Rugby Club Magazine issue 92

We a r e a l s o o n l i n e: w w w. r u g by c l u b m a g . c o m

RUGBY

UB MAGAZINE

ISSUE 92 £6.95

Marr RFC

Outstanding History makers in their 50th year as Premiership Champions!

Bletchley RFC Where everybody pulls together!

`Scottish Club of the Season 2021/2022`

`League Champions`

Lychet Minster Rugby Club Undefeated at all levels

Hazardous Goods Haulage

Hospitality and Events

Devonport Services RFC Marketing & Print

Chipstead RFC

Aviation

Retail and E-commerce

Manufacturing

Where great people make a great club!

Pharmaceutical and Medical

Construction

South West Club of the Season! `A great club to be part of!`

`Champions & most successful season in over a decade`

Holt RFC

End to end logistics your way Whatever you need moving,

Rugby Club Mag’s UK Club of the season 2021-2022 speedyfreight.com

Magnificent on and off the field!

03333 440 703 A4 NEW ONE.indd 1

17/06/2022 17:19

We’re On Your Side

Elcons, official partners and sponsors of St Helens RLFC

Welcome Welcome once again to the latest edition of Rugby Club Magazine.

W

elcome to issue 92 of Rugby Club Magazine, where we have some excellent profiles on many of the UK`s top rugby clubs and acknowledging their invaluable service and contributions to sport. Rugby clubs are very much about the efforts of hard working, kind and talented unsung members, coaches and players. Who doesn’t remember that special person or coach who made a difference in our youth and subsequent life.

Rugby Clubs are magical and special places that were made for our young to grow into healthy adults; it takes a village to raise a child and rugby makes the world a better place to be. UK club of the season, Holt, are an amazing example to any UK sports club that wishes to understand what really makes a club work (A special thanks to Holt RFC club secretary Jeanette Edwards for all her help – I wish I had half her energy!). So sit back and relax and enjoy the ride as we head a little bit closer to the new season!

As always if your club has a story to tell or you would just like to be recognised for your community efforts please don’t hesitate to contact me directly: mbm@sportip.biz Yours in Rugby

MeettheTeam PUBLISHERS: Morgan Bernard Ltd. Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE9 6ES www.rugbyclubmag.com PRINTING Bang On Print Arch 17 Forth Goods Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3PG www.bangonprint.co.uk MEDIA DIRECTOR Martin Morgan E: mbm@sportip.biz FINANCE COORDINATOR Michelle McGregor E: accounts@sportip.biz PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Maria Kearney E: copy@sportip.biz EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Jane Morgan E: editorial@sportip.biz HEAD OF MAGAZINE DESIGN Rowena Wilson E: rowenawilsondesign@gmail.com HEAD OF EDITORIAL CONTENT Damien Lagan E: editorial@sportip.biz

Martin Morgan

DISCLAIMER COVER IMAGE © Holt Rugby Club RUGBYCLUB MAGAZINE

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any mean, or stored in a retrieval system without prior written permission, except as permitted under the copyright designs and patents act 1998. Applications for permission for use of copyright material shall be made to the publishers.

3

28

CONTENTS Holt Rugby Football Club Outstanding on and off the field.

Rugby Club Magazine’s UK Club of the season 21-22.

06

Marr Rugby Football Club Although Rugby was played in Troon in earlier times it did not become properly established until the opening of Marr College in 1935.

28

34

Devonport Services Rugby Club Interview withFraser Pearson – Honourable Secretary.

Whitstable Rugby Football Club Whitstable RFC is a small friendly Community Club on the North Kent Coast.

40

4

44

Bletchley Rugby Club Catching up with Tony Rice, Chairman of Bletchley Rugby Club.

69

50

Chipstead Rugby Football Club Interview with Head Coach of Chipstead Rugby Club.

Dagenham Rugby Union Football Club Providing an exemplary service to their community!

Finchley Rugby Football Club Chatting to Luke Hammersley, Chairman of Sponsorship and Communications, U16s Coach.

56

60

Camberley Rugby Football Club Chatting with Mike Franzkowiak (Club President 2020 – Present)

Wrexham Rugby Football Club Exciting times for Wrexham RFC as centenary approaches.

71

Lychett Minister Rugby Football Club Chatting with Kieran Donnelly, Chairman -Lychett Minster Rugby Club.

74

82

Bracknell Rugby Club Interview with Matt Heeks, Head of Rugby.

88

Oxford Rugby Football Club Catching up with Wayne Rushen.

34

60

56

82

50

44

69 5

Rugby Club Magazine’s

UK Club of the season 21-22

A BRIEF HISTORY

BY PAUL WILLIAMS

In November 1961 a group of rugby enthusiasts from the Georgian coastal town of Holt met and decided to form their own local team. Norfolk is a big county and the players felt that they were travelling too far for their current teams’ home games, let alone away fixtures. In one respect they were very fortunate.

Holt is the home of Gresham’s School and the Headmaster of the time was a distinguished former rugby international, Logie BruceLockhart, who was both sympathetic and supportive.

Logie, who had won five caps

6

Holt RFC

Outstanding on and off the field for Scotland in the 1950s, made a pitch available for the team’s first game, provided resources and encouraged players to join the new club. On the 30th November he became the founding Club President with a Gresham’s colleague John B. Williams as the first Chairman, and Bill Cubitt a local farmer as the Captain.

It was decided that the club colours should be black shirts with the Holt Owl as the emblem. They opened their fixtures against a West Norfolk side on 16th December 1961 – registering a surprise 3-0 win – and have played rugby in the town ever since. The structure of the

leagues has changed over the decades but the club has maintained a strong fixture list in the Eastern Region with local derbys against Diss, West Norfolk, Norwich and North Walsham always considered to be of particular importance. The CubittMaule Cup was introduced some 50 years ago to celebrate the inaugural match between Holt and West Norfolk, presented by two great friends, Bill Cubitt Holt’s first Captain, and George Maule, a stalwart of the West Norfolk club.

I have been involved on and off for all the 60 years, having played in the first ever match

for Holt versus West Norfolk in December 1961 at just 17 years old at the time; two weeks after Holt RFC was founded.

Over the years Holt grew in strength and became recognised as a force within the region. In the 1970’s Holt benefited from the expertise of Scotland International Bob Steven, who was successively Club Captain, Chairman and then President. The 1975/6 1st XV won 28 of their 32 games and secured the Norfolk cup for the first time with a 9-6 win away to Diss in the final. Several of their players were chosen to represent Norfolk and Eastern Counties.

There were some dips in performance in the subsequent decades but steps were taken to ensure recovery and in 2006 Holt beat Diss for the first time in twelve years and won the Harrison Cup – a trophy now awarded to the winner of this Norfolk derby.

Holt’s most celebrated players have been the Youngs’s, a local farming family. Father Nick was capped at scrum half for England while playing for Leicester and remained a Holt member. His sons Tom, a hooker, and Ben, also a scrum half, played for England and both went on to represent the British Lions on their 2013 tour of Australia. Ben is now the holder of the most England caps in history. We are proud too that current England player Freddie Steward also made his humble beginnings at Holt RFC. Although links with Gresham’s School have been a strong feature of the club, with generations of old boys appearing in the teams at various levels, Holt RFC have always been welcoming and inclusive. Scots, Welshmen, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, and even Scandinavians have played for the team.

Indeed in 2007 Holt demonstrated a progressive approach with the appointment of a highly qualified woman, Penny Chapman, as joint head coach alongside Ed Steed, who introduced an open style to a side traditionally dominated by forwards. Our coaching team has been ably lead by Head Coach Phil Sharpe since the 2019/20 season (the season before being assistant to Ed Steed). In terms of overall results, this is probably one of our best seasons, in the Club’s 60th year.

Holt RFC has always generated great loyalty from its players. Several have appeared more than 500 times for the club – though sadly detailed records are not available to substantiate

such claims and the players themselves have lost count in the mists of time. Three who have almost certainly achieved this milestone are Neil Poortvliet, Roger Day, and Mark Simmons, with the last of the three thought to be the player with the most appearances to his name. He was an immensely talented centre who captained the side in the late 1980’s and early 90’s, and had the ability to play at a much higher level. Marks’ son was part of the England Under 18 squad that toured South Africa in the Summer of 2016.

Many college and university students played for the club before departing at the start of term, came home to turn out in vacations, and returned to the club if they later found employment in Norfolk.

As a result, Holt have developed impressive family traditions. Most notably, three Riley brothers took the field together for the 1st XV in season 2015/2016; and three Harrison brothers have played together in the 1st XV on and off since season 2016/17.

Their grandfather captained the 1st XV, later to become Chairman and then President; their father was captain of the 2nd XV; then Club Chairman and now our current President. Cushings, van Portvliets, Ross’s, Simmons and others continue the 60 year family links both on and off the field; indeed Neil van Portvliet and his sons Jake

and Bruce all captained the Holt 1st XV, and all of whom played for Norfolk and the Eastern Counties.

Holt’s contribution to Norfolk RFU has been steadfast over the years, and the Club has provided seven Presidents for the County: John Williams; John Alston; Edward Harrison; Mike Stott; Neil van Portvliet; John Ross and George Cushing.

In the early years the club played their games in a leased meadow in what is now the centre of an expanding town.

In 1967 a far-sighted decision was taken to purchase nine acres of arable land at Bridge Road, High Kelling on the outskirts of Holt. Over time the club has developed the facilities at the site.

The clubhouse was extended and refurbished and reopened in 1995 – with the former England and Lions no 8 Dean Richards performing the ceremony. Further extensions and improvement were completed in 2016 with the opening performed by England Internationals, Tom and Ben Youngs.

Today the pre-match luncheon and bar facilities are excellent. In the 2016/17 season Holt were presented with the Eastern Counties Rugby award for club facility of the year. The 2018/2019 season saw Holt gain the accolade of Eastern Counties Club of the Year.

Back in 2011, Holt RFC celebrated 50 years since the founding of the Club in 1961, and a celebration was held with Logie Bruce-Lockhart our founding President as guest of honour. A wonderful time was had by all, including 14 original players of the first Holt RFC match played in attendance.

Memories of our founder members and players and many of those who joined and played since our founding, have sadly passed on. However, one of Holt RFC’s strengths is that these characters who were the bedrock of the Club, are still fondly remembered by those

who shared many a beer with them over the years.

Holt RFC are conscious of their obligations and debts to their community. We have a strong tradition of developing and nurturing young players.

In 1992 the club committee took the decision to relaunch mini-rugby. Past and present players volunteered their time and within three years the club had a full set of mini and youth teams, covering ages from 5 to 16: the first important honour, the Norfolk Under 16 cup was won in 1997. Many who have developed their rugby skills through this route have gone on to play at senior levels; and England caps for Tom Youngs, Ben Youngs and Freddie Steward.

Holt RFC is friendly, social, inclusive, and a community hub; it welcomes members and visitors from all walks of life; encourages involvement whether as players or helpers, encourages families; welcomes all age groups.

Holt RFC has an excellent reputation throughout the East of England for friendly hospitality and high standards of catering.

Our wonderful sponsors are critically important to the wellbeing of the Club.

Without them the Club could not sustain the levels of rugby and hospitality we have become famous for; we thank all our sponsors who contribute to make Holt RFC the great Club it has become.

It was a wonderful privilege to serve Holt RFC as President between 2015 and 2020, and to remain involved from time to time with the new executive structure that will take our Club through the next decades.

For a small market town near the edge of the North Sea, Holt RFC punches well above its’ population size and geographical situation.

So long as the club continues to develop talent and maintain its’ local reputation as a welcome and friendly community, after 60 funpacked years, the future for Holt RFC remains bright.

The Holt RFC Originals at the 50th Anniversary Reunion (Paul is 3rd from left, rear).

7

Chris Harrison presenting special ties to celebrate Harry Yarbo (right) & Charlie Howard (left) coming all the way through from Gladiators aged 4 to Colts, at a pre-match lunch, Unfortunately Max Sleightholme who also received a special tie couldn’t attend. Nick Bell, Club Chaplain is seated left.

CHRIS HARRISON, PRESIDENT AND SPONSOR

The Harrison family have had a long and positive association with Holt RFC, Chris Harrison is the clubs current President, and his father Edward was an explayer, 1st XV Captain and club Chairman. Alongside Edward, and within his generation, was his brother

Richard who also was a 1st team Captain, Chairman & President as well as cousins John (who was also a past Chairman) and Mark. Mark was a founder member and 2nd ever First team captain. As a boy Chris would watch his dad Edward playing for the club.

Both Chris and his brother James captained the 2nd team also playing alongside each. As

A wonderful place to put down roots Woodland is a luxury holiday park, exclusively for holiday home owners. We’re hidden in the middle of 80 acres of beautiful countryside and only a few hundred yards from the sea. Come and spend some time in the woods, unwind and clear your head.

We think you’ll agree North Norfolk is not just for summer.

• Marling’s Bar & Restaurant • Swimming Pool & Sauna • Gym • Children’s’ Playground • Fishing Lake • Cycle Hire • Nature Trail • Tennis Court & Table Tennis

www.woodlandholidaypark.co.uk

8

past chairman and President he is very proud of his sons Henry, Joe and Tom who have not only played but taken on many varied roles at the club including 1st team and club captaincies.

No one can discount the tremendous contribution made by the Harrison family to Holt Rugby Club.

As current club President it is my objective to support the Chairman and executive officers in the smooth running and welfare of our members. I suppose one of my main challenges, like many clubs, is to keep, as best I can, everyone as happy as possible, especially as we are an organisation run purely by volunteers.

The atmosphere is fantastic, we have had a very successful season fielding 3 senior sides and a full youth and mini section. Our members come from all walks of life and as a family club there is a great care amongst us for each other so if there are any problems, we all rally around! The club It is a great tonic and offers a great relief and release from all our busy lives.

On the pitch our first team have led the way winning their league and gaining promotion with many breath-taking performances throughout this 2021/2022 season. The 2nd team have also had a very successful season competing near the top of their league and we have fielded a 3rd team with our extra players, who have grown beyond belief while being part of some outstanding fixturesamazing! Seeing up to 60 at training each week is a great

testament to our superb coaching staff. Our excellent minis and youth players, the club’s future seniors, have been a tremendous support and we have fielded teams throughout all age groups.

We continue, as best we can, to provide a platform for all playing members to compete at their optimum level and more importantly enjoy this great sport.

Additionally, we are always looking at areas where we can increase our members enjoyment and keep an eye on any ways where we can improve our facilities and club generally.

Our magnificent sponsors have contributed in huge ways to our development, and I hope they and their customers have enjoyed the reciprocal support we have tried to provide. EG Harrison have sponsored lunches at Holt with their other businesses, like Woodland Holiday Park sponsoring a board at the club and Trimingham Leisure being a valued sponsor of the U8s and club training tops.

Being a sponsor of Holt RFC allows us as a company to advertise our business to a wider audience within the rugby community coupled with being able to entertain our customers within the club’s fabulous facilities at Holt RFC. Holt Rugby Club are primarily focused on friendships and looking after each other and I personally believe we do a great job in this respect! Simply put, and if I do say so myself, we are a `Great Club to be Part Of!

The Harrison family from left, Chris, Joe, Tom, Henry & James.

The 1st XV at Newmarket! Far right is club captain Henry Harrison. Head Coach Phil Sharpe is in the rear middle dressed all in black.

HENRY HARRISON CLUB CAPTAIN

During the Covid period, Henry was the one who ensured the players stayed engaged and connected through social media, he kept the lines of communication open and this was vital for player morale.

“I played at North Walsham with my mates from school and returned to play in the holidays from Newcastle Uni. When i graduated in 2016 I was back playing full time again and captained the team in the 1st Covid season of 2019/20 and then in 2020/21.

Unfortunately, I suffered a lot of head knocks at university, and a major head knock here at Holt playing against Diss 5 years ago, when i was out cold, and not able to compete for the remainder of the season. I had problems with repetitive concussion in the 2019/20 season then in the 2020/21

season. Covid was a blessing in a way, with no contact rugby, giving me a needed and an extended break from more potential injuries.

Then on my 1st game back this season, sods law, i got concussed again! As before, my doctor told him me to be sensible and not carry on playing- advice I had to heed.

As club captain, a new role which followed my enforced early retirement from rugby aged just 27, it has been good but at the same time difficult watching such great rugby being played in my first season and not being able to take part – it’s made me feel a bit useless to be honest.

However, this new position is a developing role and early days. The idea of the Club Captain role is to deflect some of the pressure away from the 1st team captain and that’s what I aim to do whilst being a positive representative for all our players at Holt Rugby Club.”

JOE HARRISON 1ST XV CAPTAIN

“My current role at the club is captain of the 1st XV. My main goal throughout the season has been to ensure that all players enjoy their rugby. I am very proud to say that this has been an extremely successful and enjoyable season. The key benefits have been the creation of such a fantastic depth of players.

Although senior rugby may have 3 separate teams, the players all play for the club and each other. This camaraderie amongst us

has created something very special, something I haven’t experienced as strong in all my 7 years of playing senior rugby. One of the main challenges, I faced as captain, was the mid-season defeat to Ely RFC away. The bounce back from such a difficult loss by our team was remarkable-we continued on to win 16 out of our next 17 games to become league champions! 100% down to the players and how they adopted a “team before self” attitude whilst not steering away from the number 1 priority - enjoyment!!”

1st XV having won promotion, captain Joe Harrison far right.

9

END OF SEASON REPORT BY ROB HUGHES, CHAIRMAN

I’ve been involved with Holt RFC since the start of the 89/90 season when a rugby friend recommended the club to me as `the best in the area` and the rest is history as they say!

This has been an exceptional season for our club with the pandemic being a real test for us and of course many others. The extended enforced break meant we faced losing contact with players and members and having the heart of our club challenged. However, we worked really hard to put Rugby back on as soon as we could and kept in constant contact with our players and members throughout, facilitated by our excellent coaching team, and that hard work has paid dividends over the course of the season.

All that effort put in before, and then during the season, has delivered outcomes which have been quite brilliant! The 1st XV lost only one competitive game, the 2nd XV may gain league promotion too and all 3 of our senior teams reached their respective county cup finals, bring home the silverware in 2. But we are mindful not to fall into the trap of measuring everything on playing results.

Numbers at mid-week training sessions have been tremendous all season and we have been able to field 3 senior men’s teams whenever the opportunity has allowed.

Our Colts have enjoyed a good season and now being carefully and progressively integrated into a lot of the senior club’s training and playing philosophies. We do our best to help players progress into our senior ranks, but it isn’t always an easy process, however, we do work hard at it with an encouraging degree of success. It would be wonderful if more 16,17 & 18-year-olds continued through to senior rugby but our attrition rate is probably the same as everyone else’s in terms of young player retention, but we are working positively at this issue.

The experience at Holt begins with a focus on enjoying rugby and all that surrounds our great sport and ends with results on the pitch; that is the right formula for our club, and it seems to have worked this season and more.

Now that we have gained promotion, we plan to consolidate our positions in the leagues into which we progress for the 22/23 season. The hard work will continue through the closed season as we confirm short,

10

medium and long-term plans on and off the pitch.

Included in those plans is the development of girls & ladies rugby in a committed fashion. The first training session in that respect will be 30th June and we all look forward to that event greatly.

We will continue to develop our very important mini and youth set up who are so vital in feeding players into senior rugby and maintaining the vitality of the club. We are delighted to be able to celebrate the success of our U16 team who prevailed in their county cup final. Well done lads.

Furthermore, an exceptional U10’s won the Prima Cup at Welford Road which caused yet more reasons for raucous celebration on their return.

Mini and junior rugby is vital to the overall success of our club. A significant majority of our senior players played Minis & Junior rugby somewhere, if not at HRFC. Realistically we don’t expect to hang on to all our youngsters, but we do hope that they will benefit other clubs if they do move on just like we may benefit from the investment that other clubs have made as new players arrive at Holt.

As a `Member’s Club` enjoying the whole experience of a visit to Bridge Road is core to everything we aspire to. Our club philosophy, coaching or otherwise, is enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and it seems we don’t have to reiterate that philosophy too many times on a Saturday afternoon and evening and at the variety of social events that have been held this season.

This year the mood feels very positive, people are having great fun and really enjoying the atmosphere.

Success on the pitch helps of course but the consequence is we have more and more people coming forward to volunteer all of whom are hugely appreciated. It seems as though we are doing less nudging to get things done which in turn means that members are having a good sense of club identity and their role in our overall growth.

We put great store on strong club governance, and within that, transparency and communication are everything. We do try to make sure that the Exec body are available to the members and listening hard to them too is essential. Reducing the price of our leading Ale when the feedback indicated we should, is an indication that the process does work though I cannot promise

MANAGEMENT, MINUTES AND MEDIA BY JEANETTE EDWARDS, HON SECRETARY

Originally from the Northeast and Yorkshire respectively, Simon and I moved to Holt in September 2018, when we took up positions on The Kelling Estate.

Rugby Union has been very important in our lives. Just to put this into perspective, Simon played at senior premiership level in England & Scotland, representing Durham & Northumberland counties & North of England; Durham City, Newcastle Gosforth & Kelso - medically retiring about 15 years ago at Darlington Mowden Park.

What I’m trying to say is that over the years I’ve gained a very good knowledge of rugby and club houses!

But I’d never previously been a volunteer. As always

wherever we have moved, we found a local rugby club – in our later years now this solely was to make like-minded friends of course rather than to play. As soon as we set foot through the door of Holt RFC we were welcomed warmly by Iain MacBrayne and Edward Harrison (Chris Harrison’s now deceased father). Immediately we felt comfortable amongst strangers.

Subsequently I was in a farm meeting with Chris Harrison who recognised me from our rugby club visit and asked if I’d be interested in the role of Club Secretary.

Having a lot of work on my plate I said I’d think about it. The next time we walked into the clubhouse I was greeted by several committee members thanking me for becoming their new club secretary; I laughed, accepted

Executive Committee, from left, Jeanette Edwards, PeteD’Amery, Chris Harrison, Rob Hughes & Nev Drewry (missing Ashley Woods & Ali Gibson).

that we will drop prices any further even if a clamour is created from this article!

Away from Bridge Road we are delighted and very proud to celebrate the great careers of Tom and Ben Youngs, and now Freddie Steward too, plus a number of other successful professional rugby players who all started their rugby lives at HRFC. We have been delighted to celebrate Freddie the flying, fearless Full back’s break through into international rugby and Ben becoming England’s most capped men’s player.

Ben graciously allowed a quite phenomenal Mural to be “sprayed” on to and outside wall of the club to celebrate that milestone and it has already proved an amazing focal point and inspiration to a multitude of youngsters in an honest testament to what can be achieved with hard work, dedication and not a small amount of talent. Tom has a had a quite extraordinary playing career which has now come to an end, and we are

delighted to welcome him back to the club and greatly value his input and friendship.

We hope that in future seasons, we continue to play an exciting brand of rugby, providing some great entertainment to our brilliant body of club members within our wonderful setting whilst delivering real value to our sponsors. We will run a solid well managed club that the whole community can enjoy and benefit from.

Holt is very much a community rugby club and has a great gang of sponsors from within that community who all make vital contributions in a variety of ways. The club room (and grounds) is hired out for all manner of occasions and people never fail to be impressed by both the facilities and hospitality they receive.

Everyone is welcome at Holt Rugby Club and we try to spread that message, as far and wide as we possibly can. We are very, very proud of what we have and are keen to share it and develop it as best we can.

Jeanette and Simon at the Norfolk Big Rugby Weekend. another cider, and just ran with it!

To be fair I agreed, so long as I had nothing to do with the website and social media as I considered myself as being just short of a technophobe. Clear however that there was no cover for media, I took the bull by the horns and immediately started to muddle through. Website posts are loaded by me, and now I am more than ably assisted by our Club Physio & First Aid lead Graham Ilsley who is an absolutely brilliant creative whizz on social media.

DAVID HARROD PAYNE CROP NUTRITION – SPONSOR OF HOLT RFC

Payne Crop Nutrition have been involved with HRC since 2017, but prior to that we were known as Bunn Fertiliser, so we were involved since the early 2000’s We are a Rugby loving business, taking part in many social functions at the club over many years; for example, Annual Dinners and Match sponsor days and we personally know many of the VP’s, players and club members. We find that the club, will reach out to us with

We aim to get stories and photos out as fast as possible to our members & supporters.

If there is anyone out there who would like to take on the role of Webmaster however, please do get in touch with me!

When I first started on the committee in Sept 2019, and until Covid lockdown, the size of the committee was 24 members which was considered a little outdated and too cumbersome.

Thanks to a recommendation

by Martyn Jackson & Paul Williams (the then Chairman & President), the main committee commissioned a small sub-committee to consider ‘Planning for the Future’ of Holt Rugby Club, concentrating on plans for our sustainability. We reviewed and recorded all 24 Committee Members’ feedback relating to the future running of Holt RFC and we set the objective of setting a 5-year proactive plan.

Following consensus that our then structure needed to change, it was agreed that we needed to use this Covid-19 lockdown time as an opportunity for a completely fresh approach and to realign our management structure in consideration of our modern club requirements, its members and modern day “business”. We were operating in a very different world with the Coronavirus

outbreak; to quote minutes of a meeting “we could not afford to bumble along”.

The proposal was approved for an Executive Committee structure of 8 members at the 2020 AGM and then passed at the AGM in 2021 for immediate adoption; the new committee was formed.

With this smaller size of club management, there are clear lines of responsibility and accountability, and decision-making processes are much clearer, quicker and transparent. Good governance without short cuts, and our structure now including a Governance Director who oversaw the transition, is core to the management structure.

Included on the Executive Committee is a current 1st XV player, so the committee is never adrift from what is happening on the coalface.

The new system is bedding in well and while we continue to learn and improve, the feedback from club members and sponsors is very positive and encouraging for the future. All the meetings are highly constructive, last far too long, don’t even involve a cider now that they’ve been moved to a Tuesday when the bar is shut – but I do bring in cake to share!

Our Executive Committee is backed up by very many dedicated and excellent

volunteers and a few paid staff who are also excellent, without whom our club would not be able to function.

Of significance I feel is that Holt is a thriving though very rural market town; it has a population of less than 5K and moreover it is in a coastal location – all this means Holt RFC has a greatly reduced catchment area for volunteers, players and members compared to many other clubs. This makes what’s being achieved even more amazing. Local business support is extraordinary too, for example a Quiz evening at the end of March raised £3K for the club funds with local businesses providing £1700 worth of quality raffle prizes, so a huge thank you to them.

With all my years of experience of rugby and clubhouses, I’ve learnt in a nutshell, that Holt RFC is a great little club! We work hard to ensure we are very well-run family-friendly and inclusive upbeat club. We have great surroundings, and great characters on and off the pitch who like to have fun, and who have a sense of belonging and a sense of responsibility to look out for each other. Along the way the bonus is to be able to play and watch some good games of rugby! Even if you’re not a rugby fan, please do pop along and give us a try.

sponsorship opportunities they feel will benefit us and their social media is always very up to date and active.

Holt RFC, being local to the farming community in Norfolk, is front and centre to grassroots rugby in this region with multi-generational producing players from Colts upwards, with some progressing to international level, so it’s a very well organised and disciplined club, with a wide range of hard-working volunteers making healthy relationships within the business and our local community as a whole.

11

An independent, family run business, Bakers and Larners of Holt has been trading in the centre of Holt since 1770.

Now, more than 250 years later, our exceptional department store stands as one of the oldest retailers in East Anglia and one of the few in the country to remain under the ownership and control of the founding family.

Our history is rich and varied, and one that we remain very proud of today.

Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Bakers & Larners of Holt 8-12 Market Place, Holt, NR25 6BW t: 01263 712244 e: sales@bakersandlarners.com www.bakersandlarners.co.uk

12

BAKERS & LARNERS HOLT RUGBY CLUB’S MAIN SPONSOR

We have maintained a strong relationship for more than fifteen years. As two evolving businesses in Holt at the time, the journey of growth surrounding Holt Rugby Club and the department store was a perfect match.

Bakers & Larners has been trading from the centre of Holt since 1770 and turned to their friendship with Holt Rugby Club to host the company’s recent 250th year anniversary celebrations. The partnership first began with the C T Baker Group’s late Managing Director, Michael Baker, who had a keen passion for supporting local establishments and of course, a fan of rugby.

The team kit was developed in-house at Bakers & Larners, showcasing the close bond between the store and the club. The project was led by team member Sarah Colman, who recalls the design process;

ANNUAL PLAYER AWARDS HOLT RFC Most improved player Harry Yarbo

2nd Team Players Player of the Season Toby Thornberry

1st Team Player of the Season Tom Jackson

3rd Team Player of the Season Duncan Ayres

1st Team Players Player of the season Jake Mermagen

3rd Team Players Player of the Season Ben Chisholm/Nick Harding

2nd Team Player of the Season Toby Thornberry

Clubman of the Season Duncan Ayres (Front cover image)

“We have worked very closely with Holt Rugby Club and our suppliers over the years to provide the team’s shirts and training kits. We listened to their needs and sourced a number of samples before visiting the club in person and working together throughout the selection process. We have always been made to feel welcome, appreciated, and part of the team.”

Over time, the relationship developed with the official club shop taking residency inside Bakers & Larners, and store colleagues were invited to Holt Rugby Club registration weekends to promote the kit shop. In return, the department store made appearances at rugby tournaments selling goods from a pop-up shop.

After fifteen years, the relationship remains strong.

Nick Baker is the group’s Senior Family Director and the eighth generation within the company. He is proud the business is still a champion for local talent, “Bakers & Larners has a proud history of sponsoring and nurturing talent within our community. We follow Holt Rugby Club’s success with great interest, and it’s a privilege to see the young players develop knowing our sponsorship has aided their experience. Watching former members such as the Youngs brothers demonstrates how much talent there is within the club and showcases the level of commitment given

Proud supporters of

POWERROLL • • • • • •

Available from 10.3 m to 18.3 m 5 section roller Hydraulic weight distribution 6 year guarantee on SNOWFLAKE® rings LED Road lights Wide choice of ring diameters

MAXIROLL

by everyone involved at Holt RFC.” Bakers & Larners of Holt is now looking ahead to the future with plans to continue the long-lasting relationship.

Carl Milton, newly appointed Managing Director of the C T Baker Group, says “We are excited to explore ways to evolve the relationship through initiatives such as supporting grassroots rugby and sports within our community.

I look forward to working alongside Holt Rugby Club and being a part of their journey for many more years to come.”

• • • • • •

Available in 5.3 m to 12.3 m System roller with 9 different attachment options Hydraulic weight distribution 6 year guarantee on SNOWFLAKE® rings LED Road lights Wide choice of ring diameters

GREENLINE • • • • •

Available in 6.3 and 8.3 m working widths Attachments and seeder can be added on day one or at a later date 710 mm x 10 mm sections with rounded edges that leave smooth finish Hydraulic weight distribution LED Road lights

DALBO UK | 12A Shepherds Close, Dunkirk, Aylsham, Norfolk | NR11 6SZ | Tel 01263 732683 | E-mail ta@dalboagro.com | www.dalboagro.com

13

RITA & KEN SWALLOWLONG SERVING FRIENDS & MEMBERS OF HOLT RFC

Ken Swallow playing Touch Rugby on a Thurs eve.

Ken Swallow is a very muchloved member of Holt Rugby Club. His wife Rita sadly passed away recently and is missed by everyone at the club, none more so than her soul mate and husband Ken, who has found outstanding support from all his friends at the club.

He told Rugby Club Mag: I don’t honestly know what I would have done without the club, Rita was loved by everyone and being without her was very sad for me and all those who knew her. We met at my 21st birthday party in Middleton youth club, Leeds. Rita hadn’t been invited but with the help of a willing accomplice managed to climb in through a toilet window and that’s how we got together; the rest is history as they say.

We were pleasantly surprised on our 65th year of marriage, diamond anniversary, with a surprise luncheon from the club which was so enjoyable and thoughtful! Although losing Rita has left a large hole, I consider myself very lucky to be looked after so well and by so many at the club; Simon and Jeanette could not have been kinder and it seems like everyone at the club have rallied around me; It’s not unusual on an evening for me to get a call from someone offering to take me to the club for a pint which is always great; and I do like a pint!

I will celebrate my 91st birthday in May and still like

to pull my boots on and have a run around with the juniors, it’s such a good laugh. Ben Youngs`s mum gave me Ben`s shirt and socks which was a real honour, and so thoughtful, and it is always lovely to see the family so regularly at the club.

I can’t speak highly enough about Holt Rugby Club and the welcome you receive from a group of such wonderful people, who I am honoured to call friends; young and old alike.

Moving to Holt was one of the best decisions Rita and I ever made. In line with the friendliness of the club I try to follow their lead and make anyone new feel welcomed; If I ever see any strangers, I make a point of always having a chat with them.

Sadly, Rita never got to see the mural before she went

Holt Gladiators with Ken Swallow centre stage.

14

and when it was unveiled, I broke down because I knew she would have loved it, but like you say, I’m sure she sees it from afar. I know if my wife would have had one wish for me it would have been for the people of Holt Rugby Club to look after me once she had gone and I am very happy to say that her wish has come true! - Thank you.

Jeanette Edwards, Secretary Holt RFC, said on behalf of Holt RFC: Since retiring in Holt, Rita had absolutely loved coming to the club to see what she called her rugby family; meeting folk at our prematch lunches, watching the big games from the ‘Royal Box’, watching all the youngsters play on Sunday mornings, and watching

Ken ‘make a fool of himself’ on Thursday evening touch rugby sessions!

Rita had a great life always

by Ken’s side and they made such a loving couple, 65 years married. With a jovial personality and full of warm smiles, Rita always left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Rita will be greatly missed.

15

ALL WE CAN DO IS SAY THANK YOU!

BY KATE YARBO, VOLUNTEER PARENT

Both Harry and Nelson have been involved with the rugby club since they were 4 years old. We were initially attracted due to our love of rugby and the friendly reputation Holt has.

Harry now plays for the senior first XV, with Nelson for the U14’s. As a family we get involved in volunteering as much as possible. It’s easy to see how much being part of this club has helped our family so we want to give back as much as we can. It’s our way of saying thank you.

The mood is fantastic at the club! During Covid we kept going where we could whilst following the rules.

It wasn’t easy to organise for those of us with lots of responsibilities, but the club did an incredible job and managed to keep the family networking together supporting those that needed it. Since we’ve been able to be back fully now, the club has been vibrant. It doesn’t seem to matter if you’re here on a Saturday for the seniors or Sunday for Y&M there’s always plenty of support and excitement in the air.

