TheWitneystoreisatruecommunitystore, servingthevicinityforthepast40years. Stockingeverythingfromwinetowetwipes andbreadtobananas,CannonPool(asit's affectionatelyknown)isaonestopshopfor HaileyRoadandthesurroundingvillages. On Sale from
Another Welsh fact, two in a row! Today is St David’s day, patron Saint of Wales, Dydd gwyl dewi hapus, but why do we wear a leek? One theory is that around 1 March, when St David's Day is celebrated, we begin to see daffodils starting to flower, the Welsh word for daffodil is Cenhinen Bedr, which translates to "Peter's leek".
With 58 letters, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch", is the longest place name in the UK.
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Come & Watch Rugby @Witney RFC!
Witney Calling!
Today sees our First Team on the road to Weston-super-Mare.
Our Twos have a rest weekend whilst our Threes host Harwell here at Hailey Road for their penultimate game of the season. Our Angels travel to Silhillians on Sunday, another trip to the Midlands hopefully this time with a better outcome.
Round 3 of the 6 Nations got under way with a cracker at the Millenium Stadium. After the opening two games you could forgive the Irish for arriving in Cardiff to dot the Is and cross the Ts on their 14th Triple Crown, and at 0:10 after 20 minutes, even Welsh fans must have thought it was a done deal. Not quite how Matt Sherratt and his new look Wales saw it though. Gareth Anscombe slotted the first Welsh penalty and buoyed by this Wales started to exert some control. The second penalty was accompanied with a yellow card for an unrelated high tackle. Gary Ringrose walked and after the bunker confirmed it as a 20-minute red took no further part in proceedings. 6:10 and down to 14, could this be Wales’s day?
Witney Calling!
Another penalty and a 5m lineout was concluded with Captain Jac Morgan crashing over next to the posts. 13:10 at half time, who’d have thunk it? Wales continued to press the extra man advantage and flying winger Tom Rogers dabbed down out wide after a great move by Wales. 18:10, then Ireland got back to 15 and regained the initiative.
A penalty and a debut try for Jamie Osborne meant scores were level, and not many people would bet against Ireland seeing it through. They did so in a less convincing manner, three penalties slotted against a Welsh disallowed try broke Welsh hearts but earned Ireland a Triple Crown and the chance to win a third 6 Nations Championship on the bounce.
Well done Ireland but a big thumbs up to the Welsh who played with a spirit not seen in the earlier rounds. Wales travel to Scotland next week bouyed by this result. Ireland host France in Dublin for what is the probably the Championship decider.
Witney Calling!
And so, to Twickenham which most people found hard to call. Yes, England found something extra against France, but was that a hiccup or are Steve Borthwick’s men finally able to see a game out? Would Fin Russell lead Scotland to a 5th successive Calcutta Cup, something no Scotland side has ever achieved.
For the record, England have had a run of 9 consecutive wins, but have held the Cup for 13 seasons which included an incredible 3 draws, oh for the 1950s!
I’m going to get it right out there, yes it was a try, no I didn’t see the grounding but the referee did, and who am I to argue with the ref?? 7:5 England, and the cracking high tempo was surely going to lead to a try fest. Not quite; Huw Jones did bag his 16th Championship try at about the 20-minute mark, but the Scottish Fin failed again from the tee, 7:10 is how it stayed until half time.
Scotland started the second half as they left off, pressing England hard but ill-discipline cost them with England landing 3 penalties, including one from the English Fin almost inside the Scotland half.
Witney Calling!
6-point lead going into the last couple of minutes and Captain Maro rises like a gazelle to pick Scotland’s line out inside the England 22, surely the Calcutta Cup was ours? Step up Duhan van der Merwe finishing off a wonderful Scottish attack almost the whole length of the pitch, 16:15. The climax, Scottish Fin pulled it wide and the Calcutta Cup will reside in London for 12 months, phew! Too close for my old ticker.
England play host to Italy next weekend, lets hope we discover some attacking flair, need more ball in hand time if we’re going to be serious about development.
On Sunday we travelled to Rome for what was surely another forgone conclusion, France to win by a bucket load, and that’s what they did. 11 tries to France we were treated to a running festival, but Italy wasn’t here just to make up the numbers, they played some great rugby in places, bagging two of the first half’s six tries and looking like genuine competitors.
Italy did manage a consolation try in the second half but were blown away by France’s 7, 24:73 and France’s biggest win ever in the 6 Nations. Italy weren’t THAT bad; France were just THAT good! Stand by at 1415 next week in the Aviva as the championship decider will be played out in front of a faithful and loud Dublin crowd.
6 Nations is Here!
Why not watch everything at Hailey Road, on the big screen in the best Sports bar in town, you know it makes sense! Round Three: Saturday 8th March Ireland vs France
KO 2:15pm Scotland vs Wales
KO 4:45pm Sunday 9th March England vs Italy
KO 3pm
Click here for your 6 Nations Calendar
Witney Calling!
Have you played rugby with one of these guys? Do you fondly remember your playing days, the physicality, the camaraderie, the antics on and off the pitch. Do you find yourself using the
Stop! Stop being an I used to be guy and rekindle your relationship with the game we love. Be the, ‘Yeh I still play’ guy and get yourself up to Hailey Road. You know you want to. #witneyrfc #welovewitney
We would love to know your opinions on the Club, 6 Nations, or anything else that concerns you about Witney, rugby or anything else of relevance. Why not message us at: feedback@witneyrugby.co.uk.
Witney Calling!
There are many new laws in 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
JustGiving page
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 1st March 2025 1pm KO
Witney Wizards Vs Banbury Walkers
Forgetthe6Nations,therealactionstartshere asour walkingWizards host BanburyinawarmerbeforethethirdshostHarwell. Youknowit makes sense!
