The Newbold on Avon 2nd Team exists not only to support the 1st Team Squad by giving the clubs promising younger players the senior experience they require, but to give those rugby players in the Rugby area the chance to play fun and competitive rugby at a reasonable standard without the commitment required at today’s first level. The current 2nd team is made up of a small group of core players providing a backbone intermingled with the younger recruits entering senior rugby for the first time, 1st team players returning from injury and the more experience club members reluctant to drift into the Veteran leagues. This mix of youth, security and experience has stood the team in good stead over the years with consistent mid table finishes and some very good results against the stronger teams in the area.
Season 2008/09 saw The Wanderers finish 5th out of 11 in the Second Team League and runners up to a strong St. Andrews side in the Clonwell Cup Final at Webb Ellis Road. A good win over Leamington and a double over table toppers Kenilworth rounded off a strong season for the 2’s. Captain Paul Love led from the front and a solid season from Colin Smith, Martin Shaw and Simon Smith complimented the efforts of the resurgent colts debuting towards the end of the season.
One of the most important responsibilities of the 2nd team is to provide a platform for the younger players aspiring to 1st team level, several players emerged from the 2008/09 season with the potential to make a significant contribution to the 1st Team Squad in 2009/10 and onwards. 2008/09 Colts Captain Danny Treherne and fellow U19 Tom Swift show promise for senior call ups as do key 2nd Team Players, Eddie Allen, Gurgit Rupal, Kevin McLish, Sean Eaton, Simon Smith, Karl Sutton and Matt Dymek to name but a few.
Pre-Season training numbers have been encouraging since late April and the commitment of all second team players shows promise. The management structure has been reinforced with the appointment of Russ as Manager and Damian as Captain supported by Matt leading the backs. 2009/10 looks to be a key year for the 2nd Team as the club itself moves new positive direction.
