MATCH DAY Programme th
10
Oct 2026
Witney v Royal Wootton Bassett II
Witney RFC Sat 10th Oct 2026 KO 3 pm
Witney
Royal Wootton Bassett
VS
Sun 11th Oct 2026 KO 2 pm
Angels
VS
Grove
Chairman’s Welcome it’s hard sometimes to describe my emotions as all of our teams put in such hard, win worthy performances, and sometimes come up short. Still, isn’t that what sport is about? That of course, and being around to welcome back those who went before you, pulled on a shirt, put in a performance, ate a pie and drank their body weight in beer? So Welcome everyone on our annual Ex-Players day. That is more poignant, as today we welcome back past players to join us in the present. So, what is the present? We’ve moved on from the Green Hut, but we retain the ethos, Hailey Road is where we play, but also where we eat, and drink, Talk rubbish and remember, the tales on the pitch, and off the pitch. We talked about some of the great moments...and the oh so close to glory moments! Welcome all; past, present, future and our visitors from Wootton Bassett. Hailey Road isn’t the field of dreams, it’s a rugby reality, a Club, a friend, a constant, welcome all, enjoy your day, respect the officials and each other. Rugby is the winner, and hopefully Witney too. Andy Merriman Chairman Witney RFC
Dob in Dabber ! Dabber Willis has taken up hiding in the programme. All you have to do is find him and win a pint. Dob in Dabber at the Bar on match day, and if you’re the first to do so, you win a pint of ale or a glass of wine.
Cheers Dabber!
Chairman’s Lunches at Hailey Road All lunches start at 11:30 sitting down no later than 12.30. Bar closes 22.30. KO 3pm Dates: Saturday 31st October 2026 Witney v Cleve 3pm Saturday 21st November Witney V Thornbury Saturday 19 December Witney v Marlborough Saturday 06th February 2027 Witney v Newbury Blues Saturday 20th March Witney v Keynsham Saturday 10 April Witney Vipers v Hungerford Typical Menu: Starter : Chunky country style pate, Tangy home made chutney, salad garnish. Main: Slow cooked crispy belly pork, crunchy crackling, caramalised orchard apples, creamy mashed potatoe and seasonal vegetables. To Finish: Local Cheeses, biscuits and chutney. To Book contact Bob via: bob.fisk@witneyrugby.co.uk. All Sponsors are welcome, depending on your package a fee may be required. VPs, members and guests are all welcome, £35 per head.
1st XV v Wootton Bassett II Sat 10th Oct 3 PM KO 1 Jacob Holland 2 Ryan Harris* 3 Dan Webb* 4 Matthew Webb(C)* 5 Cam Ayris* 6 Gareth Jenkins* 7 Will Phair* 8 Jack Thompson 9 Ollie Walker* 10 Charlie Dunbar* 11 ollie Toner* 12 Cam Brown 13 Callum Jones 14 Ethan Clarke* 15 Sam Turberville* Replacements: 16 Connor Pummery* 17 John Mason 18 Reuben Owen*
Coaches: James Lamb* Matt Clarke Robbie Richardson Team Manager: Simon Copperwheat Physio: Ella Dawkins Officials: Peter Bramley *Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player Players in Blue on Front cover
1st Things First! Last weekend saw the team travel over Birdlip to play Matson for the first time in many seasons. Matson were relegated last season, and the previous week had won at home to Marlborough, so the game was always likely to be one of the tougher matches of the season. Matson started strongly with some flowing rugby and powerful play to set up good field positions. Scores were traded in the first half with the half time score 19-15, Witney tries coming from Cal Jones, Will Phair and Ollie Toner, and witney very much in the game. The second half saw Matson enjoy the considerable slope, and with Ben Read and Jack Thompson coming off through Injuries the games momentum shifted. Matson played some really good rugby, hard at times and beautiful at times. Witney secured a bonus point with further tries from Cam Ayris, a super finish, and Ethan Clark, with two conversions were added by Cam Brown for a final score of 61-29. The man of the match was Gareth Jenkins with tit of the day going to Spud Wilson, a two on one 5 metres out, Spud didnt put his fellow front row over but classically went for the dummy....and got nailed!
