AT was one in a million; most will never know just how much he did for us here
Chairman’s Report
I find it hard to write these notes, as I am filled with great sadness following the recent, unexpected loss of Andrew Tacon not only to his partner, Rose, and all his family and friends, but to us all here at Witney RFC.
AT was one in a million; most will never know just how much he did for us here, and it’s been my pleasure to work with him directly over the last six years, especially in getting the track, the extension, the patio, and BBQ area landscaped, the trees felled, and the solar panels fitted.
Rest in peace, my dear friend.
The black smoke continues to rise as the elders meet to discuss my successor; hopefully, the white smoke will soon rise, and a new Chairperson will be announced.
It’s been my pleasure to be involved with so many wonderful people over my time as Chairman. Not that I intend to disappear (unless on holiday, that is), I believe it’s healthy for the club to have a new Chairperson every five years. I will support the new, elected person, and we will continue to grow, I’m sure.
I’d like to thank all those who have contributed
their time and efforts in helping to run the club over the past season. An awful lot of things have to happen for us to put on matches, both on and off the field, in all sections of the club. Whilst I couldn’t call out everyone, I’d like to especially thank Ian, Annette, and the bar team, who provided excellent post-match food and an excellent selection of drinks. I’d also like to thank Pat and Glenn for keeping the clubhouse and changing rooms clean, and, of course, for maintaining the best grass pitches in the county.
I’d like to finish this report with a plea: in order to keep the club going and, ideally, move it forward, we are in urgent need of additional volunteers. At present, too few people are trying to do too much. We can tailor roles to suit interests and skill sets. If you would be interested in helping the club and giving back to the game, please consider taking on a role or asking how you might be able to help.
Bob Fisk Chairman
Sponsors
Witney RFC wants to say a huge thank you to all our Sponsors for their continued support, we couldn’t do it without you!
B WASTIE ELECTRICAL
Mark Bannister Matt Delnevo
Fox
Phillips
Bowles
Billington
Loughborough
Willis
Club Secretary’s Report
The 24-25 season has created lots of challenges for the club, both on and off the pitch. Costs continue to increase, but we have taken steps to future proof the club. Perhaps the most obvious example of this are the recently installed solar panels, that will help control our energy costs.
The first team were moved to a completely new league, with games being much more competitive than in recent years. With a lot of changes to the first team squad, we have introduced several younger players. Results have been tough, but there are promising signs for the future, particularly with players developing well in the seconds and thirds.
The club is more than just the senior sides. We continue to run our Angels, Veterans, Minis and Juniors, Wolves and Wizards.
Witney RFC are a true community club and our facilities are envied by many of our visitors. There is considerable turbulence across the game nationally, although I feel we are weathering the storm better than most. However, we cannot afford to be complacent and need to continue working hard to ensure we continue to thrive.
Thanks are due to all our players, our coaching team, the committee, all our volunteers, members and our sponsors.
Derrick Fox Club Secretary
Director of Rugby’s Report
Although a difficult season in another restructured league format and players moving on, gave opportunity for the future of the club. Time and again it was easy to see by the amount of Asterix next to names on team sheets, that the building from the mini and juniors is transitioning through brief stop in the academy into Senior rugby. Much credit during the season must go to the 2nd and 3rd team management who have taken on the academy graduates and nurtured them through to enable the club to continually put out 3 Men’s teams and still compete at the academy level. On some occasions the coaches might not have been fully comfortable with bringing players too early, but each one gave their all for the teams.
This will all bode well for the future with early exposure to senior rugby and what is required in fitness and strength, alongside skill to compete at level 6.
There have been challenges in the Angels, but again the engagement with the Cherubs by the players has
Tug Wilson Director of Rugby
seen the girls section grow and looks great for the future s the Women and girls game grows.
In both the Men’s and the Women’s sections a huge thank you to Seth, Adam (Men) and Lou (Women’s) who will be moving on/having a change of pace of life in rugby for a while. Fantastic effort and like all of us I’m sure wish the coaches well for next season.
Throughout the club the life blood of M&J’s volunteers, coaches and parents make Witney RFC a place to be in the community. Ensuring teams are ever present, sessions are delivered safely and enjoyably so the club continues to grow with new members, supporters and players. This makes Witney a standout club where some are struggling to sustain numbers and keep players, Witney has people return time and again, with Level 6 rugby confirmed for another season, the push from the M&J’s and the experience gained this year can only be good for the future, where we continue to ‘Play and Win for All’
Head Coach’s Report
Another season done, another season of highs and lows, a new coach and new youngsters strengthening the ranks.
I’ll start by saying thank you to all the players, coaches, physio’s, team managers, committee members, Ian, Annette, T & Sophie, along with all the other kitchen & bar staff, Glenn & Pat, supporters, sponsors, and everyone else who contributes to making Witney RFC what it is. It’s a hell of a club, let’s have it right!
As always, I take a great sense of pride that we got 3 men’s teams out week after week, which is no easy feat, and Carl Strutt deserves a pat on the back for the work he’s done again with the 3rds. One more year! We’re a family club, run by great people, making decisions to benefit all our members, not just one team. To anyone that pulled on a Witney RFC shirt this season, I hope you enjoyed yourself and I hope you’ll return to do it again come September. I’ll also be looking to dust the boots off come September but having seen the current shirts, I’ll be ordering my own 10 shirt!
