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ISSUE 32 / £4.95 / WWW.RUGBYCLUB.BIZ ORKNEYEDINBURGH Hoping to integrateNORTHERN players to strengthenLooking to uphold the teamamateur rugby traditions CAERPHILLYCAMBORNE Gwent’s finest inTaking pride in success profileBARGOED Sponsors ofThe latest from WOLVERHAMPTONGilfach StreetGLOUCESTERRUGBY Looking to push on into the second half of the Aviva Premiership season ABERDEENSHIRE/AMERSHAM/BARGOED/BEACONSFIELD/BEDWAS/BELFAST HARLEQUINS/BISHOP AUCKLAND/BRADFORD AND BINGLEY/CAMBORNE/ CHESTER GLADIATORS/DEWSBURY CELTIC/EDINBURGH NORTHERN/EFFINGHAM AND LEATHERHEAD/FARNHAM/FIRWOOD WATERLOO/FORRESTER/ FYLDE/GLOUCESTER/GUISBOROUGH/SIX NATIONS/HAWICK QUINS/HINDLEY/LATCHFORD ALBION/LEICESTER FORREST/ LIVERPOOL COLLEGIATE/ MACCLESFIELD/MAIDENHEAD/MARLBOROUGH/MEDWAY DRAGONS/MONTROSE AND DISTRICT/NEW MILTON/NEWSTORM RUGBY/ORKNEY/PEEBLES/ PWLLHELI/RYLAND SHARKS/SEVENOAKS/SILHILLIANS/SLOUGH/STOW ON THE WOLD/UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN/WATH UPON DEARNE/ WOLVERHAMPTON/YARM/STROUD/VALE OF LUNE/CHEW VALLEY/ CAERPHILLY/ HOWE OF FIFE/ ST BENEDICTS/ FURNESS



RUGBYCLUB ISSUE 32/ CONTENTSPUBLISHED BY MULLIGAN DUFRANE LLP 04 CHEW VALLEY 81 MEDWAY DRAGONS156 BRINKBURN STREET, 07 WOLVERHAMPTON 83 UNIVERSITYNEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, NE6 2AR 08 SIX NATIONS COLLEGE DUBLIN 10 CHESTER GLADIATORS 86 STOW ON THE WOLDWWW.RUGBYCLUB.BIZ 12 FORRESTER 89 HINDLEY 15 CAMBORNE 90 BARGOEDCOMMERCIAL 22 MACCLESFIELD 98 BEACONSFIELD 25 MAIDENHEAD 101 BISHOP AUCKLANDPUBLICATION DIRECTOR 28 YARM 102 EDINBURGH NORTHERNMARTIN MORGAN 30 ORKNEY 105 HOWE OF FIFET: 0191 265 0332 40 PEEBLES 107 SILHILLIANSE: [email protected] 43 SLOUGH 112 FARNHAM 46 BEDWAS 115 STROUDMEDIA DIRECTOR 50 BELFAST HARLEQUINS 117 GUISBOROUGHJOHN MCKEGNEY 52 DEWSBURY CELTIC 119 MARLBOROUGHT: 07767161790 53 CAERPHILLY 121 LATCHFORD ALBIONE: [email protected] 57 WATH UPON DEARNE 123 GLOUCESTER RUGBY 60 FURNESS 125 EFFINGHAM ANDSTEPHEN ORIFE 62 ABERDEENSHIRE LEATHERHEADT: 07512363056 64 NEW MILTON & DISTRICT 127 AMERSHAM & CHILTERNE: [email protected] 66 FIRWOOD WATERLOO 129 MONTROSE & DISTRICT 70 SEVENOAKS 130 ST BENEDICTSGEORGE WALLIS 72 LIVERPOOL COLLEGIATE 132 NEWTON STORMT: 07436262801 74 RYLANDS SHARKS 134 LEICESTER FORESTE: [email protected] 76 BRADFORD & BINGLEY 135 PWLLHELI 79 VALE OF LUNE 140 FYLDECOLIN RUTHERFORDT: 07767161792 57 53 60E: [email protected] 81LEGAL & FINANCE DIRECTOREMMA JONEST: 0191 265 0544E: [email protected] THOMPSONT: 0191 265 0544E: [email protected] EDITORJAMIE SEYMOURT: 0191 265 0544E: [email protected] DIRECTORGEMMA HILLT: 0191 265 0544E: [email protected] BRUNELLT: 0191 265 0544E: [email protected] – FADUMO ABDULQADIR, JAMESHINTON, CHRISTIAN BARNETT, JORDANHARRIS, DANIEL BATES, STUART DICK ANDARTHUR WILSONFRONT COVER IMAGE COURTESYOF ACTION IMAGES FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG© MULLIGAN DUFRANE ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDNo part of this publication may be reproducedor transmitted in any form or by any mean, orstored in a retrieval system without prior writtenpermission, except as permitted underthe copyright designs and patents act 1998.applications for permission for use of copyrightmaterial shall be made to the publishers. 4 | ISSUE 26

CHEW VALLEYCHEWVALLEYChew Valley is a club that wasfirst established in 1969 and upto now their highest league finishcame in the 2000/01 season whenthey finished 4th in the WesternCounties North Division.Rugby Club Magazine “We have also INTEGRATION “Visiting teams spoke to Vice President had a ladies “Colts train one evening a are rarely Andrew Tanner to find team in the week on the same day as the complimentaryout more about the club. past and seniors so they get to know about would again each other. They are invited to facilities in myYOUTH in the future play for the senior sides when experience“All but 4 of the current First if there was they are good enough. Junior although weXV squad have come through interest shown sides are encouraged to come do have aour youth set up. Our near- by enough along when the first team reputation forest local rivals Blagdon RFC players.” are playing to see what hap- the quality offolded because they could pens on match day including our after matchnot recruit and did not have the warm up and the sing grub...”a youth set up. That speaks song in the changing roomsfor itself. Chew Valley is a afterwards if we win. We havecommunity club and we are also had a ladies team in thethe biggest voluntary youth past and would again in theorganisation in the area. future if there was interest shown by enough players.” Mitch Quoi is an EnglandU18 international and current FACILITIESChairman Dean Wring went “We are keen to expand ourfrom Chew Valley to Bristol. playing area. We have justOthers including Darren Jef- completed a store room andferies have played at National weights room and have noLeague 2 South so we have plans to expand the buildinga history of producing some further. Visiting teams aregood players.” rarely complimentary about4 | ISSUE 32

CHEW VALLEYfacilities in my experience can also be difficult coping put in place by the unpaid why we play the quality ofalthough we do have a repu- with the increasing burden of volunteers who run clubs. rugby that has taken us totation for the quality of our bureaucracy where the RFU, The process does not in most our current league position.after match grub compared who have paid staff, expect cases have a product.”with the rubbish that some systems and processes to be The people that run the clubothers serve up!” AMBITIONS see their role as providing “In the current “We want to be able to sus- whatever it takes to sustainCOMMERCIAL economic tain the quality of the facili- the ambition, support and“Ours is a Rugby club with a climate enabling ties that we have. We would commitment of the amateurbar and social facility which players to like to buy the ground which playing membership. Wehas to support itself. We do continue to play is currently leased in order to would hope to continue withlet the facility but we do not the game whilst give us long term security. our league form and win thehave to push the commercial balancing work Somerset Premier and to seeside because that could be commitments As well as this we are keen the Second XV consolidateto the detriment of the use and domestic to continue to provide high their position in Somersetof the facilities by the rugby pressures quality coaching. We current- 2 North.” Everyone at Rugbycrowd. There is nothing worse is a major ly benefit from the services of Club Magazine wishes themthan being kicked out of your challenge.” Ex Saxons and Bristol Coach the best of luck in achievingown club on a match day Paul Hull which is the reason these goals in 2013.evening because there is aprivate party going on later.”CHALLENGES“In the current economicclimate enabling players tocontinue to play the gamewhilst balancing work com-mitments and domestic pres-sures is a major challenge. ItRachael Kenyon of club sponsor MetroRod Rugby Club Magazine spoke to Tracy Walton,took the time to tell us abit about the company of club sponsor the Blue Bowl Inn who told usand their involvement with the club. about their involvement with the club. She said, “The franchise was bought in January 2001 by its “We are a country pub restaurant and the club is around 2current owners Clive and Maureen Newport. miles away from us. We’ve been sponsoring them for around 5 years and first got involved because my son used to play for Clive had been working for over 30 years in the construction them. We get to as many games as we can and being involvedindustry but wanted to be in a local business rather than helps to bring us a lot of business. I’d like to wish everyone athaving to work all over the country. Both their sons work for Chew Valley the best of luck.”the company and will take over the running of it when Cliveand Maureen retire. They have built the company up from 1 www.rugbyclub.biz | 5man and one van to its current size of 9 engineers. I have always enjoyed watching rugby and the greatatmosphere it creates wherever you watch a match whetherat Twickenham or in a pub! Now with 2 sons and a husbandwho coaches it’s a case of if you can’t beat them join them! We got involved because we wanted to be involved with ayoung team and to build awareness of our company. We setup a training morning between Kane Palma-Newport andthe Chew Valley team last season which was a great way totie our 2 rugby interests together. This is our second year ofsponsoring the (now) U8’s. Chew Valley is a really friendly club and it has been veryeasy to get to know other parents on the side lines. It wouldbe great if the club can continue to perform well across allages as they are right now. It would also be lovely to see theU8’s progress through all the years of junior rugby. They havebecome quite a force to be reckoned with and show somereally talented players with strong potential in the game. Ijust hope they don’t ask for a sponsored mini bus!”

