The Captains Blog
October 2022
Welcome!
Stags one and all,
Its November, we are top of the league, this is the Captains Blog – lets get into it!
To start, a quick round up of our fixtures and results from October...
Chineham – The local Rivalry
The weekend of the 22nd October saw us at home to our local rivals Chineham where I spent 10 years playing myself, so these games are always important to me! This was a tight game played on a knife edge. Once again Hook and Odiham’s very own bomb squad dominated the scrum, but physicality was high across the pitch. Big hits were dealt by both sides and the tempers ran high. At half time the stags were ahead in the scores but also sadly behind in numbers of players on the pitch! The second half intensity was immense with Chineham coming ever closer to the Stags’ tryline. But it seems the defensive training and rucking in training is paying off on game day and the Stags managed to tame the Lions! Tries from Tom Martin, Terry Robson, Ben Seymour and Jack Edwards all helped secure the victory, a triumphant win of 22-19.
Christchurch - The Top of the Table Clash
Christchurch RFC have been showing impressive winning ways both at home and away, but the stags responded by putting out a full squad with a clear goal – to win. Notable returns for Dr Cassian Bramham-Law and Keiron Walkden who were both playing there first games back and each had huge impacts on the field. Another close game with me leading from the front and opening the scoring right under the sticks. The vast majority of the 2nd half saw the Stags defending alot in our own 22. I was impressed with the commitment of all the players in putting their body on the line. Our impact players made the difference in the end.. Brandon Macdonald was the prime example, coming onto the pitch with energy, pace and big hits – just what we needed. The big hit of the year award (So far!) though must go to Josh Pimm and George Carl after they sent the Christchurch prop back to covid lockdowns with a superb double tackle. More of this please.
The New Kit
We have just taken delivery of the new stags Kit. However, sadly due to their production company making the wrong shirts…. there will be a further delay. As soon as we have the new delivery date, we will let you know. We can however still order shorts and socks to keep as players and details of how to do this will be given in the player group chat.
Quote of the Month
This months quote comes from player Calum Johnson in response to a strong squad selection in the player group chat
"The team setup is like a good mullet... business up front, party in the back."
Player - Calum Johnson
The Clubhouse
Clubhouse updates.... again no real updates this month as the North East Sports working group continue to work hard in pushing this project forward. Hook Parish Council are still committed to providing sports changing facilities at this location, so keep watching this space.
Christmas Social
The Christmas Social is being held at Odiham and Greywell cricket club on the 10/12/22. Numbers are looking a little low at the moment so let's support our club and sign up for it so we can have a good get together. Partners are of course welcome, and remeber the event is FREE for club members. Guest tickets can be purchased for £15.
Finally
Player recruitment is still looking positive but with players coming in sadly we also have players going out. The Stag’s family has been dealt a huge blow by Jack Edwards de mobbing from the RAF and moving to Colchester to settle into a new area and a new career. Good luck Jack, you may have to get used to working for a living now as a civilian!!
Special mention this month goes to one of our stags Matthew Patterson who has become part of the RAF under 23s coaching/management setup, when Coach Neil turns 70 in a few years’ time Matt could be lining up to be his successor!
So that's the end of this round up. With that in mind let's keep this positive momentum with our training sessions and attendance numbers, this is really proving to make a difference where it matters on a Saturday.
1, 2, 3... STAGS!
Dan Ross
Captain
Hook & Odiham Rugby Club