1st Things First! We go again this week men of Witney! The Firsts are the only senior team in action on Saturday as they host Royal Wootton Bassett II. The fixture usually produces some good running rugby and with the pitch looking in great condition it will be a good test for our boys — and another opportunity to show what this new-look First XV can do. Witney v Royal Wootton Bassett II 3PM Hailey Road
Witney Rugby Football Club
Est. 1965
2026-2027
PLAYER SPONSORS
Thanks goes to those businesses and individuals who have sponsored players
Angus Brown
Ben Reed
Witney Wizards George Boswell
Dennis Norridge George Smith
Leo Dolan
Liam Cook
R&R Cleaning Charlie Bowyer
Marc Copperwheat & Jack Godfrey
Charlie Dunbar
John Mason
Steve Aldridge Jon Derrick
David Willis Matt Webb
Ollie Dawkins
Dan Webb
John Campbell Landscaping
Josh Rihan
Ollie Toner
WANT TO SPOSNSOR? There is still time and players available to sponsor. Packages start at £235+VAT and can be found at sponsorship.witneyrugby.co.uk or contact john.williams@witneyrugby.co.uk
Witney Rugby Football Club
Est. 1965
2026-2027
PLAYER SPONSORS
Thanks goes to those businesses and individuals who have sponsored players
Osian Wright
Owen Davies
Witney Wizards Ailsa Shaw
Ian Loughborough
Tom Gaffney
KJ Flack Coaching
Sam Turberville
Academy Player
Academy Player
Conor Pummery
Will King
Zac Way
Your Name/Logo here! Andy Nicolson Ollie Nicolson
CBF Groundwork Callum Cope
CBF Groundwork Academy Player
WANT TO SPOSNSOR? There is still time and players available to sponsor. Packages start at £235+VAT and can be found at sponsorship.witneyrugby.co.uk or contact john.williams@witneyrugby.co.uk
T U O D L O S T U O SOLD
We have secured tickets for all 3 England Home games and both Saturday and Sunday Finals Days. Want to be there? Sponsors, Players and Members contact: ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk
Have you got your tickets yet? If you’re still wondering what this new Nations Championship is all about, let us explain — because this could be something rather special. For the first time, the world's leading rugby nations from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are competing in one connected championship, culminating in a three-day Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, from 27–29 November. And this isn't simply six international matches bolted together. Every match matters. Every point matters. Every team has something to play for. After the opening three rounds, the battle between North and South couldn't be closer: NORTH 9 — 9 SOUTH Dead level The remaining rounds in November will decide the rankings, before all 12 nations descend on London for a unique Finals Weekend. Six matches. Three days. Two hemispheres. And on Sunday, the top-ranked Northern and Southern teams meet in the Grand Final, with the inaugural Nations Championship trophy on the line.
Have you got your tickets yet? But there's another battle running throughout the weekend. Every North v South result contributes to the Hemisphere Shield, with seven points available across the six matches. The first hemisphere to four points will be crowned the dominant hemisphere. WHO WILL LIFT THE Shield and the trophy? Will the Northern Hemisphere rule the roost? Or will the Southern Hemisphere remind us why New Zealand and South Africa, have dominated so much of world rugby? Nobody knows yet. That's the beauty of it. What we do know is that this is the inaugural Finals Weekend of a brand-new global competition — and it is happening right on our doorstep at Twickenham. Our Club currently has a limited number of Finals Weekend tickets available to members. So, rather than watching history being made on the television, why not be there when the first ever Nations Championship is decided? Three days. Six international matches. The world's best players. North v South. BE THERE FOR THE FIRST ONE. Tickets are available through Witney RFC — contact me to secure yours. Who will lift the trophy? Which hemisphere will dominate? There's only one way to find out.. Click the ball and. SEE YOU AT TWICKENHAM!
2 Be or not 2 Be! Tadley 40–26 Witney A The Vipers enjoyed their first week back on the Hailey Road turf, but they knew their visitors, Tadley, would come with a nasty bite. Witney started brightly and played plenty of good rugby, but they allowed Tadley’s dangerous three-quarters too much space. A few missed tackles put the Vipers under pressure, and Tadley took advantage, opening up a two-score lead — one of them a wellworked move that released their winger into space. The next score was vital, and Witney got it after a period of concerted pressure, giving the Vipers the lift they needed. The match remained very even, with Witney having the better of the lineouts and generally holding their own in the set piece. However, missed tackles and a few aimless kicks allowed Tadley to maintain their advantage and, despite Witney’s best efforts, they never quite looked like being caught. The sides exchanged tries, and a powerful break from Witney’s No. 8 offered a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, Tadley struck again soon afterwards with an intercept, and the opportunity was gone. The Vipers did finish in style, though. After multiple phases of pressure, fly-half Ed Bee produced a sublime double miss pass to release Will King, who finished clinically in the corner. Once again, the Vipers showed that they can compete with the established First XVs in this league. The tackling will need to tighten up, but the boys competed for the full 80 minutes and, importantly, secured a four-try bonus point for the second consecutive week.