CHEW VALLEY6 | ISSUE 32

WOLVERHAMPTONWOLVERHAMPTON Like many other rugby establishments across the UK, Wolverhampton RUFC was founded in a pub.The old ‘Star and Garter’ came a bit long in the tooth. in Victoria Street, However, we are now seeing Wolverhampton was the benefits of having a verythe venue and several of the strong colts side who havefounding fathers, includ- all come through our systeming Charles Mander, were at together. We have scoredRugby School together in the many points this season and1820’s. are doing well in the division. Hopefully we can hold on In modern times, mini to our high position in therugby was started in 1972 league and if we can win themaking the club one of the league it would be fantastic.pioneers of the game at that Promotion in successive sea-age group in the local area sons would be no mean feat!”and it’s something that hashelped the club produce a IMPROVEMENTS ANDnumber of hugely talented CHALLENGESyoung players. Most recently “Over the last few years we’vethe club has been home to Ol- spent some money on theiver Claxton and Max Stelling pitches including £100,000and positively, the club has on a new drainage systemgood links with local schools and floodlights. We are nowand regularly plays host to turning our attention to ourthe Staffordshire School of very dated clubhouse andrugby at Castlecroft Road. are trying to attain planningUnderstandably, they like permission and funding tothe venue because it is well modernise the structuredrained with good floodlights. which dates back to the 1960s and was built without mini/ Chairman Ian Kendrick junior rugby in mind. We’vestarted out at the club as a done some homework and13 year old in 1980 and has believe there is some moneyplayed for many of the teams. available from Sport Eng-He then joined the manage- land, the RFU and some localment as Secretary and has sources. We are also doingbeen in his current role for our own fundraising.12 months making him wellplaced to speak to Rugby Club One of our challenges isMagazine last month. that we don’t pay any of our players and it can be difficultSUCCESS SO to compete on that basis.FAR THIS TERM However, we would still very“For a few recent years I think much like to be competing inwe have suffered from an old Midlands 1. It has been a fewguard mentality and be- years since Wolverhampton RFC has been at that level.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 7

SIX NATIONSTHE SIXNATIONSThe Six Nations is always one of the mosteagerly anticipated events in a Rugby Fanscalendar and so far this season’s campaign hascertainly not disappointed. Rugby Club Magazinelays out what has happened in the tournament sofar for each of the teams involved.ENGLAND perb contribution from Eng- home. The land’s bench, underlining the lacklustreBuoyed by their superb superb strength in depth that displayperformance against the they possess. If they are able against theAll Blacks in the last of the au- to defeat Italy next up they Welsh was per-tumn internationals England will travel to the Millennium haps an even biggercame into the competition Stadium for a mouth-water- blow to the side andwith plenty of optimism and ing encounter with the Welsh saw their own sup-it’s a case of so far so good. with the chance to claim a porters begin to turnA clinical performance saw memorable Grandslam. against them. Theythe side run out comfortable were much im-winners against Scotland in FRANCE proved against thewhat was mostly an evenly English and arecontested encounter. Coming into the tourna- now left in the ment the French were many unusual position They then travelled to peoples favourites to take the of having littleIreland, a fixture which has Championship. Three games more than prideproved problematic in recent in and they are facing up to to play for fromyears and on a wet day which the reality of battling at the their remain-didn’t lend itself to running wrong end of the competition ing tworugby, they managed to grind however. games.out a victory led by the for-wards and an encouragingly Defeat against Italy camemature performance from as a surprise but the FrenchOwen Farrell. have struggled in the past to raise their game away from A hard fought encounteragainst the French saw a su-8 | ISSUE 32

SIX NATIONSCourtesy of Action Images IRELAND ITALY SCOTLAND WALES The Irish began this Six Na- The first aim of the Italians in The team has come out this Wales campaign didn’t get tions with a brilliant win this competition is always to Six Nations with a real deter- off to the start that they away at Wales in a match get a win on the board. They mination to play attacking would have been looking for which highlighted everything managed to do this in style rugby and they were unfortu- against Ireland. A typically good about their play in what in their first game, shocking nate against England where charged encounter saw them was the match of the tourna- the French in Rome with a the score-line didn’t perhaps come out the wrong side of a ment so far. Unfortunately for typically determined perfor- reflect the game. Their new, fifty point game and with the them the weather dictated mance led by a truly world- more open style allowed French up next things didn’t the style of the game in their class display from Captain them to cruise to victory over look great for the Welsh team. encounter against England and No. 8 Sergio Parisse. Italy and they then ground and they were unable to take out a win against Ireland. They showed a decidedly advantage of some good op- They failed to build on this gritty side to their nature portunities in their narrow victory against Scotland The opening three games to bounce back against the defeat. where some costly turnovers have been a big positive for French and managed to prevented them from keeping the Scottish and the way the control the game for long They dominated the game the Scots close and failed to team is trying to play gives periods. The margin could away at Scotland but failed to cause Wales many problems them a higher ceiling than in perhaps have been even put points on the board and and clearly suffered from be- previous seasons and it will greater had they taken their were on the receiving end of ing without Parisse who sits be interesting to see just how chances but nothing should a narrow defeat. The team out the rest of the tourna- far they can go. be taken away from what was will be hoping to get two ad- ment suspended. a very impressive victory and ditional wins on the board in they backed this up with a their last two games. good win in Italy. www.rugbyclub.biz | 9

CHESTER GLADIATORSCHESTERGLADIATORSChester Gladiators Rugby League matches. If the club wants to line as this can significantlyFootball Club was first estab- have a better campaign next increase the depth of the sidelished in April 2008 because a set time around then they will at senior level.of Rugby League enthusiasts felt need to tighten up defen-that there was the potential for a sively as they did leak a lot of The other big bonus of hav-club to do well in their area. points. ing a strong youth section is that it allows the club to playThey play their home named in the RL Merit League The club did however show an important part in the local games at the Cheshire Dream Team. at times that they have the community. By giving a large County Sports Club on ability to play some exciting number of young people thePlas Newton Lane in Cheshire. This certainly went a long attacking rugby and if they opportunity to play the gameThe club is led by their Chair- way to justifying the clubs are able to add a couple of they also give themselves theman Jim Green. decision to form and they had quality players to comple- opportunity to attract more proven themselves to be a ment what they already have parents to get involved with They certainly did not disap- team that had the potential then they should be able to the clubs as volunteers. Aspoint in their debut season to make a real impact. It can improve upon last season’s any team will tell you this isas they were named the RL certainly be said that the club effort. As a relatively new club important for any club if theyMerit League Club of the Year. has continued to carry out they should certainly feel that are going to be successful inThe good work that Jim Green good work since then as well. they have every opportunity the long term.had done up to this point was to continue developing asalso recognised when he was Last season the club did not they benefit from the grow- Chester Gladiators comegiven the RL Merit League perhaps enjoy the season ing reputation that they have. across as a club that is whollyPioneer of the Year award. that they would have hoped committed to the develop-There was an added bonus as for as they ended up finishing Chester Gladiators also ment of a long term strategytwo of the clubs players were in 10th place in the league, have a youth set up in place to ensure that Rugby League winning just 5 of their 22 which they are looking to can grow and flourish in their grow in order to help the club local area. Everyone here at progress. They recognise that Rugby Club Magazine cer- it is important for any club tainly wishes them the best that is looking to be success- of luck in achieving this goal. ful to have a good production10 | ISSUE 32



FORRESTERFORRESTEREdinburgh club Forrester was formed almost 50 years ago and anannual Mini tournament will be on the 12th May this year, the firsttime it will have been held at some new club facilities.Rugby Club Magazine affiliations with Queensferry involved with coaching the HOPES FOR THE spoke to President RFC, Livingston RFC, Royal youngsters whether it’s a one REMAINDER OF Derek Panther last High Cougars, Murrayfield off kicking, scrum, lineout etc. THE SEASONmonth to find out more Wanderers RFC, Currie RFC, session or actually taking a “Forrester 1XV seniors aimabout the Midlothian estab- and Boroughmuir RFC.” team for a season. to compete and finish in thelishment and some plans for top 3 which is a big asked fortheir new clubhouse. WELCOMING  Throughout the summer we the new coaches, Paddy Bree “We are always welcoming have an integrated tag rugby & Gavin Sisson. CurrentlyFACILITY  new players, young and old training night, where we split sitting 4th and a great away“We have a lot of comple- and of any capability. We everyone into even teams, win to Trinity Accies keep ourments about our new offer rugby to boys and girls for example each team will hopes high. The 2XV will lookclubhouse. We were moved 5 years old + and are also have 2 U14s, 2 U15s, 2 U16s, 2 to avoid relegation with somein 2008 when the schools affiliated with Forrester React U18s, 2 2XV & 2 1XV players to home wins and the 3XV &were being rebuilt, this gave 2 Rugby who provide us with make the team. From this we Golden Oldies aim to play aus a brand new facility and a Development Officer, Gavin have around 6 teams playing few touring sides nearer theprivate car park. With a large Sisson. He works alongside against each other in a round end of season.function hall and separate head trustee, Bill Smith who robin session.”members bar we offer a lot of go into 5 High Schools and The U16s will look to finishfunctions to the community. 15 Primary Schools to deliver off their season with someVisiting teams enjoy their curriculum and extra-cur-stay at Forrester with good riculum rugby to children in silverware in the Cupgrub being served up after Primary 1 - S6. competitions whichgames too! are soon to be- This charity encour- gin. Congratu- We offer banners, posters ages children to come lations goand programme inserts to along to our club where to Georgeencourage businesses to in the long run eventu-support us. We also offer our ally end up playing infacilities to businesses to use the Forrester Seniors.for conferences, meetings etc. Forrester was the sec-as well as staff nights out and ond club in Scotland tofundraising initiatives.” employ a full time De- velopment Officer andYOUTH AND LINKS  we have recently had Club“The youth section is our fu- Accreditation awarded forture and has been key consid- Positive Coaching Scotlandering the amount of players in association with the Billwe have in our senior squad. McLaren Foundation.”75% of our seniors camethrough the Forrester youth ENCOURAGEMENT section, the others coming “We encourage the kids tofrom neighbouring clubs who come along with parents toenjoy playing at Forrester.   watch the seniors at home games and vice versa with Forrester has links with the seniors going to watchclubs all over the city varying the younger teams play. Afrom Premiership Rugby to lot of our senior players areLeagues below us. We have12 | ISSUE 32

