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BISHOP AUCKLANDBISHOPAUCKLANDBishop Auckland Rugby Union to have as the team reaches and this in turn has led toClub was first made a member of a critical point in the sea- a dramatic increase in thethe Durham County Union on the son. It is a credit to the work number of parents that want15th June in 1976. that people at the club have to help out at the club. done through promotionalThe club now plays they still have a consider- activities and involvement in Many of these volunteers their home games at able amount of work to do. community affairs that they have gone on to take on roles the West Mills Playing However they could not have are able to have such a large as team managers, coachesFields on Bridge Road and put themselves in a better number of players participat- and committee membersthey are led by Chairman position to go on and claim ing and enjoying the game of and these volunteers play aKeith Wilkinson and President the title and if they are able rugby. valuable role in the runningMike Gill. to maintain the form that of the club. A strong youth set they have shown so far then Since 2007 the club has had up is vital for any club and They have made a consid- they should be in with a great an increasingly strong juniors Bishop Auckland have madeerable amount of progress chance of securing success. section in place as Peter Gal- significant strides forward insince they were first set up lone and Gary Hamilton took this area. This should ensureat all levels and the 2008/09 The club have an additional the decision to try and get that they can look forwardsseason saw them able to senior side in place which more young players in the to a bright and prosperousfield two senior sides on a helps to improve the depth of area playing the game. The future.weekly basis for the first time the first team squad as well numbers grew significantlyin a number of years. Their as providing an opportunitysuccess in this particular for many more people in thecampaign was highlighted local area to get involved inby the fact that their first XV the game.managed to win promotionand this has helped to further If the first team is ever leftbolster participation in recent short of players throughyears. injury or people having other commitments then they are This season the team is able to call upon reinforce-competing in the Northern ments from the second teamDivision Durham/Northum- which is an invaluable optionberland 2 league and theteam has been in superb “The club haveform. Of the 16 matches an additionalthat they have played in so senior side infar Bishop Auckland have place whichmanaged to win 15, losing helps to improvejust once. Their good form the depth ofhas been highlighted by a the first teamparticularly miserly defence squad...”which has conceded just 166points. As the season approachesthe business end the teamwill be well aware that www.rugbyclub.biz | 101

EDINBURGHNORTHERNEDINBURGHNORTHERNEdinburgh establishment always complimentary about of being one of Edinburgh’sENRFC was founded in 1920 and our performance and spot friendliest clubs. After eachcontinues to be a shining light the potential we have. We home game, we involve visit-within the Scottish Rugby Union run a successful 2nd XV also ing players in bar games in-scene. Rugby Club Magazine and regularly have around 20 volving “Player of the Match”spoke to President Joe Smith this players turning out to play for and “Dick of the Day” awards.month to find out more about the twos. Many clubs at and We would always want ourthe Inverleith Park establishment. above our level are impressed players and opponents to stay that we maintain such a high at our clubrooms - known af-He began with a sum- the division and build on playing membership and fectionately as THE BUNKER, mary of how they’ve our experience of the year to we have much to be grateful being an ex-decontamination performed over the make a real challenge for the for with a dedicated Rugby facility - and participatelast few years and some of title next season. In a number committee of Coach, Paul in rugby related activities.the improvements they’ve of games, we have felt that Larter, Captain Chris Aiken, Members of my age knowmade. He said, “We were we were very close to victory 2nd XV Captain Craig Lawson, the lifelong friendships thatpromoted from East Div 3 and are hopeful of a great working closely with our very rugby can offer and want toto Div 2 at the beginning of improvement in results in experienced Head of Rugby, give this generation the samethe season and have been 2013-14.” Ian Brechin. Added to these opportunities. For this reasonvery competitive in our first teams, we also have our age also, our club is strictly a Rug-season at this level for some Adding, “As President, I group team, The Gentlemen by Club and we do not havetime. Our clear ambition is speak with visiting Presidents of Northern, an enthusiastic any plans to open up our barto finish in the top half of and committee members if misnamed group of more facilities to all and sundry. each Saturday and they are mature players.” We are a bit isolated in a local park in any case but we will Joe has a clear vision of the not become a social club in best way forward for the club. order to raise our funds.” He said,“As a local junior club, we are clear that we wish Despite all this, the club to uphold amateur rugby hasn’t forgotten its role traditions and, for decades, within its local community we have had a reputation and offers an excellent venue102 | ISSUE 32

EDINBURGH NORTHERNfor functions. Joe enthused, on a regular basis both on to have a number of sponsors the same time, we have our“Our social side for members International weekends and as well as fund raising activi- veterans’ competition takingis extremely strong indeed simply on a tour weekend for ties throughout the year. Our place which can mean aboutwith many varied functions the visitors. Teams have visit- members are also very selfless 6 teams of past players com-from formal - ish Burns’ Sup- ed us from far flung outposts in their dedication to drink- peting in a 10 a side format.pers and Annual Dinners to such as USA, France, Holland ing in the bar thus raising Including replacements then,less formal activities such as as well as all the Home Na- revenue. One of our biggest we can often cater for overPlayers’ Buffet Dinner, Quiz tions regularly over the years fundraisers is our prestigious 300 players at our Inverleithand Race Nights, Halloween and we have an Italian team 7s tournament, held on the Park home.”Parties and our Summer visiting before the end of 3rd Saturday of every April, ofMixed Touch Rugby. Also the season. Our players are which we are very proud. We Joe believes that there willextremely important is our also very keen on their own believe this to be the biggest be some challenges, butAnnual Recruitment Pub tours and have trips away 7s tournament in Scotland hopes for a positive future.Crawl when our members every year mainly to Eastern comprising 24 teams in an He finished,“As we look aheadselflessly give of their time to European countries though 8 section competition. At to the near future, there arevisit a few or more local inns this year we have accepted an a number of issues on whichbribing future talent with invitation to a 7s tournamentcopious quantities. All of the in Bournemouth.these things reflect on thegreat importance we place on At the moment, we arethe enjoyment that a Rugby improving our clubrooms inClub can offer off the park as a number of ways with a newwell as on.” bar area and furniture having been installed in the past 6 Joe is proud that the club months. In the course of theis chosen by a number of next year, we plan to upgradeforeign touring teams and is our shower facilities, gentskeen to continue improving toilets and physio room. Ofand utilising their facility. He course, all this requires mon-said,“We host foreign teams ey and we are very fortunate Mike Horner of club sponsor Blyth + Blyth “I first played for Northern in October 1985 at the age of 25, it was through some friends who dragged me along to the club, and I slotted into the team as their loose head prop. Although I stopped playing some years later due to a neck injury I did return for a tour game and realized afterwards why I had stopped playing in the first place. Last year I filled in as president; a role I had previously filled eight or nine years ago. The club are having a very good season on the back of last year’s promotion and I hope that it all works out for them. Edinburgh Northern Rugby Club is also a very social venue and I have a lot of friends there. I would like to wish everyone associated with the club continued success.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 103

