DESPITE Covid-19 bringing the season to an abrupt halt in March, Wellington Rugby Club made a ‘working profit’ of nearly £29,000 during the past year.

This was disclosed by the treasurer, Dave Wicks, at the club’s annual meeting held outdoors at the Athletic Ground.

Mr Wicks explained their healthy financial position was due in part to grants given to the club in regard to the pandemic. His efforts in dealing with the crisis was praised by the president, Matt Colman, who was re-elected at the meeting, attended by the maximum 30 members allowed under restrictions.

Secretary Ashley Colman described the past season as ‘historic, unbelievable, frustrating and ultimately successful’. He said: “We are blessed with a fantastic coach and support set-up. Graham Dawe and his team were augmented by the arrival of Nic Sesterat, previously head coach at North Petherton. Nic is head of sport at Taunton School and played professionally for several years.

“His knowledge of back play and his enthusiasm for improving players would prove invaluable to our young squad. The lst XV squad was largely the same as the previous season and Patrick ‘Paddy’ Jarman had been unanimously re-elected for his third term. Pre-season was uneventful and the Chiefs travelled to Chard for their opening game with high expectations, eventually running out 20-16 victors.

“The lads showed they would learn quickly during the season, never giving up, and are potentially up there with the best sides in our history.

“They won their last 12 games, some of the highlights of the season being nine tries in a 51-20 home win over Kingsbridge, six tries away to Honiton in a 38-12 win, six tries in a 41-22 home victory over Penryn and a bonus point win away to Saltash in horrible conditions.”

Officers re-elected include: president M B Colman; chairman J Dunbar; treasurer D I Wicks; secretary J A Colman. Dave Huggett is the new membership secretary, taking over from Adam Morgan, who remains on the committee.