Message from the President – April 2025

Hello again!  I trust that you are all well and enjoying all the Rugby that seems to be flying at us at the moment.

Clearly we really are at the business end of the season now what with Cup Finals, the Six Nations (both men and women) and of course the battle for League honours, it really is a good time to be alive!

My first duty this month saw me attend the first Colts Final between Ashfield and Chesterfield played at Tupton.  A wonderfully competitive game played out by two excellent teams giving it their all which eventually saw Chesterfield ran out as winners to claim the Cup.

I was struck by the large number of people, from both sides and neutrals, who turned up to support the Players to make it a very enjoyable experience. Local, grass roots Rugby at its best, well done to both Clubs!

I have mentioned the role our wonderful Referees play in sustaining our game and we were fortunate to see a special occasion during the Colts Final as my good friends and learned colleagues, Dave and Odhran Stewart ran out as Assistant Referees – a job well done I’d say!

My next adventure saw me attend Twickenham (Ooops, the Allianz!!) to represent the NLD at the “top table” of English Rugby.  A wonderful experience and great to spend some time with some luminaries of the game both local and further afield – you know who you are!

What struck me most was the huge number of fans, English and Scots, who attending the game rubbing shoulders, sharing a beer and of course, the banter that goes with our game.

My next adventure saw me attend Twickenham (Ooops, the Allianz!!) to represent the NLD at the “top table” of English Rugby.  A wonderful experience and great to spend some time with some luminaries of the game both local and further afield – you know who you are!

What struck me most was the huge number of fans, English and Scots, who attending the game rubbing shoulders, sharing a beer and of course, the banter that goes with our game.

I then read the Premiership are going to trial supporter segregation – this is what happens when people who have no soul get involved in the game – utter madness!

Finally I’d like to acknowledge another of my friends who many of you might know, Paul (Emmo) Emmerson.  In the last week Paul completed a rather unique achievement in completing the set of playing 1s, 2s, 3s and now Veterans Rugby for Matlock with a spell at Tupton to add into the mix as 1s and 2s Captain.

We are fortunate that Rugby is made up of people like Paul, where the commitment to the game, every week, shines through – congratulations Emmo!

The next couple of months will, in many ways, define a Clubs season with the conclusion of the Leagues and the move into the Cups so may I wish you all well in your endeavours.

Finally, I’d like again to place on record my thanks to all of you that contribute to the game in whatever way you do.

Bob