The season started very well indeed under new Coach Micky Grove, known to many from his days at Kidderminster RFC, but had move house into Cleobury and his early influence on the side was positive. Willie Bache was installed as new captain and the first few games were won, especially the 11-8 victory over Newport (Salop) 1st XV in the First Round of the National Cup. The second round very nearly gave the club another famous scalp away to Bromsgrove 1st XV. The club were leading throughout the match, despite spurning kicking opportunities to increase this lead due to injuries to the kickers, until the home team scored a converted try in the corner to lead by a point. With time running out a penalty was awarded on the halfway line and Full Back Rob Norris stepped up for his first ever kick to try and win the tie, but the ball bounced agonisingly back off the cross bar – so a 13-14 defeat. In the league, again drawn in the Warwickshire section, mid table respectability was achieved, but friendships were established with Stoke Old Boys club that was to last for several years in ‘end of season’ encounters. The essential contributions came from Colin Smith (212-points) for the 1st XV and Kevin Shields (77-points) for the 2nd XV, while the touch downs were contributed by Allan Shields (9-tries + kicks for 55-points), Julian Harding 10-tries and even Steve ‘Chico’ Phillips 8-tries from Prop as he led the 2nd XV.

The Rugby Club were invited to make a financial contribution towards the £50k required for Lacon Childe School to bid for Specialist Sports College status. The club together with other local businesses and sporting clubs all contributed and the target was achieved with ease so this was matched by £100k of government funding and the £150k total had to be used towards a Capital build, so the Fitness Suite was constructed. This new facility was used by the school during the day, but also made available for use by the community out of school hours, managed by the Sports Centre staff. Obviously, this additional facility proved a great asset for the players’ training regimes.