On behalf of the club, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our guests to the 15th
Farmers' Lunch. Special thanks must go to our joint sponsors, Robin Appel and United Oilseeds, who are represented by Becky Beesley and Harry Dunford, respectively, on Dick Hall's table today.

Without the sponsorship from successful businesses like Robin Appel and United Oilseeds, Petersfield RFC would not be able to provide the quality of facilities, coaching, and support for the mini, youth, and senior sections within the club. We are very grateful they have extended their generosity to Petersfield RFC.

Petersfield 1st XV have been playing at the highest league level in the club's history and have had a remarkable season, considering the quality of the opposition. They have competed very well against all the clubs above them in the league and, with a little good fortune, could well have beaten them all!

Having played in the same league as Chichester for the first time in the club's history, we won both home and away. We have enjoyed a friendly rivalry with Chichester over the years, as they too had and have many farmers playing for their sides. The league results are particularly special, and it is something I didn’t think I would ever see.

It is also great that the farming community has good representation in the 1st XV still, with Captain Matt Momber and brothers Sam and Jack Janaway.

I believe a club's success can also be judged on how well it is run financially, how good its facilities are, and how many teams it can put out on a Saturday. On the first two scores, we pass with flying colours. The 2nd XV have had some tough fixtures because of their promotion last season, and the 3rd XV and Vets have fulfilled several fixtures.

Off the pitch, club chairman Stuart Barden, Secretary Rob Mocatta, and their team keep taking the club to another level with their drive, energy, and enthusiasm. Our pitches are managed all in-house with our own kit under the expertise of Chris Todd. Training facilities are constantly being upgraded, and there are plans for a clubhouse extension, as there is not enough room for the 500+ kids down here on a Sunday.

It behoves us as rugby enthusiasts to encourage the next generation, regardless of ability, to get down to their club and play rugby. Otherwise, a generation will miss out on all those things many of us took for granted when we were playing!

As we all get rather overwhelmed with all the negative and frustrating issues that we are constantly bombarded with, just pause for a moment and have a look around at all the good people in our clubhouse this afternoon. Perhaps just park up your worries and everything else and enjoy each other's company!

Many thanks again for the support the club receives from the local farming community and all its associated industries. I must apologise for the fact we are rather squeezed in today, but it is refreshing to have so much demand for places at this lunch, both from new and old sponsors.

If you are interested in supporting the club or perhaps sponsoring next year's lunch, please speak to me today. We want Petersfield RFC to be at the forefront of all the positive attributes of rugby, both on and off the pitch.