The task of retaining Level 5 status was always going to be a big one. Against all the odds, playing semi-professional teams with former internationals, that goal was achieved by this group of players and coaches with the added sprinkle of some cup run stardust in the Papa Johns Shield and the Staffs Cup.

The players and coaches can take great heart from their performances this season, running most teams in the league very close at times and digging deep when it mattered. With that experience under their belts they can look forward to next season with confidence.

A huge thank you goes to outgoing skipper Ed Cheadle, who has been at the forefront of the club’s charge up the tables for five years, and a big well done to coaches Joel Booth and Andy Appleyard who have laid the foundations for some quite sublime rugby at times.

Thank you also to our support team of organisers, sports therapists, home game volunteers and of course our Blue Wall of supporters.

Congratulations go to the following players who picked up awards at last weeks players dinner:

Players’ Player : Joe Gorman, kindly sponsored by D McCarthy Brothers Ltd.

Coaches’ Player : Joe Byrne & Oli Powell, kindly sponsored by Moorlands Veterinary Centre and Mounsey Chartered Surveyors.

Most Improved Forward : Tom Hayes, kindly sponsored by Cooper Plumbing & Property Services and MCC Group.

Most Improved Back : Kin Critchlow, kindly sponsored by Faulkner Powell and The Lazy Trout, Meerbrook.