Senior Section
Overview
2008/9 Season
Formed in 1922 this season Warlingham are riding a wave of success and
optimism after several years of mediocrity. Having won the Surrey
Seven-a-Side Tournament in May 2005, followed by becoming Surrey Division One
Champions in 2006 and then Champions of London South West IV last season, we
enter the current season as 'one of the teams to beat' in London
Division 3 South East - having moved eastwards to face the might of Kent
rugby.. We have highhopes of doing well and our ambition is to be in the
promotionstakes by April 2009 - time will tell!
New Head Coach, Steve Wagstaff demands high commitment both on match day
and at training. He is a straight talker and players know precisely where
they are in his estimation. A regime of introducing new talent will be key to
this season's campaign. He is ably supported by NeilCrammond as scout,
Tony Doe as Manager and Peter Mattison as the vital physiotherapist.
Our annual August Summer Training Camp was again a successful event with
over 50 players (including several from the Youth Academy) attending.
England centurion Jason Leonard brought his 114 caps-worth of experience for
one of the days which was greatly appreciated. First XV Captain Tom
Street is in charge of a confident (but never arrogant...) young First XV who
have yet to peak in their rugby careers. We surely have exciting times
ahead for these young guns but discipline and commitment must always be in the
forefront of our minds.
Ex 1st XV captain Marc O'Connor who brings new enthusiasm to the
role. is players are almost all First XV material and they will
undoubtedly keep the First XV honest by pushing for that coveted First XV
shirt.
Nick Ter Averst, captain of the "A2 XV", has several class players at
his fingertips and has publicly stated (OK it was late in the evening at
a Club Awards Dinner) that the A2 XV will repay the hospitality of Warlingham
by winning their Merit League. For those who are not aware - the A2 XV
came to us from another club when they disagreed with Nick and his mates
that they should stay in the A2's and not be subject to selection for other
sides. Whilst this is unusual we at Warlingham welcome them and our
confidence has been repaid by the A"2's now being stalwart Warly men -
we're really pleased to have them on board.
"A" XV Captain David Rundle brings a keen administrative brain to
the party and he already has the template for the very successful Club Sevens
Competition (end April) on his laptop! The "A XV" is a aside
dear to several allikadoos as being committed to all aspects of rugby - playing
and social alike. His match reports are legendary and he modestly
never includes himself in them (yeah right!)
Steven Gauge (he of Breakfast TV) captains the "Ex A XV" with
aplomb. To get together a 5th side for a local club like us is a feat in itself
- but Steven does it every week with a smile and similar rivetting match
reports to Rundle. Truly the backbone of club rugby.
Shane Webzell captains our esteemed Veterans XV who limber up nicely to partake
in port at half time and claret post-match a recent victory in the Evergreen
vets Cup against Farnham ses them forward to the next round
The 2008/9 season promises to be another roller-coaster of emotion with
heartache and joy at every turn. May we remain 'Mighty' as long as possible -
these crests of waves only come round occasionally and we must take advantage
of them - nay abuse them - to the full!
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