Now we are 2 weeks post the play off win and the conclusion of this historic season I feel it is the perfect moment to round off as we all enjoy a moment of reflection.

On a baking hot bank holiday Saturday, in front of an incredible crowd, beating Sedgley Park Tigers was one of the greatest moments of my life. As the final whistle blew and tears rolling down my cheeks, it was a moment of pure delight. For Ricky Khan and I this was not about a one off phenomenal season, but four years of hard unrelenting work. I remember my first full season at Chinnor the goal was simply to be a mid table comfortable National 2 team but as things started to build aspirations grew. People from afar regularly enjoy having a swipe at Chinnor without understanding the true work ethic and ethos that has gone into promotion. This is not a flash in the pan team but a carefully planned and seasonally manipulated machine that has finally resulted in the success Chinnor truly deserves. I'd like to personally thank Simon Vickers and the board. Simon and I have developed a great working relationship over the years and having lost my rock and Dad during my time at Chinnor I'd like to publicly thank Simon for the support and friendship over the years.

To come so close last year, then lose the majority of our forward pack to higher leagues could easily have destabilised the squad, but we rebuilt, re focused and achieved the goal of day one pre season. We've also done it the hard way, character building slogs, losing our incredible 24 month home record to Wild Geese, grinding victories against Broadstreet both Home and Away, TJS, Old Reds....to name but a few. Then in return playing some electric rugby along the way.

Special mentions have to be made to Ricky Cano, Greg Goodfellow and Ben Manning who have been on this journey for a long time but extra praise needs to be heaped on the ever present Ben Manning, arrived 4 years ago and has only missed a handful of games when injured. It was not surprising when he therefore made the Team of the year with Jack Ramshaw, Kieran Goss and Jonny Bentley.

On that note we sadly say goodbye to Jonny Bentley. An invaluable member of my coaching staff as well as the bag of tricks at flyhalf. Not only will we miss his orchestration on the pitch but we'll miss his off field input too.

I must also thank the vast amount of people behind the scenes that make the machine tick; Steve Trenchard, Mark 'I'll open the locked changing room door mid pre match talk' Nicholls, Doc Mulholland, Lauren Cyster (get well soon) and her team of physios, Megan Hazeldine, Jackie, Nichola, Greg GM, Steve Halson, Brian and of course the awesome Friday Club!

On the coaching front over the last couple of seasons we've had great input from the likes of Junior Fatialofa, Richard Thorpe and Jon Phipps but again I must directly thank Ricky Khan and Jonny Bentley for their coaching endeavours this season. As a three we have gelled well and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our collaboration and time together. Also James Tyas and Chris Lane of Proview for their ever detailed analysis work.

Finally to the boys themselves. With all the thanks above it was the squad who made it happen on the paddock. Ably lead by Danny Barnes you boys have shown mental strength at key occasions, as well as the hunger and desire on the training paddock to make sure promotion was achieved. The vast amount of people involved off the pitch can only aid success, you boys had to deliver. Now to the hard part of delivering in the league above! Make no bones about it, the step up is vast but we will be ready!

At this point I'd like to welcome Dan George to Chinnor who will be our player/coach. Dan is currently the lead coach at London Scottish and can regularly be seen wearing the number 2 shirt! More information will follow on Dan plus other additions as pre season progresses.

Chinnor is now part of my DNA, it's in my blood. Its a special place that get's under your skin and is very hard to leave and it's this culture and attitude that has driven the class of 2017/8 to success. The spirit and togetherness is unparalleled, nothing I've experienced before. If you want to succeed at Chinnor you need to buy in to the ethos otherwise you'll sink....yes we are on occasions a little wild, yes we can be maverick on and off the pitch but we are also a family.

The majority of this years squad has signed on for our assault on Tier 3 and a retentions list will be published in the very near future, but for now enjoy the down time and let's get excited to welcome some of the biggest historic clubs to Kingsey Road in September; Rotherham Titans, Plymouth Albion, Moseley, Blackheath......to name but a few

Until next time

Matt