2 Be or not 2 Be! Witney’s tries came from Adam Nobbs, Ross Sinclair, Alex Bellenie and Will King, with Ed Bee adding three conversions from four attempts. Sadly, the Vipers fell just short of securing a losing bonus point, but there was plenty to take from another committed performance. Next up for our Vipers, Abingdon at home, but you are going to have to wait until the 24th October for that one. Until then you will have to settle for back to back First team fixtures as our ones entertain both Bassett and Chippenham here at Hailey Road.
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Come & Watch Rugby @Witney RFC! September 2026 26th
Witney 26 : 15 Chinnor III
home win
October 2026 3rd
Witney Vipers 26 : 40 Tadley Witney III 36 : 17 Gosford All Blacks II
10th
Witney v Royal Wootton Bassett II
17th
Witney v Chippenham
24th
Witney Vipers v Abingdon Witney III v Farringdon
31st
Witney v Cleve
Chairman’s Lunch
All KOs 3pm unless otherwise annotated COME ALONG AND SUPPORT THE BLACK AND BLUE!
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? TWO FROM TWO FOR THE MIGHTY 3s The Mighty 3s continued their perfect start at Hayley Road with a convincing 36–17 victory over Gosford All Blacks IIs, making it two wins from two and keeping the Barmy Army’s 100% record firmly intact. It was very much a game of two halves. The first was untidy, with plenty of enthusiasm but not enough of the basics. Thankfully, the second half saw the IIIs find their rhythm and pull away from Gosford, with the Barmy Army going through the gears. The tries came from Monty Hinge, Andy Laurie, Luke Manning and Alfie McLoughlin, with Luke Jackson grabbing a brace. Luke Manning also added a reliable boot to keep the scoreboard moving. There were, naturally, several moments worthy of further investigation. Alex Maillet produced the afternoon’s standout contribution to rugby’s rich history of bizarre decision-making. Having done all the hard work, Alex somehow managed to run over the dead-ball line rather than touch the ball down. A remarkable achievement, and one likely to receive considerable analysis at the next training session!
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? There was an early setback when Adam Copperwheat was forced off with an arm injury. We wish Adam a speedy recovery. In midfield, Cal Godfrey and Jack Strong combined well, while debutant John Miles wasted no time introducing himself, banging the opposition from the opening whistle. The back row of Rich Lane, Si Morris and Luke Jackson put in a tremendous shift, providing energy and physicality throughout. MAN OF THE MATCH — LEE TAYLOR A huge performance from Lee, taking no backward steps and ensuring Gosford knew exactly what they were up against. A thoroughly deserved award. Next up is an away fixture against Oxford Harlequins 3rds, another tough test for the Mighty 3s. Two games. Two wins. 100% record. The Mighty 3s march on.
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Mars is shaped like a rugby ball! It is a Triaxial Ellipsoid: Unlike Earth or other rocky planets that resemble smooth, rotating oblate spheroids, Mars has different lengths along all three of its principal axes. Rather than be afraid of an invasion from Mars, we should look forward to the inevitable rugby game.
At home we tend to share the cooking. When we make pizza, my wife shreds the cheese, she’s the gratest.
WHERE ANGELS TREAD Well, here we go, first game of the season for our Angels, and we cannot wait! Lots of new players to add to the familiar names, it’s so good to see a healthy team sheet, proof that the season rebalance was the right move. Today we welcome Lucy and Mark Anderson, our wonderful sponsors from Anderson Clinic, who we hope will enjoy the rugby as much as we are going to. Welcome to Hailey Road for what we hope is the start of a long and mutually beneficial partnership.
