Grassroots Stories – Willenhall RUFC See Success
Willenhall RUFC like many other clubs suffered terribly with flooded pitches and abandoned games due to the awful weather we had, then covid 19 shut us down. On a much brighter note we had achieved so much. The seniors had a social third team that were entered into a league, they remained at the top of the table at the end.
The 2nd XV were at the top of the table with 2 games left to play and the others with just a game left. We have now found out that we have won that league and are being promoted next season. The mini and junior section grew again. Numbers went from 180 to 230 registered players. We recruited new coaches to ensure each age group has a qualified coach.
This season we also achieved getting a colts team together they entered into Staffordshire Colts Transition program and we finished off with 10 of our senior colts playing their first game of adult rugby at a transition match which was a great achievement.
They have made the club proud with their success of retaining high numbers and giving the season there all. They have a great future ahead of them when they transition into seniors, some of those will do so next season. Last and not least, our under 14s competed in a cup and plate and they came out winners of the plate.
Congratulations to all across both seniors and mini and juniors.
Another bit of good news. The 3XV Seniors are winners of the inaugural Staffordshire RFU Social league.
This was designed to cater for clubs who had players returning to rugby from time away or injury, who couldn’t currently commit to weekly fixtures or who wanted to play competitive rugby but at a less intense level. The fixtures happened once a month, with clubs taking it in turns to host a straightforward club v club match or a tri-tournament. Willenhall completed every round.
Although it was billed as a social league, the fixtures were definitely competitive and intense on the pitch but any rivalry was forgotten at the final whistle and of course in the bar.
It was great to welcome people back to the fold at Willenhall and hopefully some might be playing more regularly next season.
A resounding success.
by Michelle Banks
