Friday 18 June 2010

There's some new faces to the Godfathers team playing in tomorrow's West Country 7s. Get to know them a bit more with some exclusive personal profiles on the squad:



Sam Saunders (Captain)

A pivotal figure both on and off the field, Sam has been a part of the Godfather family for a number of years and deservedly leads the side in 2010. Currently plying his trade at National 3 (South) champions Taunton, he has also played for Dings Crusaders, Walcot and Somerset.



Chim Gale

The Worcester Warriors Strength and Conditioning coach has been a core member of the side for a number of years now. The former Bath Academy and Hartbury player’s versatility, leadership and experience are key elements of some of the Godfathers recent successes.



Ollie Collingham

Kindly nicknamed “The Mutant” by his fellow players, Ollie made his first Godfathers appearance at the Flanders 10s where he won hit of the day and best newcomer. Another ex-Hartbury boy is a welcome addition to the forwards with his sheer physical presence and surprising pace. 



Olly Robinson

Much is expected of the ex-England U18 international and Bath Academy flanker. Recruited by new coach Joe Goodman, the Loughborough University open-side makes his Godfathers debut at the West Country 7s. 



Marcus Brooker

Last season’s top try scorer and player of the year for National 3 (South) side Cleve, the Bath University student also represented Bath Rugby last year. A winger by trade but given his fearless tackling and abrasive style he’s more than comfortable in the forwards as well.



Tom Pool

Tom Pool at the Flanders 10s

Made his mark on his Godfathers debut in Belguim with an explosive hand-off and a surprising turn of speed. The former English Colleges hooker now stars in the back-row alongside fellow Godfather Marcus Brooker at Cleve.



George Britton

One of the side’s most colourful characters, the former University of Bristol Captain spent a season playing in Toulouse, at both university and club level. George now plays for Ealing Trailfinders in National 2 (South) 



Darryl Veendendal

Happy at both scrum-half and fly-half, Darryl made his debut for Bedford Blues versus the Barbarians, scoring two tries in the process. This season he’s also played for the Crawshays Welsh XV in their match against Cambridge University as well as captaining the East Midlands U20 side and being selected for the Midlands U20’s.



Ben Roberts

Perfectly suited to 7s Ben has an exciting turn of speed and loves contact. The current Walcot fly-half is a cornerstone to the Godfathers and consistently one of the top performers.



De la Rey Veendendal

Named in the 2010 Rosslyn Park Schools 7s dream team, De la Ray was likened to “a young Shane Williams – a real impact player who can turn a game at a turn of a hat."

Currently at Oakham School and part of the Northampton Saints Junior Academy, he has also represented Midlands U18 and East Midlands U20 this season. If that’s not enough De la Rey is a UK Athletics nationally ranked athlete for the 100m, 200m and 400m. 



Billy Reynolds

Our very own ‘Billy Whizz’! The pocket dynamite exploded onto the scene in Belguim scoring 10 tries in the process. It’ll be an interesting battle for that starting wing spot with his brother and fellow Avonmouth winger Charlie.



Charlie Reynolds

Little is known about Charlie. The Godfathers chief scout, Christian Gervais, recommended Charlie as being bigger and quicker than his brother! We’ll just have to wait and see I guess.



Reserves



Steve Trimmel

The ex-Western Province star is unlucky to miss out on selection. His quick feet and incredible last-ditch tackling has been a feature for the Godfathers over the past few seasons.



Joe Collingham

Another young and exciting prospect that everyone at the Godfathers is looking forward to see in action this summer. Younger brother of Ollie, Joe was selected in the ‘Ultimate 7’ at the recent Rosslyn Park Schools 7s.