Sunday’s game welcomes Grove Ladies to Hailey Road. Grove had a reasonable season last year winning 4 and drawing 1 from 9, not a bad return for their efforts. Our own Angels also finished 2025/26 with some strong results and three wins from three, the future’s bright. Witney Angels v Grove Ladies 2 pm
Angels v Grove Ladies Sun 11th Oct 2 PM KO 1 Naomi Godfrey 2Hettie McNally (VC) 3Sadie Andrews 4Katie Martin 5Becki Downham 6 Eliana Howlett* 7 TILLY HEAST* 8 Izzy Barker (C) 9Liv clack* 10Esther Clifton 11Ruby Bishop* 12Lily Cope* 13Tilly Castle* 14Finnley Aston 15Izzie Pereira* Replacements: 16Emily Rose 17Katie Wooloff
Coaches: Kate Nicholls Sarah Dunbar Alex Rosenberg steve Dee Kieran Flack
Officials: Stephen RHodes
*Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player
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M & Js Investing in the Future Lots of action for our Minis and Juniors last weekend with plenty of tries and a great deal of effort being put in at all age groups. Our under 16's welcomed Wallingford at home to kick of their OBB games. Great tries from Josh and Arthen and a conversion from Callum. Player of the match rightly shared between Jhaden and Arthen. Eventually the game was drawn at 12 v 12, but plenty of positives to come from that one, onwards and upwards The under 15's played a cup game at home against Stow and had an outstanding game, which was clearly reflected in the final score of 71:10. Player of the match shared between David and Olly. Our under 14's had their first cup game of the season, welcoming Banbury to Hailey Road. Not one but two tries from Zach and a great try from Louie! Alfie scoring 2 conversions too. Well done to Freddie who was man of the match. Unfortunately, the lads went down 19 – 22, the closeness of the score reflecting the effort put in by the team.
M & Js Investing in the Future The U12 and U14 Cherubs put out an outstanding performance Sunday, both playing against Fosse Falcons in a wonderful friendly game. 5 players made their debut for the cherubs, the future is bright! This weekend the following is planned: Minis (Home Training) Under 4s: 9:15–9:45am Under 5s: 9:15–10:00am Under 6s: FESTIVAL GROVE Under 7s: FESTIVAL GROVE Under 8s: FESTIVAL GROVE Under 9s: FESTIVAL GROVE Under 10s: FESTIVAL GROVE Under 11s: FESTIVAL GROVE Under 12s: FESTIVAL GROVE Juniors Academy Home against Bicester & Oxford U18 Colts A. TBC
Witney Can Do Magic! Join The Witney Wizards 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: John Hughes +44 7799 474509 Email: derrick.fox@witneyrugby.co.uk
6 NATIONS Coming Soon! Twickenham tickets available for England’s home fixtures in the 2027 6 Nations with the England welcoming ‘The Blues” to Twickenham . If you are a sponsor, player or Club Member then you can obtain tickets for the Home of rugby at face value by contacting Ian @ ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk Sunday 14th February England v FranceWales 3.10 pm £155 th Saturday 20 February England v Italy 4.40 pm £124 th Saturday 13 March England v Scotland 4.40 pm £155 Limited availability so get your Bid in now. Tickets will be allocated once all of the sponsors have submitted their requirements.
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What’s On @ Hailey Road! CHAIRMAN’S LUNCHES: 31st October
Witney v Cleve
21st November
Witney v Thornbury
19th December
Witney v Marlborough
TRAINING: Senior Men Tuesday and Thursday nights 7-8pm. Angels
Tuesday 7-8.30pm
Touch
Thursday 6-7pm
Walking
Thursday 7-8pm
Cherubs.
Tuesday 6-7.30pm
M&Js
Sunday Mornings 10-12
Academy
Sunday 1pm
SUMMER BALL 2027 5th June The Big Ball. Hollywood comes to Hailey Road. Tickets £85 pp.
Calling all Golden Oldies? Veterans @ Hailey Road Contrary to poular belief, you do not have to have: Served in the Trenches of WWI Be over 60 with a pacemaker! Although being either of those does not preclude you from playing,
The Reality is:
we do ask for a letter from your parent.
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 night; 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 Calling All Savers! How would you like 10% off everything you buy over the bar? With a WRFC Members Discount Card that’s exactly what you get. 10% off all your beers, teas, coffees, sandwiches etc. For a small anual fee, currently £27.50, you get a year’s worth of discounted products. That’s approximately 50p a week, so one pint of lager a week and you have made your money back, 2 pints and your saving at a level appreciated by Yorkshiremen. To qualify for the card you need to be a signed up member of the Club. Interested? email me or speak to any of the marvellous bar staff. ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk
Design Modelling Analysis Costing Construction
Building Science, Attaining Excellence
est. 1965
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