As the final whistle blows on the 2024/25 senior rugby season, Stowmarket Rugby Club finds itself reflecting on a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected twists, and heartfelt farewells. The abrupt end to the season brought both surprises and moments of pride for the club, marking the conclusion of a chapter filled with resilience, dedication, and camaraderie.

The season's closure came unexpectedly with the concession of the 2nd XV's away fixture against Felixstowe. Despite the initial excitement and confirmed kick-off times, Felixstowe's inability to field a team handed Stowmarket a 5-point win. This unforeseen turn of events not only secured a well-deserved victory but also propelled the 2nd XV to a remarkable 2nd place finish in the league, marking a significant turnaround from the previous season's challenges.

Credit is due to Captain Tom Norfolk, interim captains Bob Lancaster and Gary Goodchild, and the coaching team for their guidance and leadership throughout the season. A special mention goes to Colin Clarke, whose impactful contributions played a pivotal role in the 2nd XV's success, fostering an environment where players thrived and enjoyed their rugby.

With the season's end, the club now shifts its focus to preparations for the upcoming year. Committee positions, coaching strategies, player recruitment, structural improvements, and initiatives to engage young players are all on the agenda as Stowmarket Rugby Club looks to build on the successes and lessons of the past season.

Reflecting on the performance of the 1st XV, who finished 10th in the league, the club expresses immense pride in the dedication and effort demonstrated by all players. Despite the challenges faced, the team secured a place in level 6 Regional 2 Anglia for the next season. New additions to the squad, including Alex Fane, Cameron Beaton, Toby Johnson, Ed Preston, Ben 'Mclovin' Andrews, and Santos Ledesma, quickly integrated into the SRUFC family, while emerging talents previously in our youth set up such as Cole Wade and Jamie Thompson made significant contributions on the pitch.

But sadly, while it has been the first for a number of our men, it is also the last for others. A huge thank you for many years of service and dedication to Jack Haward, who you may have seen pass 300 caps for Stowmarket RUFC this season, along with Joe Fifield and Dan Garrard. Those who know Jack know his heart is still as strong as ever, always seeking new adventures, creating amazing memories, and holding our club at the center of it. However, they will also know he has continued to put the club ahead of his body, and his road to recovery now begins, starting with a knee operation this summer. We wish you all the best, mate, and look forward to continuing to see you at the club and have a beer or 10 with. "Every club has one, but noone's is quite like ours (those who know know)".

Another 300-capper and current club captain also hangs up his first-team boots this year, as Joe Fifield takes a step back to spend more time with his young family, after the recent arrival of his second child! We want to thank you for all of your years at the club, and all you have done over the long period of time you have been at SRUFC, from youth rugby to senior. But do not fear, just like Jack, he will not be leaving us, and we will still all see him. There is also a rumor or two that he's still going to make himself available, so who knows - the rumors came out of his mouth so we are holding on to the hope!

Just like all the way through the season, our co-captains are on the same page, and sadly, we also see Luke Keatley step away as he also looks to spend more time with his young family, push himself in his military rugby, and maybe even take an opportunity over 4000 miles away which we cannot blame him for! We wish you all the best and like the two above, look forward to seeing you at the club even if not with your boots on. Thank you for everything you have brought to the club.

When he's not keeping the streets safe, Nic Kegge has always been giving his all for SRUFC, and sadly, he is another name that is stepping away this season. A brilliant rugby career at SRUFC, Kegge also has a young family he is looking to spend more time with and has decided, his body deserves a rest and some sleep - often working a night shift and coming straight to rugby, before going back to work. Thank you for everything you have brought to the club over the years, and we hope to still see you around the club as much as possible.

While always pushing it like no one else does in his own cheeky way, Sam Cross has, like the others above, been a big part of SRUFC over the many years he has played, and from youth rugby to seniors has held the club very close to his heart. And while there are rumors just like Fifi, his boots are being hung up this season. Thank you for everything you have brought to the club, and we know we will continue to see you around the club and hear about your mischief.

During a challenging season for our 1st XV, our 2nd XV has shown remarkable resilience, securing 15 wins and achieving an impressive second-place finish. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the players who contributed to this success, with over 30 individuals lending their efforts throughout the season. Additionally, we warmly welcome new faces to our team, including George Bates and Ali Armah, who have proudly represented SRUFC. Furthermore, we celebrate the transition of young Stowmarket talents to senior level, as Harry Wilson, Riley Clarkson, and Kylan Deane made their debut in senior matches.

As we reflect on the season, we wonder if this year will mark the 3rd or 10th pair of boots hung up by Stowmarket Minis to a club legend Scott Woolnough. However jokes aside, we greatly hope not and hope he will continue his illustrious career with us. We eagerly anticipate his return on the field and would like to say thank you to him along with all those above, as he has like many others put the club ahead of himself so many times!

While there have been no announcements of departures from our 2nd XV, we extend a sincere thank you to any players who are and encourage them to remain connected with the club.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual who has contributed to the success and spirit of Stowmarket Rugby Club throughout this season. From our dedicated players to our coaches - Fred Wenham, James Ingle, Josh Sharpe, Colin Clarke, Jonathan Mann, and Declan Foster - your dedication and commitment have played a significant role in our achievements.

A special mention goes out to our esteemed committee members, who often go unnoticed, but whose selfless dedication and hard work keep the club running smoothly. Without the invaluable contributions of John Phoenix, Suzanne Allen, Susan Kettle, Martyn Wright, Sez Relf, Liz Fuller, Rob Older, Louise Clarke, Tom Jamison, and Dan Garrard, none of our endeavors would be possible. Their unwavering support and volunteerism embody the true spirit of our club.

Amidst the farewells, the club looks towards the future with optimism and gratitude. The commitment of players, coaches, committee members, and supporters remains the driving force behind Stowmarket Rugby Club's success and sense of community. As plans for the next season take shape, the club invites members and supporters to stay updated on social media and the website for upcoming news, events, and announcements.

As one season ends, another awaits, filled with new challenges, triumphs, and memories to be made. With the spirit of unity and determination that defines Stowmarket Rugby Club, the journey continues, fueled by passion and pride in the game we love.

Here's to the past season and the adventures that lie ahead. Onward, Stowmarket!