STREATHAM-CROYDON have returned to league rugby after 18 months with a bang, fully intending to celebrate their 150th year in style. 

This commenced with an anniversary dinner celebration at Twickenham Stadium, with speaker Ryan Jones MBE – Welsh international and British and Irish Lion, entertaining over 150 guests.

The men have had an excellent start to their league campaign, with three wins on the bounce, writes Millie Ross. The first was a comprehensive victory at home against Wandsworthians which they won 70 to 0. The second saw more tries conceded but still a bonus point victory 57 to 20 against Old Paulines who were potential title contenders. 

This weekend they put 80 points on Woking away from home, conceding just five. Excellent leadership from captain Freddy Green combined with the experienced support of Charlie Pattihis and former Captain Adam Barnes has worked well with the new player/coach perspective of Jesse Mackewn and the excellent contributions of new Fly Half Adam Sheehy. 

They are hoping to maintain this momentum going forward. The men’s second 15 have put in a couple of valiant performances but are suffering from a lack of numbers, so are keen to welcome new players down to help with this.

The ladies league season is slightly delayed from the men’s, but they opened well with a 52 to 0 victory against Guernsey Ladies, who have proved a difficult opposition in the past. The ladies will travel to Guernsey in April to close off the season. The next league game is against Heathfield and Waldrom on October 17. The ladies second team is gaining great momentum and have put in a couple of friendly games against Belsize Park and Old Emanuels. They are also continuing to grow and keen to recruit players to enable this – all levels welcome.

The juniors are back to full strength after the summer break and training with gusto on a Sunday morning from 10 to 12. This includes a flourishing junior girls side, which held their first under 15s Friday Night Lights tournament in September, hosting over 80 girls from local schools competing in a round robin format.

AFC CROYDON Athletic’s season has got off to a topsy-turvy start with the team conceding bucket-loads of goals to make games an uphill task. Despite some promising football at times, it’s points The Rams need on the board, writes Seán Ryan.