Chichester have ended a very successful season as a leading community rugby club offering the sport to all ages and ability at their ground in Oaklands Park.

With more 500 members, the club are one of the largest sporting clubs in the area.

The first XV, playing in the London south east three, finished mid-table.

After a slow start, because of several key players leaving the area, new young players had the opportunity to prove themselves – and the team made good progress. But Chichester do not travel well – winning only two games against strong Kent sides.

Next season the first XV move to London south west three, which will make travelling easier into Surrey and Hampshire.

The second XV, a development side, have already moved to the Hampshire Clubs Senior Merit League, and in their first year achieved second place.

The third XV played in Sussex Two and finished mid-table, winning seven of 17 league games. They were also finalists in the Sussex Vase – so an excellent season with many younger players performing well.

The fourth XV, known as the Gladiators, a mix of older experienced players and new talent, had an outstanding season, winning Sussex Three and the Sussex Salver for the second time.

The women's XV played the occasional game showing great enthusiasm, and should expand next year.

The senior sides benefited from a new coaching set-up and the installation of the new floodlights which have improved training sessions.

I was delighted to see a strong colts XV resume at Chichester after a few years' absence. A number of these players made first and
second-team appearances in the second half of the season: good news for next year.

At youth level, all four teams (under-13, 14, 15 and 16) won their leagues, which is unprecedented.

The mini section continues to improve each year. More than 350 registered players and 65 coaches are registered under RFU rules, which has a big focus on child protection.

Coaching has been outstanding, all-round results excellent. The club are one of few in England to have achieved the RFU's 'seal of approval' for the fourth year.

For the second year in a row, we hosted the end-of-season West Sussex mini festival. More than 800 players plus parents enjoyed a marvellous day of rugby.

Chichester teams were in five of the six finals – a measure of the depth and ability throughout the section, which has again been active in promoting mini rugby in local primary schools. Tag tournaments have been organised, with coaching sessions for teachers.

The season started early with a May Ball held in a marquee on the first XV pitch.

Some 400 people attended and celebrated the 80th anniversary of the founding of CRFC and 30 years since the start of the mini and junior section.

A programme of clubhouse and car parking improvements has continued and we will see some upgrading of changing facilities next year.

Pre-match lunches continue to be a major success and fundraiser. The club were awarded community amateur sports club status in 2007, which allows us to secure certain financial benefits.

Sponsorship continues to be a major factor in the club's finances and I'm grateful for the support local companies provide in supporting community rugby in Chichester.

Chichester District Council continues to provide excellent pitches each weekend at Oaklands Park following major investment in ground work throughout last summer.

Further work is planned this summer.

The working relationship with Chichester University continues, with us sharing facilities for training and the university providing players at all levels within the senior sides and the women's XV.

Roll on, next season.