As he heads off into the sunset, Mitch reflects on his time here at Bournville Rugby Club…
And so comes the time to offer my thanks and reflections for the last 7 years at this wonderful Rugby Club that I’ve come to call home.
During that time we have grown from a Club that at times struggled to get 15 1st team players to training at the university pitches to regularly having 60+ across our 3 teams on a Thursday evening at our Avery Fields home base. Whilst it hasn’t always been smooth sailing (when is it ever?), I wouldn’t change or alter the experience in the slightest.
We have experienced some amazing games and times over the years. Some highlights for me have to be the North Midlands Cup semi-final v Bees in my first year; where we found ourselves 26-0 down after 15 minutes and roared back with 32 unanswered points to book our place in the final which we went on to win. The comeback v Doncaster Phoenix at Avery Fields in 2017/18 where we scored twice in injury time to win the game. The double over Stourbridge this year was a high point and was particularly satisfying for some of the players who were seen as “not good enough” by the powers that be in their time there.
And who could forget some of the performances in our promotion winning season with the stand outs being the away victories at Bridgnorth and Sheffield that took us to the title and into the National Leagues for the first time in our 110 year history. I could go on with all the little details I remember from many other games but I don’t think we have enough space in this programme, despite my special privileges this week.
Thanks must go to Rob Sigley, firstly for bringing me to the Club and then giving me the chance to become head coach and finally to lead the senior men’s rugby programme. He has always been a great sounding board and although we have had differences of opinions at times, it has all been in the name of finding what is best for Bournville Rugby Club. You will be hard pressed to find a man (the legend that is George Foley aside) who loves and cares as much for this club as he does.
It’s been an honour to work with the likes of Phil Maynard, Terry Sigley, Mark Hewitt and Dave Ellis who have taught me a lot in our time together. All greatly experienced rugby men who have imparted their knowledge and wisdom with not only me but also the team which has added to us immensely. The support of Mick Palmer, Darren Clegg and the rest of the club officials who have always been there with a kind word and a pint no matter the result has always been greatly appreciated. Special mention to both Paul Sumner and Dean Lewis whose roles and responsibilities have allowed me to focus on what I do best, coaching the team. Often the unseen and unsung heroes (apart from when player contracts need to be negotiated) their contributions have been a massive part of the success we have had here in recent years and their ability to keep their finger on the pulse with regard to the feeling amongst the playing group and feeding back to me alongside the not so small administration duties has been second to none.
The players that I have worked with have always given their all for the cause from July through to the final whistle in late April/Early May.
Amongst them some absolutely gun players on the field but, most importantly all of them, top draw people off the pitch who are always keen to stick around and enjoy a drink or two (sometimes a fair few more). The squad I joined in 2016 looks very different to today’s and is a lot younger and I hope to see them stick together and further establish themselves in this league for years to come under my successor. You have all made this job a lot easier and more enjoyable than it could have been and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be able to coach you all.
There will be a few who, like myself, will be leaving us at the end of the season for pastures new. Amongst them will be former club captain Steve Handy. Never one to shy from any task; on the field or off it, he has been a wonderful servant of the club for over 10 years and will finish just shy of 200 appearances for Bournville at the end of the season; a huge achievement for anyone but particularly for someone who plays the game like Handy; no holds barred and always willing to put his body on the line for the team. I wish him all the best, as he, Chanelle and Halle welcome their new arrival in the coming weeks and for what the future holds away from Bournville RFC. Also leaving are Mikey Ho and Tom Burrows, who joined in 2019, and have regularly tormented opposition three quarters up and down the country. Outstanding blokes who have bought into the Club ethos and will leave us with many great memories.
There may be a few more who in the close season confirm their intentions and I’m sure the Club will join me in thanking each and every leaver for their contributions to Bournville during their time with us. Don’t be strangers as you will always be welcome back at the Club.
As a Club, we are now in a unique position that a few years ago may have seemed a fantasy. No longer are we the destination of choice for those looking to wind down their playing careers, with a light run about on a Saturday afternoon. We are seen as one of the premier clubs in Birmingham and the West Midlands with a fantastic facility that is the ire of many in the area. We have a young vibrant senior playing group who are hungry to prove themselves at this level and potentially push on with their rugby careers whilst balancing a growing professional life away from the field. It is no longer a struggle to attract players as we have countless enquiries from those moving into the area and some of the best up and coming talent wanting to join because they have seen the production line we have created with the likes of Owen Williams, Ben Tibbetts, James Burgoyne and Sam Grimshaw, who just a few years ago were at junior clubs themselves. We are wonderfully positioned to continue to grow on and off the field and I for one look forward to following the Club’s journey from the Netherlands and, when time affords me the opportunity, stand on the balcony pint in hand and cheer the team on.
It’s been a privilege one and all.
Best wishes,
Mitch