Roman family June 2016

Courtesy of Bath & Wiltshire Romans 
Photos by Paul Turner official club photographer

A positive to come out of last Wednesday evening (15/06/16) for the Romans was that Russ Preston (father) and Sam Goulding (son) were the first father and son to play together for the Romans. Russ lost touch with Sam over 10 years ago after divorce, and Sam got back in touch 2 years ago but other than rugby had very little in common and it was hard to build the relationship back up.

Sam has played for Chippenham RFC and also Devizes RFC but went along to watch the Romans a couple of times and now playing for the Romans has helped to strengthen his relationship with Russ. As a youngster Russ played for Bath Rugby colts and under 21’s, but broke his leg in seven places and was told he would never play again. Russ proved the experts wrong and started playing rugby again for Trowbridge RFC at the ago of 38, then made his first team debut at the age of 40. Russ Preston, said “I am now keen to focus on rugby league with the Romans”.

romans family 3
Russ Preston (father – left), and Sam Goulding (son – right) picture before their first game playing together for Bath & Wiltshire Romans RLFC

Chris Chatten, Chairman, commented “it is nice to know that in some small way the club has aided in bring Sam and Russ closer together.”

This new father and son partnership for the Romans follows on the trend from last season of family members playing together after Nick Parks made his debut towards the end of last season to play with his brother Huw Parks. Nick had previously played Rugby League at Loughborough University and Huw was new to Rugby League and actually advised by his Rugby Union mentor to try out the league code.

Bath and Wiltshire Romans Rugby League Huw Parks and Nick Parks
Roman brothers Huw Parks (left), and Nick Parks (right)

Huw in particular has been a great success and at the end of last season had a trial with Championship One semi-pro outfits University of Gloucestershire All Gold’s, before signing professional forms with South Wales Scorpions where he is a regular feature with their Under 20’s development side and also dual-registering back with the Romans.

Last Wednesday’s fixture in a week which was the clubs first ever competitive home evening fixture and turned out to be a fantastic spectacle until the 51st minute. Unfortunately Romans full back Jimmy Godfrey broke his ankle in a solid collision with the Oxford defence and the match was abandoned.

The Romans at this point were losing the game 14-6 with the result still in the balance, it is likely that the fixture will be replayed on a date to be confirmed. The Romans defence certainly seemed to have improved since the last two fixtures but seemed to lack some attacking prowess which had been stronger in previous fixtures.

The Romans are based at Corsham Rugby Union Club, Lacock Road, Corsham and are keen to welcome new players aged 16+ of all abilities to training currently on Wednesday evenings from 7pm. The club are also interested in hearing from anyone who would like to sponsor the club in 2016 and have packages available for all budgets.

The Romans are next in action when they take on Somerset Vikings at their Corsham RU Club, Lacock Road, home on Saturday 25th June, 2.30pm kick off.

For further information and updates:
Chris Chatten, Chairman Tel: 07810 552196

Twitter: @RomansRLFC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romansRLFC/

All at M Tanner Sports wish Jimmy a speedy recovery!

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