TheWitneystoreisatruecommunitystore, servingthevicinityforthepast40years. Stockingeverythingfromwinetowetwipes andbreadtobananas,CannonPool(asit's affectionatelyknown)isaonestopshopfor HaileyRoadandthesurroundingvillages. On Sale from
Ireland have played England 71 times in Dublin in the Home Nations Championships. Ireland have won 34 times against England’s 33, there have been 4 draws. In those 71 games
England have scored 711 points to Ireland’s 709, it couldn’t be closer!
The first game between the 2 Nations was played 15 February 1875 at The Oval in London with England running out winners, 2 tries to nil.
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Charlie Bowyer
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WRFC Walking Rugby
Matthew Collins Furniture
Barry Bowles & Tony Maycock
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James Merriman AK Timms
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Jason Strong Builders
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Come & Watch Rugby @Witney RFC!
Witney Calling!
Last night our Cherubs took to the turf for the following fixtures: U12s U14s and U16s all in action against Fosse Falcons. Kick Off 6.30 pm.
What a fabulous Friday night that was! All 3 Cherubs teams playing at home in great numbers, and all 3 teams putting points on the score board.������ We were so proud of all our girls tonight - each team showed enormous improvements since we last faced the Falcons, and the play was a joy to watch.
Thank you to our referees, Paul, Luke and Rhys for giving up their evening to talk the girls through their matches with such patience. We are blessed at the club to have such excellent referees who volunteer their time so willingly. Thank you to all our fabulous coaches who generate all the enthusiasm at training and make these matches possible. Thanks to Ian, Annette and all the clubhouse staff for putting on such fantastic food, and to Chairman Bob and the Club for supporting us with these endeavours. The atmosphere from the Witney supporters was awesome, and we thank all those who turned out to cheer the girls on. Thank you also to our lovely kitchen volunteers, Jo and Viv.
Witney Calling!
Quick shout out to all our debutantes out there tonight - there were some in the U14’s, certainly Lily and Chloe, although there may have been others I missed. And in the U16’s, special congrats to Ava and Freya who got out there and showed us all that they certainly belong in black and blue. Really impressed ladies, well done all who took part, the Angels are calling!
Today our First Team game against Keynsham has been cancelled owing to a flooded pitch. Our Twos, the marvellous Vipers, welcome Faringdon for a 3 pm Kick off here at Hailey Road, whilst our Threes take to the hallowed turf at 2.30pm against Oxford 2nds.
On Sunday our Academy boys welcome Shipston on Stour Colts A for a non-league fixture kicking off at 1pm. Good luck to all who don the Black and Blue this weekend. Also on Sunday, the following U17s players are running out in the trials for Oxfordshire County selection:
Leon Young
Luke Jackson
George Boswell
Josh Benson
Reuben Owen
Ed Bee
Witney Calling!
There are many new laws coming into play for this year’s 6 Nations; here’s a run down of what to expect:
· 60 second shot clock for conversions as well as penalties.
· 30 second set up time for lineouts to keep in line with scrums, this will be managed by on field officials.
· Play on rule when an uncontested lineout is not thrown straight.
· Defenders penalised for making a tackle on a player if they are part of a maul or a ruck.
· At scrums, the defending scrum half will not be able to advance beyond the centre line of the scrum.
We would love to know your opinions on these law changes, why not message us at: feedback@witneyrugby.co.uk.
We are fortunate to have a fabulous Minis & Juniors set up across all age groups and genders from 4+ to Academy level at 16-18yrs. The Academy have been filling senior positions all season and enjoying the challenge, it would be great to see even more youngsters enjoying Sunday mornings and regular fixtures so please spread the word.
Witney Calling!
Georgie’s fundraiser for RFU
Injured Players Foundation
Banbury player John (JB) Baker sustained an injury during a VETS match at Banbury RFC against Witney RFC in November 2024. Unfortunately JB has been left paralysed from the chest down losing function in both arms and legs. His Daughter Georgie has taken on the challenge to complete 12 hikes around the UK in 12 months, something which JB would be both immensely proud of and, also somewhat jealous. If you want to know more about the family, the challenge and donate then visit Georgie’s
Witney Calling!
I wanted to make you aware of a serious issue surrounding health, the subject is suicide. We rarely talk about it, which is one of the problems, there is a stigma attached to it. Before we look at how we can be better placed to help, here’s a few statistics:
Almost 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, nearly twice the number who die by homicide.
For every death by suicide, there are approx’ 20 suicide attempts made. Each death by suicide leaves behind a community of bereaved family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. For every death by suicide, at least 7 to 10 people are directly affected by the loss.
Research shows that mental illness is the most important risk factor for suicide. More than 90% of people who die by suicide struggle with their mental health and/or addiction. Researchers estimate that up to 60% of people who die by suicide have major depression.
In the UK suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 50.
