Witney II vs Huel Tring II
Saturday 09th November, 3pm KO
Coaching Triumvirate
Saturday 09th November, 3pm KO
Trowbridge vs Witney 1st XV
Witney II XV vs Huel Tring II
Sunday 10th November,
Witney Academy vs Aylesbury Colts B KO TBC
Welcome to Hailey Road for a return to match day entertainment here. Two of our senior men’s teams take to the Pitch with our Twos at home and our First Team on the road to Trowbridge. On Sunday our Academy lads host Aylesbury, hopefully to reinforce their position at the top of the table.
Our 2nds entertain Huel Tring II who currently sit in 2nd place having only lost once this season. Our 2s have something to play for as they go into this game as Southwest Tribute Team of the Month for Oxfordshire. Let’s hope that award spurs our lads on to victory.
Unfortunately, the Threes game against Oxford Harlequin IIIs has been cancelled due to lack of players, something that it hurts to admit. If you know anyone who is interested in playing at a decent level please encourage them to get in touch, we don’t want this to become a regular occurrence.
Welcome all visitors to Hailey Road, we hope you enjoy your day.
Of course, there is a group of people who work hard week in week out to ensure we get the best possible from all the boys and girls who take the field in the Black and Blue; our extremely talented coaching team. So, a big thank you to Adam, Matt, and Wayne for looking after our Is. Simon and James for driving our IIs onwards, Carl for juggling the IIIs, and Louise, Nat and Tom for motivating the Angels. We also have a committed team of coaches and volunteers who guarantee that all levels of junior rugby are managed and motivated. A big thank you from all at the Club. Good luck to all the boys and girls, young and old, who don the Black and Blue.
Robert Fisk
Chairman - Witney Rugby Football Club
RFU South West’s Tribute October Team of the Month for Oxfordshire
Witney RFC 2nd XV
Player Sponsors
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Get your name in the match programme, but more importantly you are helping develop WRFC players!
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A massive thank you to
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Come & Watch
Witney Calling!
It has been two weeks since we hosted live rugby at Hailey Road but don’t worry, we’re solving your winter depression with two great games on Saturday, our IIs sating your rugby cravings here in Witney. On Sunday our top of the table Academy run out against Aylesbury and will certainly want to maintain their unbeaten record.
In addition, if you fancy a day out in deepest darkest Wiltshire, our First Team are on the road to Trowbridge for what will be a massive competition as the Wiltshire boys are riding high. But it’s not always about the rugby. Trowbridge claims to be the centre of the woollen industry in the Southwest, if that were the case, why are they not called the Blanketmen? Good luck to our travelling First XV.
Witney Calling!
On the 27th of October Hailey Road hosted a festival of joy. It was another beautiful morning as our very own Witney Wolves squared off against our Wizards, the only thing missing was a bit of Magic.
Proceedings got under way with a warmup from Charlie Clemente Radford, followed by the traditional Wolves Haka, striking the fear of toiletry products into the hearts of the Wizards. Tries came a plenty, well at least they did for the Wolves, the Wizards struggling to remain in contact with a dominant pack of Lupine Athletes. I believe all the following ran in at least one try each; Charlie Clemente Radford, Ryan Davies, Archie Rawlings, Katie Mordecai, Connor Harding, Jack BeecherRees, Lucy Robinson, Jonathan Lee, Henry Edmonds, Daniel May and Freddie Eldridge. All the Wolves covered themselves with glory, Conor running strong with great supporting play from Archie, Ryan, Freddie and Daniel, hard to pick a Wolf of the Day. The glory goes to Lucy who not only ran in a shed full of tries, but whose motivational speech almost turned the tide in favour as she led a dispirited Wizard pack to near victory in the final game.
A very well done to all who participated and all those who came along to support, your presence and support was a motivating force. A massive thank you to the coaches and helpers, you are inspirational in the happiness you create, the smiles on the faces of all is testament to your efforts, thank you.
Witney Calling!
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for our Wizards though. On the first day of November, a reduced number of magicians travelled north to Banbury seeking their first ever win against Club opposition. Nine Wizards made the trip hoping to avenge a previous defeat last summer. Reg, Derrick, Mikey, John and Deano with two Banbury players formed a team of 7. While Gareth, Westy, Nixey and Scottie plus two Banbury players formed a team of 6. The 7’s match was pretty even but the team of 6 romped home to a big win, about 10-3, but who’s counting? Gareth rolled back the years with some sparkling runs, sorry walks. It was great to see so many enjoying the game we all love, the ball was spun wide and some great tries scored.
