PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
Today we welcome the players and supporters of Farnham RFC to Monks Lane. Farnham have made a strong start to the season. After beating Bournemouth and Guildford in their opening matches they drew 25-25 against League favourites Winchester last week. The other teams showinggoodearlypaceareTottoniansandnewcomers,PetersfieldRFC.
The Blues will be looking to continue their steadily improving form. After coming so close at Chichester and against Wimborne, the team really clicked at Andover and deserved the 14-38 win. Callum Varrall and Harry Edwards both impressed on their League debuts and as usual, the whole team appreciated the swathe of Blues shirted support on the touchlines
A week ago last Sunday was a busy day at Blues HQ Our senior Women’s 1st XV had a convincing win against Cullompton and in the morning we had a visit from Howden Insurance. Howden are now Principal Partners for the British and Irish Lions and as part of that involvement they have established the Lions Origins Clubs. This celebrates rugby clubs who have helped develop Lions players and at the Blues we have three people who fall into this category Jonathan Joseph, Tyrone Howe and Tom Croft all played rugby here and we were very pleased to have Tom Croft presenting a plaque to mark the occasion Both Tom and our Howden guests were genuinely impressed with the energy, enthusiasm and number of well organised youngsters enjoying rugby activities Tom’s parents still live locally, and he is keen to maintain his renewed contact with the Blues. Thank you, Tom, and thank you Howden!
We have a fantastic team behind the scenes generating and monitoring essentially needed income and now that the season is underway you may wish to get together with a few friends to sponsor a player? Availability is marked in the programme and part of the cost goes towards coaching and development in the youth section Another improvement that would welcome funds is the Sustainable Energy and Lighting Project. Your donation is matched by the Good Exchange and project details can be found at ‘thegoodexchange com’
An essential is today’s match ball and this has been provided via a donation from Life Member, David Barratt.
Enjoy your day shouting out for the Blues and do try the quality products available on match days our newly established Saturday burger station!
Best wishes to all of our wonderful supporters
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
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Max Oliver
Son, Fiancé, Colleague & Friend
On the 5th of September 2024 whilst on his way to work, at the age of 31, Max Oliver suffered a fatal cardiac arrest and medical staff were unable to resuscitate him both on the scene and at the hospital.
Max was a member of NRFC after moving to Newbury to live with his Fiancé from his hometown club of Bishop Storfort RFC. He played games for the Stags but was an avid watcher, often found behind the posts at Blues home games with a pint of Guinness in hand.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and Fiancé Molly.
03/09/1962-12/09/2024
Often seen on the sidelines watching sons, Harry and George, playing for the Blues and Stags (respectively). Always wearing her Blues bobble hat.
Joanne passed away after a two and half year battle with blood cancer.
EveryweekintheUKatleast12fitandhealthyyoung peopledieofundiagnosedcardiacconditions.
Withyourdonation,CRY(CardiacRiskintheYoung)can reducethefrequencyofyoungsuddencardiacdeath (YSCD)byworkingwithcardiologistsandfamilydoctorsto establishgoodpracticeandappropriatescreeningfacilities topromoteandprotectthecardiachealthofouryoung
BysupportingCRYyouwillhelp saveyounglivesfromthese potentiallyfatalcardiacconditions.
May Joanne rest in peace, and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with her family in this time of sorrow.
Over40,000peoplearediagnosedwithablood cancereachyearintheUK,andover250,000 peoplearecurrentlylivingwithbloodcancer.
Tofindoutmoreandtomakeacharitable donation:
Coach, James McAvoy
WelcomebacktoMonksLaneforoursecondhomegameoftheseason.
Speed has been the key word this season and our first two games have already provided the squad with key learnings around exits, continuity, support and starting fast. I have been really proud of the wider squad in their progression week on week as each game we haveprogressedinanareaofdevelopment.
Last week the Blues secured a bonus point win over Andover and highlights the important of bonus points as we sit in 6th place currently with increased depth and challenge for places.
Our stock plays and attack shape led to attacking bonus points for Blues and Stags last weekend and with the defensive systems in place to get off the line we aim to provide more bonus points this weekend vs Farnham.
As a club our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Max Oliver and Judith Stevens, mother and avid supporter of Blues and Stags players Harry and George.
TrainingTuesday/Thursdayeveningsfrom7pm
YourProjectTitle
KO 3:00PM
Dan EVANS; Louis CARNELL; Sam BRAMHALL; Ted DYER; Jack WARD; Michael DUPPA-MILLER; Jamal WATSON; Niall HANLY;
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisc est et, sodales metus Quisque ac lacinia felis N amet lacus Sed quam nulla, feugiat et felis elementum ac aliquet hendrerit, facilisis eu nisi. porttitor urna eu magna rutrum tincidunt. In id e ligulasedporta.
