It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Everest Road for the opening fixture of the 2010/11 season in National League 3 South West, following the outstanding achievement of last season in reaching the play off.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who travelled to Old Albanians RFC and for the fantastic support given. Our visitors today are local rivals Cheltenham RFC who themselves had an excellent season finishing Champions of Midlands 1 East.
I am sure they will be just as keen as we are to start the season on a winning note and Head Coach Liam Middleton has clearly developed a successful squad, and a close match is in prospect. Following the decision of Dave Pointon to leave for Cinderford RFC ( and we wish Dave well and thank him for all his work for OPRFC ), Dan Eddie, Paul Knight and Isiah Young have all joined the coaching set up along with Rob Fidler.
We are delighted they have chosen to join OPRFC and we wish them well. Their impact has already been seen with the performances in our pre season games though the downside has been a knee injury to James King which will keep him on the sidelines for several weeks.
Many thanks to today's sponsors, Thomson & Banks LLP who have given generous support to the club for several seasons. Simon Cook, a former 1st XV captain is a partner and you will see elsewhere in the programme notes that they have just opened new offices in Cheltenham.
Please support those who support OPRFC. Finally, you will note we have a new shirt sponsor, Battledown Brewery and I would encourage you to support them by trying their excellent beers.
Michael Angell Chairman - OPRFC