This season we welcomed Matt Carter to the club and I for one think he’s been a positive addition to the club. The bar takings have certainly benefited from Matt’s addition, and the fact he brings his army of children with him most weeks! It’s easy to keep doing what you’ve always done but with Matt coming in he challenged why we did things, how we did things, and then implemented some new bits along the way. Change is never easy or straightforward but I’ve no doubt that next season we’ll see the benefit of this season’s work. I look forward to seeing the players and the coaches reaping the benefit of their hard work this year.
The 1st XV has had a mixed season. They’ve been sublime at times, and ridiculous at other, but you could never question the effort. The season was summed up during the last game of the season. The boys scored 7 tries away from home, against second in the league, and still managed to sabotage themselves with a couple of lapses in concentration. The undeniable fact is that the talent is there, the strength in debt is there, and there is young talent coming through from the u18’s. What’s also a fact is that the 1st XV hasn’t been fit enough this season, and that’s on me because I write the session plans, and I took my eye off the ball there. Carts has this covered for next season. So, with the talent available and the fitness address, that just leaves the application. When the boys nail that, which they will, then they’ll fly next season and they’ll be a pleasure to watch; I’m genuinely excited to see how far they can go. Big things await!
I’ll give a few shout outs before I sign off.
Bob Fisk. Thank you for initially putting your faith in me back in Jan 2019 and I’m sorry we wrecked the clubhouse floor after my first game in charge, but it was a great win and clearly spirits were high! You’ve done so much for the whole club during your tenure, and I can honestly say you couldn’t have been more supportive. I’ve no doubt you’ll continue to have a positive effect
on the club for many years to come. Seth. You always put everyone before yourself, your attention to detail is unrivalled and we’re all incredibly grateful for everything you’ve done for all these years with the club. The 1st XV will never really appreciate how good they had it with you. You truly are one in a million mate.
As most will be aware, I won’t be involved with the 1st XV next season, but they’re in great hands and with the leadership group they’ve got they’ll go on to bigger and better things with ease. It’s been a huge privilege to be involved with the 1st XV, first as a player and then as a coach, and I never took for granted that I was representing the club’s premier side. I have many regrets during my time as Head Coach, mainly around managing my emotions on the touchline, but I’ve also learnt a huge amount and I’d like to think those lessons will stand me in good stead moving forward. It’s been a great ride, and I’m pleased, rightly or wrongly, that I did it my way.
Have a great evening all and here’s to next season.
All the best to you & yours.
Adam Copperwheat Head Coach
Head Physio’s Report
This season has been very busy in the physio room. Not only with treating people but behind the scenes too. We are extremely blessed to have an excellent team of Fish, Hannah, Ellie, Ella and Rob who have all helped out with pitchside at various time during the season. And thank you too to Kate Carter and Dan Ashford who have also helped out on occasion. I am sure that there are very few clubs at our level who can say they provide this amount of cover to all their teams. Next season I will be doing less pitchside (24 seasons is enough!) with Hannah and Ella sharing the 1sts and 2nds and Fish continuing with the 3’s. Myself, Ellie and Rob will provide back up when needed.
Behind the scenes we have had a few times when tape and supplies have become a bit low…according to our suppliers, Harmony Medical, the supplies have to negotiate the Suez canal…and with the issues there shipments have been taking 6 months instead of the usual 3 months. So we did have a few different brands of tape at times to cover the short fall. Hopefully all is back on track again now.
Sarah Mead Head Physio
This season we have spent £2156.76 on:
• Leg lifting tape: 176 rolls
• Hypafix (for shoulders): 20 boxes
• Tan tape (for shoulders): 112 rolls
• Zinc oxide (for wrists/thumbs/ ankles): 96 rolls
• Zinc oxide 2.5cm (for fingers, thumbs): 64 rolls
• Gel pads (shoulder padding): 12 pads
• Deep heat: 12 tubes
• Electrical tape: 328 rolls
This is only for the main supplies that we use….so the total bill for the season will be somewhat higher than this!
I am very much hoping that you all get in the gym over the summer and build some muscles up and therefore require less tape!
Have a good summer all and see you soon.
1st XV Senior Men’s Team
Captains Report
First, I want to start by saying what a privilege it has been to Co-captain the Witney 1st XV this year alongside Gareth. It’s been a tough year with many changes and challenges we have faced. We welcomed Matt Carter as the new first team coach alongside Adam. Matt has bought in some great new ideas, and we look forward to what the new season brings. We have also entered another new league and travelled down the M4 and M5 opposed to the A34. Let’s wait and see where we will head next year or if we can stay in the same league for the first time since 2018.
This Season has really been a story of minutes rather than games, as I think we can all say we haven’t performed to our best for a full 80. We have had some immense 10-20 minute bursts and even a few 40-minute spells where we looked and felt unstoppable. Just think back on a few of these moments such as Keynsham and Drybrook away, and it proves the ability we have as a group. When we eventually work out how to put this together for a full 80, I fear for the opposition.
I just want to thank all the players who pulled on the prestigious Blue and black shirt this season. It has been another great year of development for the club having lost some of our more experience heads. Such as Dom and Rob Coe retiring alongside Mark Greenwood, Alex Foggett who went off travelling for 4months before running out of money after 2, As well as having to grapple with series of long-term injuries throughout year such as Callum Godfrey, Keir MacDougall, George Lewis, Spud, as well as Gareth and Myself. This situation created opportunities for some of the young lads to step up and be thrown in at the deep end and all of them really took that upon themselves and excelled.
