NEWBURY BLUES BOURNEMOUTH RFC
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
A warm welcome to Newbury Blues HQ is offered to the players, supporters and officials from Bournemouth RFC. Many years ago, before dual carriageways and motorways were a thing and wellbeforetheadventoftheleaguesystem,Bournemouthwasaregularfixture.Itwasn’tapopular away game because of the travel and I believe this, rather than my huge playing potential, was the reason for my 1st XV debut at Bournemouth some 50 years ago! I don’t remember too much about itbutwelostinaclosegameandDerekCarruthers,exStBart’steacher,wastheteamCaptain.
Like Newbury Blues, Bournemouth have had league highs and lows in recent years. The league that we are in seems to be the tipping point between amateur and ‘professional” status. In the league above, some financial support is essential for survival while in the leagues below players enjoy the sport and camaraderie that Saturday afternoon rugby offers. The Rams, formerly Old Redingensians, were local adversaries who have now risen to the top of National League One and are led by our own Max Hayman. Now Captain and leading try scorer, Max has also enlisted our Blues top try scorer, Oli Rhoads. We wish them both well on their rugby journey. Meanwhile Chinnor, who would have struggled against our 2nd XV back in the day, are flying high in the Championship. How times change when deep pockets are available!
The Blues 2nd XV have had a tremendous start to the season and after a good win at Slough they make the short trip to Thatcham today. The Women’s 1st XV have also been on top form with another win against Drybrook last week and their 2nd XV recorded a victory as well. Touch rugby, vets/social rugby, walking rugby and masses of youth, junior and mini rugby are all part of a very busy Blues family.
Today’s game is a very tough one for the Blues 1st XV. After an upbeat pre season and some very good team performances the results have just not gone our way. A squeaky last minute, one point loss at Chobham, was another one that got away. After their victory over Winchester last week the Bournemouth mindset will be that they have turned the corner. Typically, the Blues rise to a challenge and with our strong touchline support we should expect a very competitive match.
The pitches at Monks Lane are the envy of most clubs and their management is guided by Life Member, Ralph Grove. Today we thank Ralph for donating the match ball. We also thank all of our sponsors and those who have contributed to the Good Exchange for our Sustainable Energy and Lighting project. If you can support this your donation will be matched funded as well as gift aided.
Enjoy your day and get behind those Blues!
TrevorColes
NRFC President
WELCOMETO NRFC
A huge welcome to Newbury RFC, where we pride ourselves on our welcoming and friendly attitude - somethingI, as Chair, am particularly proudof. As aclubwe have something for nearly everyone, from Mini rugby on a Sunday morning to Touch rugbytwiceaweek.
This season we have four senior teams, the Blues and Stags for the Men and a 1st and 2nd XV for the Women with both sections welcoming new players over the summer. Alongside which we have a busy and enthusiastic Minis section with boys and girls from age U6 – U12 training every Sunday morning in most weathers! They are organised and coached by an amazing bunch of people who give up their time to nurture the talent we have. Our Junior Boys teams have players from U13 – U16 and are constantly growing and thriving again under the supervision of a great group of coaches We have also been lucky enough this season to appoint a new Colts Coach, Paul Archer, who many of you already know, has stepped into this role to create a smooth transition from Junior Rugby up into Senior while giving the boys the benefit of all his knowledge and experience. As well this season we’re going to be building on our Girls teams with a number of drop-in sessions for new players while our U14, U16 and U18 teams will be playing in partnership with Didcot and Grove allowing them to play in a range of fixtures. We also now offer Walking rugby on a Tuesday evening which always seems to finish in the bar! All of our Rugby sections and teams are going from strength to strength, and I think it’s going to be a busy but brilliant season for them all.
It is my hope that we can continue to build on all the great things that we’ve got in place and introduce some new initiatives where we can. As always there are so many to thank, but along with all our volunteers who are amazing, I’d also like to thank all the local businesses who have invested in the club this season, your support is hugely appreciated, and we hope you’ll continue to be part of the club for many seasons. And of course, it goes without saying that we give a huge thank you to Louise and her team who keep the food and drink coming every weekend as well as looking after all the other users of the club in the week – it never seems to be empty!
I hope that all our members are taking full advantage of the free entry to the home games included in your membership, it’s always a joy to see so many supporters turning out for the Blues and hopefully inspiring our younger players to continue their rugby journey at Monks Lane. And for anyone out there who fancies getting involved in any of activities that go on or just helping out on special occasions please let me know – there’s always something to do! I look forward to seeing you all at Monks Lane soon.
