Another Season of rugby is upon us and although we find ourselves playing in a lower league than last year there is, I am pleased to say, no less enthusiasm here at Stroud Rugby Football club. As far as the committee is concerned I can unequivocally say that there is a continued commitment to maintain' standards and provide a warm, friendly atmosphere for all members, players, associates and visitors to Fromehall Park. We will be playing many different sides this season and whilst our overriding aim must be immediate promotion we will offer all our opposition true respect and courtesy.

On the playing side we have a new player coach, John Farr, who we are delighted to welcome back, together with established and new playing members.

There already appears to be a really positive attitude in training and I am looking forward to this being transferred to League and Cup games next season. Last season was a most successful one for our Mini and Junior teams, in no small way to the hard work of both Coaches and administrators. A big "Thank You" is due to outgoing chairman Rob Cantle who has, I believe, made a lasting contribution to the Mini/Junior section and therefore the future of Stroud RFC. Congratulations and welcome to Dave Sykes who has been elected to succeed Rob.

As ever a large debt of gratitude is owed to all our sponsors without whose support the Club would not survive. Indeed we are grateful to all those who support financially and again I would mention the unsung heroes who turn out at all times to mend and maintain our ageing Clubhouse and facilities and seek little or no reward.

Finally a plea - our membership numbers continue to fall and I ask all existing members and associates to re-double efforts this year to spread the word and encourage new faces to the Club. You have my promise of every effort being made to continue the proud history and tradition of Stroud Ruby Football Club.

Dave Crampton, Chairman, Stroud RFC.

Promotion! That's what I spoke of this time last season. Well, what do I know! There are many excuses and reasons that can be offered. Neither can put Stroud RFC back into South West 2 West, that has to be done on the pitch.

Dennis Hargreaves was welcomed with open arms. He had a great track record, indeed he is a really decent bloke, but perhaps the chemistry wasn't right and he was wished well after the last match of the season at Spartans. Although Dennis would be the first to step up and take responsibility for Stroud's relegation, other factors did contribute heavily.

Nobody could have expected a ruptured Achilles to Brian Pearse, James Bashford's broken ankle, Stewart Cale's disc problem and subsequent dislocated elbow, Andy Jarrett's knee injury in pre-season training (on his good knee!), Adam Seager's job move to London, Adrian Hands' tour of the World, Lyle Robertson's trip to America, Mike Wildy's reorganised ribs, Rupert Wakefield's shoulder problem, Adam Tarplee's stress fracture of the foot, Steve Thompson working with six different Scrum Halves, Mike "ALF" D'Silva's return to South Africa to take up a teaching course, Rob Davey's battle to get his shoulder sorted at the start of the season, Ollie Waters' hamstring problems, Ed Crampton getting concussed in a warm up before a game at Truro, Rob Higgins losing half a season after crocking his knee at Camborne if I put my mind to it I could add more, but you get the drift.

We all recognise that without a referee there is no match, and that he has to make instant decisions on literally dozens of incidents during a game. Did we get the rub of the green? Well, in accepting that good and bad decisions tend to even themselves out over a season (and this is a personal opinion after only missing a couple of games all season) I think we were pretty much hard done by. There have been some shockers, the worst of which was at Brixham where their captain actually apologised to Stroud RFC after the game.

As for the players themselves? Injuries played a massive part in a season where I still feel that with a full strength squad Stroud RFC wouldn't be looking at a year in Western Counties. However fitness was a factor, and both James Bashford and John Farr have worked relentlessly, literally since a week after last season ended, to get players together weekly to get a few miles into their legs. It was the case that many games were lost in the last twenty minutes, I'm sure that fitness won't be a factor this coming season. But lets hear from J ames Bashford

Captains Log

Season 05/06 sees a new era for Stroud RFC playing in Western Counties for the first and only season in the Clubs' history. This brings new challenges and a lot of anticipation from players young and old. I am personally looking forward to this season with more enthusiasm and interest than I have had in recent seasons. This is due to a number of things: being able to lead Stroud RFC as Captain, playing with some exciting, enthusiastic young players which have emerged from our own Under 17's and Colts, and of course being coached by John Farr.

