Voluntary relegation for Haverhill Rugby

Haverhill Rugby Club have confirmed that they will compete in Division Two of the Eastern Counties League next season, writes Hannah Dolman.

It follows the club's struggles during the 2017/18 campaign which saw them fail to record a win until the final month of the season.

Although the club went on to then register two victories, head coach Steve Bowak said the club felt there was a better chance of being competitive in the level below.

He said: "We have discussed it as a club and decided a drop down would be the best thing for us.

"Let's not pretend last season was easy, it's hard to lose over and over again, and it didn't help with us struggling for player numbers too.

"But I think things are on the up again.

"It was great to finish the season off on two wins (from their last three fixtures) and we have signs of old players returning and a few new faces too.

"It bodes well for a new season at the right level."

Bowak said the club will begin pre-season training on June 12, with them likely to compete in Division Two West.

* Meanwhile, Chris Flannery is stuck in limbo as he awaits the outcome of a disciplinary hearing that could see him banned for life, according to Haverhill Rugby Club’s head coach Steve Bowak.

The pack player has been accused of striking the referee during the Eastern Counties One Salver contest at home to Stowmarket II on February 17 – a match marred by tension, ill-discipline and a number of cards.

Bowak said Haverhill received four yellows and two red cards, with Flannery one of two home players banned.

He said the disciplinary meeting had been due to take place some time ago but had been delayed due to unavailability of the legal teams involved.

“It’s quite bad,” he said. “Chris could end up banned for life – and it was definitely not intentional from him.

“From our view, he got shown a yellow and threw his hands up in frustration, unfortunately he connected with the referee but he is certain it was by accident.

“More than three months is a long time for the league to leave him waiting for news and he’s banned while he waits too.

“He’s disappointed by the way it’s been handled.”

* The club has also been named by Eastern Counties as the league’s runner-up for the Club Facilities of the Year award, with Cambridge Rugby Club the winner of the category.

The club has been recognised for the continued development of its facilities over the past year including a new pitch at their Castle Playing Fields home, getting the car park re-laid and new training lights.

The club said it was great to be recognised for the hard work and voluntary hours that the members have put in.

And the new pitch will be christened on Sunday, August 19 with a charity ladies’ tournament to mark its completion ahead of a new season.

It will be only the second time the new ladies squad have competed in a competition.