MATCH DAY
Oct 18th KO 3pm
Witney RFC
Abingdon
Witney RFC
Sun 19 Oct 2025 th
RW Bassett
Witney ACADEMY
Chairman’s Welcome
This IS Rugby!
Leading from the Front!
Keynsham 46 v 7 Witney
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!
GREATDAY
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
Player Sponsors
Player Sponsors
THE VIPER’S BITe
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RUCKS, PINTS, REPEAT
BARMY BY NATURE
Witney III 52 : 29 Harwell
On Friday night you could forgive us for being confident with 22 players named to take the field. Come Saturday morning it was situation normal as the 4 injured from last week revealed themselves to still be injured. With a good crowd our Barmy Army got off to a great start, the lead didn’t last long as Harwell struck back, twice! That seemed to be a wakeup call and the boys got to work, and once back in front, never really looked like surrendering that lead.
Our tries came from Eddie Alexander x 3, Alex Maillet x 3, Dan Lancaster and Kieran Flack bagging one each. Chris Cope definitely had his kicking boots on nailing 6 from 8. Man of the Match, Eddie Alexander with an excellent performance as a last-minute Stand Off. ToD, goes to Fish Dunbar, Team Medic, ever present when injuries occur, was present but left his treatment bag behind. Fish, without the magic sponge, you’re just a nice guy.
RUCKS, PINTS, REPEAT BARMY BY NATURE
Off to Chinnor this week for a battle with their Fourth Team. Chinnor are 3 from 3 thus far and having obtained 2 try bonus points are sharing the bragging rights at the top of the table, although it is fair to say they have yet to be properly tested. 3pm.
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October 18 has always been a day for big leaps, bold decisions, and a touch of bravery, which feels about right for a Saturday at Hailey Road.
Back in 1867 , the United States took possession of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million — about two cents an acre. A good deal by any measure, though Alaska’s permafrost probably makes even a cold day in Witney seem tropical.
Fast forward to 1968, when long jumper Bob Beamon stunned the world at the Mexico City Olympics, flying 8.90 metres and smashing the world record. Proof that sometimes you just have to take a leap and back yourself — a bit like Callum Godfrey given half a gap. In 1977 , baseball legend Reggie Jackson earned the nickname Mr October after hammering three home runs in one World Series game. Every club’s got one — Who’s Your contender for WRFC’s Mr October? And on this day in 1922, the BBC was founded — starting a century of fans shouting at radios and TVs. A tradition that will continue on the Witney touchline today. Here’s to a big performance, plenty of noise, and a proper home atmosphere.
Didcot Valkyries v Witney Angels
Angels Calling!
Well as we sit and wait, and contemplate our fate, the Angels fly again. Apologies to Robbie for bastardising the lyrics but you get the message. Not a league game but a strong showing from our Angels, we even manage 2 on the bench, awesome. In addition, we have some former Cherubs making their debuts as fully fledged Angels, proof that the Academy approach is working.
This is the first game of the season and will be a good test for the ladies. I can’t offer any background on the Didcot Valkyries as their website doesn’t show any information, but suffice to say, no matter what they throw at the Angels, the Angels will give it their all.
Didcot Valkyries v Witney Angels
2 pm
Royal Wootton Bassett
Academy
The Future’s Bright!
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Witney Calling!
There are new global law trials implemented for the 2025/26 season. These include banning the "crocodile roll" at rucks to enhance safety, players in offside positions after a kick, a time limit for players contesting a lineout, and the removal of a scrum option for free kicks, Additionally, the 20-minute red card for technical offences is moving to a global trial, and there's a new law "protecting the 9" to prevent players from being played at the base of scrums and rucks.
More details on the Rugby Laws can be found Here
Whilst we are on the subject of the laws of the game, we feel duty bound to remind you of the terrific support we get from the guys in the middle, the Referees. These men and women give up their time to officiate and make the games possible. They cannot possibly see everything and whilst we support with line runners, they cannot help with the real time decision making required. They don’t have two officials running the line and a 4 TMO with video playback so cut them some slack. th Mistakes will be made, offences go unseen, and sometimes it can appear from the sidelines that we are getting a hard deal. By all means voice your support for our wonderful teams, but abuse of the officials will not be tolerated from players, coaches, supporters or Club members. Let’s keep it good natured, enjoy the game and make the officials want to visit Hailey Road.
Player Sponsors
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
WhataGreatNight!
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
Thursday 13 November. Breakfast of
Champions th
Why not join us at our Hailey Road Clubhouse and mingle with like minded businesses and rugby club members. Chat from a special guest. Tickets £10 per person. free entry to Witney RFC Sponsors.
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
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
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
Saturday 7 February England v Wales 4.40 pm th £152
Saturday 21 February England v Ireland 2.10 pm st £152
Limited availability so get your Bid in now. Tickets will be allocated once all of the sponsors have submitted their requirements
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 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