EDINBURGHNORTHERNwe need to focus. Continuing Positively, the Local Author- this years’ experience and will club also has a strong recordto raise revenue is a major ity have recently committed be looking for promotion to of producing referees for thepriority, of course. As with all to renewing the drainage and East Division 1 and to perform local society. An ex captain,other sports clubs, running we look forward to resuming well and competitively in that Alastair Bryce refereed up tocosts are high and we need home fixtures at Inverleith league in due course.” and including internationalto raise many thousands of Park after a year of having level having officiated atpounds just to tread water. to rent alternative pitches. -Gordon Hunter, a member Wales v Japan match andOur council pitches are often Further, we must maintain of the 1984 Scotland Grand President, Joe Smith, wasunplayable due to poor membership levels and Slam squad, played for a member of the SRU elitedrainage so we are commit- continue to run 2 teams at Edinburgh Northern during touch judge panel, officiatingted to working with the Local least per week on a regular his final year at school and at European Cup games forAuthority to improve that basis. On the field, we are Frank Hadden, ex Scotland some 10 years.situation. committed to learning from coach, played for the club on occasion. Interestingly, theFraser Gillespie is a long serving playing Simon Keane, of club sponsor Malone’s Barmember of Edinburgh Northern as well as recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazinebeing a club sponsor with Kay’s Bar. “We have started our 5 year club sponsorship with EdinburghHe recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine about his association Northern this year which came about through club memberswith the club, saying, “I became involved through an older friend and players being our customers. I am a fan of rugby anywaywho was a club member and that was 33 years ago. I played and played at school and it just seemed appropriate to be infrom the age of 14 and was more or less playing senior rugby partnership with our local club. It’s great to see that the club arethen, in the position of either stand-off or winger. I have been flourishing and myself and my staff would like to wish everyoneinvolved in many sporting clubs over the years and I have to say at the club continued success.”that Edinburgh Northern has one of the best committees I havecome across. I get along to see matches as my business allowsand I am quite happy to watch a 2nds as opposed to a 1st teamencounter. Good luck to everyone at the club for the rest of theseason.”104 | ISSUE 32

HOWE OF FIFEHOWE OF FIFEHowe of Fife was established in its current format in 1946 and they havebeen in superb form this season, winning 12 of their first 14 matches inthe RBS Championship B.Rugby Club Magazine rugby’s profile in our commu- players and 30 to 40 Colts.” The biggest single challenge was keen to find out nity and developing young Youth co-ordinator Russell for the youth section over more and spoke to talent to (hopefully) feed in the next 5 years is to expandClub President David Harley to our senior sides. The Howe Ferguson told us more saying, our numbers; the higherwho told us about a number has been running junior “It is important in its own the level that our club 1st XVof aspects of the club. rugby since the mid-1970’s right as we play our part in reach the broader the base of and has seen its Youth Sec- educating and encouraging youth rugby that is requiredYOUTH tion expand greatly to a point young people to keep fit, stay to achieve and sustain that“Youth rugby is vitally impor- where, currently, it supports healthy and hopefully give level. Our ambition is totant as a means of raising over 120 mini players, 90 midi them a sport that they will continue to grow the game enjoy for years to come. www.rugbyclub.biz | 105

HOWE OF FIFEat youth level, to try to help Through co-operation by a League to be won and the our junior & senior play-the children to achieve their the Club with Fife Council Howe is focused upon that ers drawn from within thepotential and hopefully have the Duffus facilities now goal as the best possible in- catchment area of the locala lot of fun along the way!” also benefit from a floodlit centive to bring the best out secondary school. We offer all weather pitch adjacent to of its 1st XV squad. The results associate membership toCOMMUNITY the 1st XV pitch which allows to date would indicate “so far several other local clubs andDavid went on to tell us continuity of training for all so good” but there is still a lot community organisations toabout the clubs role in the age groups through the worst of rugby to be played against allow them to utilise our clu-community, “Being based in of the winter weather. some very competitive teams broom facilities for meetingsa former County Town and and so at the Howe nothing is & social events.in an area of relatively low The Club’s own floodlights being taken for granted.”population the Club draws on have recently been upgraded We hold integrated train-a player pool that is spread giving the Club the opportu- AMBITIONS ing sessions with the youthacross a large section of nity to play evening matches “The Howe want to continue teams on a regular basis.North East Fife beyond Cupar and ease the pressure on the to improve our facilities and While obviously these arewith many players hailing fixture list as well as offering the opportunities we can give somewhat restricted in con-from surrounding towns a facility for SRU age grade boys and girls to play rugby tent due to safety concernsand villages and the farming development squads.” and to be the best that they it does ensure junior playerscommunity. The Club is also can be whatever level that are introduced to and canthe prime mover in support- HOPES might take them to. become known to/by senioring rugby at Bell Baxter High “This Season, with the players. We also look to al-School in Cupar through its absence of promotion or Success breeds success locate 2 senior players to eachcoaching of the school teams relegation as a consequence and so at 1st XV level the junior squad to assist within national competitions.” of League re-structuring, philosophy is definitely and training and encourage the Premier 3 has been viewed by unashamedly geared towards boys to both support & aspireFACILITIES some as a dead rubber. Not by winning. The current squad to the senior teams.“The Howe has excellent the Howe who see the Season has had its share of successfacilities at the Duffus Park. as an opportunity to continue in recent Seasons but the On the playing side it canOver and above the usual the progress made over the new League structure will be a challenge to firstly at-changing facilities the pa- last two to three Seasons present a new challenge and tain and then consolidate avilion boasts a strength and and to introduce and develop one which the Howe will look National League place andconditioning facility that is more young talent so as to forward to tackling.” thereafter to strive to reachthe envy of many and which strengthen the 1st XV squad Premier League status withinhas seen regular use by SRU for the challenges that lie Head Coach Garry Horne that time frame. That wouldspecialist coaches working ahead next year. also took the time to speak to hopefully arrest the drift ofwith age grade development Rugby Club Magazine players to higher placed clubssquads. Irrespective of questions that we have seen in the past. of promotion or relegation “Howe of Fife is definitely a (or the lack of them) there is key part of the local commu- We also aim to maintain a nity with the vast majority of 5 -10% growth rate in Mini/ Midi playing numbers & hopefully achieve a girls/ ladies team. On the facilities front our proposed redevel- opment will hopefully have been achieved and been fully functional well within that timeframe to provide enhanced facilities to players, spectators, sponsors and other users alike. This season we hope to maintain our current position as leaders of Championship Division East and thereby gain promotion to the Na- tional League, the 2nd tier league in Scotland below the Premier, and so gain a place in the top 20 Scottish club sides.”106 | ISSUE 31

SILHILLIANSSILHILLIANSWest Midlands establishment ful in the calibre of rugby we unrealistic expectations thisSilhillians RFC play in Midlands develop, favourably compet- can create.2 West (South) and reached ing with the likes of Worces-the Tetley Bitter Vase final at ter, Moseley and Birmingham Although we are strictlyTwickenham in 1999. Solihull, as a result we have an amateur Club, we would an outstanding record in the always encourage thoseImpressively, the current the Clubmark accreditation North Midland Junior compe- players who want to play the side is clear top of the in 2004. Unlike the Senior titions. We also run a highly professional game to do so; division and will hope to Section which is a member of successful festival in October notable professionals includepush on into 2013. Rugby Club Warwickshire Rugby Union, which is always a great day. Cameron Mitchell (GloucesterMagazine spoke to a couple the Section took a decision & Plymouth Albion), Stuartof key figures at the club re- (mainly for logistical reasons) Our senior rugby teams rely Legg (Newcastle), Ollie Grovecently to find out more about many years ago to affiliate upon this Section to sup- (London Scottish) and ofthe Warwick Road set-up. to the North Midlands Rugby ply their ranks, apart from a course Gareth Taylor (Moseley, Union, with the blessing handful of players who have Bees) our coach played at SilsPresident - Duncan Stanley of both constituent bodies moved into the area for work, in his youth.YOUTH (Warwickshire still do all the most of the first team have“Youth rugby is of the upmost registrations and Child Safe- come through the Mini & We have been, of courseimportant to us. On a Sunday guarding/CRB administration Junior ranks from Under 7s. extremely proud to watchmorning you will see 340 for us). the progress of Ollie’s olderchildren (and mums & dads) A number of boys have gone brother Alex play for Scotlandat the Club enjoying rugby. It is the most financially on to represent their coun- and Worcester. Alex & OllieOur Mini & Junior section is sustainable sports sections at try at under 16 and under 17 still keep in contact with theirextremely well run, being one the Sils with age groups from level, recent years include the mates at that Sils and canof the first Clubs to attain Under 6s to Under 17s. The likes of Tom Shanahan, Tom often be seen down at the section is extremely success- Grant, Tim Trace, Jonathan Sils playing touch during the Spelman, which is testament summer, in fact they played to the coaches at the Club for Sils in the Earlsdon 7s on and Schools, although we a number of occasions and are not altogether convinced even talked their mate Tom on the merit of elite rugby Wood (formerly Barkers Butts) at these age groups and the into playing for us!” www.rugbyclub.biz | 107