FORRESTERArchibald & Aaron Mason, be- to supporting the charitable from my time playing with our youth setup along withing called into the Edinburgh trust in order to get the best Currie RFC and knew a lot our affiliated charity, For-U17s initial selection. The U14 for the community and club of the current players from rester React 2 Rugby. A large& U15s are enjoying their fix- and we are keen on having games with and against number of our current andtures and tournaments which full teams at each age group, them over the years. I also past senior players have comerun throughout the season, including girls. I’d like to see knew the Director of Rugby, through this system andwith the focus on player’s the 1XV fighting for National Bill Smith, well from my we hope to get some futuredevelopment and Strength & 1 and make sure we are a school and mini rugby days. senior players through thisConditioning session the boys vibrant community club.” Everyone knows Bill, he’s a setup as well.look forward to getting bigger local legend!and stronger for next season. Club Captain and Forrester is a great placeForrester minis are having a Physiotherapist Forrester is a great team to to be and we have regulargreat time with small tourna- Euan McComiskie play for, a great club to be in- social events to make surements and development days “I got involved with Forrester volved with and a great place that EVERYONE linked to thealternating each week.” in 2008 after a few years out to be. We pride ourselves in club can feel what Forrester while finishing my University our status as a community is all about. From a playingTALENT  degrees. I knew the coaches club. We put a lot of time, perspective, we work hard to“Forrester has pushed many fundraising and energy into achieve as much as we can onplayers onto bigger clubs, “Forrester hasincluding Currie RFC, Bor- pushed many Colin McArthur is a youth coach at Forresteroughmuir RFC and Livingston players ontoRFC, again the bulk of them bigger clubs, RFC as well as being a club sponsor with hiscoming through our youth includingsystem. Sam Hildalgo-Clyne, Currie RFC, business McArthur’s Family Bakers.who plays with Edinburgh BoroughmuirRugby and has featured in RFC and He recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine, “I am verythe Scotland 7`s and U-20 Livingston comfortable coaching the P4 and 5’s and have no desire tosquads started his rugby in RFC, again move up a level. I believe that this is also better for our youngour Youth section. Currently the bulk of players where they get the opportunity to train with a differentwe have 2 players with tri- them coming coach when they progress.als for the Edinburgh U17s through oursquad. Best of luck to George youth system.” My philosophy at this age group is that there has be a strongArchibald & Aaron Mason. A emphasis on making things fun for the youngsters and tofew of their team mates were steer them away from the must win scenario whilst statingvery close to being selected as that scoring tries and therefore moving forward is what we arewell. Our coaches aim to push about; winning isn’t everything. Originally I was not into rugbythese boys on and have them but when my son Scott started playing I naturally got involvedfighting for a position next and became a coach.season.” Scott, who is in sixth form now, has moved onto refereeingCHALLENGES which is unusual for someone so young but I have taken myselfAND MOVING FORWARD  out of the equation to some degree and let him make his own“We used to have 3 rugby mistakes. He is fortunate to have so many good people aroundpitches & a massive flood- him to help him develop at the right pace. I have a great amountlight training area, unfortu- of admiration for the youth committee at Forrester Rugby Clubnately when the schools were and the fantasticbuilt we have been cut down work they putto one rugby pitch and small into keepingtraining area - which can everythingtransform into an outdoor runningpool with heavy rain fall. We smoothly.are in hope of the schoolturning one of their front As a sponsorfootball pitches in to a multi this is our firstpitch seeing how they already year, however, Ihave 2 grass football pitches, have helped outa 2G hockey and football pitch in many ways forand 2 x 3G football pitches. some time and being a baker The club is fully committed myself, my wife Diane and I help out with various events like the Burns suppers etc. Best wishes to everyone at the club for the future.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 13

FORRESTERthe pitch and the camarade- worldwide. “We aim to provide provide match day and train-rie from that is infectious. As Our first team are chal- rugby for everyone ing night first aid cover whichthe great Jim Telfer once said, regardless of age or lets me get on with concen-“a team that drinks together, lenging at the top of East ability.” trating on my rugby and Iwins together” and we like to Division 2 at present and am there to provide injuryenjoy the social side of rugby with some more victories playing this season. diagnosis and rehabilitationas much as we do the playing from now until the end of I try to separate my Physio whenever the players needside! the season you never know?! it. Sadly this season it has This has been our most suc- time and my playing time as been yours truly on the injury We aim to provide rugby cessful campaign in the last much as I can. I like to enjoy list for most of the seasonfor everyone regardless of few years and it would be my rugby and having it sepa- proving that physios are notage or ability, turning out 2 fantastic if there was to be rate from my “work” makes it immune to injury! However, Isenior teams regularly and some silverware at the end easier to do that! Under my hope to be back playing soonproviding opposition for tour- of it. However, our supporters supervision, the club employ and putting some pressureing teams, as well as being will be pleased just to see the pitch side attendants who on the guys to get back in theinvolved in the Over-35 or high quality running rugby team.”Golden Oldie tournaments that the first team have beenDavid McComiskie of club sponsors and Chartered Surveyors McNeil, Maguire & McCreathrecently told Rugby Club Magazine“I played a lot of my rugby in the backs, mostly at full-back, for quiz nights which are always very well attended and good fun.Edinburgh Northern for five or six years until in my last planned I very much admire the attitude Forrester demonstrateseason I broke my leg; family and business commitments tookover then. regarding players who could possibly play at a higher level and how they are always encouraged and given the best wishes and My son Euan, who is a 1st team hooker, was elected club support of the club. My business partners and I are very happycaptain this year but broke his thumb before the seasons to be associated with Forrester Rugby Club and the ethics theystart and although he did return to play later he was then have. I would urge all the teams to keep going and enjoy andunfortunate enough to break his nose too. Euan is over in remember the good times, good luck to everyone at ForresterTexas just now and will be returning soon when I’m sure he will Rugby Club for the future.”become fully involved again organising fundraising events and14 | ISSUE 32

CAMBORNECAMBORNE Courtesy of John Beach PhotographyCamborne RFC formed in 1878, with Camborne’s most fruit- have a vibrant history, thea large proportion of players drawn ful period began in its current organisation isfrom the local Dolcoath mine; at the centenary year, bag- equally impressive. Beingtime Britain’s deepest. ging the Cornish League and the only club in Cornwall to Cup in the 1977/78 season field three adult sides every and continuing the success weekend, meaning in excess by winning the Cornwall Mer- of sixty players are utilised it Table for four consecutive across the squads, involve- years. Further success arrived ment at Camborne is at a with the recapturing of the high. The first XV are capable League in the 1984/85 and of gaining promotion with 1985/86 seasons. League Cup a sustained run of good wins in 1985, 1987, 1990 and results, whilst they have also 1992 capped off an extremely secured a semi-final place in successful period for the club the Cornwall Cup. Further- and upon the formation of more, the second and third the RFU National Leagues in XV’s are respectably placed in 1987; Camborne became the their Merit Tables whilst the highest placed Cornish team Veteran team are continuing at the time. to flourish. Whilst Camborne certainly Camborne also maintains a www.rugbyclub.biz | 15

CAMBORNE crucial relationship with its and Worcester, whilst Sam16 | ISSUE 32 youth system. The club has a regularly plays for Plymouth thriving Mini and Junior sec- Albion. They also maintain an tion that ensures children of excitement about the third all ages can regularly partake Matavesi brother, Joel. in rugby. The Colts are par- ticularly aided by a number With events running im- of former first XV players and pressively smoothly on the currently play in the Cornwall field, Camborne are equally Merit Table. Furthermore, the successful off it. A fundraising relative youth of the first XV and sponsorship team head- over recent seasons means ed by Colin Stevenson has the integration between raised the club’s profile over young and old has been a the recent seasons meaning successful one. The experi- the club facilities continue ence of player/coach John to be utilised by various sec- Griffiths and Dave Roberts tions of the community and and the stalwart presence of is a source of immense pride. Nigel Endean ensures that The accumulation of spon- the developing talent at sors is a grave improvement Camborne is nurtured and in- on five years ago and now tegrated on and off the field. sponsors are treated with excellent hospitality and thus The prosperous relation- the lasting relationships have ship with its youth system is become fruitful and crucial to particularly evident with the the maintenance of the club. success of local brothers, Josh and Sam Matavesi. Camborne Camborne’s success is allevi- take great pride in witness- ated by a number of industri- ing Josh step out with Fiji ous volunteers who maintain the pitch at the Recreation Ground. The largest purpose built grandstand in the Coun- ty means Camborne have a remarkable foundation to succeed in. An impressiveness that means Cornwall will play their only home game of the Bill Beaumont County Cham- pionship here in May. Great strides are also being made in women’s rugby. Cur- rently, a number of players are set on becoming the first female section, with adminis- trators and coaches in place, training commenced and from a number of local busi- nesses, sponsorship has sup- ported the new endeavour and secured much needed equipment. With the present in convinc- ingly great shape, the future is something everyone at Camborne takes seriously. Camborne is directly suffer- ing from a decreasing level of participation in the adult game throughout Cornwall.

