Winchester rugby teams have truly distinguished themselves this year, delivering impressive performances throughout the season. As the league campaigns approach their conclusion, the players have invigorated their supporters, offering them a real breath of fresh air every weekend.

Saturday was special with players from all teams contributing to raise money supporting the charity Rugby Against Cancer. Academy Coach and 1stXV player Ben Turner and Academy Team Manager Ian Wells raised £2,500 as players across senior and age grade teams wore the distinctive campaign socks in their games.

The day started with a well-attended lunch to welcome former players, enabling them to meet up and share their memories of past games. The rugby schedule was affected when the 1^st XV opposition were unable to field a team for the last league match of the season.

The 1^st XV’s final game away to Bournemouth last week had brought huge travelling support. Club President Rob Sanderson “The atmosphere ….was easily the best I’ve ever experienced. Our age grade supporters, parents and others decked out in face paint created something very special…. My disappointment at a loss was softened a little knowing rugby was the winner.”

Whilst pipped at the post for automatic promotion, Winch are into the playoffs with home advantage. They play Petersfield on Saturday 18^th April; a team who gave them two extremely tough games in the league.

The epic game against Bournemouth was a call to arms for Director of Rugby, Matt Stagg. It showed that “the drive for promotion goes on! Winch can galvanise massive support from the 1,300 club supporters.” He issued a rallying cry to “ paint your faces, bring your trumpets; we will need your support on the touchlines to  help us get there.”

What a tonic it’s been to see the strength in depth of our squad. We have 187 individual men that have played rugby for the four men’s teams this season. Warriors (2^nd XV) and Saxons (3^rd XV) both took to the field against stiff opposition today. Both teams lost but played some excellent rugby with glorious tries for Ben Sauve and Emmanuel Teraku.

Winchester Academy teams played in the semi-finals of the Hampshire Cup and Bowl competition on Sunday. The Academy 1^st XV beat much fancied Havant to progress to a cup final against Trojan Eagles. The 2^nd XV were leading until the final minutes but narrowly lost to Basingstoke.

Across the club the players commitment and passion on the field has not only led to outstanding results but has also uplifted the spirits of the fanbase, making this season one to remember.