Stowmarket RUFC got pre-season underway with a hugely encouraging performance at Raven Park, running out 75-12 winners against our friends from Hadleigh.

The scoreline was impressive, but more importantly, there were promising performances across the board and plenty of positives to take as the squad continues building towards the 2026/27 season.

The fixture also gave us the chance to welcome some new and returning faces into the Navy, Red and White.

Latest recruit Ross Noakes made his first appearance for the club, while Luca Colquhoun, Franklin Baker and Jake Copping all returned to senior rugby after coming through the Stowmarket Youth section. Seeing those players step back into the senior environment is another strong sign of the pathway continuing to develop at Phoenix Park.

Whilst the forward pack showed plenty of familiar qualities, the back line gave supporters a real glimpse of the New Wave beginning to emerge at Stowmarket RUFC.

With fan favourite Tom Crowe taking on the senior role in the backs, he also found himself as the oldest player in a hugely talented back line at just 25 years old. That alone shows just how much young talent is starting to come through.

There were standout performances all over the pitch.

Our youngest player, Sonny, continued to cause problems and tear through defences, while at the other end of the scale, Bart once again showed the commitment shoring up our pack in the row, and showing age is just a number.

Ben Andrews stepped up to lead the lineout for the first time and did a brilliant job before unfortunately picking up a knock. Heal up soon brother.

There was also a huge performance from Jack Norfolk, who stepped into the number 10 shirt for the first time and absolutely smashed it, while his brother Tom Norfolk produced a Man of the Match performance that blew everyone away.

There is still plenty to work on, and the boys will be the first to say there are areas to tighten up, but that is exactly what pre-season is for. The important thing is that the foundations are there, the energy is strong, and the squad is already showing what could be possible this season.

More news on upcoming pre-season fixtures will be shared soon. As you can imagine, with the current condition of grass pitches across Suffolk, plans may need to change from week to week, at least until the weather does.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the trip to Raven Park and got behind the boys.

We’d also like to say a massive thank you to Jack Cole and everyone at Hadleigh for a competitive game played in great spirit. Whilst the scoreline may have favoured us on the night, the hard work and determination from Hadleigh never stopped.

The improvements to your structure were clear to see, and we’ve got no doubt you'll have a strong season ahead at Level 8 - All the best for the season, lads. Go smash it!

Plenty more to come at Phoenix Park.

Let’s Go Stow!