Training this coming Thursday (1st December) will be at Bourne, with Dave taking the lead in his last training session before heading off to his new posting.

Those of you who made it to Rasen on Sunday will have met Mark Thomas who has kindly agreed to step up from his coaching role with the Under Nines to work with Kevin, Martin and our new parent helpers to keep the Barbarians moving forward.

Mark has been involved with Bourne for a number of years, and has been Captain of the First team as well as now holding the club Secretary role. Mark also sits on the Junior Committee, so is well placed to ensure that things continue to happen for the squad.

With Martin O'Neill looking at taking his coaching qualification in the new year, this will maintain our solid leadership base for the squad. The extra parent help on Thursday's has however been invaluable, as has Elliot Hodgson's back room support assisting with the Team Manager role.

Aside from things being a 'little quieter' with Dave moving on, we plan to keep arrangements as close to how they have been as we can. We are reviewing our post Christmas fixtures, to fill some gaps and play some more of the teams from last season. More on that soon we hope. We have also had some conversations with the Bourne U16's coaches to look at specific skills based training sessions from time to time, including potentially on some Thursday's when coach availability is lower. This may need a few more Bourne based Thursdays than we have had, but this will ensure adequate coach cover if required.

Thanks to everyone for your patience and support whilst we have been sorting our more permanent long term arrangements.