There was an encouraging start for the new GB squad and performance team in Denmark at the weekend. We beat Belgium and Japan and narrowly lost to Canada in the group round before losing to eventual tournament winners USA in the crossover. After coming so close to Canada in the group match it was disappointing to be heavily defeated by them 40-55 in the Bronze medal game. But this was the first outing for the new look team and there were some positives, not least in defeating Japan who killed our hopes in the London games and in the opportunity it gave new players to experience what it is like to play the top teams of USA and Canada. New talent Ayaz Bhuta was recognised for his performance by picking up the award for best 2.5 and not so new Johnny Coggan added another award for best 0.5. The squad have a few days to rest now before their camp next week ahead of the Metro Cup in Poland.
There has been more good work this week aimed at growing the game. RDO Paul Arnold and Kirsty have been working up plans with the University of Gloucester and Gloucester Rugby Club with the aim of having a new community programme and a university based new club. We will be working on this plan over the next couple of months. This coming week we have another session planned for Headley Court and we will be delivering a session at the Salisbury Spinal Injuries Unit. Preparations for the AGM are pretty much finished and we hope to see as many Members there as possible. The deadline for receiving any proposed Resolutions closed last Friday and you have until 1200 this coming Friday – 14th – to submit any items under AOB. Also don’t forget to register if you want to play in the Challenge Cup on Saturday 22 June.
David Pond