The second matches were closer affairs and while the 6’ers continued their winning form, the 7’s had an interesting second match. The Banbury Ref had decided to let things go and this saw their game become more and more physical. The six-touch rule disappeared and there were increasingly robust “tackles”. The Witney team did not roll over and got stuck in, John especially enjoying this new style of walking rugby.
A great effort from all the players and a big thanks to Mike E who had hoped to play a half but played two matches; he ached a bit the following morning but loved being back. Unsurprisingly Gareth got Wizard of the Match and was inspirational to play alongside.
A big thanks to Banbury for hosting and to all their players for making the Witney boys so welcome. Scottie
Witney Calling!
I want to bring your attention to a couple of dates for your diary:
Wednesday 13th November 2024. Witney Vets are back in action on the road to Banbury. Why not make the trip north and join in the fun as our (not so old) and bold roll back the years and take the pitch in what is certainly going to be a tough game.
Feel you have what it takes to join in the fun? Get in touch with Simon Copperwheat and get your name on the Team sheet.
Wednesday 20th November 2024, RAF v Army. Witney RFC host the RAF U23 side as they take on the Army U23s. Always a hard-fought game and well worth a visit to Hailey Road to see the best of the youth our Services have to offer. That night will see our newly completed BBQ area supplying fine local produce to all comers, at very reasonable prices.
Friday 22nd November, Race Night. Our U16s are hosting a race night at the Club in order to raise funds. Always a fun night, great laugh, and a great way to raise funds. Remember, gamble responsibly!
1st Things First!
Witney First XV 19 : 24 Keynsham
It’s two weeks since the Firsts ran out at Hailey Road against Keynsham for what was to be a disappointing day. On reviewing last week’s report, I feel it was a little harsh, our 1sts were so close to doing something great. Some excellent lines being run, just final passes not quite going right,-1%. Taking the ball into contact, then losing it forward, -1%. Support at the breakdown, just a second too slow, -1sec. Fine lines between winning and losing.
Today we travel to Trowbridge who currently sit second in the league and are coming into this game off a 96-point thrashing over Swindon.
It’s going to be a big ask for the boys in Black and Blue, but then it’s all about fine lines. 1% more accurate with ball in hand, 1% more secure taking the ball into contact and 1 second quicker to the breakdown and Witney are performing at a great level.
Walk-In Hairdressing & Barbering
2 Be or not 2 Be!
Farringdon 8 : 48 Witney IIs
Our 2nds are riding high, two weeks ago they travelled to Faringdon and ran in 8 tries and won by 40 points. Man of the Match Cameron Ayris and 16 points from the Dawkins family meant that the result was never in doubt.
Also last week Witney IIs were awarded Southwest Tribute Team of the Month for Oxfordshire. Well-deserved and a reflection of the work and commitment from players and coaches alike, all of us at Witney Rugby Football Club are rightly proud of you all
Today we welcome Huel Tring II to Hailey Road who currently sit in 2nd place in the league. With 5 wins from 6 they currently sit 4 points above us in the league. Let’s hope the boys in Black and Blue can close that gap at Hailey Road.
Come on you Witney Boys!
Reports of Charlie Bowyer’s sudden departure to the West Country were apparently unfounded and I apologise for any confusion this may have caused. Memo to self; don’t believe anything you are told post training, especially from the Wizards who can barely remember their own name never mind what’s going on in the Club. Charlie we’re over the moon you’re staying.
TheWitneystoreisatruecommunitystore, servingthevicinityforthepast40years. Stockingeverythingfromwinetowetwipes andbreadtobananas,CannonPool(asit's affectionatelyknown)isaonestopshopfor HaileyRoadandthesurroundingvillages.
The Threes Not Quite Back in Business?
It seems ages ago that our 3rds last took to the pitch hosting Risborough in a very forgettable game. Two no shows in the last two weeks have left our IIIs twiddling their thumbs. As it happens the unusual problem Carl Strutt had last week was deciding who to leave out as unusually, he had a full sheet to choose from, typical.
