We are having one of our best ever seasons as a county rugby side and which has been said many times before but worth stating the least amount of clubs per county in the whole country. Despite this Berkshrie RFU Men have taken a giant step forward by making the Mens D3 final for the first time in 20 years.
We thought there should be no better person than for someone who has represented two teams in this years competition so I spoke with Rams young player and the new senior Berkshire RFU Captain, May Hayman.
MAX, HOW DO DOES IT FEEL TO BE PLAYING A COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL AFTER 20 YEARS?
I am so honoured to be playing let alone being captain.having represented the county recently in the U20 competition. I am also very excited considering I was only 2 when we last in the final!
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WITH THE FINAL BEING AGAINST OUR CLOSE NEIGHBOURS IN OXFORDSHIRE IN WHAT COULD BE CONSIDERED OUR DERBY DOES THIS ADD ANY SPECIAL ELEMENT TO THE MATCH?
I think it adds a very special element because lots of us will be playing against our current and former team mates which isn’t done very often. I think there will be a great atmosphere on the pitch between both teams.
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HOW HAS THE TEAM REACTED SINCE THE WIN AT SURREY KNOWING THEY WILL BE PLAYING IN A COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL?
The boys of course are buzzing, after what has been a long season but getting to the final is a great way to see the season out and hopefully we can end it with a big performance and a win!
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HOW ARE THE PREPARATIONS GOING TO GO THIS WEEK TO PREPARE FOR THE MATCH?
The preparation for this game is going to be the same as our previous sessions, credit to the coaches, they have recognised the things we have needed to work on from the previous week and put that into place in the training sessions and the lads have worked hard to get those right, ready to take into the games.
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WHAT HAS BEEN THE DIFFERENCE IN THE BERKSHIRE TEAM THIS SEASON TO GET TO A FINAL AFTER A LONG LAYOFF?
With there being such a long layoff I think it’s making up for lost time, the players have been outstanding through the campaign and being so up for it and believing we can get there. The attitude on and off the pitch has been difference I would say and some are taking this as an opportunity for extra gametime to put their hands up at their home clubs and get some further visibility.
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WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS ABOUT BERKSHIRE THIS SEASON THAT ALL THREE SENIOR TEAMS HAVE MADE FINALS WITH THE U20S (DIV 2 FINAL) AND OF COURSE THE WOMEN REACHING THE D1 FINAL?
Again I think it goes down to attitude and focus of ALL the teams and the fact that Berkshire RFU are taking the competitions seriously and using it as an additional pathway for players. I was involved with the Berkshire getting to the final and their attitude throughout the games they played, even when they were losing in games their attitude kept them in it and we managed to turn it around. I did not expect to get a call up to the senior side let alone be made captain and I have to thank the Berkshire U20s for giving me that platform. I also represented Berkshire at U18 previously and this has helped contribute to my fast tracking and development. At at all levels
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WHAT WILL YOU BE SAYING TO THE TEAM BEFORE YOU TAKE THE PITCH AT RICHMOND ON SATURDAY?
I will just be telling the boys to enjoy it. Last game of the season, the first final in 20 years that will set the tone for the next 20, whatever the result at the end of the 80 mins just enjoy it.
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WHO INSPIRED YOU AS A YOUNGSTER GROWING UP IN THE RUGBY WORLD AND WHY?
I didn’t start playing club rugby until under 16s as I was always a footballer, but one player who I have always enjoyed watching is Jamie George as he is someone who I sort of try and base my game around. Being a skillful ball playing hooker.
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GO WELL FROM ALL AT BERKSHIRE RFU
On the same day Berkshire Men will face Oxfordshire Men for the Division 3 title at Richmond RFC (See article)
