Season 2017/18
Welcome to the 2017-2018 season.
So another year has flown by as I now find myself writing this for the 6th time. I must be doing an OK job or they haven’t found anyone daft enough to take over!
This year at the club has mostly seen some important changes off the pitch as opposed to on it. Our Mustangs (2nd team) and development side has been merged to create a challenging yet competitive environment for all involved. As a product of the clubs youth system, I can’t stress the importance of looking after our young players as they make that transition to senior rugby.
Thinking back to my first senior game, I remember running out onto an incredibly muddy Vigo pitch for our then 4th team featuring such Maidstone legends as Gus Parker (who was also my Geography teacher at the time), Rich Ewence and Tuggy. As a fresh faced 16 year old, I thought I’d run circles around the old farts and show them that youth and exuberance beats experience. How wrong I was and I promptly found myself being rescued from a battering by Tuggy….I’ll never live that down.
The young lads have slotted in superbly well throughout the summer and I’ve already lined a couple as future club captains. I’ve been giving them tips on speeches and everything.
This season also sees the stepping down of “Mr Maidstone” Shaun Neaves from his Chairman role. I don’t think I need to explain to anyone how much of an important figure Shaun is at the club. As he concentrates on his recovery from surgery, I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing him all the best and thanking him for his tireless efforts over the last….numerous years.
Unusually for us, on the playing front it’s been pretty settled. We have retained the majority of our senior squad from the last couple of seasons but welcome in some new additions. There are new faces, old faces and some faces that should really know better by now. In particular it’s great to see Sam Weston, Jason Smith and Matt Davies back playing after time out of the game. Throw into the mix the aforementioned young lads and there is a real buzz around the senior squad.
The popular Simon Hawken has stepped up to lead the Mustangs and will ably assist Mick Walker who’ll be the lead coach. The Mustangs have had a bit of a rotten time over the past couple of seasons but I’m sure with this new set up they’ll be pushing up the top of the league.
Over the past few years, we have tried to move the club into the 21st century (only 10 years too late mind…) by increasing our presence on social media. It’s a fantastic way of communicating with the masses. You’ll find the club on Facebook and Twitter, where we have been building up a following for a little while now. From publicising events and news to having a bit of fun it’s a great way to stay involved from the comfort at home. We have also just launched our brand new YouTube Channel and Instagram account. So make sure you save them in your favourites and turn on your notifications for all the latest updates involved your club!
Facebook: Maidstone Rugby Club
Twitter: @MaidstoneRugby
YouTube: MFCTV
Instagram: maidstonerugbyclub
All that remains to be said is that I look forward to seeing you all throughout the season and your support is so vital to the guys on the pitch especially on those cold winter days.
See you at the bar for a beer or several
Ben Williams
Club Captain
#OneGreatClub
