Witney XV vs Thornbury XV
Saturday 8th March KO 3PM
Com’on you Witney!
Saturday 8tH March 2025
Witney XV vs Thornbury XV 3 pm KO
Chipping Norton XV vs Witney 2nd XV 3pm KO
Sunday 9TH March 2025
Witney Angels XV VS Old Northamptonians Ladies 2pm KO
Welcome all to Hailey Road, and a hearty welcome to Thornbury who play our First Team kicking off at 3pm. We also have a chance to celebrate with the last Chairman’s Lunch of the 24/25 season. We have achieved so much this year both on and off the pitch. In last week’s programme I mentioned the invaluable contribution our Sponsor’s make towards the Club, we are fortunate today to be able to say thank you at the lunch to several key supporters.
Welcome Andrew Clarke and Andy Billington from our main sponsors, Adler & Allan. Also here today are Henry Simpson and Rene Willemsen from TSG our main M&J sponsors, the strength of our youth programme is measurable by the number of asterisks featured every week next to players names, a big thank you from us and from the 400 or so kids who learn to be team players on Sunday mornings at Hailey Road. Leo Hallam from Courtiers is also here, welcome, glad the boss has let you have a day off.
Steed from Silverback Access who helped make the installation of our Solar Panels possible, on time and on budget. Also here is Glen from Blueseal, a friend of the Club but in particular of the Wizards, our Walking Rugby Guys, an ever-growing element of the Club. Thank you all, we really appreciate your support.
We are approaching the end of the season, and with it the end of an era. Seth Scarffe has been at the administrative hub of the Club since the millennia, although it seems more like a thousand years, in a good way. As first Team Manager he has pulled everything together to make things happen, he does it with a smile and a witty comment which will be much missed. Thank you Seth for everything that you have done for the Club, we hope you enjoy your last home game and don’t stray too far, you never know!
It is also Adam Copperwheat’s last home game as First Team Head Coach, but something tells me we haven’t seen the last of Adam. Thank you Adam for your vision and commitment, and occasional appearance for the Vets, again something that I don’t believe we’ve seen the last of, although you may need to buy your own boots as your Dad needs his more and more these days.
We have members from Thornbury RFC join us for lunch today; we hope you enjoy our hospitality and that we all witness some great rugby.
Bob Fisk - Chairman
£16 each
TheWitneystoreisatruecommunitystore, servingthevicinityforthepast40years. Stockingeverythingfromwinetowetwipes andbreadtobananas,CannonPool(asit's affectionatelyknown)isaonestopshopfor HaileyRoadandthesurroundingvillages. On Sale from
The same whistle, the Gil Evans whistle, is used to start the first game of every World Cup. In 1905, Evans used the whistle in a match between England and New Zealand, which New Zealand won 15-0. Since then, it has, amongst other things, been used at every World Cup since its inauguration in 1987. Whilst South Africa tops the cup winners table with 4, New Zealand have been in more finals, 5, then anyone else. South Africa has the best return with 100% wins, when they get there, they win. NZ’s two losses were, you guessed it, at the hands of SA.
Player Sponsors
Want
Get your name in the match programme, but more importantly you are helping develop WRFC players!
Charlie Bowyer
Dom Coe
Callum Godfrey
Ben Ling
WRFC Walking Rugby
Matthew Collins Furniture
Barry Bowles & Tony Maycock
Glenn Davies
James Merriman AK Timms
Jack Strong
Tom Gafney
Jason Strong Builders
Ian Loughborough
Marcus Reading Celestra
Cameron Ayris
Angus Brown
Keir MacDougall
Milfield Contractors Ltd
Fowler Hicks Landscaping
Gareth Lewis
Harvey Wattleworth TW Fitness
Jasper Nixey
Jack Daubney
Ollie Dawkins
Haydn Clarke
Rowles Roofing
Chris Delaney
GMD Consultants
Ready Set Solar
Connor Pummery Drive Engagement
Luke Manning Ashcroft
Player Sponsors
Want to do more for your Club? Why not sponsor a player? Packages start at £190+VAT
Get your name in the match programme, but more importantly you are helping develop WRFC players!
