Welcome one and all to the opening game for season 2022/23 in the newly established “Region 2 North East league”! Bit clumsy that , perhaps Yorkshire Premier might be our own preference as we go forward?

The new league looks strong and will offer numerous challenges with some good trips without leaving God’s own county. Plenty of local derbies to look forward to starting next week when we can resume our rivalry with Crocs at Standeven House. We will also be resuming fixtures with many of our traditional opponents over the years such as Selby and Ponty who were promoted from Yorkshire 1 last season. A new name on the fixture list is Dronfield based just south of Sheffield who have previously been playing in Midlands One East where they finished fifth last season.

Our visitors today are our old rivals Bradford and Bingley who for several reasons in 2021 /2022 did not enjoy their best of seasons. However they survived and remain in level 6 and will no doubt be looking for improvement this year. I am sure that following extensive recruitment they will field a side to compete this season. I would imagine that there will be several recruits from rugby league following the news that Brian Noble has joined the club and the Wagon Lane boys will be looking to re-establish themselves as a force in Yorkshire rugby.

Exciting times here at Woodhead as we have been busy on all levels. On the field our coaching team have their hands full forging a new look side following the retirement of several senior players at the conclusion of last season, however this is challenge we will embrace. With many of our younger players maturing to more senior roles we will also have the opportunity to integrate as ever our latest crop of players from our youth development programme. Early signs are promising with pre season well attended and an a promising friendly with Rishworthians giving many of the lads opportunities to show their paces .

Congratulations to Bob Sykes, our newly appointed 1st team captain, Bob has been a vital part of the team for many years now and he has earned the respect of the whole club as player and leader and I am sure he will do a great job for us.

We have been busy improving facilities once more at Woodhead with the new pitch and the extended patio really looking good. A big shout out to Nick ( Butch ) Kalanovic for the hard work he has put in around the site during the summer. Inside the clubhouse new flooring has been installed in the kitchen and the changing rooms plus the installation of heating in the changing rooms will make a difference on those cold Tuesday /Thursday training nights. You will see the new gymnasium facility to the west of the stand is taking shape and should be in use within the next few weeks.

In terms of personnel at the club I’m so pleased to welcome James Ogden as our newly appointed club manager. A huge step for himself as well as the club James’ commitment to the Brods is unquestioned. He is one of our own and will be looking to improve our performance off the field in terms of the maximisation of the use of our excellent facilities and strengthen further our position as a community grass roots rugby club. The support of the club membership and our volunteer force, of which we are so proud, will continue to be a key feature and important as ever. Another key appointment this summer is that of our very own Ryan Loach as he and his team from the Botts Arms take over the responsibility of catering at the club. I am sure they will bring new ideas and initiatives as well as some lovely food.

Here’s to a great new season at Woodhead
Brucey