MATCH DAY Programme 17th Jan 2026 Witney v Keynsham
Witney RFC Sat 17th Jan 2026 KO 2 pm
Witney
VS Keynsham
KO 2 pm
Tadley
VS
Witney II
KO 2 pm
Witney III
Oxford Quins III
VS
Chairman’s Welcome Well, the weather took its toll last weekend, but we still managed to field three sides at Hailey Road — a massive tribute to Glen Davies and everyone who helps keep our pitches in top order, including Bob “the mower” Fisk. Other clubs weren’t so lucky, as our travelling Firsts had their game postponed. Today, all three senior men’s sides are in action, with our First XV hosting Keynsham here at Hailey Road. Also at home, the Barmy Army Thirds take on Oxford Harlequins III in what promises to be a cracking local derby. Meanwhile, our Vipers are on the road for their first game of the New Year at Tadley. Also on the road to Thatcham are our Wizards, Old but Bold on the Road. Let’s hope everyone who pulls on the black and blue plays with commitment, pride and aggression — but above all, has fun. Welcome all to Hailey Road, we hope you enjoy our marvellous Club, I’ll drink to that! 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!
1st XV v Keynsham Sat 17th Jan 2 PM KO 1 Sam Winstone* 2 James Merriman* 3 Marcus Reading*(VC) 4 Finn Ayris* 5 Matthew Webb(C)* 6 Gareth Jenkins* 7 Josh Rihan* 8 Will Phair* 9 Jon Derrick 10 Charlie Dunbar* 11 Jacob Hayter* 12 Ollie Toner* 13 Angus Brown* 14 Ollie Walker* 15 Mark Greenwood Replacements: 16 Jacob Holland 17 Cam Ayris* 18 Josh Whitehead*
Coaches: Matt Carter James Lamb* Tom Phillips Team Manager: Jon Hayter Physio: Ella Dawkins Officials: Damian HAMILTON Adv: Andy ROLFE *Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player Players in Blue on Front cover
1st Things First! ED OvNWitney P Cheltenham T S PO The weather took control last weekend and our game away at Cheltenham fell foul of it. The game is currently scheduled to be played next weekend on the 24th. Today we host Keynsham and our chance to return the favour and deliver a thumping, which is what they gave us down in Bath. Back then Matt Webb got our only try and Finn Ayris got on the wrong side of the referee for perhaps trying a little too hard. It is fair to say that the team have matured since then and we can expect a more complete performance.
Witney v Keynsham 2pm
AY D T A E GR me Aweso rly a e e cam Xmas
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Tadley v Vipers XV Sat 17th Jan 2 PM KO 1 Adam Nobbs*(C) Coaches: 2Richie Craig Simon Copperwheat* 3Connor Pumery Matt Clarke 4George Boswell* Rob Phair 5Charlie Greenslade* Physio: 6Dan Tyrell* Will Sperrin 7Callum Cope* 8Zach Way* Officials: 9Jamie Hoyle* Alex BOND 10Ben Dilks* 11Alex Mailett *Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player 12Charlie Gardner* Players in Blue on 13Jack Daubeney* Front cover 14Montgomery Hinge 15Ethan Clarke Replacements: 16 Dan Wakeman* 17Tristan George 18Joe Hodgson
2 Be or not 2 Be! No game to report on as our Vipers took an extended Christmas break. Back though with a vengeance as our Twos are on the road to Tadley. Tadley took the points at Hailey Road last time round in front of a large home crowd which included new Viper sponsor Stefan Voloseniuc. Whilst the result wasn’t what we wanted the day was a huge success and I think the SF Stefan team were more than impressed by the Club, long may that continue. Tadley have had a mixed season, winning 4 from 9, making them an ideal target for our Vipers to get their season back on track. Come on you Black and Blues Sat 17 Jan 2026 Tadley v Vipers
Come & Watch Rugby @Witney RFC! JANUARY 2026 17th
Witney v Keynsham Witney III v Oxford Harlequins III
24th
Vipers v Newbury II
25th
Academy v Hungerford Colts
FEBRUARY 2026 8th
Angels v Didcot
14th
Witney v Royal Wootton Bassett II Witney III v Chinnor IV
22nd
Angels v Royal Wootton Bassett
28th
Vipers v Banbury II
All KOs 3pm unless otherwise annotated
