Hooker James Weaver will make his 121st and final appearance for Bournville in Saturday’s National Two West finale against Devonport Services at the Rectory Field.
A year on from making his 100th first team appearance against Hinckley Club Captain Weaver will bring down on the curtain on his playing career before taking up a new role as coach of Bournville Blues, the club’s successful Second XV.
Weaver arrived from Moseley Oak seven years ago and was part of the side that took Bournville into the National Leagues for the first time in 2000.
“Physically you think you are still able but with family and other commitments there comes a time for everybody that you have to pack in,” Weaver said.
“I have enjoyed my career and I thought I had a good game against Clifton which makes it even harder to give up.
“But I am going to be coaching the Blues along with Alex Warner so I shall still be around the club which is something that I was keen to do.”
Weaver’s retirement comes two weeks after his front row colleagues Stef Thorp and James Burgoyne said farewell in the defeat by Clifton.
Thorp has also retired while Burgoyne was scheduled to play his final match at Devonport until he was sent off in the dying minutes against Clifton and suspended for three matches. Burgoyne is moving to Devon where he intends to continue his career.
“They are a pair of lads that any club at this level would snap up,” Weaver said.
“Burgs I have played with a lot longer, we were together at Moseley Oak and then we came across here.
“He’s an absolute animal in the scrummage, a great bloke and, if he could keep his mouth shut, he would be one hell of a player.
“Stef is a bit of silent assassin. He doesn’t say much but you stick him in a scrum and he never shifts. He’s a bit heavier than Burgs but technically he knows what he’s doing.
“With those boys either side of me my job is easy. You just hold on and enjoy the ride. If you want to push you can push but generally it makes it an easy ride.”
Weaver has certainly not been a passenger during his time with Bournville with his powerful ball carrying, strong scrummaging and quick wit all making him a valuable a valuable member of the squad and an excellent club man.
His farewell will be tinged with disappointment as Bourns have been relegated to Regional One Midlands next season but he will be able to reflect on playing his part in two promotion-winning sides.
“There are a few highlights. At Moseley Oak we did an invincibles season when we went unbeaten at level seven and got promoted,” he said.
“Here it was winning Midlands Premier and getting the club into National Leagues for the first time. It’s a shame to go out seeing the boys drop down.”
