MATCH DAY Programme th
7 Nov 2026 Witney Vipers v Didcot
Witney RFC Sat 7th Nov 2026 KO 3 pm
Vipers
VS
Didcot
KO TBC pm
Witney iII
VS Wallingford II
Sun 8th Nov 2026
D E Academy N VS O P T POS KO 3 pm
Aylesbury
Chairman’s Welcome Well, that was different! Last week we were revelling in 3 from 3; this week it’s 0 from 4. I guess that’s why we love this game so much! Today, our First Team take a well-earned break. They put in a hard shift last week against Cleve, and to come away with nothing to show for it was hard to take. That said, the signs were promising, and I genuinely believe we are heading in the right direction. Today, our Vipers host Didcot, whilst our Barmy Army play host to Wallingford II. There’s still plenty of rugby going on at Hailey Road, so you know it’s the place to be! Back to last weekend and our first Chairman’s lunch of the season, and what a lunch. It’s not just meeting up with so many Club Stalwarts, meeting sponsors old and new is always a pleasure. What really fills me with so much pride is the performance and delivery of the caterers, Ian and the Bar staff, and all the Club members who sell raffle tickets, collect glasses, collect a tip for the staff and just make a good day a great! Thank you all. Back to today, enjoy your rugby, enjoy the Clubhouse, and remember to respect the officials and each other. Andy Merriman Chairman Witney RFC
1st Things First! Witney 21 : 35 Cleve With the first Chairman's Lunch of the season, there was plenty of support to get behind our First XV as they hosted high flying Cleve at Hailey Road. For the first 20 minutes you could be forgiven in thinking that it was Witney flying high as Cleve struggled to deal with the intensity of Witney play. Witney opened the scoring with a wonderful effort from Dan Webb. The turning point, a Cleve interception try. Their tails went up, our shoulders dipped, level on the scoreboard. The game never drifted away from Witney, but Cleve never again really looked like losing. Credit to the Witney Boys they kept battling and put some wonderful phases together, but I guess we now know why Cleve are flying high. The extra tries came from Will Phair and Daniel Wilson. Charlie Dunbar converted them all despite taking time out for a strain. A rest week this week and then in action on the road next week, back at Old Centralians, south Gloucester. Although they did us home and away last season, this season we are a different outfit and should look to capitalise on that on the road.
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PLAYER SPONSORS
DAN WEBB
DENNIS NORRIDGE
GEORGE BOSWELL
MARC COPPERWHEAT & JACK GODFREY
ACADEMY PLAYER
STEVE ALDRIDGE
JON DERRICK
JOSH RHIAN
England Tickets Witney Rugby Club has an allocation for every England home game at Twickenham, have you got yours? Here’s what is still available:
28 Nov Finals Saturday £168.90 each 2 great games, 1 ticket. 29 Nov Finals Sunday £189.90 each 2 great games, 1 tickets 14 Feb 27 England v France £155 each 20 England v Italy £155 each 13 March England v Scotland £155 each
The two finals days are going to be epic, Want to be there? Sponsors, Players and Members contact: ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk
PLAYER SPONSORS
ACADEMY PLAYER
SAM TURBERVILLE
IAN LOUGHBOROUGH
TOM GAFNEY
WILL KING
ACADEMY PLAYER
OLLIE DAWKINS
PLAYER SPONSORS
ZACH WAY
AILSA SHAW
LILY COPE
ACADEMY PLAYER
ACADEMY PLAYER
DAN ASHFORD
WITNEY 2XV VS DIDCOT 1XV SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER | 15.00PM HAILEY ROAD (H) 1 Adam Nobbs* 2 James Merriman* 3 Connor Pummery* 4 Charlie Bowyer 5 Cam Ayris* 6 Callum Cope* 7 Charlie Gardner* (C) 8 John Mason 9 Charlie Penton* 10 Ed Bee* 11 Josh Whitehead* 12 Ollie Dawkins 13 Jon Derrick 14 Ben Dunkley* 15 Ben Dilks*
COACHING TEAM: Wayne Caffekey Gareth Campbell Seth Scarffe PHYSIO Hannah McGympsey
REPLACEMENTS 16 Sam Winstone* 17 Jack Daubeney 18 George Smith* 19 Euan Owen (Debut) 20 Monty Hinge Match Officials: Granville WILLIAMS Adv: Andy ROLFE
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2 Be or not 2 Be! Chipping Norton 18 : 10 Witney A brace of tries from Ollie Nicholson was scant consolation for the Vipers, who never really managed to get out of first gear in any department. The home side were hungrier, more physical and, on the day, thoroughly deserved their victory. There’s plenty for the coaches to chew over at training this week, as this was one of those performances where the boys seemed to have left their rugby in the changing room. Ollie, at least, provided a bright spot with an excellent effort after coming on as a replacement. His reward? Man of the Match and a rather fetching shiner to keep the office entertained come Monday morning! Next week, there’s little room for a repeat as the Vipers welcome high-flying Didcot to Hailey Road. The boys will need to raise their game considerably if they’re to get back on the winning trail.
