Bournemouth Director Of Rugby Will Croker has described 2018 as “one of my favourite ever years in rugby.”
Despite suffering promotion play-off disappointment against Guernsey in April, the Lions have roared to the South West Premier summit.
Will Croker’s men are in a strong position having only lost once to a Will Greenwood-inspired Maidenhead, but as the festive break dawns Croker is feeling thankful.
He said: “We are now broken up for Christmas. The game this weekend for our Seconds has been postponed until the New Year so we have decided to rest some weary bodies.
“We will not be training now until Thursday, January the 3rd.
“This may seem like a long break, but we started a bit earlier this year and I believe that the rest will allow people to 'de-frag' their minds of rugby, repair broken bodies and spend some time with family and friends.
“I wanted to say an enormous thank you to everyone involved with the club this year, from players, to medical staff, coaches to managers, Opps team and ex-com to volunteers.
“2018 has been one of my favourite ever years in Rugby.”
It is not just the first team who have enjoyed success either - with a number of the other sides at the club replicating their squad mates.
The Seconds side have won six of their nine fixtures to rise to second spot in Division Two Of The Zoo Sports Shield, and Croker says everyone has played a part.
Croker added: “This year we have seen the club come together to roar us on in the Playoff and now to the top of the table, clear by seven points.
“We have seen the Fourths rejuvenated under Rob Emery, the Thirds given some real care and attention by Bobbie Royd and Ian.
“The Seconds have flourished in the hardest league they have ever played in, supported by Mark Palmer, Simon Carkeet and Laith Sabih.
“The Firsts have been overseen by myself and Jon Sanchez, who lives every play and cares almost more than any coach I have worked with.”
“Thank you to our team sponsors Fortitudo, Hoborne, Codestone, Enhanced, Eco, Laceys, Goddards.”