MATCH DAY Programme rd
3 Oct 2026
Witney II v Tadley
n a i r u t n e C l i a H All
Witney RFC Sat 3rd Oct 2026 KO 3 pm
Matson
VS
Witney
KO 3 pm
Witney II
VS
Tadley
KO 3 pm
Witney III
VS Gosford ABII
Witney RFC Sun 4th Oct 2026 KO 3 pm
Academy
VS
Bicester & Oxford
KO 11 am
Wolves
Cherubs U14
U7-U12
VS
Wizards
VS
RAF HALTON FESTIVAL
VS
GROVE FESTIVAL
Chairman’s Welcome Well, what an opener our First Fifteen delivered here at Hailey Road last week! The sun shone, our players sizzled, and they set the bar nicely for what we hope will be an amazing, rugby-packed season ahead. Today we have a mouth-watering pair of encounters, with our Vipers playing host to Tadley, while our Barmy Army IIIs welcome Gosford All Blacks II. On Sunday, our Academy host the combined Colts from Bicester and Oxford. We extend a very warm welcome to all the players, coaches, staff and supporters visiting Hailey Road this weekend. We hope you enjoy the rugby and, of course, the hospitality of our Club. Being Chairman is an honour which I certainly don’t take lightly. So much goes on behind the scenes that, at times, it is hard to believe that it is possible to do what we do — but we do! The important thing to remember, though, is that this is a rugby club, and it is the players who count. From age 3 to 83, if we look after our players, then the future of the Club is secure.
Chairman’s Welcome Which is why I would ask you all to seriously consider sponsoring a player. Packages are available from £235 + VAT, and your contribution could make a real difference to a young player continuing to play the game they love, rather than having to give it up because of financial pressures in these uncertain times. You can help support their future, and that of the Club, by taking a look at what is available in our Sponsorship Brochure by clicking the ball.
Let’s make sure we have plenty of Copperwheats and Webbs of the future coming through the ranks. Enjoy the rugby, support our teams and, as always, come on you Black and Blues! 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.
Matson v 1st XV Sat 3rd Oct 3 PM KO 1 Daniel Wilson* 2 Ben Reed (Debut) 3 Dan Webb* 4 Matthew Webb(C)* 5 Gareth Jenkins* 6 Josh Rihan*100 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 Cam Ayris* 18 Tom Gaffney*
Coaches: James Lamb* Matt Clarke Robbie Richardson Team Manager: Simon Copperwheat Physio: Ella Dawkins Officials: TBC *Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player Players in Blue on Front cover
1st Things First! Last Saturday our fabulous Firsts entertained Chinnor IIIs — and what entertainment! In glorious sunshine, our lads treated the Hailey faithful to a scintillating performance, running out 26–15 winners and securing the try bonus point. Our points came from; two tries for Callum Jones, with Jack Thompson and Ethan Clarke adding one apiece, while Charlie Dunbar continued his excellent form with three successful conversions from four attempts. Ollie Toner was invited by the referee to take a ten-minute breather, while Jack Thompson rightly claimed the Man of the Match award. What a way to announce yourself with a debut start at No. 8! We also had excellent performances from our other debutants, Ben Reed got through a shed full of work and made his presence felt. Callum Jones, apart from the two tries carried strongly and defended with energy, and Cam Brown came off the bench and is a likely contender for a starting shirt this weekend.
1st Things First! This week the Firsts are on the road to Matson, on the south side of Gloucester. Matson join us from Regional 1, so while they are new to this league, they are certainly no strangers to high-intensity rugby. They come into the fixture on the back of an emphatic home victory over Marlborough. So, it’s safe to say we can expect a tough day on the road in Gloucester. Another good test for our boys — and another opportunity to show what this new-look First XV can do. MATSON v WITNEY 3PM Red Well Road, GL4 6JG
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
Tilly Heast
Tilly Castle
Conor Pummery
Will King
Zac Way
Your Name/Logo here! Andy Nicolson Ollie Nicolson
CBF Groundwork Callum Cope
CBF Groundwork Lilly Cope
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!