ComeonyouBlues!
SarahTunstall Club Chair
Sarah rugby NRFC@outlook com
Post Match Music
Stay behind after the final whistle to celebrate Oktoberfest with a pint from our real ale tent! Enjoy live music from the incredible Zoe Badman, making it a perfect evening of rugby, beer, and great vibes.
Coach, James McAvoy
To all our passionate Blues supporters, it’s clear that recent losses have been frustratingly close, and at times we haven’t quite shown the expansive, free-flowing rugby that became our hallmark towards the end of last season. The lads have been putting in a tremendous effort during training, reflecting on whether some of the systems we’ve introduced have unintentionally made us more rigid, perhaps causing hesitation and a fear of making mistakes. We're known for our fluid style of play, and when everything clicks, I’m confident that the results will follow. With that, our confidence will rise, and we’ll start climbing the league again, delivering the exciting rugbywealllovetosee.
On a brighter note, the Stags have kicked off their season undefeated, showing real strength and cohesion. Joe has done a fantastic job refining their structure and style of play, which has translated into both on-field success and increased attendance at training. This has helped them become a more cohesive unit, while also nurturing the development of future Blues players.
The season is long, and your unwavering support means the world to the squad and the whole coaching team We’re committed to giving it everything, and with your backing, I know we’ll achieve great things together.
Thank you, as always, for your dedication.
TrainingTuesday/Thursdayeveningsfrom7pm
Thatcham RFC v NEWBURY STAGS
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KO 3:00PM
Sam BRAMHALL; Ben TOPPING; Will ESAM; Ted DYER; Michael DUPPA-MILLER (c); George STEVENS ; Niall HANLEY; Ollie LONG
Archie DURDEN-SMITH; Freddie DURDENSMITH; Alex LEADBEATER; HARRY Cooper; Charlie HART; Matthew COX; Robin SWANN
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Replacements: Dan EVANS; Louis CARNELL; Kye ALEXANDER; Liam COOPER
Favourite Take-away?
Wings, just pure wings as spicy as they come
Go to karaoke song?
I look good in leather
Toughest opponent you’ve faced?
Cambridge University
Lions or Rugby World Cup?
Lions - I wasn’t invited by my dad to the last Lions tour!!!
Preferred brand of rugby boots?
Adidas
Pre-match breakfast?
Full fry up - eggs, bacon...the lot
Favourite thing about being part of a team?
All the boys
Worst & Best Dressed Players on the team & why?
Worst - GRS due to lack of clothes
Best - Michael Duppa-Miller - his leather jacket is iconic
Best rugby memory:
First time taken to a rugby pitch with my dad in an old French top
Best part about match day:
Getting together with the lads and getting to hit people!
How do you stay fit during the summer?
Gym and work
Best team bonding activity:
Getting drunk!
How do you recover after a tough match?
Get drunk!
Favourite thing about being part of a team?
All the boys and the atmosphere
Favourite movie about sports?
Lorum ipsum
Blades of Glory
MICHAEL KLICHOWICZ
Born:
PortElizabeth,SouthAfrica
YouthRugbyClub(s):
GreyJuniorSchool
Whatteamdoyousupport? Stormers
Favouritecurrentproplayer:
SachaFienberg-Mngomezulu. Youngsterwithalotoftalent
Favourite way to celebrate a win:
Get drunk!
CheslinKolbe-Smallbloke withamassiveimpact!
Favouritefood:
Bestall-timeplayer: Braai
Favourite drink:
WinningthePapaJohn’sFinal lastseason
Pre-matchritual:
Bestrugbymoment: Bananas&nobounce
Aspirations:
GetonLoveIsland!
Othersports:
Cricket,golf,7s rugby&abitofPadel whenIcan
Whatdoyoudoduringthe offseason?
Chasecricketballs aroundthepark&a bitof7s
Whatdoesitmeantoplay forNewbury?
Easilythebestfans& supportintheleague. I feelgratefultoplayin frontofsuchgreatpeople
“Ifsizemattered, elephantswouldbeKing oftheJungle” Bestpieceofrugby advicereceived:
NEWBURY BLUES
BEN HICKS
Born:
Reading
YouthRugbyClub(s):
NewburyRFC
Whatteamdoyousupport?