Holt Rugby Club has a genuine heart and a really positive ethos. Throughout Y&M for both Harry and Nelson the ethics were firmly embedded that Rugby was a game for all and everyone was valued for their contributions. They both chose to sacrifice football for rugby (phew) due to the

positivity of the coaches, club, and other parents.

Like many children they’ve both had seasons where they’re confidence wasn’t too great, but with fantastic support they both carried on and moved through it. We also have to mention the energy that comes from Julie and her team in the kitchen. Julie and Stuart remember everyone, nothings too much trouble and they make everyone feel completely welcome at the club. With a blend of fantastic home cooking mixed with a mischievous sense of humour Julie ensures it always feels like home when you’re at the club!

This is the first season Harry has played for seniors and it’s been incredible to be part of. Under the watchful eye and brilliant tutorage of Head coach Phil Sharpe and director of rugby Pete D’Amery the seniors have had a fantastic season. They bring positive, respectful, exciting rugby to Bridge Road. The links forged with the Y&Ms ensuring all ages are involved in celebrating the success of Holt RFC is amazing.

The atmosphere pitch side has been wonderful.

Pre-match dinners sold out and a great time celebrating victories post-match. Again, more Y&M’s are coming to watch the seniors so this is great. Thursday night training sees players of all ages and abilities from age 90 to 12 at the club together which again has built a strong club bond amongst us all!

In future year I`m confident the club will still be thriving.

Now more than ever it’s important to help our communities’ and children build their social confidence and self-belief. As we all recover from the pandemic the well-researched link between positive mental health and physical activity added to Holts family supportive ethos will hopefully help attract new children to come and experience the club themselves.

Holt Rugby Club is a place for everyone. It has very strong pastoral care and supports members and players both on and off the pitch, be it physical or emotional support. We definitely “give a ruck”.

The president and whole committee are well known to the players and supporters and are equally involved in volunteering for the club as everyone else.

As a parent, when your children join any club at such young ages it’s all about trust. You’re trusting the coaches with both the mental and physical wellbeing of your children. You’re also trusting other parents to have respect and be supportive from the side-lines. You’re trusting the Senior members of the club to embed positive values. We all know the stories of the damage that has been done to children’s self-belief by clubs when they don’t get it right. For our family, and hundreds like us, Holt Rugby Club gets it right every week with spot on coaches, fantastic families, and a committed committee.

Julie Bailey (Kitchen and facilities manager), Roy Lawrence & Kate Yarbo.

16

MANY HATS AND TOUCH JUDGE AT 79! BY ROY LAWRENCE, FORMER CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT

I arrived in Norfolk from the Royal Agricultural College, starting my first job working for an Agricultural contracting company, not knowing a soul.

I joined Holt RFC in 1966, 56 years ago, and within a few weeks I had a great circle of friends and was out enjoying myself every weekend. Even in those early days there was a great family atmosphere, indeed many of my then team mates now have grand children playing for the club!

Over the years I have played for all senior teams from 1st to 4th, VETS and Touch. Other positions I have held are Chairman, President, and sitting on various committees. I am currently helping on Thursdays running touch rugby for 12-14 years olds (and the occasional 90-year-old!), to sharpen up their basic skills. I have also been a touch judge for mainly home games, and car park attendant as required.

As my playing career wound down, I switched to touch judge duties, over the years visiting many clubs in East Anglia. Every match is important; players have trained, results matter and referees rely on my calls. The most challenging decisions are near the touch-line where the ball is skittling around in a ruck or maul, and suddenly squirts rapidly in to touch – but who touched it last?

The life of an official would not be complete

Pre match lunches.

Pre-match lunch with Mike Bush, front left.

without banter, and rugby is blessed with supporters with incredible vision, experience and advice! The standards are “keep up!”, “Lost your glasses?”, “You have to be joking!”, “It never went out!”, “How old are you?” and a recent classic “I’ll give you a lift back to your care home”!

Despite this, the best advice I was given as a Touch Judge is, when making a call, to say it with total conviction.

The big step to introduce mini rugby was a breakthrough moment - it cemented the family atmosphere that we enjoy today, drawing in families from a wide area; parents grandparents becoming involved - indeed it’s the highlight of the week for many.

Also the up-grading of the club house a few years ago proved a major success. It was measured and calculated, not without risk, but everyone pulled together, and our sponsors backed us 100%. The club house has developed into an important local community hub - from blood donors, keep fit, to speed awareness and private functions.

The unique ethos of our club is all for one and one for all, totally inclusive, family first. As with a family we have good times and bad times, handling the good times is easy, how you help and respond to challenging setbacks is the big plus with Holt RFC. There is an electric/positive feel around Holt Rugby Club this season; amazing staff, amazing volunteers. My summary everyone matters, and we will look out for you!

MANY HATS AND LUNCHES! BY MIKE BUSH, CHAIRMAN OF HOLT PROPERTY LTD AND LUNCH COORDINATOR

I’ve been connected with the Club for over 40 years, joining in 1981 and playing my first ever game of rugby at 30 years old, having been a footballer through school, teenage years and twenties.

You’re never too old to start.

I was persuaded to play by the first team vice-captain at the time, who rang and told me to turn up the next week with my boots etc and play for the fourths; I did, scored a try and never looked back!

I loved every minute I played rugby and enjoyed over fifty games, representing Norfolk and being selected for Eastern Counties tours.

I completed a number of years as Club Secretary and have held a number of positions on the Club committee. Back in 1993, as Club Secretary, I was part of the team that resurrected Mini rugby back to Holt after a few years absence. At the first session I remember there were several younger siblings (under 5s) of the eligible players that attended, and rather than stand around bored doing nothing, I took them out onto the field with some balls and started them catching and passing and generally running around.

Co-incidentally Ben Youngs (England’s most capped player) was one of that group - his older brother Tom was in a recognised age group. The little kids enjoyed it and we decided to keep the group going, we called them “The

Gladiators” after a popular TV programme of that era, and I had to then take some coaching courses!

I taught Ben how to throw and catch a rugby ball when he was just 5 years old. He was so quick to turn, I put it down to him being so close to the floor as he was very small – but he would tackle anything, any larger boy, it was no problem for him. I took this Gladiators group through the Mini age groups enjoying a great deal of success at the various festivals and tournaments.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough numbers then to compete at Youth level, people going their own way including Ben who was signed up by the Leicester Tigers Academy and, under their direction, as we know went from strength to strength. The Mini and Youth sections at Holt continue to thrive after 30 years and it is testament to the set-up that such a large number of our current senior players have come through those ranks.

Known to many as Bushy, my main role now is as Chairman of Holt RFC Property Ltd, which has the freehold of our ground at Bridge Road, High Kelling. We exist to ensure the current Club Committee uphold the ideals of our Founding Members back in 1961, to be a Community Rugby Club where everyone is welcome and noone is excluded. Holt Property Ltd are always represented at the monthly Executive Committee meetings.

My other current role is as pre-match Lunch

Co-ordinator, arranging lunches before home games.

The aims are for rugby lovers to have an enjoyable social get-together before a game, for the Club to make a profit from the lunch and over the bar, to raise further money through raffles, to give our Sponsors a chance to entertain their clients and staff, and for us all to enjoy the rugby spirit.

Co-ordinating these prematch lunches can be trying!

Thankfully our wonderful Kitchen Manager and caterer Julie Bayley is a marvellous cook who creates quality dishes from scratch, and nothing seems to phase her. I ask our supporters to book in by the Wednesday prior to the game but without fail there are always calls to add 1 or 2 more in, or of course cancellations, even up to the Saturday morning! Also, people tend to forget they have food allergies or are vegetarian until the last minute, but Julie and her staff are always prepared and able to accommodate every situation. Numbers attending lunches can vary due to various reasons especially early season when our farming supporters (of which we have a number) favour a day’s shoot in preference to watching rugby, but they always return after Christmas. That said, attendance is often a sell-out.

To conclude, we have an extremely friendly and well-run organisation and I’ve often said that one of the best things I’ve done in my life is learning to play rugby at Holt RFC, enjoying quite a bit of success and meeting so many great people along the way.

17

WINNER OF 2 NATIONAL AWARDS Young Player of the Year and England Men’s Player of the Year 2022!

What a year for Holt RFC’s very own Freddie Steward.

Accomplished performances on both international and domestic campaigns has been topped with picking up two honours at the Rugby Players’ Association Awards in London recently.

Leicester Tigers full-back Steward received the awards

CHARLIE GILL 2ND TEAM CAPTAIN

I came to Holt as a youngster and stayed for 2 years till I was 8 years old and then went off to football, only to return to Holt 3 seasons ago – coming back because my friends were playing here.

As well as putting my name in a hat to become 2nds captain, I was approached regarding the role by Henry Harrison – and became captain for the 2021/2 season and I`m happy to say I will also be captain next season too.

I have enjoyed being captain as they are such a good bunch of boys who also love having fun. The

as the Young Player of the Year and England Men’s Player of the Year at the Eterlast RPA Awards held at Evolution London.

The 21-year-old Steward reached 50 first-team appearances for Tigers in the European win over Clermont Auvergne in April and topped the MPH Sports Young Player of the Year poll ahead of fellow nominees Marcus Smith, Bevan Rodd and Henry Arundell.

Freddie has been an inspiration to all our youth and mini’s this season and we are very proud of him as a club for what he has achieved so far in his career.

We look forward to seeing him continue to develop and improve as his career progresses.

(Many thanks to Freddie’s proud father Ben Steward for help with this extract from his write-up)

only thing that has made it challenging at times has been player availability.

The mood in the club has been excellent with a good atmosphere and a lot of togetherness amongst us. Sometimes other teams can be cautious of us as we are such a difficult side to play against and I suppose they also aspire to match us because we tend to raise the bar when we play. Postmatch we never fail to have good fun and a great time.

Things are also looking positive moving forwards, we’ve got a fabulous crop of Colts coming through to build on our squad and this season`s success.

2nd XV with captain Charlie Gill 2nd from right, front.

18

DAVE BURNS 3RD TEAM CAPTAIN

The 3s set off to be competitive and possibly win a game! We have a few wins under our belt and a Norfolk Cup Final, so we are happy. The 1’s and 2’s have been great and play a good to watch game, so they have been exceptional. Colts come and train with the seniors, old seniors run the youth, so the club is infused with players helping at all levels.

Most people stay for a bit of Craich after the game, the 3s had their first bus trip last week after the game and I taught them to play spoof and learn some songs. The 2s are a great social side and always are great to be around and the 1s have some real characters.

I don’t think that the club will necessarily advance up leagues but rather we will attract more people to the game and maybe we will have 4 senior sides and even a vets!

We have to be a community club as we can only attract players and supporters from the local area, so we have to engage and promote within our community. Holt RFC is a very real asset in this respect.

Having a 90+ year-old playing touch rugby with you and everyone taking care of him is what makes Holt Rugby Club such a special club to be part of!

DAVID HOLLIDAY MOON GAZER ALES

that as a club they support the community from which they draw their players and also represent.

We take great pride in supporting the man of the match – and when the match results and reports are shared on social media and on their website, it really does show the club and local businesses working together to reward effort and hard work – and relaxing with a pint! Holt Rugby Club is local first and foremost and the people are great, the club is progressive and always wanting to do its best at all levels and represents Holt and North Norfolk communities with pride!

I joined Holt 3 years ago after coming to live in Norfolk after leaving Woburn Sands and 20 years plus playing for Ampthill RFC. I am now 59 years old and 48 seasons of rugby under my belt so was looking for somewhere we could have a few seasons where I gave something back to rugby, which as a sport, has always given me more than I have put in.

As 3rd Team Captain and Coach (and manager) we have had more than 10 new players come down to our training sessions where we are able to mix experience and youthful enthusiasm to offer ‘development’ style training that is fun and brings the team on. Last week, so far into the season, we still had 13 down for 3rd team training. A massive plus for the club as some of these players will feed into the senior teams as they progress.

The atmosphere at the club is very good and I think that’s due to the club acting like a club, in that we work for each other, 2s cover the 1s, and help with the 3s, 3s cover the 2s, and we all enjoy our own successes.

Holt is a really nice club, beautiful surroundings, good characters, and emits a sense of belonging and responsibility for each other.

Moon Gazer ales have been involved as a beer supplier and pitch side sponsor with Holt RFC for about 5 seasons now, and for the last two playing season have been delighted to be the man of the match sponsors.

Holt RFC is our local rugby club and it is a privilege to supply them. We also believe that it is a great two-way relationship since as a club they can support small local businesses and help to cement their place in the local community. We like to think our beer adds local flavour to the club house and shows

U10s Prima Cup winners v Bingham (Nottingham) with Head Coach Freddie Lacey on left.

TOM YOUNGS UNDER 10S COACH, EX BRITISH LION

Holt Rugby Football club are extremely proud to be associated with Tom. “Holt is where I started my rugby journey, playing through the minis ages whilst attending local School Gresham’s, before leaving to play higher level rugby at North Walsham and going onto Leicester.”

A staggering rugby career followed as Premiership player of the season in 2013, Leicester Captain, England and British Lions caps. We can’t speak highly enough of Tom and would like to thank him and Ben for the time they both give, and have given, to Holt RFC. Tom has been coaching at Holt Y&Ms every Sunday since Christmas when Freddie Lacey his cousin asked him to help out. Tom

says his daughter Maisie loves the social scene up here and his nephews Alfie, Charlie & Guss all play for the club too.

Having Tom around so much will continue to have a great influence on our young players to show what can realistically be achieved through hard work and dedication.

Regarding the Kingswood Festival, Tom said he thought it was unbelievable. “Seeing so many people volunteering for the club on a day like this is real evidence of how our club is thriving. Many of my friends come here and say how much they love the atmosphere of the club – it’s so relaxed, and especially after a hard week at work, offers such a welcoming and feel-good factor about it. Holt rugby club is a proper community, nothing is too much trouble for the volunteers – so many want to help out this great club which says it all!”

Holt Under 10’s with coach Tom Youngs (far left).

IN A TIMES NEWSPAPER ARTICLE OF 04 MAY 22: TOM YOUNGS SAYS THERE ‘WASN’T A DRY EYE’ AFTER HIS FINAL LEICESTER TIGERS TEAM TALK

Tom Youngs gave hundreds of team talks as Leicester Tigers hooker and captain, through good times and bad for the club, but none so emotional as his final changing-room address.

The former England international confirmed his retirement from rugby last week, a decision he had always intended to make at the end of this season but accelerated after taking indefinite leave last year to care for his wife, Tiffany, who has cancer. To mark his contribution to Leicester — 215 appearances, 98 as captain over a distinguished 15-year career — Youngs was invited to lead out the team one final time, before their Gallagher Premiership victory over Bristol Bears last weekend.

Youngs, 35, always spoke from the heart when he delivered a pre-match address and he did so again on Saturday on an emotional occasion for everyone present.

“I talked about how I’d love to do one more tackle for them and one more carry for them but I can’t,” Youngs said. “I talked about Tiff a little bit. I talked about life and how when you’re in the moment, in that changing room, you don’t realise how good it is and how lucky you are.”

“Ultimately, you don’t realise how cruel life can be sometimes, so you have to enjoy those moments. There wasn’t really a dry eye in the changing room. It was lovely

and those things will sit with me for a long time.

“I did enjoy speaking pre-game. I wouldn’t really think about what I was going to say. It would just come out because I realised that if it came from the heart it was the best thing ever.”

Youngs, who converted from centre to hooker, made his Leicester debut in 2006 and won the Premiership title in 2013, playing his entire career for the Tigers, England and the British and Irish Lions with his younger brother, Ben. In 2017, Ben pulled out of the Lions tour to New Zealand to spend more time with his family after Tiffany, who had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma three years previously, was given months to live. The cancer went into remission the following year but she is now ill again.

Ben, along with Ellis Genge, the Leicester captain, were instrumental in Saturday’s celebration.

Tiffany was in the stands as her husband walked on to the field with Maisie, their eightyear-old daughter. “[Ben’s] selfless actions [in 2017] were something I hold in high regard,” Youngs said. “He didn’t even ask my opinion on it, he just did it and we had some special times when he didn’t go on the Lions tour.

“We ended up going to Center Parcs all together and made some really good memories that can never be taken away. To have that bond with your brother is very special. It shows what we are like as a family, how we’ve been brought up and raised by our parents and how special family is to us all.”

19

GREAT ACCESS TO RUGBY STARTING FROM MINI AND JUNIOR RANKS BY NEV DREWRY, DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR RUGBY (ORGANISER OF THE KINGSWOOD FESTIVAL)

The Kingswood Rugby Festival is a minis rugby festival that has now been running for 18 years, 16 years at Holt RFC. The festival is open for any clubs to enter and is for U7s through to U12s age groups. This collaboration between Kingswood Learning Centres and Holt RFC encourages clubs to stay at either of two local Kingswood centres and come to us at Holt RFC on the Sunday to play in the festival, over 2 weekends in April, attracting different clubs from all over the SE to the Midlands each Sunday.

Many clubs book in year on year and often comment on how the festival is the best rugby festival they’ve ever been to. I think the numbers speak for themselves. I’ve seen this festival blossom over the years, and these were the numbers for my final Kingswood Festival 2022: 872 Children, 89 Teams from 12 Clubs, playing 216 Fixtures, over 15 minis pitches, Eating 343 pre ordered meals, turning up in 17 Buses and 1 Mini bus (plus a few cars).

Over the past 6 years we have started 5 festivals, Covid interrupting one, and although very time consuming to organise, I have found it all very rewarding. The smiles on the children’s faces and the feedback is very heartwarming with many going out of their way to thank you and keenly ask for dates for the next event.

I live locally just outside Holt, and I am an ex-rugby

20

player, although not really at Holt, I did have a couple of seasons playing for Holt RFC 3rd XV, I stopped playing at the age of 23 due to an injury and being self-employed although as I said I had a rush of blood to the head 13 years after stopping and had a run out for a couple of seasons again. I took my son Mark up to the club aged 5 and someone asked me if I would like to coach the U6`s. Mark lives and breathes rugby, playing for the U14s now, and I’m still supporting him.

I eventually took on various roles covering admin, minis chair, director of junior rugby and naturally a lot of my focus went away from coaching.

I still go and help when I can but now more in a team management role which I enjoy. However, I’m hoping to be able to spend more time going forward with assisting the other coaches in Mark’s age group. This is going to be made possible with more people stepping up and helping in various roles.

In recent years I have found myself with the titles of Mini’s Chair, Youth Chair, Y&M Membership Secretary, Exec Committee Member, GMS lead, Kingswood Festival Organiser, and of recent Director of Junior Rugby, and with the person that gets the second-hand kit out on a Sunday and all the other smaller tasks we get involved in. I found myself in many of these roles as people had stepped down over the years and no one had come in to replace them, so I just took on the task and carried on as they say. In a club (as many clubs are) that is solely run by volunteers, it is important to engage your audience to get more help and I could see

that was one area we lacked in, and I for one was very bad at it, mainly as people just see things happening, they didn’t know who has done what or why they did it.

Since the setup of the Exec Comm at Holt RFC we have worked on this and as a result we have had a great uptake of volunteers coming forward to help out in many ways they can, Julie our outstanding Kitchen Manager has had plenty of support in the kitchen and on the Saturday before the Kingswood festivals we had 30 people at the club setting up pitches and getting the place ready - this was un heard of 2 years ago.

Special thanks for this must go to my wife Stacey who has supported me in the many many hours I have put in over the years and not only supporting me by not divorcing me when I spend more time at the club than I do at home, but also being by my side helping me.

Recently Martin Watts has come on board and taken on the Minis chair role and is taking over the Kingswood festival role too. Martin has

taken to this like a duck to water and has really eased the burden on me again allowing more time to go out and see and speak to other members of the club and to get further help in other areas.

Likewise, we have really worked on engaging the senior and junior club links at mainly youth level but also into minis too, on a Saturday you will often find several U14s attending the pre-match lunches and sitting on tables with club ‘veterans’ shall we say. Many of our now minis and youth coaches are now ex first team / senior team players, so they now get to see the club from a different angle as opposed to only ‘getting the senior side of the club’. They can then pass over the importance of the senior side to the youth side and vice versa, again just forging these stronger club links.

When it comes to training, all the M&Y train on a Sunday, but as of recent times the U13’s and above have been getting involved in playing Touch Rugby on a Thursday evening with the senior lads and Colts, integrating with the senior players. Suddenly, the U13 that comes along knows the first team captain and the first team captain knows him, making that link so much stronger which in turn only helps to strengthen and develop the whole club.

I will say that Phil Sharpe our Senior Head Coach has really helped by supporting this and actively encouraging it to happen; All the above is paying huge dividends across the club.

It’s been great to watch Mark and his friends develop in the sport over the years seeing them turn from small year-olds that ran off to mum crying when it was cold, to the young men they are now.

It gives me huge pride to think I may have paid a small part in that. Holt offers a great access to rugby starting from our mini and junior ranks. Well done everybody!

Neville Drewry (Nev) giving a briefing at the Kingswood festival to the many team coaches.

JULIE BROOKS, DEVELOPMENT MANAGER INSPIRED LEARNING AT KINGSWOOD RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL

Kingswood Learning and Leisure have been involved for over 16 years in this amazing Kingswood Holt RFC Festival event. We have over 165,000 children through our doors over 11 sites nationwide. With over 30 years’ experience of hosting Sports groups, this event is a real highlight for us as we see hundreds of young rugby players arrive at our Overstrand and West Runton centres in North Norfolk (often in fancy dress) for what might be the first in a lifetime of tours. The laughter and camaraderie is a joy to behold.

We provide a huge range of team and confidence building sessions from abseil, zip wire, archery to name just a few. Children who might, in their day to day lives, only meet for rugby get the chance to gel as a team and learn some great life skill.

After the 2 nights stay and a hardy breakfast they depart for the amazing tournaments at Holt Rugby Club. This year in particular we believe that children need events such as this to help build them back up to pre-pandemic levels.

In partnership with

Come

TOGETHER Weekend breaks available this autumn from just £79pp + VAT Enjoy all-inclusive accommodation, food and team building activities. Free adult places are available too. Join our amazing Rugby Festivals in partnership with Holt RFC! To get involved email julie.brooks@inspiring-learning.com and quote RF23 21

STU-LEE CLEANING CONTRACTORS

We commenced the clubs cleaning contract on 11/02/22 undertaking 3 visits a week to make sure it is all ready for regular use.

Straight away our relationship felt very positive, warm and friendly with the club, we try our best to take great care of our customers and are able to offer any extra/emergency services on request.

As a club sponsor we get lots of publicity given to us and have a pitch side advert.

We are really looking forward to our first pre match meal which we are also sponsoring.

As a company we love to work with local businesses and venues. Ali from the club approached us because we clean his windows at his home, and coincidentally, Stuart Ford, the owner of Stulee Cleaning, lives close by too.

We are also very community based and Stulee also sponsors a local football team. We believe in supporting Norfolk in any way possible no matter what or who the client is and we are delighted to be associated with this excellent Rugby club and the fabulous army of volunteers involved there!

SIMON WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY – HOLT RFC OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

I’ve been taking photos of my son’s team for the last four years before supporting the whole club with social events and first-team photos.

I feel a valued part of a team and have a great working relationship with Jeanette with all the social media work and getting photos together for the club.

Holt RFC is a very familybased club. We all muck in and help to ensure the children play rugby we have been at another club and it’s not like it is at Holt, everyone is friendly and stops for a chat. Its obvious that everyone wants to be there come rain or shine.

Solana supplies worldwide high-quality seed potatoes from modern, responsible production and provides all-round support for our customers — from choosing the appropriate variety to growing and marketing, as well as dealing with international logistics.

www.solana.de

I have had a long and positive association with Holt Rugby Club and can`t speak highly enough about the many exceptional people, players, supporters and members that make this club into what it is.

My son Grant is a product of their fabulous junior section. Grant is in the RAF and is now a referee and very proudly officiated the

22

Like many young lads, Freddie played a number of sports in his younger years. It was at the age of 6 that his parents took him to Swaffham rugby club, where his older brother Harry was already playing.

When Harry then moved to Holt to join the U10’s, Freddie reluctantly followed.

In making the move, he of course never knew that one day he would run out of the players tunnel at Welford Road with Tom and Ben Youngs, both legends of Holt RFC! While at Holt he was privileged to be part REVEREND NICK BELL – HOLT RUGBY CLUB CHAPLAIN

Top-quality seed potatoes with a long breeding tradition

CRAIG STEPHEN – SOLANA SEEDS, CLUB SPONSOR & SUPPORTER

FREDDIE STEWARD,

BY BEN JONES (FORMER CHAIRMAN)

Army/Navy Ladies Final at Twickenham recently.

As a club sponsor we have always enjoyed spending time at the club whilst savouring their second to none hospitality and atmosphere.

Myself and all our staff would like to congratulate everyone at Holt Rugby Club on being recognised for their outstanding contribution to rugby this season and wish them all the very best of continued success for many more seasons to come!”

I have been at the club 10 years now and always wanted to get involved having seen the presence that the club brings to North Norfolk whilst holidaying here over the years. Having played and watched rugby all my life, once I retired, I walked into the club knowing not a soul!

And the welcome was there straight away.

My Current role: Chaplain (when in the country as family in SAF!) This is what I said once at an AGM when trying to clarify what I am up to! I try to provide ongoing pastoral and spiritual care, by permission, to those of faith or no faith, for the well-being of all involved in the community of Holt RFC. I aim to be a Presence at club events building up Relationships. This means that I have been visiting some of the older members of the club in hospital and at home during their times of illness.

I try to be as professional as possible because the Club strives for Excellence in all departments. Being Accessible is important so folk can treat me as normal!

It goes without saying that everything that is totally Confidential and stays with me. It is a humbling job since there is no way that I have all the answers and to have such great people as are connected to Holt RFC trust me with such matters,

of a fantastic squad under Mark Jaggard’s leadership, one which very much held rugby’s core values at its heart. Freddie’s brother Harry joined my group in the under 10s and that’s when I met Freddie, when he was 8 and his younger bother Guy was 5.

All the boys were like sponges soaked up everything they were coached and were a joy to teach. One stand-out feature is that they played with a smile on their faces, steely determination and were extremely popular with their teammates. As for Freddie, by the time he was 15 and part of the Leicester Tigers Development Programme, he had to reduce his commitment to Holt Sunday rugby. Freddie got his call up for the England squad in the summer of 2021, and as his father said “the memory of a first cap and running out at Twickenham in front of family and friends is a rugby experience that may never be matched”. is a real privilege. Presence.

Relationships. Excellence.

Accessibility. Confidentiality.

Humility. PREACH! That is what I am doing without a pulpit!

And I thank you for allowing me to be part of the family.

One of the most satisfying things that we have done over the last few years is to highlight the increase of those living with dementia in Holt as part of a town wide initiative.

I shared an evening with the then club Medical Officer, to build up awareness of the condition. This resulted in special signage being used in attempt to make the club dementia friendly. More work needs to be done.

The main reasons that so many people have a special fondness for the club is the welcome that is given whenever you turn up! Even after months of being away (as I found out last Saturday!) you get a welcome from so many people. It is a very inclusive club no matter what generation you are or from wherever you come in the world, or however new you are to the club. You are accepted and made to feel at home. That is what builds the positive community for which we are known and of which we enjoy being a part. All the guests I have brought to the club during the last ten years have commented upon just that. That’s why I invite them to consider being a member of Holt Rugby Club because I am confident of the welcome and the feeling of belonging that they will get.

Ben Youngs mural: Holt RFC.

BEN YOUNGS

Ben who recently became the all-time most capped England player kindly agreed to have his legacy depicted in an amazing Mural which features on our club house external wall. We’re really delighted to have played a small part in his rugby life and to consider him a friend of the club, which he is indeed. With the subsequent local and national press coverage we received, our clubhouse has since become a focal point for photocalls and selfies!

ALI GIBSON COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR AND TREASURER

My association with Holt goes back to 1997 when I started playing for the club having never previously played club rugby. It was during that time that I got to know the Club’s Chairman. Little could I have known that he’d be bending my arm 25 years later to join the committee.

I have several roles. Firstly, I am an RFU qualified coach and coach the club’s under 16s. I’m a parent-coach; this is my son’s age group, whom I have followed through since he started playing for the under 8s, taking over as Head Coach last year after the incumbent retired, having coached both this group and his eldest son’s age group for many years.

Secondly, I am Commercial Director for the club, which basically means having responsibility for the commercial aspects of running the club - including supporting our excellent bar and kitchen managers, liaising with sponsors and suppliers, etc. Finally, I am currently acting Treasurer following the retirement of the longstanding Treasurer last year - big boots to fill, but luckily, he’s always willing to help on the end of an email.

We seem to have come out of the post-lockdown period with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. We’re one of only two clubs in the county with teams at every age group in youth and minis and are running three senior teams with very well attended senior training. On field success and strong playing membership numbers obviously helps with everything else. We’re all cogs

in the wheel and it feels like the efforts of this committee and our predecessors, and ongoing support of our sponsors, have allowed most things to fall neatly into place. Their time spent at the club is the highlight of many members’ weeks.

We try hard to be a welcoming club where people from all walks of life feel part of. It’s a club where everyone fits in. We have also recognised the role played by and importance of the other clubs around us, because you need competitors around you so that you have teams to play but also so that you don’t become complacent.

There is a definite symbiosis. As an example, we hosted a 2nd XV lunch this season so that our friends at Dereham Rugby Club could host their sponsors and supporters - which was very well received. We always say in rugby that the rivalry starts and ends on the pitch. There are benefits that can be multiplied and not necessarily always divided and that’s how we run our club.

All of our senior teams have enjoyed success this season, with our 1st XV winning their league. The juniors and minis have also enjoyed on-field success and good support - I think there are several clubs who would love for their 1st XV to attract the same number of spectators as our Colts.

Most of all, I’ve enjoyed feeling part of it and seeing how much it means to everyone, but also in seeing my u16s mature into a very solid unit that have built a love for rugby and for Holt RFC that will now, I hope, stay with them for the rest of their lives.

We have been very well supported this season by our members, their family and guests, and our sponsors. Running a club like ours is a complex and expensive business and a committee cannot deliver on that without that wider support and investment in our club. Every event we host is well attended and supported; - our quiz night, our forthcoming annual dinner, and several pre-match lunches enjoyed sell-out success, and we are immensely grateful for that.

If we can continue to attract people to our club, as we have in the past 12 months, then the future looks bright - but as I said above, we also need the smaller clubs around us, and rugby in general, to thrive.

Our club is one of the town’s assets - which our sponsors recognise.

Our members and local community also support us

by using the club as their preferred venue for parties, training days and as their base. We are home to weekly fitness classes, Zumba, Pilates, blood donors.

Rugby clubs are really small businesses and need income to function. Every penny that we receive from our generous sponsors is a penny that we don’t have to borrow or recover directly from our members.

That allows us to supply playing shirts and not ask parents to pay out £50 a shirt for their child to play; it allows us to provide match teas to visiting clubs; it allows us to keep our prices in check generally and hopefully not price anyone out of being a member of the club and enjoying rugby with us. We genuinely could not operate without them.

Holt Rugby Club always strives to do the right thing on the pitch, with and for our members, for the wider community and for the better interests of our great sport!

U16s Norfolk Plate Winners with Head Coach Ali Gibson on left

23

Chris (left) and Rob (right) at the Norfolk Big Rugby Weekend.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A STRONG MEDICAL TEAM BY ROB HUGHES, CHAIRMAN

After a break of 18 months, full-on league rugby returned to Bridge Road on 18th Sept last year and it was great to see a large crowd turn up to watch Holt’s first game, against Wisbech, in London 3 (Eastern Counties).

Wisbech tested our defence from the moment we kicked off. They looked dangerous throughout the game and kept us on our toes. Unfortunately, the game was held up just prior to half time when the Wisbech fly half collapsed; he had earlier clashed heads with a teammate. An ambulance was called, and First Aid was administered by Holt’s highly qualified and skilled medical team. The game had to be switched to another pitch while the Wisbech player was tended to.

Holt went on to win the game convincingly but despite the high score-line, post-match Phil Sharpe, Holt Head Coach, said: “I am so glad that the Wisbech player is ok; nothing about the match is more important than this”.

The Wisbech player was scanned and checked out at the Norwich University Hospital, and was thankfully allowed home. Next day the

Wisbech chairman Leonard Veenendaal said “I would like to take the opportunity to thank your physio Graham Ilsley and your club doctor for their fantastic medical support and care to our player. We are very grateful, and it is sincerely appreciated. Also, to your members who showed so much care and concern true to the spirit of rugby, thank you very much”.

The most important issue is that the player was fine, but Graham and his medical team were exemplary under extreme circumstances.

Thanks in no small part also to Phil for spotting the problem and acting so decisively. We are very lucky to have them all in the team. Let’s hope it was a once in a lifetime challenge, but it does underline the importance of having medics on the touchline when these events happen.

We have clear focus on player support and welfare, and the medical cover provided by Graham Ilsley, our First Aid lead supported

by Dr Sarah Dyche, is a vital component to the construction of the whole player development and support matrix at the club. Every team, not matter the level, needs first aid provision and we are constantly striving for a flow of first aiders to be trained.

Graham Ilsley Head Physio and First Aid Lead.

24

GRESHAM’S AN AUTHENTIC BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL IN NORTH NORFOLK (GRESHAMS.COM)

Gresham’s and Holt Rugby Club have enjoyed a close association for many years.

When the club was first established in 1961, the school was actively involved and provided a pitch for the club to play their initial home games on.

The founding club President of Holt RFC was the influential Headmaster of Gresham’s at the time, Logie Bruce Lockhart, whilst their first Chairman was John Williams, our then Prep School Headmaster. Holt

RFC established a site less than a mile from the School and a close and successful relationship has continued to this day. We are proud to support such a prominent and successful club providing excellent opportunities.

Holt RFC is traditionally a club based on the local farming community and we are lucky that often these families also attend Gresham’s. Both Ben and Tom Youngs attended Gresham’s and played club rugby at Holt. They went on to play for Leicester Tigers, England and the British and Irish Lions, with Ben recently becoming England’s most capped male rugby player. The Youngs family maintain their relationship with both Gresham’s and Holt RFC.

We are extremley proud to be sponsors and associated with the success of Holt Rugby Club in this outstanding 20212022 season. The Holt local community is an incredibly supportive and close knit one and Holt Rugby club is an integral part of that community.

The club’s excellent coaches and players provide a friendly and encouraging atmosphere for anyone wishing to learn and we look forward to our children playing there in the future.

Keep up the good work and best wishes to everybody at Holt RFC for next seasons campaign!