Ollie Toner Drive Engagement
Dan Webb
David ‘Dabber’ Willis
Matt Webb Shaw & Co Solicitors
Sam Winstone Mike Dunbar
Callum Cope JC Landscaping
Gareth Jenkins
Daniel Wilson
Matt Delnevo
Matt Delnevo
Harry Ward WRFC Walking Rugby
Josh Whitehead J S Motors
Liam Cook J Brand
John Mason Blanketmen
Mark Roberts Pole Position Scaffolding
Finn Ayris Haysham Electrical Contractors
Carl Campbell
Helen Phillips
William King Tetbury Accounting
Rees Wilson
Andy Billington
Owen Fillary ADR Services
Rhys Morgan
Hyatt Financial
Jon Derrick B Wastie Electrical
Come & Watch Rugby @Witney RFC!
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
Friday 28th March 2025
8.30pmfor9.15pmstart.OurveryownGeorgeLewisbackonstageatFat Lil’swithLucille&TheLightningSoulTrain.AneveningofclassicSoul& Discoperformedwithgreatenergyandheartfeltsoul.Nottobemissed.
Ticket Info Click Here
Alsostartingat7pmwehavetheGigaclearQuizNight. Allproceedsgoingto tehU8s&U12s.
Saturday 19th April 2025
Witney,Oxfordshire–TheMorrisfamilyisinvitingthepublictosupportthem inaheartfeltcharitywalkingmarathontohonour thelifeofRobertMorris, awell-lovedteacher,sportsman,andcommunitymember,whotragically passedawayon23rd April2020.Robert’sfamilywillbetakingonthe walkingmarathon,scheduledfor19thApril2025, whichwillalsoraisevital fundsforResponse,acharitythatplayeda crucialroleinsupportingRobert’smentalhealthinhislateryears.
For details Click Here
Saturday 2nd August 2025
2025 is the 60th anniversary of our wonderful Club. To mark the occassion we intend to have a festival Family picnic at Hailey Road. A game against Stow-on-th-Wold, with guest appearances from original players, fingers crossed. 3 bands playing live, bar open, prize for the best dressed picnic table. More details to follow:
Witney Calling!
Today our First team welcome Thornbury to Hailey Road, whilst our Vipers are making the short journey to Chipping Norton for what is going to be a huge game for both. No game for our Threes, in fact they’re laid off now until the first weekend of April when they host Stow-on-the-Wold II here at Hailey Road.
Thursday night was a great night up at Hailey Road. Not only did we have the usual buzzy training sessions with the Academy joining the senior teams on the pitch, but our Wizards did something very special in support of our homeless veterans.
Every year the RBLI instigate the Great Tommy Sleepout, a charity event to raise funds for less fortunate former service personnel. Four senior members of the Club decided to brave the elements and spend a night sleeping out rough.
Of course, for us it was a chance to have a drink, talk rubbish, and reminisce about playing days and service. For those veterans less fortunate than us it is a different story. Having volunteered to serve our country, and if required pay the ultimate price laying down their lives for the protection of others, they find themselves alone.
Witney Calling!
Unsupported and forgotten, no longer the pride of their families and a supposedly grateful government, they find themselves homeless. This is not good enough. We need to do better by our service personnel than use them and forget them. Please if you can, support this cause by donating via the link. If you see Gareth, Steve, Mike or me, have a chat, ask us why we did it and what it means to us to have your support and all at the Club. Thank you.
Sunday sees our Angels welcome Old Northamptonians Ladies to Hailey Road. Keep it going girls, you’re heading in the right direction.
Witney Calling!
Witney Calling!
The 6 Nations is back and with a bang. Dublin for the first game of the weekend, and what a match up. Reigning champions Ireland play in form Dupont, I mean France, for what is certainly the Championship decider.
Kick Off 14:15 with the game being shown live in the Clubhouse. Just watch out for all that cheese still on the tables of the Chairman’s Lunch.
Up to Murrayfield next and can Wales continue in the style they demonstrated against Ireland and push Scotland close? My Welsh friends are optimistic. 16:45 KO.
