Summer is getting shorter, and to steal a quotation from our local editor, you could have been justified in bursting into a rendition of ‘Danny Boy ’ as Randalstown seniors commenced pre-season training on Tuesday night under the watchful eye of the new coaching combination of Gary Longwell and Alistair Strange in decidedly unsummery conditions.
There was a sizeable and enthusiastic turnout despite the deluge and hopefully this will continue during the countdown to the new season. Having dug deep to maintain their position in Qualifying 2 the 1st XV will be keen to develop and improve on this as we move into 2013-2014. As previously mentioned the 2nd XV face a very different set of opposition this year in Junior section 5 and Manager Gregor Sloane together with captain Sammy Hyndman will be targeting a high place finish.
Training will continue on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.15 pm sharp and will take place at St Benedicts school until further notice. Players of all ages, ability and experience are always made welcome at Randalstown Rugby Club. Anyone wishing to join will be more than welcome. If you need further information contact either the coaching team or club captain Neil Foster – details are on the website.
As previously alluded to there is a new coaching team in place this season. Randalstown are delighted to welcome Gary Longwell to the fold for 2013-2014 and are confident that he will be able to build on the very strong foundations laid over the last few seasons, particularly by outgoing coach Mike Stevenson. Assisting Gary, Alistair Strange brings a wealth of knowledge of Randalstown through the decades. His knowledge of the players throughout the club will be invaluable in the early stages and it is hoped that Alistair finds this role as fulfilling as his time in various capacities as a player, youth convenor, Under 19 coach and mentor, club PRO – the list seems endless!
Gary Longwell needs little introduction in rugby circles and Randalstown are delighted to be able to appoint him head coach, bringing as he does a wealth of experience both as a player and more recently a coach/player manager. We took an opportunity to speak briefly to Gary after the first training session to ask the burning question –‘ what attracted him to Randalstown?’ His answer brought sharply into focus what many involved in the club forget about as they get on with the nitty gritty of the everyday essential tasks! It was gratifying that Randalstown was a club that could be recommended for reasons such as its’ friendliness, hospitality and community ethos, the achievement of the IRFU excellence award and the acknowledgement of the very positive attitude displayed by the current squad of players. Reasons for all involved to be proud of their efforts and achievements.
A lot of hard work goes on in the background throughout the year and at this time the repairs and sprucing up take place. Some remedial work is being carried out on the pitches and on Saturday 3rd August any available members are invited to report to the clubhouse at 10.00 to be issued with mops, brushes, paintpots to carry out the various tasks deemed necessary. The President will then host a wine and cheese evening where you can relax and admire your handiwork. Further details on this will be posted on the website www.randalstownrfc.co.uk as soon as they are finalised.
Chairman Adie Johnston will oversee the various sub committees charged with ensuring the smooth running of the club. He was quick to welcome team Longwell and Strange on board but took a moment to acknowledge the contribution of retiring coach Mike Stevenson.
Mike has taken a back seat this year having worked extremely hard over the last two seasons, securing promotion from Qualifying 3 initially and then consolidating that position at the end of last season. The play off against Larne was a remarkable display of guts on the field, but to engender the hunger and will to win among fifteen guys who hadn’t had a competitive game in the previous 6 weeks was a huge achievement and proof of the positive squad attitude he worked hard to promote. We wish Mike well as he takes a well earned rest and hope that he is not a stranger to Neillsbrook now that he can take a more relaxed view of proceedings.
When asked about his ambitions for the season Gary says he will be happy to work to improve the skill set both individually, and as units within the teams. He will be guided by the ambitions and wishes of the players in particular. Doubtless with his experience this will pay dividends throughout the year.
We wish Gary Alistair and all our senior players well for the 2013-2014 season.
The entertainment committee have come up with many and varied events for the new season – there really should be something for everyone! First up is the annual BBQ on 27th July. Please reserve your place as soon as possible to facilitate catering for this event. Details are on the website.
Randalstown’s annual 15 a side Tournament will take place on Saturday 31st August from 1.00 pm. The usual format of 2 group round robin stages, following by semi-finals and final will be the drill and the ‘Town will be hoping to win outright this year. Several teams have already confirmed attendance and the draw will be made early in August.
Randalstown Youth Section
Pre-season training for the Under 17 & Under 19 squads starts on 23rd July at 7 pm.
The youth section are busy fundraising over the summer and are asking if anyone is having a seasonal clearout of wardrobes to bring bags of unwanted (Clean) clothes and shoes to the club at the beginning of September when the youth section will be glad to forward them for recycling.
Events will be regularly updated on the club website and we look forward to seeing old and new faces as we move into the new season.
