www.oorufc.co.uk

AGM 2004

The President, Adrian Normanton, opened the meeting with a short silence for Club Members who had passed on during the last 12 months; David Potter, Douglas Waye, Les Hill and also former player Keith Briggs.

He continued by noting that last season came as a relief. Although now playing in Yorkshire League four, the teams had played rugby with more spirit, more apparent enjoyment and eventually finished mid-table but not without a few alarm bells on the way. The 1^st XV won 14 games and there was a better buzz about the Club.

The 2^nd XV, with a very varied playing squad, had their moments including a 32-pt. draw at Ilkley 3^rd XV. The President thanked Roger Whitworth for his continued chasing of players.

Peter Latham was the Club’s ever-cheerful coach who had a good rapport with the players and certainly attracted some excellent new players in the Bush family and the irrepressible Mattie Birch, for example. Peter had rewards for his efforts in other directions when his excellent PHGS side won the Daily Mail Vase at Twickenham. Some Club members supported the team and saw an excellent display. Peter will be coach again in the coming season and training sessions have been taking place for several weeks. The Players were asked to ensure they gave Peter full support all season and to aim for a good progression in the League.

The President noted that, as in the last two seasons, a third XV could not be raised although there seemed to be enough players appearing at different times but only playing odd games when the notion takes them. Other Clubs have similar problems and cannot raise 3^rd and 4^th teams but this does not mean we should give up the battle.

Moving on to the "thank you’s", Andy Rayner did an excellent job in his first year as Secretary and Brian Webster was again a dedicated 1stXV manager and assistant treasurer. John Churchman organised the "Match Managers" and we are most grateful for his efforts and those of his team in this vital job. John’s VP’s lunch was again a good occasion and gave a chance to meet people who do not visit the Club regularly. Gordon Peakman’s sponsored Saturday gave a similar opportunity

Gordon Longfellow was the ever efficient Treasurer, and also worked hard to sort out the Clubroom bookings and the bar staff to service these events. The President also thanked Geoff Storr in his continuing role as Auditor, Dave Smith as "Saturday Subs" accountant, John Harrison as Membership Secretary, Keith Butterill for his work on the database and for the "50" Club Draws. John has also acted as Chair of the Development Committee and has continued to run the sponsorship arrangements, the most recent being with the Suburban Style Bar and RMP Properties.

Mattie Birch was also thanked for organising discounts with JR Sports and Club Energy in Otley.

The fields are again immaculate, thanks to Roger Whitworth, Joseph & Tom, and provoke envious comments throughout the County.

Thanks were given also to Bev. Rocket for her role as First Aider and to, Norman Coates the hard working Chairman, for his many roles; the man with the tools on the Monday Gang, handyman, Saturday tea maker, Yorkshire Committee man, Quiz Master and etc. Peter Tempest and Steve Wilson organised some great nights with the help of their wives and there was also an "R & R" night organised by Roger Smith & John Harrison, which was also a success. Repeats are planned in the coming season.

It was good to have some of the PHGS team at the Club dinner and the President was sure the lads had a good evening. Awards were given at the Dinner to Peter Tempest (Reg. Marshal Trophy), Dave Roberts (1^st XV Player of the Year) Ben Newall (Young Player of the Year) and Mattie Birch was awarded his 1^st XV tie.

The Monday Gang worked wonders last season on the Club facilities and members should all be grateful for their efforts. A new development is the website (www.oorufc.co.uk) and thanks were expressed to Roy Appleyard, the webmaster and Dave Smith for their hard work.

Two other aspects not to be forgotten were the Recruitment Drive led by John Harrison and the very successful end of season ‘7’s tournament.

The Saturday Tea Ladies are much appreciated as are the regular after match bar staff, Alistair Hoyle and Kev. Cooper et al. Thanks were given to these members and all others who help on Saturday evenings and at all the other functions.

Finally, a global thank you was given to the Committee, the various sub-committees, touch judges, referees, sponsors, Deirdre Jennings for helping to keep the kit in good order and the many other people who had contributed to Old Otliensians.

The President then spoke about the YRFU Cup Competitions. Otliensians were still in the Shield Competition; it seemed inappropriate for a mid-table Y4 Club to be mixing it with Y1 Clubs. A complaint had been registered with the YRFU and the response was that it would be different next season.

Dr Normanton concluded by saying that he was sure the Club would continue to battle on and strive to provide an appropriate standard of rugby for as many people as possible on Saturdays, under the banner of Old Otliensians

The meeting continued with a report from Secretary Andrew Rayner who said he had found the change from playing to backroom staff most enlightening. He commented on the recruitment initiative and the hopes of playing a third team at some stage during the coming season. He also referred to the fund raising necessary for the Club to develop.

In his Fixture Secretary/Match Secretary’s report Adrian Normanton gave a comprehensive review of the season past. In winning 14 games Mattie Tenniswood had been top scorer with 164pts and Jonathan Woods had scored 13 tries. In the second team, Roy Appleyard, many years a player, had found he had a talent for goal kicking; whilst not of the Wilkinson standard, he had scored 40 pts.

In the coming season ‘Ensians play Northallerton away in the RFU Vase on 18^th September and Roundhegians at home in the YRFU Shield on 6^th November. The Secretary expressed his thanks to all the referees who had been to Otliensians during the last season and to the North Yorks. & Cleveland organisers, David Slawson & John Fisher.

The Treasurer Gordon Longfellow picked up on the theme initiated by the Secretary. The refurbishment of the changing rooms had contributed to the debit side but income had also increased. The cost of playing each game had increased by about 28% to £426.Analysing the accounts in detail but neglecting the refurbishment of the changing rooms, the Club showed a deficit of £1300. In concluding the excellent presentation of the accounts, the Treasurer thanked many people but particularly Geoff Storr for his assistance.

John Churchman proposed a vote of thanks to the President/Fixture Secretary, Secretary & Treasurer for their hard work over the past year.

The following were elected.

President; Dr A S Normanton

General Secretary: A Rayner

Fixture/Match Secretary: A.S.Normanton

1^st XVTeam Secretary: J. Woods

Assistant Team Secretary: R.Whitworth

Treasurer: G.S.Longfellow

Assistant Treasurer: B.Webster

Membership Secretary: J A Harrison

Committee:

G Bush

M.Birch

A.Hoyle

K.Keinhorst

P.Latham

R.Whitworth.

After some excellent discussion with the playing members, the Committee held a first meeting and elected Norman F Coates as Chairman. Norman will also Chair the Selection Committee.