Stroud RFC celebrate 150th anniversary

Stroud Rugby toasted their 150^th anniversary with a plethora of events.

The club dinner was attended by 250 people, aged from 18-91, not only from the Stroud club but from a number of other local clubs, sponsors, the GRFU, the RFU, the District Combination and also the referee’s society.  CE0 Bill Sweeney and president Rob Briers spoke on behalf of the RFU and Gloucester’s Mark Atkinson gave a question and answer session.

Pics: Trevor Rumbelow

Part of the evening was spent celebrating the season in which the first team finished in a creditable 4^th place in Counties 2 North and saw the re-emergence of the Nomads, who have played 17 games this season and have taken the field regularly for the first time in 4 years.  The development of youth players into the senior ranks has been a particular strength with 18 players moving up over the last two seasons.

The senior award winners:

1^st Team Player of the Year: Harry Lightfoot

Nomads Player of the Year: Tom Holmes

Coaches Player of the Year: Zinzan Cremins

Most Improved Player of the Year: Ben Blossett

Young Player of the Year: Ben Blossett

Club Person of the Year: Mark Samak

The Saturday saw three games, which saw Stroud Colts, Stroud Veterans and Stroud Seniors take on their counterparts from Stroud and District Combination.

Three competitive games were followed by a beer festival ensuring all players and spectators were well refreshed through the evening.

Sunday, saw the Mini and Junior presentation, celebrating the whole range of age groups from Under 6 through to Under 18 (Colts) as well as the many volunteer coaches, administrators and supporters, whose hard work allows the youth sections to flourish.

Organisation of the whole weekend involved many willing volunteers however a special mention should go to Club Chair, Iain Bushall, whose co-ordination of the whole event ensured that Stroud Rugby had a fitting celebration of the 150 milestone.

Meanwhile, Rodborough Youth Football Club held their annual presentation day at Stroud RFC as they marked their 50^th anniversary.