2011 Chairman's Report
What a year it’s been. When we gathered here at our General Meeting a year ago we spoke of stretching our targets and reaching beyond the successes and excitement of the 2010 season. I challenged you to dream and to reach for the stars, to become competitive at a national as well as a local level. We spoke about dreams becoming possible when planning and effort combined and we set about to make those dreams a reality. On our horizon was a pre-season tour to Durban, at some cost, to play against the Club Champions College Rovers. You rose to that challenge, our pre-season planning and organisation was impeccable and that tour a great success, with the foundation laid for what could have been a great 2011 season.
Perhaps our second season back in the Super League A was never going to be an easy one and indeed sport and fate contrived against us to test our mettle, in the months ahead. But let me start by saying that I have never been involved in as effective and well-organised a pre-season preparation and to commend each of you who dug deep and pulled together to make that possible. To Kevin and his coaching team, who teed it all up, a deep sense of gratitude from us all for taking us there. There is no doubt that injuries, particularly to our Captain Justin, relationship issues, management issues and pure bounce of the ball bad luck, turned what was scripted to be one of our finest seasons ever, into a set of solid, but not excellent results. Our defence at times was lacking, our execution at times poor and lady luck at times turned her back. BUT that was only “at times” and I want to thank the top team for the great moments they gave us in 2011,with perhaps that home win against Hamiltons in the first round the cherry on the top, along with some EXCELLENT rugby against UCT and Villagers, in particular. The seventh place in the league was a solid result and must be a platform on which we can now build.
Our success in 2010 and off-season commitment saw a strong 2ndXV squad take the field, well marshalled by coaches, Chris Hewetson and Brendell Brandt, both former 1st XV players. Two one-point losses to kicks in the last minute, against both Maties and Hammies, who went on to win the league, sealed their fate and a strong second place in the league.
I felt that there were times we could have served our thirds, fourths and fifths better, from a club organisational perspective. Our thirds were outstanding at times and the Reserve League derbies between our fourths and fifths were great events with some really quality play. Well done to our fourths for going through to the quarter finals of the Reserve League. I would also like to commend their organisers, Fred and Socks for sterling effort in keeping that group together and bringing them closer to the club.
There are good things happening in the under 20 section under the stewardship of former 1st team coach, Brendan Fogarty and seasoned campaigner, Kallie Pretorius, whom we wish well after recent surgery. The results were not universally excellent this year but with the spirit and leadership, hose will come, I have no doubt. The team will be further bolstered by Frans Bossie Boshoff in 2012.
No report would be complete without mention of our ageing Crocks section, ever keen and competitive. They are the rock of our club and must never lose the spirit and the Larry Coe “have boots will play” love for this game. Support them where you can, there are always fundraisers on the go, a medieval evening coming up on Saturday and a famous tour to Cuba planned for September next year.
Off the field and behind the scenes so much work goes towards running the business that is False Bay Rugby. I want to express my sincere thanks for the efforts of the 2011 Committee and their courage in facing the challenges which confront us daily. I mention a few of the highlights of 2011.
# the appointment of Marius Conradie as Club Manager in March, saw improved efficiencies, control processes and service standards.
# the outstanding media coverage and in particular the excellent SATV Special Assignment program on False Bay Rugby. Thanks to Jon Harris for those widely read and anticipated articles in the local bulletin and to Kevin Musikanth a catalyst.
# the write-off of over half a million rands of disputed municipal service charges, was a huge relief to us all, following a battle of over 5 years duration. Thanks to all but especially Mike Punt for driving through when it was necessary to do so.
# the first allocation of R200 000 of Lotto funding followed a lengthy process of submission and compliance and re-submission. Thanks to all but especially Derek Sprackett for pulling together.
# the engagement with Gildale and the local council which has just seen the re-instatement of our grant of some R54000
# the undertaking by Council to rehabilitate, maintain and mow our fields, after many years of carrying this cost ourselves
# our registration as a Non-Profit Organisation which allows us to raise funds, give tax rebates and apply for Lotto funding etc
# some great events, not least last weeks Awards Dinner and further improvements in relationship with VOB
This year your committee looked long and hard at its strategic options, opportunities and risks. It is no secret that times are tight and that in many ways we have to exercise caution in our affairs. That does NOT mean that we cannot meet our commitments, that we are accepting second best, that we are heading back to the SLB, but it DOES mean that we have to GEAR ourselves for the challenges ahead, strengthen our core, be ready for the fray. Our aim is no further from the top, but in current circumstances our method may well have to be different. We are up for it . .
Looking ahead, our coaching team under Kevin, has called for a break. We are immensely grateful for the heard work they have put in, the excitement they have brought and the wonderful memories they have left. They have promised me that they remain worthy members and trusty servants of the Bay and, in due course, we must find a way to bring their contributions home. They all have so much to give. We have promoted our second team coaches and set challenges for the year ahead. Their BIGGEST challenge will be to ensure a successful team but ALSO in the context of a HAPPY club. That is ALL of our challenge.
Marius Conradie will move from fulltime Club Manager to take over as First team manager and Jon Evans will slot in to his Clubhouse role. Brian Peters will actively ensure that our membership and subscription backlog is addressed and we will split the Projects and Club Captain portfolio on the committee.
As we look ahead we have worked hard to forge a better relationship with the Constantia Valley and will be hosting the “Constantia Crush” Wine Festival here in February of 2012, during peak tourist season. This is a major event which hols the prospect of revenue generation.
From 1 - 4 March 2012 we host the Three City Triangular and coincident with that hope to have the SA Legends, with former False Bay anchor, Springbok Dale Santon lending to the profile.
Meanwhile the new coaching and management structure is hard at work planning for a committed squad with a great attitude and honed skills to fly the flag for the Bay in 2012.
They have our full support.
Ludus causa Ludi
Gareth Jones
Chairman FBRFC
