We missed the opportunity of witnessing a last push by the Men's First XV to grapple their way into promotion territory having won 4 out of their last 5 fixtures!!

They played some great rugby at times and whilst finishing in the top half of the table is gratifying, I think most teams above us know that we have the firepower necessary to take them apart on any given day.

Similarly, Kesteven Ladies finished strongly and had their season curtailed just as they were starting to pull together and draw on the experiences learned throughout a hard first League campaign.

We’ll pull together a report highlighting the achievements of all our age group sides in due course, but as far as Kesteven is concerned I think we can be all very proud of everyone who has worn the shirt, managed or coached teams or offered unrelenting support from the side-lines throughout the season.

Clearly the traditional end of season festivities are furloughed for the time being. They will not be forgotten however and as soon as we have an idea of when this messy business is ending then we’ll ensure that the End of Season Awards ceremonies and are put into place and we can look to reboot President’s Day to showcase our talent and raise a glass to each other.

The Board continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes, making applications for grants where they are available, safeguarding the Club’s financial position in light of huge challenges resulting from lost revenue (not only from COVID-19 but also the atrocious weather we had post Xmas which wiped out many games and training sessions).

Thankfully we are in a good position thanks to previous good housekeeping but like many of you we are not immune to the current challenges and we need to pull together during this period to maintain our good standing. Happily we have not needed to call upon the RFU for financial assistance but we are taking all the necessary steps to protect our Club.

This includes planning ahead and the Board has appointed a work party to revisit a ‘Mission & Vision’ plan for the Club to provide us with a direction for the future. This will be reported back to members in due course, hopefully in time for the Club AGM at the end of July.

On the subject of the Club AGM, I think it’s worth reminding ourselves that this is a Club for all of us – players, ex-players, supporters, coaches irrespective of age or gender.

Please offer your support and whatever qualities your have for the good of the collective.
Attending the AGM, volunteering your services, sponsoring where possible, offering your energy and expertise for the good of all of us is vitally important to our future and our present.

The Board is aware that they work for you, please be vocal, inventive and supportive of their efforts, and if you feel you have a contribution the give then make it known…..One family etc!!!

One a closing note, one very tangible show of support would be to purchase a 300 Club ticket. They are £20 each and can be bought in isolation or as a syndicate. They can be purchased by members or non-members alike and offer the chance to win £1,500 1st prize, £500 2nd prize, 3 x £200 as 3rd prize and 4 x £100 as 4th prize – worth £20 of anyone’s money surely!!

We are planning that the draw will be made on the 3rd May so every effort to buy a ticket by then will be hugely appreciated. Tickets can be bought on the Kesteven RFC website or by contacting Kerri Arlando.

Stay safe everyone, see you when this is all over for a huge party!!!

Angus