This is my first year of serving the club as Chairman having served as President and Vice Chairman under our former Chairman George Winch. I am looking forward to help move the club forward and especially grow our Puma Cubs (Age Grade 5-12).

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I should start by perhaps giving a short introduction to the club’s history. The club was formed in the 1998 / 99 season, this came about after a falling out from another club and a drunken discussion in the Joseph Paxton pub on Hunts Pond Road. We were then called Paxton Pumas and if truth be told we only had 9 players. Our first season was a bit of a blur by our "founding fathers", rocking up to play with 9 and getting thumped by the opposition. But the spirit was great and more players started to play for us towards the end of the season. Our second season saw us winning a few games and by the start of the third season Hampshire RFU asked us to join the leagues.

 

The Pumas since those days has gone from strength to strength and now sees our 1XV playing in Counties 2 Hampshire for the 2023-24 season. Our 2XV also managed a move up the leagues into Counties 4 Hampshire. For the more distinguished player and social rugby we continue to put out a Vets team playing on Wednesday or Friday nights for all those who want it. We also started our Walking Rugby sessions and now have a good group performing an impressive workout every Thursday.

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As well as the senior sides for the last 2 seasons we have started up the Puma Cubs offering Age Grade rugby for children aged 5-12. It is great to see how the growth of the Pumas (now 150+ Cubs) has offered a safe and reliable environment for our local children to enjoy.

 

Whilst we are serious about our rugby, this club is all about the social side for the lads, wives, girlfriends, civil partners and your kids.  We have always believed a strong social set up will keep players and the fact that we are attracting more players is testament not only to the style of rugby we play, but to the fun you can have off the pitch as well.

 

All that is left to be said for those playing remember this is about enjoyment, if you give 100%, then the beer tastes 100% better after the game (thanks for that one Tom O!)!  But we also need you to be available for games as the "best ability is availability!!

 

For those watching we thank you for you continued support, I know the lads appreciate it and that 16th man is invaluable to us this coming season. For those perhaps reading this and coming across us for the first time, come down, watch a game, have a drink after and let us entertain you!

 

Paul Greenwood

Chairman

Locks Heath Pumas RFC

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“Bringing Rugby to the Community & the Community to Rugby”