WEBBS J E W E L L E R S est. 1988

A TRADITIONAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS IN THE HEART OF HOLT...

DEALERS IN ANTIQUE & FINE JEWELLERY, SILVER AND WATCHES. BEPOKE COMISSIONS BY SKILLED CRAFTSMEN IN OUR ONSITE WORKSHOP.

34 HIGH STREET, HOLT, NORFOLK NR25 6BH 01263 712575 WWW.WEBBSJEWELLERS.COM

5 TEAMS: OUR BANK HOLIDAY CUP WEEKEND,

BY PETE D’AMERY, DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

The senior coaching team Vince, Head Coach Phil and Corne.

STRIVING TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF OURSELVES

BY PETE D’AMERY, DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

I joined Holt RFC in September 2013 with my son who was in the U12’s at that time. My initial involvement was as a parent, but I very quickly became assistant coach of the age group after being approached by the excellent Head Coach - Chris Austin. Chris had watched me coach previously and wanted to enhance what he was doing with additional experience.

My attraction to Holt was due to the atmosphere that Chris had created within the age group, it was so far removed from my experiences elsewhere. Importantly, Holt and Chris had developed a safe, friendly and welcoming environment that treated children and adults with respect. In effect the club and he lived and breathed the core values of our sport. Holt RFC are focused on creating a “one club three teams” mentality with the Mini, Youth and Seniors. We do of course have teams within the teams, but the goal is to create enjoyment, inclusivity, and ambition to progress within each area regardless of the side they represent. The ambition is ultimately to keep players in the game for as long as possible.

As we bounce back from the challenges of the last couple of years, our biggest challenge is the continuous development on and off the field of our teams; we are good but we could always be better. Over the next few years, I’d like to ensure we don’t become complacent and continue to strive for improvement in every area. I would like our fledgling female rugby team, in conjunction with Fakenham RFC, to be putting out teams and playing games regularly. I would like our 1st XV to be playing in London 1, our 2nd XV in the

26

London leagues with our 3rd team enjoying a more social style of rugby. On top of this it is important that we have a growing base of young ambitious rugby players enjoying all Holt RFC has to offer on and off the pitch.

We’ve had a great season on the pitch; our Youth and Mini teams continue to thrive with fantastic participation levels and results to match; the 1st XV have been promoted with a record of 17 wins and 1 loss; our 2nd XV finished 2nd in their respective league and should secure promotion and our 3rd XV have played every fixture this season with a full complement of players. On top of this all three senior teams have reached their respective Norfolk Cup Final this season. However, the most enjoyable part of this season has been seeing how the players have conducted themselves on and off the pitch. We regularly receive thanks and compliments on this from other clubs, in particular the way we leave the facilities post match, who knew that sweeping out the changing room’s ensuring we leave them as we found them would create such a grateful response.

Off the pitch we have also had a great season; the supporters have been out in force for all levels; our volunteer base is very strong; and the management team continues to go from strength to strength. The most enjoyable part of being involved at Holt is seeing the huge smiles as members and players alike greet each other.

Holt RFC is very much about community, it’s the heartbeat of the club. It is a great club to be part of demonstrated, in part, by our desire to improve every aspect of what we do for the community, players, supporters, and the people we employ. We are always trying to be the best version of ourselves, and that is something I believe we should always strive for!

When seasons start, the first thing on your mind as Director of Rugby, a coach, player or supporter is “how competitive are we going to be”. This thought is generally for league games, but as the season progresses you start to think about cup runs and potential finals. This is common at every age and what a season of cup runs it has been with all three sections this season.

Our Mini section have had a great season with attendance at plenty of festivals but the U10’s in particular received a coveted invitation to participate in the Prima Tiger Cup. This series of festivals is only open to invited clubs and in particular the U10 age group. Each year, Leicester Tigers invite mini rugby teams from around the UK take part in a series of festivals to celebrate the true ethos of rugby’s core values.

It is an important step in a young players experience of the game.

Throughout the duration of these festivals the Tigers are looking to identify clubs who demonstrate the teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship of the game under the event criteria in keeping with RFU Age Grade Regulations and guidelines. Selected clubs from each festival are then invited back to take part in a series of games to be held at a later date at the Tigers famous Mattioli Woods, Welford Road, providing a fantastic experience to all young and aspiring players.

Our U10’s attended the final round of games and won the coveted trophy. It was especially pleasing as they competed on the very day one of our own Holt players, Tom Youngs, retired from the professional game.

Our Youth section all competed in age grade competitions but the U16’s in their last season of youth rugby made it to the Plate final of the Norfolk RFU competition. As a coach this

is the one you always want to win as it’s the culmination of many years work and the last time the team will play together as one age group.

The U16’s at Holt are a closeknit group of players from several state and private schools from across the county. This is really unusual, but nonetheless they are a proper team. The game was clearly important to them as they asked who from the club would be watching them; I was delighted to attend and “scout” these players for next seasons Colts and of course for future senior players.

Personally, I was nervous before kick-off, so goodness knows how the players felt.

The game was keenly fought with the opposition from Beccles scoring first. Holt hit back quickly and never looked back. The only sour note was a serious injury to Cameron, one of the Holt players. After an unfortunate illegal tackle, he ended up leaving the field of play with a double compound break to his forearm. The Holt team however upheld the wishes of their injured teammate; his departing comments to them was “you had better win now” and they did just that. Mission accomplished the Norfolk Plate secured.

The Senior section teams have also had some fantastic cup runs but in different ways and styles. The Tertians reached the final after an appeal for a breach of the rules. That is not taking anything away from the performances they put in during the cup run as they had been brilliant. It’s just an unfortunate reality of the situation that some other clubs find themselves in. This is something we need to consider moving forward if rugby is to prosper in Norfolk.

The lads arrived for the final in good form but surprisingly yours truly was asked about some technical scrummaging issues in the front row.

Fortunately, I remembered the old squat and pretend you are doing a number 2 drill! After a couple of goes packing down with assistance from Gareth and our Clubman of the Year Duncan opposite the front row, they had it sorted. Phew, back to the side-lines for me.

The game was played as it should be with smiles on every players’ faces. It was tight for 50 minutes but ultimately the lads ran out second best to a Lowestoft and Yarmouth side who fully deserved the win.

Post-match the conversation was not about a loss, it was about how far they had come and what they could achieve next season. That is what I love about Holt RFC, it’s not what went wrong, it’s about how we can be better more of the time, how can we be the best version of ourselves, win lose or draw.

This is social rugby at its best.

The 2nd XV progressed to the final with a very hardfought win against the league champions. The cup semi-final was the third time they had played Crusaders. What a game that was, and both sides could have won it - but on this occasion Holt came out on top after two previous narrow defeats. After watching the

Tertian’s the lads moved off to the changing room, marched on to the pitch with a steely determination but quickly conceded a try! That focused their minds though and once they had crossed the line a few minutes later they never looked back, in a closely fought game. I paced the technical area like a caged something or another, forgot to apply some sunscreen and ended the game as red faced as some of the players after a fantastic effort on the pitch. Ultimately the win was secured, victory songs were sung, and another Norfolk Plate was secured for the cabinet.

The 1st XV had a relatively pain-free route to the final and enjoyed some great rugby along the way, that is to say until the final training session prior to the big day.

During the last few minutes of training a very unfortunate incident resulted in a serious injury to our player of the season Grant McConnell.

Without going into detail, I met Phil and Vince in the changing room post the session; both where very upset for Grant and the potential implications of the injury to his future in the sport.

We really do “Give A Ruck” as we knew he would be suffering emotionally.

That being said, Graham our Physio and First Aid Lead

quickly had everything under control (he is brilliant even if his kit choices and spelling are a little concerning!) within a few minutes he had assessed Grants injury, contacted someone for an MRI and sorted out a potential appointment with a surgeon.

Superb. So, selection had to be changed but with almost 60 other players to choose from, the team sheets got some tweaks. Eventually everyone was happy with the two changes required and we moved on.

The 1st XV arrived at the final and did what they have done all season - they won in style. One cup secured.

With the 2nds and 3rds in attendance and with Norfolk and Eastern Counties RFU representatives watching on, some more victory singing took place. Congratulations were received from officials and supporters from other teams. Not only for the wins, but for the way we at Holt RFC have conducted ourselves all season.

The cup runs and trophies are great, but the very fact Holt has put out three teams all season with not a single cancellation of a fixture at any level, let alone fielding 55 fully accredited players in a single days set of fixtures is testimony to how far we have come this season.

My thanks to our team captains Joe, Charlie and Dave, along with Club Captain Henry who, along with every age grade captain, all help to drive the teams to try their absolute best. My thanks go to the coaches Phil, Vince, Corné in the Senior team and almost 40 coaches in our Youth and Mini teams.

My thanks go to the medical team Graham, Sarah, Erin and all the first aid volunteers who support the Youth and Mini teams, along with Karl for his Safeguarding work. My thanks go to Nev for his unwavering work to keep everyone in the Youth and Minis on track.

Thank you to Julie and her team for the fantastic meals, Alistair and his team for quenching our thirst, and finally our Groundsman Keith without whom we would not have such a great set of pitches to play and win on.

If I have missed any one, please accept my apologies as it’s not in any way intentional you are all awesome.

All images © Simon Watson Offcial Club photographer

CONTACT THE CLUB

The Clubhouse Bridge Road Holt Norfolk NR25 6QT

Twitter: @HoltRFC Instagram: holtrfc61 FB: @Holtrfc 01263 713828 www.holtrfc.com

27

Marr celebrate with the cup.

Marr Rugby Football Club Although Rugby was played in Troon in earlier times it did not become properly established until the opening of Marr College in 1935.

T

he first games master at the College was Welsh Rugby Internationalist R W (Ronnie) Boon and he persuaded the reluctant pupils of the time that they should play Rugby Union Football rather than Association Football.

The FP Club was established during the war years and continued through the fifties and sixties as Marr Former Pupils Rugby Club.

In these years the Marr FP Club was a member of the Glasgow and District Union, playing mainly against other

28

local clubs and matches against the ‘elite’ clubs of Scottish Rugby were rare.

Nonetheless, Marr College and the FP Club did produce some exceptional players during the time, the most prominent being Peter and Gordon Brown and Bill Cuthbertson, who became Scottish internationalists, but only after they had moved on to other clubs.

In the late 1960s Marr FPs took the decision to establish their own ground at Fullarton Park rather that continue to use the Marr College Playing fields and in September 1971

the new ground was opened with a fixture between a Marr Select featuring both Marr players and those from other Ayrshire and Glasgow Clubs and an International select featuring players from home international sides. Marr Rugby was established as an open club at this time and was admitted to the SRU as a full member club.

When the Scottish Rugby Union introduced a league structure in 1973/74 Marr was initially placed in National Division 4. In the following season (1974/75) Marr won the Division 4 title and promotion to National Division 3 where they stayed for three years before dropping down to lower divisions. There followed a period when the club gradually dropped through the leagues.

By the early 1990s Marr found themselves in National Division 6 although the Marr

College team of that time did achieve some success with wins in the Scottish Schools Cup in 1992 and 1994. Sadly, the Schools’ success did not translate to the senior sides and by the turn of the century Marr were in Division 5 West B which was essentially the tenth tier of Scottish Rugby’s league structure.

With the election of Allan Mackintosh as Club President in 2002 Marr began the long climb up the leagues, aided by the appointment of former New Zealand Sevens internationalist Kyle Bruning who became player-coach in 2005.

2005/06 saw Marr achieve their first league title since 1974/75 when they won National Division 5 West A, followed by another league title the following season.

The next step up occurred after the election of Kevin Quinn and Keith Dunsmuir as joint Club Presidents in 2009 with Kevin taking

Coaches Craig Redpath and Stephen Adair wit , Kenny Diffenthal h the Premiership troph y.

on the individual role the following season. The appointment of former Ayr coach Craig Redpath and assistant Paul Burke together with former Ayr hooker Stephen Adair as captain took place in 2011. In the seasons 2010/11 to 2013/14 Marr won their league title in four consecutive seasons including the ‘perfect’ season in 2012/13 when the Club won West Regional League Division 1 with 18 wins from 18 matches and bonus points in every game as well as both the West Regional and Scottish National Shield competitions.

The league title success in the following season 2013/14 to gain promotion to National Division 1 plus the success of the Club’s 2XV and the strength of the Club’s youth structure gained recognition with the award of the SRU Club of the season.

With the step up to National 1(the second tier of

Scottish Rugby) in 2014/15 the 1XV side struggled to adjust at first and narrowly avoided relegation at the end of the season. However, things were back on track in season 2015/16 and Marr took second place to the undefeated Selkirk team. This meant a play-off against Gala at Stirling to attempt to gain promotion to the Premiership but Marr fell short and remained in National 1.

In 2016/17, under the captaincy of Angus Johnston, who had progressed through the Club from Mini Rugby days, the team won the league title with 21 wins from the 22 matches played and secured promotion the Premiership.

2017/18 was a steep learning curve for the team as they competed in the Premiership with the best sides in Scotland for the first time. However, Marr held their own for most of the season but home losses to both Boroughmuir and Hawick left the club in last place by a single point, ensuring a return down to National League Division 1.

However, the season ended on a brighter note when Marr reached the semi-finals of the Melrose Sevens and later went on to win the City of Glasgow Sevens Conor Bickerstaff was appointed team captain In 2018/19, and thanks to a strong finish in the league with five consecutive victories in the last five matches Marr secured a return to the re-constructed Premiership as champions of National League Division 1 ahead of second placed Jed-Forest thanks to a greater number of bonus points.

A further re-construction of the Premiership took place in 2019/20 with six former Premiership Clubs becoming the initial members of the ‘Super Six’. Marr took a place in the new Premiership at Division 1 Champions along with the four remaining Premiership Clubs and five former National 1 teams.

Marr started the season well, winning their first six matches o the trot and securing the Bill McLaren Shield on the way. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic struck near the end of the season with Marr leading by two points with two matches left to play and both the League and Scottish Cup competitions (with Marr awaiting a home semi-final tie) were annulled.

The 2020/21 season did not take place due to the pandemic, but Marr used MARR RUGBY CLUB, PREMIERSHIP CHAMPIONS 2021/2022 MAGNIFICENT! Season 2021/2022 saw the club celebrate it’s 50th year of existence and the success of the 1st XV winning the Premiership for the first time as well as the 3rd XV winning their league for the first time was a perfect way to end the year and will add a significant chapter to the club’s short history.

Marr Rugby’s success, dominance and position as an ambitious club where players can learn and develop means that as well as the opportunities for players who come through our youth pathway we welcome other players who want to be part of a club environment wherever can test themselves to reach their potential. We continue to increase the number of players at all ages

the time, when allowed by lockdown restrictions, to continue to develop young players who had come through the youth system.

At the start of the 2021/22 Marr celebrated the 50th anniversary of Fullarton Park’s opening with a win in their opening league fixture against Glasgow Hawks.

Unfortunately, the team came down to earth in the away match at Currie the following week where they were soundly beaten, partly due to a bout of norovirus that affected a number of players from both the First and Second XV Marr teams.

The season continued with Currie leading all the way in the league race, chased by Marr and Hawick and Edinburgh Accies. Marr completed the home and away league fixtures with 15 wins and only two more losses – against Currie at home and Hawick in the Borders. They secured a home tie in the Play-off semi-final by beating Hawick in their penultimate fixture.

The semi-final, again with Hawick in opposition was a tense affair but Marr won by 17 points to 10 to secure a place in the final and a trip to Balerno to face the league leaders Currie Chieftains.

The Play-off final is fully recorded elsewhere but suffice it to say that Marr took the initiative from the start and secured the title, winning by 36 points to 25 and scoring five tries to Currie’s three. Marr took the Premiership Trophy back to Fullarton for the first time in the Club’s history, becoming only the twelfth Club to have their name inscribed on the trophy. and stages, including many older players returning to the game.

Marr’s success has been down to hard work and determination of players. coaches, back room staff, club officers and supporters uniting in a common goal.

Season 2021/2022 was another milestone for the club. The success on the field was delivered by players determined to make their mark and the efforts of the senior coaching group of Craig Redpath, Kenny Diffenthal, Stephen Adair, Gordon McMillan, Keith Dunsmuir, Andrew Mathieson and Scott Bickerstaff played a significant in making it another year to remember.

CONTINUED...

29

CAN YOU LET ME KNOW ABOUT ANY AMBITIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ON AND OFF THE PITCH?

Robert Brown carrying the ball with Jack Scott alongside and a hostr of Marr Rugby supporters in the background.

We have now become one of Scotland’s top clubs and aim to maintain and improve this position, providing opportunities for players and coaches to participate at the highest possible level in a high quality rugby environment.

CONTINUED...

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

I’ve been involved with Marr Rugby for 16 years. This started when my son joined the Minis at P3 and this initiated the classic route of dad at side-lines becoming involved in helping to coach.

Doing this I saw the potential that we had to become and HOW IMPORTANT HAS STRENGTH IN DEPTH BEEN THIS SEASON?

It has been a significant factor.

Coming back from the covid disruption and playing while cases were still happening, as well as normal disruption s for injuries and other commitments, we ended up playing 42 players in our 1st XV squad.

Thankfully our approaches to senior training made it easier for players stepping up into the 1st XV squad and slotting in.

In 2008 at a club Special General Meeting, I was asked to become club president along with Keith Dunsmuir and we accepted to jointly act as president.

At that time the club wasn’t in a good place. With the help of many others, we managed to get things turned around and begin on the improvement journey that we are still on. Keith is second generation Marr Rugby and exemplifies all that is good and possible within our club. His father Arthur was a former player, coach, and club president.

He and others had the foresight to see what Marr Rugby could be and was involved in establishing the club from its former FP status and developing the pitches and facilities at Fullarton. In 2021, after a long illness, Arthur sadly passed away but before his death he was able to see that the club was well on course to achieving his ambitions and had the pleasure of seeing his grandson playing adult rugby for Marr.

Final whilste celebrations for Marr.

30

After two years Keith stepped back to take on other responsibilities within the club and I continued as president until 2019.

The main challenges we faced in navigating our club into the successful position it is in today were broad and difficult covering Finance, Facilities, Coaching and player development. At the outset MARR WERE CONSIDERED UNDERDOGS IN SOME OF YOUR LATTER FIXTURES THIS YEAR. ON THE ROAD TO SECURING YOUR POSITION AS `PREMIERSHIP CHAMPIONS`, CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME INSIGHTS INTO THE INNER ATTITUDE OF THE PLAYERS, COACHES AND CLUB MEMBER AND FANS, AS A WHOLE, WHICH HAVE CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS MAKING HISTORY FOR YOUR CLUB?

During our rise to the upper echelons of club rugby we have developed a harder edge and mentality not to give up. I do like the underdog tag as often, along our progress, we

we had to honestly appraise where we were, where we wanted to be and how we were going to get there.

Thankfully the club had a healthy mini section, a strong youth section, through school at club sides, but transition from youth to adult rugby wasn’t great. We also had some concerns at youth level as Scottish Rugby were actively encouraging youth development through club sides whereas we saw our way forward as being through school sides.

Our lead was John Sharkey who was head of PE at Marr College but we knew he was fast approaching retirement.

Financially the club wasn’t in a healthy state and as we got this sorted and back in order, we made a conscious choice to make a long-term have been underestimated by opponents. With our improved fitness and stamina, we have been able to close out matches and win in the final quarter. There is a deeply grooved self-belief that we can win, which permeates across the club and thankfully we are humble enough to know the hard work that this takes.

We have developed several leaders across the club, especially in our teams and they are able to drive on others to help maximise performance.

Going into the final match against Currie the players and coaches had identified what they had to do to win, and they executed the game plan almost to perfection!

investment to appoint a rugby development officer and base them in the school so that we could cover the gap created by John’s retirement. This plan has been successful, and we have developed and strengthened what we are doing as a partnership arrangement with Scottish Rugby and South Ayrshire Council.

We moved from having a single sponsor and advertiser to now having around fifty and this has given us a degree of financial security and allowed improvements on and off the field.

Our clubhouse facilities and changing rooms were built in the late 60’s and were in a poor state of repair. We started to make improvements but in 2013 had a minor blip when a fire destroyed about a third of the building. Within two weeks were back up and running rugby at Minis level and after five weeks had sufficient temporary facilities in place to allow us to restart home matches at all levels.

Instead of re-instating the building, as wa,s we opted to

bring forward plans to extend and improve the facilities. Due to planning issues this took two years to complete and along the way we received support to fund the plans from Scottish Rugby, sport Scotland and club supporters. We have continued to improve the facilities and still have other development plans to take us forward.

At senior rugby level we had a 1st XV playing in the lower reaches of club rugby. If there was a linear league 1 – 100 we were in the lower 90’s.

We had a very small playing pool and often struggled to field a 2nd XV. We knew this required immediate attention and as part of this Keith and John managed to secure the services of Craig Redpath to join us as Head Coach at the end of 2009.

This provided us with a degree of knowledge and DO YOU HAVE JUNIOR AND SENIOR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

Yes – enjoy rugby, learn, and develop and take opportunities to progress.

experience that was worth its weight in gold. As Craig came to realise, we had a long-term commitment to improve. He bought into this and has become a key figure in planning and implementing our improvement ambitions.

We recognised that this meant our players required to become fitter, faster, and stronger. Craig brought in Paul Burke as player coach and to be our head of strength & conditioning. The senior players and young players coming through from the school came on board with Paul’s programmes.

Our collective culture of the `Marr Rugby Way` started to evolve and take shape.

Success on the field was the catalyst for growth across the club. We now have three well established senior rugby XVs and over 100 adult players. At minis and youth level we have over 450 children and young people involved in sport. This includes more than 50 girls.

Over the past 14 years we have made significant progress but recognise there is still a lot to do.

PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT LADIES & GIRLS RUGBY, ITS DEVELOPMENT, HOPES FOR THE FUTURE AND HOW IT HAS BEEN INTEGRATED INTO THE OVERALL CLUB?

Like many other clubs we have tried a variety of approaches to introduce women and girls’ rugby and have had limited success.

Our current initiative is one that is coach led. Stuart Benzie and Billy McLean, who have daughters involved in Minis proposed setting up a girls only training session.

This initiative has been an outstanding success.

We started with single digit numbers and quickly this has exploded and now we regularly have 40 plus girls attending a dedicated training session. We have now run and participated in girls only sessions and our long-term plan and aim is to see these players progress to youth and adult rugby levels.

CONTINUED...

Curran McMillan leads the charge for Marr.

31

Colin Sturgeon attacks.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

Yes. Scott Bickerstaff has played for Scotland 7s, and we want to follow other clubs that have a long and proud history of developing players who win caps for Scotland.

CONTINUED...

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVES IN MANAGING SO MANY PEOPLE AND GROUPS AT YOUR CLUB AND INFORMING THEM OF NEW CHANGES?

We need to remain grounded.

Have achieved a great deal in a short space of time and have kept a clear focus on our improvement journey. Our supporters, including sponsors and advertisers who have helped get us to this stage need to get recognition of their contribution.

We have a dedicated group of supporters who buy into and feel part of this. As we continue on WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR MARR RFC?

We remain a community club offering opportunities for people playing, coaching or simply supporting to enjoy experiencing rugby at a high level. We have a hardcore support that now see Marr Rugby breaking through glass ceilings and reaching its potential.

32

our journey, we need to keep sight of this.

Having looked at what other clubs have done we remain mindful of the risk of overextending.

HOW IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ARE YOUR SPONSORS TO YOUR CLUB?

Extremely. We have a small but growing number of sponsors who recognise the benefits we are providing to young people as well as the impact at senior level we are making on the rugby community. Thye have a commitment to support community wellbeing and development and see us as being able to deliver positive outcomes.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MINI AND JUNIOR RUGBY TO THE CLUB? HOW HAS YOUR M&J SECTION DEVELOPED?

We have long recognised the importance and need for a whole club approach and pathway from Minis, Youth to Adult rugby. We have made major improvements in getting this better streamlined

and now see more and more players continuing through the pathways.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE CLUB, ON AND OFF THE PITCH, IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

Continuing to improve playing opportunities, coaching, facilities, and environment on and off the field. We want a full Scotland cap to join other Marr Rugby graduates, in particular Gordon Brown, Peter Brown, Bill Cuthbertson and D’arcy Rae. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE RUGBY PROGRAMME, HOW IT WORKS AND HOW YOU FEEL IT HAS BENEFITED BOTH PARTIES?

Our Marr College programme is integral to our youth development programme.

Fourteen years ago, we committed significant club funding to a long term plan to improve what we delivered at youth rugby level to help the transition of young players to adult rugby. Colin Sturgeon is employed by the club and is

HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT AS `HISTORY MAKERS`?

A mixture of buzzing and disbelief.

Winning the Championship is a major milestone in the club’s history. Players and coaches involved have a memory to cherish. It is a major steppingstone from which we can kick on. our head of school and youth rugby. He is embedded in Marr College. From there he leads our programme for delivery of youth rugby, and this includes preparing payers for transition, including into senior rugby. Scottish Rugby and South Ayrshire Council recognise this success and support our work.

HOW DOES THE CLUB ENSURE THAT YOUNG PLAYERS ENJOY A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE SENIOR GAME?

We involve young people and their parents in briefing sessions and training opportunities.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURS TO BE A COMMUNITY CLUB AND, IF YES, HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH LOCAL PEOPLE/BUSINESSES?

Marr Rugby Club 2022 Yes – we have a strong level of support from local businesses and the wider community, who buy into our ambition to be the best club side in Scotland.

We have a growing number of supporters who come along to watch our sides at all levels knowing they will enjoy the brand of rugby our sides deliver.

PLEASE FINISH OFF BY TELLING ME WHAT MAKES YOUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE PART OF?

Trim Area

Marr Rugby Club delivers!

Deliver the opportunity to enjoy and excel.

CONTACT THE CLUB

Fullarton Park Isle of Pin Road Troon South Ayrshire KA10 7ER

01292 311133 www.marrrugby.com

BILLY LYNCH, CLUB SUPPORTER & SPONSOR (LYNCH HOMES)

As a long-established business based in Ayrshire we have always been aware of the great contribution that sport has made to local people’s lives. As a former rugby and football player & coach I am aware of the many excellent clubs, and dedicated individuals we are indebted to throughout our region; Marr RFC being a significant one of them.

When my son`s Gregor, Harry and Jack came along I was delighted that, when they came of age, they too decided on a rugby pathway through Ayr RFC. The culture of rugby has much to offer young people, our communities and society as a whole, whilst providing connection and wellbeing for club members. The many values that rugby teaches can be transposed to many areas of our work and personal lives producing lifelong friendships along the way. When I came back to playing rugby myself, and subsequently coaching, I found it very easy to just morph straight back into the rugby and club lifestyle; loving every minute of the experience.

As a company Lynch Homes are very passionate about supporting sport, rugby and youth rugby in particular, plus all the advantages that it offers our young people. I can’t speak highly enough about the great people and many friends I have made down at Marr RFC and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everybody at the club on their outstanding season and contribution to rugby throughout our region!

LYNCH HOMES We are delighted to support We Marr are delighted to be Rugby Club associated with the success and wish them every success of Marr Rugby Club

building homes... building lives New development in Troon 01655 884 216 LYNCHHOMES.CO.UK 33

Devenport Services Rugby Club FRASER PEARSON – HONOURABLE SECRETARY -DEVONPORT SERVICES RFC

After joining the Royal Navy in 1987 having had a successful school`s rugby playing career, where I had an England trial, I was brought to Devonport Services RFC by my work line manager in 1988. At the time it was purely a Service Club meaning you had to be a member of the Armed Forces to play. In 1994 the club opened its doors to civilian players and has been an open club ever since. After playing at Twickenham for the Navy v Army 3 times, i retired from playing in 2016 at the ripe old age of 48. I first took up the position of Club Captain on the committee in 2013 and have now been Honoured Secretary of the Club since January 2021.

There have been challenges on and off the pitch on the road to get to where we are today. Off the pitch the Rectory Field underwent a rather large demolition project over the pandemic period where the South Stand was taken down after many years of These are our Representative honours: • Senior Internationals. 38.

• Other internationals. 3.

• Colts and youth internationals 13.

• British and Irish Lions. 2.

• Barbarians. 8.

• Various county players. 85.

planning. The ground today looks a lot different from 1993 when the All Blacks last played there. We have also tried to be more professional on a match day with our sponsor hospitality, match day programmes and a PA announcer with music.

This adds to the overall match day experience for players and supporters but doesn’t happen without club volunteers. A new bar manager and kitchen manager had to be found after the retirement of both of these during and just after the pandemic and we have had changes to committee members that have all had to be processed to keep the club on an even keel.

Social Media has played a key role in raising our profile and we have tried to keep regular posting updates for our followers and the general rugby public.

On the pitch we have experienced a constant churn of players, especially at second team level, it seems that some players have found other things to do on a Saturday and are not available every week. This is the last season for our head coach Mike Lewis, who will be replaced by Ben Russell next year. Mike has done an excellent job over a 6 year period gaining promotion from level 7 to 6 and now from 6 to 5, we have also won the Devon Senior Shield this season, all in all a hard act to follow.

Our ambitions on the pitch are to stay at level 5

DSRFC v Crediton. home, Devon shield final. April 22

34

and consolidate our position.

Ben Russell, our new coach next season, has been given the objective to achieve this.

Off the pitch there is talk of the ground being invested in by the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) to bring in conference/function and office facilities to be used by the Service community in the South West. RNRMC are currently based in the Portsmouth area but are seeking to have a base in the Plymouth region too.

We don’t have a coaching philosophy at the club as it is

really left up to each coach to coach their team as they see fit.

Devonport Services was originally a rugby club for members of the British Armed Forces founded in1904, playing at The Rectory Field in Devonport, Plymouth.

In the early years it was one of the great clubs of the country with a fixture list that included many of the top clubs today like, Bristol, Bath, Northampton, Cardiff, Swansea, Gloucester and we were instrumental in the formation of Captain Crawshay’s Welsh XV in 1922.

DSRFC v Chew Valley. Home Oct21-22

Toby Knowles bring now we will be playing at a higher level.

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVES IN MANAGING SO MANY PEOPLE AND GROUPS AT YOUR CLUB AND INFORMING THEM OF NEW CHANGES?

In 1924 the American Olympic team arrived in the UK, by sea, they landed in Plymouth and remained here awhile to warm up prior to the Olympic games in Paris.

They played Devonport Services at The Rectory.

The local paper reported that ‘Services could only put out a weak team and lost by 3- 25. In addition to the USA mentioned above, New Zealand, Argentina and Canada have run out onto The Rectory.

In 1994, after years of being a military only club, we had the chance to take on youth teams and consequently became a partially open club.

The youth have always been seen as a valuable asset with players eventually coming through the system to play for the senior squad.

The club badge is made up of the Lion of the Army, a Naval Crown and the Royal Airforce Eagle with the clubs name on a ribbon underneath.

The Club’s nickname is ‘The Sporting Blues’ given to us by a local newspaper in 1909.

Our primary affiliation is to the Royal Navy Rugby Union who always give us great support.

We run all the youth age groups from under 7s to under 16s, in addition we have girl’s rugby at under 13s, 15s and 18s.

The seniors consist of a 1sts, 2nds and 3rds, Ladies and a Colts team, we also field the occasional veterans side.

Much of our playing has been in Western Counties West – Level 7, we then gained promoted to SW1WLevel 6 and after two full seasons playing there this season were promoted to SW Premier – Level 5.

The general mood, after our cup win and gaining promotion, is one of elation and joy, it’s been a long season and the first after an enforced break where at the beginning we didn’t know if we could sustain the effort, but credit must go to the coaching staff and players with their common aim of playing the best brand of rugby they could. We are also naturally a little apprehensive about what next season will

Great question – it’s basically a full-time job on top of my full-time job. I am still employed by the Royal Navy after 35 years’ service but new ways of working enable me to keep one eye on the Club as well as doing my day job for the RN. The positives are on and off field success as we have just experienced, we had a great day in St Austell on Saturday and are now staring down the barrel of level 5 rugby; the highest any Service club has been since leagues were introduced.

Bring it on!

A number of youth players have gone on to play professional rugby notably

DSRFC II v Barnstaple II. Home.Jan 22

Tom Arscott who ended up at Newcastle, Luke Arscott who competeded with Bristol, Lagi Tuima who plays for Harlequins and her brother Rus plays for Exeter Chiefs.

Devonport Services RFC has the full package for anyone wanting to play rugby.

A successful youth section from U7s including girls teams from U13 upwards. A Ladies section that is now in its 6th season and playing some very good rugby and offering Ladies in the area the opportunity to take part in. A senior section running 3 teams all playing an open brand of rugby that allows everyone on the pitch a chance to get the ball in their hands. We also have excellent facilities and train on a 3G+ pitch so no dirty kit on a Tuesday and Thursday evening!! On the pitch we have been excellent and this season could not have gone better!

On the [laying side and over the next few years I

CONTINUED...

35

CONTINUED...

would like to see the 1st XV pushing for promotion to level 4 underpinned by strong senior sides producing quality players from our youth section; the life blood of any club at our level. A successful Ladies team that are also pushing for promotion from their league and fed by girls coming through from our youth side.

Off the pitch it would be great to get the investment from the RNRMC but we will continue to raise the profile of the club in the local area in any way we can and be available for rugby to be played at the highest level we can achieve.

Our Youth (Mini and Junior) section of the club started back in 1994 when we inherited the Youth Section from Plymouth Albion.

Since then, it has continued to grow from strength to strength. We have continued to grow and develop as a club despite the restrictions due to Covid-19 and we now have 325 registered players across 13 age groups from U7s to U18, including three girls’ teams. Pre-Covid we had 270 registered players. It is hugely important for the club to maintain this healthy and vibrant section which is seen as a real asset and allows us to develop players, help realise their potential and ensure a

36

DSRFC v Crediton. home, Devon shield final. April 22

strong feed coming through to our colts and senior sides, as well as for representative and academy rugby.

Towards the end of every season we hold joint training sessions with U16s and Colts players so the younger players can be integrated into the Colts team before the following season. At the same time, we introduce the senior Colts into our 2nd and 3rd teams to get them ready for senior rugby the following season. This has worked well over the past few seasons and is the pattern we will follow going forward.

Mike Lewis, would like to be involved in this process in the future and it is something that he feels he can add too with this transition to senior rugby.

Devonport Services Ladies, previously known as the `Sirens’ were reformed in 2018 as a result of a successful Inner Warrior incentive by the RFU. There were five Ladies for the

first training session and have grown ever since with a squad now of forty ladies who play in National Challenge 1 South West. Since the resurgence of the team in 2018, they have achieved one Promotion.