Harlequins
Favouritecurrentproplayer:
Pre-matchritual:
Alwayshavethesamefoodporridgeandthentunapasta
Aspirations:
I’dliketorun5Kinunder 20minutes
Othersports:
I’mintorunning
Whatdoyoudoduring theoffseason? 1
6'2"/188cm
JoeMarler-Greatcharacter on&offthefield-oneofthe bestscrummagers
Bestall-timeplayer:
JonnyWilkinson-England
Legend! Oneofthemost famousplayerswhileIwas growingup
Favouritefood:
Steak&Chips
Favouritedrink:
Peroni
PromotiontoNat316/17season -oneofthebestdaysI'vebeen involvedinattheclub.Was awesomeatmosphere&great celebrationsafter Bestrugbymoment:
Favourite Take-away?
Pizza
Go to karaoke song?
Angles by Robbie Williams
Toughest opponent you’ve faced?
No. 8 from Chippenham
Lions or Rugby World Cup?
Lions
Preferred brand of rugby boots?
Adidas
Pre-match breakfast?
Porridge
Iliketokeepfit& enjoyrunning
Funniestplayeronthe teamandwhy?
Futch!
Bestpieceofrugby advicereceived:
“Enjoyeverygameyouneverknowifit maybeyourlast”
Best rugby memory:
Home debut on my birthday
Best part about match day:
The environment and seeing everyone cheering on the Blues
How do you stay fit during the summer?
Fitness with Max Hayman (Rams 1st XV Captain)
Best team bonding activity:
Golf
How do you recover after a tough match?
icebath and I eat LOTS of food
Favourite thing about being part of a team?
The jokes
All time best sports movie:
Curveball
Worst & Best Dressed Players on the team & why?
Worst - Oli Rhoads
Best - Myself...Always back myself!
Lorum ipsum
Favourite way to celebrate a win:
Annual Mini's Hallowe'en party
Come down and join in the fun!
Fancy dress encouraged and party open to players siblings
FINAL FEW PLACES
Don't miss out as spaces are selling fast
Host your events at Newbury Rugby Club
Our room hire prices start from as little as £25+VAT.
Because of the different sizes of rooms we can accommodate parties big or small and with a large outside area covering 5 full-sized rugby pitches and 300 free parking spaces, we can also cater for: Barbeques, Family fun days, Corporate team building events, Exhibitions and displays, Live music and events
We can help you with any event, with a wide range of buffet options, three course menus, hog roasts, and barbecue food available. Whatever your event, we look forward to welcoming you.
We offer a friendly, great value venue to customers in the local Newbury area, with a longstanding reputation for hosting multiple events over many years.
Call us now on 01635 230 023 or email reception@newburyrfc.org.uk to find out more.
Our rooms are ideal for: Conferences Parties
Weddings
Meetings
Exhibitions Wakes
Yoga / Pilates
Dance / exercise classes
Future proofing your Club
Following the replacement of the boilers in 2023 we are turning to the next phase of upgrades and specifically ways to materially improve our energy cost efficiency (utility costs being the second largest business cost to NRFC).
We have embarked on upgrading all of the training pitch floodlights to LEDs and installing solar panels on our large south facing clubhouse. The total cost is £149,000 but the payback period for this total investment is less than five years (as we will use all electricity generated for own use and sell any excess back to the Grid).
To date through a combination of allocated club reserves and a specific £20,000 match funded Grant from Greenham Trust, we will have raised 44% of the total project cost
We are now seeking to raise the £64,000 balance from a combination of: general fundraising across all playing and non-playing sections, members and supporters of the club other grants club sponsors and other users of our facilities.
This project is listed on Greenham Common Trust’s Good Exchange platform (project no.20484) with the link shown below. All personal donations are eligible for Gift Aid and have match funding approval from Greenham Trust.
The material improvement in NRFC’s financial performance over the last five years means that we are now in a position to plan for and take on major capital expenditure improvements to our facilities.
Please help support the club in this very important upgrade to our facilities
For every £1 donated, the Club receives £1 of match funding from Greenham Trust. Please support the Club by donating towards one of our live appeals via
https://thegoodexchange.com/
The Good Exchange is a not-for-profit, on-line matching platform that has been designed to address one of today’s biggest charitable fundraising challenges – how to best match those organisations and individuals who have money to give to good causes to those who need it most. LibertyHouse,GreenhamBusinessPark,ThatchamRG196HS
Prize money is 40% of tickets purchased during the month. 60% balance goes to the Club to help fund equipment, resources and opportunities for players and coaches
Follow us on our social channels to keep up to date with news, player activity, squad announcements, and much more...
