What a season! One championship winning team would have been something to aspire to at the beginning of the season, but we didn't get one, we got two. Two championship winning teams, the development of a third team for the first time in around 30 years, new players, returning players, increasing levels of sponsorship, The Bob Taylor Memorial Trophy, increased media profile, RFU Accreditation, and by all accounts another successful tour, (i.e., all who went came back in one piece), all adds up to a fantastic season. Success like this does not happen by chance, but rather by design, commitment, dedication and planning; and across the entire club this has been demonstrated enormously.

Both on and off the pitch the club is going from strength to strength and every single one of you have contributed to this ought to be rightly proud of what you have achieved. However, within every successful team there are some people who make a special contribution, something unique which makes a massive difference and without whom the collective success we have enjoyed would not have happened. So, as we look forward to the end of season presentation evening, we have the opportunity to celebrate the successes of the club and also to recognise those people who have made that special contribution to the club.

For the first time in the history of the club, we have the President's Award for Achievement, which is fitting considering the successes this season has brought. I am very proud and honoured to be presenting this award. Firstly I would like to thank the people who have taken the time and the thought to make your nominations. The reasons for the nominations have been varied and all very much worthy of recognition. In total, twelve people have been nominated and these cover every aspect of the club both on and off the pitch. It is this variety of nominations and the passion behind them that shows the recognition of the importance of teamwork and that success is achieved by the collective efforts of all involved.

Finally, the development of the club over the last two years has been amazing, and this leaves us, at the end of the season in an advantageous position, with a unique opportunity to build upon what we have all achieved and move the club onwards and upwards with strength and honour.

Michael Elsy
Club President

May 2014