With the Premiership final looming, Saturday 08 June marks the end of the English 2023/24 season, although it already seems a long time since the Mighty Boro took to the field. It’s probably a good day to reflect. Looking back, how might the season be viewed?
For the first XV; a good placed 3rd, or an opportunity for higher placed position missed? The season started strong; 5 wins in 7, and ended very strong with wins in the last 8. Do bogey teams really exist? That Cumbria team eh! The firsts couldn’t replicate the cup success of the previous season, losing to Cleckheaton and Stockton in the Yorkshire Cup and Papa Johns Cup respectively.
The Wasps had a mixed season with good wins against Morpeth and Blaydon and, one weekend in early December were the only northern team in England to win. On this occasion the winter weather providing an opportunity for the second XV to earn that unique accolade. Enough said.
Looking to the future of the Boro team, both the Colts and under 14s made it to their respective Yorkshire Cup finals. The Colts were closely beaten by a strong Wharfedale side. However, the second half dominance of the young Boro lads could easily have led to a warranted victory. Disappointing? Yes; but a lot of those young lads will have the memory of their first ever rugby tour to cheer them up. A tour to Spain saw them narrowly beaten by a much more experienced Catalan side. Any stories to share of said tour? Sssh! What goes on tour, stays on tour.
The under 14s won their final against Dinnington and this group look like they are all set to follow in their older colleagues boots. Congratulations. May your success continue.
The ladies, in their fledgling season, managed to get a few games going and are looking to push on next season. The season was mainly focused on ball skills and fitness. Girls of all ages have turned out week in, week out, in all sorts of weather. A testament to their enthusiasm and commitment. Let’s support the Ladies to help them get a regular side going.
Talking of giving support: to all the volunteers of the Club; with every single hour of your time given freely, the Club grows stronger. It matters not in what capacity, it helps. The future of the club is in your hands, and given the increasing numbers on the field and in the crowd, those hands are moulding the future well. Thank you.
Finally, to sum up this brief review, a big, big thank you to Andrew Baggott. Over the the last 7 years Baggy has played with and coached a side full of excitement, guile and tenacity. As with every sport some results have been frustrating (Keswick again…grrrr) but when the team clicked the rugby was a joy to watch.
In the 7 years Middlesbrough RUFC have always competed in the top half of the league table in which they played. Andrew can look back and reflect that all the effort paid dividends. The performances were rewarded with a league topping season in Yorkshire One in the 2021/22 season, and a destiny defining Yorkshire Cup win in the Clubs 150th year. The Club would like to take this opportunity to wish all the very best for you and Sara in the future. Whatever happens we are certain your drive and commitment will lead you to success. Thanks Andrew.
