We could start at the end and reflect on how another successful season concluded with the “Exiles” lodging a series of strong Festival performances; including (we think) being the first Chipstead team to win the Surrey ‘A’ Festival Plate. However perhaps we should save the best till last and begin, as they say, at the beginning. The best place to start a review of the year is probably to cast our minds back to the summer of 2012.

This was our fundraising year, so the ’12-’13 season actually began with the ’11-’12 season ending BBQ. Special thanks need to be expressed up front to the tireless effort of the core team who co-ordinated kitchen rotas, volunteers, sponsorship and basically cooked and cajoled their way to a successful year of fundraising. “Panini and Chips”; at the Meads! Superb! And not forgetting the great coffee.

Thanks also to the coaches and referees both for the work that is seen on the Sundays and at the Festivals, but also for the unseen Monday to Saturday minutiae of organisation and planning, the ‘phone calls and the fixture arranging.

However Sunday mornings are about the players, and developing the “Exiles”’ squad. This year we have been lucky in being able to build on the foundations with a core group of regulars and two relatively stable teams. We also welcomed a number of new players to the “Exiles” adding strength in depth to both Blues and Golds. This season also saw the return of some former players who, having tried the ‘greener grass’ of neighbouring teams, came back to the Meads. To all the players, new, returning or seasoned campaigners thank you; for your work, your enthusiasm and your continuing passion for the game.

In keeping with the one squad ethos the boys continued to train together as a corps with the season’s focus on developing the skills and game awareness of the piano shifters in the Forwards and the glory boys in the Backs. As we say on the web site the aim of the coaches aim to make training and competition as enjoyable as possible. From enjoyment comes enthusiasm. From enthusiasm comes commitment. From commitment comes success.

Success however is measured by more than points scored or by trophies one – although both are nice; more of which below. Success is about personal development. Success is about having respect for your peers and the opposition. Success is about putting the Team first and learning that winning and losing are just two sides of the same coin.

Looking to the season in review, in addition to the Chipstead Festival, the “Exiles” played host to the following teams Dorking, Effingham and Leatherhead, Esher, Kings RFC, Old Beccs, Old Cats, Old Reigatians and Park House. Thanks go to the coaches and players of these teams and we look forward to seeing many of them again in friendlies and festivals next season.

The Chipstead Festival was won by Effingham & Leatherhead. On the day their robust and skilled display of 12 man Rugby resulted in their winning the league and the trophy. Special reference and thanks must also go to Old Whitgiftians who combined with Chipstead Golds to form a Barbarians Team for the occasion.

The February half term kicked off with the “Exiles” heading to the sea-side on the “2013 Odd Socks Tour”. Around 40 players, parents and siblings sojourned down to Brighton and Hove for the weekend. Normal tour rules applied - so what went on on tour, stays on tour.

The “Exiles” had a series of games against Hove RFC – and again we should thank the coaches and players of Hove RFC for making Chipstead “Exiles” welcome and capping off a great weekend with some great hospitality.

The tour set the tone for the second half of the season. The Blues continued to win pretty much every game, with losses to Effingham and London Irish being notable due to their rarity. The Golds stepped up to a whole new level, with a level of commitment and success on the pitch that we will look to build on next season. A core unit of players having the confidence of playing as a Team and having confidence in those they are playing both with and for.

The latter months saw our participation across a range of Festivals; and the addition of further silverware for the “Exiles”’ cabinet in the clubhouse.

The honour roll:

• Third place Beccehamian Development Festival (10/03/2013)
• Cup Finalists Guildford “A” Festival (17/03/2013)
• Cup Winners Beccehamian “A” Festival (07/04/2013)
• **Plate Winners 2013 Surrey “A” Festival (14/04/2013)**
• Plate Semi Finalists Surrey “B” Festival (21/04/2013)
• Winners Esher Floodlit Festival (26/04/2013)
• Plate Winners 2013 London Irish Festival (28/04/2013)

This has been another successful season for a squad that continues to improve and build in confidence and ability. Next season is the last as mini rugby. Let’s enjoy it, let’s embrace the challenges to come and let’s move on; to make the 2013-14 campaign an even better one for the Exiles.