Sunday sees Italy travel to Twickenham with England hopefully adopting a ‘let’s run everything’ approach. Anything else will be seen as a backward step. Live on the Club’s big screens, 3pm KO.
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
1st Things First!
Weston-Super-Mare XV 50 : 22 Witney First XV
(HT: 17 : 10 )
Last weekend saw our First team journey to Weston-Super-Mare for a mid-table clash which took on a new perspective as rumours circulated that up to 4 clubs could face relegation from the league at the end of the season. More later.
And so to the seaside; for what was to be a game of 2 halves, yellow cards and penalties, and did I mention penalties? Two converted tries from Weston and a penalty to our two unconverted tries from, yes you guessed it Captain Matt Webb and Mark Roberts meant it was 17:10 at half time. With ball in hand Witney looked awesome, frequently carrying the ball the length of the pitch with great interlinking play involving both forwards and backs, wonderful to watch. But we are the best in the league at shooting ourselves in the foot and ill-discipline cost us dearly in terms of possession and field position.
If there was a criticism on play other than discipline, we were too generous in defence and made Weston look a better side then they were, we definitely need to raise the defensive work rate this week. Finn Ayris grabbed another try, as did Connor Pummery, this one converted by Liam Cook, the final score probably a true reflection given the negatives. The positives though are there for everyone to see with ball in hand. Let’s take that element and add some discipline and see the season out properly.
This week we welcome Thornbury who sit one place and three points above us but with a game in hand, a win today would make a big difference in the final count of the season.
Back to who’s up and who’s down: 4 down is of course worst-case scenario. At the moment it looks like it will be the bottom two clubs, almost certainly Swindon and Gordano. Gordano are 16 points adrift and so with just 3 games left it is impossible for them to overtake us. That makes it fine if the magicians at the RFU keep it at 2 down.
If they make it 3 teams relegated then we have a battle royal with Old Centralians, currently one point below us but with a game in hand. They play Gordano away this weekend, then Keynsham at home and away to Weston-Super-Mare.
Their final game is a rearranged fixture against Chippenham but the maths is certainly in their favour. Let’s pray for some good results and for the League adjusters to be kind and leave it at 2 down.
1st XV - South West Division
Regional 2 Tribute Severn League Table
Walk-In Hairdressing & Barbering
2 Be or not 2 Be!
Huel Tring 5-34 Witney Vipers
(HT 5 : 10)
That was such a good win I thought I would leave it up there!
It has been a while since our Vipers went to Tring and did a proper job on them. Today our Twos are back on the road this time to Chipping Norton to face a side just a couple of positions below, but only 12 points separate us, it is possible, but unlikely. It would take an almighty act of surrender for our Twos to be overtaken in the league by Chippie, and our Vipers don’t surrender.
Last time out at Hailey Road Witney secured the win in what was a tight game. Come on you Vipers, let’s do it again!
Come on you Black and Blues!
Chipping Norton XV vs Witney 2nd XV KO 3pm
Counties 2 Tribute Berks/Bucks & Oxon North
THREES A CROWD!
Witney 3rd XV 15 : 20 Harwell XV
(HT 0 : 10)
Our Threes hosted Harwell at Hailey Road on the main pitch and certainly entertained, we had everything except ball retention. The first half was littered with spilling the ball in contact surrendering great field position and attacking advantage in the process. The penalty count didn’t help either, nor did the crowd assistance to the referee who was guaranteed to go against any ‘help’ from the Witney faithful, c’est la vie!
Two tries down at half time, but certainly not out of it as with ball in hand we demonstrated, via Strutty’s distribution, that we could cause problems.
And so, it was in the second half. Better ball retention, better discipline and three tries put Witney well in command, but with a penalty to Harwell, only 15 : 13 ahead. As it was Witney pressed hard and had three-line crossings ruled out for being held up. Where was the benefit of doubt to the attacker?
THREES A CROWD!
Then the inevitable happened, an interception on their 22 falling to their fastest player, in under the posts. 15 : 20 and that’s how it stayed. I rarely say this, but we were robbed, by ourselves and an inability to put the game to bed.
No game this week, nor for a while with the last game of the season on the 5th April at home to Stow-on-the-Wold II.
