IT is a pleasure to welcome Rosslyn Park back to Old Bath Road for this afternoon’s National One fixture.
Their Chairman Adam Tyrer and the rest of his guests are terrific people and we look forward to hosting them.
We have enjoyed some amazing games with Park since we reached this level and we’ve been a bit of a bogey side for our opponents, albeit they beat us last time out.
Hopefully we can rectify that today!
They have had a similarly mixed start to us and haven’t yet moved into fourth gear, so fingers crossed it won’t happen this afternoon.
Phenomenal Baker
Despite the narrow defeat to Bishop’s Stortford last week, there was a memorable highlight as James Baker continued to add to his legend by scoring in a 19th different season.
I think I probably scored one in 19 seasons, so his is a phenomenal achievement.
It would be great if he can add another today.
R.I.P Rob Castell
On a sadder note, we will be holding a minute’s silence before kick-off in memory of Rob (or Bobby) Castell, whose funeral takes place on Wednesday before we celebrate his life here at Old Bath Road.
He was a larger-than-life character who could play equally well in the back row or centre. I’d most liken him to Morgan MacRae.
Rob was also a wonderful person who had a trademark bear hug which was something to behold.
His two boys Stanley and Bertie are due to be part of the guard of honour this afternoon and they are in our thoughts along with Rob’s wife Liz and the rest of their family.
We welcomed the Minis back for the first time this season after the summer heatwave set things back, and it was brilliant to see so many happy faces.
The youth section is such an important part of our club, and I thank everyone involved.
While there was a delay due to the hard pitches, I’d like to once again praise our irrigation team who have worked extraordinarily hard to have ours in the best of order.
I thanked John Cook before the Sale game for his vision in putting a bore hole in 25 years ago, but the current team also work morning, noon and night to keep things as they look, which is superb.
‘Get behind the guys!’
Finally, this is a game which always seems to excite our supporters and I’ve no doubt today will be the same again.
While we haven’t made the start we wanted to, I firmly believe things will turn around.
We have players coming back from injury and watching training on Thursday night, it was the first time I can remember (forwards coach) Owen (Root) looking smaller than a few.
Either he is shrinking, or we have some serious ammunition including Ryan Cozens, who makes his debut today.
I urge everyone to get behind the guys and help us pick up our first win this afternoon.
