It is sad to say that I can not see any rugby being played anytime soon and I thought I would take the time to say a few words and thanks.
First of all stay safe, follow advice and if anyone needs any help then get in touch. The Hendon Family is a supportive network and if anyone is struggling then let us know what you need.
Secondly, a few thanks to our sponsors GCL, the Bodhran and Claddagh Ring public houses, PHL Hydraulics, Jamm recruitment, Daval Construction, Joe Walsh Consulting and all the Vice Presidents who sponsored our home games this season. Your support off the pitch has helped us to achieve so much and I am sure i speak for the whole club when i say a huge thanks.
On the pitch a perfect record in the league was something that will stay with all the players. With improved skills, fitness and a couple of new players, we were looking for a promotion and we will have to wait and see what the RFU decides on April the 1st.
The strength in depth at the club has certainly improved with the second team having a strong season. They would probably have finished second behind a well organised St Albans team. A bigger 1st xv squad has been crucial to our success, losing Nick and Mike for large parts of the season came when both were in top form.
This depth was evident when we played an excellent Cranbrook team in the London and South East final. With four front row unavailable, we still put out a great set of forwards, in what turned out to be an outstanding game. Credit to Cranbrook, they can play, they can drink and they can sing with the best of them! A great crowd and tight game which I think is the last rugby played this year. A great way to finish if so.
A new ladies team, 2nd team coach and improved clubhouse have all improved the rugby experience and more improvements will follow.
So to next year, we have already started planting seeds, with our new forward coach Jim Dickin and myself looking at the new game plan already, we have already made our first signing and whatever league we are in we will hit the ground running.
I would also like to add a few personal thanks. Denis Connolly and Liam Murphy for all the work on a Saturday and behind the scenes, Craig Silver for fixtures and the medical staff, the leadership team for ideas and selection, plus of course David Gershlick for all his support and the old glass of red wine, and finally to our captain; Cian Hines a great leader on and off the pitch. The support on the touchline both home and away has been excellent and I hope we did you proud.
Finally stay fit , stay in touch and I hope to see you all when this is all over