CAMBORNEIt is a problem that they are able. Camborne hopes to cou- schools. Sensibly, they want to Martin Symonscoming to terms with and ple promotion with progress remain financially stable andthe formation of a Rugby throughout all areas of the improve the already excellent Press OfficerCommittee this season is club. By integrating its youth facilities. Camborne is a clubthe first step to solving the system and involving the thoroughly capable of success “The Club is proud to be thedilemma. The exclusive role of wider community, they hope and with the framework they only one in Cornwall thatthe Committee is to manage to nurture talent of all ages already possess, it seems even fields three adult XV’s everythe strategy of the youngest by directly working with local more likely. weekend and this ensuresmembers of the club straight involvement of over 60 play-through to their adult playing ers servicing these playingcareer. The motivation behindthis venture is an attempt toinitiate youth rugby careersand develop them into adult-hood, providing rugby for allages and abilities. Maintaining an ambitiousoutlook is crucial to the de-velopment of the club. Withinthe next five years, the pres-ence of Camborne First XV inthe National League is an im-mediate aim. Having finishedfifth and fourth in the previ-ous two seasons and cur-rently sitting in second placeof the South West One, thataspiration is perfectly reason- www.rugbyclub.biz | 17

CAMBORNE “The Cherry & Whites fundraising and sponsorship team led by Colin Stevenson have been successfully raising the Club’s profile in the local community over recent seasons and people in the area take immense pride in the Club.”squads. In addition however raising and sponsorship teamthe Club enjoys a good rela- led by Colin Stevenson havetionship with Veor a Cam- been successfully raising theborne based Cornwall League Club’s profile in the local com-club who also field two adult munity over recent seasonsXV’s featuring many ex and people in the area takeCamborne players and prov- immense pride in the Club.”ing that the ‘Town’ really is arugby hotbed.” “The Cherry & Whites fund-Clear Brew Ltd was established five years ago in Cornwall by Managing Director Stephen Trezona,and has been providing a regular, dedicated beer-line cleaning service.“We offer our services to the licensing trade and the catering industry including public houses, social clubs, sports clubs, holiday parksand hotels,” Mr Trezona said, “in fact anywhere that has a traditional bar.” Clear Brew’s tried and tested standardised methods, coupled with the very best equipment and market leading chemicals save thecustomer thousands of pounds, reduce waste and improve product quality. The process begins with natural energy inhibitors, approved by Brewing Research International being attached to keg and cask lines inthe cellar. These inhibitors, together with Clear Brew’s market-leading chemical treatment combined with a portable water fed mixingunit replace the traditional time consuming weekly cleaning routine. In its place comes a cost effective, energy saving, three-weeklyservice performed by highlytrained technicians. Mr Trezona said: “Thisstandardised system is safeand efficient with minimaldisturbance to the premisesconcerned and has, over theyears, established Clear Brew’sreputation with hoteliers andthe licensed trade for qualitymaintenance of their beer andlager lines.” By adopting the Clear Brewmethod pubs, clubs andhotels can utilise the extratime while ensuring productsand equipment remain in topcondition. “Our beer equipment,chemicals, cleaning equipmentand techniques ensure theperfect pint which in turnenhances draught beers andthe providers reputation,” MrTrezona said.18 | ISSUE 32

CAMBORNEwww.rugbyclub.biz | 19

CAMBORNERugby Club Magazine spoke to Steve Putmanat the Camborne branch of the GMB unionrecently to find out more about a closeassociation with Camborne RFC.“Ex-players from Camborne have been part of the Union foryears. We suggested doing some sponsorship to help the clubout so we rented a board and took out an advert in the clubprogramme. It’s a good association for us and we are happyto help any establishment which helps youngsters in the localarea. The club has a good reputation within the community andprovides an excellent venue for local people. We hope that thelink puts our name out there and reminds people that we domore than simply protect people at work. We wish the club allthe best for the future.”20 | ISSUE 32



MACCLESFIELDMACCLESFIELDMacclesfield RUFC is an RFU financial position of the club “Off the field weaccredited establishment which and look for new sponsors will endeavourwas first formed in 1887 and as well as maintaining our to strengthencontinues to play a central role in relationship with existing the financiallocal community activities. sponsors, some of whom have position of been with us since the start the club andRugby Club Magazine the club, we will look to build of our `journey`.” look for new found our more about on the exceptional season the sponsors as well the impressive Priory 2nd team and social teams YOUTH AND LINKS as maintainingLane set-up after chatting have experienced, with the “The Junior/Youth section our relationshipto Chairman Pete Harper 4th team winning a League is the lifeblood of a club with existingrecently. and Cup double last season such as Macclesfield, which sponsors, some and the 2nds consistently is at the centre of the local of whom haveHOPES FOR THE finishing at the top of their Community.  We have almost been with usREMAINDER OF league.  We are fortunate to 400 Junior/Youth players since the startTHE SEASON have 5 teams turning out registered and run teams of our ‘journey’.”“We are currently in their 3rd each Saturday competing in from under 6 level to Seniorseason in National League various Leagues, and we see Colts.  These teams are hugely1 and have exceeded all the `social` teams as an inte- successful, regularly winningexpectations and Geoff Wap- gral part of our club and will County, Regional and evenpett  (Director of Rugby) will endeavour to ensure these National titles.continue to build his squad teams continue to thrive.as we push for consolidation In the past 5 years, we havein this League.  Further down Off the field we will en- routinely had 3 teams in deavour to strengthen the appearing in National Age Group Finals at Twickenham and consistently win the Cheshire Cup Competitions across all age groups. Mac- clesfield have many players currently in County age group teams, Divisional teams, right22 | ISSUE 32

MACCLESFIELDup to national level at all tion from the Football League County, Representative and changing facilitiesage groups, as well as  RFU of Macclesfield Football Club, even Youth& Schoolboy Inter- We are fortunate to have 2schools of rugby and elite together with Sale Sharks nationals at Priory Park, butplayer development schemes. moving further afield, there is are always keen to improve floodlit artificial all weatherWe have strong links with lo- a huge opportunity to extend things.  To this end, we are pitches which are used yearcal schools and look to foster the reach of the club in the in the process of construct- round by local organisationscooperation with the staff to area.” ing a new full sized floodlit and we are currently in theharmonise our coaching and pitch and 2 more mini/junior middle of a 5 year contractmanage the playing load on IMPRESSIVE pitches to add to the current with the Driving Standardsyoung players. “We are proud to boast some 4 senior and 3 mini/junior Agency for motor cycle of the best playing facilities in pitches as well as looking at instruction on our large car It is not surprising then, the North, and regularly host extending and improving our park, both of which contrib-that even when we lose play- ute greatly to club income.”ers to University, we bringthem into the senior sides ina managed way in order tohone their skills and playingabilities.  Many of the playersin our 1st & 2nd team squadshave progressed through thisroute, and as we press for pro-motion to The Championship,we may look to formalisethis by means of an Academystructure.”COMMUNITY“Our new Executive Commit-tee will be looking at waysto build this for the future. Perhaps more importantlythe Community sees us aspart of the Community andwith the unfortunate relega- www.rugbyclub.biz | 23

MACCLESFIELDMAKING THE MOST TALENT paramount to the success through to the 1st xv.  Mac-“We host a very successful “We have recently provided of the rugby club, and in the clesfield RUFC recognisesAnnual Beer Festival in con- Tommy Taylor and Tom Cruse current climate, this is going that, in the current economicjunction with the local Round to Sale Sharks, together with to be a tough ask and we will climate and the rapidly-evolv-Table and hold a Summer Fergus & Charlie Mulchrone require the backing of the ing environment for rugby, itRugby Camp for youngsters to Rotherham Titans.  Of local community to succeed. cannot stand still and to thisto learn from experienced course they all go with our We are in the process of put- end, we have begun a majorcoaches and players, which best wishes and with the ting together a 5 year plan to strategic planning exerciseagain raise important knowledge that they are all ensure the club is financially that will identify where theincome. These activities, welcome to return to Mac- stable and to have a secure members want to take thetogether with hiring of the clesfield at any time in the structure in place to take club, and develop a detailedclubhouse for conferences, future.” the next step forward as we roadmap of how it will getmeetings etc mean we have strive to reach and survive there over the next three toa year round income and CHALLENGES life in the Championship, in five years.”provide fantastic facilities for AND THE FUTURE a strong and healthy posi-local organisations, clubs to “Our 1st xv are enjoying their tion from the under 6`s rightbenefit from.  highest level of success in the 138 year history of Maccles- However, in these days of field RUFC, and sustainingeconomic uncertainty and this, together with ensuringwith the need to be finan- that the social sides, togethercially viable, we are striving with the Junior/Youth sec-to increase income and with tions thrive, is a difficultthe advent of a new Executive balancing act, but one thatCommittee, we hope to fulfil the new Executive Commit-our commercial potential to tee have at the top of theirthe full without being det- agenda.rimental to the club and itsmembers.” Financial stability is also Mike Rowlands, Director of Club sponsor Fitness 4 All “I have been a player and sponsor of the club for over 20 years. I still attend most first team home games and watch other sides as one of my sons plays at the club. Fitness4 All has been associated with the club since we opened over four years ago. Our hope was to attract players and members to the first class facilities at the gym. As the gym continually improves its offer and the club continues its progress on and off the pitch I would like to think that the relationship between us can continue to grow too.”24 | ISSUE 32

