PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
A very warm welcome to Winchester RFC’s players, supporters and guests, as well as a particular greeting to all of those past Newbury players and Life Members who are attending today’s Reunion lunch. Newbury RFC was founded in 1928 and HQ was the long gone Rokeby Arms on Newtown Road, a short distance from the old Pinchington Lane ground. Many of those attending today will have played at Pinchington Lane, supported the Blues in various voluntary capacities and been integral to the development of the set up that we have today. A big “thank you”toeveryoneofyouanddotrytofindtimetowatchalittleoftoday’sgame!
Sitting at the top 4 end of the table Winchester are going to be very tough opponents and following a draw against Farnham they lost by the narrowest of margins to Bournemouth and Tottonians. Sounds familiar? Yes, at the other end of the table the Blues lost to a last minute Chobham score and then an extra time repeat at Guildford. We share the frustration! Similarly, fans at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium will also have been impressed and frustrated in equal measures as England were edged out by the All Blacks in a very entertaining game. If they maintain their discipline and keep a low penalty count they must have a strong chance against Australia today.
As well as entertaining the crowds on their Instagram page, Newbury Women’s 1st XV hope to continue their unbeaten season against Dings Crusaders Mavericks tomorrow. Nick Mason’s U15’s boys are also sweeping all before them and are typical of the developing talent that we are encouraging throughout the Blues family. Simon Best’s walking rugby players are at a tournament in Reading this morning and his next venture is to set up a walking rugby option for the many mums who line the Sunday morning touchlines. Everyone is very welcome on board at the Blues!
Behind the scenes the solar panel switch on has happened! 228 panels are going to be supplying most of your energy needs in the coming years and providing a much more sustainable and cost efficient future for the Monks Lane HQ. Similarly, a newly installed air con system in the Wickens suite is very near to completion and will be a big plus for all of our users. Of course, this has to be paid for and as well as seeking your matched funded generosity via the Good Exchange our Treasurer, Peter Lambert, will be reporting with a substantial grin at the upcoming FAGM November 20th, 7pm. Be there and hear what he has to say!
Enjoy your day shouting out for the Blues and if you are going on to see more fireworks, please be careful. Thank you all for your continued support and to Life Member, David Jones, for providing today’s match ball
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
Current TOP TRY scorer
Ali MaGee (12)
HeadCoach, JamesMcAvoyhas ensuredALLSenior Bluesplayershave accesstothisapp Signuptodayat https://confyde.io/
Three times as many men as women die by suicide
Men are wrongly taught at a young age expressing their emotion is “weak” Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK
Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women
Men are less likely to seek medical help than women
In the competitive world of sports, mental health is just as crucial as physical prowess. Studies show that around 1 in 3 athletes will grapple with mental health challenges during their career. Yet, understanding and prioritizing mental health not only enhances performance but also safeguards your overall well-being.
Exploring mental health as an athlete isn't just about optimizing your game —it's about nurturing your social and emotional resilience. By gaining insights into mental health, you equip yourself not only to navigate the pressures of competition but also to provide support to teammates and loved ones.
Recognizing the signs of mental health struggles early on is key. Whether it's feeling overwhelmed by expectations or battling anxiety before a big match, seeking support can make all the difference. We're here to provide information and resources to help you recognize these signs, access support, and foster a culture of mental well-being within the athletic community.
In the heart of the pitch where the strong men play, a brotherhood formed in the light of day, With every tackle, every cheer, we honour our health, our bond held dear
For the BLUESFAMILY stands, united and bold, in laughter and struggle, our stories unfold, We lift one another, through thick and through thin - in wellness we thrive, together we win.
So raise up your voices, let the anthem ring, for strength isn't just in the game that we bring, It’s found in our hearts, our minds, and our care - in the spirit of rugby, together we dare.
To champion our health, to nurture our souls, for a future that’s bright, where each brother extols, In unity’s name, with pride we will strive - for the BLUESFAMILY’S spirit, keeps us alive!
Coach, James McAvoy
As we stand on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, we pause to honour those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. The Blues Family holds a deep connection to the armed forces, and it’s a proud moment for us to have Capt. Harry Isaac, 4PWRR (formerly of1RRF)leadtheteamontothepitchtoday,symbolisingourrespectandunity.
In last weekend’s fixtures, both teams displayed impressive resilience and commitment, putting recent analysis into action with admirable precision Special recognition goes to Fergus Walker, who captained the Blues for the first time, guiding the team with composure and strong leadership. The squad’s discipline throughout the match was a true testament to our shared dedication.
Our vision for the senior squad is to foster individual growth within specific skill sets while embracing our team ethos of "speed" on both offense and defence. Even players working through injuries or the Gradual Return to Play Protocol have stepped up, contributing to coaching and analysis for the squad.
Our social media presence and community outreach efforts continue to attract new talent, expanding our Blues Family and strengthening our team for the future.
