Bishops Castle
& Onny Valley
have moved pubs four times,
moved off a random sheep field
to a purpose built pitch, had a lot
of very funny educational tours
and got to the final of the County
Cup, winning it in 2003 when I
was captain; the club’s biggest
achievement to date.
“I left the club in 2010 due
to family circumstances to play
for Ludlow two leagues higher
and returned to be player coach
in 2014. Unfortunately the club
was going through a transitional
period and numbers had
dropped off. We stabilised the
club, putting in place changes
to build and move the club
forward.
“Being at the twilight of
my career, I get my playing
thrills out of playing with
young, exciting players and
as a coach seeing the personal
development of players, along
with winning of course. The off
season went really well with
rugby touch being played all
through the summer, with really
good numbers and attracting
new players and supporters to
the club.
“This also strengthened the
under 12-13s with a real influx of
players. From a club of just one
adult team last season, we have
managed to get a regular second
team out, an under 12-13s and
a colts and also a mixed ability
team, which is rugby for people
with and without disabilities.
The only team like it in England
apart from one in Bradford.
STOKES TREE SERVICES
Proud sponsour of
Bishops Castle Rugby Football Club
Tel: 07980842804
Email: [email protected]
Toby Stokes recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine about his
positive association with Bishops Castle & Onny Valley Rugby Club,
“Unfortunately, I damaged my Achilles tendon some weeks ago and
will be out of the team for the rest of the season.
Although I played for a few clubs, starting as centre and moving to
the front row, I eventually settled at Bishops Castle. I still enjoy being
around at the training sessions and supporting the lads. We attracted
a lot of young players to the club which has developed some very
good and fast rugby.
People like Gary Philpott were great to have around as I grew up with
the club and we are fortunate to have some very good role models
with Gareth our captain, Darren Price and many others young and
old.
Positioning some of the younger lads as mentors helps to keep the
whole squad together on and off the pitch. This has also worked very
successfully in bonding us that bit more. I wish everybody at the club
continued success and good luck in their ambitions this season.”
www.sportip.biz
11