MAIDENHEADMAIDENHEAD Courtesy of Paul MorganBerkshire’s Maidenhead RFCwas founded in February 1922and now comprises 4 men’sleague teams with a 1st XVcompeting in National 3 SouthWest Division.The set-up also has a strong presence at COLTs 600 children participating are in discussions with both vets and a women’s level. Under the leadership of every Sunday. Developing Clubs to develop more activ- team plus over 600 Tony Brooks, now Director of youth rugby is a key part of ity using our new facilitiesyouth players with a total Rugby, we devised a plan to the Club strategy, both from in the future. We also actmembership of over 1200. not only secure a viable COLTs a community perspective as the home base for EastEveryone at Braywick Park set up, but also implement a to encourage as many local Berkshire College rugby, theenjoyed the clubs 90th anni- complete player pathway sys- children as possible to get newly formed state primaryversary last year and will very tem to integrate the top end involved with an active team school “Prides” team and aremuch look forward to their of our Youth, through Colts sport like rugby, but also our we the Southern base of thecentenary in 2022. Rugby Club and on into the senior sides. playing strategy is based on Independent Schools RFC.Magazine spoke to Chairman This system includes high generating a pipeline of our Plus we host a variety of Men& CEO John Wanklyn recently. quality dedicated coaches as own home grown, talented and Women’s County, Divi- well as careful player man- young players to represent sional and schools fixtures.ACHIEVEMENT agement processes that now the Club at senior level. In fact we made news in the“Perhaps one of the biggest form the basis of our Acad- National papers earlier thisplaying successes the Club emy. The Club now runs two We have very good links year by hosting the first Dailyhas had over the past three COLTs teams with many more with London Wasps and Mail cup match played on ayears is the creation of our young players transitioning London Irish and they both 3G surface.”Academy. 4 years ago our through to represent the Club support us as one of theirCOLTs section was perilously at senior level.” community Clubs. We have COMMUNITYclose to collapsing, and for a hosted a number of their “The majority of our 1st XVvariety of reasons we felt it YOUTH AND LINKS AASE Academy matches on players have come throughwas strategically important “The Youth section is a huge our new 3G pitch and wefor the Club to maintain a part of the Club with over www.rugbyclub.biz | 25

MAIDENHEADthe Youth section and there Youth section on a Sunday FACILITY floodlights on our 1st XVis a real family spirit within - it’s amazing to see and the “I guess the amount of use pitch. The ability of 3G sur-the Club. We welcome all funny thing is the dad now we now generate from non- faces to cope with near limit-players of any age and are complains he is the 5th best club related activity speaks less use in any conditionsworking hard this year to rugby player in his family! volumes for the quality and is an obvious and massiveestablish a girls section to We also work hard to extend desirability of our overall benefit to the development ofcomplement our hugely suc- use of our new facilities for facilities. We have completed rugby overall. We maintainedcessful women’s team. As an community use and now two major facilities projects a full program of activity dur-example, we have one family host several schools, college, over the past 3 years, the first ing the wet weather beforewhere the mum plays for the county and other activities a complete renovation and Christmas and during thewomen’s team, the dad plays every week. We are a real fo- extension of the Clubhouse recent cold snap, includingfor our 3rd team and they cal point for development of and the second the instal- hosting 13 matches in oneboth coach their 3 kids in the rugby in the community.” lation of a 3G surface, with week and 4 games in a day! However even without the weather factor the surface has received overwhelmingly favourable reviews by visitors and certainly our own players love playing on it. As a Club we are always looking for- ward and are already working on plans to further improve our facilities, primarily with a view to further increase us- age and participation.” IMPROVEMENTS “Clearly the developments we have completed over the past few years have been done to directly benefit our members, primarily through enjoy- ing some of the best rugby facilities in the country, but also by providing a platform to generate new income streams. As a club we invest everything we earn back into the development of rugby. We are continuously trying to improve the quality of this provision through better facilities, coaching and overall club environment, and this all costs money. The abil- ity to exploit our assets and generate increasing levels of commercial income is absolutely key to sustaining the clubs on-going ambitions. We have already seen the huge potential to host high volumes of high quality rugby on the new 3G pitch and we are working on extending this through the off season by hosting other variants of the sport, in particular 7’s and26 | ISSUE 32

MAIDENHEADtouch, but maybe also rugby Our 2nd XV is performing any commercial organisation activities not only bring newleague and possibly Ameri- very well and have built an our size. There are multiple income streams but alsocan football. All of which are impressive winning streak stakeholders all of whom, whole new audiences, visitorsperfectly suited to our pitch. either side of Christmas while quite rightly, expect a profes- and patrons to the Club thatI’m sure, if managed well, we our 3rd and 4th teams con- sional level of management will hopefully inspire morecan support the on-going tinue to have fun and make and governance. Equally, it people to play, coach, sponsordevelopment of rugby, in all friends wherever they go. seems there is a growing or simply enjoy watchingits variants throughout the The women’s team is doing sense of expectation and rugby at Maidenhead.year and generate sufficient incredibly well, also having entitlement within societyincome to boot.” being promoted last year. now that places even greater The Club has no debt and Our COLT’s will challenge for demands on the traditional the additional income will“The women’s top honours in their league club volunteer culture? underpin a sustainableteam is doing as will most of our Youth age financial plan to see the clubincredibly groups so lots to look forward We set out a vision to continue to flourish fromwell, also to throughout the Club.” become a centre of excel- minis to Vets in the future.having being lence for development of Specifically over the nextpromoted TALENT rugby in the community and 5 years we aim to furtherlast year” “We have a number of highly there is no doubt that the increase participation and talented players throughout installation of our 3G pitch, grow playing membership,THE REMAINDER the Club and I’ve no doubt in conjunction with our especially by developing allOF THE SEASON some will follow in the recently upgraded clubhouse variants of the game. We“Our 1st XV were promoted footsteps of James Haskell facilities have taken us a will continue to improve thelast season from SW1 into of England and Thom & Max long way forwards. In a short overall quality of rugby devel-National 3, which is a big Evans of Scotland in achiev- period of time Maidenhead opment throughout the Clubstep up in many ways. A lot ing representative honours. has become a focal point so that every player can enjoyof clubs at this level oper- The Club has a proud history for a huge variety of rugby reaching their full potential.ate on a semi-professional of producing players who activity from local schools all A measurable outcome of allbasis, and even the amateur have gone onto forge success- the way to Premiership clubs of this we be that our 1st XVclubs seem to have access to ful professional rugby careers, and International teams. The become a sustainable force inplaying resources outside of like Chris Cracknel, Tom Guest new facilities and increased the National leagues.”their normal club base. There and Nils Mordt and our latestis no doubt the resulting young player to achieve Na-fitness, skill, speed and size tional recognition is Hannahof teams we face is a step Edwards who was recentlyup and sadly the majority selected for the England wo-of results have not gone our mens u20’s team.”way so far, despite consist-ently gritty performances CHALLENGESfrom our lads. However we AND THE FUTUREhave some key players com- “Sadly one of the biggesting back from injury and the challenges I think the Clubmargins deciding outcomes may face is whether or not ais getting closer. The squad volunteer based club man-is getting used to the level of agement structure is sustain-precision needed to compete able in the future. We areat this level and I’m sure we’ll constituted as an amateurpick up more wins in the club run by members, for thesecond half of the season and benefit of members, all on ahopefully avoid relegation. volunteer basis. Succession planning of key Officials is a real challenge. Part of this is because the burden and responsibility of running a club like ours is not a trivial undertaking. Our Club is a reasonable sized business and operates with the same obligations and liabilities of www.rugbyclub.biz | 27

YARMYARMNorth East England establishment hard work and commitment FACILITIESYarm RFC was founded in 1997 and shown by the coaches and “Considering our relativelystill has a small number of founder volunteers, with whom the short existence we feel thatmembers playing senior rugby. teams would not exist. we have good facilities whichAfter a number of seasons playing reflect the age of the club. Wefriendlies the club joined the league, We have links with a num- are keen to expand the cur-and in 1999 won the Durham and ber of schools within the local rent facilities to include ad-Northumberland 4th team cup. area, including Yarm School ditional playing facilities and and Eaglescliffe. We also have new, improved club houseIn 2007 the club secured a numerous trophies during a ground share/partnership facilities. Visiting teams com- lease with Preston Cricket their relatively short playing with Preston Cricket Club ment on our homely club- Club meaning it had careers. Rugby Club Magazine who own the playing fields house and friendly atmos-its own pitch having spent spoke to Hon. Secretary Nick utilised by the club.” phere across the entire club. the previous 10 years hiring Clark MBA this month.pitches from local schools. In POSITIVES At present the facility isMarch 2008 the re-furbished YOUTH AND LINKS “We are a ‘Not for profit’ shared with Preston Cricketclub house was burned to “Youth Rugby forms an es- organisation, run by its mem- Club which means thethe ground by vandals, only sential part of the Club set up bers on a completely volun- grounds and facilities arefor the club to purchase a and we are extremely proud tary basis. We are open to and used all year round. In addi-new club house and chang- of our junior sections rapid actively encourage the local tion to this the club houseing facilities which opened growth over a relatively short residents and business to is made available for hire toin August 2009. In 2004  the period of time, and have al- join in with the clubs activi- members for private func-Club started a junior section ready seen the benefits with ties and as such run regular tions such as birthdays etc.”which now runs 7 teams from the 1st of our juniors making events, other than rugby, forUnder 13’s to Under 7’s , these the progression into senior its members.”teams continue to be a credit rugby. The success of all theto the club and have won teams is testament to the28 | ISSUE 32

YARMINTEGRATION CHALLENGES“Senior players regularly as- AND THE FUTUREsist with the coaching of the “Without doubt the biggestjunior sections, in addition challenge the club will faceto this for the majority of over the next 5 years will notour social events we actively only be to secure funding forencourage attendance from new pitches and club houseall sections of the club.  Junior but, if successful,  to co-ordi-parents are encouraged to be- nate the works in such a waycome social members in their that we can still provide theown right and many of our best facilities at all times forformal social functions are all our members.attended by a cross section ofall members including play- The main ambition for theers, coaches, staff, parents and next 5 years is for the club tosupporters.  This has helped secure funding which will en-us to develop a ‘One Club’ ap- able it to purchase additionalproach to Yarm Rugby rather land to build pitches and newthan a individual sections.” clubhouse to allow for its expanding membership. TheTALENT club would also be delighted“We presently have a number to see members of the underof players in our under 13s 13s being successful in theirwho are being considered for county trials, with some oftrials at county level. At senior them progressing to play forlevel we have had “Guest the senior teams.”Appearances” from SimonWebster, who has representedScotland at National Level.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 29

