Here we are again … another year older and another year wiser!

The 2009 year has been a mixed one for the Nomads with a particular challenge in terms of getting enough regular players from within OPMs to play 3 teams week in week out. In early 2009 Nomads were not doing too badly in the SW3 Merit table but then had to drop merit table fixtures in order that we fulfilled the OPM 2nd team fixtures. A similar story has continued into the start of the 2009/10 season with some 3rd team games having to be cancelled or deferred. Significant 2009 successes included some meaty wins against DHSOBs and Plymouth Barbarians and some harder fought victories against Newton Abbott and Argaum.

The Nomads ethos of competitive but social rugby keeps most of the older boys (and close friends) going strong and also provides a great introduction to senior rugby for the younger players coming into the game and those who have been away for a while – welcome back Mark Ward and Steve Hayward. Notable mentions from the old(er) regulars include Hugh Treanor (our unmovable prop), evergreen Jason Evens, Rob Searle (still going strong), John Money (our awesome 8) and other stalwarts Rob Wright, Rich King and Simon Scott (each playing multiple positions}. Of the new young lads joining senior rugby, we saw some future OPM stars emerging in the form of Danny Kelly, Andy Buckingham, and Dean Simpson and several other young(ish) regulars maturing to make significant contributions to the game – the Dupreez brothers, Mike Hallam, Keiran Sly, Dan Yeldon and Chris Hook.

 Thanks to everyone who took the time, played the game and shared a beer, and don’t forget it’s better to burn out than to fade away … Cheers all!   

 Mark Turner