3 Lads in Particular who have made that jump I want to say a massive well done to include. Will Phair and Owen Fillary who both stepped up and showed the talent coming through the academy which is amazing. And finally, to Jacob Hayter who stepped up at the very start of the year and has been immense ever since and really staked a claim on the shirt for years to come as long as he stops getting all those awful tattoos. Well done Boys, really looking forward to seeing you all push on and continue to grow.
On a sad note, it’s time to say goodbye to 2 of our first team regulars this season. John Mason who’s retiring for the second time. (Sure you don’t fancy one more year) and Ben Ling who is moving away from the area. Both of you will be missed and welcome back if ever the opportunity arises.
Just a few more thanks to make, starting with all the coaches for giving up their Tuesday and Thursday nights and every Saturday to try and turn us bunch of reprobates into a semi decent rugby team. Sarah for keeping us as fit and healthy as possible or failing that covering us in enough tape that means we are able to run onto the pitch every Saturday. Ian, Annette and all the bar staff for feeding us, keeping us hydrated and putting up with all our nonsense. Glenn for providing us with awesome pitches every week. Darren and Cherry for maintaining the club to the highest standard. Dean for following us around with his camera. And the committee, all our Sponsors and Supporters for facilitating it all. Without all of you we wouldn’t have the best club in Oxfordshire, and we wouldn’t be able to play rugby so thanks for all you do.
Will leave you these to think about.
Webby’s and Gareth’s Moments of the Season:
• Drybrook first 40
• January Run (Unheard of for Witney to turn up after Christmas)
• The intent and last 5 against Thornbury at home to get the try to deny them any points
• Final kick against Gordano
• Trowbridge away with 2 coaches on the bench
• Keynsham away
• Adams Expensive Round in Dunkerton’s post red card
Can’t Finish without saying a huge thanks to Adam and Seth.
Adam has been coaching the first XV team since January 2019 and lead us to a league win and followed that with some great result in some very competitive leagues. He has pushed the side to improve bringing in his own style of play (not as many maori’s as he’d hoped for) which has seen the side better themselves. He has been a great advocate for Witney even getting some of the lads to Twickenham for the Oxfordshire County final win in 2024. He has decided to hang up the head coach role and take a step back and just want to thank him for everything he has done for the club. I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside Adam in the past and he would like to inform you that he is going to be pulling his boots back on at 10 for the 3rds next year so I hope you all enjoy that spectacle. Cheers Mate for everything.
And finally, Seth. Again, came in as first XV manager in 2019 and I don’t know what we do without him. I can’t tell you everything Seth does for the boys because the list would be endless, all I can say is we are going to be lost without him and that his successor has some big shoes to fill. Thanks for everything I know the lads are going to miss having you around as well as missing the fizzy fish every game day.
Thanks for Everything, Enjoy the well-earned break and will see you all for preseason. Bring on next year.
...January
Run
(Unheard of for Witney to turn up after Christmas)
Seth Scarffe
Seth, from breaking in to Chinnor RFC to recover an u18 kit bag that I left behind, to having a 4 stopper on the way back from an u18 game on a Sunday, to Newbury away and Jersey at home; you’ve been a huge reason as to why I enjoy coaching so much. To say thank you seems too little, given what you’ve done for me and what you continue to do for the club. You’re a diamond my friend and people like you make the club a better place to be. I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed our last 10 years together because I can honestly say it wouldn’t have been half the experience it was without you. You’re a hero to many, myself included, and I know that there are so many players that are still playing now due to the enjoyment that you brought to the weekends. Thank you mate, you’re a one of a kind xx
Adam Copperwheat Head Coach
you’re a one of a kind xx
Robert Seth Scarffe 59 Birthday 5th May (looking forward to his 60th no doubt).
What can one say about this fine specimen.
Where helps needed he’s stepped in from, coaching m&Js to 1st team manager, Women’s rugby advocate, 1st to put his hand up for volunteering and even top butty maker on Sundays is there no end to his talent?
Winner of clubman of the year Honda Volunteer awards almost every year it seems.
Seth is stepping back from his role as 1st team manager and he has set the bar very high I must admit. Im sure he wont be a stranger cheers Seth it was a blast.
Bob Fisk Chairman
2nd XV Senior Men’s Team
Coaches Report
The newly crowned Vipers have enjoyed an exceptional season, securing a remarkable 4th place in a league dominated by top-tier teams. We surpassed our previous season’s points total of 61, finishing with 66 points, winning one additional match, and scoring 535 points compared to last season’s 524. Defensively, we improved as well, conceding 402 points, a significant reduction from 528.
With Mr. Toner reassuming his role as captain—an obvious choice given his outstanding performance last season—the focus for this year was on consistency, both in our gameplay and squad cohesion, all while embracing the core value of enjoyment.
This season also necessitated the introduction of more players into the senior setup. Steve Dee and his team have excelled in promoting young talent this year, leading to the emergence of Will Phair, Callum Cope, Owen Fillary, George Boswell, and Charlie Greenslade, with Jacob Hayter establishing himself in the first team. Each of these players has integrated seamlessly and become vital contributors to the squad, with established players warmly welcoming the newcomers.
