Chinnor RFC's Matt Williams has reviewed the season and in the statement below declared what he is looking forward to in the 2017/18 season.
What a season we have had. With an original target of top 4 many people would be delighted with joint second, only losing out on a play off spot by games won. Yet it would be an understatement to suggest it feels bittersweet. Having sat in the top two for 36 of the 40 week season and only slipping to third after ironically beating league winners Bishops Stortford with 3 games to go; a really tough pill to swallow!
With all that said I want to congratulate Bishops Stortford on a well deserved Championship. They are a great club with strong support and having been there or thereabouts for 3 seasons it's thoroughly deserved. I hope they make a real go of it next season. On to the playoff - having made the long journey up to Sale to support Old Elthamian's and former Chinnor player George Messum, I was unsure on how the game would pan out but what a game! A major advert for National 2 rugby and I'm delighted the South won (again) and even more delighted OE's are out of the league too!
This season has been a season of records for the club; Most tries scored, most points scored, less points conceded, and more importantly the most league points breaking the 100 point mark. We have given ourselves a real base to push on next season in a bid for promotion.
Though sad to lose our friends from Barnes and Exmouth, we welcome Broadstreet on a level transfer, Old Redcliffians (N3 SW winners), Tonbridge Juddians (N3 SE winners) and Wimbledon (N3 playoff winner) for another very competitive season. New grounds to visit and new friends to make. Broadstreet is a superb facility in Coventry and are the current weekday home of Wasps. Interestingly we will be their local derby!!
As always at this time of the year we say goodbye to friends who move on to pastures new; Tom Burns (Rotherham) Jay Tyack, Koree Britton (Moseley), Nathan Hannay and Bevon Armitage both move back to the South West. A special mention must be made to 2 players. Firstly Junior Fatialofa who has given his all to Chinnor over three seasons off the pitch as well as on it. He will be sorely missed and I wish him my personal thanks. The other person, a true club legend Frank Jones who is sadly having to retire due to injury. He has been a key member of the 1st XV for many years and will be sadly missed.