George SHAKESPEARE (vc); Michael KLICHOWICZ; Matthew FOX; Harry EDWARDS; Harry ISAAC (c); Ollie LONG; Skhathi MTHEMBU
HARRYWAYE-BRANCH
Born:
VICECAPTAIN
NewburyRFC
Whatteamdoyousupport?
YouthRugbyClub(s): CourtneyLaws
Newbury! JasonRobinson
Favouritecurrentproplayer:
Favouritefood: Newbury
Bestall-timeplayer: Paella
Favouritedrink: HOOKER
WaterorGuiness
Bestrugbymoment:
DebutonPinkDay2019and winningthePapaJohn’sShield in2024
Pre-matchritual:
Workearlymorning,breakfast, gettoClubearly,readthe programme,pitchwalk,tapeup, prewarmup,speakwithlads beforeteamwarmupandthen intogamemode
PromotionwithNewburyandtoplayat TwickenhamintheCupthisseason
Aspirations: Bouldering/rockclimbing, tennis,badminton,andfootball
Whatdoyoudoduringtheoffseason?
Othersports: Playrugby7s,touch rugby,andworkon speedandconditioning
Funniestplayerontheteam andwhy?
GRSbecausehe lookslikeaburnt Humpty-Dumpty
Alwayshaveaball withyou,andfocus onbecomingthe bestatthebasics Bestpieceofrugby advicereceived:
NEWBURY BLUES
Indian Favourite Take-away?
Go to karaoke song?
Robbie Williams
Toughest opponent you’ve faced?
Jersey RFC
Lions or Rugby World Cup?
Lions
Preferred brand of rugby boots?
Mizuno
Pre-match breakfast?
Porridge & a few eggs
Favourite thing about being part of a team?
Beers
Worst & Best Dressed Players on the team & why?
Worst - Jacob Checksfield
Best rugby memory:
Winning the Papa John’s Shield 2024
Best part about match day:
Beers and winning!
How do you stay fit during the summer?
Running & weights
Best team bonding activity:
Going to the pub!
How do you recover after a tough match?
Have a bath!
Favourite way to celebrate a win:
Lads going out...
Best - Dylan Stewart
Lorum ipsum
DYLAN STEWART
Born:
YouthRugbyClub(s):
NewburyRFC
7
5'9"/179.3cm
Whatteamdoyousupport? Harlequins
Favouritecurrentproplayer:
SamUnderhill-shots, shots,shots!
Bestall-timeplayer:
RichieMcCaw-hewasadog!
Favouritefood: Harare,Zimbabwe
Favourite drink: Flanker
Chicken-Friedchicken, chickennuggets,chicken wings...anychicken!
Can’t beat a couple of cans of Green Monster on game day
Bestrugbymoment:
Eithermy1stteamdebutwith mydadplayingorwinningthe playoffgameagainstClevedon
2cansofMonster,acoupleof whiffsofsmellingsaltsandabig slapontheNewburyBluessign
Aspirations:
Pre-matchritual: Liveoutalongterm injury-freecareer atNewburyRFC (strugglingwith theinjurypart!)
Othersports:
Wouldliketocallmyself agolfer,however,not quitePGAready!
Whatdoyoudoduringthe offseason?
It’sfestivalseason!
Whatdoesitmeantoplay forNewbury?
2words...”BluesFamily”
Bestpieceofrugby advicereceived:
“You’renottoosmallto playflanker”
We’reexcitedtoannounceournextCareersEveningonThursday,10thOctober 2024,from6:00pmto7:30pmatNewburyRugbyClub
Thiseventisafantasticopportunitytoexploreexcitingcareerprospectswith JonesRobinsonEstateAgents,whetheryou’renewtotheindustryorlookingfor thenextstepinyourcareer
Attheevent,you’lllearnmoreaboutthediverseroleswehaveavailable,including: TraineeEstateAgentpositionsinNewbury,perfectforthoseeagertostarta rewardingcareerinsalesorlettings
WeekendViewingsConsultant,offeringflexible,part-timework RoleslikePropertyManagerandTraineePropertyManagerforindividuals interestedinpropertymanagement
SalesConsultantandSeniorSalesConsultantpositionsinNewbury and Pewsey.
Joinusforaneveningofnetworkingandinsightfuldiscussions aboutwhatit’sliketobepartoftheJonesRobinsonteam. Whetheryou’reseekingfull-timeorpart-timework,we’dloveto meetyouandhelpyoudiscoveryourpotential
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
Buy a ticket now to be in the next monthly draw or simply scan the QR code or visit the Newbury shop
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
orjustturnuponaTuesdayevening
The purpose of the meeting primarily is to receive and approve the Accounts for the
The Agenda, with Minutes of the previous FAGM and a summary of the Club's Financial Statement for FYE 30/6/24 will be sent to Voting members two weeks prior to the meeting.
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
President: VicePresident:
Committee:
Trustees:
LifeMembers: TrevorColes
DavidJones
Chair
HonorarySecretary
Treasurer
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