The Vipers showcased an exciting style of rugby this season, characterized by a commitment to maintaining possession and playing dynamically. Forwards such as Jasper Nixey, Cameron Ayris, and Charlie Bowyer embraced this approach with remarkable enthusiasm. Adam Nobbs, in particular, demonstrated a natural inclination for this style, while Richie Craig provided steady leadership, holding the pack together. His presence will be sorely missed next season. We have been incredible lucky this year to have two great hookers sharing the hooker’s shirt. Jack Daubeney has had another excellent season, we look forward to kicking on again next year, his pace and power is a real weapon!
The entire front row deserves special recognition, as they emerged as the standout unit in the league, excelling not just in strength but also in technical skills—thank you for the significant improvements, boys. Charlie Bowyer, who will be departing for new opportunities, has left a lasting impression during his brief time at Witney. His aggressive ball-carrying was crucial to our success, and his engaging personality fostered the team spirit that defines the Vipers. Notably, his ability to fit into those shorts week after
week reached its peak during the home game against Wheatley, a moment that will be fondly remembered.
The backs also rose to the occasion this season, showcasing impressive attacking play. They embraced our playing style with enthusiasm, often choosing to run from anywhere—mostly due to their kicking struggles. With a core group including Nick Dawkins, Ollie Dawkins, Ollie Toner, Jack Strong, and Ben Dunkley, their performance has been no surprise. As Nick and Ollie Dawkins established themselves in the first team, we reshuffled the lineup, allowing Lord Hinge to claim the number 9 jersey, with Rory Atkins proving to be a capable understudy, showcasing his versatility by playing multiple positions. Josh Whitehead has also made significant strides, evolving into a well-rounded rugby player and a confident, popular member of the team. His aggressive side made a memorable appearance in the final game of the season! Additionally, we’d like to highlight Mr. Strong, whose often-overlooked contributions have made him an exceptional number 13—a challenging position that requires skillful playmaking and teamwork. He’s also proved to be an excellent fine master!
Of course, many others deserve recognition, and we apologize for not mentioning everyone, but we thank everyone that pulled on a Vipers shirt this season. You certainly did us, yourselves and the club proud.
Enjoy your summer off, you’ve earnt it. Simon & James.
James’s final note!
I will refrain from a lengthy farewell as the coach of Shags/Vipers, but I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the players I’ve had the pleasure of coaching over the years, with a special acknowledgment to Simon for his partnership. I will truly miss our Saturdays together!
Looking ahead, I am excited to see Simon, Rob, and Clarke continue to develop the team further next season—success in that league is well within your reach.
Simon Copperwheat & James Lamb
Charlie Bowyer, you looked stunning in the Wheatley kit!
Captain’s Report
If you were to compare league tables from last season and this one, lots would look the same. A 4th place finish, 60 odd points, best 2nd team in the league. An outsider might think that not much had changed and there hasn’t been a great deal of improvement. They’d be wrong.
Mind you the start of the season was fairly hit and miss. We made a real habit of going 17 down early doors which wasn’t particularly sustainable. There were some good performances sprinkled in there though. A tight win against eventual runners up Gosford at home, 82 points put on Abingdon and Faringdon in back to back weeks, and a close cup exit against the soon to be level 6 Quin’s 2’s side. We came into the new year having won 6, lost 7. Only 3 things were certain in that first half of the year: death, taxes and a Will Phair yellow card.
In January we travelled to Oxford and tried to throw the ball about a bit with some success, with Ben Dunkley running in a brilliant score. We were eventually overpowered and with this result came a bit of a rethink. Simon and James proposed a new brand of rugby, without any shackles, with smiles on faces and with a dream in our hearts. The dream was 7 from 7.
Abingdon and Chesham the first 2 sacrificial lambs were on the receiving end of 99 points of pure unadulterated rugby. Marcus attempting what he will tell you was a 50m drop goal sums up what we were trying to do as a group. Faringdon brought a much stronger side to Hailey Road and Phil Thomas made us work hard with a good kicking tactic, but the boys showed some grit to churn out a 27-24 win.
The fixture we looked at with most trepidation was Tring away. They were above us in the league and had turned us over at home. These kind of crunch matches call for solid planning and preparation, which is why we rocked up 15 minutes before kick off, passed a ball for 5 minutes and then got on with it. What this led to was the best performance
of our season, with smart rugby being played in tough conditions and a bottle of Huel for all the boys after a 29-5 win.
Convincing wins over Chippy and Wheatley set up a final day showdown against Didcot to complete the 7 from 7 dream. What followed was (barring a 5 minute period where we collectively shit the bed) a performance that embodied everything we’d done since the Oxford match. Forwards scoring off of superb set pieces, and backs running tries in after smooth sets of hands. I believe the scrum half, might have been Monty, also scored 4 tries but that’s beside the point.
It’s been my favourite season of rugby playing alongside everyone that’s pulled on a 2’s shirt (66 players in all). A big shout out to the core group of 17 lads who turned out 10 times or more. It’s that consistency that is the base of everything we do and the reason it’s such a positive environment.
2 bigger shout outs, firstly to Simon, coach, leader, legend. For always bringing positivity and knowing what tone to set for each match, you’ve been a great influence on me and lots of the boys since starting senior rugby.
Secondly to Henr, sorry, James. Having you as a backs coach over the last couple years has really helped us as a side. You’ve helped us all improve and hold ourselves to a higher standard and you’ll be missed next year with the demotion to the 1st team, sorry again.
One last shout out to Charlie Bowyer, you looked stunning in the Wheatley kit.
