. The seconds are away to Midsomer Norton.

私たちのクラブへようこそ
watashi tachi no club he yokoso
Welcome to our club

The club will be open on Sunday for the England vs Japan game which kicks off at 20:00.

So why not join us and enjoy the hospitality the club has to offer.

See you there....

Please be aware of a food festival and the Tour of Britain cycling that will wander through Chipping Sodbury between 13:45 and 14:30.

Leave earlier or find a different route.

Visit the Tour of Britain website for timings.

Clevedon second team opponents, Oldfield Boys, have cried off as they couldn't raise a side.

Go down the club anyway and enjoy the four RWC in the company of like minded people.

Opening Ceremony at 1900, Friday 8th September

Watch the Rugby World Cup at Clevedon Rugby Club !

The opening ceremony will take place at the Stade de France, just an hour and 15 minutes before the blockbuster opening match, with hosts France facing the All Blacks.

Everybody is welcome. Why not make your way to the club and enjoy the rugby world cup in an authentic and genuine rugby lub atmosphere?.

All 47 games will be shown on the big screen throughout the tournament.

It is time to renew your membership please.

To renew or join for the first time, use this link on our Pitchero website now and support the club.

Log on if required and choose the category you want to enjoy discounted membership bar prices.

Non-playing members social are most welcome to join.

Fully paid up members may apply for tickets NOW!!

The deadline for applications is Friday, 22nd September 2023.

The application form is here in PDF format.

There are also forms behind the bar at the club.

Clevedon travelled to Clifton up the congested M5 with high hopes of an upset.

It nearly was, but Clifton were too wily in the backs to allow this to happen as they picked off Clevedon's last pass attacks.

Clifton kicked off and stayed in Clevedon's half until they scored a converted try after sustained pressure with 5 minutes on the clock.

Ten minutes later, Clevedon ended their spell of pressure with a converted try of their own from Will Egerton, 7-7.

A few minutes after that, a penalty by Ethan Thomas made the score 7-10 with Clevedon having the upper hand for a wee while. Unfortunately, this good work was undone by a couple of avoidable mistakes that allowed Clifton to finish the first half 19-10 up.

Clevedon's good start to the second half forced Clifton to concede another penalty making the score 19-13 after 42 minutes. Again, Clifton hit back with another converted try after 52 minutes, making the score 26-13.

A resurgent Clevedon began to exert pressure and were rewarded with a try, by returning Clevedon favourite Alex Giltrow, from a driving lineout. A sweet score for him against his previous club making the scoreline 26-18 with 15 to go.

Try as they might, Clevedon could not creep closer to Clifton, despite several red zone attempts and some controversy along the way.

All in all, not a bad start for Clevedon and new head coach John Potts. Plenty to work, but also plenty to be proud about.

Next week, Clevedon are away to Chipping Sodbury.

Clevedon begin their season away to newly promoted Clifton II team on Saturday. The kick off is at 15:00.

Clevedon last played Clifton at first team level, way back during the 2004-2005 season when we were both in the South West 1 league. Clifton got promoted that year to National League 3 and their first team now inhabit National League 2.

The pic is from that day and shows three players currently involved with the club.

Standing on the left is Wayne MacMillan, a visiting kiwi who went on to greater things.

Director of Rugby Tony Dauncey (16), Chairman Neil Tucker (2) and first team coach, John Potts (1) will be there doing their thing and no doubt reminiscing about their playing days over 18 years ago ...

... how time flies.

This first trial match for Clevedon was against West Bridgford from the Regional 2, Midlands North league.

Photos by Robert Mole

Clevedon tries came from Warren Taylor, Cap'n Jack Crew and Lewis O'Brien and a conversion from Ethan Thomas.

Despite a first half yellow card, Clevedon provided their level 6 opponents with a closely fought contest.

Clevedon will be hoping for better things against Hartridge RFC from Newport, next week.

A busy August for your club as rugby is back with a bang!

August sees the club explode into life as preparation for the 23/24 season reaches a peak.

On the 12th, it's time for us to take a stroll up the hill to watch our friends at Clevedon Cricket club take on local rivals Keynsham in a top of the table clash. Clevedon Rugby's very own Jack Davey was the hero in a bad tempered game at Keynsham, so this will be a keenly fought afair.

Burgers and bangers will be on the BBQ from 4pm, with music after the match and everyone is invited.

On the 19th, our senior squad is in action for the first time as new head coach John Potts and his squad take on our guests from West Bridgford in our first pre-season game.

Then on the 26th, Hartridge RFC join us from over the bridge in Newport as a mixed squad will close out our pre-season programme.

The following Saturday, the 2nd September, Clevedon first team take on the newly promoted Clifton second team, away, for a 15:00 kick off.

The seconds have Keynsham seconds at home, also for a 15:00 kick off.

Anthony Dauncey

Overwhelming Support

The request went out on the club socials and the response was overwhelming for big boss, Kevin Weaver, pictured.

He was ably assisted, in the organisation, by his foreman, Dave Keytes. Dave started his days work at 07:30 preparing for the onslaught he new would arrive.

The poor old sausage was pulled from pillar to post, handing out jobs to everyone that turned up. He is normally the man who likes to do this sort of stuff on his own and not the clipboard warrior allocating the tasks and looking important. That's usually left to someone else, whom he tends to ignore anyway!

The help came from all corners of the club. Members of the junior section were handed the simple (or is that tedious) tasks like removing old Blutac and cleaning the bar fascia, while outside some were allowed to sand down and scrape the paintwork on the bollards and shelter. All done with a smile on their faces 😀

The ladies/girls section were allocated the patio and path jet washing. The older juniors and colts were allowed to let off steam by removing all the old and worn out play area equipment.

The more skilled jobs were done by the professional tradesmen - sanding and coating the tables, fixing the bar sink and cupboards.

The first team players humped and carried for the old boys who were tidying the overgrown and rubbish strewn areas and carting it off to the tip.

All done and dusted by 15:00 and in time for an afternoon of international rugby fun and frolics.

Thank you everyone that attended and helped on the day. The spirit, committment and enthusiasm was a sight to see and bodes well for a successful season for the whole club.

I'm sure there'll be a repeat soon, once "The Boss" has done his snagging list.