Worcester Wanderers RFC

Press Release

 31^st July 2002

Clarke to lead Wanderers’ quest for further Promotion

The new Chairman of Worcester Wanderers Rugby Football Club, Michael Clarke, wants to maintain the impetus that took them to two promotions in two seasons and gain further successes next season. Clarke said, “We have had two very successful seasons and look forward to doing well in North Midlands League One.  It will not be easy but with our superb coaching and player commitment we believe that we can achieve promotion by at least a further couple of divisions during the next few years.” 

 Clarke said that the main object of the formation of the Wanderers had been partially achieved.  That was the desire to provide amateur rugby for players living in the Worcester area and for the Mini/Junior players, who do not achieve academy positions, to be able to progress to a local rugby club offering a good standard of play, in a structured and meaningful club.  He said, “With the success of the Professional club, it was difficult for local players to get into some teams.  We found that some left the club to play elsewhere, but sadly others stopped playing altogether.  I want to redress that and say unequivocally that Worcester Wanderers RFC can offer excellent, quality competition for players of all abilities and I would encourage previous players, as well as new, to come to Sixways and play for the Wanderers”.

 He will be assisted by his Committee and the former Chairman, David Arr, who will staying on as Vice-Chairman.  The Coach, Steve Lloyd, who will be driving his players on in the team’s bid for further promotion in the Midlands Leagues, was buoyant about the forthcoming season and said, “We have just had an excellent season finishing second in the league to Solihull to gain promotion and had a good run to the semi-finals of the North Midlands Shield.”  The bon vivant Lloyd added, “ I have a good squad of players, but the team needs strength in depth to succeed at higher levels, so I am looking for more players to increase our squad numbers.  I can guarantee those players not only good rugby on a weekly basis, but also a brilliant social after- match camaraderie”

  Clarke added that the inauguration of a Hereford & Worcester Second Team Merit League during the close season will also add zest to the 2nd team and provide opportunities for players to participate in games with meaning. The 2^nd team will be managed by John Yarwood, recently voted Clubman of the Year, and has fixtures from September 2002 until the end of April 2003.

 Clarke also invites young players aged 16 to 19 years to play in the newly established Worcester Wanderers Colts Team, “We have a good fixture list and any player who shows ability might have the opportunity to progress on to Academy games.  The Team Manager, Stuart James, is keen to hear from any lads who wish to join the team and can be contacted on 07973-201707”.

 Any former players or other players interested in joining Worcester Wanderers are invited to attend training at Sixways on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm or telephone Michael Clarke on 07711-153353 for further details.

 Officials:

Chairman:  Michael Clarke

Vice Chairman: David Arr

Secretary: John Sitch

Treasurer: Mike Lister

Fixtures Secretary: Mike Clarke

Committee Liaison: Jon Wootten

Chairman of Selectors: Peter Wheeler