GETTING TO KNOW...

NAME: JAMIE DAVISON | AGE: 24 |

What inspired you to start playing rugby, and how long have you been part of the sport?

I started playing when I was 5 year old. I was really fat so usually I was bigger than everyone my age... until everyone else started growing!

How do you mentally or physically prepare on the morning of a big rugby match?

I try to get a good rest the night before and get up early to prep my bag and fuel up.

POSITION: BACK ROW

When you were a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a firefighter.

What do you do now for a day job?

I own a building and construction company in Wiltshire & Oxfordshire. A carpenter by trade.

Away from the rugby field, how do you unwind?

I unwind by doing absolutely nothing and eating things I absolutely shouldn’t, and getting on my girlfriends last nerve.

What’s your go-to pre-game meal that you believe gives you the perfect energy boost before hitting the field?

On the morning before a game I always have the same meal: smashed avocado on toast with a poached egg and smoked salmon.

Playing rugby requires a combination of strength, speed, skills & strategy. Which of these qualities do you think you most excel in, and which would you like to improve?

I think my strength and speed helps me a lot, but I definitely need to improve strategy and decision making. Partly to help myself, but mainly to get Lowie off my back.

On or off the field, which qualities do you think sets RWBRFC apart from other clubs?

I’ve got more club ties than hairs on my chest, but RWBRFC are head and shoulders above teams for the camaraderie and the family feel. Everyone knows everyone and everyone makes an effort to include you, which reflects on the pitch because you want to play for your family!

If RWBRFC had an official mascot costume, what do you think it should be, and who would wear it?

There’s only one man that could step up to be mascot, and that would be Connor Tomley wearing a scrum hat and a match shirt three sizes too small for him.

This season we are celebrating the important role our coaches play throughout all sections of our club. Who was the best coach during your rugby career, and why?

Embracing the fact I’ll be getting stick from my teammates reading this for being a suck up, I’d have to say Lowie. It’s the attention to very small details that he notices and determination to make players the best possible version of themselves. He knows how to get results from people and he sets a standard that he expects from us as a group.

As you run onto the pitch at the start of a game, what song should be played as your theme tune?

I don’t have much of a preference, probably something by Foo Fighters, but I’d I let Chris Roshier decide. He’d play the Love Island theme tune.

When travelling to an away fixture by coach, who would you purposely not sit next to, and why?

I’ll do my best to get on before Tyler Booth. You do not want to sit next to him after he’s had a Double XL Sally Pussey Breakfast and 2-pint milkshake.

We have some promising young players moving up to senior rugby. Is there anyone we should keep our eye on?

Roo Robello - the only person I’ve seen step his own teammates and still score.

Among your teammates, who has the most annoying pre-game ritual or superstition, and what is it?

Ben Wilkinson sprinting into the changing room with his suitcase following behind him screaming “RUGBY!” for 25 minutes…

If there was a Zombie Apocalypse, which teammate would you take with you to help you escape?

I’d have to pick Rob Hart, every chance he gets, he’d tell every zombie about his glory days as club captain for Romsey RFC, and just as all the zombies start to fall asleep, that’s when I’ll sneak out the back door.

What is your best physical feature?

My girlfriend would probably say the back of me, when I’m leaving out the front door for the day.

So far, what has been your biggest achievement in the sport?

My biggest achievement would be the fact I’m still playing. I took a long time out of rugby and sport after losing my dad at 15, but being back and playing a good standard with some really close mates makes it all so worth it!

And also pick the shortest bus journey when you make your first team debut!

Finally, it’s been 10 years since our club moved to Ballards Ash... What’s your favourite Ballards Ash memory you hold close to your heart? Unfortunately I haven’t had the privilege of being at Bassett during the crossover to Ballards Ash from Stoneover, but in my short time here so far, the Cider Festival is an unbelievable few days, but winning the Counties Cup with the 2nd team is something I’ll hold close to me!

What advice would you give to younger players in our club?

My advice to younger players would be to not put too much pressure on themselves, but to also keep fit and strong outside of rugby to suppress injury during it.

Second half surge sees Bassett go seven up after a stuttering first half

Royal Wootton Bassett kicked off the new season with a good win over Bristol side Gordano in the first meeting in nearly forty years. Bassett eventually scoring seven tries after eventually overcoming a determined Gordano side who worked hard throughout.

Gordano started well and took the game to Bassett spending time in the Bassett half. Bassett also made some early unforced errors that added to the pressure.

In the 9th minute Bassett’s backrow were caught offside and Gordano led 3-0 with a simple penalty. With the game in a midfield stalemate Bassett lost skipper Gavin Ougan to a yellow in the 20th minute.

Despite this Bassett went on the attack and the first incisive back movement saw the debutant wing Henry Toomer join the line and race over for a neat try. Fly half Sam Baker converted.

trouble and full back Charles Brook was able to power over.

Gordano struck back with a try in the corner after a sustained sequence of phases. This effort however was to be their last as Bassett cut loose in the final quarter. Thomas Blinkhorn scythed through the defence to score under the posts. Shortly after a superb fast movement along the back division was held up but the ball was popped up to hooker Scott Parry who drove over.

In the dying minutes Bassett added to their tally when centre Scott Douglas outpaced the defence to score in the corner. Baker added all the conversions.

Just before the interval a quickly taken penalty by Baker freed up Ougan who powered over for Bassett to lead 12-3 at the break.

Gordano had started to tire but the interval revived them and they again came out determined to take the game to Bassett. However, it was Bassett who extended their lead when Jack Daynes forced his way over after a lineout drive was held up. Baker converted.

Gordano then added a converted try after an excellent lineout and drive. A quickly taken penalty from Baker had Gordano in