News from The Dings

The summer recess is drawing to a close and pre season training will now be under way. Following our best season ever last time out we are hoping to build on those really good foundations. The league set up has finally been resolved and we are now in National League 2, South West (level 4). Our travelling is much reduced, the furthest North we go is Newport, Shroshire, and the furthest South West is to our old friends Redruth. New opponents include Exeter University and Loughbrough University, Bourneville (B’ham) and we welcome back Old Reds and Weston Hornets.

Last season we supplied players from across the membership to International squads for the U 18’s, County squads for boys and girls and to the Bears Academy. Our Junior squad continues to thrive and this was reflected in the award of a Life Membership for Andy Plummer (pictured) one of the main drivers and leaders of the Junior Section.

Pre season fixtures are arranged and we play some famous names including Pontypool, Newport and Glasgow academicals. All these are in August and all are at Shaftesbury Park so take the opportunity to come along and see some good rugby in the sunshine.

In May we held our annual end of season dinner and awards evening. This was the first one since the pandemic brought proceedings to a halt. The guest speaker was ex international referee Derek Bevan, and he was brilliant with many humorous stories.