Another successful season for Chew Valley

CHEWValley Rugby finished second in their first season in Regional South West 1 with a 69-19 victory over Old Centralians from Gloucester. Camborne won the league and will play National league rugby next season.

Playing at Level 5 in the RFU structure is the highest level Chew Valley have achieved. They are currently the highest ranked amateur club in the South West and very likely in England.

The foundation for its success is the junior section founded in 1994 by the current President and Chairman at the time, Andrew Tanner. The bulk of the senior men’s playing squad have come through the junior ranks.

The Waddington brothers Will and Tom as founder members are still turning out on Saturdays, Tom as a former club captain playing at wing forward for the 1st XV and Will in the second row for the club second string captained by James Stone. His squad have won their league in an unbeaten season.

For those wanting social rugby while rarely being seen at training the 3rd XV captained by Matt Flanagan have enjoyed a mixed season but included a number of 40 somethings who are still putting the boots on.

It is accepted in rugby circles that forwards win matches and the backs decide by how many. In a back line that sparkled throughout the season, fullback Tom Bryan for the 1st XV was the standout performer with 27 tries over 22 league games, in addition to his conversions and crucial penalties to win tight games away at Ivybridge and home to Devonport Services.

Chew Valley Cats the ladies team captained by Ally Stevens, have an enthusiastic squad rebuilding and sit mid-table in their league while the junior section continues to prosper.

The U-16s are in the finals of both the Somerset Cup and the Bristol Combination Cup. Those transitioning to senior rugby having turned 18 have experienced academy rugby with