by Harvey Shiers, Club Captain, 2021-2022
A season of success, challenges and prestigious award
A great start
With another rugby season ending I thought it would be good to discuss a few outstanding moments from Glen Eyre’s successful season. The men in green started out the season in great form continuing where we left off the last one, winning our opening game by some margin. With both “Old boys” and “freshers” combining for some wonderful scores, it was great to see the squad’s potential from the off.
League winners
Unfortunately, Glen Eyre was unlucky with injuries to start the season including losing both their President and former Captain, and others to injury before the game against our major rivals, the Montefiore Exiles. However, moral was still high as other talented players stepped up to take their place. A great defensive performance wasn’t enough on the day as we came just short losing our first league game for almost three years. However, this wouldn’t put the team down as the performance was something to be proud of. Following this, a winning run would ensue which included spectacular wins and a thrashing of our rivals in a later game which would once again cement Glen Eyre’s position as league winners for the second year running.
It’s not all about rugby
After the league season finished we tried other sports, participating in multiple charity events including a mixed netball and rugby tournament in support of the MND Association. More charitable activity included £1,916 raised for Movember by some of the team, including myself, growing some very suspicious upper lip hair. This was the second highest amount raised by societies at the University of Southampton. We pride ourself on our charitable contributions always finding new ways to raise money.
Historic victory in the Varsity match against Portsmouth
After the fun of charity events the serious competition hadn’t ended with one last game in our way. Due to another team dropping out, Glen played a game against a Portsmouth University Rugby 2s side, way above our level. Nobody had any expectation but, on the day, only one team turned up. A strong Portsmouth side were run ragged by a fearless Glen team which ended the game winning 61-12. A dominant, ruthless and near perfect performance that the whole team were very proud of. One of the greatest games I have witnessed in recent memory.
Awards season
After all the success this year Glen Eyre were nominated for the Team Southampton, “Team of the Year” Award along with 16 other teams. Glen became the first Inter Mural team to ever be nominated for this award. However not only were we nominated, but we won the award. Great to see the team receiving recognition for all their success over the past couple of years, on and off the pitch.
And finally…
Whilst I and few others will be moving on, I am sure Glen Eyre will continue their success into next season. It has been an honour to play for and lead this successful team over the last three years. It is worth stating that the game of Rugby Union, the Glen Eyre Lost Boys Rugby Club and the team camaraderie has been a true highlight of my time at University. Finally, thank you to RQA Group for the Glen Eyre Rugby Club sponsorship over the past two seasons. Their support has been greatly important to the running of the club, setting up many more years of success.