SILHILLIANSPhoto: Alison Bowden - Fotolia.comLINKS COMMUNITY facilities including state of best end up in the bottom“In an effort to keep both “Although the Clubhouse the art changing rooms and tier of amateur clubs fightingteams alive four years ago we and grounds are owned by importantly changing rooms relegation each season or atamalgamated our Under 18s The Old Silhillians Associa- for women. worst, get relegated. For thattogether with Bees under the tion and Solihull School, the event we have to set our stallname of Solihull Barbarians, business footprint of Copt The Club has a business out to enjoy Midlands 1 and ifplaying alternately at Sils Heath is de facto a sports club partnership with a caterer we do come back down do soand Bees. This proved a huge with sports including Rugby, Rupert Davies who provides as better players. Strategicallysuccess with this age group Hockey, Football, Squash and the teams teas, which can we don’t see anything wrongwinning the North Midlands a Rifle Club being open to all include some pretty fancy with accepting that you areCup for two years running member of the local com- dishes, all of course with at the best level you can beand has shown a blueprint munity. The schools catch- waitress service. This all looks and can go no further.for success and survival for ment for the Rugby is Solihull, and tastes pretty impressivethe older junior age groups Arden, Tudor Grange and but don’t tell the opposition From a Mini & Juniors pointfor whom there is a natural Aldebrook although some the Rugby Club are actually of view, we are looking todrop off in participation. players come from further charged a heavily subsidised double up on the size of each afield. Arden (a very success- price for this!” age group to increase par- Eugene Martin who is now ful Comprehensive School in ticipation, this needs morethe Bees Head Coach was tak- Knowle) is probably the larg- HOPES FOR THE FUTURE pitches, more pitch main-en on as an assistant coach to est contributor of players.” “We want to be the best tenance, more floodlightsboth the seniors and the colts amateur Community Rugby and equipment. We can alsotwo years ago. His tie-in with FACILITY Club in the area. From a First increase the calibre of thethe Bees has seen our squads “Our playing facilities look Team point of view, Midlands rugby we produce; we havetrain with the professional very impressive and we’ve 2 is the highest (almost) plans to review our coachingoutfit. This has benefitted have spent a lot of time and entirely amateur level we requirements, particularly atour set piece and general play. money on drainage, and bar- can play in as the majority of the older age groups where aIt has also driven a stronger riers. Our Clubhouse is also Midlands 1 teams pay their change from the dad coachesrugby culture, a better at- used as a conference centre players. Midlands 2 is very may improve interest andtitude to work for each other (The RFU and Bill Beaumont competitive, skilful and highly player retention.which has added to our open used the facilities on 17th enjoyable. Of course it is onlystyle of play. Gareth Taylor January for their Corporate natural to want to succeed We have just signed uphas built upon the principles Governance Consultation and achieve promotion, but with the RFU to become athat Eugene has set down meeting for the Midlands). we have to be realistic, we are Touch Rugby Centre, which isand has set his stall out to However we have recently never going to pay our play- primarily (but not exclusively)improve our decision making gained planning permission ers so if we did get promoted aimed at young adults, weunder pressure.” for a £1.4m upgrade to the (unless the landscape in have had success in running Midlands 1 changed dramati- mixed sex Touch Rugby over cally), we would expect to, at the past two summers and are hoping that the RFU ini-108 | ISSUE 32

SILHILLIANS“Of course the Rugby by Terry Morgan through at the club and we hope toClub still provides the old the age groups until making continue this.”traditional camaraderie and senior debut aged 19.”entertainment; we have annual “We have a fantastic minitours for each age group, “Although we don’t get big & junior…section at the club,we also continued with the crowds… we do have some these kids are the future oftraditional ‘boys’ nights out...” very committed and passion- the club and it’s important ate support. The players really to keep hold of them andtiative will help springboard the Club door is always open appreciate the support we continue the good work donethis form of the game to for their return. do get both at home and on to aid their transition tobecome a permanent section some long trips away. I’d be senior rugby. There is someof the club with its own rev- Of course the Rugby Club lying if I said we don’t have great work being done toenue stream, and importantly still provides the old tra- high ambitions for the re- improve the facilities at theincrease to the business foot- ditional camaraderie and mainder of the season. How- club. Unfortunately a recentprint of the Clubhouse. entertainment; we have an- ever, there’s a long way to setback has stalled a planned nual tours for each age group, go it’s important to take one redevelopment. Hopefully a We would like to work with we also continued with the game at a time and not get solution can be found and wethe local schools to promote traditional ‘boys’ nights out’ carried away with our cur- can move forward, securingTouch and encourage senior such as the Christmas Ger- rent position. There is a great the future of the club forschool and college pupils, and man Market (Santa outfits team spirit and atmosphere many years to come.”girls in particular to partici- obligatory) and the oddpate in Rugby at the Sils. To round of Pub Golf in Moseley, Nanu Miah of club sponsor Lloyds Indianachieve this we will need to but we are looking to strive to Restaurant recently told us about hisimprove our changing facili- provide more family centric association with the clubties dramatically as under- and entertainment such asstandably girls will not put our Santa’s Christmas party “I support the club through sponsorship and have been involvedup with the squalor that boys for the little ones, Quiz nights since I met them through the Old Silhillians curry club. We havewould. Once we have these for the big ones and a highly a 120 seater restaurant and attract customers through ourprogrammes up and running successful Snail Racing fund good reputation. We’ve sponsored the club for 10 years now andit is possible that we could raiser which took place at the hoe that they can continue to be successful.”look to promote a full contact end of last season.”ladies Rugby side. Peter Nicholls – General The Club will continue to setits stall out to provide Rugby Committee member and firstfor the local community, beit year-round touch, 7s, social team playerrugby with the Vets/3rdsor the best level of Rugby “I started playing rugby agedthat the amateur game can 11… when joining secondaryprovide, with top coaches and school, put at fly half due toprobably the best playing fa- my good looks, can’t thinkcilities in the West Midlands. of a more unsuitable posi-Importantly the Club has a tion for me now! I receivedmandate in providing a focal the honour of being asked topoint and rendezvous for the captain the 1st XV this seasonmany former mini, junior, following in the footsteps ofcolts and former senior play- some great players and alsoers who go off to university friends.or to pursue careers furtherafield. Whatever direction  I’ve been at the Sils since…their rugby career takes them, I was 12/13. After becoming fans of the game at school a group of us decided to find a local club. I was coached www.rugbyclub.biz | 109

