A curtailed season due to coronavirus still contained some highlights for Keswick Rugby Club, its virtual annual meeting was told.
Reflecting on some of the games played and looking ahead to the future, vice-president Trevor Keough told 25 members listening in on Zoom that one of the highlights was a 26-19 win away to near neighbours Penrith.
He also highlighted a closely fought encounter against Isle of Man side Douglas, which the Davidson Park outfit narrowly lost.
The team finished bottom of North One West, having been promoted in 2018-19 after winning Cumbria Division One at level seven.
When the 2019-20 season was ended early Keswick were bottom of the table, having won two games and lost 18.
Mr Keogh said the team had been promoted to level six for the first time but were unable to make their presence felt in the league because of the long-term loss through injury of a number of key players.
He said the season had not been as successful as had been hoped, but added that it had been obvious to all supporters that the team never gave up and were often the better side in the closing quarter of games.
Mr Keogh reported that the RFU, which provides guidance and regulation, has declared that there will be no competitive league rugby at Keswick’s level — North Two West — this season. However, should circumstances allow, there were plans for friendly games against other Cumbrian sides.
Head youth coach Alan Weightman said the introduction of ladies’ rugby had proved popular, with more than 40 women turning up for training.
He said they had initially started playing touch rugby but added that there was already an ambition for the full contact game.
Mr Weightman said the coronavirus outbreak had impacted on the enthusiasm of those playing youth rugby, although attendance had still been good. He said the ability to help in schools had been limited by the virus and the youngsters had expressed a preference for full contact sport and competition rather than touch rugby.
The meeting started by remembering those members and players who had passed on since the last meeting.
Appointments were voted on, with the following elected to office: President, Malcolm Craghill; vice-president, Trevor Keough; treasurer, Andy Wallace; secretary, Liz Weightman.
The committee was thanked for its continuing good work, often unseen, as were the coaches and other helpers without whose input the club could not function.
Margaret Bragg presented the Tony Bragg award for Clubman of the Year to Alan Weightman for his excellent work with the ladies’ and youth sections.
Alan had already won Cumbria’s Mitsubishi RFU volunteer of the year award.
Player training will continue when circumstances and the Government allows and the players and members are in good spirits, hopeful of the chance for some competitive games before the season ends.