As a `Service’ club affiliated to Devon RFU and the Royal Navy Rugby Union, players are eligible to represent the Navy Ladies if they are serving and currently there are four players who have gained representative honours for the Ladies Team. Gemma Flowers, Emily Park, Megan Musgrave and Sam Alderson.

The Girls Teams returned to Devonport Services ten years ago and now are a strong vibrant section of the club regularly providing players to Devon, Cornwall and act as a feeder to the Ladies team. In 2016 the Under 18s won the South West Plate and in the same season Fly Half Lagi Tuima

was selected to play for Englands under 18s; now part of the full England Squad.

Currently there are three age groups Under 13s, 15s and 18s who play matches all over the South West and also participate in the Devon Cup and National Cup. 2022-23

season sees restructuring of the age bands to four age grades Under 12s, 14s, 16s, and 18s. Such is the success and skill level of the Girls at Under 15s and 18s there are a number of players who regularly play representative Rugby for Devon and Cornwall

every season. With female Rugby becoming more and more popular the youngest age group have witnessed a massive influx of players in the last twelve months which can only benefit the girls teams moving forward and female rugby as a whole in the future years!

We have an agenda item at every committee meeting called – Community Outreach.

As a Service club we reach out to Services charities and also hold sponsors days so local businesses can network while helping to support the club.

A club of our size would not survive without the support of our sponsors, and we are very grateful for that support.

The value that they add is measurable by success on the pitch and is a two-way street enhancing sponsors profiles with that on field success.

Providing sponsors with match day networking opportunities is one way of making them feel part of the Devonport Services RFC family.

What makes Devonport Services RFC such a great club to be part of is It’s family ethos of inclusion for all members in everything we do. As a club that makes it great to be part off but without `buy in` from our club members we can do nothing as a club to keep this going.

We currently have another agenda item at committee meeting titled - `Whole Club Integration`. If you wear our badge on your shirt you should feel part of the family!

DSRFC U18 girls v Truro U18

girls. Nov 21.

The heart and soul of Devonport Services RFC is reinforced by an excellent bunch of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes so that rugby can be played by our playing members and watched by others. Without volunteers, who are willing to invest time into the club, it is very difficult to get things done to provide an enhanced playing and spectating experience. So a heartfelt and special thanks to: Paul Martin, Pete Jewell, Kieran Leach, Andy MacBeath, Dicky Duffield, Martin Preston, Gemma Flowers, Jim Moss, Dave Oakley, Charlie Rowlands-Stewart, James Kelly, Steve Hilland, Steve Mole, Richard Young, Mark Busfield, Jamie Daley, Phil Flowers and Kim Hilland!

BABCOCK

Babcock is an international aerospace, defence and security company, and while our reach is global, as a major employer playing an active part in our local communities is important to us. In Plymouth, where our Devonport facility is located, we are proud and longstanding principal sponsors to a number of organisations, including Devonport Services Rugby Club.

We share many values, which are so well demonstrated by this great club and we are delighted to be a small part of its success this season. From senior men & women`s rugby to the junior and girl`s teams, the club provides a very important service to young and old alike throughout Plymouth.

It’s great to learn that the club is being recognised for its outstanding contribution to Rugby throughout all of the South West leagues for the 2021/2022 season and Babcock would like to congratulate the club, its members and supporters on their exceptional season whilst wishing everybody the very best of continued success for many more years to come!

CONTACT THE CLUB

The Rectory Second Ave Plymouth PL1 5QE Sam Bennett scores a try aided by Joe Daley.

01752 562948 www.devonportservicesrfc.com

37

ALIN, DW SIGNS

in a clear manner on any happenings at the club and my circle of friends down there has increased as well.

From the small boys to the girl and senior teams they really do a great job and are at the heart of our local community. Congratulations to everyone on a great season!

GREENLIGHT SAFETY CONSULTANTS

people and members who work behind the scenes to make everything happen.

In particular their excellent coaches. It is not always easy to progress to senior rugby from Colts but Devonport, with the help of the coaches who moved to the club from Sharks RFC, have made the transition for our younger players a very smooth transaction; exemplified

by Oliver`s progression to senior rugby, as a front row player, in a few short years.

I would like to thank everybody at Devonport Services Rugby Club for the manner in which they go about their business and congratulate everybody on such a great season. The recognition as SW club of the Season 2021/2022 is well deserved!”

I have lived locally for the past 7 years and one of my customers connected me with the rugby club and now I am both a supplier and a sponsor. I can’t speak highly enough about the club and what I have witnessed down there. Fraser and Jim have always communicated REX DOWN WHOLESALE FISH MERCHANTS LTD

Rex Down Wholesale Fish Merchants Ltd are proud sponsors of Devonport Services Rugby Club. Owner Rikki Down is the parent of talented U16`s hooker and player Aiden Down who was recently selected amongst a group of 6 other promising players to represent Devon.

He told Rugby Club Mag: I only played rugby at school myself and was more attracted to the community and inclusiveness aspect of rugby which seemed much stronger than my experiences with football. Aiden has always been sporty, a former kick boxer till aged 14, so when I asked him if he wanted to either play rugby or watch football he chose the former and I took him down to the club aged 6. The rest is history as they say, and he turned out for the clubs U16`s last season. It’s been a season of development

as the U16s have been an influx of many new players to increase numbers and some excellent existing players, some playing for The Welsh Exiles & Chiefs, who did their best to bolster the squad whilst the others are transitioning and finding their feet. Aiden and his friends are really looking forward to playing for the Colts this coming season; having already trained in preparation over the past months.

This is really my first season fully watching the seniors who have put on some great displays. It’s a fantastic club to be part of from top to toe, not just one team but everybody that have done a fantastic job and contributed to making the club what it is today.

Congratulations to everybody at Devonport Services Rugby Club on being recognised as South West Club of the Season 2021/2022 and best wishes for the forthcoming campaign!

Dan Symons is the father of 1st and 2nd team prop Oliver Symons, he is also a sponsor with his business Greenlight Safety Consultants. He recently told Rugby Club Mag: “I`m originally from Plymouth, and it was really through my son Oliver that I first became involved. Oliver started with Devonport as a Colts player having transferred, with his friends, from another local club who were unable to provide the progression to senior rugby that the lads were looking for. I have always found Devonport Services RFC to be a very friendly club to visit and I have great admiration for the many

GET PAID GET A TRADE

CONSTRUCTION Rex Down Fish Merchants has been trading since 1971 supplying quality fresh and frozen fish and shell.

01752 220293 rikki@rexdown.co.uk 38

APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE NOW

01752 604713

www.greenlightsc.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice

Commando Force Airsoft provide mobile Airsoft ranges for a variety of events and parties across the UK. We can tailor our range package to suit your event, including parties, corporate functions, open days, leadership and team building events.

07557 046614 www.commandoforceairsoft.com

COMMANDO FORCE AIRSOFT

Commando Force Airsoft are valued sponsors of Devonport Services Rugby Club and is owned by Former Royal Marine and club player Bryan Milford. He recently told Rugby Club Mag: “I`m originally from Exeter and left the Royal Marines after 23 years of service last year.

I had previously joined the club 2017 as a player having known about Services from playing locally for other clubs.

Starting in the vets I moved on to the 2nds and 3rds playing either back, 2nd or front row positions as required. (In Front Row mainly Prop).

Mike Lewis, head coach, has done a great job with the players bringing the best out of us all and we have had the advantage of some talented Colts coming through which has been a huge bonus, easing the challenges brought about after returning from Covid.

My daughter Sophie is a keen rugby player too whose

confidence has blossomed through her rugby and after her team coach stepped down, I moved into the fold, so to speak, which means rugby on Saturdays and Sundays for me now. As coach of last season’s U15`s girls, now the U16`s, with a pool of 20 players we have enjoyed a decent season and a taste of competitive cup rugby.

Ladies’ rugby is very popular at the club and many of our girls have stepped up to play for Devon. These days there are many great Ladies rugby players to aspire to from Lagi Tuima now playing for Harlequins to the Red Roses of course who continue to be a great inspiration to our girls and I’m sure many others up and down the country!

I would like to congratulate everybody at Devonport Services Rugby Club, from kitchen staff to the chairman, players, coaches members and fans on a great season and on being recognised as South West`s Club of the Season 20212022, well done!

Jack Goldsby-West is the dad of Richard Goldsby-West, Devonport Services RFC`s outstanding Fly Half and backs coach, scoring 232 points this season alone! Jack himself is a former No.15 who played for Barnsley where he was himself a useful kicker, he recently told Rugby Club Magazine: “Richard started as a 6-yearold in the club`s mini section some 27 years ago. Living outside Plymouth at the time his options were either Tavistock or Davenport and he chose Davenport Services mainly influenced by his friends that went there.

Progressing through the various rugby age groups, and formerly a Hooker, he was picked up for the England Rugby trials at U16`s level, around the same time as Ben Moon and Ed Jackson were appearing on the scene.

Laterally he connected with this season’s coach Mike Lewis when they became friends at Tavistock before returning to Devonport.

I haven`t missed a match all season and thoroughly enjoyed the quality of play that the team have demonstrated. The new league line-up for 2022/2023 is not fully known, as yet, but I’m confident that we will at least hold our own and I’m already looking forward to the start of next season and to see how our lads will rise to this new challenge.

Additionally, the 4 Colts players who fitted into the 1st XV were fantastic to watch and surely a great addition to an already formidable team!

The team benefits from a support network throughout the club and the Committee and the fantastic Youth and Mini’s set up.

It is a great honour for Devonport Services Rugby Club to be recognised as Southwest`s Club of The season 2021/2022, something I feel is rightly deserved. They are a great club to be part of and I wish everyone at Devonport the very best of continued success for many more years to come!

39

Whitstable Rugby Football Club Whitstable RFC is a small friendly Community Club on the North Kent Coast.

T

he initial idea for a rugby club in Whitstable came about over a few beers in true rugby style.

A group of friends from local schools decided they were fed up travelling to Canterbury and wanted something more local. The seed was planted. With the help of Keith Jones, a teacher at a Whitstable school, then called the Sir William Nottidge, they entered into a 7s competition at Canterbury on April 26th 1981. The first Whitstable team since the 1950s.

This followed an article in the Whitstable Times inviting anyone interested in forming a rugby club to meet at our local cricket club in February 1981 where a Committee was elected and plans were made for the future. At this point there was no money, no kit including rugby balls, no clubhouse and no pitch.

Through hard work and negotiations with Canterbury City Council the Club was allocated an area that it could use in Columbia Avenue, Whitstable. Unfortunately, it was an old building site and before any training sessions and later matches were played, it was everyone on hands and knees picking up builders debris that had come to the surface. The local dog population also added to things needing clearing.

During that first summer members trained hard, raised money bonded as a squad until finally on the 12th September 1981 the first match was played. The Club travelled to Thanet to play their 5th team. At this point everyone had to play in shirts borrowed from the Kent Police thanks to our first Club Captain and now President, Pat Todd, who at that time was a serving police officer.

40

To the delight of all the game was won 36 – 0. The Club was up and running.

For the second season the Club gained the use of a local school’s pitches which were far more suitable.

Having no Clubhouse was bit of a drawback and meant changing in cars at first.

Shortly afterwards Whitstable Cricket Club came to the Club’s aid again and offered us the use of their facilities for changing, showering and entertaining. Whitstable Football Club and Whitstable Beach Front Club also let the Club use their facilities over the next few years.

Then in 1986 The Council gave the Club its current home in Chestfield. A six acre site with enough room for two pitches and room to build a clubhouse and carpark.

By this time three teams were running and there was a thriving Mini and Junior Section which had been founded in 1982. It had gone through a quiet patch but was reinvigorated by the early 1990s by future Club Chair Peter Hudson.

By the early 1990s a Clubhouse was completed with help from National Lottery Money. Advice and help was received from local firms and Chairman Peter Jackson, who was an architect. He designed the Clubhouse which has all that is needed for a rugby club set over two floors. The lower floor has offices, changing rooms with showers, a medical room, toilets and a gym while the upper floor has the members’ bar and a large function room outside of which is a large balcony overlooking the 1st XV pitch.

This allows supporters to gather to cheer the team on.

The most successful season coincided with the Club’s 25th Anniversary 2006

– 2007. In that year the 1st XV were the Kent Division 1 Champions as well as Semi Finalists in the EDF Vase (the Club lost to Hartbury College who went onto win the trophy at Twickenham) and the Kent Vase.

The 2nd XV were the East Kent Division 2 Cup Winners and the 3rd XV were the East Kent Division 3 Finalists.

Since then the Club’s fortunes have fluctuated and it has been in Kent Division 1 for much of the time as well as spells in the Kent Division 2.

This year is our 40th Anniversary. There have been celebrations during the course of the season and to top it all the Club gained promotion back to Kent Division 1. It was a close run thing. The Club ended up as Runners Up, narrowly losing the final game of the season away to Old Gravesendians 7pts – 3 pts.

Currently the Club is running two senior sides and have a thriving Mini and Junior Section up to Under 16 level as well as a Vets side and a Walking Rugby side meaning all ages are catered for. Unfortunately the covid restrictions meant that the Under 17s and 18s sides folded. There have been attempts to start a ladies’ side unfortunately to no avail.

The Clubhouse is in great demand by the local community including photographic groups, an art group Slimming World, Business groups. Local firms also use our facilities as a training and meeting centre. On site there is also Chestfield Medical Centre and a burger bar, both of which are useful sources of revenue particularly during the 2020 -2021 season when no rugby could be played, or the Club hired out for socials and community groups.

We are also in demand as a wedding reception venue and for other events such as birthday parties, christenings, wakes etc. The local Twinning association also use our clubhouse. All this on top of Rugby Club events.

There are four well attended VP Lunches during each season which allow old players and their families to meet up and yarn about the old days and to watch the current generation of players play. Because it is the 40th Anniversary there was an extra one this year at the first game of the season.

The Club has organized a tour to Bristol and to finish off there will be a 40th Anniversary Summer Ball in June which has already sold out.

From those small steps back in 1981 a thriving club has been built which is an important part of the local community. Long may it continue.

This is a potted history which is as accurate as my memory allows. It does no service to the legion of people without whose help, on and off the pitch, our club would not have survived the tough times or have got as far as it has today.

Simon Vaz Secretary WRFC HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

I joined the Club in 1981 and as stated in my notes above, it was because my brother and I saw an article in our local paper inviting any one wanting to start a new rugby club to come along to a meeting at our local cricket club.

We both went onto play in the club’s first game, he on the right wing and me on the left.

Following injury in 1984 I drifted away until 1997 when my son started playing as an Under 7 and I started coaching, finally hanging up my boots in 2017.

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/ TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

Starting from scratch it was challenging. Groups like the RFU and KCRFU were helpful, Canterbury City Council planning department helped with the development of the club grounds and clubhouse. We could not have done it without National Lottery money either. We were lucky to have help from professionals and businessmen who came onto the then committee to steer things forward.

Being a small club between two larger ones, Canterbury, and Thanet, has meant attracting and retaining players a challenge although at one stage we had 4 teams.

Pitch maintenance has been difficult. The pitches are on London Clay which means flooding can be a problem.

We have and are investing heavily in drainage which has helped. This season after a year’s rest due to Covid restriction our pitches stood up well.

Covid lockdowns meant we lost some junior teams but currently we have enough senior players to run 2 teams with reserves.

We could do with more pitch space but unfortunately that will be impossible as we are surrounded by houses and a supermarket.

CAN YOU LET ME KNOW ABOUT ANY AMBITIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ON AND OFF THE PITCH?

Having just been promoted we want to consolidate and build so we at least remain in Kent Division 1 and compete

equally with other teams in this division.

We have fantastic clubhouse and it would be great if we can attract more people to use it for rugby, entertainment and business purposes.

DO YOU HAVE JUNIOR AND SENIOR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

I think this was summed up

by Pat Todd when he wrote in the local paper in 1981, “The main aim is to promote the playing of rugby in the town for players of all ages.” We are very much an inclusive club who will find a place to play for anyone who wants to play. This runs from our Under 7s all the way up to our 1st XV. We are working hard to integrate our junior and senior clubs with a “One Club” mentality and share a uniform coaching approach taping into our club coaches’ experience and the support of our senior players.

HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

At the moment there is a good feeling about the Club. Everyone has been buoyed by having rugby back at all levels following the lockdowns. A little disappointed that we were not promoted as champions but pleased nevertheless to be going back up to Kent 1.

There has been a happy feeling around the Club that has been driven by the Chairman, committee and Club captain, Rob Hudson, who lives and breathes Whitstable RFC. Everyone gets on well. All players feel happy in each other’s’ company. There are no disruptive elements. This was most obviously displayed at the recent end of season Club Captain’s supper. It was a lively but enjoyable occasion.

The Committee works hard for the club and we all enjoy being part of the fellowship of Rugby.

Our Mini and Junior Section is thriving and hopefully we will start to see some of those players coming into our senior sides when our current U16s are old enough and follow in the footsteps of a number of juniors that have successfully transferred into the senior teams.

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVES IN MANAGING SO MANY PEOPLE AND GROUPS AT YOUR CLUB AND INFORMING THEM OF NEW CHANGES?

As with any organisation there can be tensions between individuals and groups.

At the moment things are good, although in the past it hasn’t always been this way.

Inevitably there are those that have their own views and work against the common vision and can be a disruptive force. They have left the club and we are more united and focussed as a consequence.

The Club committee has had to take a firm stand on occasion and stick to the principles of rugby to drive a diverse and inclusive culture.

Communication is the key. While it is not perfect, members, supporters and parents can find information on our Club website which is regularly visited and refreshed. There are Facebook pages for both the Senior and Junior Sections as well as a Twitter Account for the Seniors. This is linked to the website and any postings as news is automatically put out on these platforms. What’s App is also used extensively by different age group squads and teams to ensure communications are shared and teams are bonded.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

Rob Dengate represented Spain. One of our ex-Junior players, James Turner, played for the RAF Under 23s this season and Sonny TrueNeville is currently in the Kent Under 20 Squad.

WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR WHITSTABLE RFC?

The simplest way to put it is friendship. There are still a number of those around, including on the Committee, from back when the Club started and a number of others visit for socials, particularly the highly popular VP Lunches. One of the originals, the club legend that is “Slops” Warwick is still playing. Many others who have represented the Club at different times also attend as well as wives and partners. It is not unknown to have three generations of families at some events.

The young and the old often socialise afterwards adding to the sense of Club unity.

We are also lucky enough to have a lovely clubhouse to meet in to socialise and watch games whether they be Minis starting their playing days or our Vets at the other end of playing careers.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY THIS SEASON HAS GONE FOR THE CLUB SO FAR ON THE PITCH?

Very well having gained promotion as Runners Up to Kent 1. The 2nd XV have done well in their League, Kent 5 Rural League, finishing third. They have been able CONTINUED...

41

CONTINUED...

to fulfil all their fixtures too.

Unfortunately, some clubs had to.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE CLUB, ON AND OFF THE PITCH, IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

It would be good to create closer links with local schools and to see their pupils transition into the Club.

Herne Bay High School has a rugby academy and so this offers a possibility.

However, the local school in Whitstable has never been that interested even though it was instrumental in the Club’s development in the early years. It’s difficult to engage with schools that have no recognition of Rugby values.

It would be good if we could also start a 3rd XV again so linking with our local Secondary schools is essential.

Off the pitch it would be great to develop closer community links and for more groups to use the Club’s facilities benefitting both them and the Club.

We would also like to develop closer relationships with the wider business community and provide reciprocal benefits for sponsorship support. There are plenty of opportunities and we hope to be installing pitch side barriers later this year to protect our pitches and provide the opportunity for attaching corporate advertising boards for next season.

We have a few loyal local businesses that have sponsored the club for several years and we are always looking for new ways to pay back their support and find opportunities to illuminate their business and encourage other businesses to link up with our club and connect with the values of rugby and its impact on our youth and community.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MINI & JUNIOR RUGBY TO THE CLUB? HOW HAS YOUR M&J SECTION DEVELOPED?

It is very important as the Committee very much see it as the Club’s future. A number of senior players have come up through the M&J Section, in fact our current 1st XV captain and Club Captain are ex M&J members.

The Club is currently becoming incorporated as a PLC and this will mean having one Committee covering all squads from Under 7s upwards and this can only strengthen the links.

It has developed from a small group in 1982 to having all age groups, although at the moment our oldest group are Under 16s.

HOW DOES THE CLUB ENSURE THAT YOUNG PLAYERS ENJOY A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE SENIOR GAME?

This has been an issue for a number of years and is frequently discussed at Club development meetings.

Like others we find the pressures of education and adolescence make the right of passage to adulthood and senior rugby very challenging for our young people and a sensitive and watchful approach is needed.

The youngsters cannot train with seniors but should be able to do fitness alongside senior players and so get to know them, as well as Club coaches, so when they reach 18, they feel comfortable slotting into the senior set up and have an understanding of the culture of the club and playing with unfamiliar teammates. It is not perfect yet, but we are working on it and have made several good transitions in recent years.

Next season’s Club Captain knows advance planning is required.

Fortunately, we have a season before the current U16s (next year’s U17s) can start transitioning or at least those that do not go off for work purposes or to uni.

DO YOU OFFER TOUCH OR WALKING RUGBY AT YOUR CLUB OR HAVE PLANS TO INTRODUCE SUCH?

The Club has just started Walking Rugby this season in conjunction with Herne Bay Age Concern, another Community Link.

Walking Rugby has been very well received and we have a match planned against another team and a Tour! to the Czech Republic to play walking rugby with our twin town team Ricany.

42

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURS TO BE A COMMUNITY CLUB AND IF YES HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH LOCAL PEOPLE/BUSINESSES?

We do consider ourselves a Community Club and are continuing to develop close ties with local businesses and other groups.

In 2015 we were one of only 6 clubs in England to be awarded the “Ultimate Club Experience” because of the improvements we had made to make our club more accessible to the local community, the disabled, children and parents, young and old.

The dreadful outcome of the 2015 world Cup did not help to widen the popularity of our sport despite the huge efforts that Clubs up and down the country made but for a while, we basked in the glory and enjoyed visits to our Club from Luke Mears and Richard Hill and the Saatchi and Saatchi advertising team working for the RFU and Nat West Bank sponsors.

Our giant-sized projected TV screen enabled us to open up to the local community and put on special match day events and we filled the Club with members and local sports nuts and we still get

visitors to watch international matches and enjoy a snack and a drink in an excited sporting environment.

HOW IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ARE YOUR SPONSORS TO YOUR CLUB?

They are hugely important.

Our Sponsorship Secretary maintains close links with existing sponsors as well as trying to attract more.

They are invited to social events and are given pride of place. By sponsoring they also have an opportunity to apply for international tickets.

Their names are displayed prominently on playing and training kit and they are included in programmes which are produced for VP Lunches.

PLEASE FINISH OFF BY TELLING ME WHAT MAKES YOUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE PART OF?

Friendship and inclusivity.

Whatever role people play in the life of the Club they are valued.

The bar is a welcoming place run

by Tracey Dempsey (the mother of next year’s Club Captain who also came up through the M&J Section). It is well stocked with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Personally I feel it is just a good comfortable place to be in and part of.

CALVIN SMITH, CHAIRMAN, EX-PLAYER & COACH OF U15S

I have played rugby since the age of 6 and lived for 25 years in our region. I was 27 when I joined the club having spent my junior years at Canterbury rugby club and then off to the Royal Navy for 6 years where I also played. Fly half was my starting position, eventually working my way to the wing and when my son Jenson came of age, just 5 years old, he too became a player at Whitstable. I have had the privilege of coaching Jenson, and these excellent group of young players, who are now in the U15s squad, since they started in our minis. You couldn’t meet a nicer bunch, demonstrated by their impeccable behaviour on a recent trip to Devon & Cornwall. They have enjoyed an excellent season finishing 2nd in the Waterfall Tournament and we are really looking forward to next seasons campaign.

I’ve been on the committee for 8 years and the club still feels like one family to me. There will always be challenges in life, and rugby, and when things do go wrong, as they will, we all get together, as a group, and talk out a solution. I watch and

More than Chartered Certified Accountants

A boutique business consultancy providing bespoke support and solutions that are as hardworking as you are

Phil Gambrill has had along and positive relationship with Whitstable Rugby Club serving as Chairman of the mini and Juniors section and as club treasurer for many seasons, he recently told Rugby Club Mag: Our family has a long association with Whitstable RFC dating back to when the “new” club house opened; with my son Nathan joining at 5 years old and hoping to return after university. Nathan also enjoyed two great senior rugby promotions with the club`s winning seasons in the 2nd XV, before heading to Sheffield.

My nephew Tom made his first team debut recently at Sheppey and it is a wish of mine to see both my son and nephew in the same Whitstable team, they both learned a lot and had such great fun together in the club`s juniors.

support most of our senior’s home, and some away fixtures, and can’t remember ever witnessing our 1st XV play such great rugby; they have been a pleasure to watch!

We have a special experience at Whitstable Rugby Club and I often hear many of our members describe the club as being part of their family. The `on and off field` friendships and camaraderie coupled with our willingness to welcome new members is what makes us who we are.

Sending everybody at our club congratulations on an outstanding 2021/2022 Season!

CONTACT THE CLUB

Reeves Way Chestfield Kent CT5 3QS

01227794343 www.pitchero.com/clubs/ whitstablerfc

My time as treasurer and chair of the minis and juniors, for 15 and 10 years respectively, was rewarding having survived three club chairman with strong personalities and styles!

Whitstable RFC have an excellent committee and membership to help keep the club moving in the right direction and its fabulous to see Calvin Smith stepping in as Chair and Rob Hudson as Club Captain. Rob`s dad Peter was a great and influential chairman who built many solid foundations for the club to grow from.

Congratulations to everyone at Whitstable Rugby Club on being recognised for their outstanding season and contribution to our community, I’m really looking forward to the 2022/2023 campaign. Keep up the great work!

www.pglemon.co.uk 43

Bletchley Rugby Club Catching up with Tony Rice, Chairman of Bletchley Rugby Club.

I

have been at the club for 12yrs now, I started coaching at U11s when my son began to play and continued through the age grades eventually becoming Head of Colts rugby at the club in 2017.

In 2019 someone convinced me that being on the committee would be much easier than coaching!

I must find them and thank them! I have had the honour of being Charmain of Bletchley RUFC now for the last 2 seasons.

There have naturally been a number of challenges in navigating our club into the position it is in today with one of the biggest being the impact of Covid of course.

I would say we lost at least a dozen players during the period with no rugby activity on offer and we became use to family life and not having to get up with aches and pains on a Sunday morning.

We implemented a 3yr plan for the club across all sections with the aim of growing and developing on and off the field. Two high

44

calibre coaches were brought in for our senior men’s in Dave Ellis (Ex France and All Black international defence coach) and Coventry player/ attack coach Tony Fenner; Tony having started his career as a mini with the club some 25 years ago.

We restructured our sections, marketed a range of sponsorship packages to BECKY DRISCOLL – HEAD OF SENIOR LADIES RUGBY AND PLAYER

I played rugby for many years before finding the club and I have got to say Bletchley Ladies has been the best part of my rugby career; their attitude on and off the pitch is phenomenal, they never let their heads drop and we are always there for one another, we are one big family!

Well, we all know that coronavirus hit a lot of clubs in terms of membership and also with challenges around cash flow not being as good as it was, however, we all rallied around and continued to pay our membership fees

our local business community and spent money from RFU grants refurbishing our club facilities e.g. developing our female player/referee changing areas, refurbishing our kitchen and bar areas.

All this has paid of as our 1st XV gained promotion from the Berks, Buck and Oxon League and our 2nd XV won the East Midlands South 3 league, we attracted over 30+ sponsors to the club and our membership of playing and non-playing members has now increased year on year. throughout lock down and did our best to help alleviate some pressure. Now that we are back to playing -its full steam ahead! It’s time to get back to where we once were and even beyond!

To ensure as smooth a transition as possible to senior rugby we need to have a lot of collaboration between our teams, combining training session when we can and getting the girls familiar with the team they will be stepping into.

Familiarisation with differences in the game play and law changes etc. basically, making everyone at Bletchley Rugby Club feel included all round and part of our club`s dynamics!

We will continue with a 3yr plan and focusing on attracting more playing members into the club, across all age levels, but particularly in our senior Men’s, Ladies and Girls sections – Bletchley is the only club in MK who offer girls rugby to the community and schools. We are putting in place a new marketing plan and communication strategy for the club to achieve our growth plans on the field and will be continuing to promote the club and its facilities to our local community and business sponsors Our philosophy at the club is that rugby is for everyone and it’s about getting kids and adults alike to enjoy their rugby experience `on and off` the field through matches, tours, club events and awards.

We are very committed to the RFU’s TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) approach to the game and our coaches instil these principles in our players and parents at training and matches.

Our club was proudly founded in 1947 and we are celebrating our 75th

PETE BYATT, HEAD OF GIRLS RUGBY

The Bletchley girls’ sections was born in 2016 when 4 local girls messaged the club asking if they could play.

Since then, we have grown steadily to a peak of approx.

45 players until Covid hit and put a stop to some activities.

Highlights include providing around 15 players to County sides and 1 player to England U18s. We have built up strong relationships with other local clubs running girls’ teams and have participated in the inaugural Bucks Invitational League. Having a strong junior girl’s section has added a new dimension to the club which perhaps we didn’t even realise we were missing!

Anniversary next season with a big dinner in MK. We are proud of our history and our club house displays team photos going all the way back to our inception. This is kept updated by our fantastic former player/VPs who support the club both financially but also with memorabilia of our important past.

In 2003 Bletchley RUFC were the first sports organisation in Milton Keynes/ North Bucks to gain the Rugby Football Union ‘Seal of Approval’ and `Sport England Clubmark` and in 2006 the club gained Stage 2 accreditation from the same bodies.

The club mood is very positive at present, particularly with the success of our senior team. However, we have a tremendous squad of volunteers both on and off the pitch who continue to inspire and energise their squads and give up their time for the love of the game and our club. They bring a positive atmosphere to the club week in week out and I’m very proud to be able to represent them as their chairman!

Communication is key in managing and informing large groups like we have at Bletchley. Do we get it right all they time, certainly not!!

It is difficult and for a small club like us it is important to ensure that we keep our facilities and pitches available

for all teams choosing to play their sport here. Covid and the weather have not helped over the last few years – we regularly get flooded as the Ouse tributary river runs along the bottom of our pitches.

We try to make sure that all our volunteers, players, parents, supporters and sponsors know what is going on at the club and we have dedicated communication lines and other mediums open to all our groups.

We have to remember that everyone is a volunteer and not a paid employee and recognition of that helps us to manage situations and conflicts that arise occasionally…only very occasionally!

The club has a number of players who have gained representative honours.

Recent honours include Josh Sprules, Ex 1st XV captain, who played for England Deaf XV for a number of seasons and two of our U17 girls Katherine Baverstock and Incila have both been included in England`s U18/U20 squads in the last 2 seasons.

Bletchley is and always will be a community club.

This season has gone very well with Our 1st XV gained promotion from the Berks, Buck and Oxon League and our 2nd XV winning the East Midlands South 3 league.

Our senior ladies have had a challenging season, transitioning new players into the squad after many players left to join higher level clubs, start families, travel and retire from the game. That said the squad has a great unity that will they are building on for next season in a lower league where they will be more competitive.

Our mini and junior sections continue to grow and our girl’s section, jointly with our local neighbours Olney RFC, won the inaugural U13 invitational Bucks League.

In future years we hope to consolidate our position at a senior level in our newly promoted Leagues and continue to offer rugby to all ages and sexes going forward.

Our aim is to offer 3 senior Men’s team and a Vets side, 2x senior Ladies teams plus age grade rugby across all mini and junior levels in the next 3-5yrs.

Our mini and junior section continues to grow but it is a constant challenge to attract new youngsters to the game and engage with local schools particularly with the attention around concussion and head Impact requirements. We are looking to pull together a dedicated

schools liaison team next season to work with local schools to grow new talent in our sport.

We already have our `Little Swans` sections (u5s) who regularly meet on a Sunday morning for fun games and activities… all with a rugby ball and skills focus.

We ensure that our colts and senior coaches are fully qualified to ensure all our young men and ladies are looked after as they move into senior rugby. We carefully follow the sign off guidelines laid down by our club and county Safeguarding Officers to make sure that anyone that transitions to senior rugby is fully prepared for the step up.

We also run integrated training sessions with our U18s during the season and arrange touch sessions for all grades over the summer.

We also have dedicated communication groups for our U18 lads and lassies sections so even if they go off to Uni they still have contact with their club and many will come back during holidays and after their studies. We also work with the Northampton Saints Trust who provide educational support to kids with special education needs within MK and use the clubhouse and playing areas during term times.

Our sponsors are very important to our club. Their regular commitment to support us both financially and often vocally on the touchline has been key in providing the club with a strong financial base allowing us to develop and improve our facilities and infra structure.

From sponsoring shirts, insurance for our premises, carrying out electrical works on our floodlights and clubhouse maintenance, roof repairs, fire work night sponsorship, repair to damaged pitches and vandalised buildings, attending our biannual sportsman’s lunches – our sponsors are a vital and essential part of our club for whose support we are forever grateful!

Bletchley RUFC has existed for 75yrs. We have had our ups and downs both on and off the field but when the chips are down our members, parents, supporters and community are always there to help and that is why we keep going.

That, along with the amazing team of volunteers on the exec, our coaches and team managers – everybody pulls together to make sure that Bletchley RUFC is a safe and enjoyable place for everybody, regardless of age, gender, race and sexual orientation, to have fun while learn and playing rugby!

IAN NOBES, CLUB MEMBER FOR OVER 40 YEARS. OUR CLUB HANDYMAN/FIXER

After decades of being a member of Bletchley Rugby Club it has become part of my life. I started playing rugby at school and wanted more plus Manor Fields was local to our house. The challenges at our club today centre around keeping a regular and consistent continuity of players and volunteers coming through. With few of the local schools showing an interest in rugby we do not have an automatic flow of young players wishing to experience a club atmosphere whilst providing an affordable and sustainable facility for all who wish to play the sport.

Providing a decent level of coaching, as we do, allows for a decent level of game play for all teams. The female section has been successful over the last decade with our ladies providing ten of the county side players who won their championship at Twickenham.

Lauren Delaney started playing at Bletchley and has since won several caps for Ireland Ladies.

The girl’s section has flourished with several county players coming through at all levels. One of the girls has been promoted to the England U18 squad this season.