SILHILLIANSRecycling Management: HelpingSilhillians drive down their costsRugby Club Magazine spoke with “As parents, we not so keen! Yvonne Manders of club sponsor feel that the sport Both of our sons joined Silhillians Recycling Management who told is invaluable to our us a bit about her company and their boys, as it provides, Rugby Club at the age of 5; they are positive association with Silhillians. at such a young age, now aged 11 (Joe Hawkeswood) and 12 “My background is essentially in the tools in which (Tom Hawkeswood) and are very keen buying and selling Production Metals to be a team player, rugby players not just at the club but from blue chip companies within the be enthusiastic and at school and they thoroughly enjoy the Automotive and Aerospace industries be the best they can sport as we all do as a family. to SME’s, my expertise in this area be.” naturally lent itself to Recycling Waste As parents, we feel that the sport is Management. invaluable to our boys, as it provides, at such a young age, the tools in which Many of my customers would have to be a team player, be enthusiastic a supplier for each waste stream and be the best they can be. All these (wood/plastics/metals/general intrinsic attributes are shown to all the wastes/hazardous wastes) where as players by other parents who give up I wanted to provide all my customers their time to coach the boys week in a professional service encompassing and week out. ALL their wastes. I felt as a parent who lives locally to In October 2008, when the UK entered the club that I was in a position to help into the economic downturn, we saw when the club needed a new sponsor. a significant number of companies Therefore I made a commercial who were now looking to drive their decision to support the Silhillians long- costs down in order to survive and term to show our appreciation to all we helped in this process. Our team concerned who each week donate their of specialists inevitably grew to cope time to all the players and extended with the demand along with our fleet families. of vehicles and our networks. We are now a nationally recognised Company We attend the games as a family at where enthusiasm and customer care home or away and thoroughly enjoy is key; we do deliver what we promise. them. We also watch any highlighted games on the big screen which is Recycling Management Limited normally a fun time and a meeting has been associated with Silhillians place for the children and us to catch for 3 years, sponsoring the Mini and up with our friends. juniors section of the club, recently taking on the full Club sponsorship to We are very excited for the future with incorporate the seniors. The future is the club and its commercial potential bright for the side and we very much as the new facilities will encourage look forward to the new Silihillians businesses to use the conference Club House and the increased foot flow rooms and pitches for private or that this will bring. commercials use. I would like to see the Club be the best amateur We were first attracted to the club Community Rugby Club in the area; through friends who’s children trained that would make me proud. at the club and our two boys had shown some interest in the sport, so I feel very proud when i see our we thought we would give our two Company logo displayed around the son‘s the opportunity. Seven years on club as it reminds me that we have and they are both are still keen players succeeded not only in our business but and we are keen parents on the touch in helping a local Club provide what we line, on cold blustery Sunday mornings think is an outstanding facility for all to enjoy.”110 | ISSUE 32



FARNHAMFARNHAM From a playing point of view the first XVFarnham Rugby Club was first claimed promotion lastformed in 1975, having previously season having gone on a tre-existed as part of Alton & mendous unbeaten run. TheFarnham Rugby Club. They have team were keen to build onrecently moved into a brand new that performance this timefacility and we took a look at the around and up to now theyprogress that they have been have managed to do just that.making. The team have played someToby Comley of club brilliant rugby already insponsor Jeto told their new league; London &Rugby Club Magazine South East Division 1. Out ofabout his positive their first 13 matches theyassociation with the have managed to put 12 winsclub“I’ve been a sponsor forFarnham since 2003 and getalong to watch the youngerside whenever I can. I usedto play as a winger, gettingquite a few tries and captainedNorthampton University.Farnham is very much acommunity club and I hope thatthey are able to play and playwell in the London Leagues inthe future.”112 | ISSUE 32

FARNHAMon the board and unsurpris- as having a reliable stream Expo Grassroots Commu- the Community Games andingly this has seen them of talented players is a major nity Club of the Year for 2012. this turned out to be one ofclimb to the top of the table. boost to any side. They also won an award for the largest sports events to volunteering and were given celebrate the Olympic and The clubs dominate per- The youth teams at Farn- the prestigious title of Club of Paralympic games in theformances so far this season ham have experienced a con- the Year at the Surrey Sports South of England.have been highlighted by the siderable amount of success, Awards with Geoff Robinsfact they are the top scorers most notably with their U10 also being commended for The work that Farnhamin the league and also boast squad being crowned Cham- his contribution to the sport. Rugby Club has done recentlythe meanest defence. With pions for an incredible fourth certainly speaks for itself andthis kind of record Farnham successive year. The club As well as this the team it seems safe to say that thehave every reason to be confi- provides a huge amount of has also hosted a number club will not be resting on itsdent that they will be able to of major events in the past laurels. Indeed I’m sure if yougo on and secure success in “The club is one year including a spectacular check on the club in a year’sthe remaining months of the that works very fireworks night and a num- time they will have made con-season. hard on the ber of rugby tournaments. siderable progress once again. development of Another event they held was Farnham’s form on the pitch young players Despite the success theyis difficult to top, but the and this isnews regarding their facili- evident when Rugby Club Magazine spoke to Julien Bacombe,ties probably does just that. you look at the a director at club sponsor Computer UK and heFollowing 12 years of work the large number of told us about his companies’ involvement withclub made the move to their teams that they Farnham.new facilities in Wilkinson have in placeWay on the 2nd of December and the number “I’ve lived in Farnham ever since I was at school and havewith Lord Coe in attendance. of players sponsored the club for 8 years now. I got involved because I likeThe occasion was particularly that they have the club and they are a big part of the community. I get along toimportant because it marked produced. ” the games whenever I can and hope to be able to continue toa culmination of the vast sponsor them for many years to come. Hopefully the club canamount of hard work that young players in the area the continue to have the same success as they are having just now.”various members of the club opportunity to get involved inhave put into making the rugby and this makes them afacilities a reality. vital part of their local com- munity. The facilities have allowedthe club to move forwards in This is not something thata number of ways. Some of has gone unnoticed either asthe most notable being: Farnham were named Rugby• their minis and juniors cannow play together in a singlelocation,• an increased participationin sport which should resultin an improvement in the fit-ness of the participators,• the club can now accom-modate significantly moreplayers across the complete 6to 60 playing spectrum. The club is one that worksvery hard on the developmentof young players and this isevident when you look at thelarge number of teams thatthey have in placeand thenumber of players that theyhave produced. By having agood youth set-up in placeFarnham should be able tolook forwards to the contin-ued success of their first team www.rugbyclub.biz | 113

FARNHAMhave had they still have a “most elbow injury. I played youth, years. It’s very rewarding butkeen focus on what they are importantly, a club and first team rugby at can be an isolated role. It isabout as they laid out in a huge number Farnham. great when things are goingrecent newsletter when they of people have well but less so when they’resaid,“most importantly, a played a lot of I’ve been back for 4 years. I not. We’re hoping to gain pro-huge number of people have rugby which initially came back because I motion this season, prefer-played a lot of rugby which is, is, after all, our needed a new challenge and ably as divisional championsafter all, our main business.” main business.” it is a really big club. I came to and we’d also like to be junior watch a game and thought vase winners. For me it’s not Rugby Club Magazine spoke that I could make a difference the results that are mostwith current coach Barry and it was a great opportu- important, although it is aJohn Warner about his time nity. My philosophy is for a results game, it’s the develop-at the club, “I used to play team to get over the contact ment of players that is theas a winger but stopped 16 line rather than hitting it. biggest thing.”years ago when I suffered an I’ve been coaching for 15Jim O’Sullivan, Operations Director, Keltbray I went to a ‘footballing’ school and only got involved with rugby at College and have played since, moving to Farnham RUFC“I am an operations Director for the Demolition & Civils Division some 25 years ago. We encourage our staff to get involved inof Keltbray Group, which is a leading specialist engineering, the community as volunteers and because rugby crosses allconstruction, decommissioning and environmental services ages and sexes it is very important to local communities.business. My role is to manage challenging demolition projects,such as the demolition of Victoria Circle Project in Victoria, In the future I would like to see Farnham playing at the highestLondon. I am also working on the deplanting of nuclear power level possible. It is a great club which prides itself as “thestations operated by Magnox across the country. I am currently number one community club.” We’ve been involved for 12 yearsworking on Bradwell Nuclear Power Station in Essex. now because of the good work they do within the community as well as their passion to grow. Our company is committed to Keltbray Group has three main business areas, including working to helping clubs, especially those with large mini/juniorDemolition & Civil Engineering, Rail and Environmental sections and we hope that we are able to keep this link going forMaterials Management. Across our eight different divisions, we as long as possible.”have around 800 employees spread across the country. I ambased in our headquarters in Esher, Surrey, but do spend a lotof time on sites.114 | ISSUE 32

STROUDSTROUDGloucestershire’s Stroud RFC wasformed in 1873, making it one ofthe oldest clubs in the country. Itis celebrating its 140th year witha number of events planned tomark the occasion and RugbyClub Magazine caught up withChairman Jo Hammonds atFromehall Park recently.Jo has been in his cur- After a fairly average start rent role for 2 years and to the season, we’ve really has also played for the pushed on and are startingclub making him well placed to look good. Positively, we’veto fill us in. a number of players push- ing for places in both of ourSUCCESS teams.”“We’ve enjoyed a much bet-ter season this term after GOOD RELATIONSHIPSrelegation last season. We put “There’s a number of verya new playing and coaching good rival clubs in our areastructure in place at the start and we are all fightingof the season and are seeing for the same youngsters. Ithe benefits of those changes. think developing partner- www.rugbyclub.biz | 115

