A few weeks ago, we fell heartbreakingly short in our National cup semi final against a strong Cheshunt RFC team who are unbeaten this season. Despite missing several key players the boys gave everything in front of a large and enthusiastic island crowd on what was another special day in a historic season that had started 309 days earlier.

What a season it has been!!!! Having finished third for two seasons in a row we set ourselves two main goals at the beginning of the season ;

1) Win promotion
2) Field a competitive super 2s squad every week.

I’m very proud to say that both these goals have been achieved. The 1st XV won 21 league and cup games which equals the club record for our 1st XV. Massive congratulations to our 1s skipper James Gulliver who was carried off on his shield in our cup quarter final victory in Devon but now shares the record for most wins in a season as 1st XV skipper with Guy Lovatt.

In the league we finished second to our neighbors Cobham RFC with a record of 18 wins and 2 losses. This meant we had the best record of any second placed team across any of the level 7 leagues with our bonus point win away at Trinity RFC on Saturday 11th April earning us a well earned promotion.

Next season we will play in Regional 2 South Central league in level 6 of the rugby pyramid which is the highest level the club will have played at since league rugby was first introduced in the 1980s. I would also add that the quality of the rugby we have seen the team produce this season has been the best we have ever seen from a Vandals side and a pleasure to watch.

As for the Super 2s we had a fantastic season winning a unique league and cup double in a league full of so called bigger clubs all bar one of which had 1st XV operating at a higher level than us. Congratulations to skipper Ben Josse and 2s coach Lewis Razey on leading and exceptional season.

On behalf of all our players and coaches I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported them this season. The crowd and support from across the club for our Cobham home game was the best I can ever remember in all my time as a Vandal.

That game was a landmark 100 cap 1st XV centurion apprearance for winger Luke Phairs-- hopefully many more in tank!..congratulations Luke and to all the new Family!!