Karim Naaman, Club captain, provides a pre-season update on Nottinghamians RFC...
Pre-season has been going very well down at Adbolton. The delay to the league programme announced by the RFU due to the hard ground has given us a little extra time to prepare.
A game on 12th September saw us resurrect an old pre-season outing at Kesteven RFC, Grantham. 'Hamians were triumphant 36-19, but more importantly it gave us areas to focus on.
Our league campaign now begins at Adbolton on Saturday 26th September against tough opponents Leesbrook. The following Saturday we travel to Ashbourne.
We have been steadily building a dedicated player base. For the first time in many years 'Hamians are now confident we are close to fielding a 2nd team.
We have also been approached by local club Nottingham Corsairs RFC. Having found growth and sustainability a real challenge in recent years, they have asked if a collaboration would be possible. 'Hamians feel there would be many benefits of us joining together.
Consequently, at training next week a small but committed group from Corsairs will join us. They will then look to train at Adbolton on a weekly basis. The aim is to field a 2nd team made up of 'Hamians and Corsairs. We will play games under both club badges to maintain our own identities.
We hope this will be a positive step for both clubs. It will offer competitive rugby for more players whilst strengthening our 1st team. It should create traction to recruit players and appeal to not only our very handsome and distinguished veterans but also players who want to play with a little less commitment.
'Hamians are proud to announce Mark Clews as our 2nd team captain. Huge congratulations to Mark on his appointment.
This nicely bring us on to Saturday 10th October. This will be a 'Hamians double header (the first for many years) and, most importantly, Ladies Day!
The 2nd team, bolstered by Corsairs, will play the opening game at Adbolton. The 1st team will then face local revivals East Leake in the league.
This will be a day to celebrate our amazing ladies, enjoy two games of rugby and have a cracking social afterwards. Needless to say, all support will be welcome. The bar will be well stocked, and the aim will be to empty it!
There is still much work to do. Our players, officials, partners and 'Hamians family continue to commit their blood sweat and tears, so the Club can continue to build, grow and support other local clubs.
We can't wait to see you down at Adbolton this season. 'Hamians will not flourish without your support! #purplereign
Karim Naaman
Club Captain, Nottinghamians RFC