ORKNEYORKNEY Courtesy of Kevin JonesIt is thought that rugby was the trips back the next year, when injuries and difficultfirst played on Scotland’s Orkney or over 20 years as in the case travel arrangements had ledIslands in the 1870’s and records of Grangemouth.” to a couple of places beingshow 1966 as the date for the available.”formation of Orkney RFC. AN ISLAND SETTING “Orkney RFC is an island COMMUNITYThe modern day club skills and to encourage more based club which makes it “Orkney RFC is definitely a caters very well for players to actively play with extremely difficult to link community-orientated club. its local community the club. with other teams. Our near- Orkney is situated off theand has made great strides est club is Caithness RFC north coast of Scotland andin recent times. Rugby Club The aim for 2012-13 is to stay which is 15 miles across the the 20,000 population is dis-Magazine spoke to Secretary in Caledonia Division 1, and Pentland Firth on the north persed over the 16 inhabitedRobert Leslie last month to after a shaky start a good run coast of Scotland. Both teams islands with the majority offind out more. of wins before Christmas put are now in the same league, people living in Kirkwall. us in a favourable position. which leads to a healthyHOPES FOR THE This now needs to be car- rivalry between the teams SET-UPREMAINDER OF ried through to the end of from school age through to “Orkney RFC has its clubhouseTHE SEASON what has been a challenging senior rugby. and training facilities in Kirk-“As far as the 1st XV go, a season. wall. However, on the Orkneyyoung Orkney side finished a For over twenty years, Mainland, there are schoolscredible 3rd place in the RBS Once this league season Grangemouth RFC has visited based in the other town ofCaledonia Regional League is done, we will be prepar- the Orkney Sevens compe- Stromness, 15 miles away, andDivision One in 2011-12. This ing for the Annual Orkney tition and this had led to the village of Dounby, as wellwas a fantastic result as there Aggregates Sevens Tourna- both clubs benefitting from as in the East Mainland. Eachwere at least 12 players who ment, which will be held on the long-term association. of these community schoolswere new or relatively new 4th May. In recent years the Grangemouth RFC is based in forms the foundations of theto senior rugby. This is a long competition had as many the Central Belt of Scotland ever expanding youth sec-term goal of the club; to inte- as 20 teams entered but so some Orcadian students tions and the friendly rivalrygrate players to strengthen this was a bit of a logistical have trained and played with is brought out in the 2nd XVthe team, improve their own nightmare. The competition them over the years. A couple matches that are played dur- is well run and attended and of seasons ago, Grangemouth ing the season. many a visiting team makes were able to dual register some 2nd team players with The committee feel that Orkney and they were drafted keeping the profile up of the in near the end of that season club is very important so30 | ISSUE 32

ORKNEY that the 50-plus sponsors get the maximum publicity out of the deal. Along with the sponsors, we have two radio stations and the local news- paper seeking interviews on a weekly basis so that the local folk can keep up with the current results. Finally, we are one of many sporting clubs in Orkney and we often try to help out with the other organisations with fundrais- ing etc. The old saying ‘many hands make light work’ is very true and continual fundrais- ing is really important in these current tough times.” AN IMPRESSIVE FACILITY “Our playing pitch is based at the Pickaquoy Centre in Kirkwall and is the envy of a lot of visiting clubs. It is sand- based and is situated withinPeter McKindlay is a founder member of Gareth Davies of club sponsor AquateraOrkney Rugby Club as well as being a sponsor recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine aboutwith his business George Bain. his positive association with Orkney Rugby Club. He told Rugby Club Magazine, “Back in 1966 I placed anadvert in the Orcadian and that was the start of our club which “I moved up to Orkney in 1990 and played scrum half at thegot off to a start with the help of people like Norman Rushbrook club mainly for the 2nd fifteen. I eventually gave up playingand Andy McGinn. I was actually born in Croydon at the end of due to shortness of breath or should I say lack of fitness! It’sthe War and my mother moved to Dunoon and after I finished important for a club to have the support of the 2nds as a goodmy schooling I went off to the Army where I played, mainly as second team will generally ensure a strong first team squad.a tight head prop, for the Army Corp Centre and in Ballymena. It’s been a topsy turvy season for the guys however it great toI also played some rugby at London Scottish. Orkney RFC is see that the internal league has been resurrected and I feelgoing through a transitional period just now with a lot of older this will make a big difference by allowing those of school ageplayers taking care of their family commitments and now the as well as the older players to become involved in rugby. Thereyounger boys are coming through. I suppose the main goal for is a wonderful camaraderie about the club which is reallythe club is to stay up and give things a real go next season. It is part of their ethos to enjoy your rugby and I would like to wisha great club to be part of and I wish everyone at Orkney Rugby everyone at Orkney Rugby club the best of luck for the rest ofClub continued success.” the season.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 31

ORKNEYan oval running track. This get in Orkney. and while this is happening, entire building available forallows the many spectators The 2nds squad and the the school pitches are either crew members of the St Mag-(up to 350 per home game) to being upgraded to Astroturf nus Festival so they can takestand on a dry surface or take Youth sections are currently or are part of the construc- a break during the week-longto the oval banking round the lacking adequate pitches for tion site. This is likely to be activities at midsummer. Thetrack and pitch for a better matches and training as the the situation through until club has worked closely withvantage point. There is also a existing ones need drainage 2015, which is putting a strain the local hockey associationlot to be said for the shelter work carried out to allow on the green areas that are too as fundraising nights canit provides during the windy them to be managed properly. left as there are other sports draw more people and costswinters that we frequently Orkney is currently having groups seeking to use them can be split which benefits all two new schools being built during the same periods. the people involved. Within the clubhouse itself, At almost 40 years old, a we have good facilities for limiting factor in the club be- feeding the players and of- coming a year round facility ficials and a lively lounge bar. is its age and layout. It serves Currently, we are making do the groups that use it very with the building as a whole well for the time being but but redecorating it as and if a purpose built building when required. The latest is erected, then the commit- upgrade has been the shower tee will be exhausting all facilities and the heating avenues to ensure that its use system which, after the initial is maximised.” outlay, will decrease the run- ning costs of the clubhouse, “We are being very efficient and eco- friendly.” currently PLANS researching the “We are currently researching the idea of building a new, idea of building modern clubhouse, which would obviously be used a new, modern predominantly as a rugby club, although we realise clubhouse, that there is a potential to allow other clubs to use the which would facilities e.g. changing rooms, weights room and function obviously suite. Allowing other groups to use the facilities will assist be used with not only the running costs but there is also a predominantly greater potential for funding assistance. as a rugby The rugby club realises club, although the importance of having a stream of income from non- we realise rugby related functions. There are many halls and func- that there is tion rooms available for use throughout Orkney but we a potential to have managed to keep some regular users to the club- allow other house throughout the year. These include the local cricket clubs to use the club, a ladies darts team, a lo- cal rock band for practice eve- facilities ” nings and we also make the32 | ISSUE 32

ORKNEYStevie Nicholson of club sponsor DS Dennis Bichan is a club sponsor with TheNicholson told Rugby Club Magazine Orkney Creamery and he recently told Rugby Club Magazine about his association with the “I was more of a footballer than a rugby man, however I clubplayed one season for the club in the position of 2nd row. I can’tspeak highly enough about Orkney Rugby Club; they are a great “I played for the club from the early 70’s after I had returnedexample not only in our community but to any other clubs out from University. My playing position was hooker or loose headthere. The commitment shown by those involved at Orkney is prop and I continued playing up until I was 40 and actuallysecond to none and I wish everyone associated with the club a played a game when I was 60, breaking a couple of ribs in thesuccessful end to the season.” process. It’s great to see the club doing well this year, Orkney Rugby Club means a lot to me, in fact my brother in law Tommy Bain, who was an excellent rugby player met and married my sister after meeting at the club. Some of the trips to play Shetland and other teams were a bit hair raising back then; we would fly with Logan Air and land near Thurso on a piece of land where the pilot would toot his horn to scare the cattle off the makeshift runway. Best wishes to everyone at Orkney Rugby Club for the rest of the season.”Karen and Huw Davies are coaches of Mini Eric Stout of club sponsor RobertsonsRugby at Orkney, as well as being sponsorswith their business Davies Construction. “I was born in Orkney and have great admiration for the rugby club. My son Graeme played mini rugby for a while and we have Karen told Rugby Club Magazine, “When my son Callum’s been a club sponsor for quite a few years now. I keep an eye oncoach left the island I volunteered to help out and Huw and how they are doing and as I said the commitment that is put inI have been coaching mini rugby for about four years now. by everyone at the club is phenomenal. Best wishes to everyoneI suppose rugby is a big family affair for us with Callum at Orkney Rugby Club for the future.”playing for the under 18’s when he returns from AberdeenCollege, whilst Correen helps coach the P1, 2’s and 3’s.Rhys www.rugbyclub.biz | 33plays for the outstanding P7’s who have won an incredible 17tournaments in a row whilst Cerys plays tag rugby and finallyTravis has just started playing contact rugby. It has been greatto see the mini rugby players advance and if Orkney Rugby Clubcontinue to progress as they have been and continue to providesuch a great service for the community then they will providea wonderful opportunity to the children of Orkney to enjoy anddevelop their Rugby.”

