MELKSHAM Rugby Club are looking to build on last season’s great senior performances across all three sides, including a 3rd place finish for the 1st XV, and have forged new links with a number of local businesses to ensure success both on and off the field.
With the introduction of new kit sponsors, led by Absolute Power Tools, Melksham have been able to ensure that all 3 sides will take to the field in brand new kit for the first time ever.
As well as Absolute Power Tools sponsorship has also been arranged with Elleness Hair Studio, the Sultan Tandoori and Western Lift Trucks, local businesses who all had the opportunity to join the club for the start of the 1st XV season at home to Supermarine last weekend at a sponsors day.
On the captaincy front Matthew Trueman and Terry Case have been appointed to continue their good work in leading the 2nd and 3rd teams respectively, with scrum half Callum Hurn newly appointed as 1st XV captain.
There have also been changes in the senior coaching setup this year as former Bath Academy and Henley Hawks player Scott Simmons has been joined by fellow first XV members Simon Foster and Adam Davies as well as former Melksham player Gary Lewis, whose wealth of coaching experience includes time spent with Bath Rugby’s Colts.
Pre-season has been all about building on the success of last season, and developing a style of rugby that makes the most of Melksham’s talented player base. Challenging pre-season matches against Andover, a strong Hampshire 1 side, and Bristol Imperial saw Melksham win one and lose one in two closely contested games, with key areas identified for improvement prior to the start of the league and cup campaigns.
Competitive rugby began with the cup fixture against Supermarine on Saturday 7th September, and continues with a challenging opening league fixture away to an always solid Minety side before making the short trip to Chippenham to take on last season’s league winning Chippenham 2nd team.
With a committed Colts side consisting of several players who are already beginning to break into the senior setup, as well as successful youth, mini and Ladies sections, the 2013/2014 season is shaping up to be hugely successful for Melksham Rugby Club.