I have rarely played in a team with such an inspirational player as John and I think I can speak for most players who have played alongside him. This will make my job as Captain a little easier. Last season wasn't a good one with lots of players feeling uninspired and as if they hadn't played to their potential. After all, the same squad had won the County Cup two seasons ago! We will need to get the team spirit back, and into winning ways, starting with trial games in August, where I'm sure we will see some new young faces making their impression in Stroud's 1st XV shirts. Our target will be to win the 1st league game (which I have been informed is at Fromehall Park) playing the confident rugby we want to play this season, setting our stall out early, and showing other teams we are a different level.

The new floodlights bring the opportunity to play mid week games. I am hoping we will have regular 1st XV games under lights giving an opportunity for players in the Nomads and Gothamites, who are showing promise, to play along side some 1st XV players, allowing them to play to their potential and push for 1st XV shirts. This will help the club during this transition period to ensure no young stars are being over-looked and make sure all squad members are getting enough match time.

We really do have some great people at this club, not just the players who play and train week in, week out in all weathers, but also people who, as personalities, help run the club and create a warm atmosphere that any club would be proud of. We should be proud too, as players of the club we need to support the club on and off the field, this will create team sprit that was lacking last season.

Finally, to all the dedicated followers of the club, please continue with your support. It would be more difficult without you cheering us on, Home and Away, all through the season. I can assure you, you will have more to cheer about this season and I hope you enjoy visiting the new grounds and their hospitality during the short time this club plans spending in Western Counties.

James Bashford, Club Captain, Stroud RFC.

I can but underline James' aspirations, but his hopes are half the battle. Stroud RFC has always had its serious side as well as its friendliness and hospitality. The two go together.

Stroud RFC needs you! It needs you to be on the touchline at Home games (Away too if possible) encouraging the team, supporting functions at the Club, entering the 100 Club (see application), helping other volunteers, providing donations (we cannot survive on fresh air) but above all PLEASE ensure you remain a fully subscribed member of Stroud RFC.

It IS at times like this, when the club is going through a period of change, that your contribution is really appreciated. There are players who for professional reasons have needed to move on, but the core have stayed to put this Club back where it belongs, at least one Division up and maybe two. Please be a part of what we are all trying to do, move this Club forward. We have some talented young players that, with John Farr's input and your support, could serve this Club well for years. Think of the sort of impression you could make just by being a part.

Players movements .........

Sadly we bid a very sad but fond "adios" (not Goodbye) to Steve and Nikki Thompson. Steve is furthering his career in education by being appointed Director of Sport at Solihull school, a highly prestigious role. What can be said of Steve that hasn't been said before? Well, I'm struggling. I don't feel I can describe either (and I really do include Nikki here) as being "servants" of Stroud RFC. You get out what you put in at the end of the day, and each has contributed massively to years of success. Promotion, County Cup winners, a trip to Twickenham. It is no coincidence that Steve and Nikki's time at Stroud have mirrored a Golden period at Fromehall Park. Steve has rewarded us by donating his England schoolboy shirts and caps. A wonderful gesture.

Stroud RFC will always be their Club, and I'm sure we will see them at Fromehall Park on many a future occasion, especially when the call goes out for a Stand Off for the afternoon! Hold on to the Dubbin Steve!

Matt Hart has taken a job in Blandford Forum, Adey Hand has similarly accepted a position in Poole as a Physiotherapist. Shame, he applied for a role at Cheltenham hospital and didn't even get a reply! Lyle Robertson will also need to go back to New Zealand in December as his Visa runs out. If I am selfish (and I am), I hope he waits the compulsory two weeks and gets the first available plane back! But what of the plusses?

Who cannot be impressed by John Farr's return to active rugby. A great influence at Scrum Half, a head full of wisdom and knowledge in how to read and play the game and doing such a great job on training nights. Such a pity that there will not be a regular link with Tomo, a pairing that was the envy of the County outside of Gloucester RFC. But what can he bring to Mike Coleman, Ben Corrigan and others who will press for the No. 9 shirt? Plenty!