Ollie Toner 2nd XV Senior Men’s Captain
3rd XV Senior Men’s Team
Coach’s Report
And just like that another season comes to a close! Much of this season has gone by in a blur and I can’t quite believe it’s over already.
Again, we found ourselves facing some very challenging fixtures in a league jammed packet full of second and first teams. Notably Banbury 2’s, when you realise that their 1’s are in national 2 the league structure really does make very little sense. To put a positive spin on it, it is a credit to the clubs’ success and constantly putting out 3 strong sides that can compete at these levels.
Looking back at the very first game of the season, it got us off to the perfect Barmy Army start! Hayden Clarke started strongly playing at fly half and within the first 15 minutes broke his finger. We didn’t see him again for months. Backs were in short supply so we moved a couple of things around and ended up with two northern forwards in the centres with that all hope of a running game was lost. To finish the day off one of the older but certainly not wiser members of the squad took offence to a member of the opposition and ran on from the bench wearing only his shoulder pads and filled him in! And the season was off to a flyer!!
Last year’s ever-present players were back and that core of 6 or 7 increased to around 12 this year as we welcomed new players and lads that hadn’t played for a while that rediscovered their love for the game. It turned out to be the season of the lesser spotted half backs! Quite a few lads threw their hats in the ring and a couple did well, Luke Manning was looking too good at 10 so the seconds took him and broke him, back to the drawing board.
We finished the season mid-table in a very competitive league and as far as I am aware completed the most amount of actual games in the league. In a season when many clubs were struggling for numbers it’s a credit to the you lads as a squad. There were games that were very close and the bounce of the ball or better reffing (4 second half try’s disallowed against Wallingford!) could have seen us move up a couple of places.
A special mention has to go to Pete sort of thing and Micky the kipper, people are always congratulating me on getting teams out and the performances that the lads put in but in all reality without them on a Saturday I would really struggle and I am so grateful to them.
I’m sure there is a lot that I’ve missed but Tian is all over me like a tramp on chips and I really need to get this sent to him!
Well done this season lads!! The 3rds isn’t always easy but watching the effort you boys put in and the standard of rugby that you put out makes it all worthwhile.
xx
UP THE BARMY ARMY!!!
Senior Men’s Season Stats
by Wayne Caffekey
1st XV Season Stats
2nd XV Season Stats
Adam Nobbs 18
Ollie Toner 18 Ben Dunkley 17
Jack Strong 17 Will Phair 16 Jasper Nixey 16 Richie Craig 15 Charlie Bowyer 13 Sam Winstone 13
Hinge 13 Callum Cope 12 Cameron Ayris 12
Jack Daubeney 12 Dan Webb 12 Josh Whitehead 12 Dan Wakeman 11 Charlie Gardner 11
Tristan George 10
Ollie Dawkins 9
3rd XV Season Stats
Ian Burton 16
Zach Way 15
Cameron McIntosh 13
Harry Ward 13
Declan Duffy 11
Tom Young 11
Michael McIntosh 10
Ben Colborne 9
Alfie Mcloughlin 8
Sam Jones 8
Luke Manning 8 Ben McPherson 7
Lee Taylor 7
Sam Footner 6
Ryan Harris 6
Alex Greene 6
Dan Lancaster 6
Josh Whitehead 6
Toby Perry 5 Wayne Caffekey 5
Connor Carle 5
Tom James 4 Andy Laurie 4 Tian Smith 4
Penalties Total
Vets Season Stats
Wayne Caffekey 4
Ben McPherson 3
Simon Cottrell 3
Taff
Career Stats - Top 20
Pete Holliday 736
Clive Manning 597
Andy Gosling 584
Alan Richens 577
Mike Dunbar 566
Mark Serle 534
Steve Godfrey 505
Francis Grant 491
Mark Godfrey 470
Simon Copperwheat 452
Wayne Caffekey 444
Dave Gardner 439
Dave Wicks 438
Carl Strutt 438
Henry Lamb 435
Carl Campbell 431
Chris Birks 429
Jez Hicks 403
John Campbell 395
Rikki Dore 390
Francis Grant 518
Henry Lamb 181
Simon Copperwheat 123
Andy Moss 89
Ed Mitchem 81
Lee Illot 80
Leigh Manning 78
Chris Baker 57
Phil Thomas 55
Andy Cannons 48
Luke Manning 45
Dave Britnell 44
Gareth Lewis 42
Andy Bee 39
Phil Williamson 35
Stefan Stahl 35
George Lewis 33
Ollie Smith 33
Arron Lambourne 27
Ollie Roper 27
Captain’s Report
The 2024/2025 season has been a tough journey for the Angels. As we reflect on the season, we look back at our team’s growth, challenges faced, and the achievements that have contributed to a positive outlook for the future.
The team finished the season at the bottom of the league; however, progression could be seen from start to finish with every game resulting in better team play and closer score lines. While there were several moments of adversity, the team’s resilience and focus on improvement throughout the season have been clear to see.
A central focus this season was the development of our players, both individually and as a collective. Having lost some key members at the end of last season and others to impending new arrivals we have battled with numbers from the get-go. Through a combination of training, match experience, and tactical adjustments, the team’s skills and cohesion have improved significantly, considering the drop in numbers and the addition of new inexperienced players and this was reflected in the second half of the season.
Facing strong opposition in the league and travelling up to 2 hours to some of our away games with a squad of 12 pushed the team to the limit , and while results did not go our way, we gained valuable experience against high-level competition.
