Rugby: Midhurst celebrate Sussex League promotion

They had fantastic team spirit while boasting a beautiful settings to play in at the Cowdray Ruins.

The club have had many ups and downs since then but with dedication and teamwork, Midhurst entered the 2011-12 season with a first and second senior team for the first time.

With the new senior coach Andrew Down, captain Martyn Tilling and a team of dedicated players, the first team ended the season with a fantastic game of rugby against Hove, emerging victorious to win the league and get promoted to Sussex division one.

The team had the most prolific attack and meanest defence in the league and have not been defeated in a home league game in more than two seasons.

The second team comprise mainly talented youngsters pushing for places in the first team and older players who still play for the love of the game, with some notable family combinations.

They are out to enjoy the game and give people experience, with the emphasis on fun.

The town should be proud of the teams and their achievements, but the club will not be resting on their laurels. The thriving mini section ensures the future is in safe hands.

Supporters are invited to go along to the club and get involved, with a newly-refurbished clubhouse on offer for visitors.

Not all founder members are still around today but with John Witby as club chairman, they would be delighted to see that the club formed in 1981 is going from strength to strength.

If you’re interested in finding out more visit www.midhurstrugby.co.uk or contact Andrew Down on 07515 555530.

FIRST XV SQUAD: Travers, Tilling, White, Reynolds, Adams, Tart, Down, Sherriff, Chandler, Opperman, Warken, Osbourne, Wapshott, Morrison, Coughtree, Seccombe, Windle, Moore, Smith, Hamilton-Fox, Hardie, Oaks, Bratley.