8.30pmfor9.15pmstart.OurveryownGeorgeLewisbackonstageatFatLil’s withLucille&TheLightningSoulTrain.Aneveningof classicSoul&Disco performedwithgreatenergyandheartfeltsoul.Nottobemissed. Ticket Info Click Here
Witney First XV 27 : 50 Trowbridge First XV (HT: 17 : 26 )
We welcomed Trowbridge to Hailey Road and enjoyed a convivial exchange with the Trowbridge faithful who had made the journey northeast.
It was a great competitive battle from the outset but to go 0 : 19 down after 25 minutes was asking a lot, both of the lads on the pitch and the Witney faithful in the crowd, but everyone stuck in. The lads hit back with 3 tries of their own, Sam Turberville, Gareth Jenkins and Tom Gaffney crossing the line and Liam Cook bagging 1 from 3, and so the score stood 17 : 19 going into the final throws of the first half. Against the run of play Trowbridge hit a late score which was duly converted and Witney went into the break 17 : 26 adrift. Not too bad considering the start. The second half began and the pressure from both sides did not let up. Trowbridge grabbed the first score but Witney responded with a converted try, the dab down from Marcus Reading and conversion and a penalty from Liam. 27 : 33 going into the last 20.
And then it happened, Trowbridge found space where previously they’d found tacklers, two converted tries and a penalty in the last 15 minutes gave the score line an unhealthy look and did not reflect the performance on the pitch.
Well done Trowbridge competing for 80 minutes, well done Witney for staying with them for most of the game. The last 20 is normally the time zone we excel in and that will leave the coaches with something to think about going into this weekend’s game.
This week our first team travel to Weston-Super-Mare for a half term fixture by the seaside. I have checked the weather forecast and it looks like sunshine all the way and a balmy 10°C, take your swimmies and your sun cream. Weston sit one point and one place above us in the league, they fell away to Keynsham last weekend failing by one point to pick up a losing bonus. They have however won the last four home games which included wins against Chippie and Trowbridge, making the Sunnyside Recreation Ground a bit of a fortress. Come on you Witney Boys, lets tear down those walls!
1st XV - South West Division
Regional 2 Tribute Severn League Table
One point separates us and Click Here for
Walk-In Hairdressing & Barbering
2 Be or not 2 Be!
Huel Tring 5-34 Witney Vipers
(HT 5 : 10)
An inspired performance from the Vipers. A bonus point away win at Tring doesn’t come easy, in fact this was their most comprehensive home defeat this season, well done Vipers. The team showed great maturity and played the conditions perfectly.
Monty Hinge & Rory Atkins controlled the game very well. The pack gradually turned the screw and definitely got on top of the home team 8. I need to give a huge shout out to our Academy system, with us leading 10-5 at the half we changed to a youthful all Colts back row of Callum Cope, Owen Fillary & Charlie Greenslade. All were pure class!
Tries came from Rory Atkins, Josh Whitehead, Richie Craig, Jack Daubeney & Charlie Bowyer with Dom Coe nailing 3 conversions and a penalty.
THREES A CROWD!
Our Threes welcome Harwell to Hailey Road for the main event. Harwell sit below us in the table but that disguises the truth of a side finally getting things right. After a drubbing against Oxford Quins at the start of February they have responded with 2 good wins, one away to Oxford II, and then last time out gave Stow a proper drubbing at Harwell. Needless to say, they will be no walk over.
It's going to be a great game regardless with our fighting 3rds occupying the main pitch, let’s make sure we get right behind them, show them our support and get them over the line.
Come on you Witney Boys!
Witney 3rd XV vs Harwell XV 3pm KO
Two Big games left, Harwell and then, Stow both at home!
Counties 3 Tribute Berks/Bucks & Oxon North
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
Sun 2nd March 2025
KO 2:15pm
Silhillians Sirens vs Witney Angels
Sun 9th March 2025
KO TBC
Witney Angels vs Old Northamptonians Ladies
Sun 23rd March 2025
KO TBC
Witney Angels vs Kennilworth Women II
Angels Calling!
On Sunday our Angels travel back to the Midlands for a hard game against Silhillians Ladies. I did some research, just because I found the name a bit silly(hillians). Old Silhillians was the name given to former pupils of Solihull School, a public school of some renown. When the Old boys formed a rugby club they of course named after there alumni name, not so silly after all.
Silhillians have managed 4 wins this season, that’s 4 more than us but that won’t stop our Angels giving it their all. I fully expect to be reporting on the Angels’ first win of the season or at least their best performance to date. Keep the energy levels high ladies and bring home all 5 points.
GO ANGELS!
Silhillians Ladies vs Witney Angels
KO TBC
Special Calling Notice:
Our Angels are a fantastic bunch, just too few in numbers. As the players manage study, careers, family with playing we quite often find ourselves short on numbers. If you look at the table, 10 points have been deducted for failing to field a team, it hurts. If you know anyone who could be even just slightly interested then please bring them along or get them to call, smiley happy people preferred but will accept grumpy girls too, they’ll soon be smiling!
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!
Contact: Derrick Fox on 07922 626332
Email witneyrfc@btinternet.com
Witney Wizards
Our aging superstars take to the pitch as a warm up act for our fighting thirds. Banbury will provide the opposition. Things got a bit testy last time out with some Banbury players not understanding the contact limitations of walking ‘touch’ rugby. We survived coming out winners and levelling the head to head with Banbury. That makes this a must win game and our boys and girls, who am I kidding, our past their best by date OAPs, will give it their all. Come on you Old Guns, deliver some Witney Magic!