Hungupyourbootsafewyearsago?
Neverplayedrugbybefore?
Rehabilitatingfromaninjury?
Fancyimprovingyouraerobiccapacity?
Fancyasocialgettogetherwithlikemindedpeople?
Fancydoingaspotofexerciseandimprovingyouremotionalandmentalwellbeing?
If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes”, then walking touch rugby may be just what you’re looking for. The perception is walking touch rugby is for older people, all having a gentle stroll around a rugby pitch. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Our group consists of men and women aged between mid-thirties to seventy and the fast walking pace of the game is sufficient to get your heart rate up. The game gives everyone the opportunity to improve both fitness and skill levels.
Club sessions are held on the top pitch every Tuesday evening between 19:00 - 20:00 and then a few drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, in Kickers Bar. Do come along, to watch initially if you prefer, or at least spread the word far and wide to encourage as many people as possible to join our enthusiastic, welcoming and friendly club
Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningin,pleasecontactContactSimonBest
-simonbestnewburyrfc@gmail.com orjustturnuponaTuesdayevening
THEREFEREE
The referee has volunteered their services today which ensures the players have a game and that you, the spectators, get to watch it. They referee what they see which is not necessarily what you see or think you see, and they deserve your thanks and courtesy not your anger.
Please be advised that abusive language towards officials, players, coaches, staff or other spectators will not be tolerated, and you may be asked to leave the ground.
Thank you!
SCOREFORECAST-THERULES
THEJACKPOT
Anyticketholdingthecorrectmatchscoreattheendofthematch winsthejackpot.
MATCHDAYPRIZE
IftheJackpotisnotwon,a£50prizeisawardedtothenearestscore attheendofthematch.Thenearestscorewillbedeterminedbythe followingsequence:
1
2
Thewinningscorecorrect,incombinationwiththenearestlosing score(aboveandbelow)
Theloosingscorecorrect,incombinationwiththenearest winningscore(aboveorbelow)
3Intheeventofadraw,thenearestotherdraw(aboveorbelow)
Notes
In the event of more than one winner the Jackpot or Match Day prize will be shared equally between the ticket holders. The end of the match is at 80 minutes or at time of abandonment. Extra time will not count.
No prize will be paid without the winning ticket being presented. Winners have 28 days in which to claim their prize
The Guard of Honour is today represented by players from our Youth Section
Price Match + 10%
DavidhasalongassociationwithNewburyRFCthatgoesbackto2005whenhewasaSupporterofhis sonBertie.RopedintocoachingbySimonWalker,oneofourothersponsorsScofell,helivedand breathedtheSundaymorningtrainingandmatchdayrituals,comerainorshine.Davidthenfinished hisassociationwithNewburyRFCasaTrustee,andevenaRefereebeforelifeandworktookhimaway fromNewbury.
NowbackandfullyengagedasaSponsoroftheClub,Davidwouldliketoofferhiscompany’sservices tohelpMembersandSupporterswithanypropertysurveysyoumayrequire.DunfordPenrose Surveyorsareanationwidefirmwithover50+surveyorsreadytogoandhavemorethan9005starTrustPilotReviews.
Davidwillpricematchanysurveyyoufindandthengiveyoua10%discountasanNRFCMember
President: VicePresident:
Committee:
Trustees:
LifeMembers:
RugbyCommitteeChair
ChairofMen’sRugby
ChairofWomen’sRugby
ChairofYouthRugby
ChairofVets&TouchRugby
Co-opted
Co-opted-CommunityRugby
Co-opted-CoachingCo-ordinator
SarahTunstall
ChristineMorrell
PeterLambert
SarahTunstall
BrianTrott
LozziePriceRichards
SimonBest
JamesMcCarthy
LauraHunter
JamesMacCarthy
RossSmitherman
AdamPrickett,RobinVarley,AndrewStreet,LeeNewton
D Barratt,N Booth,T Coles,R Cooper,RM Cripps,D Eggbeer,J Emery,DJ Feltham, G.Feltham,D.M.Fishleight,M.Futcher,R.Golby,L.J.Goodall,R.Grove,D.Hawkins,D. Jones,A Keaney,S Leonard,J Lewis,V Lewis,A Pankhurst,R Pratley,H PriceRichards,P Simmons,I Skipworth,DGH Smith,S Thorne,R Tucker,C Vare,A Widdop
Thank Thank Thank you
