The new season promised much with Allan Shields as new Captain and although comparatively young, he certainly had the backing of the players, but a squad still shorn of some experience. The crucial pre-season was short and only a narrow defeat before the Senior Vase game brought a crushing loss to Worcester Wanderers RFC, followed shortly afterwards by the first home league game and a narrow defeat against Bishop’s Castle. The success of last season had started to ebb away as some gritty displays were not matched by the luck of the bounce and soon a narrow reverse there was followed by an unlucky defeat there followed by a thrashing somewhere else and then another loss. The side was led admirably, but the team were in a division too high, and the shine of ‘promotion’ soon wore off, some heavy defeats dented confidence. As a result, the 1st XV went through 23-matches without winning a single game and bottom of the division, certain relegation at a time yet another restructure and almost everyone else were static or moving up. In a low-scoring season James Manley (11-tries & 2-conversions for 59 points) was joint top scorer, followed by the emergence of Craig Shorter (55-points with 5-tries, 12-conversions & 2-penalties) and Allan Shields 52-points.

In contrast the rest of the club fared better, the 2nd XV under skipper Anthony ‘Willie’ Griffiths won half and drawing another of their 10-matches as Ollie Smith contributed 59-points (9-tries & 7-conversions). Unfortunately, a few local disagreements caused a division in the Ladies section and with only just sufficient players for one team, meant that neither group had the playing strength to continue so disbanded.

The most successful element within the club were the junior’s section. Roger Price and Kevin Shields had managed to gather a group of adult helpers and a significant number of enthusiastic youngsters in various age groups from Under 11 up to Under14 that totalled on occasions about 40 – 50 people to regularly train. They managed 18-games over two age groups with the Under 11’s winning six and getting to the final of the Droitwich Tournament.

This habit of respected and valued club personnel leaving, reached almost epidemic proportions when Jon Redfern decided to let a younger person take on the role of Club Secretary. Volunteers in community sports clubs and organisations are always difficult to find, especially one as astute and organised as Jon, would be difficult to replace. It is pleasing to discover that he still watches games and attends club functions when he can, but with the rest of his family still heavily involved it is hardly a surprise, but we are delighted to see him.

Also standing down after 17-years of service to the club is President Tom Straughton. With many other interests to pursue Tom was eager for younger people to run the club, but wanted to thank everyone for their support and thoroughly enjoyed his time in office. Tom was particularly credited with a significant contribution to the ‘Sport 2000’ Project to provide the club and the town with excellent facilities and with related work to ensure the 21-year lease for use of the pitch – his legacy will continue.

At the end of season Diner Dance, Dave Hinves summarised his first campaign as Chair, by pointing out the loss of the Ladies Section, the Club Secretary resigning, Club President standing down after 17-years, the 1st XV went a complete season without a win, Captain Allan Shields was standing down after only one year and even the only Tight Head Prop in the Club wanted to retire - all happened ‘during his watch’!!! Things could only get better!!!