Tis the season to be merry. We are all bursting with pride at so many positive moments this season to date. Our normal mode would be not to get too carried away but some things are worth celebrating and important to mark the occasion.

Let’s face it, we don’t need an excuse to raise a glass at Chinnor RFC.

Friday Night was a seminal moment for our club. Everything was set up; Christmas, local derby, 1st vs 2nd, top spot in the balance. The evening, the match, players, coaches, supporters, volunteers and staff delivered a memorable party night. An impregnable defensive effort, crunching tackling, slick hands and 3 tries to 1 plus some touch line kicks to add to the drama. Even a heart stopping power issue couldn’t dampen the atmosphere in the Kingsey Road cauldron. Our DOR Nick Easter, even managed a wry smile as his players did him, his coaching team and us all proud.

Everyone played their part, thank you.

When I say everyone, that’s every single one of the near 2,500 people that came to cheer on rugby. Incredible scenes. 750 more than we’ve ever hosted. Each voice pulling our team over the line to come from a try down. Well done to our U13’s, parent volunteers and match day staff for supporting the night.

Friday Night Lights delivered. Next one 9th Feb. Put it in your diaries now.

Yesterday we had another first, our four senior teams playing on a Saturday. Our Kites, normally playing on a Sunday switched to play Cannock, the young Falcons took enormous pride away to Rams, Wildboys defeating Quins by a point in Oxford and our Outlaws on a successful raid in Didcot. 75 adult players participating in sport on just one day. I hear the Xmas party back at the club was full of Christmas cheer, mischief and merriment.

Today, our minis and juniors finished the first half of the season. 550 players make up one of the larger youth sections in the country. Thank you to our volunteer age group coaches, medical and management teams for keeping standards high and creating player centred environments for our youngsters to thrive.

The minis festival in November reached new levels with 1,400 players and cars to match. These events are opportunities for our club to shine and Nick Orchard, our Minis Chair, and the team set the benchmark for festivals. The feedback from other coaches and parents was a stream of positivity.

We’re blessed with generous sponsors and this season we’ve welcomed some new faces, they’ve been delighted with the experience and the opportunity to give back and entertain clients at an ever improving match day. If you can help in this way or know anyone that would be interested please contact me. Fundraising is fairly constant, whether it’s for improvement projects or for the junior tours and thank you to everyone for supporting these vital efforts. Things aren’t perfect but hopefully we are moving in the right direction.

The vast array of events put on by Tom, our GM, the clubhouse team and volunteers is quite incredible. Picnic Ball, Big Business Lunch, Corporate Days, Beerfest, Xmas Parties and, of course, Boozie Bingo to name a few. Bravo.

We finish this pre-Christmas run in on Wednesday with our Returning Colts, players from the last 4 years of Colts, who play Rams on Wednesday evening. There’s some real talent and many who’ve played at the club since they were 4 or 5 years old. It will be great to see as many at Kingsey Road supporting them as possible. 7:15pm kick off I believe.

There’s lots to consider for the 2nd half of the season and with only 5 Nat 1 home games remaining we’ll be aspiring to make them big occasions on and off the pitch.

For now though the Club’s Board would like to wish all our members a wonderful festive break with family and friends. Let’s hope for a healthy and successful 2024.

Kind regards,
Nick

CRFC Chairman