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3rd XV v Oxford Quins III Sat 17th Jan 2 PM KO 1 Tom Young* 2 Seth Savage* 3Alex Belleni 4 Blaine Eason 5 IAN BURTON 6 ned Smith* 7 Ben McPherson 8 Wayne Caffekey* 9 Nick Dawkins 10 Adam Copperwheat* 11 Declan Duffy 12Liam Cook 13Harry Smith 14Alfie McLoughlin 15Chris Cope
Coaches: Carl Strutt Wayne Caffekey Physio: Mick Dunbar Hannah Rich Officials: Alex BOND *Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player Players in Blue on Front cover
Replacements: 16 Ollie McLoughlin 20 Kieren Flack 17 William Walker* 21 Dan Wilson* 18 Dave Jackson 22 Alex Summers 19 Eamon Doherty*
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? Witney III 24 : 29 Buckingham II First game back after the Christmas break so what would the performance levels be? The players were told we were going to weigh them but considering we forgot to weigh them before we broke up, it would only have body shamed the fatties. The incentive of playing in front of a big crowd on pitch 1 was taken away by a frozen pitch, so pitch 4 it was and our warmup, the walk from the Clubhouse! A slow start as the players got used to running again saw us trailing 19 : 0 down. The players upped the effort and incredibly led 24 : 19. That effort took its toll and Buckingham went back ahead at 29 : 24. Witney raised the energy levels and were awarded a penalty 15 meters out when Tit of the day, Harry Ward, retaliated and had the penalty reversed. End of game. A hattrick of tries from Ethan Clarke and one from Wayne Caffekey with 2 conversions from Ben Dilks. Man of the Match Callum Cope.
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? Witney III 24 : 29 Buckingham II Today sees our Third XV host Oxford Harlequins III, who sit just two places above us in the league, but with a game in hand. It won’t be easy but our Barmy Army are made of stern stuff and I am sure they will give it their all. Let’s get behind the boys in Black and Blue and help them get the result they need.
Witney III v Oxford Harlequins III KO 3pm
Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) was born on this day in 1942. He won the world heavyweight championship, defeating Sony Liston on February 25, 1964, at age 22 Ali fought in several highly publicized boxing matches, including fights with Sony Liston, Joe Frazier and George Foreman in the Rumble in The Jungle. In 1963 our ‘Enry’, Henry Cooper, put him on his backside in the 4th round but lost in the 5th with a bad cut to the eye. I’ve been watching a programme on beavers, best damn show I’ve ever seen!
Where Angels Fly! Witney Angels 17 – 10 Northamptonians Witney Angels overcame freezing conditions to secure a well-earned 17–10 victory over Northamptonians on Sunday. The match was in doubt until shortly before kick-off due to frozen pitches following last week’s cold snap, but once underway the Angels started strongly. A wellexecuted kick-off and dominant tackling pinned Northamptonians deep in their own half, and sustained pressure was rewarded with the opening try by Tilly Castle, one of our U18 Cherubs, to give Witney an early 5–0 lead. Northamptonians responded with some determined midfield running and worked their way back into the game, levelling the score at 5–5 before the break. After half-time, the Angels raised their intensity and were rewarded with a powerful try close to the posts, which was successfully converted.
Where Angels Fly! Witney continued to control the game with excellent work at the breakdown, stealing possession through strong jackling and moving the ball quickly through the hands. This led to a decisive final try by Izzie Pereira, another U18 Cherub, extending the lead to 17–10 and sealing the win. A special mention goes to the continued success of the club’s pathway, with five academy U18 Cherubs now representing the Angels. Four years on from the relaunch of the girls’ section, seeing players transition into senior women’s rugby was the perfect finishing touch to an excellent afternoon.