Vipers XV v Hadley Sat 03rd Oct 3 PM KO 1 Jack Potter (Debut) Coaches: 2 Tom Young Wayne Caffekey* 3Adam Nobbs* Gareth ‘Snaz’ Campbell* Manager : 4 Zach Way* Seth Scarffe 5Ollie Nicolson* Physio: 6Charlie Gardner* (C) Hannah Rich 7 Callum Cope* 8Ross Sinclair 9Jon Derrick (VC) Officials: 10Ed Bee* Dominic Smith 11Will King* Julien CAZENAVE 12Josh Whitehead* *Denotes WRFC Mini 13Jacob Smith & Juniors Player 14Reuben Owen* Players in Blue on 15Ben Dunkley* Replacements: 16 Sam Winstone* 17George Smith* 18Dan Tyrell 19 Basil Smith*
Front cover
2 Be or not 2 Be! THE VIPERS A good performance last week against Wallingford could have gone either way but in the end the home side were just about good enough to thwart the Vipers. Strong performances from the debutants and tries came from Jon Derrick, Monty Hinge, Ed Bee, Zach Way and Josh Whitehead, with Ollie Dawkins slotting 4 conversions. The experienced Ryan "Cherry" Harris was the deserved Man of The Match. This Saturday is the first home run as we welcome Tadley to Hailey Road. A very young Witney side were well beaten in their last meeting but after the showing last week, against one of the strongest teams in the League, the Vipers know they can go toe to toe with anyone in this League if they perform to their potential.
WITNEY II v TADLEY 3PM
Why Choose Us? We are a family run business and Chris, the companies director has over 20 years of experience in the trade working with both the larger commercial developments and the smaller domestic sector. We take pride in delivering a quality service to all our customers. We are WIAPS approved with New roads and street works licenses. Call us today Tel: 07429552485 Enquiries@cbfgroundwork.com https://cbfgroundwork.com/home
Come & Watch Rugby @Witney RFC! September 2026 26th
Witney 26 : 15 Chinnor III
home win
October 2026 3rd
Witney Vipers v Tadley Witney III v 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!
3rd XV v Gosford AB II Sat 03rd Oct 3 PM KO 1 Ben Clarke* 2 Lee Taylor(C) Coaches: 3Alex Bellenie Ben McPherson 4 Blaine Eason Chris Cope 5 Ian Burton Adam Copperwheat 6 Rich Lane Manager: 7 Si Morris Pete Holiday Physio: 8 Luke Jackson* LEAH NASH 9 Monty Hinge Officials: 10 Adam Copperwheat* Douglas Haggard 11 Alex Maillet *Denotes WRFC Mini 12Callum Godfrey* & Juniors Player 13Jack Strong* Players in Blue on 14Alfie McLoughlin Front cover 15Luke Manning* Replacements: 16 Rikki Dore* 20 John Miller 17 Dan Wakeman* 21 Sean Murray 18 Mark Fuller 22 Andrew Laurie 19 Dave Jackson
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again?
Barmy Army March on with Opening Day Victory
Witney 3rds got their season off to the perfect start with a hard-fought 28–24 victory away at Didcot II, in what was another close encounter between the two sides. The last time the teams met at Boundary Park, Didcot edged the contest by just two points, so the Barmy Army knew they were in for another battle. This time, however, it was Witney who came out on top, holding their nerve to secure the win and pick up a valuable bonus point along the way. The tries came from George Smith, Sam Palmer, Lee Taylor and Lewis Tinsley, while Luke Manning had his kicking boots on and converted all four tries. Simon Morris was deservedly named the Army’s Man of the Match for his efforts, while Leigh Manning enjoyed a ten-minute rest at the request of the referee! The Barmy Army dug deep and managed to keep Didcot at bay, ensuring the points were coming back to Witney. A winning start, a bonus point and bragging rights — not a bad way to begin the campaign!
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again?
