Rugby Club Issue 47 | Page 36

THE BRITISH MERTON AEROPLANE COMPANY MERTON Based at the Morden Recreation Ground on Faversham Road in Surrey Merton RFC enjoyed a successful campaign last time around. Rugby Club Magazine caught up with their Chairman Jack Canniff to find out how preparations are going for the new season. Involvement. He told us, “I have been involved with the club since I was 15 years of age, when I was brought down by a school friend. At the time, I was playing rugby for my school on Saturday mornings, for Merton Colts in the afternoon, and football on Sundays. After a couple of years continuing with both sports, it was the social side of Merton rugby that converted me from a round ball player, even if I did keep up the game on a non-regular basis.” Memories “Like most rugby clubs, I would say that many great memories are from time spent on tours, as well as the buzz in the clubhouse after all the teams have done well on a Saturday. Clearly, with the former, not too much can be said about it, but there have certainly been many great Saturday nights in the clubhouse, and that usually involves alcohol, games and singing. The seasons where we have achieved promotion are particularly pleasing memories, as it means that all the hard work over the season from both players and coaches has been worthwhile, and it gives the club the chance to celebrate the achievement. I would also say that Merton is a great place to make lifelong friends, an aspect that is sometimes pointed out to our younger players. We had one of our boys celebrate his 19th birthday at the club last season, and what was particularly pleasing was to see him go off in a very large group, made up predominantly of lads that he had met through the club.”. 36 ISSUE 47 “It is our aim to offer rugby to as many people as possible, and continue to have three successful XVs, as well as maintaining the social side.” Atmosphere “The mood here is very good at the moment, as all three XVs were relatively successful last season, the 1st XV gaining promotion by finishing runners up, the 2nd XV topping their League, and the 3rd XV (the Hornets) ending up in third spot, and thoroughly enjoying their campaign, despite just missing out on promotion. Of course, this is no guarantee for the new season, but at least it means that spirits will be high in pre-season which, hopefully, can be carried into the matches at all levels.” Youth “Youth rugby is important to Merton, even if we do not run mini and junior rugby sections, as there are other local clubs with established set ups. We have run a junior section in the past, but nowadays we try