The 2015/2016 Challenge for ORFC club members

The 2015/2016 Challenge for ORFC club members

Orkney had an impressive season in 2014/15 topped by their senior team winning the BT Caledonia Regional League Division 1 and securing promotion into BT National League Division 3 for this season 2015/16, as well as winning the BT Caledonia Shield.

In addition the team’s hooker, Scott Rendall, also won the BT Caledonia Regional Leagues Player of the Season.

All of this was achieved against the backdrop of away trips taking, at times, more than 24 hours to reach venues.

So it was a great playing season and then the season finished on yet another high note when ORFC won the accolade of Scottish Rugby Union’s Club of the Year. This award not only fully recognised the achievements of the first XV squad but also praised and recognised all sections of the club and the ORFC plans for the future.

Last season was therefore a great season but the ORFC Committee recognises that in order for the club to maintain these standards and build on this success Orkney Rugby Football Club is presented with big challenges during the season ahead.

Neil McCartney, Club Chairman, is quoted as saying “We all know the challenges that face ORFC this season and we have made a good start on the playing front with a close fought game against Perthshire which resulted in a narrow loss 31-28 and a good win at home against Dalziel 29-3 but as we lead into the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations these challenges are going to be quite significant so we need the help of every club member to help meet the demands that will be placed on the club and its collective resources.

In particular there will be considerable challenges for the first XV players and coaching staff as we will have to play all of our 11 away fixtures between Perth and the Border.

Costs will naturally rise and that will stretch our club’s finances, particularly as we want to maintain our commitment to youth development and youth fixtures outside of Orkney, the sterling work of our mini and rookie sections as well as developing the ladies game.

There will also be considerable demands placed on players. We need to have a big squad who are willing to travel to represent Orkney in league games but we also need an effective back up system so that we have:

• players who are match fit and ready to slot into the first XV team if others are injured
• a way in which players who have been injured can play themselves back to match fitness before re-joining the first XV
• a way of assessing the readiness of young players for first XV selection
• a way of maintaining the interest in adult rugby throughout Orkney and to encourage the regular participation of as many people who want to play the game in Orkney

 
Consequently we need to find a way of rejuvenating and/or developing second XV/internal rugby in the coming season and all club members are invited to contact Ian Carse who is leading on this matter for the club to discuss this topic and help us to find solutions for the coming season”

ORFC have therefore organised a second XV fixture on the back pitch on Saturday 12 September at 1030 prior to the First XV playing GHK that day and there will be a discussion about the future of second XV/internal league games in the future throughout the day.

The first XV will be playing at home v Glasgow High Kelvinside (GHK) this Saturday at 1230 so the second XV game will be for other club players and or new players. Members and friends are asked to encourage others to make it a good turnout as everyone will be included.

ORFC playing and non playing club members are encouraged to come along on Saturday with their thoughts and ideas, but if folk can’t manage along on Saturday they are invited to contact Ian Carse (Tel: 878339 and email: carse914@btinternet.com) with any comments as Ian is leading on this matter on behalf of the committee