A WELL attended annual meeting of Okehampton Rugby Club heard both the president and chairman express the club's enormous gratitude to retiring treasurer Peter Balsom.
Peter took the reins shortly after the opening of the club's latest extension and with it came heavy loan debts. Through his expertise those have been almost fully repaid, with nothing owing to private members.
In his report, Peter said that despite the massive amount of rugby lost to the club during the foot and mouth crisis, the financial loss was not quite as bad as had been feared. A tight grip on expenditure meant the season ended showing a slight profit. This policy should be maintained in order to clear the outstanding owings quickly.
The excellent support of club sponsors, members, supporters, plus a fantastic team of ladies, had secured the sound finances. Under the stewardship of recently retired Clive Daniel the bar proved to be a principle source of income.
Had foot and mouth not occurred some money would have been available for routine maintenance; this now would have to be held over.
On the playing side, a badly disrupted season ended with the first XV in mid table of the competitive Western Counties league. Next season would be even stronger with some good sides being relegated from higher leagues.
The club, coached by Australian Bruce Chivers, introduced many younger players into the senior side, all of whom proved more than capable.
Next season the senior side will be captained by a young player, Steve Alford, himself a product of the youth sides.
It is proposed to restore the colts XV this coming season in the hope that more players from that background will come forward.
The second and third XV had varying degrees of success on the field, but their players enjoyed their games, keeping Okehampton to the fore in West Country rugby.
Youth rugby grows stronger each year and it is a great tribute to all those involved that it runs on a self-financing basis.
As ever, the club holds a prominent position in West Devon both for its sporting and social aspects.
It remains entirely open to all and a warm welcome exists for anyone wishing to join.