As we turn our focus to next season, there is much to look forward to. Automatic relegation to NC3 will give the team a chance to regroup and recruit as well as integrating some upcoming Cherubs into the team to rebuild and retain numbers. Head coach Lou Gray has moved on to pastures new, so we welcome Dan Ashford and Alex Rosenberg as our new coaches.
In conclusion, the 2024/2025 season has been one of growth and resilience for the Witney. We have seen some excellent performances from the ladies and 2 of our ladies hit remarkable milestones... Naomi Godfrey players her 150th game and Steph Harris completed her 100th game.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the players, coaching staff, volunteers, and supporters who have stuck with us throughout a long and frustrating season. Your continued passion and commitment are the driving force behind the team’s progress and determination, and we cannot wait to see what we can achieve together next season.
Sarah Pentecost Angels Captain
Wizards Walking Rugby Team
Manager’s Report
The Wizards were formed less than 3 years ago and yet the impact of the group on the club continues to grow. The numbers of players signed up continues to grow with now between 15 and 20 players turning up to our weekly Thursday evening sessions. We welcome all genders over 18 years old. Currently the age range of the group is 40 to 79.
Our sessions involve a warm up followed by coached activities and then matches within the group. We have had a number of matches against other clubs and recently we beat Banbury in a hard fought local derby to win our first game against other clubs. We have also had a number of matches against Witney Wolves and these have been so enjoyable for all concerned.
The coaching team has grown in the last year with Gareth Lewis, Ian Loughborough and Scottie Gardner leading us. Lots of the group assist our leaders. We change what we do each week to keep them fresh and enjoyable.
The social aspects of the Wizards are also extremely important. We have supper club after each weekly session and the camaraderie amongst the group is legendary. We take pride that we can talk about anything, not just the frivolous, but also the difficult subjects too. We are very supportive of each other and help the club in so many ways. We have sponsored 2 players this year, Charlie Bowyer and Harry Ward.
A big thank you to the Wizards Committee for all their work behind the scenes and thanks to all the Wizards for making our sessions so enjoyable.
Derrick Fox
Wizards Team Manager
The social aspects of the Wizards are also extremely important
Witney Mini and Junior rugby has been an incredible success
M&J Chairman’s Report
The 2024-25 season for Witney Mini and Junior rugby has been an incredible success, and with around 470 young people across 18 age groups from Under 4’s through to Academy, Wolves and Cherubs teams training and playing, we now have the largest M&J section in Oxfordshire.
We are really proud of former M&J players who have graduated to the senior sides with 51 out of 69 players putting on a Witney jersey on 5th April, which is something our younger players really appreciate and makes them realise that hard work put in while training can open up opportunities for them in just a few short years.
Our three Witney Cherubs sides are growing by the week and are now playing with some really talented young ladies, some of whom are about to make the transition to Angels. Their passion and hard work after starting from scratch a just couple of years ago is inspirational.
None of this would be possible without our amazing Volunteers and Coaches who put in so much work behind the scenes to help develop our players skill and character. We have run a record number of Coaching courses this season including the England Rugby Coaching Award for the first time, which is a real feather in the Club’s cap. We now have a record number of qualified coaches in every age group, with all coaches being ERCA qualified in some of our teams, ensuring our coaching is always safe and up to date which is what our players deserve.
James Gillies Chairman Mini & Junior Rugby
Cherubs Girl’s Team
Team Lead Report
The Cherubs continue to go from strength to strength at what is the close of our third season of girls rugby at Hailey Road. With over 50 registered players across our U12’s, U14’s and U16’s teams, plus our first U18 player officially training with the Senior Ladies this season, we have come a long way.
We have constructed our own playing calendar this season and the girls have enjoyed some really competitive matches against the Fosse Falcons, Shipston, Banbury, Bicester, Gosford, Chinnor and Brackley amongst others, and have attended festivals including those at RAF Halton and Quins. We also have girls attending upcoming County taster sessions. We have clustered with other teams to make matches happen and have lent our players out to get them all-important match time. The strength of girls rugby in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties is exciting, and it is a testament to all the clubs we have been involved with that everyone is so willing to combine efforts to get the girls playing.
Our current coaches have worked really hard this season to grow both their individual teams and their own skill sets - with three of them undertaking their ERCA’s. We have also been part of an RFU pilot scheme on mentoring coaches, and we would like to thank Tim Pickard from the RFU for his unwavering support for us as part of that programme.
Socially we have enjoyed meals out and a trip to flag bear for the Red Roses at Gloucester, and will be looking forward to some Women’s World Cup related socials over the summer. Lots of our U14 and U16 girls have begun attending Community Touch on a Thursday night, and the Touch group have been really welcoming and have been very impressed with their play.
Ruby Bishop has become our first home-grown player from the Cherubs to officially train with the Senior Ladies. This marked an important milestone for us, as the realisation of our original ambition to provide a pathway from girls to ladies rugby at Witney. We look forward to this success being replicated with other players eligible to play up with the Angels next season.
Indeed from September we will for the first time have an U18 girls team, giving us a full girls division at Witney, with four teams from U12’s up. We will be working closely with the newly appointed Angels coaches Dan and Alex to develop a similar Academy system for our U18 girls as that which the men use, mirroring game play and session styles between the Angels and the Cherubs to help make the transition process from the junior game to the adult game as seamless as possible, and really create that feeder system that Witney is so well-known for.