I have been a member of Bletchley Rugby Club for over for four decades and my children have played in various sections over these years. I have found many long-term friendships within this great club. We have been very successfully across many different areas and run Summer touch sessions with members from across the age groups with senior men and women taking part. Parents are also involved, and I feel this is useful in introducing younger players to our established members.

Our sponsors have become a major part of funding for the club and there are several packages available from shirt provider, funding for the flood lights through to local business who provide much valued and needed services to the club. After many years of being a member at Bletchley Rugby Club and facilities it will continue to be a very important part of my life!

CONTINUED...

45

CONTINUED...

SHARON NOBES, VICE CHAIRMAN AND SPONSOR MANAGER

`I met a man...` In 2011 I met my now husband, it was clear with him being an ex-rugby player and now coach, his son as first team captain, his daughter playing, and most weekends spent down at Manor Fields that I needed to get a grip of this sport or finish the relationship! So, I learned about it, watched it on TV & at local matches and came to love it. Now I am Vice Chair/Sponsor Coordinator for Bletchley Rugby Club, and it has become a second home for us. There are challenges, as we are run by volunteers, and sometimes people assume it is a paid organisation and getting people to help out isn’t always easy. Just to continue being able to provide community rugby for all brings many challenges not to mention the constant changing of regulations across the board.

The mood is good at the club with our senior men having won their league.

The ladies are rebuilding but enjoying the rugby and mostly our junior sections are buoyant. Communicating new changes is important especially in a positive and enthusiastic manner. We are very proud of all our players and in particular Josh Sprules who has played for England Deaf, he started as a small boy at our club.

The M & J section numbers are lower than it has been in the past, but a lot of this is due to catchment areas and lack of rugby being mentioned or encouraged in schools.

Hopefully some new housing close to the ground will bring more younger members to our club.

The girls have been the fastest growing section in recent years and the ladies are currently rebuilding after several retirements.

We are forever grateful to our sponsors who are vital to our continued development.

Bletchley RFC is like a family, but a family where you can be a little crazy if you want.

46

DAVE PARKER, CLUB TREASURER AND COLIN SPENCE, HEAD OF VP SOCIETY.

I first discovered the Club 50 years ago on my first day at work as an apprentice telephone engineer with the GPO. As I nervously waited in the engineering section a large man with a loud voice approached me, Parker he said follow me. As he marched me across the car park he said you’re a big lad, do you play rugby. No, I don’t I said, well you should he assured me, “be at the school gym tomorrow at 7.30”.

So, I joined Bletchley RFC as a 16 year old wing forward and turned out for the seconds the following Saturday. It turned out he was the 1st team captain and half of the team were GPO people, I never looked back.

They became my friends as well as workmates. I am proud to say that some of those guys I met that first Saturday are still my friends and although getting a bit long in the tooth we still support “Our Club!”

A more typical recruitment story from the time comes from Colin Spence a member since 1968: “Robin Williams the Club Chairman was also a teacher at the Grammar School and when I was in the upper sixth form he approached me and asked if I wanted to join Bletchley Rugby Club. I said I had nothing else to do on Saturdays so I joined.”

Even at our level a rugby club is more like a small business than a hobby these days. Legislation covering areas such as Health and Safety, Business Management and Finance, without any recognition that we are volunteers, has made some roles almost undoable. I worry about the viability of clubs like mine where everything becomes more expensive but the pressure is to keep personal contributions low.

This is particularly true when clubs are based in areas of deprivation such as ours.

Some of our successful players: • Bernard Bateman who played in the 1950`s and 60`s at Bedford, (Bernard was a member of the original team in 1947 as a schoolboy and will be at the 75th anniversary lunch) • John Harper who played in the 1960`s for Northampton, • John Surguy who played for Northampton in the 1970`s, • David Cooke who came from Northampton & England and joined Bletchley in the early 1980`s, • Ray Sothcott & Andy Walford who played at Bedford in the 1970`s/80`s, • Peter Garrett & Mark Sharpe who also played at Bedford in the 2000`s.

• Chris Coussell who played for England Under 16`s in 1997.

• Peter Trunkfield who played for the Club in the early 1950`s went onto become President of the RFU in 1998/99.

Bletchley Rugby Club is loved by many, and I think traditionally it’s because many of the players came from a small pool, the local Grammar School or employer (the GPO). We all lived, worked and played together.

Many were good players, some to national standard,

"

and we were successful in a small-town way and frankly during the 1970’s and 80’s there wasn’t much else locally.

Over the years I would like to think that this comradery has rubbed off on subsequent generations.

This year sees Bletchley Rugby Clubs 75th anniversary where players of all of the ages will meet to celebrate what has been a lifelong love for the Club and what it stands for.

The Club was born in 1947 after Bletchley Council decided they wanted to create a centre for sport in Manor Fields Bletchley following the end of World War 2.

"

BLETCHLEY RFC-HISTORY

The Club was born in 1947 after Bletchley Council decided they wanted to create a centre for sport in Manor Fields Bletchley following the end of World War 2. An advertisement in the local paper called on people who were interested in playing rugby to attend a meeting in August 1947.

The meeting was sparsely attended but soon word spread and eventually training sessions were held before Bletchley`s first ever fixture took place on the 10th January 1948 against local rivals Buckingham.

The 1950`s start with the Club being elected to the RFU and in 1952 the Duke of Edinburgh comes to the Club to officially open the new Clubhouse.

Another significant event was in 1956 when Bletchley Grammar School was opened and rugby union was the main winter sport. The school was a major supplier of players until it closed in the 1970’s.

The 1960`s start with a period of gradual development with record seasons and 3 regular teams taking the field. However by the end of the decade the Club had sunk into a decline and very nearly folded. The next decade begins with the Club improving its fortunes.

Will Stone of Brewers Paint recently told Rugby club Mag: “Its great to hear that Bletchley RFC are doing so well! As a proud sponsor of the club we are aware of the

TOM HANNELL

Tom Hannell has had a long and positive association with Bletchley Rugby Club originally from Essex Tom started playing for the clubs U14`s when some school friends encouraged him to pop down to the club in the late 90`s: It`s great to hear that Bletchley have been recognised for their great contribution to rugby both on and off the field this season providing opportunities to play and to be involved throughout our local community is an important service. When I played for the club, I started as a back row player and progressed through the ranks into senior rugby ending up as a front row prop in the 1st XV. I had been relatively lucky with injuries over my playing

It gets a new home when it takes a lease on an old pub called the King’s Head and the playing results improve dramatically with record seasons, winning local competitions and fielding 5 teams every week.

Returning to manor Fields the 1980`s saw another dramatic improvement when, in 1982, they get to the County Cup Final but are defeated by High Wycombe.

The following two years are more successful and Bletchley are the County Champions in 1983 and 1984 and get through to the second round of the John Player Cup where they are narrowly beaten by Havant.

When in 1987 League rugby starts and Bletchley are placed in the Southern Counties League.

In the 1990`s the Club makes another significant stride forward when it starts a minis and junior section in conjunction with some local schools. By 1996 the Club is running junior sides all the way down to under 7 and a number of ex-players become qualified coaches for the youngsters. On the senior side the Club`s fortunes start to decline but it is still capable of producing some talented players.

The new millennium starts depressingly for the Club as it suffers 2 consecutive

great service they provide throughout the Bletchley community whilst offering the chance for individuals to play and be involved in sport. Congratulations to everyone at the club on such a great season!”

career, apart from an ACL injury which I recovered from, and during lockdown, at aged 39, i felt that it was time to hang my boots up. I have however always kept a close connection with the club and get to as many matches as I can. My friends are still part of the club setup up and I decided to become a sponsor with my business, Urban-Link, a little while back.

All aspects of the club and their teams have performed really well this season and are no doubt aware of the challenges their promotion to the higher league will bring. I would like to encourage them all to stick together, train hard whilst congratulating them all on such a successful season wishing everyone at Bletchley Rugby Club many more happy times to come!

relegations but there is promise in a developing squad of youngsters coming through and during the next 4 years Bletchley win three promotions. This success cannot be maintained and three relegations result however in 2008 there is another significant development when Bletchley launches its first ever Ladies Section. The following decade sees the Ladies Section become the most successful part of the Club when during a three-year period they win 3 league titles.

0203 198 2400/01908 538 138 www.fire-proof.co.uk

ALERON Fire Protection is a specialist Firestopping, Fireproofing and Passive Fire Protection company.

We are a third-party certified contractor and accredited

by IFC for all types of firestopping works, including fire compartmentation, fireboarding, structural steel protection and fire doors installations.

47

CHRIS GOODMAN, CLUB PRESIDENT OF BLETCHLEY RFC, EX-PLAYER AND PAST CHAIRMAN

Going back nearly 30 years ago a neighbour, and member of Bletchley Rugby Club, invited me to go on a rugby club stag do! Having played junior rugby at the club in my earlier years I thought why not, went along and had a wonderful time with the lads in a little place just outside Dublin. When we returned I decided to start training and playing with the guys and from then on I was a regular part of the squad playing either 2nd and then front row positions. I also had the great honour of skippering the team for a few season too.

Fortunately I remained fairly injury free and was able to continue playing competitively up until about 6 years ago. My son Ben Goodman plays as a formidable winger for our current 1st team, no surprise I suppose, having taught him everything I know.

All of our players have performed excellently this season. Everybody really bought into our coaches Dave Ellis`s philosophy and with

Tony Fenner around they have grown as one cohesive group over the whole campaign maximising their potential with superb fitness and skill levels.

Next season will see us back up into a level which will offer us many good mouth-watering rivalries. As a club we are very fortunate to have so many great people from our chairman, coaches, players and fans who all come together to make our club what it is today. As our local community continues to develop we will aim to attract more young players, of both sexes, to support our already outstanding junior sections; Sunday mornings is quite a sight to see with an array of our young players enjoying rugby watched on by their supportive parents.

As President of Bletchley Rugby Club it is my aim to give to anyone and everyone the opportunity to become involved in this fantastic club ; to extend to them the very same opportunities, experiences and lifelong friendships that have been given to me. Our people is what makes this club such a great place to be part of!

Tom Hannel has had a long

ANTHONY FENNER

Anthony “Tony” Fenner is a local boy to Bletchley and to the club, having started his career as a Bletchley RUFC Mini and Junior player a few years ago! He was one of Coventry RUFC’s most influential and versatile players, having played professionally in the GK IPA English Championship since joining them in 2016.

During his playing career Tony has also had stints playing in Italy, France, New Zealand and South Africa as well as a spell with Edinburgh: “I started my rugby career at Bletchley RFC so it has always been my local club and holds a special place for me. I retired from playing about a month ago and now i am a and positive association with Bletchley Rugby Club originally from Essex Tom started playing for the clubs U14`s when some school friends encouraged him to pop down and check the place out: It`s great to hear that Bletchley have been recognised for their great

backs coach at Coventry.

I can’t speak highly enough about my fondness for Bletchley Rugby Club and the many great friends I have down there. They have had an outstanding season and I plan on continuing my relationship with the club.

While Tony Rice and Chris Goodman remain at the helm, I don’t believe the club could be in better hands, as they enter the next exciting phase of the club’s history. Bletchley Rugby Club is a place of inclusivity & friendships, and it was wonderful to see how much our players wanted to win for their club and jersey last season. It will be great to see the lads build on there already growing reputation !

Well done and best wishes to everyone!” contribution to rugby both on and off the field this season providing opportunities to play and to be involved throughout our local community. When I played for the club, I started as a back row player and progressed through the ranks into senior rugby ending up as a front row prop in the 1st XV. I had been relatively lucky with injuries over my playing career, apart from an ACL injury which I recovered from, and during lockdown, at aged 39, i felt that it was time to hang my boots up. I have however always kept a close connection with the club and get to as many matches as I can. My friends are still part of the club setup up and I decided to become a sponsor with my business, Urban-Link, a little while back too.

The club and their teams have played really well this season and are no doubt aware of the challenges their promotion to the higher league will bring. I would like to encourage them all to stick together, train hard and to congratulate them all on such a successful season wishing everyone at Bletchley Rugby Club many more happy times to come!

CONTACT THE CLUB

Bletchley Rugby Club Manor Fields Bletchley Milton Keynes MK2 2HX

01908 372298 www.bletchleyrugby.com

48

A GOODMAN & SON

Milton Keynes’ premier scrap metal recycling services (01908) 373187 Tavistock Street Bletchley Milton Keynes MK2 2PP

OPENING TIMES Mon - Fri Saturday Sundays & Bank Holidays Annual Shutdowns

JAMES TAIT SUPPORTER & SPONSOR (AUTO-CLASS MK)

It was really through friends, and in particular my friendship with Tony Rice, that I became a part of Bletchley RFC, and subsequently a sponsor around 8 years ago. As a fan of sport, I have always appreciated and enjoyed watching the clubs’ various teams perform and compete.

8:00 - 17:00 8:00 - 12:00 Closed Good Friday to Easter Monday Christmas to New Year

The atmosphere and the desire for the members to make you feel included and part of their club has always stood out to me and this has been the foundation of their on field success!

Congratulations to everyone at Bletchley Rugby Club on such a great 2021-2022 campaign! Don’t fix what isn’t broken and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

BRETT STANIFORD

Brett Staniford has had a long association with Bletchley Rugby Club which still continues to this day as one of the coaches of the clubs Colts team, he told Rugby Club Magazine recently: My introduction to the rugby club came through my middle School at Twomile Ash. As a young guy some of my teachers had recognised, I had a bit of an anger issue and the head teacher was encouiraging me to try out different sports as he felt I needed an outlet for my excess energy.

After playing a variety of sports I ended up at the Bletchley RFC and found the discipline really helped me massively and I began to understand, learn and effectively be coached about rules, not just on the pitch, but around my conduct and how to communicate with people respectfully; I was around 10 years old at the time. As my school was a feeder for the club I was able to play for both school and club, which was great for me, and the rest is history as they say. I hung my boots up 2 years ago aged 35 when it started taking me a week to recover from the weekly Saturday fixture which began to affect my work whilst I was running my own business.

My daughter Keeley started showing an interest in playing rugby and although I was a little unsure about it at the time, mainly because I didn’t want anyone thinking I had coerced her into it, however her appetite to become involved was such that I took her down to the club. The coaches were excellent and non-pushy with her and left it up to Keeley to become involved when she was ready.

She absolutely loved the experience and after a few weeks of taking her down I offered to help out too. Now I coach our Colts who have

come all the way through from the U10s and we have a squad of 24. Keeley still continues on her rugby journey joining her friends at Towcestrians RFC where two sides combined to make up their squad. One of the many great things about Rugby is once you make friends the door is never closed and very often those relationships are lifelong. She has many good friends at Bletchley and is always made to feel very welcome here!

As a coach you never want to keep hold of your players, if they wish to progress, but encourage them when they have the drive and or skillsets to take them forward.

Bletchley Rugby Club is positioned in such a way that it is able to open its doors to all walks of life. These days there are a lot of pressures on families with the cost of living rising dramatically and many other life pressures to contend with. Access to resources is not always an easy matter and Rugby can offer children a new direction and the needed support at times. I have witnessed many so-called problem children being transformed through rugby and clubs like Bletchley.

To see some of our players determination is great, one of the lads that we coached was picked for the County recently and this makes it all worthwhile! As the youngsters come to the club and the parents get chatting, either in person or through a created social media group, you can see the formation of another layer of people involved in our community and our club.

I just really appreciate Bletchley Rugby Club and the people who took the time to coach and support me, I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for the kindness and direction of those people. As a coach and sponsor now It is my time to give back that which was freely given to me!

01908 222244 info@auto-class.co.uk www.autoclassgarage.co.uk 49

Chipstead RFC Interview with Head Coach of Chipstead Rugby Club.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

My eldest son had visited Chipstead, with a previous club, on a friendly inter club fixture. As a family we were impressed with Chipstead’s welcoming atmosphere. We changed clubs the following season (2010) and have been here ever since.

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/ TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

Keeping players and parents engaged in the club’s future plans and day to day running has been the biggest challenge. A concerted effort by all coaches to keep everyone engaged over the COVID season helped improve relationships and club wide communication. Fitness and skills challenges were shared over social media. Beat the Lions was a club wide challenge to run/walk or cycle to South Africa before the B&I Lions arrived for their tour; Chipstead as a whole hit the ground running when this season started.

HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

This year has been by far the most successful year I have experienced in my decade at the club, this has brought greater involvement by players and coaches across the board. The club spirit is through the roof, with senior coaches making themselves available to help mini and junior age groups and their coaches, in turn, making themselves available to play for the senior age groups.

This good feeling has spread to the older members of the club too, as many of this year’s successful senior players are lifelong Chipstead players.

We’ve seen ex coaches and players on the touch line this year in great numbers. With both senior teams having won their leagues and gaining promotion the club is excited for what lies ahead.

50

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVES IN MANAGING SO MANY PEOPLE AND GROUPS AT YOUR CLUB AND INFORMING THEM OF NEW CHANGES?

Keeping the club updated is a challenge as we are a club made up of volunteers, finding time in today’s busy world isn’t easy! Having a new chairman that prioritised mini and junior age groups but appointed the senior coach as an overseer ensured communication was shared throughout the whole club.

A weekly update sent out by our president to the entire membership also helped keep everyone in the loop.

Once there was a clear line of communication through all age groups any new changes were seamlessly shared.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

Chipstead has had numerous players go on and achieve higher honours and make us proud. In the recent past Tommy Nicholls captained WASPS U20, then returned to Chipstead to help us become Surrey Vase Champions in 2018. This past year Ben Waghorn signed a senior contract at Harlequins.

WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR CHIPSTEAD RFC?

Chipstead offers the perfect balance between inclusion, community rugby and competition with hard rugby.

As a so-called smaller club we continue to punch above our weight, while still providing an opportunity for developing players to thrive. Socially Chipstead has a well-earned reputation for celebrating as hard as we play, recent tourists, Southern Nomads (Isle of Man), described us a the best club they’ve ever toured to!

HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE YEAR HAS GONE FOR THE CLUB SO FAR ON THE PITCH?

Both senior teams won their leagues and have been promoted. The 2nd XV finished the season unbeaten.

The 2nd XV have also won their league cup. Our Colts won the Surrey Maple Shield and finished runners up in the Harlequins Cup. This is unprecedented success and is the result of a coaching philosophy that has been implemented over the past few seasons. This philosophy is the same for all age groups and we are now reaping the rewards of players being confident in their teammates and patterns of play.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MINI & JUNIOR RUGBY TO THE CLUB? HOW HAS YOUR M&J SECTION DEVELOPED?

Chipstead is a community rugby club which provides local people with an opportunity to play a sport that they love and amongst likeminded people with a great community spirit. The mini and junior section is hugely important to us. Our family memberships make up over 80% of our membership and it is an area we continually invest in. We have over 45 active and trained coaches supporting our mini and junior section who work with around 200 children – which is an impressive ratio of around 1 coach to every five players. That ratio, the quality of coaching and the community spirit is what makes our mini and junior section thrive. It does so well, in fact, in a recent first team game, it was highlighted that 90% of the playing squad had actually come through the Chipstead RFC junior section!

We have recently created opportunities for even younger age groups to join our club, providing chances for 4 and 5 year olds to try out a sport they invariably love. Recognising that part of what our members join for is the chance to meet new people, we now regularly host social occasions to give the children and parents a chance to bond with new friends. It has really helped with the community feel and we like to think it has created a loyalty to our club which is stronger than ever.

base, through better inclusion and recruitment Years 2-5 Reinstate Womens/Girls rugby back at the club Years 2-5 Get Chipstead out of the Surrey Leagues, with better player recruitment, retention and coaching facilities Years 3-5 Make the love of rugby, fun, discipline and inclusivity part of the Chipsteads DNA - Years 1-5 WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURS TO BE A COMMUNITY CLUB AND IF YES HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH LOCAL PEOPLE/BUSINESSES?

WHERE DO YOU ENVISAGE THE CLUB WILL BE IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

Gain promotion from Surrey 2 back into Surrey - Years 1-2 Retention and Recruitment - retain core basis of both current senior teams.

Continue development of Academy players to allow integration into Senior teams.

Build more effective ways to recruit new members into our Club; with a view to having x3 senior sides - Years 1-2 Bridge the gap between the Minis & Juniors section and the Seniors side of the club, bringing in a fully integrated mentality and ethos throughout Years 1-2 Develop our Coaching pool, to increase the level of coaching offered throughout the club, giving better game & skill development to all age CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR SUCCESSFUL COLTS TEAM? AND HOW DOES THE CLUB ENSURE THAT YOUNG PLAYERS ENJOY A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE SENIOR GAME?

The Colts have previously been an age group where players relationships end with Chipstead. Players usually move on to university or go on to play at a higher level.

Coaches have also moved on after dedicating a decade of Sundays to Chipstead.

Our focus as a club has shifted with the introduction of a permanent Colts coach,

groups, with at least x1 Level 2 qualified coach for each age group (best case) - Years 2-3 Make the club a place where our members/players and others want to spend time in and have fun, all in line with club discipline and ethos - Years 2-3 Discipline and attitude, play the game within the RFU ethos that it is meant to be and change existing attitude towards training and rugby Years 1-2 Increase our sponsorship base, allowing for more funds to be available with a view to provide free kit or at least subsidised kit to all players across the club and to also allow for better facilities and training equipment - Years 2-5 Increase the diversity of our members and player Darren Lilley, working closely with Senior coach Brian Small, the Colts have now become a conduit to senior rugby. Brian has invited the senior colts boys to train with the men’s team, and a number of our Colts have made their senior debuts this season. Contributing handsomely to the success of the second team. Over their season, the Colts played 13 games winning 9 and only losing 4.

We were able to avenge 4 of the defeats. We won the Surrey Maple Shield and finished runner up in the Harlequins Cup.

Chipstead is very much a community club. Most of the children in our minis section attend and have been recruited from local community schools. The Club interacts and publicises itself at local events and we have created good relationships with local businesses over the years. The ground the club sits on, is owned by the local council and is shared with members of the local public. We pride ourselves and being an all welcoming, accessible club for everyone.

CONTINUED...

ED BUSH, 1ST XV SKIPPER. (A GRADUATE OF CHIPSTEAD RFC`S MINI AND JUNIOR SECTION.)

The 21/22 has not only been a season of great success on the pitch for Chipstead Rugby Club it has been equally impressive off of it too. After a tough 2 years, which saw the 1st team being hit with an excessive points deduction, dwindling player numbers across the senior section, the 1st team relegated and to then be hit by COVID- our rebuild has been even more impressive than we thought!

Starting in the summer of 2021 a touch tournament showed that the players were keen but the skill, numbers and quality wasn’t quite there to compete and aim for promotion.

Ever since then I have had the pleasure of clinging on to the hard work of Brian (Head Coach), Ben (DOR) and the rest of the coaching group.

We have thankfully been able to transfer their hard work onto the pitch. After a few blips. pre-Christmas, we went on a unbeaten run which saw us beat league leaders Old Blues with a last minute penalty; beautifully kicked by Calum Kingsley-Smith before clinching the league over then league leaders Old Freeman’s.

This saw us blow them off the park with a 34-5 victory!

I’ve had some real highs and lows over the last 5 years as Chipstead Rugby Club captain but this season is without doubt the highlight of my time here and long may it continue!

51

CONTINUED...

HOW IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ARE YOUR SPONSORS TO YOUR CLUB?

Our sponsors hugely valuable and are all very important. Without the support of local businesses and sponsors, we would be without a large amount of players & coaches kit, equipment and a number of facilities we have would be extremely hard to maintain.

It’s the club’s sponsors that help allow the Club and its activities to be affordable and accessible to our members.

DO YOU HAVE JUNIOR AND SENIOR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

Our vision is the same throughout the club.

To create an inclusive environment that produces confident and competent rugby players that play hard but fair. Establishing Chipstead as one of the foremost clubs in Surrey.

PLEASE FINISH OFF

BY TELLING ME WHAT MAKES YOUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE PART OF?

With Surrey being a hot bed of successful rugby clubs and schools, Chipstead as a smaller club finds itself in the middle of a high number of big and successful clubs.

Chipstead perfectly treads the line between a familyfriendly and inclusive rugby club and a competitive club that is determined to grow and improve. Our members have the privilege of being part of a club that nurtures its players and invests in their development. The current senior section is made up of more than 80% players who played their mini and junior

rugby at the club.

This creates an amazing family/community atmosphere with many fathers/sons and brothers all having played for Chipstead Rugby Club.

Members feel a strong

connection with the players as they have established relationships over many years.

As a coach, I have had the luxury of coaching and playing rugby with many of these young men, my own son`s included.

PETER RENN DLA ARCHITECTS

“It’s wonderful news that the rugby club have been promoted and crowned Champions this season whilst being recognised for their outstanding community work. As an ex rugby player I’m aware of the great and valuable service that grassroots clubs like Bletchley provide to our local communities.

Since my good friend Paul Warren, who was a great club stalwart, passed away I haven’t been down to the club much; Paul was usually the one who provided the motivation and who would twist my arm, and I’m grateful he did. I would like to thank everybody at the club for the great times and memories over the years and I know that Bletchley Rugby Club are in very good hands with the many great people they still have involved down there!”

52

A commitment to design excellence and to unlocking the potential in all sites. Based in Milton Keynes, we work with our clients throughout the UK to understand and fulfill their aspirations.

01908 259719 www.dla-architects.com prenn@dla-architects.com

A BRIEF HISTORY

THE CHIPSTEAD FLAMES

The Chipstead Flames are a Touch Rugby team that started April 2021 – We play at Chipstead, Surrey every Wednesday evening, often with our children on the sidelines because sometimes mums do what they have to do The team was the brainwave of two Mums, Kristen and Catherine who, fed up with watching their children have all the fun, were overheard bemoaning by a nearby coach who offered to

Brian Small, Surrey Rugby`s Lower X V Coach of the Season 2021-2022

coach them a week later the Flames were ignited.

They continue to welcome any women over 18, of any ability who have a pair of trainers and a have-a-go outlook. A team of normal people, of all ages, shapes, sizes and levels of fitness, most of us had never picked up a rugby ball when we started. It’s not even a year later and it’s safe to say we are all addicted to Touch Rugby and continuously trying to spread the rugby love to anyone who will listen.

Despite being a very new team, we have played against the CRFC U16 boys (ouch!), the CRFC coaches, and organised friendlies against neighbouring Reigate, Dorking, Caterham and Warlingham women’s teams. We have registered with England Touch and are attending regular SE development days.

The team will be touring Barcelona in May 2022. We stay on for drinks and banter in the clubhouse after training, run woodland trails together regularly every Friday, meet for drinks at the local wine bar (our major sponsor), and have become firm friends.

Chipstead RFC was born in the late summer of 1959, the Club had no pitch, no Clubhouse, and only about eight likely players, the chances of success were not very high as Chipstead was right in the middle of a very strong Club and Old Boys area.

The first Match was against a XV from Hove RFC in early September 1959 where the Club managed to field a side of just 13 Players. The attached fixture list for our first season shows the initial games were all played away.

However with the advent of pitches at the Meads an old brick Air Raid Shelter was our very first changing rooms and this still forms part of the current Clubhouse. We then moved onto wooden builder’s site hut kindly rented to us for a pepper-corn rent by the late Norman Wates, but a lack of washing facilities meant you took your opposite number back to your own house for a bath/shower before post match drinks at the White Hart.

Until the advent of Leagues in 1987 our ‘friendly fixtures’ took us to Bognor on the South Coast, Antlers (now Teddington) north of the Thames to Charlton Park in South East London and even Harlequins 2nds in the west. All the away trips had a number of watering holes you were obliged to visit on the way back. However Leagues meant we focussed on Surrey Clubs and over the years we have oscillated between Surrey Leagues 1 & 2.

Mini and Junior rugby has always been an important part of Club life and we can boast that more than 80% of our Senior Squad has come through that pathway.

CONTACT THE CLUB

The Meads High Road Chipstead Surrey CR5 3SB

01737 555230 www.chipsteadrfc.co.uk

53

Once you’ve tackled this, give our comfy sofas a try.

Proud supporters of Chipstead Rugby Club

Chartered Financial Planning Investment & Pensions Advice www.qifinancialsolutions.co.uk / 020 8655 3322

Proud sponsors of Chipstead RFC PAUL ANNYS, PLAYER & SPONSOR, CHIPSTEAD RFC

I have always loved Chipstead Rugby Club and I am still a current player there for the clubs 2nd XV as a 2nd row forward. Unfortunately, I broke some ribs at the tail end of last season but still managed to make it along and support the lads anyway with both 1sts & 2nds gaining promotion! When my family and I moved home towards Lingfield direction it was unfortunately no longer practical for our kids to go to Chipstead, the commute was

PETER HARRISON, SUPPORTER & SPONSOR AND CHARLIE HARRISON, SUPPORTER, EX-PLAYER & SPONSOR OF CHIPSTEAD RFC (FATHER & SON AND CLUB PRINCIPAL SPONSORS WITH FURNITURE VILLAGE).

Peter said: “I have lived locally to Chipstead for more than 40 years now and have always enjoyed being involved and being part of this wonderful club that serves our local communities so well. The club continues to hold a special place for me, and many great times and memories have been had, whether on tour with the lads or enjoying the atmosphere and conversation during a pre-match lunch.

As an ex-rugby player and fan of this great sport I have had the privilege of spending time with many talented players at both club and international level and this season Chipstead RFC`s 2021/2022 campaign must go down as one of their most successful in their history!

The players and members, bound by their passion and togetherness, have definitely acted as a central fugal force in pulling everybody in the same positive direction.

Chipstead Rugby Club are very much a family club and as a company Furniture Village are always delighted to help out and support this fabulous club, and its equally exceptional people, whenever we can!

Congratulations on an outstanding Season!”

just too much, so thankfully my three boys, Oscar, Edward and James were able to have access to another good club at Edenbridge RFC. Chipstead was where they received an excellent grounding!

My experiences have only been positive at Chipstead Rugby Club and I would highly recommend to anyone who would like to make some friends and enjoy sport, to come along and have a bash yourself, preseason is about to start and your just in time for a summer workout!

Charlie continued: “My dad took me down to Chipstead from the age of 7 and I continued playing through all the ranks up until the age of 18. Most weekends were spent playing club and school rugby and it was a very enjoyable time in my life. I made some lifelong friends at the club and feel that the high level of commitment by the club and its coaches had a very positive impact on us all back then. The values I learned from rugby have stood me in good stead to this day.

I suppose I come from a rugby family and there are many good clubs around where volunteers, unsung heroes, give freely of their time to help our children and young people experience the gifts of rugby. Unfortunately, due to family and work commitments, I don’t get down to see my friends as often as I would like but I am always aware of how the season is developing. With most of the club members coming from families who are all involved at the club and 90% of the senior squads’ players produced through the club’s junior section, this is surely a club which will be around for a long time.

I too would like to send my best wishes and congratulations to everybody at Chipstead Rugby Club, on an amazing season, and to recognise the importance of the foundations they continue to build for our future generations!”

DAVID ARGENT, SUPPORTER & SPONSOR OF CHIPSTEAD RUGBY CLUB.

I suppose I was always a sportsman and started my own career firstly in Football, with Chipstead FC, before joining the army where I played both Football and Rugby. When Peter Nicholls invited my son David and myself to come up to the club I could see straight away what a real close nit bunch of friendly people they were. I instantly felt at home amongst them, and David has been there for 6 consecutive years now and still absolutely loves it!

My experiences at the rugby club often takes me back to my days in the army when we all had each other’s back, 100%! Everybody’s welcome at Chipstead Rugby Club and what a great way to meet nice and genuine

people; the VP dinners are exceptional!

From the players, members and coaches this 2021/2022 season has been outstanding and the connection amongst everybody has be magnificent. I would like to congratulate everyone on such a great season but in particular I would like to thank everyone at Chipstead Rugby Club on giving me so much in friendship and fellowship. Our club is a fantastic example and true bastion of a rugby football club; camaraderie and inclusiveness is freely given to anyone who crosses its doors!

As the club moves forwards, and expands, we have many great opportunities for local businesses to connect with our proactive members. If your interested in sponsoring Chipstead Rugby Club please don’t hesitate to contact me on: 07515434774 (David Argent)

SPECIALISTS IN COMMERCIAL REFURBISHMENT, IN AND AROUND LONDON Commercial Contractors Fit Out Specialists Specialist Projects Complete Renovation

www.aspire-commercial.com 020 3900 3203 INFO@ASPIRE-COMMERCIAL.COM 55

Finchley RFC Chatting to Luke Hammersley, Chairman of Sponsorship and Communications, U16s Coach.

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE CLUB, ON AND OFF THE PITCH, IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

We are working hard to strengthen in all areas, always with a mission to create the best rugby experience we can for players, coaches, social members and our alumni.

We want to secure rugby at Summers Lane for the decades to come, focussing on sustainable initiatives, player progression from minis upwards and long-term financial stability. Specifically, we have set a new Diversity, Equality and Inclusion policy and will seek to engage ever more with the wonderfully diverse cultural communities of North London, where we are based. Success will come in the form of a larger, more diverse, deeply engaged membership who love spending time at the club.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

I have been involved since my son started playing aged 8, so nearly 7 years now, staring as coach in mini rugby; next season I will continue to coach the under 16s with my fellow coach Richard Bamford.

Last season I took on the committee position as chair of sponsorship & communications, supporting the development and progression of the club post-pandemic and as we prepare for our centenary season in 2025.

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/ TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

We are a community club that rely on volunteer support and the typical revenue streams available to small sports organisations to operate sustainably, whilst also keeping an agenda for growth and improvement alive. We know a better rugby and social experience will impact positively on membership but realising our development ideas whilst balancing the books is the hardest thing – as I’m sure it is for all clubs in our position.

CAN YOU LET ME KNOW ABOUT ANY AMBITIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ON AND OFF THE PITCH?

In 1925 our club played their first matches as Finchley RFC, so we are soon to turn 100 years old. We have set an agenda to review and improve every facet of our organisation on and off the pitch all under the vision of becoming the most highly regarded community rugby club in North London Drawing upon the incredible professional skills from our club membership, seniors through to minis, we have a number of specific workstreams in progress and an expanded committee with a focus on diversity and expansion.

We hit our targets off the pitch, and seen some exceptional successes on it this season; our 1st XV won their division to be promoted to London 2 NW next season, our Girls & Women’s teams have seen exceptional growth, with numbers doubling in a 12 month period plus several girls selected for country honours for the first time.

We have 8 players in the London Irish Academy pathway at U14 & U15 and for over 35s we restarted our Vet’s team and launched a new mixed 35+ touch rugby side. The plan is to double down on the hard work with

56

club engagement to continue on this trajectory.

