Coaches Take on MHRFC's 2007/2008 Season

2007- 08. On the playing front the players who represented the first XV basically achieved a 55% win ratio which was a fair reflection on the season, this though would have been better if we'd started the season in the same frame of mind and with the same commitment, availability and leadership that we grew over the last two thirds of the season.

Generally in rugby you have to work to get your rewards and thats what the players did. My aim was always to ensure we had a simple framework both in training and on match day that allowed the team to enter the final quarter of games with at least 50/50 chance of winning. To that end there were only a couple of games post me taking the coaching reigns where this was not the case. So from my standpoint I'm very pleased and I all things considered we've delivered a fair foundation for next season.

As a club we only have finite playing resources and to a point its important how these resources are nurtured and brought out. This season has been interesting to see a new batch of players given the opportunity to shine. I'm not going to name names, individuals should recognise their progression and how well they have taken there chances without me naming them.
That said availability is still a big issue and we hope that players make themselves fully available for non league as well as league games. I have no doubt that this attitude can drive the whole club forward.

Going forward Lee is standing as Captain again for 2008-09 which is very good news, Lee fully deserves praise for all his efforts and leadership by example both on and off the field.

Next year we're hoping for the same commitment and availability with a view to starting the season, (whichever league we're in) with some impetus . Moreover with an aim to play and think smart both on and off the field.

So What’s New?...

Well the biggest news is that after many years as Club Chairman, GG has stepped down to be replaced by Alex Airey. GG has spent the last season coaching Alex in the many areas of being Club Chairman (including how to drink red wine and sing in a Welsh choir, at an expert level). Everyone at the club would like to thank GG for his many years of hard work in being Club Chairman (if it weren’t for him, the club would not be in as strong a position today, as it is). We would also like to welcome Alex into his new position, and although they are big shoes to fill, I’m sure everyone will agree that Alex will be just the man for the job.

We also welcome Lee Johnson as First Team Captain. Lee has been at Mill Hill since he was a Colt, and his heart and soul are in this club, making him an ideal candidate for Captain. Lee is a strong character both on and off the pitch, and I’m sure he’ll want to see you on the pitch just as much as he’ll want to see you in the bar afterwards, having a drink.

During the Summer, some of you may have noticed that we have been sharing our clubhouse with St Keirnan’s Gaelic Football Team. In exchange for this, they have made some vital repairs to the building, including replacement of sections of the roof, being completed by professionals.

The start of the Rugby World Cup 2007 is upon us... From the 7th September, there will be six weeks of truly World class rugby, all ending on 20th October with the final in Saint-Denis.

To keep a track of what's going on and who's beating who, see the Fixtures page where all will be updated after the games and a printable version if you want to keep your own records!