... is finally showing signs of working!
 
Promoting the U18/U19 Colts to the Seniors in recent matches is adding much needed zip, enthusiasm and no little skill. Perhaps too early to suggest it but their season may well have turned a corner, maybe too late to avoid relegation for the 1sts but certainly continuing the successful spirit of the Super 2's ... if only they could get a full side out!! Maybe one or two Seniors will notice that their previously assured places are under threat and return to become part of the success?
 
To facilitate the promotion of their older players the Colts are being bolstered by the U16s. Further U17 matches are being sought to continue this feed which has the additional benefit of preparing the entire U16 squad mentally for Colts rugby next year. It promises to be a bumper crop of U16s moving to Colts and it should lay the foundation for a solid Colts team over the next 2 - 3 seasons. Not enough U16s have moved up in recent years but now the conveyor belt is running.
 
Our limited catchment area for Senior players is a major constraint for the club's development, increasing the energy in the above transitions is a high priority for the coaches and Senior Playing Committee. Breaking down the walls of the Senior, Colts and U16 squad silos produces huge benefits in unifying sections of the club, achieving the Executive Committee's object to run one, single club.
 
After this weekend's successes in all 3 sections, the buzz is palpable - there are boys at the club now, 15-17 years old, who are watching the Seniors and thinking "that's me in 2-3 years' time."
 
That's exactly what we want to hear.

(Dai Bugler)