DO YOU HAVE JUNIOR AND SENIOR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

As part of our redevelopment process we created a new Director of Rugby role, filled

by James Clarke, also Head of Rugby at QE Boys School and Coach of the Jamaica National Rugby 7s team.

James is former club captain at Finchley so knows the club ethos and has set a coaching and player skills pathway with common themes shared from youth to senior rugby.

All our coaches are volunteers with different rugby backgrounds of their own, so investing in their development and aligning methods has been highlighted as a key matter to get right. We have made a good start but there is lots to be done and it is a 5 year plan really when your taking players from youth through to seniors.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

The two main stories from the club worth sharing span several decades.

We were unfortunate to lose one of our most illustrious alumni this year aged just 63.

Pat Kamara played a huge part in the success of Finchley during the 1970’s & 80’s as a player, club captain and in launching the mini & youth sections. Born in London in 1957 to parents from Sierra Leone Pat was an electric player who saw great success, at a time when his racial heritage made life tough.

His father left to return to Africa, and he was fostered out by his mother. Sport was his passion, he played football for HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

Mood is very good after 1st XV promotion, growth in female rugby and lots of positives from mini & youth, with 3 of our youth teams winning their Herts & Mids leagues. Roll-on 2023!

Barnet and attracted interest from Arsenal and Southampton, but his heart was with rugby and he left Finchley RFC as a 20 year old to join Saracens, scoring twice on his debut and prolifically in that season.

Rivals Wasps took him away from Sarries in 1982 and he played alongside England Trio, Nigel Melville, Huw Davies and Nick Stringer.

He returned to Finchley in 1987, captaining the club to a double in the Middlesex Cup and promotion from county to the higher London Leagues.

More recently we are exceptionally proud of former Finchley mini player, Kelsey Clifford who is now with Saracen’s Women, as a pro player, also representing England at under 20 level throughout the season. Kelsey has given her time to remember her former junior club and has been an inspiration already to many of our boys’ and girls’ teams.

HOW IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ARE YOUR SPONSORS TO YOUR CLUB?

Sponsors are critical and we are busy seeking new ways to ensure that sponsorship is meaningful and productive for our businesses; not just a donation to us each year.

With our senior team sponsor and Healthcare provide OneWelbeck, we have run joint events, developed video content to support their healthcare services and are planning targeted women and girls events to align our agendas and theirs.

In this way we are looking to build long-lasting relationships with sponsors, whether at local business or a major organisation, with a simple value proposition for both sides.

PLEASE FINISH OFF BY TELLING ME WHAT MAKES YOUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE PART OF?

We are a typical rugby club, good people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds coming together around a game that whilst physical and tough are centred on discipline, hard work, camaraderie and above all fun. Long may that continue at Finchley Rugby Club!

CLUB HISTORY

The club was founded in its present form on Monday 21 December 1925 under the chairmanship of AF Carris, who was elected President, with RA “Johnny” Johnson as Secretary.

Although there are records showing that Finchley Rugby Club was originated in 1875, this cannot be confirmed as records are rather sketchy.

The first game the club played in its present format was on 26 December 1925 against Barnet Grammar School which the club won 18pts-6pts. Since then this annual fixture was arranged with Barnet Rugby Club until 1996 playing for the Brown Bowler, which resides at Barnet RFC. The club’s home ground in 1925 was Arden Field, now Finchley Cricket Club ground.

In 1926-29 two pitches were obtained in Colindale.

The clubs original colours were sky blue and thin black hoops, until 1930 when they changed to a broad Scarlet and Grey hoop, these remained until 1947 when the club adopted its present Scarlet and White hoops.

In 1929 the club moved to its present ground in Summers Lane, in 1931 the 500 seat stand was completed and the changing rooms and clubhouse were housed underneath.

During the period from 1929 to 1939 the club grew and regularly fielded 5 sides.

At the outbreak of war the club closed until 1946, on its re-opening polar trees were planted on the East side of the ground in 1948 to commemorate the loss of club members during the Second World War. In 1963 the Finchley Colts (U18) section was formed but unfortunately ceased in 1987. During those years many players represented Middlesex Colts with 13 of the 1976-77 side representing the county and also 3 representing England.

On 10 April 1968 the present clubhouse which was funded and built by the members was opened by George Barry MBE, President of Middlesex RFU. In 1975 the club celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a dinner at the Royal Garden

Hotel Kensington and matches played at Summers Lane against Public School Wanderers and an International XV. A rugby ball was run by members of the club from Rugby School to Summers Lane, participants were presented by Carwyn James with a commemorative tie.

The introduction of league rugby in 1987 saw a major upturn in the Club’s playing fortunes. In 1988 the club achieved “the double” winning the Middlesex Cup and gaining promotion from Middlesex 1 to London 3 North league, rising the following year to London 2 North.

Most notable during this period was the Club’s progression through the National cup competition, achieving TV coverage after beating Lydney and finally losing to Richmond in the 3rd round.

In the 1980’s the mini/junior section was formed by Garnet Edwards and currently fields 11 sides from age 7 to 17.

In 2000 the club celebrated its 75th year.

Over the years the Club has produced a number of players who have distinguished themselves at both National and County level, John Blyth (Wales U16 and U19), Barry Bean (England U19), George Bignell ( Wasps and Middlesex), Clint Mc Gregor (Saracens, Augouleme, Middlesex and England “B”), Pat Kamara (Saracens, Wasps and Middlesex), Dean Mitchell (Ireland U19).

During the years the club has had a number of notable stalwarts, Charles Matthews, Pat Connolly, Bob West, Dave O’Brien, Garnet Edwards and Carl Elliott who is the only person in the history of the club to have held all the major positions as Club Captain, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer and President.

In September 2005 the club was nominated as the RFU inaugural club to be visited by the RFU groundforce team who re-decorated the inside and outside of the clubhouse and repainted the outside of the stand.

In November 2005 floodlights were installed around the top playing pitch.

In February 2006 the Mini/ Junior/Youth section of the club attained the Middx RFU “seal of approval”.

In April 2006 the club won Herts/Middx 1 league, securing promotion to Powergen London North West Division 4.

In July 2006 the club was registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club and changing rooms refurbished and modernised in September 2006.

CONTINUED...

57

CONTINUED...

IN A THRILLING FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON, FINCHLEY RUGBY CLUB’S 1ST XV WERE CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF LONDON DIVISION 3 NW

In an enthralling, see-sawing match in front of a big crowd at Summers Lane, Finchley beat local rivals, third placed Hendon 25-18 to seal promotion ahead of Welwyn.

It capped a great season for a young Finchley side in a highly competitive division that prior to the last weekend saw 6 clubs vying for the title.

On a blustery day with the weather shifting from sunshine to showers, Finchley started quickly, stretching the Hendon defence with quick ball from the forwards allowing the speed of their backs to break the Hendon line and gain good ground.

Finchley got the first score, with a penalty by Inigo SaxonStone. Two tries followed in quick succession, firstly from co-captain Dom Goring and then centre Ben O’Donohoe, sprinting in at the corner to give Finchley a 10-0 lead. But Hendon regrouped and after a series of penalties led to a Finchley yellow card, they scored a well-worked try and then a penalty.

Half-time: 13-8 to Finchley The second half was close throughout, infringements from both sides gave positional advantage to one side and then the other. Hendon scored early to bring the scores level and then, following a second yellow card against Finchley, scored a break away try to lead 18-13 with 15 minutes to go. With a try disallowed for Finchley and the news of promotion rivals Welwyn have secured a bonus point win the nervousness of the crowd was palpable. But a try from Sam Green brought it level at 18-18 and the noise level rose. Finchley had to score again to go up. Both teams were tiring but Hendon defended their line resolutely and with a minute to go kicked clear but failed to find touch.

Finchley attacked again and Hendon gave away a penalty 40m from their try line. The referee signalled it was the last

58

play of the match. Scrum-half Inigo Saxon- Stone spotted a gap, took a quick tap, and made twenty metres through Hendon’s defence and, as he was tackled, passed to fly-half Drew Williams to sprint in and dive over to score under the posts. The try was converted

by Fintan Shaw, the youngest player on the pitch, securing the bonus-point win and leading to raucous celebrations by players and supporters.

Ed Kiddle, Finchley cocaptain, said that it was “the most remarkable game I’ve ever played, I genuinely thought we had thrown away the league, only to win it in the most dramatic style” Coach Aleks McCarthy reflected, “The team played fantastic rugby throughout the season, particularly at home where we won eight of our nine matches. The foundation of our league win was our defence. We conceded fewer points than any other team and we were very effective on the counter attack, scoring some brilliant length of the field tries.” The team is built around many players who have developed through Finchley’s Mini and Youth teams.

The junior teams have also had a very successful season and fittingly, on the same weekend, one of the club’s former Minis players, Kelsey Clifford, played for England Women U20 v France.

Finchley Club Chairman, George Loureda, said “I am extremely proud, and it is so pleasing because our coaches and the vast majority of the team have come up through our mini and youth ranks, and for this reason we owe a great gratitude to all the coaching volunteers who over many years have trained and developed our coaches and players. This is truly a victory for all at Finchley.”

It’s been fantastic to be part of Finchley RFC’s winning season, especially as our sponsorship has gone beyond just a logo on the men’s kit. From inviting some of the players from both the men’s and women’s team to take part in fitness trials at our centre, to hosting an event at Saracens StoneX focusing on sports injury recovery, the OneWelbeck/ Finchley partnership has been educational and informative on both sides.

Our consultants in particular have enjoyed getting to know some of the club members and players, resulting in new patients for OneWelbeck and a keen interest in local rugby for Finchley RFC.

Helping keep your project moving in the right direction

An award-winning UK-based construction planning & project controls consultancy Project Management Planning Management Despute Resolution and avoidance Functional Lead Service Cost Managmenet Project Controls Project estimations Risk Management Document Management

+44 (0)20 3544 2325 www.metisplan.co.uk

IN THEIR INAUGURAL SEASON, FINCHLEY WOMEN HAVE BEEN MAGNIFICENT, GROWING THE TEAM AND LOSING ONLY 1 GAME ALL SEASON!

ANTONY MORTON, SUPPORTER & SPONSOR (METISPLAN)

My Connection with Finchley Rugby Club came through a parent I was chatting with who mentioned their team were on the lookout for a sponsor. As a fan of team sports and the shared values we have with rugby i felt this was definitely something we would be keen to pursue.

My fellow director, who lives in Darlington, had the pleasure of attending a Finchley RFC fixture with his family and thoroughly enjoyed the whole occasion.

As a business health, wellbeing and environmental matters are of high priority to us, demonstrated recently when we installed an Electric Charge point at our Weybridge site, and sport is a great way for us to transport this message to those who

are very much part of the outdoor sports fraternity.

Its fantastic to witness the club’s success and development and we are delighted to say that Finchley Rugby Club has our full support moving forward. It was a real pleasure to see the joy in the club`s younger players faces when they received their new kits and the gracious and kind messages from their parents were very humbling; youth development has to be a priority in any walk of life!

Finchley Rugby Club provides a great hub for people of all ages and throughout their local community to make friends, stay healthy and have fun and i would like to congratulate everyone at the club on such a successful season and wish them all the very best of continued success for the future!

Considering this was their inaugural season, the ladies have been fantastic and the side has grown through the year in every way.

We only lost only 1 game all season and this was against an established team; testament to their ability and willingness to learn and take on feedback. Coaching these ladies has been a breath of fresh air and I believe they will continue to improve and realise their excellent potential.

Although they have played various touch rules over the season, a number of them tried their hand at contact training and seemed to enjoy it, which is encouraging as we may eventually be able to field both a touch team and a contact team.

Finchley ladies team has shown amazing teamwork and support play during games which proved decisive in victories over OGs and Fairford Vixens

when playing ‘ready-forrugby’ rules. With a little more work on passing and drawing the player, I am confident we could have beaten Leyton Buzzard, who only narrowly defeated us in our final game.

The future is bright for Finchley Ladies and I am looking forward to next season.

Coach Eddie Buxton Jnr.

CONTACT THE CLUB

Summers Lane London Middlesex N12 0PD

0208 445 3746 www.pitchero.com/clubs/finchley

59

Camberley RFC MIKE FRANZKOWIAK (CLUB PRESIDENT 2020 – PRESENT)

I moved to Camberley in 1981 and being a fan and former player of rugby myself i started going down to watch the club`s 1st XV with a teacher friend of mine who lived in Mychett and whose son played in the minis, as it was called then. It was the friendly nature of the club and its supporters that drew me into becoming more involved and my own son Andrew, who was coming up to six years old seemed to be keen on the rough and tumble of the sport whilst enjoying all the tackling and contact.

I began to get involved in the club around 1985 and having both played for Old Hamptonians (the OBs of the school I taught in for 35 years!) and coached Junior sides from U12s to 2nd XV at Hampton School it was a natural step to volunteer to help with the coaching at the Rugby Club. Fortunately for me Andrew loved his rugby and there was never a moment when on a cold and wet Sunday morning I had to drag him down to the club, if anything it may have been the other way round at times!

I was hooked and through the coming years I progressed through the coaching awards up to Level Three and took on Chair of Junior Rugby at the club and instigated the training of all the coaches we had. The Minis and the Juniors in those days were thriving, as they are now, with over 400 boys and girls turning up on a Sunday morning.

At this time, I was asked by Roger Chamberlain if I would be Head Coach for the Surrey Under 17s, which I agreed to.

I reorganised the selection policy for the county, giving all players a greater chance to show their skills in the trials.

From there I was asked to be joint Head Coach for London Division U18s (after the Horner Report in 1996 split Junior Rugby into a. Schools Rugby and b. Club Rugby).

During this time I joined up with Alan Rise (a player

60

and coach for many years at Camberley RFC) to coach the Surrey Clubs U17s, U18s and Camberley RFC 2nd XV; in the days when Camberley was playing in the National Leagues.

Alan and I had a vision to link the Juniors through the Academy to the Senior Sides, which at that time did not really happen, and so I was delighted when his son Gareth, our present Director of Coaching, and Alan himself, managed to put this vision into practice and as a result we have not only got a very strong 1st XV but the links created through to the 2nd XV and the Academy have given the Rugby Club a strength in depth and a passion as for Camberley RFC. This resulted in us winning the London 1 South Division this year with some fantastic open, running rugby which has always been my preference as to how the game should be played.

This probably is the greatest moment for me as well as being honoured to be asked to be President of the club over the next few years.

WHAT WERE YOUR MEMORIES OF COACHING JUNIOR RUGBY?

“Minis and Juniors” 1985 to 2000

I began coaching the U7s in 1985 when it was Mini Rugby with full contact!!! Slowly the RFU introduced new plans for Mini and Junior Rugby with noncontact introduced up to the U9s, and aspects of the game of rugby gradually introduced such as scrums and lineouts, so that by U13s Junior Rugby we had a full 15 a side game. I remember taking an U8s to the London Irish Mini Festival and at that time Ireland had introduced non-contact rugby, so the invited team from Ireland had not practiced tackling.

I was asked by their coach to do a “crash course” on tackling 30 minutes before their first game in the tournament! Through the following years we made sure that every squad had Qualified Coaches and First Aiders, and with contacts made with local schools we maintained the squad numbers all through the age groups. By the time I got to coaching the Academy team (U19s) the 1st XV was playing in the National Leagues and we wanted to build a link between the promising young

players and senior rugby teams.

Twenty years on and it is only really in the past few years that this dream has come true largely due to Alan and Gareth Rise’s vision through their experiences with Camberley RFC – Alan having played for the club when I first joined in 1985 and his son Gareth, who experienced playing as a Mini and a Junior at the club. Now we are seeing the club gradually climb back up to the dizzy heights of National League Rugby gaining promotion from London 1 South this year with a mixture of home-grown players and players from outside who show an absolute commitment to Camberley RFC.

HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

Through a very active Executive, Supporters Club, Coaching Staff, Players and Parents the club is going through a very positive phase of its existence. Success on the rugby pitch obviously counts for a lot and helps generate a great club identity, but there are many ex-players, supporters and coaches who can also remember the hard times too. Many of them have supported the club in whatever capacity through thick and thin and it is therefore heart-warming to see the club thriving at present.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

Dave Ball (1st XV Captain) and son Jake Ball (Welsh International), who played for Camberley Minis and Juniors.

Phil Burgess – Camberley Minis, Juniors and Academy, Harlequins Academy, Cornish Pirates, Captained England 7s (Olympics 2016 Silver medal) Alex & Fran Matthews both have played for England, Fran is now retired from the game, but Alex remains much involved. Alex was in Tokyo for GB 7’s duties, and is much involved in 15’s too. She was in fact wearing the No. 6 shirt last Sunday when England beat Wales by a big score in their Six Nations game.

(10/04/22).

Sarah Escott was our first international player, as a prop for England for several years, with the Escott family

also living “just across the park” from our clubhouse, on Watchetts Drive.

Rhodri McAtee – Played for Worcester, Cornish Pirates and Wales 7s Ben Gotting (Wasps, Worcester, England U21s) WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR CAMBERLEY RFC?

It has always been a very welcoming club both to new members, past members who return and of course our visitors.

HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUTH RUGBY TO THE CLUB?

To the vast majority of clubs Youth Rugby is vital for the future of the game and their club. Camberley is no exception. Camberley is a “Local Town Club” and will always rely on parents bringing their children down to play for Camberley, whether it be the Kids First squads, The Boys Youth Squads or the Girls Youth squads. Camberley was one of the first clubs to create and develop a “Junior Section”.

It has always tried to be up to speed with the latest developments of Youth Rugby.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURS TO BE A COMMUNITY CLUB?

Camberley has always been a community club. Its location in Watchett’s Park (A Surrey Heath Public Park) has been a huge help in this. Local people use the park and see at first hand Adult Rugby being played on a Saturday or the huge number of children who turn up with their parents on a Sunday.

Neighbours witness training on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings! And Surrey Heath Council have been very supportive over the years in allowing us to develop the clubhouse and looking after the pitches.

Camberley Rugby Club is exceptional. The team of volunteers provides fantastic junior rugby opportunities, and the senior teams enjoy much success. My son started his rugby career at the club, and it was a foundation for his love of the sport. Some of our teaching staff have represented the club and many of our pupils our members. We are proud to be a sponsor and feel the club shares our ethos of pride, respect, and togetherness.

Andrew Rudkin Headmaster - Lyndhurst Prep School, Camberley

ROGER WOODCHAIRMAN OF RUGBY HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

I have been involved in the club since 2013, having moved down from Sheffield.

WHAT ASPECTS OF THE CLUB HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH AND EXPLAIN HOW AND ANY GREAT MOMENTS FROM THAT?

Over the last nearly 10 years I have been involved in a number of roles. It all started on the pitch where I was 1st XV captain for 4 years, taking on the club captain role for 5 years too. We won three promotions in that time from Surrey 1 to London 1. We also won the Surrey Cup and also the Intermediate RFU Cup at Twickenham.

As the legs have begun to give up on me, I have initially took on the role of Deputy Chair of Rugby, before taking the role of Chair of Rugby three seasons ago. This role involves overseeing the playing side of the club from the kinders (under 5s) through to the Gin and Tonics (vets). The main part of my role is overseeing the senior section, alongside the Director of Rugby. Since taking over we

have continued in our goal of reaching the National Leagues and finished our season as Chamions of our league!

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/ TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

When I first joined the club we were very much in a rebuilding phase, having been relegated a number of leagues in quick succession. Gareth Rise, the current DoR, started at the same time and the club started the process of re building.

We have worked hard to construct some solid foundations, starting with getting things right off the pitch to ensure that we can progress in a sustainable manner. There have been a few knocks along the way, losing cup finals and promotions playoffs, but we have continued to push forwards and now have been promoted for the 4th time!

Coronavirus has obviously hit us hard. Luckily, we managed to keep the majority of the senior sides together, although, the 2nd and 3rd XVs were most affected and we have had to some rebuilding there. This year we have only managed to field two regular sides, although next year we have the aim of running three regular teams.

CAN YOU LET ME KNOW ANY AMBITIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ON AND OFF THE PITCH?

On the playing front the National Leagues has always been our aim. We are currently on target for this and we hope to reach National 2 in coming seasons.

Off the pitch we have been working hard to develop the senior section. To this end we have brought together the Academy, which features the u16-18. The aim here is to provide expert coaching and start the transition of players from the youth set up to the senior set up.

The has also been a lot of work in the women’s section and this season we appointed our first female DoR, Kim Johnson, who oversees the section as a whole which includes the Women’s 1st XV and the youth sides.

DO YOU HAVE JUNIOR AND SENIOR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

As Chair of Rugby I run the Rugby Committee which features the chairs of the mini, youth and academy sections.

As well as the DoR for the Men’s and Women’s teams.

In this set up we also have a Coaching Co-Ordinator, and his role is oversee the coaching throughout the club and ensure that we have suitably qualified people in the correct places.

It is in this committee that we try to ensure a consistency of coaching throughout the club. With enjoyment and engagement being the focus further down the club, getting more competition based as we move towards the senior set up.

Fundamentally, engagement is a big focus, and we want boys, girls, men and women all to enjoy what rugby can offer.

HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUTH RUGBY TO THE CLUB?

Although the senior sides get all of the press, Camberley is very much built on its success

throughout the club. The sight at Watchetts Park on a Sunday is a sight to be seen with boys and girls from 4 to 18 all running around, engaged and enjoying their rugby. Camberley Rugby Club would simply not be the club today if it wasn’t for the junior sections.

In the current senior set up with have over 10 players who have come through the youth set up and we work hard to maintain a connection with all the sides at the club.

WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR CAMBERLEY RFC?

From the moment that I stepped foot in the club, I knew it would be somewhere that I would be spending a large portion of my time. I know it is a cliche but a rugby club is an extended family and Camberley is no exception.

The progress that the club has shown in the relatively short space of time is remarkable, and what’s the best part for me is that the club is progressing in all areas, not just with the 1st XV. HOW DOES THE CLUB ENSURE THAT YOUNG PLAYERS ENJOY A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE SENIOR GAME?

We formed the Academy (under 16-18) over 5 years ago to help manage this progression. We provide coaches from the senior section and have a Head of Academy who is responsible for the managing both the junior and senior academy. The quality of players produced from the academy is only improving so something we will continue to look to invest in.

Nursery & Pre School

61

We are

The Champions

By Roger Berry An overview of a stellar season.

A

t the start of the 2014/15 season Cam found themselves at the lowest level the club had played at since the advent of Leagues, Surrey 1 (level 9), with a very keen and driven new Head Coach/DoR, Gareth Rise aka Risey, who most of us already knew well as he had played for the club at many levels over the years.

For those in the club, players and supporters alike, who had experienced National level rugby in previous years, level 9 was a bit of a shock to say the least but the young coach made no secret of his intention to take ‘his’ club back to the National Leagues and at Medway RFC he achieved his vision when his squad again proved just too good for the Men of Kent and in doing so claimed the League title and with it promotion to Level 5 which, in earlier seasons, was the level at which the National Leagues started.

So firstly what does winning the League title mean to us next season - unless there is a complete turnaround by the RFU, we will be playing in a league which will apparently

62

bring sides together based more on their geography than in previous years - an early view indicates that potential opponents could include, London Welsh, Sutton, Wimbledon, Brighton, Havant, Maidenhead, Bracknell, Oxford, Havant, Banbury and Wootton Bassett although as we must appreciate this may all change between now and September.

So, although the future may not be as certain as usual let us look back at 2021/22 and I will begin with a fairly obvious statement, that this year’s squad is, if not the best, certainly one of the very best that the club has seen for decades. It is such a balanced group of players who have worked so hard for the entire season to achieve this outstanding result, and this applies not just to the match day squad of 18 but at least 25 of the senior squad who have become pretty interchangeable during the season.

Let’s just say that the season did not get off to the best of starts with a dire performance at newcomers Hammersmith and I know that the squad, particularly the guys who actually played that day are all pumped for the return fixture on the 23rd when they plan to redeem themselves.

Fortunately things improved a tad and we then managed to claim a couple of maximums against local rivals

Farnham and Guildford (always very good for the soul) before nilling Chichester at Watchetts, apparently the first time it had happened to the South Coast side for several years.

A foolhardy few of us then almost drowned watching a tight W up at Battersea, played in the most severe rain many of us had experienced, before the long awaited game against the Welsh at Watchetts in October. That game got off to a great start and things were going really

well for Cam until an unlucky/ careless knee by Cam turned what should have been a 19-0 lead into 60 mins of playing with 14, which was just too big an ask against a top side resulting in defeat #2 – definitely not part of the Grand Plan.

However this setback proved to be the team’s Eureka moment, as from that day in October they set off on what was to prove to be an epic run which has seen them string together 17 wins on the bounce and in addition claiming the tbp every time.

This saw the team build through November and by the time we reached December the League already was looking like a 3 horse race with Welsh out in front and Cam and Medway chasing. So when the Kent side visited Watchetts on a dark December Saturday a hard fought win for the black and ambers provided just the confidence they needed with their return trip to ODP due in January.

And what a great day that proved to be – Welsh are a super club, we saw a fabulous game and for Cam to pinch their unbeaten home record after 5 years of their Project Return was very special.

Clearly at that point the drive for the league title certainly

went up another notch, and while teams around us were talking promotion, the black and ambers were now only focussed on winning the league and their determination showed as they claimed the double over Guildford and Farnham and then they also overturned, what to most of the spectators, seemed to be an unbeatable half time lead for Cobham to snatch the win and another 5 points and similarly, on another plastic pitch at Horsham the fight was evident again as they squeezed another W and slowly this Cam pressure began to tell on the title challengers and by March the black and ambers had just nudged ahead of Welsh and Medway and claimed the top spot.

And then the week before the Medway return game, Cam had a bye giving the others chance to narrow the gap but when all three of the chasing pack surprising lost, the maths was clear – and true to their squad ethos the boys came to Medway with only one result in mind and against very tough opposition, unbeaten on their patch all season, the black and ambers again did just enough – so job done with a game to spare what a season.

To win consistently at this level a team must take control up front as most sides in the league have a good set of forwards and so I believe that our success this time round has been based on having, overall, the best and most consistent front 5 in the league and these guys have provided the platform for the team to have outscored everyone by almost 150 points, conceding almost 60 points less than anyone else and an unbeaten run stretching to 17 games, every one with a tbp.

So starting with #1 lets take a look at the guys who have played their part in this season’s success – please note all of my stats are based on the 23 games played to date.

Greg Franzel – aka The Ozzie Mole or Marvin – what a season – Greg has started every game, playing on whichever side he is asked to and this alone is a huge statement regarding his personal fitness and commitment - to start 23 games, dominate your opponent in hundreds of scrums and as a little extra score 19 tries, he has been the ultimate squad man and, if I had a vote, would be my Player of the Year We then have Clarkey at hooker – what a signing he has proved to be bringing his wealth of playing experience and his extraordinarily

physical approach to the game has really enhanced the Cam pack.

Then there is Connor, also a hooker, who again joined us during the Covid break and he brings physicality and pace to the front row and finally we have Murph another excellent #2 who clearly thinks he is a threequarter at times, making up a trio of hookers any club at this level would die for.

And these guys every Saturday cuddle up to Bazza our young, permanently bronzed, larger than life prop who is so strong at the set piece and who loves to have a dart whenever he gets the ball - understanding that he is still young as far as props go, his progress has been amazing and I look forward to seeing him pushed even harder next season.

We then finish off the front row with a couple of guys who are both working hard to make a first team place their own, Pickle and Ryan aka The Mullet both at the beginning of their senior playing careers and both with great futures and they have proved much more than simply reliable replacements when called upon to cover injuries etc.

Now, imagine two massive Shire horses harnessed together, quiet, majestic, immensely strong, determined and fearing nothing – then you have Big Dom and Voighty our indomitable locks – powerful at the scrum, imperious in the lineout and hugely physical in attack and defence and above all consistent, with both of them barely missing a game all season a combination which must be the envy of every DoR in the league.

Moving on to the back row, we have had the luxury of 6

quality players who, each in their own way, has played a big part in the success of the team this year.

Starting with ‘The Young Ones’ we have BLS, Shawa and Ed who at some stage in their relatively short past actually played together in the Academy team – and how they surprised everyone when they appeared together in the 1s this season.

We had seen Shawa play in the 1s before, I particularly remember the game at Dover in our 2018 Cup run when his chop tackling was an absolute joy to watch. Ed has, in recent seasons, had the occasional run out in the 1s and this season he has certainly worked extremely hard to ensure his name is on the teamsheet every Thursday while BLS came into the side when we had a bit of an injury crisis and was a revelation, playing 10 games on the bounce until the dreaded Covid struck and brought his 1st team season to a premature close - I do expect to see a lot more of all three off them next season .

We then have the ‘Not quite so Young Ones’ Hughsey Josh Watson aka The Warrior and skipper Birdy. Unfortunately each of them early in the season had injury issues but in the last few weeks we have seen The Warrior returning to something like his old self while Hughsey as always is simply quality and a huge asset to any team.

Much earlier in the Risey journey a much slighter version of Birdy played for the 1s in a number of positions including lock and wing would you believe and it was good to see him return this season this time settled in the back row

ROGER CHAMBERLAIN (PAST PRESIDENT)

I was asked to oversee the building of our current clubhouse in the late 1980’s and liaise with the Council on legal and funding issues, but was also refereeing with London Society during the 80’s & 90’s. When I stepped down from the County in 2,000, I was invited back onto the Club’s Committee.

Following retirement in 2003, I was on the Club’s Committee in various capacities, including setting up a weekly ‘working party’ during the noughties and early teens, when the Club was short of funds.

I stepped down after completing the construction of a self-contained changing room for our girls in 2018, for which I had to obtain planning permission, funding and oversee the construction, as well as finalise a new Lease (the 4th) for our Clubhouse from our local Council.

“Why do you feel some people have a special fondness for the Club?

I joined in early 1964 on moving to Camberley from Derbyshire to work in London, and became a member of the Committee in 1967. The Club became part of my wife Jacquie and my way of life, particularly as a Surveyor, I took on the responsibility in 1969, for obtaining planning permission and organising the building of our first Clubhouse opening in 1970, and was Club Secretary for several years, then chairman, and helped set up firstly Youth and then Mini rugby during the 1970’s.

I was also invited onto the Surrey County Executive in 1976, prior to its Centenary, and continued as the Camberley-Surrey link until after being County President.

and he has also been a great asset this season. Like any good flanker he simply grafts, and is very good at it and like any good skipper, no fuss, he just leads from the front.

Tom Chennell at 9 has been another with 20+ games and he also made the Army squad, running out at Castle Grim against the RAF – a well deserved honour, (hopefully he will be included in the squad for the Navy game) and he has been so important to the black and ambers in managing both the game and the match officials as he stood in for Birdy when the skipper was sidelined – so a really good season all round for Tom, richly deserved.

The season started, as they had done for some years now with Smarty at 10 but work and responsibilities come to us all at some time and he was eventually posted to Catterick – but not before putting in some stellar performances earlier in the season – thanks for everything Smarty and good luck in your new career.

And so along came Liam who joined us from Irish and immediately slotted in as if he had been playing with us for ever and even showed his versatility by covering the 9 position when Tom was off with the Army – much more difficult than it seems I can assure you – so well done Liam.

Probably the area of the side where we have had most fluidity during the season are the centres where Brizzle aka Jaid, Ash, brother Josh and The Flying Fijian aka Jos Lewanituva have been the main starters.

Brizzle has been outstanding this season, a real step up from previous years until a damaged finger kept him out of final few games while Big Jos had a lot of injury issues early on and was CONTINUED...

63

CONTINUED...

unable to get a good run of games until the latter part of the season but quickly reminded us all how valuable he is to the side as he acts like a magnet for the opposition defences always attracting 2 or three defenders and creating space for his team mates.

Wright the younger was a true stalwart this season and put in some really solid performances, good enough for him to join Tom in the Army squad while Wright the Elder found himself moving frequently in from his normal position on the wing to play some really good rugby at 12/13 - his try at KCS from a standing start on halfway was stunning.

Moving back we have reached the back three where we find Oyoni, The Fireman aka George and young H aka Harry Faulkner.

Oyoni has been an ever present at Watchetts certainly from the start of this journey, always playing with a smile and although he has had a quieter season than usual he is still an outstanding try scoring machine.

On the other side we welcomed the fiery Fireman to Watchetts this season and what an impact he has made – pacey, strong and with loads of experience George put all of these assets to good use by scoring some spectacular tries and ending up topping the try scoring list with 24 with 1 game to go.

Finally we come to the 15 slot where early on we saw Tommy A return for what was rumoured to be his final season but work and fitness challenges early on finally proved to much for the veteran who I first remember watching playing for the 1s when he was still a teenager with lots more hair and what a star he has been for the club on and off for 20 years – never a full back given to kick the ball if he could run it back, immensely talented and although a bit of a maverick on occasions he was always a great clubman.

"

Camberley Rugby Club is a community club and we are very proud to be a part of and to serve our local area in any way we can!

64

"

And so, almost like history repeating itself, along came Young H, still only 19, for his first season of senior rugby.

After a couple of starts at 10 he moved back to 15 and in no time made the jersey his own.

With great skills and his electric pace, would you believe that he is also a 15 who prefers to back himself by running almost everything back and he has thrilled the crowd on numerous occasions this season when he has switched on the after burners. What a first season in senior rugby for the young man- hopefully the first of many in black and amber.

Just a final note - watch out next season for another youngster, Ben Stevens who has already had a couple of starts and is quality and also has gas to spare.

I cannot produce this squad overview without mentioning the tremendous team which has built up by Risey over the last 6/7 years – these are the guys who turn up every damp and cold Tuesday and Thursday in the depths of winter to support the players in all sorts of ways.

For Risey and his coaching team, I am sure that this is probably only the first key milestone in the overall plan but still a great achievement and from day 1 he has been supported by Ash, Sam and Hughsey and latterly we have also enjoyed the experience of Mal, who happens to also br the Army coach, bringing a new energy and ideas to the table as it is so important to keep the players engaged through a long season.

Then we have the physios – always the most popular location for players on a Tuesday or Thursday (particularly if it is cold and wet!) - Connor and Sophie have been tremendous using inordinate amounts of tape each week and providing brilliant support for everyone.

We then have Tweedledum and Tweedledee aka Dave and Benny plus their mate Jim, who, as the team managers, look after everything 1s and 2s - kit, tackle bags, pitch protection, gazebos (sometime) etc, etc and even including providing Haribos and Brownies on match days – and what a fantastic job they do.

