Rugby Club Issue 55 | Page 83

nelson Nelson I t’s been a productive season for Nelson RFC both on and off the field with their team’s performing well and the social side of the club thriving. Honorary Club Secretary Chris Bax took the time to tell us more about the good work that they’ve been doing lately. Involvement He told us, “I’ve been at Nelson RFC 23 years now. I started in the second XV and progressed to the first XV and even captained them for 3 years, and I’m still playing. I ended up in Nelson as that’s where my first wife was from; her father was the kit man at the time…bit of a long story…but I’m still here. I am currently Hon Secretary which is a challenge in itself juggling the commitments of that role with my playing commitment. There are several challenges throughout the season, particularly regarding international ticket allocations around the 6 Nations and Autumn Internationals. Also, it’s currently the WRU audit time, which means collating a lot of data from the teams in the club for submitting to the WRU so we get our funding for next season from the WRU. As for rewards seeing the club prosper and be successful at all age groups is satisfying, making sure there is a rugby club in Nelson for the future.” This Season “I’d say the club is bouncing at the moment. All of our teams are having good seasons and we are seeing the clubhouse packed for social events. When I say packed that includes wives, girlfriends partners etc. and their families. We have a great atmosphere which people seem to enjoy. The season has been a success. We re-formed our seconds, youth and U13’s teams all of which have had really good seasons and are going from strength to strength. The second XV won their league easily and gained promotion. They also narrowly lost in their respective cup final.” Nelson Belles “We have girls rugby here for the second season and this has to be the fastest growing section within the club. When it was first mentioned I, like many others was a little sceptical and didn’t see it lasting, boy how wrong we were. Their attitude towards the club and the game is simply excellent. I have never experienced a team of young people embrace rugby, the club and its values like the Nelson Belles. They deservedly won their league this year and are an absolute credit to Nelson RFC. Several players were selected for the Dragons regional squad and a few progressed to represent East Wales recently down at the Millennium Stadium. But it’s not just on the pitch - the way they conduct themselves off the pitch is amazing, they support any event at the club and even man the gates for First XV fixtures! A complete success story.” www.nelsonrfc.mywru.co.uk - Twitter : @Nelsonrfc www.sportip.biz 83