ORKNEYLorraine Work of club sponsor Knowles Davie and Fiona Flett are club sponsors withFood Services recently spoke to Rugby Club their business Papdale Stores and DavieMagazine recently told Rugby Club Magazine “I enjoy watching my nephews Craig and Graham Slater play “I was born and bred in Orkney and played tight head proprugby and Orkney generally is a great place for successful for the club when I was 24 years old with my last gamesport. My sister Shona plays Hockey and her team have won the being played when I was 36. Fiona’s son Alan Brown is theScottish Cup in the past and like the Rugby Club they do a lot club captain this season and it is wonderful to see the clubof travelling, although their base has to be in Aberdeen - still a producing such talented players, many of which have come allgood hike away. We try and help out the club when we can and the way through from the clubs mini section. The resurrectionassisting with various events and keeping the bars restocked is of the Internal League will surely make a difference to Orkneyall part of our services. I would like to wish everyone associated Rugby Club and we would urge everyone to keep up the hardwith Orkney Rugby and Orkney sport the very best of success work and wish them all the best of luck for the future.”for the future.”Kevin Hancock of long standing club sponsor Torquil Clyde of WHB Sutherland ChemistClark Thompson Insurance Brokers recently recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine aboutspoke to Rugby Club Magazine his link to the club “My late father Robin Hancock was a great supporter of “I was born in Kirkwall and have great admiration for all sportOrkney RFC and was involved around the time of the clubs early in Orkney. The rugby club is very much a hub of our communityyears in the late sixties. I returned to Orkney in 1996 and my and the dedication and effort extended by the Rugby Clubsons are now starting their Rugby Journey, Connor is 11, Finn members is fantastic.is 9 and Louis is 5 and has just started playing. The setup atOrkney Rugby Club is fantastic, from the 5 year olds all the way The success they have enjoyed over the years is infectious andto the 18 year olds the coaching staff are excellent and provide certainly everyone feeds off that to some extent. I am involvedan excellent service to our community. Best wishes to everyone with various sports and in our athletics club we have 120at the club for the future.” children involved which is always going to be the future of any sport. Good luck to everyone at Orkney Rugby Club for the rest of the season.”34 | ISSUE 32

Andy Cant of Club ORKNEYsponsors Northvet spoketo Rugby Club Magazine David Fairnie is an Ex-player of Orkney Rugby Club and a club sponsor through Lows“I played rugby at school where Law and he recently spoke to Rugby ClubPye Groundwater was a teacher magazinealong with Mike Drever. They tookrugby at the Kirkwall Grammar “I arrived in Orkney in 1994 and the first thing you do whenback in the 70’s. Pye was a real you arrive in a new place is to seek out a local rugby club. Itstalwart of the club and a great was usually the 2nds that I played for and mainly in the secondcharacter also. I did play a few row however I had to give up playing after I had a disc in mygames for the club before heading spine removed. My last game was in October 2000 againstoff to vet college where I played Campbeltown. What really impresses me about Orkney is thescrum half. John Dearness of number of people who come down to watch rugby; the clubNorthvet was a fantastic Prop and very much punches above their weight in that department. I getone the best players Orkney has along to mainly home games and what a splendid way to spendever had and he also played for a Saturday afternoon. Best wishes to everyone associated withHawick Harlequins. Orkney Rugby the club for the rest of the season.”Club is such a great communityclub and I have to take my hat Garry Coltherd is a player,off to them for the amount of manager and sponsor of Orkneytravelling they undertake in a Rugby Club with his businessseason. Best wishes to everyone The Pit Stop. He recently toldat the club for the future.” Rugby Club Magazine “I broke both my ankles playing motocross and decided to look for a new sport, so at the age of 27 I joined the rugby club and started playing in the backs and second row and, as you do, ending up as prop. It’s good that the internal league is starting again and all the benefits it brings including spreading rugby to all of Orkney. The boys have picked up on the back of a slow start. One of the challenges we have is with players playing summer football which can overlap with the start of the rugby season, coupled with players going on winter holidays which has pushed us to start younger players. We have had many challenges this season, including the long Christmas lay off but I would just urge the guys to keep the recent momentum going and if we play well for each other there is no reason we can’t have a good end to the season.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 35

ORKNEY Duncan Currie is a long standing club sponsorMartin Flett is a club and supporter of Orkneysponsor with his Rugby Club and hebusiness Alfred Flett and recently told Rugby Clubhe recently told Rugby MagazineClub Magazine about hisinvolvement with the “I was one of the originalclub. members back in 66 and it has been a great club to be part off.“I was 18 or 19 when I played my This season has been a little upfirst game for Orkney RFC and and down with the long wintereventually, due to injury, I had break and some players goingto hang up my boots. My son off to the southern hemisphereMagnus is a current 1st team which has hindered us a little,player at No.9 and although the however the club have someclub have a very young team this great young players comingseason they are giving things through too. I would urge thea go and will certainly develop team to keep going and notover time. The club have a to give up as they are part ofvery good bunch of people who a fantastic club. Good luck tokeep everything going and I everyone at Orkney Rugby Club.”wish everyone associated withOrkney Rugby all the best forthe future.”36 | ISSUE 32

Billy McEwen of club ORKNEYsponsor Sebay Millrecently told Rugby Club Paddy Casey ofMagazine club sponsor Casey Construction recently“I have many friends involved in spoke to Rugby ClubOrkney Rugby Club and I think Magazinethat the people over there do afabulous job. My grandson Finlay “I moved to Orkney throughLuke who is nine years old plays work 36 years ago, I amin the mini rugby set up. We first originally from Galway insponsored the club in 2003 and Ireland. I have been a supporterhave continued to support them of the club for many years andever since. Orkney Rugby Club sponsored them for around 15.is a great example to everyone They are a great little club andand we wish them all continued I always keep an eye on howsuccess for the future.” they are doing. Keep up the good work and best wishes to everyone at Orkney Rugby Club for the future.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 37

ORKNEYDouglas and Bruce Sinclair are club sponsors with their businessAndrew Sinclair. Douglas recently told Rugby Club Magazine“I can’t speak highly enoughabout the attributes of OrkneyRugby Club and the hardwork invested by people likeBruce Ruthven the clubsDevelopment Officer and ofcourse the committee whoseem tireless in their effortsyear in year out. In addition to my own sonRoss playing hooker for theU16s, my co-director BruceSinclair, who used to play forORFC himself has a son called,Thorfinn, who has joined the“The Rookies,” which is theyoungest section of the Club.Orkney Rugby Club are a veryvibrant part of the communityand myself and Brucewould like to wish everyoneassociated with the club asuccessful 2013.”38 | ISSUE 32

ORKNEYPat Retson of Club Sponsor Highland Park recently spoke to Rugby ClubMagazine saying“We were major sponsors up and many of our workers are involved, from members tountil about six years ago but associated with the club. Orkney coaches and players, do adecided to let someone else Rugby offers a great service fantastic job and we alwaystake over that mantle. However to the community and we have wish everyone at Orkney Rugbywe have always supported the always been one hundred per Club the best of success for theclub and the local community cent behind them. The people future.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 39

PEEBLESPEEBLESScotland’s Peebles Rugby Club has a long history, dating all Rugby Club Magazinethe way back to 1877. At the start of the twentieth century takes a look at thethe club ceased to exist, but was re-constituted in 1923 and past, present and fu-continues to run today. ture of a great club, situated in the borders.40 | ISSUE 32 In 2013, Peebles Rugby Club find themselves plying their trade in the Scottish Hyrdro Electric Premier 2 League and the recent history of their development through the leagues makes interesting reading. Promotion from Divi- sion 3 in 2001/02, to Division 2 and then to Division 1 in 2002/03.After 2 seasons in Division 1, there followed two successive drops to Premier 3, before gaining promotion back to Scottish Hydro Electric Premier 2 in 2007/08 where Peebles have remained since. Peebles run two (sometimes three) senior teams, and has a thriving colts and youth sec- tion, containing seven youth teams in total.

PEEBLES“Peebles have by the SRU Peebles manage to reinforce these principles, Warriors from 2000-2007a focused, keep the process of learning introduce contact skills, and Bristol from 2007-2009professional about Rugby fun while also develop game awareness and in his professional career. Heapproach to hitting the key skill areas a progress to more complex ar- also captained Scotland atthis aspect good player needs to develop. eas of the game, like lineouts U19 & U21 level, won 14 A capsof running a They can also ease kids into and scrums.’ and 8 Scotland caps betweencommunity the sport through tag, touch 2000-2006.club and or new image rugby and An example of someoneplace a strong their ethos is displayed on who has progressed through Peebles have many strongemphasis on the clubs website, ‘We aim the Peebles system and went links in their community andstructured to develop basic skills and on to greater things is Grae- with local businesses whichcoaching agility, improve confidence me Beveridge. Peebles most is helping them within thesessions, player in younger children and capped player, Beveridge, who present financial climate.development introduce them to the simple recently retired, moved from Rugby Club Magazine wishesprogrammes ethics and concept of sports. Peebles to Boroughmuir, and the excellently administeredand In older children we look to played for Edinburgh Gun- and progressive club all thetournaments.” ners from 1996-1998, Glasgow best into 2013 and beyond. The Peebles Piranhas is thetitle the clubs youth programruns under and Peeblesacknowledges their respon-sibilities as a communityclub by working with otherborders clubs to help nurturethe potential young talentout there. In keeping withthe community spirit of theclub, Peebles Piranhas is runentirely by volunteers, whowill no doubt instil the loveof the game into the younghopefuls. Peebles have a focused,professional approach to thisaspect of running a commu-nity club and place a strongemphasis on structuredcoaching sessions, player de-velopment programmes andtournaments. Following the guidelines set www.rugbyclub.biz | 41