Steve Ireland is looking after the pack. With a host of coaching qualifications and at least a couple of years left in a well honed frame, we can look forward to grit in our forward play. We can also expect Steve Bewick to continue providing some forwards coaching support as well as pressing Steve Ireland for the No.8 shirt, if not from time to time the No.1 shirt. Versatile chap is our Steve. We hopefully will unveil a late recruit from last season that has pedigree at Launceston RFC, Plymouth RFC and the Navy. Watch our Internet site (www.stroudrugbv.co.uk) for details.

The club is very hopeful of a number of last years Colts and Under 17's breaking through to first team status. Joe McGoldrick is back from the Antipodes. At Full Back or Wing he can make a difference and has no fear in taking on the kicking duties. Josh Lister and Will Warden also revealed great talent in Giles Potters' UI7's, amongst many others. I would hope they enjoy at least regular action with The Nomads if not a few appearances at first team level.

Fred McClellan, there's a name! Fred has agreed to take over the running of The Gothamites this season and it may well take some weeks to get a settled side. One has to bear in mind that holidays and general unavailabilities inevitably result in the perennial problem of getting first The Nomads and then The Gothamites out on the field. Such are the burdens that both Chris Skey and Rupert Foote endure. I take my hat off to them both in doing such a great, but all too often, thankless job. This is where last years Colts and UI7's can step in, stand up and be counted. Chris, Rupert and Fred are able to bring fun and an "old head" attitude to developing rugby players. On behelf of the club, I wish you all well for a promising season.

It won't be easy, you will find ever increasing demands. There are players out there in their twilight years who will be keen to "put you in your place", who may not have the legs but the nouse to run you around the park. The hits are harder, the skills are greater, the expectation for you to become better players is constant. But at Stroud we look after our own, and although there are set backs such as injury and being dropped, there are plenty around to support and guide you. Just look around and try and understand why people such as Rupert Foote, John Farr and Steve Thompson (to name but three) have a love for this club, you too can be a part of Stroud RFC's future. Grasp the opportunity!

So, what else is news? An eye-opener of a tour to Jersey took place at the end of last Season, Julian Harry did a fabulous job organising it. Although a participant I would not dream of breaking the code of "what goes on tour .............." but boy, even at 49 and having been round the block once or twice, did I learn a thing or two about touring?! What I will say is that I met Alun Evans (Glos Old Boys player) a couple of weeks back. He, Andy Vicary and Gareth Gwilliam were all invited to Jersey. I told Alun (well, I lied actually) that Jim Breeze was to reconvene the Court (Jim was The Judge) and he would get a call from him. Fear was not the word for the look on his face!

Oh, there was this Lions tour also, you might have read about it. Stroud didn't get any players in the squad, but could they have done any worse?

New Zealand, from a purely rugby perspective, was a wonderful experience. I met Mike Workman, ex Stroud Captain, in Christchurch. In admitting I am still a new boy on the block at Stroud RFC (eight years association), I didn't know him. He saw the Blue & White hooped shirt and came up to me. What a lovely man. I understand that he was at the club late July passing through, and he sends his best to all his old friends at Fromehall Park.

Mike was disappointed to hear that Stroud had not enjoyed the best of seasons, but times change. I brought him up to date with next seasons' ambitions, but Club Coach, John Farr tells it better.............................

" When I first joined Stroud we were playing in South West I, playing, lets be honest, a better standard and more attractive style of rugby than that of late. The main difference, I think, was that the lads were actually having fun.

So when I am asked about my objectives for the coming season, then that is my priority. It is my intention that training should be enjoyable, and hopefully this will encourage positive attitudes, which can then be transformed to the playing field. The playing style will be simple, effective with a touch of adventure, so that not only will the club players enjoy it but also the spectators and all those involved with the club.

Finally, I will operate a policy of transparency, by which I mean that nothing will be hidden from the players (or anyone for that matter), and they will be given the opportunity for input on all matters.

I am sure that the above formula will mean that while we are having all this fun, we will also make a return to where I first started my life with Stroud RFC, and from there the only way is up."

John Farr, Principal Coach, Stroud RFC.