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Barnes promoted to London 3 South West - Season Archive 2001/02

Barnes promoted to London 3 South West - Season Archive 2001/02

Nick Bradley21 Nov 2012 - 14:18
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Barnes bridge the serious and social rugby divide

While many ambitious rugby clubs are struggling to achieve the right balance between fielding quality teams in the highly competitive English league structure and also sustaining a spirited social side to their activities, Barnes Rugby Club has enjoyed a season of great success.

In a highly competitive London 4 South West division, Barnes RFC, together with Richmond FC, have won promotion to London 3 South West, where the target is to build on this season's momentum, on and off the pitch, with a further step-up to London 2 South for 2003/04.

Barnes' non-playing club captain Neil Hay said: "I have never enjoyed a season more on or off the pitch in my 16 years with Barnes, during which we have been promoted five times, relegated once, lost our ground and clubhouse and have spent seasons on the brink of survival."

The seeds for this season's success were laid in May 2000, when club members collectively agreed their goals for the next few years and the committee, led by successful local business entrepreneur and chairman Neil Bruce Copp, put into action a plan to revitalise Barnes both on and off the pitch. Crucial decisions were taken to re-establish a formal clubhouse, consolidate training and playing facilities and secure quality coaching talent.

Ben Jacob, 1st XV captain, commented: "It's vital to a club's success that players receive support from everyone behind the scenes, whether it is training facilities, social functions, or any other aspect of a healthy club.

"This year has seen Barnes 1st XV achieve a key promotion objective; a sure sign that, as a club, we have got our house in order."

Barnes 1st XV have played 26 competitive games in both league and cup, winning 22 with none drawn. Angus Graham, an ex-1st XV captain recently appointed as a team manager at the club, said: I have played in the 1st XV on and off for the last 10 years and, although in that time we have won three league titles, Barnes have never played better rugby.

"This is due mainly to the new coaching structure where the two player-coaches, Carson Russell and Buster White, have brought a professional outlook to an amateur club.''

Russell took Bracknell up from the London leagues to National Division One before joining Barnes half-way through the 2000/1 season.

White, who holds the record for most appearances for Premiership club Wasps, joined in October 2001 after a spell with London Welsh. His own outstanding displays have also contributed greatly to Barnes' promotion.

The progress made by Barnes has attracted other talented players, such as Toby Rakison from National One team Rosslyn Park. He declared: If the focus on promotion and the camaraderie, which is truly outstanding, continues to be maintained, Barnes can only go from strength to strength.''

May 7, 2002 13:00

Richmond & Twickenham Times

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