Rugby Club ISSUE 86 | Page 51

have really bought into the Club ethos, and everyone is pulling together in the same direction which is great to see.” This Season “It’s been a great season for the whole Club. The Hawks finished fourth in National 2 South which is a great platform to build on for next season. Our Women’s team recently won the RFU National Plate Competition, beating Trojans 33-0 in the final at Stourbridge, and our U14’s have been crowned County Champions too. Off the field, we’ve hosted some fantastic events with Warren Gatland and Dean Richards as guests. We also have our marquee event, the Sportsman’s Dinner at the end of May in which we welcome Nigel Owens to Henley. We’ve also run a successful Beer Festival which we only started last season, and our Ladies Day at the end of the season is growing every year as well. Outside of this, we are delighted that Wasps have moved their Southern Academy base back to Dry Leas in a partnership that will see the Premiership stars of tomorrow train at the Club. In return, the Club has started to host Wasps A League matches once a season, with the potential of doing more next season. All of which is very beneficial to the Club finances.” 2019 “Putting it simply, we want to build on the wonderful atmosphere that has been created this season. On the pitch, I’d dearly love to see the Hawks get promoted back up to National 1, but we’re all very aware of the challenges that come with this, and that there will be several Clubs with similar aspirations as well. Off the pitch, we want to increase our presence in the local business community. We have a core group of fantastic sponsors, but a big challenge for me in the offseason is to increase our visibility on a corporate level. I also want to see more young families attend Hawks Your local hire specialist With over 30 years experience providing Hire and Sale of equipment to the construction, civil engineering, house building, trade and DIY industries. Offering an extensive range of modern well maintained plant and equipment from small power tools and generators to forklifts, excavators and dumpers. The service is fully complemented by a full back up service with high standards of safety and expert advice. Pro • Landscaping • Building • Decorating Proud to support Henley RFC Tel: 01491 576063 www.southernplant.co.uk Unit 10, Centenary Business Park, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1DS “The company is just around the corner from the club and we have been involved for more than ten years, helping out where we can. I have taken over the sponsorship from my Dad who sadly passed away earlier this year. They have had a great season, the performances have been very good and I can’t wait for next season to kick off. Congratulations on your success this season, good luck for next season and I’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved.” Murray Gale www www.rugbyclubmag.com 51