'We are the champions!'

Saturday morning's downpour of rain signified the end of a twenty year drought for Stratford's Don Oakes Motors Senior B rugby team, who brought home the Club Champion title for Division One.

The Stratford side beat New Plymouth Old Boys at Yarrow Stadium on Saturday afternoon in front of a vocal crowd of Stratford supporters.

"It was a fantastic turn out of supporters, I think we had even more than Old Boys," says coach Chris Hall.

Co-coach Quintin Oakes agrees, "we were very lucky to have so much support from the community in the stands on Saturday, the sounds of support from the crowd really encouraged the team to play hard right until the final whistle".

While the wet and muddy conditions might have deterred some teams, Stratford embraced the elements.

"The rain suited our style of play as we have a great forward pack and strong line-outs, so we weren't disappointed by the weather," says Chris.

Quintin adds the team stuck to their intended game plan as they had throughout the season. "Each week as a team we set achievable short term goals, on Saturday we had a goal and a game plan and the team followed through."

With the support of the crowd Stratford ended the game with a final score of 18-10 and the first Club Champion title in 20 years.

Stratford Rugby and Sports Club chairman Nathan McDonald says "on behalf of the committee and the club we are proud of what this team has achieved, it took the whole team to win the final and it would have been hard work playing in those conditions."

Nathan adds that Saturday's win is a group effort from not only the players but the reserves, coaches, managers, water boys, sponsors and supporters.

Quintin, Chris and Nathan all extend their gratitude to the club, committee, the team management, Don Oakes Motors and all the club sponsors for their support this rugby season.

For a full report on Saturday's game see page 19.