HOPE VALLEY RUGBY CLUB

Life in a higher division was always going to be a test for Valley, but their efforts were further hampered by player availability, a crippling injury list and a series of away fixtures that required anything up to six hours travelling time.

THEY THINK IT’S ALL OVER .... FORTUNATELY, IT IS NOW LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Planning has already begun for the 2023-24 season with the Club’s AGM, which included the election of the new management committee.

The officials were largely re-elected, but two significant changes did take place as captain Matt Keeley and vice-captain Jake Oldridge, who had led the team to their greatest ever season, stepped down to be replaced by Will Boot and Jack Greaves.

Ultimately, it all proved too much for the Club’s small squad of players, who did themselves proud in actually completing the season whilst many other teams folded, but the result was relegation.

The Committee also welcomed a new co-opted member in the form of former player Mark Blanchon, who mistakenly believed that committee meetings were weekly and involved free Guinness.

THE GREAT, THE GOOD AND THE MANDY

To bring the curtain down on the season, the Club held its’ annual dinner at Sickleholme Golf Club. In between some excellent food, copious drinking, “enthralling” speeches and dubious dancing the annual awards were handed out and the roll of honour is as follows: -

Captain’s Player of the Season - Jake Oldridge

Players’ Player of the Season - Jack Greaves

Most Improved Player - Blake Clover

Leading try scorer - Will Boot

Leading front row try scorer - Blake Clover

“Golden Boot” - Sonia Critchlow for her services to junior rugby

Man of the Season (most Man of the Match awards)Jae Rodgers

Mandy of the Season (most Mandy of the Match awards) - George Watts

And so ends another season in the history of Hope Valley RFC. The Club would like to thank all its’ sponsors and supporters for their continued backing and look forward to entertaining rugby fans in the Peak District next season.

Anyone who is interested in seeing what Hope Valley Rugby is all about is free to join us at training (every Thursday at Castleton Playing Fields from 18:30) or can contact the Club’s Director of Rugby, Ian Broad (07989 979 029).

Fill in all the numbers!

This is a sudoku square grid 81 cells 9 3x3 blocks 1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block. puzzles has been devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk