Another very successful season. The quantity and quality of the Colt players that wanted to play for the new Cleobury Colt XV was excellent and all willing to attend regular weekly training sessions, which put pressure on the existing senior players to step up to the mark. A summer of preparation meant everyone was ready for the start of the season and friendly matches lined up against Stourbridge Lions in the league above and a prestigious trip down to Taunton 2nd XV. In the end both matches were victories although the Taunton match was via a late couple of tries that snatched it at the death.

At the start of the league season, because the school had requested us not to use the pitch and following those two away friendlies, we played our first played a home match until 2nd October. The initial game against Ludlow RFC was certainly a difficult encounter as from a winning early position the home team managed to run riot in the second period. A convincing victory at Telford RFC and a narrow hard fought away win at Uttoxeter RFC meant confidence was beginning to be restored and an unbeaten run as Christmas approached. Then an abrupt halt to this form in the rain at Handsworth RFC as a slow start and a long delay contributed to a poor performance and a 28-36 defeat, but a top-3 position. Without a place in the National Cup draw, due to being unable to fulfil the fixture the previous season, the North Mids Cup was the only knockout competition and a home win against Old Yardlians RFC was followed with a defeat to Veseyans RFC, but both are in the league above.

The previous good form returned in the new year and consecutive victories put the pressure on the top place rivals, Ludlow RFC and Burntwood RFC. In the penultimate game only a bonus point win against Harborne RFC would suffice, finally achieved in the last play, but when news came through of a defeat for Burntwood, promotion had been confirmed. That meant the Champions would be decided in the final match at home to Ludlow RFC, but as in the encounter earlier in the season, a winning position at the interval turned into a comprehensive defeat at the end in front of a huge crowd on a lovely sunny day.

Having been placed in Division One of the Colts league the new Cleobury XV set about trying to win every game. Prior to Christmas only a narrow 10-13 defeat away to Hereford put pressure on, but that was more than avenged in the return fixture after Christmas and after a narrow away win at Luctonians RFC the League trophy was secured. Trying to go for the Cup was also a target, but having been disappointed at losing their home game, Luctonians RFC came with a strong squad and a fierce determination and ran out winners by 15-24.

With more players looking for games and a positive atmosphere, the 2nd XV had more matches this term than the last couple of seasons combined, including some impressive performances. We hope for more of the same next season.

The points scored this season were the second highest on record and shared equally around several players, but the major kicking duties went to Dave Leach who finished as Top Points Scorer (150-points with 5-tries, 46-conversions & 11-penalties). Top Try Scorer was Dave Shorter (15) with Josh Phillips (14) just behind and then Tom Leach (12), Sam Faulkner (10) & Sam Bills (10).

However, the most significant contributing factor to the success of the whole season was the working together of the Coaching and Management Team, that were jointly awarded the Club Person trophy at the end of season. Their commitment to training, attendance at all matches and the videos available on YouTube all contributed to ensure every player could contribute significantly to all the matches.