We also look forward to welcoming some new coaches into the Cherubs - and while new to the girls, they are familiar faces at Witney. Wayne Caffekey and Joe Rowles will be taking over the U12 girls in September, with Kerri Caffekey stepping into the AGR role to keep them all organised. We are very excited to have such a wealth of coaching and playing expertise available to our youngest players.
We would like to thank the club for continuing to support the growth of the girls game at Witney RFC. In particular, Bob Fisk, Tug Wilson, James Gilles, Andy Bee, Mossy, Glenn Davies, Sarah Algar and Sarah Mead, and the clubhouse team headed up by Ian and Annette for all the help they have given us hosting this season. Thanks also to our sponsors at ICE, who have continued to support the girls this year, and to Dave Larham who offers us a huge amount of guidance and encouragement behind the scenes. Thank you to Smorley for all her work on social media promoting the girls, and to all those club members who have given up their time to come and referee for us this year, including Paul Morcombe, Rhys Skym, Luke Jackson and Justin Kamphuis. Finally, thanks to our AGR’s Alex Castle and Flis Goldsmith, our first aid lead Anna Hayes, and most of all our fantastic coaches, headed up by Dave Phipps, Amber Warner and James Carternone of this would happen without you.
Most of all, thanks to our utterly superb girls, who have made Witney RFC their home, and of whom we are so proud. We look forward to another season of great rugby, friendship and growth in what promises to be an exciting year of girls and ladies rugby, both at Witney and beyond with the Women’s World Cup. Let’s harness that and continue to build on this year’s success at the mighty Hailey Road.
Kate Nicholls
Cherubs Team Lead
Wolves SEND Team
Wolves Report
The Wolves have had another fantastic year with many highlights. Firstly, the Wolves now have 9 coaches to support our players including Gareth Lewis and Gareth Tibbs as joint head coaches and ably supported by Rachel, Matt, Richard, Paul, Gareth M, Katie and Mike. Gareth M, & Katie M were awarded a special Honda Volunteer Award for their inspirational input coaching the Wolves.
Also a special mention to Charlie for taking on the role of the Wolves “Warm Up Man”!
Without them we could not run an SEN TAG team. Secondly, we are so grateful to the Witney Wizards for their endless support and friendship. They are so unselfish with their time and affection for the Wolves.
We have around 25 young men and women ranging from 8-28 years old and of all abilities. Their fitness has improved and their skills are now quite impressive. The imaginative and fun sessions put together by the coaches have enabled them to practise passing the ball, tagging the opposition and of course scoring tries; so much so we are outgrowing a small area to play in and we are grateful to the club for providing part of pitch 1 and a new designated area between pitch 2 and 3 for the Wolves to expand their game..
We have also been given some wonderful equipment to help engage our young people further.
We have had the opportunity to play many matches and tournaments this year, as well as hooking up for joint training with Aaron Tustin’s U13 squad. We hope to organise more hook ups with other teams next season!
We have hosted Kingswood and Gosford All Blacks at Witney and of course our fabled matches against our biggest supporters the Witney Wizards.
Our players played at the Twilight Festival at Oxford RFC, Katie Fest at Witney RFC and the Wooden Spoon Tournament at Coventry.
A new fixture was added to our calendar when Witney Wolves played in a barbarian team ‘the Oxfordshire Wolves’ at a tournament held at Chinnor RFC. To be hosted by a championship team was an amazing experience.
The Witney Wolves are one of four beacon Oxfordshire SEN clubs that are helping grow inclusive rugby across our county and beyond.
We would like to thank Darren Rea (Oxon RFU Joint Chair Diversity & Inclusion) and Gina Overton (Oxon RFU Head of Communication & Media, Joint Chair Diversity & Inclusion) for their leadership & support throughout!
The Wolves were also humbled to receive a donation from the Libfest organisation, set up in memory of Liberty Bell this year, and the enduring financial support of Helen and David who run the Blue Hut! Together with these donations and the support of David and the trustees of the Wolves Charity we have been able to enrich our young people’s lives and given them the chance to play rugby.
Above all the friendship, team work and fair play need to mentioned as a strength of the team; they all bring the best out in each other. We have a few new younger players this year but this is an area we wish to develop next season.
Everyone involved with the Wolves is in awe of our players who show inspirational determination and the desire to overcome challenges every day. You never hear them complain about being cold or tired and the smiles on their muddy faces just show how much they enjoy playing rugby. They use the confidence gained from rugby to do amazing things in their everyday lives and the coaches and managers are so proud of them.
Some of them have even chosen to live together in supported houses in the surrounding area.
We would also like to thank their carers who bring them along to all activities and are an integral part of the Wolves family.
Next year can only get better and we will be considering organising a Tag Tour somewhere special!
Witney Wolves: Onwards & Upwards!
Theresa Clark Wolves AGR
Can I add my personal appreciation for the invaluable role played by Theresa Clark, who has organised, championed and inspired the Wolves family to be such a joyful, aspirational and uniquely successful squad!
Gareth Lewis Wolves Head Coach
Clubhouse Report
Well done Witney RFC, you have scoffed and quaffed your way through the season.
With more than 3000 Thursday suppers, more than 5000 match day teas, more than 6000 butties and more than 70,000 drinks consumed.
A very solid performance from all of you dedicated participants.