2026 Fixtures 25th January Royal Wootton Bassett v Angels 8th February Angels v Didcot 22nd February Angels v Wootton Bassett 8th March Angels v Basingstoke 29th March Angels v Banbury 19th April Faringdon v Angels
Academy The Future’s Bright! Witney Academy 24 : 14 Banbury Colts The first game back after Xmas saw the Academy continue their winning run. Blustery conditions and a two-week break were evident in the quality of rugby on display in what was an attritional and physical encounter. Banbury were quicker out of the blocks and were able to work a good overlap out wide to run in from halfway and score under the posts. Witney responded with a catch and drive from George Smith, 5 : 7. Banbury then extended their lead with another 3 man overlap out wide to create a try and 5 : 14 lead. Witney then delivered arguably the move of the game with some flowing rugby to put Osian Wright in out wide 10-14 to the visitors at half time. Most of the 2nd half was played in the Banbury half, but Witney struggled to find the cutting edge. Leon Young eventually powered over from 5 metres, assisted by Alfie Hall following a string of penalties against Banbury. Ben Dilks adding the extras for a 17-14 lead. The home side continued to dominate possession and territory and added another try from close range through Harry Smith, converted by Sam Weldon to finish with a 24-14 victory.
Academy The Future’s Bright! Witney Academy 24 : 14 Banbury Colts Heavy going in heavy conditions with a few bruised and battered bodies, glad of a rest this weekend . . .apart from those playing for the 2nds and 3rds, of course!. MOM: George Smith DOTD: Ben Dilks Hungerford and Chinnor follow next in the league, along with a rearranged fixture against Oxford Harlequins scheduled for early February. With a busy run of matches ahead, there’s no shortage of Academy action coming our way in the near future.
M & Js Investing in the Future For those wondering how we create players with asterisks against their name on matchday, why not pop along to the Club and see what goes on in all age groups. Sunday’s activities are crucial to the ongoing success of the Club at senior levels, fielding 3 men’s teams week in week out and building our cohort of Angels ready to compete in next years league. This weekend the following is planned: Minis (Home Training) Under 4s: 9:15–9:45am Under 5s: 9:15–10:00am Under 6s: 10:00–11:00am Under 7s: 10:00–11:00am Under 8s: 10:00–11:00am Under 9s: 10:00–11:00am Under 10s: 10:00–11:00am Under 11s: 10:00–11:30am Under 12s: 10:00–11:30am Juniors Under 13s: Away match vs Chinnor (Cup game) Under 14s: Home match vs Thatcham, Pitch 4, 10:00–12:00 (10:30 KO) Under 15s: Home training, Pitch 2, 10:00–12:00 Under 16s: Home match vs Chinnor, Pitch 3, 10:00–12:00 (11:00 KO) Academy training
12:00–1:30pm
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Thatcham v Wizards Sat 17th Jan 1 PM KO Team To Be Drawn From: 1 Bill Barfoot Coaches: 2 Kevin Freeman Gareth Lewis 3Andrew Nixey Scottie Gardner 4 Dave Lewis Reg Nicolson 5 Jason Freeman Andrew NIxey 6 Jack Clay 7 Sarah Algar 8 Russell Simpson 9 Jeremy Hugo 10 Scottie Gardner (C) 11 John Manterfield 12Duncan Footer 13Mike Edworthy 14Mike West 15Matt Burke 16 Gareth Lewis (CC) 17 Reg Nicolson 18 John Hughes
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: Derrick Fox on 07922 626332 Email: derrick.fox@witneyrugby.co.uk
6 NATIONS That Time Again! Twickenham tickets available for England’s home fixtures in the 2026 6 Nations. 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
4 x Premium Saturday 7 February England v Wales 4.40 pm Availa £152 ble Possible available Saturday 21 February England v Ireland 2.10 pm through Club recall £152 th
st
Limited availability so get your Bid in now. Tickets will be allocated once all of the sponsors have submitted their requirements.
Lawn Mowing Driveways & Patios Fencing Turfing Pergolas Garden Walls
What’s On @ Hailey Road! QUIZ NIGHT 30TH January 6.30pm Quiz night In Support of U14 Tour. Volunteer Night 6th February 6.30pm Pie & a Pint Quiz Night CHAIRMAN’S LUNCHES: 14th February
Witney v Royal Wootton Bassett II
7th March
Witney v Cleve
11th April
Witney v Chippenham
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
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
Player Sponsors
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
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 £25, 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
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