EVESHAM RFC captain Nathan Chambers has reflected on an impressive 2015/16 campaign with pride despite the disappointment of missing out on promotion.
Defeats to fellow high-flyers Rugby Lions and Southam in the final weeks of the season meant Evesham were edged into third place on points difference and therefore missed out on a second successive promotion.
However, Chambers is delighted by what he has seen from his young side and believes a bright future is in prospect.
Having been promoted from Midlands Four West (South) the previous season, the small community club set their expectations on a comfortable mid-table finish.
With a youthful core, the team were looking to learn from their promotion and were eager to test themselves against more competitive opposition.
However, Evesham exceeded their own expectations and realised a promotion push was not beyond them despite being up against such illustrious opposition as Rugby Lions.
Chambers said: “Part of the way through the season we re-evaluated and targeted promotion and two strong cup runs. Fast forward to April 2016 and we have finished third in the league and experienced two cup quarter-finals, so overall it’s been a huge success.
“With the team only improving, we are all looking forward to next season and the challenges it will bring.
“Thanks go out to all that came down and supported come rain or shine, those who sacrifice their time to make an amateur club function and the families and friends who support the club.”
The final fixture of the campaign saw Evesham travel to league rivals Woodrush for a North Midlands Plate quarter-final but a depleted squad struggled against a well drilled and highly motivated home side.
Having battled hard for 60 minutes, Evesham were chasing down the hosts’ slight lead, but continued pressure went unrewarded and the Wythall side emerged 41-10 winners.