So, what can we do? I believe the first step is for as many people as possible to be made aware of the signs and behaviour which could indicate somebody is contemplating suicide. Fortunately, there is a free online training aid available, which I would encourage as many people as possible to participate in. It takes about 30-40 minutes and can be found Here & Here
In the meantime if anyone has any concerns then please feel free to reach out to Ian Loughborough at l8est55@gmail.com or on
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
Saturday 8th March 2025
Chairman’s Lunch kicking off at 11am. Some places still available. Thornbury will be the opposition this day, they got all 5 points in the earlier fixture in Bristol, let’s hope Witney can return the compliment.
Saturday 26th April
Witney Wolves SEND RFC are hosting the 2025 Katie Peel SEND Family Friendly Festival of Rugby
1st XV - South West Division
Regional 2 Tribute Severn League Table
Walk-In Hairdressing & Barbering
2 Be or not 2 Be!
Witney II XV 45 : 24 Chesham XV
What a result in front of the Witney faithful, the Vipers dominated every aspect of play. Tries came from; Joe Rowles x 2, Liam Cook, Ollie Toner (should have had 2), Luke Manning and Montgomery Hinge. 6 tries all converted by Liam Cook who also added a penalty, 20 points for Luke, not too shabby! Joe ‘Rowling back the years’ rightly got Man of the Match, whilst Captain Ollie Toner will rue thinking about possibly having to buy a beer, dropping the ball over the line. fort.
Oldies but Goodies,
Age no barrier to these
Witney stalwarts
This week sees our Vipers wel d. Faringdon sit down in 12th out of 12 but that doesn’t mean they are not dangerous. Faringdon have put points on the board against some strong sides and will be fighting hard for their first win. Let’s hope we are not that first win statistic.
Witney 2nd XV vs Faringdon XV 3 pm KO Come on you Black and Blues!
Counties 2 Tribute Berks/Bucks & Oxon North
THREES A CROWD!
Witney 3rd XV 24 : 29 Wallingford 2nd XV
(HT 12 : 5)
Our Threes welcomed Wallingford IIs to Hailey Road for a tough attritional encounter. The game started well and our boys were leading 12 : 5 at halftime but the lead was at a cost. 3 front row players had to retire and although those that stepped in played well, we lost the security of good scrum and lineout ball, and with it the control of the game.
Tries came from; Mark Greenwood x 2, Josh Whitehead, and Nick McDonald Smith. Mark Greenwood got 2 conversions but the game changing moment came when Ian Burton, having beaten numerous defenders and clean through on goal seemed to trip on his own laces, 7 points lost. Don’t dwell on it too much Ian, I’m sure you will get a chance next week to make amends. Man of the Match Josh Whitehead for an excellent game at Flanker.
This week we welcome Oxford IIs to Hailey Road and a chance to claim more than the 2 bonus points gathered last week.
Witney 3rd XV vs Oxford 2nd XV 2.30pm KO
Come on you Witney Boys!
Veterans @ Hailey Road
lar belief, you to have: enches of WWI a pacemaker! g either of preclude you aying, a letter from rent.
The Reality is:
You have to be over 35 years old and have been a member of Witney RFC for at least 4 weeks before match day. Sound like this could be for you? Why not come along to Club training nights; Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If you need to ease back in gently, we have Walking and Touch Rugby on Thursday evenings. Contact Simon Copperwheat on: 07904 360561
Witney Academy
Let’s Get Back To Winning Ways!
This Sunday sees our Academy boys in action against Shipton on Stour Colts A. I couldn’t find any information on the current Colts team and so we wish our Academy the best of luck on Sunday.
Also, on Sunday several of our U17s are on trial for Oxfordshire, they include:
Leon Young
Luke Jackson
George Boswell
Josh Benson
Reuben Owen
Ed Bee
We wish them all well and hope they play with energy and pride but above all else, enjoy the opportunity.
Go you Witney Lads!
Witney RFC Walking Rugby.
The Witney Wizards is a group of older players, some with no previous rugby playing experience, all with one aim, to enjoy some fitness in a happy, social environment. We train once a week on Thursday evenings. Skills sessions, tactics, and competitive games, followed by a Supper Club and a social drink in our Hailey Road Clubhouse. The Wizards welcome people of all ages and backgrounds; we do have female players but could always do with more. The Wizards have played competitive matches at home and away, always draws a big crowd and above all else, is always fun. Think this is for you, why not come along and give it a Try!
The club have 8 tickets for England v Italy @ Twickenham on Sunday 9th March. Great tickets at only £119 each. Available to Club members and Sponsors on a First come First served basis. Contact Ian: tickets@witneyrugby.co.uk
To book a table or individual places please contact WRFC Chairman, Bob Fisk. email: robertfisk@btinternet.com
Sponsors: All sponsors are welcome to attend, Some sponsorship packages include chairman’s lunch, otherwise charges apply
VP’s, Club Members & Guests: All welcome, price per lunch may vary between £30-35 per head
