It is a
great pleasure to welcome you back to the Honourable Artillery Company for the
34th Annual Rugby League Varsity match. With the spoils even so far at
16 wins each, and a single draw, this promises to be yet another exciting
fixture with everything to play for.
Once
again, CUARLFC have continued to improve and build upon the strong foundations
laid last season. Our preparation began well during our pre-season training camp
with old hands welcoming an influx of fresh talent. This camp proved to be
extremely successful and our efforts were reflected in the exceptional win in
the first game of the season, beating St Mary’s, 72-8. Following this, CUARLFC
met last year’s champions, Brunel. This difficult game really captured the
essence of our commitment and determination; we were able to recover from an
18-0 deficit at half time to beat Brunel 26-18. Again, CUARLFC have gone a step
further and have surpassed the largest points difference in the previous year,
beating Reading 74-4. After placing 2nd in the BUCS league in 2013,
CUARLFC have worked hard with the aim of finishing top. So far this year, we
remain unbeaten and stand proud at the top of the league.
We have
also been very successful beyond the league, with record numbers attending our January
mid-season training camp in Hull. Once again, we would like to thank Hull Kingston
Rovers for their generosity in allowing us to use their facilities. This was a
great opportunity for us to develop as individuals, lay down the foundations
for our Varsity preparation and grow closer as a squad. Our training camp culminated
in a development friendly against Gateshead, a semi-professional team, which
was a great opportunity to both demonstrate our progress over the year and be
tested by an established squad. CUARLFC are proud to once again be holding a
second team varsity fixture, in addition to continuing to develop women’s rugby
league in Cambridge, demonstrating the expansion of the sport within the
University. I would like to wish both teams the best of luck in their
respective varsities.
I would
like to take this opportunity to thank Andy Champ, our head coach, for his
support and unwavering commitment to the club, and Tony Bottomley for his invaluable
assistance. I would also like to thank those responsible for the continued
development of CUARLFC both on and off the pitch, including our head groundsman,
Keith Ellis, our sponsors, Ashton KCJ, and particularly our student and senior
committees who work tirelessly running the club and
promoting rugby league as a sport in Cambridge. Finally, I would like to thank
all of those involved in today’s event, Mark Ramsdale, the Honourable Artillery
Company and PCubed, the longest running sponsor in Rugby League worldwide today.
We hope
you enjoy the day.
G.D.B.O.
James
Tennison
Captain
CUARLFC
www.cuarlfc.co.uk