Finally let us remember that this sort of success is simply not possible without lots of support from the club and it is clear that, despite the challenges of the last few years, the stewardship of the Club by the Exec under Paddy and Graeme has been outstanding and the club would appear to be in a much better place than for many a year.

GRAEME FLEMING- CEO

GARETH RISE DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

Over my time at Camberley RFC, I have been a player, Academy coach and Director of Rugby and pretty much covered most if all age groups of rugby.

There are numerous challenges faced in coaching and for me the main dynamic is for our teams to be adaptable.

We have a great group of players and delivery staff, so we are able to overcome most obstacles however restarting after covid was always going to be a testing.

As a club we are constantly looking at ways to progress on and off the pitch.

Enjoyment is central to everything we do; the more people that enjoy their rugby the more they naturally put into it. From the perspective of coaching and development, we focus on playing an all-court game that has a large focus on micro skill execution and high levels of fundamental ability.

We particularly encourage a player-led environment as it is those players that have to perform on the pitch.

Camberley is a club that has great aspirations, but keeps things in perspective, It is a very welcoming place and we are always happy to see new, current and past members show up.

At many levels this season has been excellent, the first XV have gained promotion as champions and at other levels we are constantly developing.

In future seasons I see our First XV playing at level National 2 standard accompanied by 3 senior teams and an excellent grassroots academy program.

Camberley Rugby Club is a truly community club that has great aspirations to play at the highest level possible!

My Dad played for the club in the 70s and early 80s and my brother and I started playing when we were teenagers in the 90s. I have, I think, played for every side in the club form the u16s to the first team and still turn out for the Gin & Tonics when I can. My son Fraser plays in the U10s and is proud to be the 3rd generation of Fleming`s to play for the club.

I have been involved in most things at the club having played for the first team in some of our most and least successful periods and have been on the committee for 10 or 12 years. I have been Club Chairman, Chair of Finance and now have a newly created role as CEO. However, I still get the most pleasure from playing and now coaching the U10s (that is what I enjoy the most).

NICKI BUNDOCK CLUB SECRETARY HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

I have been in and around the club since 1980 when my brother started playing for CRFC – I can still remember my dad having a pint in the old wooden club house, and me and my sister having a lemonade and crisps outside!

My brother played for the club for 7 years and I then took a break from it, until I moved back to Camberley from Newcastle in 1995 and realised that I knew no one locally – so my first thought, in order to get an instant social life, was to start playing women’s rugby at the club. It worked and I played rugby for 2 seasons – but then gave up due to moving up to London.

I then started frequenting the club again when my nephew was a kinder (so 15 years ago) and then my own son joined as an U7 (eight years ago), it’s now his passion and our lives very much revolve around the club!

WHAT ASPECTS PF THE CLUB HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH AND EXPLAIN HOW AND ANY GREAT MOMENTS FROM THAT?

A Player –Womens team when it had not long started in 1995.

In the mid - late 90s the club became very successful on the field rising all the way to Level 3 however, our success required significant sponsorship and at times this was difficult to come by and therefore our success, at that time was unsustainable.

Over the course of 10 years we endured something of a freefall through the leagues and we ended up in Surrey 1.

Over that time, we had managed to strengthen our mini and youth offering and create a 1 club ethos as well as bringing some financial stability to the club.

We remained ambitious and appointed our current Director of Rugby in 2014 as our 1st Team Coach and established a rugby committee led by our current chairman to focus on rugby activities. The success we have achieved has been exceptional with promotions a Twickenham Cup Victory and a return to Level 5 rugby.

The club is also trading profitably, with a strong bar and catering offering and mutually beneficial relationships with local

sponsoring organisations.

We want to sustain the level of rugby we play and hopefully our continued success will lead to further promotion and cup success and we will continue to provide a good standard of rugby for all those who want to play from Kinder`s to Gin & Tonics. We have re-established our ladies sides and for the first time this season played a girls U11 fixture. As we rise higher, we will of course need to find more revenue to sustain the whole club We are one club! Many players from the minis and youth are watching men`s rugby on a Saturday afternoon and many senior men’s players are helping out in the mini/ youth on a Sunday while supporting our successful Academy and ladies sides.

Youth rugby is critical to the success of the club. Many of our current first team and cocktails players started out in the minis but we also aspire to support our players to bigger and better things too.

Camberley Rugby Club is a community club and we are very proud to be a part of and to serve our local area in any way we can!

BC oaching – Squad manager for seven years from 2014 for my son`s squad C Supporter – SCRUFFS, Parent, ex Player ALWAYS! D Current Honourable Club Secretary but also organise the City Lunch and past club balls!

great with a really fabulous atmosphere – we just need to encourage the younger teams to spend more time there and really embrace it as their club.

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/ TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

It’s been part of my life for so long – we feel protective towards the club and couldn’t imagine being at a different club.

Getting volunteers in the club so its not always the same people doing all the jobs.

HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

We seem to be getting back to pre-COVID days – some of the lunches have been

WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR CAMBERLEY RFC?

PLEASE FINISH OFF

BY TELLING ME WHAT MAKES YOUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE INVOLVED WITH?

The people, the friendships forged and the general feel of community is what makes Camberley RFC so special!

"

Just a final note - watch out next season for another youngster, Ben Stevens who has already had a couple of starts and is quality and also has gas to spare.

" 65

Kim Johnson Women & Girls Rugby

Working part time as bar staff my bar manager Pauline Ballard was desperate to pull on a pair of boots and play the game she loved, caught up in her enthusiasm I invited my pool team along to the first ever training session and 30 years later I am still here.

F

inding the rugby community from ‘doing a friend a favour’ has given me some of the best moments of my life, friendships, travel and opportunity’s that I would not have experienced had I remained the non-sporty girl of my teens.

Having been part of the women’s team from the very beginning I have held many roles. The first as a player.

The original women’s team of the 90’s was embraced by the club and sponsored by Tia Maria, we were often gifted bottles of Bols, hence earning

66

the nickname Camberley Cocktails. The current women’s team revived the name #CamberleyCocktails when it was spotted on a historic club scoreboard.

Early on in my newfound passion I realised we needed home grown players to sustain numbers and build the team. I was part of the first all-female RFU coaching course and one of the first wave of females to obtain a L2 coaching award.

Interesting fact, back then girls played in one team from 12yr to 16yrs! Together with fellow player Debbie Haydon, we led the girl’s team for 10yrs. The most satisfying part of that era, is from the very first season we had players that continued their rugby journey into our women’s team, a number of them progressed to higher leagues and international rugby, one an IRB referee and many are now coaching teams of their own, paying forward their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the game.

Those pioneering days were fuelled by dedication and passion, women and girl’s rugby normally meant match days were a whole day affair, nobody would blink at a round trip of 4 plus hours for a match. A sign of the growth of the game is now people question traveling more than an hour at grass route level Those years set the foundations and the women’s team went from strength to

strength. Hanging up my playing boots up as I stepped into family life, I sat on the Executive Committee and continued coaching the girl’s team for a brief spell. Debbie Haydon focused on playing and was an instrumental part of the women’s team most successful season 20042005 as South East 2 League Winners, National Cup semifinalists, Surrey 10’swinners and National 7s Bowl winners.

From this highlight the women’s team peaked and sadly as players retired, they weren’t being replaced and the women’s section folded a few years later Next it was my turn to be a parent supporter, having taken a break from volunteering roles for a number of years I once again pulled on a coaching jacket and relaunched the women’s team in 2017 with the help of Liz Waldsax, Charlie Williams and Leanne Lewis. 5 years in we have built a team from 4 sideline mums to a regular 25 plus training, this season I passed on the head coaching role to Liz Waldsax as we entered NC3 South East (South) League and have taken on a newly formed role, Women & Girls Chair, supporting the Womens team and guiding the re-launch of a girl’s section offering girls rugby at u12,u16 and u18 I was honoured to be one of 48 national finalists

in the 2020 RFU Mitsubishi Volunteers Awards, Covid regulations once again struck meaning the event was virtual rather than at HQ, we were still thoroughly spoilt, it was a fun and humbling experience.

I have also been part of a new Comms section over the past two years, my main task was revamping the social media and introducing Instagram as a club feature, has been extremely enjoyable but it is one role to many, and I will be passing this on to fully focus on the Women & Girls Section.

Although very cliché, Camberley really is a rugby family. Although we haven’t had a mother and daughter on the same team, yet! Father and son duos are common.

We hold the traditional values of a place for everyone on and off the field.

Past Players

In their own words, memories and tribute to CRFC

ANNY DA SILVA FREITAS CAMBERLEY RUGBY CLUB (1991-1992) - A FEW LINES

The first thing I remember about Camberley Rugby and the women running the team (particularly Kim Johnson) was how I instantly welcomed I felt to the team and the Camberley Club. I had not long turned 21 years old and a friend of mine (we studied health and fitness together at FCOT - Farnborough College of Technology) had told me about an ad she’d seen about these women starting up a ‘Womens rugby team’ in Camberley! From memory, they were running an ‘open day’ and from the first time I hit (had not quite learned proper tackling technique at the point) the tackle bag - I was hooked!

I just couldn’t wait to return, that and all the massive great encouragement from Kim and others instantly made me feel like I could play this game called rugby and fit in well.

So many wee memories, like being pretty much hammered from other greater London teams and one game resulted in being beaten by 100 points.

Ouch! Despite the losses, there was just great camaraderie

within the team and such a focus on strengths, that meant each loss was just another lesson to work on something whether it be greater technique, improve fitness, set play, strategy etc.

I remember, the great friendships, the singing, the rugby trips away, the laughter and so much more and Camberley Rugby was the foundation for me to go on with a dream - to one day play for my country - Scotland! I managed to achieve that honour in 1993 at the age of 23 International CV Scotland (13 caps) 1993 - 1996 1994 World Championship (Cup), Edinburgh, Scotland Moved to Aotearoa New Zealand (1996-1997) Canterbury Womens Rugby Team - 1996 Due to injury, and although selected to play in the Scotland squad for 1998 World Cup my playing days had to come to an end.

SOPHIE WILLIAMS

Wales U16 - 2001 Wales U19 - 2002-2004 Wales Development 2004 - 2005 Wales Seniors - 2006 - 2008 I started my time with Camberley, playing for the U16 girls’ team which I loved after transitioning playing mini rugby with the boys. The coaching team were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and they were instrumental in my development as a player and enjoyment of the game.

It was after only a few months I had been selected to play county rugby for Surrey and then for south east England. I spent my early adult career playing for Camberley women’s senior side, as well as helping to coach the girls team.

It was a game against wales playing for south east England when I was 16 that opened a door for me to play for my country, and I worked my way through the age brackets up to the senior national side and had the opportunity to play in many competitions and travel to some great places along the way!

Camberley Rugby Club has always strived and worked hard to offer girls the same opportunities as the men and it has been great seeing so many past players become so successful.

ALEX MATTHEWS

Being at Camberley are some of my fondest memories of playing rugby and times I miss, that “proper club feel”. I grew up playing alongside 40 boys and I loved it, so much so that when I had to leave to join the girls at the end of U12s, I continued to train with them on a Friday night.

Some of my favourite times were post training, we’d go to the Club get our chips and a can, then spend the next couple of hours running around playing games with each other.

I honestly don’t think I would be the player I’ve become if it wasn’t for my coach throughout the Minis & Juniors section, Bob Jones.

Learning discipline, focus and practising the basics from such an early age.

International CV Capped for England 15s 2011 Capped for England 7s 2013 World Cup Winner 2014 World Cup runners up 2017 Bronze Commonwealth Games Medallist 2018 Back-to-back RPA 7s players player (2017 & 2018) Olympian (Tokyo 2020) Multiple Six Nations and Grand Slam winner

67

MY JOURNEY WITH CAMBERLEY RFC (HARRY FISH)

I joined Camberley RFC, aged 24, in the autumn of 1967, having returned from working overseas, and soon found I was enjoying the friendship and club spirit that was a feature of the club then, and remains to this day. We had no paid staff, so tasks were carried out by Volunteers in turn, including clubhouse cleaning, serving behind the bar, marking the pitches etc., a learning curve for us all.

We had several men’s sides, sometimes using coaches for away games, and stopping at favourite pubs on the way home. Friendships were quickly made, and my songs repertoire grew, by meeting like-minded rugby enthusiasts who loved the game, but also enjoyed the social side afterwards. After only a few weeks at the club, I heard about the Easter Tour to Eindhoven, realised this was the club for me, and signed up for it. I’m pleased to say that was an enjoyable experience, and many other tours over a number of years to various parts of Europe, USA (twice) the Welsh borders and Cornwall, as Tony Carter (a great tour organiser) informed us, God’s Own Country!

When I joined the club, we used Camberley Cricket Club’s wooden clubhouse for our post-match teas and beers in their off season, opened our own clubhouse at Watchetts in 1970, and the current one in 1989. By that time, we had long since established Women’s rugby at CRFC and Mini/Junior rugby for many age groups, thanks to the efforts of enthusiastic Family members, who have made such a large

68

contribution to the club’s growth over the years.

Having played much of my rugby in the 2nds, there was a gradual slide towards the lower sides, but then the G & T’s were formed (Gin & Tonics) comprised largely from our long-term older players who enjoyed socialising, and were old enough (35) to play Vets rugby. Many of us attended the 1985 Golden Oldies tournament, held in London, our teams being the Gin & Tonics and the V.S.O.P XV. The end of tournament dinner was held in a giant marquee in a Docklands shed, packed with 5,000 people!

In 1989, many of the Vets got together with other long-term members, and formed SCRUFFS (Supporters of Camberley Rugby Union Football Fun Society) to help support the club to meet the demands of the professional era, and in our first year we raised £15,000 for the club, having a lot of fun in the process. SCRUFFS is still thriving, and welcomes others from all sections of CRFC to participate in their rugby and social events, see the club’s website for more details.

As a supporter, I’ve witnessed many ups and

downs in the leagues, Cup games lost and won, but we always come back for more, because it’s the club we love.

I’ve made many friends over the years, both on and off the pitch, and I’m pleased to say that many are still here, to share the camaraderie, and a bit of the workload, by volunteering for jobs, to help the club run efficiently.

There have been many special days, including winning the Intermediate Cup at Level 7 in May 2018, when I had the good fortune, as CRFC President to be hosted by Chris Kelly and others from the RFU. I’ve taken on club roles over the years, quite often from “behind the scenes” which is my strong preference, doing a job from end-to-end as a “Committee of 1”, but have been on committees, as Club Secretary, more recently as Club President, and now as Immediate Past President.

These activities have been rewarding at times, trying to get things done on behalf of the club, but attitudes have changed over time, and reliable volunteers are harder to find. I’m currently SCRUFFS Secretary, looking after likeminded supporters.

Inevitably, over the course of 55 years, there have been many changes, not least I think, in people’s priorities, now being reflected in the

RFU’s re-structure plan for community clubs, to help reduce the pressure on players. However, I feel that Camberley RFC is alive and well as a club that welcomes members and visitors from near and far, which I’m happy to report is also the view of many of the visiting Mums and Dads from other clubs, who attend our Youth Festivals, where the next generation of enthusiastic players improve their playing skills, but importantly, also nurture core life skills that will help them in the future. Once again, it is our Volunteers who make these days such a success, often working behind the scenes, but very much appreciated.

Therein I think lies a clue to our success as a club.

CONTACT THE CLUB

Watchetts Recreational Ground Park Road Camberley Surrey GU15 2SR 01276 25395 www.camberleyrugbyclub.co.uk

Wrexham RFC EXCITING TIMES FOR WREXHAM RFC AS CENTENARY APPROACHES

Wrexham RFC is approaching its centenary with an air of confidence. Through refocussing its aims and ambitions, the club is going from strength to strength and rapidly becoming an on and off field success with our Senior and Youth teams. They are almost entirely homegrown players and impressing allcomers with the quality of their skills. The 1XV were successful in winning North Wales Division 2 and the Youth reached the final of the North Wales Cup. Growing playing numbers have been further enhanced in recent years by the establishment of a girls’ rugby hub, The Valkyries, and our burgeoning Ladies team goes from strength to strength,

playing most weeks and continuing to grow our numbers.

The ladies team, reformed three years’ ago, has enjoyed a great season. It’s a massive growth area for rugby and the ladies have really performed extremely well, winning their last three games.

We have also created one of the largest Mini Rugby events in the region with over 1000 children from Under 12s downwards playing rugby at Wrexham in our Annual Anglo-Welsh Festival on the last Sunday in April each year. It truly is Community Rugby at its finest!

Fortunately, we have always had a good mix of new people attracted to the club as parents of mini and junior players who complement the existing club stalwarts.

We have always ensured that all our coaches from Under 7s to Seniors were

appropriately qualified and supported in their development.

Wrexham is predominantly a Soccer town with very little rugby played in the local schools but many of our coaches have organised rugby events in local schools, established their own “rugby holiday camps” and worked with outside agencies to provide rugby opportunities.

The focus for the coaching was on developing players’ skills and an enjoyment of playing the game. You must not pigeonhole 7-year-old players into a position for life as they change physically as they get older, so they all need good basic skills and an appreciation of the demands of the different positions.

We are fully committed to all players having appropriate, fair playing time even if it may

result in some games being lost. If you focus on the result and always having your best team on the pitch, then you don’t keep the extra numbers you may eventually need.

Many of the players progress to the RGC Academy each year and others are now with the academies of English Premiership clubs. They go with our blessing and support and hopefully great things lie ahead for them in rugby.

The key has been to really focus on who we are, what our goals and aims are and how we can sustainably achieve them.

By focussing on the constituent parts of the club contributing to being part of one club, we have been able to harness the sponsorship and support of local businesses to benefit the whole club.

A sponsor may start by sponsoring their child’s team but end up becoming part of something much bigger.

We are hoping that by our approaching centenary that we have established Wrexham RFC as “One Club, My Club, Our Club”

69

NICK PARTINGTON CLUB CHAIRMAN

I first became involved with the club 9 years ago when my son, Jack, fancied having a go at rugby and subsequently joined the U13’s. He stayed with it and is now plays for the 1st XV. I was team manager for the youth until summer 2021 when I took over as manager for the senior squad. I became Club Chairman this January 2022.

The mood at our club is very good at the moment on the back of a successful season and I’m very proud that our 1XV are Division 2 champions!

Our Youth team reached the final of the North Wales Cup and our reformed ladies team have had a fantastic season too; they have really done well improving all year to win their last 3 games!

We had our annual Anglo HUW DAVIES, SUPPORTER & SPONSOR

Congratulations to everybody at Wrexham Rugby Club on such a successful season. I have many good friends at the club and know that they are in good hands; becoming change to 2021/2022 Champions will mean a lot to everybody. Rugby has always been about friendships and inclusion, on and off the pitch, Wrexham

Welsh Tournament, our first for 3 years, and it was a huge success and our Past Players luncheon was fantastic with 70 of the Old Boys present; what a great day!

Our coaching philosophy at the club is always developing as we move forward. We have just formed an ‘Advanced Pathway’ which is for our U15, U16 Youth and senior squad.

The concept is that the junior teams will focus on core skills, catching, passing, tackling, footwork etc. meaning the emphasis on winning games should be less important with player participation being the key.

The intention is that when players get to the move up to the Advanced pathway at Under 15 level they have the core skills embedded and can bypass learning these.

They can then focus on provides a great service and opportunities to their local community. From junior, ladies and senior rugby to supporting members there is a place for everyone; just like a rugby team!

I would like to acknowledge everybody at Wrexham Rugby Club on all the hard work they have put into this seasons achievements and wish them all continued success for the forthcoming campaign in the higher division!

structure, ethos and playing style, which we believe will be played from the 1XV downwards.Mini & Junior rugby are very important, naturally we are hoping to attract and retain more players at Wrexham which is vital to the future of our club.

We are also addressing one of the biggest challenges for clubs like ours, communication!

With so many people, all of which are volunteers, with their own busy personal schedules it’s not always easy to get information out to everybody.

The positive side is that people do get on with it and the jobs do get done, so it’s a big thank you to everybody involved in running the club. In the next 3-5 years I would love to see the 1XV at the top of Division 1, our 2nd XV at the top of Division 2, a competitive social/vets ‘3XV’ and our Ladies team playing at the top of a women’s league.

I must also thank our sponsors, they are a very important part of our club, and we plan on developing more relations with other local businesses. All in all, Wrexham Rugby Club have had a great season and we plan on continuing our development of this great club both on and off the

pitch! So as our centenary approaches, it is perhaps appropriate to take a brief look back at one or two past highlights.

Two of our former players, brothers Andy and Steve Moore, moved on to become full Welsh Internationals and their father George was club chairman, and in November 1995 we had the pleasure of Jonah Lomu playing for Wrexham against a North Wales invitation side.

Jonah game to Wrexham as his former personal manager, Phil Kingsley-Jones was the club’s then coach. It was a great occasion that culminated in Jonah Lomu receiving the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award outside the clubhouse. We were sworn to secrecy as the event was to be televised as a “Live event” in December.

I would like to thank everybody at Wrexham Rugby Club, past and present, on their contributing to our development as we approach the end of our 1st 100 years. I am confident we can continue to grow and provide our community with the opportunities that this great sport and club can provide!

Exsellence is a dynamic award-winning agency with the passion and creativity you would expect from a start-up business. Established in 2017, one of the fastest growing agencies in the UK that delivers executional excellence everyday.

• Field Sales • Tactical Execution • Consultancy • Sales Training

www.exsellence.co.uk 70

CONTACT THE CLUB

Bryn Estyn Road Wrexham North Wales LL13 9TY

07742487002 www.wrexhamrugbyclub.com

Dagenham RUFC CLUB HISTORY

Dagenham RUFC was started in 1991 by a group of friends who wanted to come together and enjoy their love of drinking port and playing rugby away from other local clubs.

A kit was borrowed and the first games were played out of Eastbrook School with The Beacon Pub on Oxlow Lane hosting afterwards. In a clear sign of the times the Beacon has since become a Tesco Express!

The club colours have always been Red and White with various kit designs over the years. Traditionally the 1st team wear red and white quarters, the 2nd team white shirt with red hoop or trim and 3rd team red and white hoops.

Change strip is normally black (altough I vaguely remember seeing a bright purple kit at one point!).

The first club badge was a red and white shield. After a while the Town Hall gave us permission to use the town crest and this has been our badge ever since. The club motto has always been the Latin phrase “Sursum Vester” Some names of note of the yearly years are Chris

Sapsford (Current club president), Gary Knowlden (Current Chairman), Mark Randall (Former Chairman), Pat Feely (Former Vice-Chair).

Dave Purton (Current Club Captain) Danny Canary, Peter Rogers, Bobby Dance and Tony and Bobby Ventham.

Tony sadly passed away in 1993 and so a memorial game was held in his honour for many years afterwards.

Tony’s Dad Bobby was the clubs first president and did a lot for the club but also sadly passed away. His picture now proudly sits on the wall above our Absent Friends bar.

After a while the club enquired about the disused pavilion in Central Park and with a bit of help this became our new headquarters. A later extension happened to the Bar in 2012.

The first leagues entered were Eastern Counties and meant lots of travelling around Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.

This would involve a minibus to away games and stopping off at rural pubs on the way back. On one such occasion a replica cannon may or may

not have been “borrowed” from one such pub!

Once the Essex Leagues were established, Under the coaching of Mark “Barney” Collins and the captaincy of Ben Fowler, the club won it’s first President’s Shield and gained promotion from Essex 2 in 2001. Another Presidents Shield came in 2004 and a 3rd President’s Shield and promotion from Essex 1 to the London leagues came in 2008.

With the folding of local clubs Old Edwardians, Chigwell & Fairburn and Old Bealonians numbers swelled and a 2nd and 3rd team soon followed.

Another name of note from the early Noughties era was Barry “The Taxi” Robinson who nearly single-handedly run the 3rd team for many years. He could often be found curb crawling the streets of Dagenham on a Saturday morning asking total strangers if they fancied a run out! His picture also now proudly sits above our Absent Friends bar.

In 2011 the club had unfortunately found itself back in Essex 2, but under the coaching of Brian Wren, promotion to Essex 1 was achieved and another Presidents shield followed in 2014. Also around this time the youth section was started which today boasts players of all ages. Our Under 14’s winning the Essex Cup in 2017. It is great to see that many youth players have gone on to represent all of the senior teams.

The club has a proud tradition of touring and destinations over the years have included Spain, Belgium, Ireland, The Channel Islands and Bournemouth 7’s.

In 2016 the club celebrated its 25th

anniversary in style by gaining its RFU accreditation, winning the John Adler trophy and touring to Great Yarmouth (The destination of the first ever tour 25 years earlier!). International Referee Wayne Barnes presented the club with a signed 6-Nations worn shirt.

The DRUFC clubhouse was also featured in the Heineken/Jackie Stewart “When you drive never drink” TV commercial.

History was made in 2019 by winning the Presidents Shield for a record 5th time and a 3rd XV was fielded for the first time in over a decade.

Player/Coach Lewis Pruce also made club history by gaining the clubs first senior county cap, representing Essex in a game against Somerset.

(Altough Gary Knowlden claims to have played in an Essex side in the late 90’s!)

This was followed by a sad incident in the summer of 2019 in which vandals set fire to our container which contained our training and match equipment, kit and scrum machine (Making the front page of the Barking and Dagenham Post).

However with support from the members and their familes, the local community, local businesses and the council

71

we managed to raise several thousand pounds to replace it all in a matter of weeks, ready in time for the 201920 season. This is a true testament to the spirit of the club.

Unfortunately the coronavirus outbreak brought an early end to the 2019-2020 season, but not before promotion to the London leagues was achieved as Essex 1 Champions (The only club in the country with a 100% Bonus Point record) and the Essex Intermediate Cup being shared with Harlow (The final being unable to be played). The 2nd team achieved promotion and the 3rd team completed a full league season including one game in which it fielded 4 Rawlinson brothers at the same time (a club record). A girls section (The Dagenham Diamonds) was also created with great success.

The club were finally able to celebrate their 30th anniversary when rugby activities resumed for the 2021-22 season. Numerous events were held including an Anniversary lunch with attendees including the President of the Essex RFU Alan Price and Jon Cruddas (MP for Dagenham and Rainham) who was presented with a DRUFC club tie. Local lad and England Legend Jason Leonard OBE also presented the club with a signed England shirt for the occasion.

On the pitch, more records were broken with the First team winning the London 3 Essex division (promoting them to their highest ever level) and winning the Essex Intermediate Cup for the

72

first time in the club’s history.

More youth sides and a Vets team were also setup rounding off a great season all round.

MAR NEWSON CLUB SECRETARY:

I have been involved with Dagenham Rugby Club Since 2007 after watching the RWC. Found my nearest local club online and went to the next training session!

Demographics of the local area mean that football is the main sport in the region. There is also a few other clubs in the borough so fighting over the limited number of rugby players is hard! We have a partnership with local school Robert Clack with many pupils, former pupils and teachers, being involved with the club both playing and coaching.

Being in one of the poorest boroughs of London, funds and resources are also limited.

On the pitch we plan to get our mens teams higher up the pyramid and increase the amount of youth team (both boys and girls). Off the pitch we hope to improve our facilities which are falling into disrepair.

Our junior and senior coaching philosophy at the club is integration with our coaches training both adult and youth teams.

The mood at our club is very good at the moment after achieving promotion and increased participation with Increased youth teams as well. Over the years we have had many players at Dagenham go on to represent Essex in Mens, Boys and Girls teams. Also some for the Saracens academy.

We are a small club that always punch’s well above its weight against other larger, better funded clubs in Essex. We have a great social scene with events, lunch’s and annual tours!

Mini & junior rugby is vital to our club! We saw around 10 years ago a declining trend in adult players so decided to get involved with local schools and start a youth section. This has paid dividends with many youth players going on to represent all the adult teams.

Our girls section was started around 2 years ago with great success. Some silverware and players have gone on to represent Essex at various age groups. Hopefully our Under 18’s will form the basis of ladies team in the coming seasons and now our colts section has started training with the seniors so they can transition into senior rugby.

As a community club we have other local groups and clubs use the facilities and most of the membership either live or have an association with the area.

Dagenham RUFC is a very friendly and welcoming club with members from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Over the years I have played alongside policemen, teachers, builders, a vicar, Irishmen, Welshmen, Scots and even an ex-Lithuanian international!

We try to offer youngsters from the local area a chance to play rugby for little or no subscriptions and install the core values of rugby. This helps keeping kids off the streets in one of the poorest boroughs of London. Links at the clubs also help with employment opportunities for local people.

The futures bright. The futures Red and White!

CONTACT THE CLUB

The Pavillion Central Park Dagenham Essex RM10 7EJ

07961 727321 www.dagenhamrufc.co.uk

"

The club has a proud tradition of touring and destinations over the years have included Spain, Belgium, Ireland, The Channel Islands and Bournemouth 7’s.

LIAM POWER, PLAYER & SPONSOR (LPS SCAFFOLDING LTD)

I’m originally from Barking and played for their club when I was younger. I was asked to try out at Dagenham and decided to give it a go; the rest is history as they say. At 44 years of age now I suppose I’ve been fairly lucky injury wise, apart from the odd broken finger or leg which is not unusual when playing prop!

My son Liam also played for the club and as a community sports club we are always looking to encourage more young players to give the sport a try. Dagenham isn’t the wealthiest of areas and we understand that affordability may be an issue but as a club we do our best to pull together and give the kids a chance to play. We are a very sociable bunch and it’s

"

fantastic to see more people and parents coming back to our club.

2021/2022 has been a good season in many ways for Dagenham Rugby Club and I really want to see our club thrive for many more years to come whilst offering opportunities to everyone throughout the local community to either play, make friends or just have some fun!

PUTTING SAFETY FIRST WORKING WITH YOU, SUPPORTING YOUR NEEDS +44 7843050923 LPSSCAFFOLDING@HOTMAIL. COMWWW.LPSSCAFFOLDING.CO.UK 73

not least, take the values they have learnt from the game into their everyday lives.

Winning is always nice but in the mini and youth section it is not promoted as the be all and end all of playing for Lytchett, the game is there to be enjoyed by all.

COULD YOU PROVIDE A POTTED HISTORY OF YOUR CLUB?

Lychett Minster RFC Kieran Donnelly, Chairman -Lychett Minster Rugby Club HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

I have been involved with the club since the late 80s first as a player then coach of the youth teams from U12 through to colts, before joining the committee initially as club secretary and now chairman. I was attracted to the club by a good friend at the time who was a keen rugby player and impressed by the friendly welcome I received from everyone at the club. In the 80’s the club could only field two senior sides which with time has been increased to three.

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/ TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

Over the years the club has managed to maintain and survive on very limited funds whilst still providing an exceptional playing experience for players of all ages. Over time we have learnt how to expand and grow by tapping into the

74

sponsorship and advertising market space. We are truly indebted to our sponsors who over the years have provided money towards shirts, equipment and training aids, enabling the club to focus on providing the best experience for all at the club. The greatest challenge we have faced in the last few years as have many organisations, has been the impact of Covid, however as a club I believe we have emerged in a better position. With no rugby to be played our members looking for things to do either supporting the club with much needed maintenance on the club facilities or within the local community during the bleak times.

With rugby firmly back on the agenda and with no members lost during Covid or to other sports/hobbies, all sections of the club have returned to play at the same strength if not stronger.

Members had taken the time to improve their individual fitness and core skills which has resulted in many notable achievements throughout the season.

The club’s aspiration is to see the senior teams further promoted during the next few years and sit comfortably within the Southern Counties league. To achieve this vision the club is looking to grow from within its talented youth section and increase our playing strength by

supporting the youth players into the senior teams.

Thankfully with the support of our sponsors and Covid grants from both the government and sporting bodies, the hard working committee have steered the club out of the recent pandemic, ready and strong to take our next adventurous steps together.

CAN YOU LET ME KNOW ABOUT ANY AMBITIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ON AND OFF THE PITCH?

Going forward we would like to cement our place in Dorset and Wilts 1 South on the field in the next few years as well as further developing our thriving mini and youth sections. We also have a number of refurbishment plans for the club facilities which all had to be put on hold due to the recent Covid issues, these include paving the outside of the clubhouse and repairing the car park which has taken a lot of wear and tear over the years.

DO YOU HAVE JUNIOR AND SENIOR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

The main aim of all our coaches through all the age grades is to ensure that the players have fun, enjoy themselves, become the best player they can and finally, but

We have a proud tradition, which commenced in 1981, and continues to flourish, as a focal point within our local community. The club was borne from the local senior school where Gordon Glover was head of sixth form, encouraged the boys into the game of rugby whilst at school and didn’t want the game of rugby to loose them, so decided to start Lytchett Minister Old Boys the club’s original name.

The club quickly outgrew its porta-cabin beginnings in the grounds of Lytchett Minister School and Gordon as club chairman started the long journey raising funds via grants, sponsorship and any way he could to enable the club to build the fantastic sports facilities we have today at Watery Lane.

A number of the 1981 senior team are still involved in the club today either serving as committee members or volunteering their time and skills quietly in the background, to ensure that today’s all players are given the same opportunities to enjoy the game and create friendships for life.

Today we offer rugby training and coaching for players from age 6 to 16 every Sunday morning, and for senior players, above the age of 17 on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Saturday 30th April to Monday 2nd May sees the club host the 40th Anniversary of the Lytchett 7’s Festival with teams all across the South joining for 3 days of amazing rugby.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

The most notable player in recent years to have played just over a season for us back from Feb 2008 to the end of the April 2009 was Semesa Rokoduguni. Roko joined the club while training with the army at Bovington camp playing in the centres CONTINUED...

DAN JENKINS, SUPPORTER & SPONSOR (JENKINS MARINE)

I attended Lychett Minster School and always remember the portacabin on the side of the pitch which the club used. The club has grown tremendously since then!

My old Geography teacher Simon Wyatt, who now teaches my sons, was involved with the club then too. A few of my work colleagues were also players and spent significant time in the youth teams.

We were living elsewhere in the area 3 years ago and when we moved back to the old family home it was

a natural step to become more involved with the rugby club. Both my twin sons Joseph and Jasper started playing and are still very much enjoying their rugby to this day; a testament to the brilliant coaches that the club have produced!

I`m very grateful to Lynchett Minster Rugby Club for inspiring so many young people to continue to participate in this great sport. The values, respect and positive direction they supply to so many is second to none.

Congratulations and well done to everybody on an outstanding season!