STROUD Courtesy of Will Pascall Photography and Gary Learmonthships with local Schools are munity through work with local clubs. The clubhouse think we are becoming suc-important for us to progress local schools and we hope to could certainly do with some cessful in that regard. Also,- and we’ve a number of state see some play for the senior investment but it’s still a very we have the usual financialschools with whom we try to teams at the club. We also good setting in which to play challenges associated withdevelop good relations.” carry out a number of coach- and enjoy the game. We are running the club. In five ing courses and have some constantly looking at plans to years I’d like to see the clubDEVELOPMENT links with our local college put the club on an even keel financially sound with a big-“Youth rugby is absolutely who use our facilities.” and that will more than likely ger junior section in order tovital to us in terms of making mean investing in club facili- complement what we have init a family friendly environ- FACILITY ties in the future.” place. I’d like to see us main-ment where people can come “In terms of our facility we’ve tain a good club facility andalong and enjoy the rugby a fantastic pitch and flood- CHALLENGES AND THE be a place where families canand the facilities we have to lights meaning we can play FUTURE come and enjoy the game.”offer. We help to develop the competitive games under “The biggest challenge for thegame within our local com- lights – unlike many other club is player retention and I Rob Davey of club sponsor Davey’s Building took the time to tell Rugby Club Magazine a bit about his company and his involvement with Stroud. “I run a company that do maintenance, carpentry, kitchen fitting, double glazing etc. Basically we cover pretty much everything in the home. I’ve played for Stroud for the past 15 years and started sponsoring them last year because of this and we also helped them to revamp the clubhouse. Stroud is a community club and it would be great to see more of the local people getting involved by supporting and helping out the side. I’d love to see them move up a few leagues in the future and believe that I will always be associated with the club.”116 | ISSUE 32

GUISBOROUGHGUISBOROUGH Photo: borzywaj - Fotolia.comGuisborough RUFC play their they have managed to put place for Guisborough is thathome games at Belmongate together a number of impres- it means that they can helpwhich is based in Cleveland. sive results. Of their first 17 young players transition from matches they have managed junior level into the seniorThe team is led by Presi- to improve the facilities that to win 14, losing just 3. This ranks. Players who are not dent Dave Newstead they were able to provide and leaves the club sitting in 2nd yet considered ready for first and Chairman Martin a bar was added to the list place in the table. team action are still able toTart and under their leader- of facilities that they offered. gain experience competing atship the club has been mak- From there the club contin- With a number of games adult level.ing some significant progress. ued to develop steadily and still to come Guisborough will by the early 1980’s they were be hoping that they are able YOUTHHISTORY able to field four teams. to continue to perform at the As mentioned earlier, Guis-They first came about in level that they have so far. If borough have a history ofthe late 1960’s when local Guisborough enjoyed suc- they do then they should be producing young, talentedresidents decided that they cess on the pitch during the celebrating a very successful players and this is some-wanted to create a rugby un- 70’s and 80’s and wasted no campaign come the end of thing that they continue toion club. They were presented time developing a reputation the season. work hard on to this day. Itwith the opportunity to do for producing high quality is important for any club tojust that when some prem- young players. The team is DEPTH be able to produce their ownises became available and now playing in the Durham & Part of the first team’s suc- players as it is the most reli-the group, led by Henry Bell, Northumberland League and cess can be attributed to the able source available.jumped at the opportunity. they are well known as a club great depth that the clubThis meant that the team that is ran the right way and enjoys. It is important for any Providing an opportunity forwas able to begin playing which enjoys a lively social side to be able to call upon young people in the area alsorugby at the Belmangate side. good reinforcements should goes a long way to ensuringGround from the 1968/69 any players pick up injuries that Guisborough remainseason. FIRST XV and Guisborough have addi- involved in the local com- The team has been in superb tional senior sides in place to munity. This is a club that is The club quickly took steps form so far this season and ensure that they have players clearly very well run and this available to do just that. should see them being able to enjoy a successful future. The other advantage of having additional sides in www.rugbyclub.biz | 117



MARLBOROUGHMARLBOROUGHMarlborough was originally COMMERCIAL The Club has a great loca-represented in the rugby world as “We are fortunate to have tion within the Town basedearly as 1867 and they currently some loyal local sponsors on the common and is fairlyplay their home games at The including Boehringer Ingel- unique in a beautiful his-Common which is in Wiltshire. heim, Azuza, EMS, Hills, Mer- toric town like Marlborough. rimans, Musgrave and DR & Whilst we rely on member’sThe team has been in ing, and the U18s playing on RA Pittams who support us at to staff the bar we have good form this term Sunday afternoon the club is all levels of the Club. Without opened on Fridays in the and we spoke to Chair- full throughout the week-end their support we would be summer to encourage peopleman Gary Sharp to find out which has always been one of unable to develop the facili- in the Town to come to themore about the club. the primary goals – making ties and playing support that Club on summer’s evenings. maximum use of the facilities we need to make playing We have also hired out theYOUTH end encouraging rugby and and watching the game that Clubhouse for evening events“We have a strong U18s team sport in general at all age more enjoyable. and to local clubs and socie-this year and have made this groups.”the main priority of the Club David Pittams of club sponsor DR Pittamsfor the next year. Addition- COMMUNITYally, we are looking to merge “Marlborough is definitely a “I’ve been involved since 2008 and got involved because my boysthe U16’s and 17’s with the Community Club. It’s re- were. Marlborough is very much a community club and I neverU18’s into a Youth Section to ally important to us that miss a game. Hopefully they will be able to gain promotion inprovide a clear link between anyone who watches, plays the near future. The involvement helps my company to be wellJunior and Senior Rugby. or supports rugby gets the known in the community and I hope to be able to sponsor them opportunity to play at the for many years to come.” This includes sharing train- Club whatever their age oring plans and training ses- capability. We work hard tosions with the senior side to support local initiatives andmake the transition straight- have developed this furtherforward. The development by working with Marlboroughof this age group is critical Football Club to enable themto building a much stronger to use the Club each Saturday.senior section. We have recently formalised The mini and junior section our ties with the Army basedthough is the true back bone in Tidworth. This relationshipof the club. We have over 250 has built over several seasonschildren playing every week with a few players joiningand this has grown steadily who lived near Marlboroughover the years. The organisa- building now to a strongtion and structure of this relationship with 2nd Battal-is tremendous with each ion Royal Welsh who we areteam having a minimum of lucky enough to have a great2 coaches and countless sup- relationship with. Our 1st XVporting parents. coach and a number of play- ers play for us which helps us It’s a great sight to see the with playing numbers andplaying fields full on a Sunday support.”morning and now, with thelocal youth football clubplaying on Saturday morn- www.rugbyclub.biz | 119

