WPRFC Men’s 1st XV 2021/22 – End of season review
A fourth-place finish in the league meant the first team gained promotion into the North West 1 league for the 2022-23 season. The aim at the start of the season was a top-four finish and the club are delighted they have achieved this. Although promotion to Level 6 in the RFU league structure is still to be fully confirmed, the team will continue their preparations on this basis.
The last time the first team tested themselves at this level was during the 2007-08 season so the club are delighted to be back playing against teams such as Broughton Park, Vale of Lune, Wilmslow and Birkenhead Park, alongside fellow promoted teams Anselmians and Rochdale.
Amongst the highlights of the season were some outstanding performances at home against Keswick, Warrington, Tarleton and away at Bolton and St Benedicts, a game which will live long in the memory for those that were there! Anselmians and Rochdale deservedly led the way last season, and although the team didn’t record a victory against them, the boys produced some really encouraging performances against both sides, showing what they’re capable of against the top teams. Naturally, injuries and squad availability did impede on the season which resulted in some disappointing losses, where on another day, the team were expected to come away with the points.
Despite losing a few players over the summer the squad did strengthen in certain areas; four Colts made first team debuts, new players arrived and made first team appearances such as Jack Star, Liam Gough, Will Nelson and Ash Harding. Former junior player Kieran Taylor returned after a 10-year absence and our younger players cemented themselves in the squad – Ross Morrin (young player of the year) Joe Cook, Alex Burrage and Will Morrillo (most improved player of the year). Travelling students Ryan Snow, Tom Wager, Aiden Flanagan ,Gregor Purves, Lew Gibson, Matt Dorset, Cam Heron and Tom Henning all featured in the first team when back home. A number of second team players also stepped up and didn’t look out of place - Chris Southern, Josh Allen, Jack Johnson, Tom Dodson and Josh Gibbins.
Experience was once again in abundance in the first team and the old guard of the club made sure everyone played their part and some of the best rugby we’ve seen in years, thanks to Dave and Matt Cross, Matt Treacy, Gary Dykes, Andrew Evans, Ben Cann, James Johnson, Cam Flanagan, Chris Twigg, Skippy, Mike Eaves, Harry Stubbs and Captain and Player of the season Shaun Underdown.
Next Season
North West 1 will be a new challenge and everyone will have to raise their game but plans are in place to give us the best possible chance. Retention of the current squad is key and we’ll look to improve with new recruits and several Colts making the step up. Also the return of the injured Sam Brookes and number of University students will give the squad a boost during pre-season this summer. In addition to players, the club are aiming to recruit additional coaches to support the senior teams.
At the end of the season the club said farewell to Alex Glendining (players’ player of the year) who is moving away to take up a new job, and James Moran, who is retiring from rugby. We wish them all the best and they’re welcome back any time.