Advert - Amended May 2022.pdf 1 25/05/2022 17:20:20

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Vessel Charter - Split Hopper Barges - Multicat Workboats - Tugs - Marine Transportation - Spudleged Barges

Dredging Services - Dredging - Capital / Maintenance - Piling - Tubular, Timber and Extraction - Bed Levelling / Ploughing

T: +44 (0) 1202 668 558 E: office@jenkinsmarine.co.uk Jenkins Marine Ltd., New Harbour Road West, Poole, BH15 4AJ

75

HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

The general mood in the club is very buoyant at the minute after an unbeaten season to date with the senior team winning Dorset and Wilts 2 South with only the loss of one bonus point.

Also we have had great success in representative rugby as two of our colts Jacob Ball and Josh Miles currently in the county squad and Archie Green is also part of the Bath DPP programme. Not to be outdone The U15s have had seven selected this season for the D&W DPP squad and two of those Dan Ward and Bruno Skinner are also in the Bath Academy squad.

We have also just held a very successful mini and youth tournament over the weekend of 2-3 April 2022 in conjunction with Burleigh Travel with about 2000 visitors over the two days watching and playing rugby from U7 through to U15. where he scored many tries and helped the club to gain promotion to Hampshire 1.

When Roko signed for Bath, we were the last club he had been registered for, so had to provide our agreement for him to join Bath, which was quite special.

76

WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR LYTCHETT MINSTER RFC?

The Club has a large membership base ranging from headteachers, policeman, doctors, dentists, engineers, carpenters and farmers. As a rugby family we recognise the importance of sport to our children, young people and adults not only as part of their physical fitness but also their emotional wellbeing. Some of our young people have struggled significantly during the recent lockdowns and one of our young men sadly did try to take his own life.

The restart of rugby has been a huge step for some of our shielding families with disabled siblings, however the outdoor space support measures implemented by the club have meant they felt safe enough to return to training.

The young man who tried to take his life has with the support of his coaches and team had also just started to re-engage. With this support offered to anyone who walks through our doors it is easy to see why people have great fondness for the club and the opportunities we try to provide. We run numerous large scale events throughout the year from our own 7s tournament now in it 40 year,

Ascot nights, the recently introduced mins & youth tournament where we include the local and wider community encouraging to come and join in the party atmospheres of these events to re-acquaint themselves with old friends or indeed become part of

the club family and find new friends. It is simply part of our nature to welcome anyone from all walks of life and ensure they have a great experience with us they can’t help but come back.

Lytchett Minster is truly a club with Character.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY THIS SEASON HAS GONE FOR THE CLUB SO FAR ON THE PITCH?

The seniors have had a remarkable season to date under the stewardship of head coach Steve “Ossie” O’Shea ably assist by his assistant Simon Keen.

Together this is their first full season working together with the 1st XV as Ossie took over in 2019 to have the season interrupted until the start of this season. Both coaches are true clubmen with Ossie having previously coached through the youth section in the past ending with a successful colts campaign many of whom are now again reunited with him at senior level.

Simon had been assistant to the previous coach and wish to stay on with Ossie along with spending his Sundays then coaching the U10s. The team is unbeaten all season with only the D&W 1st XV Vase left to play racking up some impressive score lines along the way. The youth sections have all had very strong seasons also and the quality of the coaching by all is being well rewarded by the results on the field and the numerous county or higher selections from within the teams.

HOW IMPORTANT IS MINI & JUNIOR RUGBY TO THE CLUB? HOW HAS YOUR M&J SECTION DEVELOPED?

For our junior section, the main emphasis will always be fun, to encourage the children to want to come back to rugby every week.

You will be surprised and pleased to see how the rugby ethos is quickly picked up by the children as they develop leadership, team spirit and a sense of fair play. The mini and youth section was started many years ago by two club stalwarts Tony Yelland and Steve Mason as a means of providing our own home grown talent to feed the senior team.

Sadly Steve is no longer with us tragically passing some years ago, but he is lovingly remembered by all with his son playing for the seniors and also refereeing the annual memorial match between LMRFC U13s and a chosen visiting club, as the U13s is where Tony and Steve started the section from which has now grown into a thriving section.

We are a volunteer club and as such it’s not only the children we want to involve,

JON LARTER (DB SCHENKER) CLUB SUPPORTER & SPONSOR

I am a local lad, born and bred in Dorset, and got to know this great club through many of my friends who play at the club and who I also met through other sports like golf and football. I have always really enjoyed watching Rugby and have a great love and passion of sport generally.

The camaraderie and friendship it offers to people is undeniable and Lychett Minster Rugby Club are an excellent example of how this functions throughout their club and community. Due to travelling a lot with work

I don’t get down to see my friends as often as I would like but over the years it been a privilege to be able to help the club out with sponsorship and supplying them with kits.

It’s so important these days to continue to offer our youth the same opportunities we were allowed in our younger years.

Lychett Minster Rugby Club is a fantastic environment for anyone wishing to make friends and have some fun. Whether your young or old there is a place for everybody, and I would like to congratulate everybody on a wonderful 2021/2022 campaign and good luck for the clubs next exciting chapter!

CONTINUED...

Leading the way in sustainable logisitics For more than 150 years, DB Schenker has pushed the limits of the logistics and supply chain management industry.

We provide thousands of products for customers who are focused on finding the best shipping solution.

dbschenker.com/uk 77

"

With this support offered to anyone who walks through our doors it is easy to see why people have great fondness for the club and the opportunities we try to provide.

CONTINUED...

we encourage parents to take an active part in their children’s rugby by joining the coaching staff and offer them training and courses to get them immersed in the club. We also encourage those who feel coaching isn’t for them to become support staff for the age groups as team managers, generally helping coaches, or of really

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE CLUB, ON AND OFF THE PITCH, IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

We would like to see the club progress to the Southern Counties division for the senior team which will help us attract further senior players

78

keen to take up a committee positions. They all agree the more involvement they have, the more rewarding the experience for themselves and their children.

HOW DOES THE CLUB ENSURE THAT YOUNG PLAYERS ENJOY A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE SENIOR GAME?

The youth are an important part of the club as they are the future both on the field

to enable us to run two sides again. We will continue to grow our minis and youth sections as we are missing a few age groups due to a lack of numbers, as promoting from within is how we will ensure the future growth of the club.

and as future administrators, and as such once they enter the colts we engage with them sharing coaching advice between senior and colts coaching teams so the transition to senior rugby is as seamless as possible. We encourage the senior team to give up their time and an adopt those in their positions to be role models for them look after them once the fully enter the senior squad.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURS TO BE A COMMUNITY CLUB AND IF YES HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH LOCAL PEOPLE/BUSINESSES?

Lytchett Minster Rugby Club is a family friendly all-inclusive village based rugby sports club with a large mini and youth section.

The club has in place a number of different access arrangements to ensure rugby and social membership is open to all, as well as opening the sports fields to the local senior school and clubhouse to the local community for luncheon clubs, local charities to host fund raising events and not forgetting our rugby club members/families.

HOW IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ARE YOUR SPONSORS TO YOUR CLUB?

Our sponsors are the lifeblood of the club and without them we would struggle to survive. Some

"

are ex-players or coaches, mums, dads, friends of the club who provide the funds to enable the club to survive.

Being a small village club the donations these people make of both money and services are invaluable to the club and greatly appreciated by all members.

PLEASE FINISH OFF

BY TELLING ME WHAT MAKES YOUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE PART OF?

For a small village club, Lytchett has always punched above its weight. Everybody who joins us, joins our family.

We have a strong band of ex-players who continue to provide the back bone for managing the club.

The majority of our current coaches were ex Lytchett players, who played at a high standard and have red and blue blood in their veins.

CONTACT THE CLUB

Old Watery Lane, Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6HZ 01202 622877 www.lmrfc.com

Hazardous Goods Haulage

Hospitality and Events

Marketing & Print

Aviation

Retail and E-commerce

Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical and Medical

Construction

End to end logistics your way Whatever you need moving,

speedyfreight.com

03333 440 703 79

Steve Morris , Ex-Player, Coach & Sponsor-Lychett Minster RFC

I

became involved with LMRFC after I moved from Tetbury (the club where my heart still belongs) to Dorset, I had friends who were involved with LMRFC, that’s why I ended up at the club. I was 40 years old at this stage and played several games for the seconds.

I have always hooked, playing at university and then clubs all over the country, I was never a star player, very much a social player. Flitting between the first and second teams. In 1999 I broke my neck (my own fault - I used to slip my binding and drop my head on the opposition Hookers knee so he could

80

hook - unfortunately when the scrum lifted - well…) I broke my neck in two place C6 and C7 I now have a plate between the two.

I did carry on playing and still do occasionally when any old clubs have vets games, although I can’t manage more than 20 mins. I would love to play one game with my oldest son Daniel. My rugby highlights would be - 1. semi finals of the Tetley Vase where we were beaten by St Just. 2. Player/ Coach Johan Kapp (Western Province, Springbok, Springbok Legend Captain and coach) stayed with me for 3 months.

After a very messy initiation at our club - he invited me

back to SA (payback) I spent a month training with the Vodacom Eagles. In order to undergo their initiation - I had 5 minutes on with them (although never touched the ball) 3. Another player/coach John Davy ex Rugby School invited me to play in a charity game at the school, on the field where it all began. 4.

Finally playing against Mike Teague at Gloucester All Blues - although long retired from international rugby he was still awesome on and off the field.

My son Daniel started at LMRFC when he was 4 (he already had coach) at this time I was coaching at local schools being a school governor and

sport link. I met the then chair of LMRFC while on my level 2 coaching course and was asked to take over Daniels age group as the mini were about to be split into different age groups. So for the next 11 - 12 years I coached every Tuesday and Thursday with games on Sunday. In the summer we continued every Wednesday with beach rugby to keep up fitness. Daniel is due to start his Officer training with the Royal Navy in September, while at Uni he was in the Royal Navy University Unit and played rugby for them. Daniel is a far better player than I ever was and even at 17 was the Colts first choice hooker, and always in the first team at Poole Grammar School.

I have properties in Calabria and got in touch with the local team to organise our tour - the Under 16s organised fund raising and sponsorship our side and it was Salvatore Pezzano (FIR) and Gianluca Bacci who organised everything in Italy we remain great friends to this day. The boys were amazing ambassadors for the game, visiting the local school, giving a demonstration and donating kit to encourage the game.

For me the results and performance at LMRFC are only part of the story, the commitment and dedication of the players, is matched in equal measure by the coaches and committee. The club is lucky to have a first rate management team - who have a long association with the club. I feel privileged to sponsor the club and I hope that relationship will continue.

LMRFC is not unique but for me it epitomises what all rugby clubs are about. Firstly the grass-root commitment of former players who have had rugby values instilled in them and want to pass on those values to the next generation.

Rugby at all levels teaches life

skills such as honour, respect, discipline, and teamwork.

To be honest - I am not sure if rugby attracts lads (and girls) who aspire to the valves we hold dear - or whether we as players and coaches inspire that in them (I would like to think the latter) whichever it is LMRFC is a club that makes you feel part of the whole, it does not matter what level you played at, what your social or economic standing is - if you want to be involved in the club - you are part of the family!

81

Bracknell Rugby Club Tribute!

Interview with Matt Heeks, Head of Rugby.

WHO ARE THE COACHES?

• Matt Heeks: Head of Rugby (Ex Professional Player, RFU L3 Coach, Scotland U16’s Coach) •B arney Maddison: Defence/Forwards Coach (Professional player and RFU L3 Coach) •A lex Fieldhouse: Attack Coach (RFU L3 Coach and National 1 player) •D an Mays: Head of S&C (Ex Lead London Broncos S&C Coach) HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

• Matt Heeks (Head of Rugby) • I have been at BRFC 3 seasons.

• My first season was Academy Head coach & 1st XV Skills Coach.

• I was then appointed Head of Rugby in my second season.

• After stopping playing I wanted to find a club to match my ambition and a club who wanted to go and achieve at all levels.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY THIS SEASON HAS GONE FOR THE CLUB SO FAR ON THE PITCH?

• The season has been fantastic, we had a few goals at the start of the season.

• 1st XV: Promotion from Level 6 to Level 5 • Enjoyable, engaging training sessions where players can develop and get

better while enjoying themselves.

• We had up to 70 players training weekly in the 1’s and 2’s training squad • 3’s and 4’s numbers increasing for training • 4 teams playing every weekend • We achieved all goals

The season ended with the below Results: • 1 XV: Promotion back to Level 5 • 2 XV: 2nd in the Raging Bull Shield Division 2.

• 3 XV: 4th in BBO 2 South • 4 XV: 5th BBO 3 South WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

The first challenge was to get through the Covid – 19 pandemic on and off the pitch in the 2020/21 season.

2020/21 Season • Recruitment of players and gelling them together with a stop start covid training season.

• Keeping the club going and open • Keeping all players engaged in training with not knowing when we will actually play a game. We spent 14 months training together before we actually got to play a game.

• Preparing players to play on the off chance of the league starting.

• The club did an amazing job preparing the club as much as it could going in to the 21/22 season.

We then got around to the 21/22 season.

I have an incredible team around me – Without the below the club would not be where it is a year later.

• Chairman of BRFC (Ian Wilson) • Team manager Andy Johnson (what a man) he does everything for me off field without Andy my life would be a lot harder.

Coaches • Barney Maddison (Defence/forwards Coach) • Alex Fieldhouse (Attack coach) • Dan Mays (Head S&C) Players • The Senior squad led

by Captain Ian Burch • Players: Without them putting in the work we would

82

not have gained promotion and 2nd place in the Raging Bull Shield Division 2.

• Darren the Chef with his food after training WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE CLUB, ON AND OFF THE PITCH, IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

Off pitch: • More local sponsors become involved in the club • Being the only sports club now in Bracknell we aim to upgrade facilities: • Already started with the bar being revamped • Investing in a new Gym for the 2022/23 season • Growing attendance at games while enjoying a day out in the local area watching rugby.

On pitch: keep improving each season and push the club to Level 4 rugby (national 2) • Increasing participation at all levels from 1st XV down, Women’s and girls’ and M&J CAN YOU LET ME KNOW ABOUT ANY AMBITIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ON AND OFF THE PITCH?

Key plans and ambitions include; • Progressive and sustainable 1st XV rugby at Level 4 • Player pathway and retention from successful M&J section through to senior men’s and women’s rugby • Continue to field at least 4 senior men’s teams in the RFU league structure.

• Develop a senior women’s

set-up for aspiring junior girls, with an ambition for the women’s section to be playing at or close too Championship level •C ontinue to grow the hugely successful M&J section which is currently the biggest in Berkshire • Build the infrastructure and aspirational environment that is conducive to supporting and growing the above.

DO YOU HAVE JUNIOR AND SENIOR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

• Family club • Become a better player and person • Enjoy the environment

COULD YOU PROVIDE A POTTED HISTORY OF YOUR CLUB?

• It’s all here www.bracknellrugbyclub. com/a/brfc-history-playing-stats-41747.html • Founded in 1955 • Played in the Championship (National Div One) 2001/02 HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

• The general mood around the club is good following 1st XV promotion, a successful 2’s season, strong finishes for the 3’s & 4’s.

• The general atmosphere is a great balance between working hard and playing hard. Socially the club is in

a good place.

• The numbers associated with the M&J group show this is a thriving section that people want to be part of this includes the ever growing girls age groups at U13, U15 & U18.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

• Club has fielded many players with international honours, including Paul Rendall, Rob Lozowski, Dominic Chapman, David Pears and Mike Brewer CONTINUED...

83

CONTINUED...

• World Cup Winner Lewis Moody played in the Bracknell juniors prior to moving to the Midlands in his early teens WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR BRACKNELL RFC?

Bracknell Rugby Club has always found a balance between being a progressive/ ambitious club and a welcoming grassroots community rugby club that offers rugby for all HOW IMPORTANT IS MINI & JUNIOR RUGBY TO THE CLUB? HOW HAS YOUR M&J SECTION DEVELOPED?

The Mini and Junior section is a vitally important part of the club as whole. As a club who run 4 Adult Mens Teams and a Senior Ladies Team, these sides are populated by previous members of our MinI and Junior section. We can count at least 8 of these players with regularity in our 1st XV. Other have gone onto the Premiership and the professional game.

To reflect their importance, we invest heavily in coaches within this section, funding RFU ERCA courses, RFU CPD courses, 1st Aid and the like.

We recognise the role the coaches, and young players will have on the future of our club. Their importance is not lost on us!

Over the last 3 seasons we have grown exponentially

with the introduction of Girls Rugby and now offer all age groups across women and girls rugby. We have also carefully considered our approach to the engagement and retention of players at both post 16+ and 18+; two identified drop out points for young players.

Introducing them to their new coaches, speaking with them and their parents, well in advance, and engaging them in transitional activity has supported this process greatly.

By creating an environment where they feel valued and supported, our numbers transitioning into Colts and into Senior rugby are higher than ever.

HOW DOES THE CLUB ENSURE THAT YOUNG PLAYERS ENJOY A SMOOTH TRANSITION INTO THE SENIOR GAME?

We run a colts team: The aim of the colts is to mainly offer experience of senior rugby and keep developing them as players.

They play in a colt’s league and throughout the season they are integrated into the men’s training session with the opportunity to play for 1 of the 4 men’s senior teams.

Depending on if they go to university or stay around they are invited to be part of the new men’s season preseason training. If they go to university we touch base with them though out the season and get them involved when they come home.

COULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LADIES AND GIRLS SECTIONS OR ANY PLANS TO DEVELOP ONE?

Bracknell RFC has had a ladies’ team for many years

"

We trained and travelled all over the county, and beyond, to get the girls game time, asking them to bring a friend or two along.

"

now, the ladies currently play in the NC2 South East League and finished this season in 5th position.

The season has not been easy, what with covid cases and injuries hampering availability, but as with many ladies’ sides, up and down the country, they have pulled together and shown up to get the games on.

With the last game of this season now played, the ladies are working on player retention and recruitment in preparation for the 2022/23 season.

This will include fitness training, getting out in the community to try and attract new ladies to the sport and I’m sure it will include the odd social event too!

In 2018 we started an Under 13’s girls’ section as

one of our boys coaches had a daughter who was wanting to play, we put out a few adverts and attracted 6 additional girls…

We trained and travelled all over the county, and beyond, to get the girls game time, asking them to bring a friend or two along.

With the help from the RFU we were introduced into the local schools, running PE sessions for the girls, and then asking them if they enjoyed it; then, why not come and try club rugby at Bracknell Fast forward to today and we have a squad, at every age group, from under 13’s, under 15’s and under 18’s, we have 7 under 15’s and 4 under 18’s representing their county, with many more opportunities being made available by the evergrowing pathways.

The plan for the Ladies and the Girls sections is simple: • Grow – continue to expand at every level, including the new under 12’s section.

• Develop – continue to offer opportunities to all the girls to learn and develop further.

The future for ladies and girls rugby at Bracknell RFC is very exciting!

84

MATTHEW JONES, SUPPORTER & SPONSOR (APEX FINANCIAL)

It was really through some friends at Binfield FC that I became connected with Bracknell Rugby Club and the fabulous work and service they provide to their local community.

The atmosphere at the club was exceptionally friendly; Ian Wilson, and many of the club members, were very hospitable and made me feel very welcome.

Like many sports club Bracknell Rugby Club seem to have many unsung heroes from club members to coaches and parents who contribute to everybody’s wellbeing whilst providing a safe environment for our young people to enjoy sport.

Congratulations to everyone at the club on such an outstanding season and promotion and good luck for next season in the higher division!

Apex have an abundance of experience in providing bespoke, holistic advice on a range of wealth management needs, including: • Pension & Retirement Planning • Investment Planning • Inheritance Tax Planning • Corporate Investment & Protection • Business Exit Planning • Care Fees Planning “Delighted to be associated with the success of Bracknell Rugby Club” Matthew Jones (Director)

01344 526691 www.apexfinancialservices.co.uk 85

DO YOU OFFER TOUCH OR WALKING RUGBY AT YOUR CLUB OR HAVE PLANS TO INTRODUCE SUCH?

As the season comes to a close for our senior ladies’ team, rather than take the break like other teams do, they continue to play by running Touch Rugby Wednesday sessions weekly.

With Touch Rugby being non-contact, fast paced and a fun way to stay fit while throwing a rugby ball around, its also a great way to bring in new players who wish to learn the basics of rugby and joining in; we even find some past players dusting off the boots and getting involved.

Not only do we use this to help with recruitment, and to keep up fitness for the next season, but we also invite our future generation of Bracknell ladies to join us. Our girl’s section after completing training will join in and enjoy the fun which is a great way to ease the

86

pressure of them coming up to the senior level and getting to know the players they will soon be running out with.

We self-run and manage the sessions but do have a main point of contact while our coaching team take time off. We started running our touch rugby sessions when we first began back at the club in 2016 and they were such a success we have now continued to do so after the end of each season.

Anyone is able to join and we encourage all women and girls to give it a try, even turn it into a mother and daughter fun activity, learning a new hobby and hitting those extra steps in your day goals! If you are local to the area please come on by and give it a go we are sure you will love it enough that you will be back again the following week! For more information, please contact us by email at brfcladies@gmail. com or on social media at Bracknell RFC Ladies.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURS TO BE A COMMUNITY CLUB AND IF YES HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH LOCAL PEOPLE/BUSINESSES?

Yes, Bracknell RFC this year paired up with one of its players sponsors Premier Education and offered free sessions to a number of primary schools. We are looking to continue to grow our relationships with businesses in the coming years. We host various large events that are supported heavily each year such as fireworks night with our last one being our best attended yet.

The club offers up an excellent family atmosphere and now boasts the largest Mini & Junior section in Berkshire. Our goal is to source locally and support local businesses more where feasible. In the future we are looking forward to working alongside local companies to provide value for our members with special discounts when they produce their membership cards which

we believe will form more partnerships locally.

Our Sponsors are Very important to us! We have a very large club to maintain and develop and without all of our sponsors we simply would not be where we are today. Bracknell Rugby Club continue to grow on and off the pitch and we are always looking for more connections who want to join us on our journey to bigger and better things for all those that are involved with this great club!

CONTACT THE CLUB

Lily Hill Park Lily Hill Drive Bracknell Berkshire RG12 2UG

01344 424013 www.bracknellrugbyclub.com

PETER WALTERS, SUPPORTER & SPONSOR (WALTERS WASHERS)

Both my sons were born in South Africa and when they arrived I placed a rugby ball in their cots! Much to my wife’s dismay. When our family returned to the UK, and our boys were of age, I took them to our local club at Bracknell, Bradley first and then Scott. Having played rugby myself at Horsham, and some representative rugby for Sussex, I have always been a big fan of the sport and aware of the great friendships and values it provides.

Matt Heeks has really led the lads well last season, and aside from our electric backs our forwards were outstanding producing the

lowest defensive level in the whole league. Over the course of the season I thoroughly enjoyed watching the plethora of talent we had on the pitch whilst the rest of our senior squads were performing equally well providing us with a great base and strength in depth for the forthcoming campaign.

Bracknell RFC is a great club to be part of with so many passionate and great people; they make me want to play rugby again and so you never know I might just get out the old boots again. It would be a dream come true to play alongside my boys Scott and Bradley! Well done to everybody at the club on an amazing season!

Father and Son Family Business Specialising in External Cleaning. We are fully insured and city and guilds accredited.

Services include: Roof De Moss (WE DO NOT Jet Wash Roofs) Gutter Clearing PVC / UPVC Cleaning Jet washing patios /driveways

01344 534212 87

Oxford RFC Catching up with Wayne Rushen.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED AND WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE CLUB?

About 5 years ago now – my daughter started dating a player and I was urged to come down and watch. After a few games I was hooked, I loved the atmosphere, the camaraderie at the club, it took me back to my playing days, which ended in 1985 through injury.

WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES FACED IN NAVIGATING YOUR CLUB/ TEAM/SECTION INTO THE POSITION IT IS IN TODAY?

Many, like a lot of clubs in recent years, from funding to player availability, The pandemic has been either a club blessing or a curse. Some have thrived, whilst others have lost large amounts of players, who either have had to make up time and money from being furloughed or older guys walking up on a Sunday ache free! Whilst other clubs have thrived I personally know 2 clubs in Oxfordshire hoping to run 4 XV’s next seasons, whereas, several other clubs who were recent power houses of the sport, in the county, are now struggling to make one team let alone 2.

I personally don’t think strong central clubs help the community game and also they destroy diversity. Take Oxford city for instance in the 1980s there was 7 clubs in or on the periphery- now just 4.

88

Whilst in lockdown, we kept in contact with all players on a weekly basis, either individually or through collective video’s, Zoom chats, online quizzes, zoom fitness sessions, we all took great care for each other.

CAN YOU LET ME KNOW ABOUT ANY AMBITIONS OR DEVELOPMENT PLANS ON AND OFF THE PITCH?

Off the pitch – we are at the moment raising funds for a new set of floodlights for our training pitch, so any would be sponsors reading this, I am sure our Chairman John Brodley would love to here from you.

Playing wise, we hope to secure our place in the league we have been promoted too.

Our under 18 colts will be training alongside the seniors next season, to encourage the esprit-de-Corp and to bring them into the men’s squad the following year. So exciting times ahead for us all!

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AT THE CLUB?

All players are welcome here at Oxford from gnarled old veterans to players who have never played before. The Head coach Dom Matthews and his assistants, Tom Wells and Mick Willoughby treat every one the same, we have no cannon fodder here.

S&C with ex-army PTI Mick Willoughby on a Tuesday and then tactical and squad-based run throughs on Thursdays.

One club, many teams is the philosophy.

COULD YOU PROVIDE A POTTED HISTORY OF YOUR CLUB?

The club was started in 1909 without a permanent clubhouse, and so soon became to be known as The Oxford Nomads, hence the club badge, then in the 1950s the club moved to North Hinksey park.

In the 70’s the club was known as Oxford City RFC 1988-89 season saw us in the 3rd round of the national Pilkington Cup, where the club was soundly battered 82-9.

In the 1990s after a disastrous merging with two other local teams the club went into decline, but has since had a renaissance which was started and led by currant fixture secretary Simon Bagnall, Current president Martin Walsh and Chairman John Brodley.

• Oxfordshire RFU County Cup winners (11): 1971, 1973, 1975, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 • Bucks/Oxon 1 champions: 2000–01 • BBO2N champions 20212022 • Southern Counties Cup Winners 2017–18 HOW’S THE GENERAL MOOD DOWN AT THE CLUB AT THE MOMENT?

Buoyant, after the first league champion win in 21 years last Saturday and looking forward to next season already.

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVES IN MANAGING SO MANY PEOPLE AND GROUPS AT YOUR CLUB AND INFORMING THEM OF NEW CHANGES?

Hard question, positives is the sense of belonging that the club brings, negatives are trying to explain to players who have not been included in the squad, why they didn’t make the bench.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUCCESSFUL PLAYER CONNECTIONS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH OR PLAYED FOR THE CLUB OVER THE YEARS?

In the 60’s Jim Parsons moved from us to join Northampton Saints and played for England four times in the 1968 5 nations championship, as it was known then.

• Ex Oxford Coach and player Will Brewer played for Bristol 1989-1993 • Dave Hilton Scotland and Bath has played for Oxford in recent years • Tony Lacano & Ashley Tapper also of Bath have worn the Green and Black hoops • Currently Wasps sensational Fly half Charlie Atkinson played his early rugby here and his dad, Iain, still coaches his brother and the other U15 here now.

WHY DO YOU FEEL SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A SPECIAL FONDNESS FOR OXFORD RFC?

The history, the great arena

that is North Hinksey Park, the club spirit means so much, to so many CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TOM MATTHEWS AND TOM WELLS CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR TEAM?

If it wasn’t for them, I hate to think where we would be, Dom and I took over the men’s team a week before the country was put into pandemic lockdown, we were asked to take over the team management and coaching by the Chair and the President after the club dispensed with the services of the then two coach’s after a very disappointing season, that had seen the clubs 2nd XV removed from the league for fixture fulfilment failure and the men’s squad diminish from 40+player to 22.

I had met Tom a few seasons previously and knew what a great asset he would be to the team and to Dom, who as playing head coach, comes with a fantastic pedigree, and both of whom have fantastic skill sets.

work has brought the team, and few now shy away from a Tuesday night beasting! Mick is amazing.

WHERE DO YOU ENVISAGE THE CLUB WILL BE IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

Still at North Hinksey Park, with two regular senior men’s sides, a colt XV and a full range of age M&Js. The collective plan would see Oxford RFC in the Tribute Southern Counties North league at level 7 WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURS TO BE A COMMUNITY CLUB AND IF YES HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH LOCAL PEOPLE/BUSINESSES?

Most definitely a community

club, currently we have North Hinksey tennis club, Oxford Archers and see several local men’s and women’s football teams train and play on the clubs’ grounds.

We also host the local scout group, who lost their home last year and now use our hall as their hut.

We have actually run a local fish and chip shop from our fully equipped catering kitchen recently after the developers demolished the local chippy, whilst the local retailer was under redevelopment.

Local People can hire the club hall for parties, weddings, wakes, you name it we’ve hosted it.

In the summer months we have both tag and touch rugby here, at times I must be very selective on what pitch the playing squad can train on, as its might be hosting either a touch tournament or a scooter riders convention.

We have several sponsors from the local community that support us from a local pub, a Mechanical Electrical company an Iron mongers, a lettings company, and local care home, a specialist road cleaning vehicle company to name only a few.

HOW IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ARE YOUR SPONSORS TO YOUR CLUB?

Immeasurable- from sponsoring kit to match balls to the match recording VEO

camera, all of which without would see a rise in the cost of player’s membership which would not make us an attractive proposition to a lot of members. Our rates are very favourable compared to other clubs in the area New sponsors are always welcome and get great benefits from a club the runs along side the busy A34 that runs through Oxfordshire the possibilities for advertising is unimaginable.

PLEASE FINISH OFF

BY TELLING ME WHAT MAKES YOUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE PART OF?

The history, the location, and its volunteers plus the members all go to make Oxford RFC a great place to be a member or a supporter of. From a VP to a mini player Oxford RFC is a true community club

CONTACT THE CLUB

N Hinksey Ln, North Hinksey, Oxford OX2 0NA

01865 243984 www.oxfordrfc.rfu.club

HOW IMPORTANT HAS FITNESS BEEN THIS SEASON? PLEASE TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FITNESS COACH?

Our fitness coach is the dad of one of our up-and-coming young players Ex- Hartpury 10 Harry Willoughby. Mick Willoughby is an Ex – army PTI who puts the guys to the test each week on a Tuesday.

The teams have benefited exponentially this year, games that saw us in a first half slugfest battle and then when we changed up 2-3 gears after half time, have seen some amazing scores 98-0 against local rivals Abingdon II being a prime example. The players who initially were reluctant to come on a Tuesday, now see the great enhancement Micks

89

Oxford

The pragmatic John brodley however, director of rugby at the club, described the club’s 2017-2018 season as one of two lost opportunities. oxford’s bogey team was risborough, who comprised mainly of disaffected ex-chinnor players. The first league match at Oxford saw the home side throw away a 17-0 lead in the second half after losing two scrum halves to injury during the match but hung on for a 17-17 draw although a missed penalty in the last few moments would have won the match for them. The return in wet and slippery conditions on risborough’s small clay surfaced school pitch saw oxford concede early scores but, fighting back with momentum, the team just ran out of time in the 12-15 defeat.

The late season play-off with risborough was seen as a match for the league title between the two top sides. sadly

nerves played a part and risborough had the upper hand. once again, oxford came storming back with a late try and a penalty to take the lead only to immediately concede a penalty in the last minute, the match and the league title in the 13-14 defeat. but there was still promotion to celebrate!

The rFU Junior Vase, and the second opportunity with a Final at Twickenham beckoning, saw oxford beat risborough 31-15 before travelling to puddletown in dorset to win the southern Final 36-13. in the south West Final oxford drew a tough match at home 13-13 with devon side south molton but went out of the competition on a 1-2 try count. but all this belies a great season for the club. in the league matches the 1st XV amassed a huge total of 908 points while only conceding 222. This can be attributed to brodley’s

George Casserly of Casserly Structures recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine about his positive association with Oxford Rugby Club, saying, “I have lived in Oxford CASSERLY STRUCTURES the car park, which is great for Casserly 40 years and when Ronan George of Casserly for ourmy local son community.

Structures recently spoke to It’s been a fantastic started playing for the clubs mini section Rugby Club Magazine about season for the club and I naturally got with to know the the club andarethe his positive association I`m sure players Oxford Rugby Club, fully aware of the tougher people down there. challenges they will face

Oxford’s structural steel specialists.

Fabrication. Erection. Crane or Lorry Hire.

Whether you need one, or all of the above, we’re here to help.

CALL: 07802401541

WWW.CASSERLYSTRUCTURES.CO.UK EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@CASSERLYSTRUCTURES.CO.UK

90 Issue 79 92

“I have lived in Oxford for next. Teams need to be 40 years and when my son tested and I’m sure the It’sstarted beenplaying a great forfixtures the club and Ronan for season tougher next season the clubs mini section I will only make them better I don’t think they have anything to worry naturally got to know the and stronger. clubabout and theinpeople down division My business Casserly the higher next year. there. Ronin has continued Structures is a club sponsor his career with the club now and we look forward to and plays prop forward. supporting the boys moving business Casserly Structures has TheMy standard of rugby last forward.

I would like to send season was excellent. bestclub wishes to everyone at recently sponsored the and we look Off the field the club Oxford Rugby Club on this forward supporting the boys seem to invest ato lot in their champion winningmoving season! facilities, recently upgrading Good luck for the future.”

forward. They have a great team running the club and a very good coach also, best wishes to everyone at Oxford Rugby Club for the future.”

Changing lives We fund life-changing projects across the UK and Ireland, using the power of rugby to support children with disabilities or facing disadvantage

Wooden Spoon is a registered charity in England and Wales (Reg No: 326691) and in Scotland (Reg No: SC039247)

woodenspoon.org.uk

#helpingkidsthroughrugby91

FCA Authorisation, FCA Licence Services We are a specialist provider of compliance consultancy services to FCA regulated firms. Our clients range from global banks to small hedge fund managers in the UK and Europe.

Our mission at City is to provide cost effective compliance solutions. This enables our clients to concentrate on their mainstream activities of satisfying their clients’ needs, growing their business and adding shareholder value in the knowledge that their business activities are fully complying with FCA rules and regulations.

Tailored Compliance Solutions • • • •

Fund Managers Stockbrokers Independent Financial Advisers Corporate Finance Firms

• Hedge Fund Managers • Banks • Private Equity Firms

T: 0207 404 7680 W: www.citycapital.uk.com E: info@citycapital.uk.com Office Address: 7 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0BD