MARLBOROUGHties to grow our links across play in the area and build on restructuring if it happens. For a level 8 club this is athe community but also to the success of the mini, junior In the meantime, we have huge incentive and wouldgive us a valuable source of and youth sections.” be massive for the club andfunding.” had success in the Senior hopefully the town. It would AMBITIONS Vase; wins against Pewsey, give us lot of exposure toCHALLENGES “We want to build a senior Westbury and then Melk- everyone, and help us to gain“There continues to be the side that becomes the side of sham in the final made us a lot of interest and support.need to develop the senior choice for our area. We had Dorset & Wilts Vase cham- This in turn would hope-section and ensure that we success a few years ago and pions and recently beating fully encourage new players,further develop the Club into won promotion to the South- Chipping Norton won us the supporters and members asa family and community club. ern Counties league; this is a Southern Counties Vase. We being on the front page ofWe want to build on the great strong league and a big step now play Drybrook for the the local paper for winningsuccess and popularity of up from the level we play in South West Vase. This will cups is the best advert thatthe mini and junior section. at the moment. The league make us South West regional we can get!”The lack of second teams in system at the moment prob- champions and we are alsothe area and our own chal- ably needs a league between into a semi-final against onelenges in fielding a 2nd XV is these 2. Our aim is to put of the other 3 regional sidesa great worry. We also need ourselves into a position in (North, Midlands and Londonto encourage more people to the league to be part of any & South East). The final is played at Twickenham.Mike Hill, CEO of The Hills Group recently told Rugby Club Magazine“We are a Family owned company based in Marlborough, I played for Marlborough from 2004 to 2010 and have alsoWiltshire. The company was founded by my great grandfather sponsored the team since the 2005/6 season. We got involvedEdward in 1900 as a brickmaker. It diversified into many areas because of the work that the club does and because supportingover the years, but now concentrates on waste management the local community is important to us. We receive goodand recycling, quarrying and concrete production and house coverage in the local press when Marlborough do well and Ibuilding. hope that the first XV is able to return to the Southern Counties League.” I’ve always had an interest in rugby and in more recent years120 | ISSUE 32

LATCHFORD ALBIONLATCHFORDALBIONLatchford Albion play their home In the 2012 season Latch- porters can be confident thatgames at Victoria Park on Knuts- ford enjoyed a successful the club will be producingford Road in Cheshire and they season and managed to an attractive brand of rugbycompete in the North-West put together some impres- once again.Rugby League. The team is led by sive performances which sawPresident Sammy Sixsmith and them finish in 4th position As well as a successfulChairman Sean Byron. in the league. Overall in the senior side Latchford Albion league season the side won also have a strong youth set 14 and lost just 8 of their 22 up with a number of teams in matches. place to provide players from the local community with an If the team is able to add opportunity to play the game. some quality through the off season and build on the Having a strong youth set strong performances that up is vital for any club as they they put in last year then look to produce talent which they should be in with every can go on to represent the opportunity of having a suc- senior team in future years. cessful year this time around. To ease the transition for The club can certainly look young players making the towards the season with step up to senior rugby Latch- plenty of optimism and sup- ford Albion also have a 2nd team in place to allow more www.rugbyclub.biz | 121

LATCHFORD ALBIONplayers to gain the experi- “Player participation is always ion, because of work com-ence that they need. a challenge for us. This is the mitments. The game has first year in about 4 that we are changed dramatically since Latchford Albion certainly fielding 2 full teams because the 90’s.comes across as a club that it’s tough to get young ladsis developing well and it was to play the game, mainly, in From 2002 we’ve seen somewith this in mind that we my opinion, because of work good success and gainedspoke to Head Coach Mike commitments. ” promotion to the PremierByron. He discussed his role Division in 2008. We’ve beenat the club and the good work working on gaining our ownthat Latchford have been facility and it’s difficult todoing. do so if you don’t own your own. We currently play on “Amongst numerous other council land which has beenroles I’m Head Coach. I’ve a great relationship sincebeen coaching here for 10 our formation in 1945. We’veyears and I’m trying to get only a proposal at this stageout of it and work on the club and it would be a communityin other areas. However, to clubhouse if things go aheadget out of it and find some- in the future.one who is willing to givetheir time is proving difficult. We are hoping to gain pro-We share out duties in what motion from division 1 thisis a small administrative season. Our long term goal isteam.” to go to a national conference league standard. We’ve now a “Player participation is sound footing financially andalways a challenge for us. I want to get to the top of theThis is the first year in about tree and to the pinnacle of4 that we are fielding 2 full amateur rugby – which is theteams because it’s tough to long term goal.”get young lads to play thegame, mainly, in my opin-122 | ISSUE 32

GLOUCESTER RUGBYGLOUCESTERRUGBYSince the advent of the professional game, senior squad andAviva Premiership heavyweights Gloucester a number of themRugby have firmly established themselves as are now featuringone of the top institutions in the game with regularly in thesome notable successes, including finishing first team. Clearly,top of the league on several occasions. it’s vitally impor- tant that the clubPrior to the game going veloping local talent is still has a good feeder Hartpury College who are professional, Glouces- hugely important to the system in place partners in delivering the ter used to pride itself set-up. to ensure that its Advanced Apprenticeshipon fielding a side which identifying the in Sporting Excellence. Theconsisted almost entirely of Positively, the clubs acad- best young local talent. scheme is designed to allowplayers who came from the emy is doing a great promising young playerscity itself. Obviously, profes- job in preparing The club has close links with (16 to 18 year olds) to fol-sionalism has meant that young players with Cinderford RFC who can low a structured trainingthe club has had to widen to make the afford younger talented guys programme in a professionalits horizons in step up playing time in a competitiveterms of re- to the rugby environment and incruitment. addition, Gloucester RugbyHow- has a close relationship withever,de- www.rugbyclub.biz | 123

GLOUCESTER RUGBYenvironment, whilst study- kids to learn to love and playing for ‘A’ Levels or a BTEC it to the best of their ability.National Diploma. The club is also involved in The club considers its rela- education programmes thattionship with the community promote health and well-be-to be incredibly important. ing and projects that supportGloucester is a club that is ge- community cohesion andographically situated right at educational achievement.the heart of the city it repre- Through community projectssents and a large proportion the aim is to create a networkof its supporters live in the of positive relationshipscity itself. Their community working with supporters,department works tirelessly schools, clubs, colleges andto support the development local business.of the game and encourage124 | ISSUE 32

EFFINGHAM & LEATHERHEADEFFINGHAM ANDLEATHERHEADEffingham and Leatherhead RFC were first established in 1966 andthey are currently based at Brown’s Lane in Surrey.Rugby Club Magazine senior side (subject to posi- same intensity as they would the area. Some senior players recently caught up tion), we would normally play do in a junior team, but soon may live a little further away with the club’s Presi- them alongside the more struggle with the physical now but were originally fromdent Graham Fawcett who mature and experienced play- side of the senior game. The the area.”told us about a number of ers in the lower sides. We’ve 3rd and 4th teams have a de-different areas of the club. found that as they transfer liberate bias towards younger FACILITIES from junior to senior sides, players starting to play senior “Teams visiting the clubYOUTH they start off playing with the rugby.” always talk about our club fa-“The youth players of the cilities favourably, in terms ofclub are our future. We have “We don’t LINKS the clubhouse and grounds.a large mini’s and juniors offer the “We don’t have any formal We would like to improvesection that has produced a facilities to links with a senior club, but the facilities, extending thelarge proportion of the senior businesses, we have had established links changing rooms and also lookplayers. We see this as the but we do hire with clubs in recent years, but to improve the floodlights onsustainable future of our out the venue these have been with clubs at the training ground.Senior Section and it contin- to members a higher level than ourselves, We have a reputation withues our development as a of the club for and are professional sides. people visiting our ClubCommunity club. evening social We also have strong estab- for creating a friendly andCurrently we have a num- events. We also lished links with Clubs that enjoyable atmosphere. This isber of players in the junior have links with we play both in Minis, Juniors, a definite policy of the Clubsection who are playing at schools who and Seniors which enables an and is quite deliberate .Weeither international level or at want to run appreciation and an under- feel that if the atmosphere iscounty level, which is promis- tournaments standing of how we feel good at the Club people willing for the club’s future. We at the Club... ” rugby should be played at want to play here and alsoactively put forward play- Club level .” support us.”ers to county trials, some ofwhom have captained the COMMUNITY COMMERCIALUnder 20’s team. “We are essentially a village “We don’t offer the facilities At a senior level we under- club and attract players from to businesses, but we do hirestand that some players will the local community; we out the venue to memberslook to play at the highest share our building with the of the club for evening sociallevel and we actively help local village and have started events. We also have linksfind a suitable club for them building relationships with with schools who want to runto join. We also encourage large firms to work with tournaments at the Club andour players to take coaching them in the community. Our Tag is always played in theand referee courses, some of pitches are owned by a local summer as an early fitnesswhom have progressed to a charity, whose objective is to and social function.”high standard and now coach help the community enjoycounty sides.” using them for sports and HOPES recreational pleasures. “We would like to see all ourINTEGRATION Our players are essentially teams continue to improve“As players reach the age linked with the Club from their results and finish in thewhereby they can play in a minis and juniors who live in top half or even quarter of www.rugbyclub.biz | 125

