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New Stour & Avon, October 8, 2021
Business
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Andrew Diprose is the founder and editor of dorsetbiznews.co.uk, the No.1 business website in the county with more than 27,000 unique users It’s a shining example of how people working together with passion, enthusiasm and commitment can create a community asset. And this month – October – marks the pinnacle of the resurrected Christchurch RFC when the newly-formed ladies team begin their debut season. So says David McDonald, President. He co-founded the former Plessey Christchurch Rugby Club in 1985. It played its last match 21 years ago before disappearing from view, seemingly for ever. But Donovan Lynaghan, Chair of Governance for Dorset and Wilts Rugby, was determined to put it back on the map. After his initial research in November 2018 he started painstakingly rebuilding the club, galvanising a strong team. One of his earliest decisions was to approach David, a graduate at Plessey in 1985, to seek both his blessing but also active participation. Last year the renamed Christchurch RFC returned to competitive action in the Dorset and Wilts league. And now, a year after they began training, the ladies team is to start playing in a development league with their first match – away – at Poole on October 17. Bryony Solan, who manages the team, said it would be a proud moment. She said: “We now have over 20 members, many who came
WORKING TOGETHER: From left, Bekki Lancaster, Donovan Lynaghan, Tom Chong, and Bryony Solan
Try hard and you’ll succeed to us via word of mouth or Facebook. “Women are more interested in getting involved in sport, perhaps due to events like the Olympics. The ages range from 24 to 49 with a wide variety of backgrounds. “The majority are new to rugby.” Bryony, whose partner, Lewis Thompson, plays in the first team, said she had resolved never to become involved in a contact sport but was now a committed team member. “I really enjoy it. We have a great group of ladies,” said Bryony, who is a chartered surveyor and Associate with commercial property firm, Vail Williams. Christchurch RFC also has a thriving youth and mini section based at The Grange School. The club now serves more than 90 children from Under 6s through to Under 14s. Donovan said: “It’s incredible to think that it was only in August last year that the ladies started training and they are now on the verge of entering a
local friendly league. “The ladies game is growing across the country and there will be more focus than ever on appealing to a wider audience base. “We’re excited that Christchurch RFC has been able to expand to offer a ladies section and show that the game has much more to offer than just the physical aspect many associate with rugby. “We’re very fortunate to have Bryony lead the section. “She is passionate about welcoming new players on board and settling them in, working really hard on getting everyone through to this stage and ready for their first season. “Tom Chong only joined the club this year but was keen to get into coaching and took over the reins of head coach for the ladies two months ago. “He hit the ground running and was the obvious choice for taking the ladies forward. “We are only five months into the set-up, but have seen excellent growth, particularly
in the younger age groups. “A big thank you there to the school itself and our amazing group of coaches. “As a club we’re pushing ahead further still by focusing on what the club and its members can do in the local community, partnering with charities and fulfilling our pledge as a community focused sports club. “Our aim is to grow sustainably and offer rugby to all age groups, male and female, across Christchurch and beyond.” David, who went on from Plessey to enjoy a successful high-level management career, said: “I am extremely proud at the extent of Christchurch RFC’s achievements in just two years. “The recent launch of the ladies section is the pinnacle – so far – of our short existence. “We are an inclusive, family friendly, fun, hard-working and community focused club. “I believe that these characteristics are key to our success so far.” n christchurchrfc.rfu.club