A super job done by the clubhouse squad, keeping you fed, watered and the clubhouse clean. I am very proud to work with you all.
Massive thank you to all of you wonderful people that respect their clubhouse and changing rooms.
Congratulations to the black and blue heroes; all the players, coaches, members, sponsors, volunteers and hard-working committees past and present on 60 years!
I feel very fortunate to be involved in the special place that is Witney Rugby Football Club.
Rest in peace Andrew Tacon (AT).
Ian Payne
Clubhouse Steward
...more than
70,000 drinks consumed
...proof that the pen (or perhaps the PDF) is still mightier than the scrum!
Media Team Report
As the final whistle blows on the 2024/25 season, it’s not just the players hanging up their boots for a well-earned rest—the media team is finally putting the cameras down and closing the laptops (briefly). It’s been a landmark year behind the scenes, with our small but mighty crew working tirelessly to raise the profile of Witney Rugby Club across the digital world.
Our digital Match Day Programme has continued to go from strength to strength, clocking up over 7,500 reads this season alone, proof that the pen (or perhaps the PDF) is still mightier than the scrum. The introduction of Canva into our design workflow has added a new level of polish to all things visual, from match day graphics to sponsor highlights, and allowed us to keep everything looking as sharp as the back line on a good day.
We’ve also delivered weekly TV media content, complete with team line-ups, league stats, highlight reels
and a few camera wobbles for that authentic touch. Thousands of social media posts have kept our supporters up to date on everything from kickoff times to full-time scores and team announcements, helping grow our digital footprint and keep the Witney faithful connected to the club every step of the way.
Alongside this, we’ve ensured our sponsor advertising gets pride of place both online and in print, helping promote the businesses that support us. And of course, the team sheets (those unsung heroes) were consistently turned around at lightning speed, even when the squad changed three times on a Saturday morning. It’s been a season of progress, creativity, and countless gigabytes of content. We’re already planning for next year— and maybe even a drone or two. Watch this space!
John Williams & Tian Smith Media Team
Tribute to “AT” Andy Tacon
It is with great affection that we remember Andy, a truly special person how meant so much to all of us at the Club and his community.
Andy was more then just a friendly face he was always at the heart of the Club in so many ways be it on the field as a player or off it as a dedicated treasurer and invaluable too me during my time as Chairman, his contribution was constant and I could not have asked for dependable and supportive person. He will be sadly missed but not forgotten.
All our thoughts are with Rose and his family.
Rest in peace Andy.
Danny Crump President
All our thoughts are with Rose and his family.
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On first meeting AT, you could be forgiven for thinking he was just your average, quiet, unassuming guy.
But on getting to know him you realise he was a multifaceted, sharp witted and very much the action man.
Not only was he actively involved in “Am dram”, trekking, rugby, tennis etc etc, but also passionately involved in facilitating his hobbies for others.
His role as treasurer for Witney and Oxfordshire Rugby, speaks testament to that, but he quietly and efficiently enabled others to be engaged and share in his many other passions.
Having played rugby along side AT some 30 years ago, a few years ago we jointly set up a geriatrics tennis group at Stonesfield. At first, we struggled to get a foursome up, but now have 16 or so on the books.
So regularly playing tennis with and against him (and the occasional Fish & Chip lunch afterwards) has surprisingly provide my most cherished memories of AT.
It was on the court he was at his wittiest and most competitively alive. He invariably beat me at tennis and with his wit!
It is on the courts I’ll be most able to rejoice in his memory.
He will be forever remembered as an exceptionally selfless, humble, but multi talented bloke!
Rest in peace AT.
Your admiring friend!
Gareth Lewis
Tribute to “AT” Andy Tacon
It is with great sadness that I try and put into words exactly how great AT was, both as a person and also as a wise, astute, humorous and knowledgable leader of our great club. Andy was first of all a committed player, making 279 appearances and scoring 25 tries, and as anyone who no longer plays may tell you, playing is one of the best things. Crossing that white line on a Saturday with your teammates, and then beer, glorious, and I am sure AT was the same, evidenced by him looking for that fix by still playing Tennis competitively and Skiing regularly.
AT, after hanging up his boots, went on to give back to everyone that has ever played at Witney Rugby Football Club. Take a moment to look at the Treasurers position on the honours board in the Presidents bar. Everything you see and feel at the club, AT would have been involved. The building, the pitches, the M and J field, securing our future with the legal status of the club as well as navigating the pandemic and going onto give his plentiful skills to the County.
“The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
You did all of that and more AT, rest easy my friend.
Andrew Merriman
You did all that and more AT...
...rest easy my friend
Witney RFC 60th Anniversary
Founded as Witney RFC back in November 1965 as the amalgamation of Smiths Industries and The Technical collage gave the town a new rugby focus.
Playing where they could find a pitch and going back to numerous pubs for the after match hospitality, things moved forward when the secured the green hut in Dark Lane and using Henry Box as the changing rooms.
In 1979 Hailey road was purchased and ever since that day work has continued to develop the clubhouse and pitches to what we know today.
Lets not forget the many who gave countless hours to the club and celebrate with those who currently do the same.
Some of the planned events:
60th Clothing range to be released very soon.
2nd August Bring your own food picnic with 3 bands playing throughout the afternoon and evening (contact Bob Fisk for reservations).
Preseason friendly against one of the very first teams WRFC ever played.
As a famous song says “Take me Home” Witney Rugby.
Bob Fisk Chairman
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