Today our IIIs were to host Oxford Harlequins III, who currently sit 2nd in the league with 6 wins from 7. This would have been a great day for our lads in Black and Blue to get back at it, but unfortunately Carl’s problems have reversed and he cannot muster a team, what a difference a week makes. If you know of anyone who would like to join a fantastic group of players please get them to contact anyone at the Club.
Counties
Calling all Golden Oldies?
Veterans @ Hailey Road
y to poular belief, you do not have to have: d in the Trenches of WWI er 60 with a pacemaker! though being either of not preclude you from playing, or a letter from your parent.
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 nights; 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 Vets Fixtures
Witney Vets vs Banbury Vets
Wed 13th November, KO 18:30, Away
Witney Vets vs Gosford All Blacks
Wed 4th December, KO 18:30, Hailey Road
It was supposed to be a friendly!
Oxford Colts A 5 : 5 Witney Academy
What a tackle rate! ����
Last Sunday our Academy team headed over to an equally matched @oxfordrfc. A score each way early on bought the teams level at 5-5, from then on it was a battle of defence with each team uncompromising in their tackling.
The game ended in a draw (although the Academy Boys won the poppadom eating challenge), The result means our mighty Academy Team remain undefeated so far this season ��
Next Up Aylesbury, Sunday 10th November, KO TBC.
Witney RFC Walking Rugby.
The Witney Wizards is a group of older players, some with no previous rugby playing experience, all with one aim, to enjoy some fitness in a happy, social environment. We train once a week on Thursday evenings. Skills sessions, tactics, and competitive games, followed by a Supper Club and a social drink in our Hailey Road Clubhouse. The Wizards welcome people of all ages and backgrounds; we do have female players but could always do with more. The Wizards have played competitive matches at home and away, always draws a big crowd and above all else, is always fun. Think this is for you, why not come along and give it a Try!
Contact: Derrick Fox on 07922 626332
Email witneyrfc@btinternet.com
www.drive-engagement.uk
The Danish Wardrobe Company first opened its doors in Cirencester in August 2006 as a franchise store and has been recognized as being a breath of fresh air with its ability to offer interesting pieces from Denmark and Scandinavia. Since then, we have become a multi-brand retailer and have extended our product mix to offer a more diverse range of womenswear as well as footwear, accessories and beautiful things for your home!
I sit and wait, Does an Angel contemplate my fate?
Watch the Witney Angels
@Hailey Road
Sub 10th Nov 2024
KO TBC
Coventry Welsh v Witney Angels
Sun 24 Nov 2024
KO TBC
Witney Angels vs Old Northamptonians Ladies
Lionesses roar to Victory !
Witney Angels 0 : 69 Rugby Lionesses
Last time out our Angels struggled against top of the table Rugby Lionesses. What the Angels did not do was surrender, bags of effort, turning over ball and securing possession but unfortunately coming up short against a well-prepared Rugby side. Little wonder they are topping the table.
Ella Scarffe, (2 for you Seth) always battling hard in the scrum, but making penetrating incisions when carrying in the open, and supporting back play rightly earning Archangel Player of the Match.
The result didn’t reflect the effort and next time out the girls will be all the better for the experience.
Next up, Coventry Welsh AWAY on Sunday 10th November, KO TBC.
Why not jump in the car and support our Angels as we send them to Coventry, not literally!
Angels XV - Women’s NC 2 Midlands (Central)
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Saturday 02nd November
England vs New Zealand KO 15:10
Saturday 09th November
England vs Australia KO 15:10
Saturday 16th November
England vs South Africa KO 17:40
Sunday 24th November
England vs Japan KO 16:10
Chairman’s Lunches @Hailey Road
Saturday 16th November
Witney 1st XV v Weston-super-Mare 1st XV
Saturday 14th December
Witney 1st XV v Stow-on-the-Wold 1st XV
Saturday 18th January
Witney 1st XV v Swindon 1st XV
Saturday 8th March
Witney 1st XV v Thornbury 1st XV
Booking
To book a table or individual places please contact WRFC Chairman, Bob Fisk. email: robertfisk@btinternet.com
Sponsors: All sponsors are welcome to attend, Some sponsorship packages include chairman’s lunch, otherwise charges apply VP’s, Club Members & Guests: All welcome, price per lunch may vary between £30-35 per head
