RAMS RFC President Ian Duncan is looking forward to an exciting 12 months ahead as the Old Bath Road club look to kick onwards across the board.
A club record 11 straight bonus-point wins at the start of the season have helped the first XV to a second-placed position in the National One table ahead of their return to action at Hull this Saturday (2pm), albeit they are looking to bounce back from defeats to new table-toppers Sale and Cinderford in their two most recent outings.
Ian – now into his 32nd year in the role of President having joined the club way back in the 1960s, said: “There were many high points throughout 2022, including our first-ever National One Friday Night Lights home game back in March, an evening where a crowd of more than 1,000 came to Old Bath Road and the game was also live-streamed worldwide.
“I probably never expected our players to be watched in among others, Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean and more, but it was well deserved and a cracking game as well.
“A fabulous pre-season tour to Ireland in August paved the way for the first XV to set a club-record 11 wins to start the new campaign, leaving us second in the table at the halfway point of the season.
“I am looking forward to my first trip to Hull RUFC next weekend, and to what promises to be a hugely exciting four months to come. I’ve no doubt there are many twists and turns to follow.”
He continued: “As President I have always been proud of the inclusivity we have as a club from top to bottom, and I am delighted to see all our senior sides performing so well.
“The Titans are fourth in their league (HALBRO Raging Bull Shield Division One) and the Centaurs (Counties Two Tribute Berks, Bucks & Oxon South) and Dragon’s Teeth (Three South) are top – and featuring many of our former Colts – so all those who have represented the sides can be very proud.
“Things are flourishing no less in the younger part of the club – I would like to thank all the coaches, managers and all others involved with the Minis and Juniors and it is marvellous to see so many boys and girls enjoying their rugby at the club.
“Off the field further improvements have been brought in – the new floodlights on Pitch Three will benefit seniors and juniors alike and provide the opportunity for more evening matches – while the Friday Club continue to have the whole site looking as smart as possible.”
By Richard Ashton