CLUB NAMEtheir leagues. Additionally, 1) We need to offer our play- best for their child, will cause with more changing rooms,we want to grow the player ers a high quality set-up them to move to other local a gym and social facilities.base and look to put out an which includes coaching, clubs in order for their child On the playing front, weadditional team. physiotherapy, facilities and to do better. would like to have the abilityWe are actively promoting structure, all of which will 4) We have already seen that to play matches and trainmore involvement for all Club need funding to enable us we don’t seem to attract the on a floodlit pitch. We viewmembers in Social Events as to continue to develop these 30 something aged players as ourselves as a very socially ac-we feel that events are not players. the cost of living in Surrey is ceptable club and would likealways supported as well as 2) Retaining players for all high and they can’t afford to to increase that internally tothey could be. We feel this levels of playing ability is im- buy or rent in the area when our members and externallycould be better, and are really portant to the club, but with they typically start families, to the community and localpushing a Sportsman’s Din- so much competition not this leads them to either businesses. It would also bener with Ben Kay speaking.” just in the variety of different moving elsewhere or to stop good to continue this general sports, but also opportuni- playing the game.” strengthening approach andCHALLENGES ties to travel and work for the would like to think we could“There are a number of youth, this will lure players AMBITIONS gain a promotion and oper-challenges facing small local away from rugby. “We would like to extend ate in a higher league on aclubs both on and off the 3) The intense competitive na- the clubhouse to accom- sustainable basis.”pitch: ture of parents, wanting the modate our future needsRoss Badger, a principal at Hillier Hopkins LLP, has lived in the area for almost 30 years and has been a regularmember and visitor to the club, as well as being a vice president of the club. In addition his two sons both playedmini Rugby at Effingham and Leatherhead from the ages of seven through to eleven, and Ross was also a trainingcoach. services for owner managed businesses, in particular, corporate finance and wealth management advice. We have many specialistsHillier Hopkins LLP, has 20 principals, more than 100 staff, and with specific expertise in key sectors such as pension schemes,offices in Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, London and Watford. FSA regulated businesses, LLPs and partnerships, professionalThe firm has a comprehensive range of services for businesses, service firms, healthcare, charities, golf clubs and contractors.entrepreneurs and individuals with a number of corporate tax andpersonal tax specialists with skills in advanced tax planning andinternational and off-shore tax. One of the firm’s key strengths is126 | ISSUE 32

AMERSHAM & CHILTERNAMERSHAM& CHILTERNAmersham & Chiltern RFC was first established in 1924 and has beenwell known throughout its history as a club which provides a warmwelcome.They currently compete in the National 3 SouthWest Divisionand they play their home games at Ashgrove on Weedon Lane.The team has four sen- ior sides in total and the first team has beenparticularly successful inrecent years having claimedthree successive promo-tions which have seen themclimb to a level 5 league. Thistime around Amersham andChiltern have made a solidstart to the campaign andfind themselves sitting inmid-table. Overall the first team haswon 7 and lost 11 of their first18 matches which is not a badstart given the rapid progressthat the club has made inrecent years. Having hadtime to adjust, the team will www.rugbyclub.biz | 127

AMERSHAM& CHILTERNbe looking to put together Amersham and Chilterna strong run as the season are also able to boast a largedraws to a close in order to number of junior teams inprovide themselves with a set-up which is one of thesome momentum heading best in the area. They haveinto next season. teams ranging from U6’s right through to their acad- As mentioned earlier, the emy set up. This allows a lotclub have a number of ad- of young players in the areaditional senior sides and this an opportunity to play thecertainly helps to provide the game and it also has the po-first team with greater squad tential to provide the seniordepth as there are players teams with a valuable sourcethat they can call upon if of young talent.they ever find their squaddepleted. Having additional The club also has highsides also enables first team quality facilities available toplayers to have the chance accommodate for a numberto regain their match fitness of different needs. They haveafter they have been out a high quality clubhousethrough injury. which offers a warm wel- come and is regularly open Another important reason throughout the week as wellfor having a number of senior as at weekends. They providesides is that it enables the hot food and a bar but alsoclub to ensure that young a gym which is available freeplayers are able to have a of charge for members of thesmooth transition from the club. Amersham and Chilternjunior ranks into the seniors. offer the clubhouse out toThis is because the players hire to anybody wishing tocan gain experience of play- use it for corporate and socialing at senior level even if they events throughout the year.are not yet considered readyfor first team action. The club With the club going fromprides itself on offering any- strength to strength on theone who wishes to play the pitch and appearing to begame an opportunity to do so extremely well run behindand by having a large number the scenes this is a club thatof teams they are able to do should certainly be able tojust that. progress well in the future.128 | ISSUE 32

MONTROSE & DISTRICTMONTROSE& DISTRICTMontrose & District play their skills. Having a youth sec- Montrose and District alsohome games at Union Park on tion also can help to attract have a thriving social calen-Whinfield Road in Montrose. The parents to become involved in dar and this is representedclub is currently led by President the running of a team which by a number of events thatTerry Gibbons and they compete is always a bonus. they have coming up in thein the RBS Caledonia Regional near future. They have a girl’sLeagues. The other big bonus of hav- tournament planned, along ing a youth section in place with a sponsored duatholon is the fact that it can lead to and an end of season fun day. players going on to repre- Having a strong social side sent the first team. Having of the club should mean that a regular source of young many people are able to enjoy players coming into the ranks being associated with the can only improve the quality club for many years to come. of the first team in the long term.This season they are into developing the ladies Annemarie Watson of Club sponsor Montrose competing in the RBS section of the club. Women’s Osteopathy Clinic recently told Rugby Club Caledonia 3 Midlands rugby has grown significantly MagazineLeague and they currently sit throughout the country inin a mid-table position within recent years and Montrose “My family and I moved to Montose six and a half years ago andthe table. Fromm their first and District have been keen during a bonfire party my son Stewart was asked if he playedsix matches they have won to try and provide Women in rugby, which he replied yes to and was then told he was playing3 and lost 3 which is steady the area with the opportunity the following day.form for the club. They have to get involved in the game.scored 144 points and con- The club have made my family and I feel very welcome andceded 193 which leaves them The work that they have although Stewart splits his time now between playing for thewith a goal difference of -49. done to grow this section of U18’s, coaching the micros and his pole vaulting he has always the club recently took a signif- been supported and encouraged by the club. The team will be confident icant step forward when thethat, if they are able to keep club was able to host their Montrose & District Rugby Club are a great example in ourtheir players fit and perhaps first ladies match at Union community and families like the Campbell’s do an awful lot toimprove on the depth that Park. This should provide the make people feel involved even down to supporting other localthey have in their squad, they ladies team a platform upon sides like Brechin by providing help with transportation. I wishwill be capable of climbing which they should be able to everyone at the club continued success and hope they keepthe league further. This is continue to build and attract healthy and play well!”because they have shown more players into the game.the potential this seasonto be able to compete well Montrose and District alsoin the league that they are have a strong youth sectionin. It is just a case for them in place and they provide aof turning some promising number of young players inperformances into wins on the area with the opportunitythe board. If the team is able to get involved in the game.to find some form then there This is an important part ofis no reason why they should any club and it allows themnot be able to accomplish to play a key role in the localthis. community providing young people with an activity to The club has also put in a take part in which allowsconsiderable amount of effort them to learn some key life www.rugbyclub.biz | 129

