You Don't win unless you try hard

Mike Ramsay of DMC Software Solutions, resellers of ACT! and SalesLogix Customer Relationship Management software, has just returned from accompanying a triumphant group of junior rugby players from Oundle Rugby Club to Holland. Both teams were kitted out on the field in rugby shirts proudly bearing the DMC, ACT! and SalesLogix logo.

But if you thought Mike's interest was merely about getting some nice publicity for DMC (ACT! Resellers of the Year this year for the third year running) you'd be wrong. Mike is, as he is the first to admit, "Completely fanatical about rugby".

Mike has coached Oundle's under 15s and under 16s since many of the players were just five years old. At that age they don't actually tackle each other but practice "touch" rugby which develops the necessary skills without full contact. After all, not many mums want their little boys coming home with a cauliflower ear and a broken nose! Mike has an interest in safe, responsible play as his own son has been involved since the start and is now, according to his proud father, "one of the star players of the under 16s".

Mike and his wife Kate arranged the whole trip which was no mean feat when you consider that they had to get over thirty-five kids and twenty parents to Norbeck in Holland. Once there, each team had a great time and played some excellent rugby against tough opponents. "The under 16's won two and lost one while the under 15's won all their games comfortably", Mike is happy to report.

Mike believes that the cliches about rugby are none the less true. "Yes it's a builder for life", he says. "Teamwork, winning fairly, courage and commitment. I played rugby until I was in my late twenties and I have always respected the game for what it can bring to boys' lives."

Not really a million miles away, in fact, from the kind of dedication and commitment Mike's team at DMC bring to delivering solutions, service and support to their customers every day.

Oundle Under 16's Rugby Team wearing their shirts sponsored by DMC Software Solutions after a hard game in Holland which they won.