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PLAYER SPONSORS
ANGUS BROWN
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CALLUM COPE
CHARLIE BOWYER
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CONNOR PUMMERY
WITNEY 3XV VS WALLINGFORD II SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER | 14.30PM HAILEY ROAD (H) 1 Alex Bellenie 2 Lee Taylor 3 Dan Wakeman* 4 Blaine Eason 5 Ian Burton 6 George Boswell* 7 Simon Morris (C) 8 Luke Jackson* 9 Nick Dawkins 10 Luke Manning* 11 Eamon Doherty 12 Chris Cope 13 Arthur Whitehead* 14 Owen Davies* 15 Gerald Baloyi REPLACEMENTS 16 Rikki Dore* 17 Tom Young* 18 Matt Cartmell 19 Dave Jackson 20 Ollie McLoughlin 21 John Miles 22 Ben McPherson
COACHING TEAM Ben McPherson Chris Cope PHYSIO Leah Nash Match Officials: Geoff WARD Adv: Julien CAZENAVE
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Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? Banbury III 46 : 5 Witney III The Wheels Came Off, But the Spirit Didn't! Well, it was fun while it lasted! The Barmy Army's unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt halt at Banbury, whose players had clearly failed to read the script! It was always going to be a challenge with a back row averaging 40 years of age (a vintage collection, with several future Wizards already in the pipeline!) and a team boasting more forwards than a scrum-half's worst nightmare. The usual blistering pace in the Witney backline was somewhat conspicuous by its absence – although, to be fair, a few of the lads may still have been warming up! The first half was a closely contested affair, with Si Morris crossing for Witney's only try. Unfortunately, injuries began to take their toll, and when No. 10 Rob Mills departed, Ben McPherson was handed the fly-half duties for the remaining hour. Never let it be said that the Barmy Army lacks versatility!
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? As the game wore on and tired legs began to resemble Sunday morning legs, Banbury took full advantage. Credit to the lads, though, who never stopped battling. Blaine Eason was a deserved Man of the Match, producing a series of powerful carries that probably left a few Banbury defenders in need of a lie-down. And then there was Dan Wakeman, who somehow managed to tackle his own teammate! With blue skies and muddy shirts, identifying friend from foe shouldn't have been too difficult. Perhaps Dan was simply keen to boost his tackle count – it wouldn't be a Barmy Army outing without the odd mishap! Next up, Wallingford 2nds visit Hailey Road, looking to bounce back from their defeat to Littlemore. The Barmy Army will be looking to do exactly the same. Expect fireworks, a few bruises and, with any luck, no more “blue-on-blue” tackles! C'MON WITNEY!
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PLAYER SPONSORS
DAVID WILLIS ACADEMY PLAYER
MATT WEBB
LIAM COOK
LESTYN ROGERSWILLIAMS
ANDY NICOLSON
OLIVER NICOLSON
OLLIE TONER
PLAYER SPONSORS
James Merriman
BM Caterers
Allie Walde
Cam Ayris
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Hailey Happenings! If it’s happening at Hailey Rd, you will read about it here. After the success of last week’s Chairman’s lunch I am pleased to inform you that the next one is planned for 21stNovember when our First XV host Thornbury. What a day that is going to be, like Witney they have won 3 from 6, but they sit above us because of their bonus points. Let’s hope we can put that right in two week’s time.
UP Next! Sat 7th Nov. Witney IIs, our fabulous Vipers are at home to high flying Didcot, 3pm KO for what is going to be a belter. If that’s not enough, our Barmy Army are hosting Wallingford IIs, 2.30 KO. Still smarting after losing the top slot to Banbury our IIIs are out for revenge.
Sun 8th Nov. Witney Academy boys are on the road to Aylesbury Colts, new guys in our league, should be interesting!
Witney Wolves The Witney Wolves are Oxfordshire’s longestestablished Mixed Ability Rugby group, proudly championing the belief that rugby really is a game for everyone. Mixed Ability Rugby brings together individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and those recovering from mental health challenges, alongside experienced players, to enjoy the game together. Quite simply “Rugby For All”. Experienced players act as facilitators, helping, guiding and encouraging those who are new to the game or may need a little extra support, ensuring that everyone has a meaningful role to play and the opportunity to contribute. One of the great things about Mixed Ability Rugby is that the rules of the game remain largely unchanged. Inclusion is achieved not by changing rugby, but by changing attitudes and creating an environment where everyone can participate. And the benefits go far beyond the pitch. The Wolves enjoy a genuine sense of camaraderie, friendship and belonging, both during the game and in the clubhouse afterwards. It’s an experience that enriches every player, regardless of ability, background or experience. The Witney Wolves are a shining example of what rugby can achieve when people come together. They offer a fantastic opportunity to make friends, build confidence, enjoy the game and experience the true meaning of inclusion. Come and be part of the pack. With the Wolves, there really is a place for everyone! Wolves Overview:
On 7th November 1989, I was in West Berlin preparing to teach a course for undercover operators working in what was then Sovietoccupied East Berlin. Two days later, I received a call from one of my team: “Ian, get down to the Wall NOW!” It was 9th November. Protesters were already standing on top of the Wall, and huge chunks had been knocked out of it. The East German Border Guards, the Grenzaufklärer, simply stood and watched. Normally, they would have been under orders to shoot to kill. I shook hands with one of them through a hole in the Wall. The rest, as they say, is history. Three members of the Armed Forces find a scorpion in their tent. The Royal Marine kills the scorpion. The soldier picks up a radio and reports the presence of the scorpion. The RAF Regiment guy calls the front desk and asks why there's a tent in his room.
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Minis & Juniors Investing in Our Future If we need to park cars between Pitch 2 & 3, please avoid the marked out area towards the Hailey end. This weekend the following is planned: Minis Under4. Bees 0915-0945 Home Training Pitch 1 Hailey End. Under 5. 9.30-10.15 am Gap between Pitch 1 and 2 Under-6. Home Training Gap between pitch 2 and 3 Under-7 Home Training Under-8 Home Training Under-9 Home Training Under-10 Home Training Under-11. Home Training Under-12. Home Training Juniors Under 13 Home Training Under-14. Away Match Royal Wootton Bassett Under-15 Home Training Under-16. Away Match V Amersham & Chiltern Wolves.
1100 Home Training
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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
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