Dear Members,
As we wrap up 2024, and with the snow sadly having a say in the derby day proceedings, it’s a good time to reflect on what our Club has achieved and look ahead to the opportunities that await us in 2025, a special year for Sevenoaks Rugby Club as we celebrate our Centenary Year and mark 100 years since the Club played its first match!
Achievements in 2024
On the field, our 1st XV has come together as a force to be reckoned with. While it was a challenging start to the season, the team has truly begun to gel. Highlights include the determined and comprehensive win over Worthing, battling to victory in the elements over Westcombe Park, and Captain ‘Great’ Scott Sedgwick marking his 200th cap with a captain’s performance against Oxford Quins. These and other moments are a credit to the hard work of our players, coaching and medical team.
The performances by the 2s under the leadership of Alex Rolfe and 3s under James Anderson have been incredible as both sides push for promotion from their respective Counties 1 and 5 Kent Leagues. And it’s been great to see the Vets lacing up their boots for a few decent outings.
Our Senior Women’s team has grown significantly this year, with increasing numbers and promising performances from under the leadership of Grant Scandling (Women’s Head Coach), Kelly Downey (Women’s Squad Manager) as well as Emma Bowman (Women’s 1st XV Captain). This progress underscores our commitment to making Sevenoaks Rugby a club for everyone. Next season brings the exciting advent of entering a 2nd Women’s XV into the Inner Warrior league.
Two special moments over the Xmas period highlighted the Club’s commitment to youth rugby. Firstly a spirited victory by the Men’s Under 23s versus Sidcup on Friday 27 December gave the chance for some of our Academy graduates to reunite. Then the following day, a team mate to many of the lads involved at Sidcup, Angus Hall took to the field for Saracens for much of the Premiership encounter versus Bath at The Rec; albeit a tough day for his team, it was a very proud moment for Angus, his family and Sevenoaks Rugby. Not least since Angus was playing with fellow Oaks Juniors alum Ben Earl!
Community and business connections
Off the field, we’ve continued to make strides in community engagement. Events like the packed CHS Networks AI Business Breakfast helped to bring the business community together, to discover more about technology advancements, while initiatives like the Mighty Oaks Holiday Camp are serving to generate future players.
Another highlight without doubt was welcoming Lincoln and the touring Mzwandile Mali XV, named after Lincoln’s father and wearing the colours of the old Orientals Rugby Football Club, from South Africa. A huge thank you to everyone who inspired by Rupert and Louis made a special tour possible and properly put Sevenoaks Rugby on the map through local and national media coverage for the impressive outreach.
There’s a big off field team and energy behind everything that happens at the Club. So as well as a heartfelt thank you to my fellow committee members and indeed all our incredible volunteers I’d like to express the huge debt of gratitude we all owe to Coach Bowman, to Donna our Clubhouse manager and to Diane our catering supremo and their respective crews.
Club Financials 2024/25
Continuing on the theme of everything behind the scenes, we have managed a hugely impressive turnaround in the Club’s financial performance for the season ended 30 June 2024.
The headlines are:
The consolidated performance resulted in surplus of £21k compared with losses of £58k and £87k in previous years
Whilst costs rose more or less in line with inflation, turnover (in particular subs and bar/clubhouse income) was up by more than 30%.
This great outcome sets the Club on the right road towards 5-year plan goal of rebuilding reserves.
Our Club Centenary 2025
Looking ahead, 2025 will be an exciting and important year as we celebrate our centenary. This milestone gives us a chance to honour the past while setting a course for the future. Here’s some insights into where we’ll focus:
Performance and Development: We will continue to ensure all players have the tools and opportunities to grow as athletes and individuals.
Women’s Rugby: Building on this year’s progress, we aim to further support and develop our women’s teams at all levels thanks to Grant and team.
Community, financials and facilities: We’ll aim to strengthen our engagement with members, supporters, and the wider community, as we look to build our future, and grow our financial performance for the entire club.
Our Centenary year will include special events and initiatives to celebrate this historic moment, and we look forward to involving everyone in marking 100 years of rugby at Sevenoaks.
Save the Dates to note down already are the City Lunch - Weds 26 March, and the Centenary Ball - Sat 6 Sept.
Remembering those we lost
I would like to take a moment to remember those whom the Club sadly lost in 2024. Their contributions and presence in our community will not be forgotten, and we will honour and remember them as the Centenary celebrates our past and the future opportunities made possible by the energy and dedication of so many people stretching back down the years.
I was personally saddened by the passing on Christmas Day of our dear friend Willy Pickance, a Club stalwart in every respect as a player and then epitomising the volunteering spirit at the heart of the Club through his unwavering dedication, including as the 1st XV Manager in my playing days and more recently a field steward. God bless you Willy, thank you for everything you did for your Club and travel well.
Thank you
Thank you all, from the 1925 Club, our sponsors and supporters to the players, coaches, medical team and officials on the pitch plus all those involved off the pitch for all your support this year. A special thank you too to Rosie and Hendo for bringing our Club Shop back to life.
Inspired by our collective success, I look forward to what we can achieve together in 2025.
All the best and a very Happy New Year,
Steve Fitzmaurice, Chairman, Sevenoaks Rugby Club