Today we welcome Keynsham RFC to Hailey Road. We trust you enjoy your day north of the M4 and the hospitality on offer at Witney RFC. Keynsham sit 4 points above us in the table and are coming to us off a 50 : 22 thrashing of Gordano. This will not be an easy game but the Boys in Black and Blue will give it their all, we’re looking forward to a great game of rugby.
Of course, not everything is measured on the pitch, we have a fantastic clubhouse which has morphed from humble beginnings into one of the finest clubhouses you will see at Tier 6 rugby. Thank you to all the volunteers who have made this possible over the years.
But a club house is nothing without a bar, and we have one of the finest, and may I say most reasonably priced, bars in the land. That is down to Ian and his team who run a happy, efficient operation for us all to enjoy. So; a big thank you to Ian, Annette, Teresa, Tommy, Sophie, Katy and Sarah and all the other part time helpers who make it work. Not to forget Ian’s little helpers who can often be seen wandering around the terrace, basket in hand collecting the glasses. Anytime you want to say thank you please go right ahead, the occasional thank you drink wouldn’t go amiss either.
Robert Fisk Chairman - Witney Rugby Football Club
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Come & Watch
Witney Calling!
Last weekend we welcomed neighbours Abingdon to Hailey Road for a midtable clash with our IIs along with table topping Risborough with our IIIs. The IIs brought the sunshine, running out convincing winners bagging 6 tries to 2. What was really nice to see across the 3 Men’s teams was the inclusion of 6 Academy players in the match day squads, a true measure of what Witney RFC is all about.
As for our IIIs, sometimes it’s better just to put things behind you and move on, this result would be in that bracket if it weren’t for the fact that the team included 3 Academy players making their senior team debuts. So, let’s not dwell on the score as that is almost irrelevant. A big thumbs up to Cameron McIntosh, Olli Dee and George Boswell all Academy players, some pulling on the adult shirt for the first time. This is what community rugby is all about, seeing players coming through the M&Js, working their way up the age groups and then running out and doing a shift with the big boys, heart warmingly amazing!
The Stats are Luke Manning bagged two tries, converted one and slotted a penalty as well. Witney’s Man of the Match Ross Sinclair, well deserved as was Ian Burton’s free pint, memo to self, ‘Must remember my boots!’
Witney Calling!
I want to bring your attention to a couple of dates for your diary:
Sunday 27TH October. Our SEN Team, Witney Wolves host our aging artisans, Witney Wizards for a rugby extravaganza. Play will get under way @ 11pm, after the now customary Wolves Haka. Come along, join in the fun, remember to bring your smiley face otherwise you will feel out of place.
01 November the Wizards will pack up their Zimmer frames and head up to Banbury for a long-awaited return fixture, all support most welcome. Kick off 7.30pm on the main pitch, Bodicote Park, OX15 4AF.
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!
Swindon RFC 24 : 32 Witney First XV
Our Firsts travelled to Swindon on the back of a hardfought attritional game against Gordano, without injured Captain Matt Webb, the lads looked to make it 2 from 2 with a first win on the road. They did just that coming away with the full 5 points and a 24 : 32 win. The game started as most our games seem to start, with Witney conceding early points, 7 : 0 down after 10 minutes. It took Mark Greenwood on the 25’ point to respond to bring it 7 : 5, but the rallying call didn’t last long as Swindon nudged further ahead 12 : 5 at the half hour mark.
It really did feel end to end and Witney went back up field and scored through Angus Brown, this time Dom Coe nailed the conversion and so the score levelled out at 12 : 12
Mark Greenwood was replaced by Tom Gaffney, welcome back from injury Tom, but the scored stayed that way to half time.
The second half got under way and so did Witney. A raft of substitutions and soon Gaffers was in for his first try of the season, a great way to mark your return
1st Things First!
Swindon RFC 24 : 32 Witney First XV
Continued....
Dom got the conversion and added a penalty to make the score 12 : 22 with half an hour left to play. A further try from Mark Roberts, converted by Dom Coe seemed to put the game beyond doubt but Swindon had other ideas, scoring twice in the last 10 minutes and earning themselves a try bonus and a shot at a full 5 points. Four minutes to go, 24 : 29 and all to play for. Witney rallied and Dom Coe slotted a penalty with 2 minutes to play easing the travelling supporters’ nerves and bagging Witney a well-earned 5 points.
This week we welcome Keynsham to Hailey Road.
Keynsham sit 4 points above us in the table and are coming to us off a 50 : 22 thrashing of Gordano. This will not be an easy game but the Boys in Black and Blue will give it their all, let’s get behind them and push them over the line.
Good luck to the Boys in Black and Blue
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2 Be or not 2 Be!
Witney IIs 34 : 12 Abingdon
Our IIs welcomed neighbours Abingdon to Hailey Road and the weather gods were kind to us with a slight breeze and clear skies. Fans were treated to an exceptional display of rugby from the Boys in Black and Blue, strong carries from the forwards and some lovely lines being run by the backs.
Tries a plenty came from Jordan Pratt, Josh Whitehead and Nick Dawkins grabbing one each, but with Owen Pratt getting greedy and bagging a hat trick the result was never in doubt. Ollie Dawkins landed 2 conversions and because of his decision making and link play also landed a deserved Man of the Match. Well done Ollie and all the boys in Black and Blue.
This week our IIs are on the road to Faringdon. Whilst they are below us in the league, they have proved stiff opposition historically and so we are anticipating a hard-fought game. If you fancy a nice day out you could do worse than follow our IIs southwest and enjoy a day in Faringdon. Come on you Twos.
Good luck to the Boys in Black and Blue.
Counties
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
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, we do ask for 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
HAILEY HAPPENINGS
I was under a lot of pressure to make sure this wasn’t forgotten. I had wanted to wait until their next game but I think being Vets we had better get it in print whilst they are all still with us.
Witney Vets 24 – 28 Bicester/Quins Vets
The vets opened up their 2024/25 campaign with a narrow defeat to the combined side of Bicester and Oxford Quins. The vets fired out of the blocks scoring straight from kick off, John Mason finishing off a great team try. More scores followed in this game that went back and forth. Vets scoring through Simon Copperwheat, following an exhilarating break from Gareth Campbell. Alex Greene dived over in the corner to complete a great team try after the forwards had banged away on the line. Score of the night probably game from Joe Rowles as he powered over following a trademark step/dummy/shuffle from Arron Lambourne. Overall, another successful night with great numbers from the vets. Fantastic to see M&J coaches sticking their hands up to play and loving it. Once again, the Hailey Road faithful were in fine voice and roared the team on. Man of The Match; Deep Heat and Zinc Tape.
Team – Paul Norry, Tom Young, Michael MacIntosh, Simon Copperwheat (c), Ben McPherson, Wayne Caffekey, John Mason, Matt Tibbatts, Gareth Campbell, Jon Derrick, Chris Cope, Gaz Charnock, Arron Lambourne, Alex Greene, Tom James. Reserves: Joe Rowles, Lee Wright, Simon Cottrell, Tian Smith, Taff Davies, Ian Burton
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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 Sunday saw our Angels fly, stutter, then struggle 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 Scarfe, 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.
Esther Clifton had another big day and was awarded opposition Player of the Match by the Lionesses as they faced some of her awesome try stopping tackles at full back. Another experienced player of the Angels helping to raise standards, coach our evolving back line, and leading by example. The result didn’t reflect the effort and next time out the girls will be all the better for the experience. Our next match is Coventry Welsh AWAY on the 10th November.
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