Next Up: Gosford All Blacks II There’s no time to rest on our laurels though, as the 3rds now turn their attention to local rivals Gosford All Blacks II in our first home fixture of the season. We did the double over the All Blacks last season and are hoping for more of the same this time around. Gosford also got their season off to a winning start last weekend, beating Littlemore 36–14 at home, so they’ll arrive in Witney looking for two from two. With both sides unbeaten, this is a top of the table clash, Both looking to build on their opening-day victories, another close and competitive local derby is in store. The Barmy Army will be hoping to put on another performance to remember — and of course make it two wins from two.
Two Companies, One family. Working together to deliver excellence. TELEPHONE:01993 771853
The tighthead prop is widely considered the toughest and most physically demanding position in rugby due to the immense strength, technical skill, and heavy contact required in every scrum. Not to mention the obvious good looks required to dominate the bar ahead of the open side and outside centre. Women only call me ugly until they find out much money I have. Then they call me ugly and broke.
Academy v Bicester & Oxford Colts A Sat 04th Oct 1 PM KO 1 Jack Norman 2 Owen Davies 3Reagan Muirhead 4 George Phair 5 George Smith(C) 6 Matt Ford 7 Harry Smith 8 Leo Dolan 9 Gwilym Skym 10 Ben Dilks 11 Luke Thompson 12Sam Brand 13Sam Wheldon 14Ben Duggan 15Ethan Clarke Replacements: 16 George Hayden 17 IEthan Lamb 18 Harry Clooney 19 Aled Ogden 20 Louis Croston
Coaches: Richie Craig Henry Lambe Charlie Dunbar JoeRowles Manager: Lisa Benson Officials:: PAUL ROBERT WATTS *Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player Players in Blue on Front cover
Welcome to our Dry Cleaning and Laundry service! With over 170 years of combined leadership experience, our team of textile experts have built up a wide knowledge of dry cleaning and has developed strong relationships with manufacturers worldwide, giving us access to a wide variety of textiles and products.
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
A bit of Wizardry
After making our festival debut in July at Kingswood, home of the world’s largest walking rugby festival, and then hosting Thatcham at home, the Wizards were back on the road last weekend — this time heading to Thatcham’s very first walking rugby festival. With 10 teams taking part, the Wizards faced Reading, Gosport & Fareham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Kingsclere. Four games, plenty of intensity and some fantastic walking rugby! The Wizards played some of their best rugby yet, putting into practice all the hard work and coaching that’s been going on behind the scenes. There were some great passages of play, excellent teamwork and, most importantly, plenty of smiles along the way. Barry Cooper, Mike Edworthy and Bill Barfoot all produced some dazzling footwork. At times, it was difficult to tell whether we were watching walking rugby or a dance competition!
A bit of Wizardry
But our Player of the Day was Billy. Try scorer, assists, great handling and crucially… no running or travelling! Perhaps his greatest achievement of the day…He didn't fall over!! A special shout-out also goes to Barry, Nixey and Matt Burke, who each pulled on a Baa Baa’s Hi-Viz for a game. Another great example of what walking rugby is all about. A huge well done to everyone who took part and to the coaches for all their hard work. Next stop is Newbury on October 24th Come on, Wizards!
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.
Welcome to Motorfix car repairs and sales. We are a family run business with over fifty years of automotive experience offering a friendly and professional service backed up with great customer care. MOTORFIX WITNEY Unit 2/3, Wessex Industrial estate, Ave Three, Station Ln, Witney OX28 4BT TEL: 01993700776
Lawn Mowing Driveways & Patios Fencing Turfing Pergolas Garden Walls
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
Thank you for your continued support For all updates, team news, fixtures, match photos and more...
Witney RFC witneyrfc_official WitneyRFC Witney Rugby Football Club witney_official_r witneyrugbyclub.bsky.social
Witney RFC
Phone: 01993 771043 Email: admin@witneyrugby.co.uk Website: www.witneyrugby.co.uk Address: Hailey Road, OX29 9UH
Editorial: Any comments on the content, or you wish to contribute, contact: ian.loughborough@witnetrugby.co.uk