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Tuesday 11th July AGM 2005
The President, Adrian Normanton, opened the
meeting with a short silence for Club Members and past players who had
passed on during the last 12 months. The major aspect last season had been
the efforts to raise funds for transport for Paul Deeley, the Otliensian
player who was severely injured the previous season. The support from Club
members and local people was outstanding as was the work of the Committee;
Gordon Longfellow, Norman Coates, Kate Bush, Jenny English, James Bush.
There were many well-attended and enjoyable events culminating in the Dinner
& Charity Auction at the Headingley Experience, which Paul was able to
attend.
Last season should have seen promotion for the 1st XV who finished 3rd in
the League one point adrift of Doncaster Phoenix winning sixteen of their
twenty-two league games. This was not to be and there were several games
which the loyal spectators could place in the “ if only “ category. The 2nd
XV put on some good displays without the consistency of the previous season
but finished a creditable fifth in their Merit Table. The key development
was the re-establishment of the 3rd XV who played a full season. Despite
their lack of wins, their enthusiasm remained undiminished and they
established really good relations with several sides in true rugby spirit.
At the end of the season the Club said a goodbye to Peter Latham who had
been coach for three years. He was presented with an inscribed salver and
the good wishes of the Club for his new position at Otley. Dr Normanton
noted that the Club had been fortunate to find a new coach in Gary Walker
who was actively involved in coaching the Zebras junior side at Otley. The
players and members were asked to ensure they gave Gary their full support.
It was good to report that training was going well with some excellent
attendance on the hot summer evenings. It was good to again have some of the
PHGS team and recent leavers play for the Ensians during the year and also
to see them at the Club dinner. At the dinner, awards were given to Paul
Dearden (Reg. Marshal Trophy), Richard Smith, 1st XV Captain (1st XV Player
of the Year) , Phil Cook (Young Player of the Year), Peter Bonner (Most
Improved Player), Lee & Tom O’Donnell (Newcomers of the Year), James Duggan
(Student Player of the Year) and Richard Cuff and Andy Bower (Second XV
Players of the Year). The Monday Gang worked wonders last season on the Club
facilities and members should all be grateful for their efforts. Members
were asked to note the website (www.oorufc.co.uk) and thanks were expressed
to Roy Appleyard, the Webmaster.
Dr Normanton concluded by thanking the Club Officers, the Committee sub
Committees and all those who had helped the Club in the past season and
emphasised that Old Otliensians would strive to provide an appropriate
standard of rugby for as many players as possible in the coming season.
The meeting continued with a report from Secretary, Andrew Rayner who
emphasised many of the points raised above. He also noted that a steady
stream of income was needed to ensure the development of the Club and that
more volunteers for the many aspects of running Otliensians would be most
welcome.
The Treasurer, Gordon Longfellow picked up on
the theme initiated by the Secretary pointing out that the 3rd team had had
a very positive influence on the balance sheet and also that support for the
general Club events had been good. In his Fixture Secretary/Match
Secretary’s report Adrian Normanton gave a comprehensive review of the
season past, noting the total of twenty-three tries from wing Richard Cuff
in a season curtailed by injury. In the coming season ‘Ensians play Halifax
Vandals away in the YRFU Silver Trophy in October. The Secretary expressed
his thanks to all the referees who had been to Otliensians during the past
season and to the North Yorks. & Cleveland
organisers, Mike Ramsden & John Fisher. He also expressed his thanks to
local referee Derek Smith who had officiated in many games for the junior
sides and also for the help from Graham Dyson of the Otley Club and a Club
member Rob Wilkes.
The following were elected.
President; Dr A S Normanton
General Secretary: A Rayner
Assistant Secretary: Dave Beardsley
Fixture/Match Secretary: A.S.Normanton
Team Secretary: Norman Coates
Treasurer: G.S.Longfellow
Assistant Treasurer: B.Webster
Membership Secretary: J A Harrison
Committee:
J. Bush
S Child
P. Dearden
A.Hoyle
J. McDougall
P Tempest
R.Whitworth.
Mr Geoff Storr, seconded by Mr George C Leach,
proposed a vote of thanks to all those involved in running Old Otliensians
RUFC.
After the AGM, the Committee held a first meeting and elected Norman F
Coates as Chairman. The appointment of the team Captains will be announced
shortly.
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