Bournville have said farewell to four members of the squad which secured an immediate return to National Two West by winning the Regional One Midlands title.
Nathan Decalmer, who has established a reputation as one of the most devastating try-scorers outside of the Championship in the three seasons since he arrived from Telford Hornets, and scrum-half Reiss Price have joined National One side Birmingham Moseley with hooker Ben Rhodes leaving due to work and family commitments and Mauro Miller through university studies.
All four go with thanks and best wishes having played significant roles in the title-winning campaign and becoming popular members of a close-knit squad during their time at Avery Fields.
“Reiss joined us from Luctonians halfway through the season two years ago and quickly established himself as the first-choice scrum-half at the club,” said Bourns Head Coach Alex Grove.
“Having that run of games really developed him as a player. While we are sad to see him move on, I’m pleased that he has signed for a club in a higher league to progress his career.
“Ben has moved on because he has an events business which means he has evenings, sometimes full days away from home so regular training and the additional travel that we have in National Two West becomes difficult.
“He’s got a young family and a lot going on in his life. He has been an outstanding player for us. Our lineout really developed under him and he has been a great club man.
“Mauro was only going to be with us for a year and he’s gone back to university. He arrived in pre-season and quickly became a first choice either at full-back or on the wing.
“He scored a number of important tries for us and he settled into the squad very quickly. I hope he enjoyed his season with us and I’m pleased that he got recognition with North Midlands and to play for them in that Twickenham final with 11 more Bournville players.
“Nathan has been our standout player every season has been with us. He arrived from level eight but he is very coachable, very keen to get better and learn and he’s one of those players who makes something happen when he has got the ball.
“Clearly he’s a try-scorer but he will find a way to score a try when 99 per cent of other people won’t or couldn’t. I think that’s why he has been picked up by Moseley.
“I’m really pleased that he is going to a club in a higher league to progress his career. Clearly it’s our loss again but Nathan is an excellent bloke and excellent team player and someone who can really kick on in the game.
“We thank them all for their efforts during their time with Bournville and they all know that there will be a warm welcome whenever they come to Avery Fields.”
