NORTH Petherton head coach Dean Lloyd-Christie reflects on the 2023/24 season – and looks ahead to the new campaign getting under way.

Another thrilling season of rugby has come to a close.

Over the last three seasons, both the Oaks and Acorns have finished this season in their highest placings to date.

The opposition has been competitive in both leagues in the last two seasons, and this has been good for us as we integrate and develop our whole squad of young players with our experienced ones.

The players have developed and grown at every training session and are learning and developing after every game, which has resulted in very good games against teams who are in higher positions in both leagues.

Acorns have had a fantastic season, led by Connor, LJ and a coaching/management duo of Jim and Kim.

They have developed and produced some outstanding results which put them in a position to be promoted but sadly, they narrowly missed out with a few results.

I look forward to seeing them putting the lessons they’ve learnt this season and getting the results next season and being in a better position and promoting to the next level.

Oaks started the season with the loss of player coach Big Al and Captain Mac Taylor inside the first two games, which were big losses at such an early part of the season. 

We had to adapt which we did and achieved eight good wins and a few bonus points before Christmas and looking forward to the New Year, but once again we got hit by some long term injuries either side of Christmas in vital positions.

And this seemed to be the story for the rest of the season; we would get an injured player back, and someone else would get injured. We carried on fighting and put in some good performances but just couldn’t get to the winning line in.

I would like to thank all the players who pulled the jersey on this season and especially the players who made their Oaks debuts. I am so delighted to see the growth of every player over the season.

I must say a big thank you to all the sponsors and supporters. Your presence and encouragement whether it be home or away is a testament to how much you love the club and the game of rugby.

Body Mechanics, thank you for keeping the lads on the field and looking after them off it as well.

Thank you Dan Frost for all the support and the experience he has shared the players and myself this season he has been a rock.

A huge thank you to John Evans for getting all teams ready week in and week out and our executive committee of Nick, Sharon and Tracy. Sharon, thank you so much for all your support to the players and coaching staff.

Looking ahead, we're already gearing up for the next season. Pre-season will start on Thursday, July 4.

And you can join us! Want to be part of our rugby family? Whether you're a player, supporter, or sponsor, there's a place for you at North Petherton RFC.

Get in touch to find out how you can get involved!

I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together this season. Let's carry this momentum forward and aim for even greater success in the future! 

Oaks Statistics

2021-22

13 teams: Finished 11th, won 5, drew 1, scored 466, conceded 824, difference – 356, points 35

2022-23

12 teams: Finished 8th, won 7, scored 425, conceded 780, difference – 355, points 41

2023-24

12 teams: Finished 7th, won 10, scored 524, conceded 705, difference - 181, points 51.

Acorns Statistics

2021-22:

13 teams: Finished 5th, won 13, scored 486, conceded 442, difference +44, points 63.

2022-23:

12 teams: Finished 6th, won 7, scored 216, conceded 347, difference +94, points 32.

2023-24:

12 teams: Finished 3rd, won 14, scored 574, conceded 448, difference +126, points 70.