PEEBLES42 | ISSUE 32

SLOUGHSLOUGHSlough Rugby club is a side which strides forwards. In 1998 the This season the team ishas a long and colourful history. club managed to win the competing in the SouthernThey currently play their home Southern Counties North Counties North Division andgames at Tamblyn Fields which is Championship as a highlight it would be safe to say thatsituated on Upton Court Road. of the progress the team had they have not enjoyed the made since its change in ap- season that they were hop- proach. ing for. The team currentlyThe club has the distinc- season and this saw them tion of being the far- fail to take advantage of the thest east club in the leagues restructuring. TheySouth West Division and hav- had another disappointinging claimed two promotions season the next year and thisand one relegation in their led to the club being restruc-history they have been in the tured.Southern Counties Leaguefor all but two seasons since Former Coach and Wasps 1stthese competitions began. team captain Gareth Morgan returned to the club and The team experienced a since then the club has beenpoor season in the 1995/96 able to take some significant www.rugbyclub.biz | 43

SLOUGH“The club is fortunate enough to have stand them in good stead fora very strong youth set up and this the future. It is important forshould stand them in good stead for any side to have good qualitythe future. It is important for any side young players that they areto have good quality young players that able to rely upon if they are tothey are able to rely upon if they are to have longevity.have longevity. ” It is good that Slough as asits bottom of the table and amount of flair and Robbie club provide a lot of youngdespite some positive per- Morrison’s 16 tries is impres- players in the area withformances their most likely sive. James Fisher has also the opportunity to play theaim will be to try and salvage chipped in with 12. game and this should resultsome pride in their remain- in them benefitting from aing games. If the club is able to build growing reputation in the on the performances of these region. This in turn will lead The club can be boosted by players then they should be to them being able to attractthe performance of certain able to get some wins on the a high quality of player to theplayers however and Kevin board by the end of the sea- side.Dunne is certainly one of son. It will be important thatthose. His place kicking has Slough is able to hold on to The club also has a stronggenerally been very good these players if they are to be social side to the club andand he is the clubs leading successful next time around. they put on a number ofscorer with 120 points. The events to enhance this. In thebacks have also shown that The club is fortunate near future they have a Juniorthey possess a considerable enough to have a very strong Festival coming up and the youth set up and this should club regularly hosts events such as quiz nights. Rugby Club Magazine wishes the club the best of luck for the rest of 2013.44 | ISSUE 32



BEDWAS Courtesy of Ian LovellBEDWAS Bedwas RFC was founded in 1896 and has played at its current ground The Bridgefield ever since. Like all Valleys Rugby Clubs, Bedwas has always welcomed with open arms colliers and grammar school boys alike into its rugby fraternity.Janet Newcombe is a sponsor of Bedwas RFC Rugby Club Magazine Mark Lewis – Chairmanwith her business SWFM. spoke to Mark Lewis and Ron Davies at the REFOCUS She recently told Rugby Club Magazine, “My involvement with impressive establishment “We’ve changed our focusthe rugby club was through my late husband Stephen who was recently. back to some of our olda junior rugby coach down at Bedwas. We have continued to values with little things likesupport the club and it’s wonderful to see them at the top of the making the boys stay behindPremiership. I wish continued success to everyone at Bedwas to have a drink, eating to-Rugby Club for the rest of the season.” gether and taking some trips away to do a bit of bonding. We cleaned out a lot of the46 | ISSUE 32

BEDWASold team with 19 new players down the temporary cover Ron Davies – Commercial we are to succeed we mustcoming in and they’ve gelled we have at the front of the make sure that, as a Club,beautifully. I must give a lot club for something a bit more Manager we maintain and support aof credit to our Head Coach aesthetically pleasing.” Youth side to be a continuingRugby Steve Law who has WELCOMING part of the social and playingworked hard on recruiting THIS TERM “We believe that to be suc- development of our nextthe type of player who blends “We hope to make the top cessful any club must be at- generation of players.”well with the type of rugby three this season after lots of tractive and welcoming to allwe want to play. hard work. We are operating ages. Young people who reach LINKS with a fairly small squad and playing heights in the teens “We’ve formal links with a Off the field, the Manage- are currently struggling with or early 20s can do so because number of clubs plus Caer-ment team have our house in a few injuries. We realise that they have honed the skills of philly, Machen and Sengheny-order which helps to give the Pontypridd are very strong balance, handling and vision dd RFC’s are each only a cou-rugby side of the club flex- and there are some other from their earliest junior ple of miles away. We have aibility to do more. We built good sides floating around days. They need to be built on very healthy rivalry with themour new stand at the end so we will have to be on our and strengthened at Youth about rugby achievement butof the season last year and game.” Level. Playing rugby is not also co-operate with themare currently looking to pull always the natural first choice for virile teenage boys but ifJohn Coombes of clubsponsor John PaulMotors Ltd recentlyspoke to Rugby ClubMagazine about hisassociation with the Club“It was really through my mumAnita’s involvement that I becamea member, that was many yearsago. My mum and her sisterMarion Cooper carried out thecatering for the club for a longtime and Marion was married tothe clubs then chairman Harold. Ihave been on the clubs committeefor 20 years and stepped down18 months ago for personalreasons although I am still aVP and help out on the gate atmost home games. The team arehaving a great season and I wisheveryone at Bedwas Rugby Club asuccessful end of season.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 47

BEDWASon player transfer, use of use our facilities for tourna- tor canopy which will double so can offer genuinely goodfacilities etc and attend each ments, training sessions up in providing a new pitch hospitality to visiting playersother’s Annual Dinners.” etc. This August we shall be side elevation to the ground and supporters alike. having a major Music and and the base for a furtherCOMMUNITY Community festival ( “Bedwas “sponsor’s box”. The Club A key part of the Com-“Our Club is at the geographi- Rocks”) which will strengthen House has been refurbished mercial Manager’s work iscal heart of the Commu- those links.” recently and we are now strengthening the links withnity and we encourage local fully IT wired which is a great the local business communi-groups and individuals to IMPROVEMENTS help to match day reporting ty. We do have some excellentregard our Club as their local “In 2011 we added a new 500 and other communication. sponsors but are conscioussocial base. We also work with seater stand to spectator ac- We have excellent catering that there is much unfulfilledthe local Primary School and commodation and this year facilities (and in Michelle an potential here. We circulate aBedwas High school and they are erecting a further specta- excellent Catering Manager) community newsletter to ad- vertise what we have to offerMichael Flower is aclub sponsor with hisbuilding and roofingbusiness and herecently told RugbyClub Magazine abouthis positive associationwith Bedwas RFC“My dad Terry was on holidayand bumped into the thenBedwas Rugby ChairmanHarold Cooper. When hereturned from holiday he toldme I was playing for Bedwasand that was that. I have a lot of time for the cluband I started playing in the backrow for Bedwas back in 1979and then went on to 1st teamrugby. I was the first playerfrom the forwards to receive a club Tie in my first year of senior rugby. My son Ben Flowers played a season and a half for Bedwasand won all the Welsh Rugby caps at that level, he now plays prop forward for Wigan Warriors. I get along to see him most gamesbut I also like to support Bedwas and get along to the club to meet old friends and see a match when I can. It’s fantastic to see the club doing so well; after all we are really just a village rugby side. One of the main strength’s that theclub possesses is the camaraderie it has which I am sure is the reason why the club attracts so many good people. I wish everyoneassociated with Bedwas RFC continued success for the future.”48 | ISSUE 32

BEDWASand have regular live music “The Club Committee sense of continuity. As well miership structure of Welshevents, dinners and special largely consists of ex as the Premiership side, we Rugby. We shall face thatattractions over holiday times Bedwas Players so there have a good Second Team challenge as an opportunitye.g. Christmas and New Year. is a strong natural sense which is locally competitive, not a threat. We shall need toWe are planning a further of continuity.” a youth side and some 200 strengthen our financial base“sponsor’s box” to entertain Junior Players. Seconds and and the difficult economicvisitors with excellent re- CONTINUITY Junior have a voice on the circumstances will not makefreshment and a spectacular “The Club Committee largely main committee so there is a this easy.match view. This is important consists of ex Bedwas Players well-integrated rugby familyfor raising revenue as well so there is a strong natural structure at Bedwas.” Young men from these val-as building wider links of leys will always be attractedcourse.” PROMISE to the fun, challenges and “Our squad very young and camaraderie of playing rugby. shows great promise. Ethan Those of us who have enjoyed Davies who plays 10/15 has our rugby in the past at Bed- just been called up to the was have no greater ambition Wales under 20’s squad and a than to make sure that the number of others receive call continuing opportunities are up to the Dragons. We have there, at whatever level, for produced some great players future generations.” and forwards Tony Mogridge and Jeff Whitefoot (who • At the end of January played for Wales and the Baa Chairman Mark Lewis told Baa’s) come to mind.” members that the Club had brought to a successful con- CHALLENGES clusion protracted negotia- AND THE FUTURE tions to bring back possession “Our greatest uncertainty of Bedwas RFC and its assets now is how the WRU may to the members. Keep an eye change the Regional/ Pre- on - www.bedwasrfc.co.uk for more information www.rugbyclub.biz | 49

BELFAST HARLEQUINSBELFASTHARLEQUINS Belfast Harlequins In order to finance any side as it allows them to as a club were first the building of a new be an important part of their established in 1999 clubhouse at Deramore local community. after a merger Park the famous ground at between Collegians Ormeau was sold and the Deramore Park is able to and north of Ireland new clubhouse was opened offer some superb facilities Cricket Club and in June 2002 by the then Club as they have a squash court,North of Oreland FC. This was President Alison Watt as well three rugby pitches, oneparticularly big news at the time as Jack Kyle OBE and Gilbert synthetic hockey pitch, a twobecause of the size of the clubs in Paton. bedroom apartment and aquestion. bowling green which the Bel- The club have experienced fast Bowling Club plays on. a considerable amount of success since then both on The high standard of and off the field. In particular facilities at the club was they are a club which is re- recognised when they hosted nowned for having a thriving several sports events in social scene and they have a the Special Olympics. This number of parties and events was particularly significant for everybody involved with because it represented the the club to enjoy during the first time that the games season. This is important for had been hosted in Belfast in their history and so was a50 | ISSUE 32