In quiet fields where poppies grow, Among the rows, a solemn glow, They rest in peace, each life laid down, Each sacrifice, a soldier's crown.
They marched with courage, hearts aflame, Left home and kin, without a name. For freedom’s cause, they bore the fight, Through darkest day and longest night.
We stand today, because they fell, In whispered winds, their stories tell Of battles fought, of valour shown, Of love for land they called their own.
Lest we forget, each soul who gave heir youth, their dreams, to shield and save We honour them in silent prayer, Their memory lives, forever there.
The Newbury Blues remember too, With hearts of pride, both strong and true. In fields of green and skies of grey, Their memory lives with us each day
So pause, remember, bear the debt, Their lives and legacy lest we forget.
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Maidenhead II v NEWBURY STAGS KO 2:00PM
Dan EVANS; Louis CARNELL; Ben TOPPING; Ted DYER; Michael DUPPA-MILLER (c); Ethan DAVID JOHN; Ollie LONG
Freddie DURDEN-SMITH; Mitch BUCHAN; Liam COOPER; Jamal WATSON; Skhathi MTHEMBU;
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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!
38
Favourite thing about being part of a team?
All the boys and the atmosphere
Favourite movie about sports?
Lorum ipsum
Blades of Glory
BEN DAVIES
Born:
Newbury
YouthRugbyClub(s):
NewburyRFC
Whatteamdoyousupport?
Bath
Favouritecurrentproplayer:
OllieLawrence-verydifferent profileofplayer,canchangea gameinaninstant
Favourite way to celebrate a win:
Get drunk!
JonnyWilkinson,THATmoment atthe2003WorldCup!
Favouritefood/Favouritedrink:
Bestall-timeplayer: Carbonara/Oasis
Makingmyfirstteamdebut, becauseI’vealwaysdreamtof doingso
Bestrugbymoment: Wakeupearly.Iftheweather’s nice,getsomestepsin,listento music,eatsomecarbs&arriveto thefixtureearly Pre-matchritual:
Aspirations:
Becomewhat6y oldmedreamtof andoffthepitch
Golf(badly)
Othersports: Enjoysometime away,keepmy fitnessup&get onthegolfcours Whatdoyoudoduring theoffseason?
Whatdoesitmeantop forNewbury?
It’smassivetome beeninvolvedwit Clubsinceunder I’vealwaysaspire playonaSaturda someofthelads grewupwatching
Bestpieceofrugby advicereceived:
“Controlthecont Don’tworryabou uncontrollables”
NEWBURY BLUES
KYLE DOEL
4
SECOND ROW
6'3"/182.9cm
Whatdoyoudoduring theoffseason?
YouthRugbyClub(s): CourtneyLawes
Coarsefishing
OvertonRFC,AndoverRFC& BasingstokeRFC
Favouritefood: Basingstoke
BBQ
Favouritedrink:
Funniestplayeronthe teamandwhy?
Favouritecurrentproplayer: AshleyDoel-we clickverywell!
Whatdoesitmeantoplay forNewbury?
Bestrugbymoment:
Born: PlayingforEnglandand GBFireServices
Pre-matchritual: Aspirations: Guiness
It’slikeafamily. Alwaysbeen therewhenI havehadafew hiccups&always beensupported. It’sa brotherhood.
Bitofgrub,bitoflunch, coffee&thenwalkthepitch
Backtoplaying competitiverugbyaftera longinjury
Othersports:
Ifightfires!
Favourite Take-away?
Indian Food
Go to karaoke song?
Hey there Delilah
Harlequins in Australia
Lions or Rugby World Cup?
Toughest opponent you’ve faced? World Cup
Preferred brand of rugby boots?
Adidas
Pre-match breakfast?
Sausage, bacon & egg butty
Favourite thing about being part of a team?
Camaraderie
All time best sports movie:
Invictus
Worst & Best Dressed Players on the team & why?
Worst - Ben Davies...Too many trackies
Lorum ipsum
Best - Checksfield...He’s just a stud
Bestpieceofrugby advicereceived:
“Don’tleaveanything onthepitch”
Best rugby memory:
Beating Clifton at home for Millfield
Best part about match day:
The rugby
How do you stay fit during the summer?
Keep training
Best team bonding activity:
Drinks after the game
How do you recover after a tough match?
Sleep
Favourite way to celebrate a win:
Go to the pub!
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
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
LUNA UK FASHION SHOW
at NEWBURY RUGBY CLUB in aid of WOLFRAM SYNDROME
Grab a few tickets, bring your friends and enjoy an unforgettable night filled with great fashion ideas, a delicious hog roast, plenty of prizes, and so much more!
It’s the perfect girls night out!
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.
Ourroomsareidealfor: Conferences Parties Weddings Meetings Exhibitions Wakes Yoga/Pilates Dance/exerciseclasses
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
