The RFU governance committee proposals to conclude the season for those leagues at both professional and community level were yesterday ratified by the RFU Council, and most importantly Aldridge RFC have been promoted to Midlands 3 West North for the 2020/21 season (whenever that actually starts.

"Not how we wanted to get promotion - but few can say we haven't deserved it after the way we have played this season", said Head Coach Jon Arch.

The RFU used a calculation based on average points obtained at Home and Away and the "A"s finished as runners up to worthy winners Clee Hill RFC, to give the club its 2nd promotion in 3 years.

Head Coach Jon Arch:
"I think the league final placings was a fair reflection of the season to date; Clee Hill were a superb outfit and deservedly are Champions, but there wasn't much between us, Barton (who we beat twice in 2 close games) and Market Drayton (1 win and 1 tight loss). We were confident though that we would have won at least 4 of the 5 remaining games and would have been clear in second place at the end of the season.

I am really pleased for the players to be honest, it shows that hard work reaps its rewards. We started pre-season before most other clubs, our pre-season booster day set the tone and belief in our ability, and our numbers at training throughout the year have remaining excellent. I think you could tell right from pre-season games where we beat Handsworth, and Claverdon that we were a good side - we just needed to keep the players fit and available.

The committee and especially our Director of Rugby Jim, have really backed the players this season. Firstly having a physio available most weeks has made a huge difference, plus Harry Baldock rejoining as backs player coach, enabled me to spend more time with the players, especially the new ones. I also want to add my thanks to Lee Stokes, who took on most of the Strength and Conditioning work this season and Ben Husthwaite who has helped take out set-piece onto another level. Over the next few days I will be speaking with every player who has helped make this happen.

Having a 2nd XV playing every week, and launching an Under 23 side this season has been massive. It has provided real competition, some weeks we have had 50+ players available for selection; I can remember a week last year when we took 17 players including myself and Kane Meddings (who could barely walk due to a thigh injury) on the bench to face Linley - we simply had no-one else available ! !

Next season will bring new challenges, there are some very good sides in the league and some clubs who i doubt we have faced in a very long time; and it is certainly going to be facing Veseyans RFC .

I have told the guys already I would rather us AIM HIGH AND MISS than AIM LOW AND HIT. We are going to need to be faster, stronger, and fitter, but i believe we have in the most a young squad, with desire and passion who want to achieve special things together. For the players it can no longer be about "ME" it has to be about "WE" for us to succeed.

We are now just looking forward to getting together and celebrating before the hard work starts whenever that will be."

Next season Aldridge RFC will compete in Midlands 3 West North with:
Burntwood RFC, Shrewsbury RFC, Harborne RFC, Veseyans RFC, Edwardians RFC, Cleobury Mortimer RFC, Linley RFC, Telford Hornets RFC, Eccleshall RFC, Handsworth RFC and Clee Hill RFC

Aldridge RFC would like to thank all of the volunteers, the committee, the sponsors and the spectators who have cheered us on every week this season. Please Stay Safe and lets enjoy promotion.