Season 2014/15
The 2015/16 season see the Veterans herald in the 31st year of action, we continue to look forward to the annual challenge of getting ever ageing bodies around a rugby pitch each weekend, against what appears to be ever younger opposition.
The season commences in early September for the Veterans with what has become the traditional start of another year on their rugby calendar. The side will compete at Ashford’s Beer & Rugby Festival where following the rugby tournament a small amount of liquid refreshment will be consumed and stories of battle and woe recounted.
The Veterans are an inclusive bunch welcoming players of all ages and abilities and the social activities of the team are as important as the playing.
To that end December see the traditional outing to the Varsity match, organised by one of our respected skippers (well that’s what he told me).
Leading into the Christmas Break we continue the tradition of the annual memorial match against the 5th XV. Where the Vets honour past players and friends, and as is always the case, we will take wine to honour their memory.
There is no barrier to playing rugby for the Veterans and whilst we do endeavour to follow the over 35 years qualification, even we, on occasion, have provided experience for younger members of the Club looking to play the famed free-flowing, fast-paced Barbarian style of rugby associated with the Vets (in our dreams perhaps).
When the opportunity arises we also accommodate ‘Father & Son' combinations, with many of the sons taking this valuable experience through to the 1st XV.
The Veterans will continue to revisit their youth (some only in there dreams) by representing the club in league fixtures and endeavour to put up a good showing against more youthful opposition. The provision of players throughout the club, car parking duty’s and a fervent support to the club bar are also part of the team’s portfolio.
Having completed another successful tour last year, this time to France, we hope to extend a reciprocal welcome to our new rugby friends during the season, if the tour is anything to go by then a great day is on the cards.
The Veterans XV play competitively, both on and off the pitch in the true Corinthian spirit of the game. We look forward to welcoming old foe and new friends to Maidstone Veterans.
Message from the Presidents.
A serious study of lower order rugby has compelled me to record my observations on the attached document.(click here)
Furthermore, a five minute spell on the touchline at training last night did not leave me with much hope that proper attitude and respect for the twin pillars of the game ("get your retaliation in first" and "winning isn't everything, it's the only fecking thing") will be in evidence in the coming season.
Quite clearly that antediluvian crowd of coffin dodgers you have inherited will present you as their captain with a major challenge. If you can sweat the laughing and enjoyment out of them you may have a chance to re-discover some of the lost Corinthian values and perhaps even pick up the odd win.
Best of luck for the coming season.
Yours on the Somme, a reluctant and infrequent spectator.
Jim Tinsley (Ex scrum-half)
