2008 - That was the year that Woz

It’s been quite a year as we kicked off with a league defeat to Stoke Old Boys at home but then went on to win our remaining 7 league fixtures consecutively to secure promotion to Mids 5 West (South). This was achieved via Old Wheats ending agonizingly (for them) 1 point short v Atherstone (well done lads) and a play off v Clee which we won 27-0.

7 consecutive league victories is a record in one season, so congratulations to Mitch and the boys although the club have won 9 on the bounce between Oct 1987 and Nov 1988 (over 2 seasons.) The second team deserve mention too as Dick and the lads put together some great performances which included wins over Old Covents 3rds (14 – 0), Barkers Butts 3rds away (12 – 7) and drawing 14 – 14 with Keresley 1sts.

2008 was the year that we said tearful goodbyes to two much loved family members, Jon Roden and Jeff Platt who are sorely missed but never forgotten. We also said farewell to a couple of Covents from different generations as Martin Harrington and Mikey Kiburi cleared off to New Zealand and Kenya respectively.

On a happier note, we welcomed back to the playing fields, Mick and Jon Woodward, Mark Gisbourne and the legendary, six brandies, Wayne Brandfour. We salivated over Terry Mosey’s pace at scrum-half (no my eyes didn’t deceive me) and marvelled at Rich Walters and Dick Potter as their combined age topped a century.

We were also privileged to greet old friends back at HQ during various functions – the list is long and includes (among others,) Tug, Red, Ted Campbell, Golly, Glynn, Steve Allen, Hodgy, Banksy, Jacko, John Wilson, etc. At times, the place rang with the old songs and it was great to hear.

We heard from old boys flung far and wide around the globe – Ranj, Cottage, Morrall, Julian, Rockford Files, John Kelly, and Jim Bradford.

2008 was the year of Skunk Wine, Rohan’s red boots and Wayne’s sunken van – of Carter’s big hits, Danny’s chip kicks (from a hooker?), Dick’s shiner and Vallis at fly-half – Sean’s exuberant late night postings, the Flick Memorial Trophy (with a Deadeye special) and 50 points at Warwickian, Chunky wingers in scrum caps who spew free beer, Jones the Boot, Ben’s tries, groin strains, two lovely physios, groin strains, a skipper whose dad cooks his tea, pods and groin strains - oh, nearly forgot D J, last of the Mohicans and the newly shorn John Kenny being captured by KFC!

The start of the new season witnessed more injuries than Stalingrad, flat balls and water that was too warm. We chased shadows against Worcester, lost the wheels at Welsh and hit rock bottom v Copsewood. Out of nowhere (although Gypsy Rose Springate did call it) we won at Pinley with Carl back (no thanks to THAT PENALTY WOZ) and carried on the good work with 2 draws v Stoke & Dudley, a cup win v higher opposition (Shipston) and a first ever victory against Keresley.

The second team bless ‘em, are now nicknamed the “Christians” as every week they enter the lion’s den for a mauling but they’ve kept their spirits high and have twice been involved in Guinness Book of Records attempts for opposition overlaps. Seems Trendy was right, we should have gone in a higher league . . . Also, special mention to John and Jane who kept the ale flowing even though WBA are firmly rooted, Barbara for helping Scholesy and Hayd “O” n put weight on and the football youngsters who put on a great show in minus 98 degrees last Saturday but still lost 6 – 3 to us old farts despite mini-Stanton’s cool finish.

So goodbye 2008, hello 2009 – Happy New Year to Covents young and old – you know it makes sense.


PS; There is a player’s meeting after training at 9-00pm Tuesday 6th January 2009 to discuss the tour and playing issues – please make an effort to attend.