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Mid-Season Review

Mid-Season Review

Stephen Green4 Jan 2022 - 16:12
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https://www.kendalrugby.co.uk/

A brief look back at the first half of the season and what is to come in 2022

News from the Board…the season so far

As we begin the second half of our season there is an element of nervous anticipation as we await the Government’s review of restrictions. The next few months are particularly important for the Club as we have five home games before the end of February and cancellations or postponements would be unwelcome for many obvious reasons.

We only played four home games before Christmas, (the Penrith game was swapped by choice) as Bowdon were unable to fulfil their fixture with us, said to be Covid-related. There followed an investigation by the RFU and we have been awarded a 0-0 bonus point win (5 points) with the return fixture in February switched to a home game. Our second position in the League, taking all this into account, is pleasing and a credit to our players and coaches for their dedication in difficult circumstances.

In early December we made the journey to play Douglas, Isle of Man, as only the third team to manage to fulfil their home fixture. The RFU, in their largesse, grant Clubs £2,000 towards travel to the IoM, but costs for travel, coach transport and overnight accommodation are £4-6,000 depending on available route (air and/or ferry). The fact that we managed to go, cope with all the testing and form-filling and arrive with a full squad, is a testament to the organisation of Chris Hayton and the coaching team.

Heather Bayman left us at the end of August and we undertook a review of staffing to take us forward. The uncertainty of Covid and changes to furlough payments added complications. We are very pleased to have appointed Nicola Wilkins as our new Manager to start in January. While we were without a Manager during the autumn we were supported by a group of volunteers who gave their time to work at events and staff the bar. We are very grateful for this essential help for the Club, which shows the importance of the family-orientated culture underpinning the Club’s success.

The Board has continued to monitor our financial position closely and we are very grateful to sponsors and members who have supported the Club through the difficulties caused by the pandemic. Our ability to generate funds for the second half of the season is dependent on there being no reintroduction of restrictions that would prevent us providing the full range of Club activities. The signs are hopeful at present.

Another change coming for next season (22/2023) is the delayed League Restructure which will see levels 5 and 6 reduced from 14 teams to 12, rest periods introduced and an end of season Cup competition. There is to be no relegation this season. It may be that if we finish in the top four in our current league that we shall be ‘reorganised’ into a new ‘more local’ level 5 League, but ‘watch this space’. Whatever the outcome, the reduction in League home games will reduce our income, which will not be offset by reduced travel costs for fewer away games. Needless to say there is no financial compensation in prospect from the RFU.

Despite all this, we look forward positively to live rugby at Mint Bridge with three consecutive home games in January including a derby match with Penrith.
Happy New Year, Stephen Green
Chairman KRUFC

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