League switch will take club forward
BOURNE Rugby Club has submitted an application to rejoin the RFU League next season.
As the 25th anniversary of the club’s formation fast approaches, they have become frustrated by the number of cancelled matches in the Lincolnshire Merit League.
The Merit League is often a home for second or third sides from larger clubs, and Bourne believe they now have the players and resources to make the step up to the next level.
Chairman Bryan Rubin said: “The club has now put in an application to the RFU to play in a higher league which should enable the club to take huge strides forward with a better standard of rugby.
“April 1 sees the 25th anniversary of the formation of the club and with the emergence of some younger, senior players and younger players coming through from the junior section, the club is now starting to lay the foundations for future years.”
Club spokesman Neil Oglesbee said: “Now it’s a case of waiting. The most likely options would be the Midlands 5 East (North) or the Midlands 4 East (South) but it all depends on how many clubs apply to join the league next year.”
The 4 East (South) would appear to suit Bourne most with Stamford College Old Boys and Thorney among the sides Bourne would be likely to face. Several Bourne players have played for the College Old Boys in the past so know the level of rugby to expect.
If all goes to plan, Bourne will then field a 2nd XV in the Merit League.
“The important thing is to keep the numbers up,” added Oglesbee. “We are certainly intending to play a second team. We could do with perhaps a half dozen more players, especially front row players as it’s not a position that players can just step up to.
“Hopefully a few vets will help out with the second team and a few of the juniors will come through.”
The emergence of junior players from the U17 side has given the club an enormous boost and is reward for a plan set up when the club dropped out of the RFU league several seasons ago.
On Saturday Bourne hope to resume action after two weeks off due to adverse weather. They will be looking to continue their recent form at home against Lincoln and having racked up 120 points in their previous two outings there should be some lively entertainment for the vice-presidents attending a pre-match luncheon.
l BOURNE RFC plans to hold a series of events to mark the club’s 25 year milestone, starting with a party at the Nags Head, where it all began on April 1, 1987.
A party on April 1 this year will be held from 2pm until 7pm with everyone welcome to join the celebrations. The event will include refreshments, a buffet and a fundraising raffle.
If you plan to attend please e-mail Jerry King (jerry_king@tinyonline.co.uk) by March 24.
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Weather for Stamford
Monday 28 May 2012
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