Back in July 2010 we met a newly arrived Alex Gaudie, fresh from Australia over staying with relatives in the UK for 6 months. He was a welcome addition to the squad and very quickly settled in to make friendships that will last for many years to come.

Pre-season fitness training commenced at the end of July. From the outset there seemed to be real focus and application, a keenness to get fit (yup; honest). Sessions were short and effective. Application was almost 100%.

The coaches pre-season planning included setting league objectives. Having been a solid mid table fourth for several seasons top three was our objective (winning the league was realistically a step too far just yet). This meant beating one of the “Big three”; Newbury, Maidenhead and Windsor. We also made a fundamental change in our style of play. We have always been small in stature, but generally quick and fit. Where conditions would allow we started working on trying to keep the ball alive as much as possible with support runners on either shoulder of the ball carrier. We were intending to run bigger squads off the park.

The lineout was also to be an area for key focus; plenty of pre-season practise paid huge dividends throughout the season.

Our season.

Played 23 and won 16.

Generally we played good rugby. Like most sides several times our tackling let us down, but generally we played good rugby. The early season friendlies built up to our first league match away at Bracknell just before Christmas. In the event, with Alex playing his one and only league match before returning down under, Bracknell put on a disappointing performance against us and we beat them easily on a cold and frosty morning.

Big Pete’s Big Birthday Bash came and went; it was worth the entrance fee to see Pete’s face when he walked into the surprise do up at the club. Priceless.

Friendlies also came and went. We beat Reading and Abbey in the league, which left us with the “Big three” as our run in to the end of the season. First up were Maidenhead and in the event we played some of our best rugby over at Shirensians to beat them well. Windsor beat us away in a niggly game. So one of the big three accounted for; could we grab the scalp of Newbury, a side that we have not beaten in 10 years of encounters? The big day came and there was a steely feel about the squad that you tend to get in a handful of games during the season. The coaches didn’t need to say much as we left Captain Matt Hunt to speak to his team in the changing room. After 10 years of waiting we beat them 18 – 12. Much jubilation and back slapping all round. The first person over to congratulate us; Ian L. the Newbury coach. This is what rugby is all about.

Tour;

The tour committee planned and executed a fantastic DIY tour of Bath. Many, many highlights, amongst which who will ever forget;

· Liam MacDevitt, the fastest winger in Berkshire sprinting down the flanks at Old Redcliffians, wearing a glittery thong over his shorts; to be worn at the judges request until he scored his first try. (Great incentive; top tip to other coaches! Be good to see the Firsts using this technique, you’re missing a trick, guys)
· (Not So) Big Pete being lifted in the line by about 12 forwards. After shocks were felt in Berkshire.
· Jo Holt (Parent) choosing to go as a Roman Blind for our “Roman” themed tour meal out and very nearly getting discount on the meal when our hosts couldn’t provide a Braille menu! An Oscar worthy performance
· The whole 53 man party doing “dead ants” in the centre of Bath, dressed in things of a Roman nature. Superb.

Some season highlights.

Lifting in the lineout. We dominated pretty much everyone this season by getting this right. Jake Holt (front) and Tom Dolton (middle) in particular working in harmony with their lifters. Jonesy throwing in. Poetry in motion.
Yes we are a small pack but so often we pushed back bigger packs with our better technique.
Liam MacDevitt and Simeon Tsang, probably the two fastest wingers in Berkshire lighting the after burners and scorching down the wing.
Kieran Leicester with his mazy runs, deft sidesteps and tactical kicking.
Scoring an "end to end" try against Abbey. Having turned over the ball about 5 metres from our own try line we had the confidence to keep the ball in hand and work our way rapidly up field to score! So deflating for the opposition.
Plenty more; too many to mention......

England Honours.

In amongst all this we had the not so small matter of Full Back Elliott Cox who progressed up the ladder to realise a dream and be selected for and then to play twice for England at U16 level. He played both matches when England beat Italy U17’s up at Macclesfield and then thumped Wales U16’s at Fylde; a great couple of days out! One of these England shirts will soon be on display within the club house. Massive congratulation to Elliott.

The “originals”
This is our 10th season of rugby. We have 4 originals that have played for Redingensians since U7’s.
Jamar Richardson
Angus Weir
Rory Sharp
Kieran Leicester
Well done guys; that’s quite an achievement.

Overall.

A cracking season. Whilst several individuals have been mentioned it has very much been a squad season with players covering seamlessly throughout. Great fun.
Our best result in the league and players playing good rugby with a smile on their faces.

1. Most Improved Back of the season; George Dickinson
2. Most Improved Forward of the season; James Stevens
3. Clubman of the Season; Craig Paterson
4. Players player of the season; Jake Wareham
5. Back of the season; Kieran Leicester
6. Forward of the season; Rory Sharp.

Well done to the whole squad and thanks to all the parents and relatives for all your support.

Bring on 20011/2012!!!

Bernie.