Stow currently lie just 4 points behind us with a game in hand, today against Oxford Harlequins III, currently up in 3rd who should be looking to move up to 2nd overtaking Risborough.
It looks like Counties 3 is going to go down to the wire on April 5th.
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 9th March 2025
KO 2pm
Witney Angels vs Old Northamptonians Ladies
Sun 23rd March 2025
KO TBC
Witney Angels vs Kennilworth Women II
Sun 6th April 2025
KO TBC
Witney Angels vs Oadby Wyggestonian Women
Angels Calling!
SilhilliansLadies48:17WitneyAngels
Althoughthescoredidnotgoourway,thegirlsplayedwithheartand spiritthroughoutthematch.Abrilliantcomebackinthesecondhalf, includingatryfromtheamazingEstherClifton,despiteSilhilliansthinking theyhaditinthebagathalftime. SorryladiesIdon’thavetheother scorers,everyonewasjusttooexcited.
PressurefromtheAngelsleadtoSilhilliansconcedingpenaltyafter penaltyandwithWitneydominatingthescrumandattheruck,thesecond halfbelongedtous.
Outstandingperformancefromallofthegirlswhoallshouldbe commendedfortheeffortanddeterminationputineachweektotravelthe distancesandmakesacrificesinbusypersonallivestoplayfortheTeam andClubwealllove. EllenRaymondoverallPlayerof theMatchwhilst MollyRobinwasForwardoftehMatch.
ThisweekseeourAngelswelcomeOldNorthamptoniansLadiesfortherearrangedfixture. Italsomarksthe100thcapforStephHarris.
First joining Witney Rugby Club in 2007 as cherubs player, this Sunday will be Steph’s 100th game for the team as a Witney Angel. Throughout her years with the team, Steph has received coaches player of the year and most improved player awards, while also representing Oxfordshire Women in County rugby. Playing in both the forwards and backs over the years, Steph is a multi talented player who has contributed so much passion and enthusiasm to the team and her teammates alike. Congratulations Steph on your achievement from all of us at Witney Rugby Club!
AboutStephanie PLAYING HISTORY
FirstjoiningWitneyRugbyClubin2007ascherubs player,thisSundaywillbeSteph’s100thgameforthe teamasaWitneyAngel. Throughoutheryearswiththeteam,Stephhas receivedcoachesplayeroftheyearandmost improvedplayerawards,whilealsorepresenting OxfordshireWomeninCountyrugby. Playinginboththeforwardsandbacksoverthe years,Stephisamultitalentedplayerwhohas contributedsomuchpassionandenthusiasmtothe teamandherteammatesalike. CongratulationsStephonyourachievementfromall ofusatWitneyRugbyClub!
Witney M&Js
Our U12s took a little weekend jaunt down to Devon last weekend to take part in the Land Rover Defender Cup in Exeter. It was great to see them in action, playing with passion, commitment and - most importantly- enjoyment!
Well done, we are proud to have you as part of our Witney RFC community.
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
The Wizards did their magic again in their last game of the season, beating Banbury 2 games to 1 in front of a large crowd at Hailey Road, setting the scene for our Threes.
First time out our starting seven really put Banbury to the sword running in 6 tries to 2. The second game didn’t quite go our way, some lapses in defensive integrity allowed Banbury to square the games one all but with a less impressive 2 : 4 score line.
And so, the third game, things weren’t looking too good as we trailed 1 : 3. Some tactical substitutions and amazing footwork rolling back the years from Duncan Footner and Scottie Gardner and it was 4 : 4 and all to play for in the last game.
One game all, 12 : 10 on aggregate. No pressure then, cometh the hour, cometh the men, and Sarah. I made it 3 : 1, although the real star was Duncan staying cool under immense pressure, getting the evil eye from the Banbury hard man, just as well Duncan has faced bigger and harder in the past. Honours to the Wizards, hard to pick a Man of the Match as there was a tremendous energy from all, despite having been kicked out of The Plough after midnight that morning. If I was to single anyone out for consistent effort then it would have to be James, although his session as Referee left a lot to be questioned, my MoM.
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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