ST BENEDICTS Photo: Friday - Fotolia.comST BENEDICTSSt Benedicts RUFC was first At present, the team is com- Maudling has been anotherestablished in 1974 and they peting in the North Lancs and play to put in some eye catch-currently play on Newlands Cumbria Northern Division ing performances and theAvenue in Whitehaven. and up to now the team has club will need them both to been able to produce some be in good form as the seasonThe club is led by Chair- ons of the Cumbria League on solid form. Overall, they have draws to a close if they are to man Michael Morgan two occasions. St Benedicts managed to win 10 of their 18 put together a strong run. and under his leader- topped this achievement league matches, losing on 7ship they have experienced in the 96/97 season when occasions. St Benedicts also have a 2nda considerable amount of they managed to win the team in place and this helpssuccess. Cumbria/North Lancs League As the season comes into to provide the First XV with which was a considerable its final stage St Benedicts far greater depth. The other Following on from the achievement. will be keen to get some ad- benefit of having an addition-team’s formation the club ditional wins on the board as al senior side in place is thatmade quick progress and by The good set up that the they look to climb the table. it means that twice as manythe mid 1980’s they had man- club has off the field has also As mentioned their form players from the local areaaged to win a considerable been recognised as the year has not been bad and they are given the chance to playamount of silverware. This before their title victory they are well positioned to move the game every weekend andincluded winning the Shield managed to win the “Cum- up the table having come this can only serve to help theLeague an impressive 5 times bria Club of the Year” award. through the tough months club to be an important partin a row. This provided the This was a suitable recogni- of the season. As with many of the local community.club with a strong platform tion of all the hard work that sides, the weather has causedto build on as they looked to the many volunteers involved a number of games to be As you can see, since St Ben-move forward. with the club put into making postponed and this has made edicts was formed, they have it a successful and enjoyable it difficult for the team to be a record of which they can They certainly did move for- side to be a part of. consistent. be justifiably proud and theward, being crowned Champi- club has every reason to be Kristian Wood has been optimistic of achieving more one particular high point success In the future. Rugby of the season so far and he Club Magazine wishes them is the clubs’ current leading the best of luck. scorer with 118 points. Gavin130| ISSUE 32



NEWTON STORMNEWTON STORM Newton Storm Rugby Club was first established in 2002 at a meeting held at the Bluebell Pub on the High Street in Newton-le-Willows. They play their home games at the Newton Sports Club and achieved Clubmark Gold Status in 2010.We spoke to the club’s club in the town, with New- made to establish a new U7’s the community. The club is chairman, Malcolm ton instead having a long his- team each year until we have home to a number of other Hankey to find out tory of Rugby Union, Cricket children playing at all age sports sections, includingmore about the good work and Football. Newton Storm groups. Newton Cricket Club whichthat the club has been doing was formed in 2002 with the was formed in the mid-1800’srecently. creation of an Open Age team Eight years later, that U7’s and has recently celebrated and a number of youth sides.” team is now at U15’s and we its 150th Year Anniversary.HISTORY have also established a Cubs Newton Storm has an excel-“Being based in Newton- YOUTH team, catering for children lent relationship with allle-Willows, we are centrally “The focus on junior develop- between 4-6 years of age, local primary and secondarylocated in a hot-bed of rugby ment really came into focus teaching them rugby skills schools in the town and deliv-league, surrounded by profes- in 2004 with the creation of and providing a good intro- ers free coaching sessions tosional clubs St Helens, War- a new U7’s team, formulated duction to the game prior to children of all ages through-rington Wolves, Wigan War- after a recruitment drive in playing for the U7’s.” out the year.”riors and Leigh Centurions. the local primary schools.However, the geographical After a successful first season, COMMUNITY FACILITIESarea did nothing to promote the club’s future was sealed “Newton Storm is based at “Our club house dates backthe creation of an amateur and a commitment was Newton-le-Willows sports to the 1800’s and is certainly club, which is a focal point in132| ISSUE 32

NEWTON STORMsteeped in history. In 2011 we is also an increasing demand recruitment drive at all age Whilst we recognise therewere one of two clubs nation- for more playing pitches. groups and encourage more are other more establishedally to be selected by Engage children into the sport, focus- clubs in the area, which is cer-Mutual to receive funding to We currently have access ing not only on rugby league tainly a factor when attract-improve our changing facili- to two full size pitches at the skills but also life skills such ing players for our Open Ageties. We delivered a weekend club, but with a new academy as team work, communica- team for example, their hardof community activities being built locally and the tion and promoting fitness work has been rewarded aswhere we attracted around re-development of sports and exercise.” they have moved from Divi-60 volunteers who donated facilities at another sports sion 6 to a Division 2 stand-their time to help complete club in the town (the histori- “We are obviously ard side in just a few years.the make-over. In addition cal Vulcan Railway Works site) competing forto the £5k funding provided as part of a new housing players with Our junior and youth sec-by Engage, we also attracted development, we are optimis- other local sports tions have now developedadditional support from lo- tic that our needs will be met clubs and need to a reputation as being bothcal businesses who donated in the medium term.” maintain our focus competitive and skilful – alabour and materials to an on recruitment ” philosophy we will continueadditional value of £5k.” HOPES to promote in order to better “We have already established AMBITIONS prepare our players for aCHALLENGES a new U7’s team for the up- “Newton Storm has ambi- higher standard of competi-“We are obviously compet- coming season and our Open tions to become a leading tion.ing for players with other Age team is looking to build source of development forlocal sports clubs and need on the success of last year, junior rugby league talent Within 5 years, we will haveto maintain our focus on having been promoted to and whilst this can only be teams at every age grouprecruitment, particularly Division 2 of the North West delivered in time, we are from U7’s through to U18’sat the younger age groups. Counties Men’s League. Our laying the foundations for and this will lay the platformMaintaining our facilities, U12’s team reached the final this success at the earliest for our long term success,particularly one as histori- of the Lancashire Cup last possible stage. both on and off the field.”cal as Newton Sports Club is year and have been rewardedclearly an on-going factor. As with a place in the Premier Please visit our websiteNewton Storm grows, there Division of the U13’s league. www.newtonstorm.co.uk for more details, or follow us on We will continue our twitter @NewtonStormARL. www.rugbyclub.biz | 133

LEICESTER FORESTLEICESTERFORESTLeicester Forest RFC was first established in 1997when two clubs, Old Bosworthians and WestLeicester RFC took the decision to amalgamate.The club has prospered strong links with Leicester since its founding and Tigers and have provided they have experienced a number of players to thea considerable amount of sides development squadssuccess both on and off the including Ollie Smith andfield. Their set up is good Sam Vesty.all-around with a variety ofpeople contributing and this THIS SEASONhas meant that they have At around the half-way pointbeen able to field four senior in the season the club isteams on a regular basis. sitting in a comfortable mid table position having wonYOUTH 6, drew 1 and lost 7 of theirThe club places a heavy em- matches. Their form hasphasis upon the development certainly not been bad and ifof young players and their they are able to win a highermini and junior sides have percentage of the tightgrown significantly since the matches that they are in-club started. They place a volved in in the second half offirm emphasis on their youth the season then they shouldteams having fun, keeping be in with every chance offit and learning how to work climbing the table. Givingwell in a team. the progress that the club has made so far they should Having such a strong youth certainly be looking towardsset up at the club provides a bright future.a large number of youngplayers in the area with anopportunity to play the game.As well as this there is alsothe chance that players fromthe youth set up will go onto represent the senior sidesand it is important for clubsto be able to produce theirown players who have anunderstanding of the clubsphilosophy from a young age.COMMUNITYThe club plays an importantpart in the local communityand makes a conscious effortto provide facilities for localschools to use in order to hostrugby events. Forest also have134| ISSUE 32

PWLLHELICourtesy of Keith Parry -www.pwllgemau.co.uk PWLLHELI Club Rygbi Pwllheli recently ment of rugby here on the agreed a rental agreement celebrated its 40th anniversary Lleyn and there is regular for another 5 acres to meet and integral to its formation contact via fixtures at all age the demand from our junior were the then owner of the land ranges. The club is used by a teams. Anthony Penmaen Jones and multitude of organisations local solicitor Eric Lewis. as well as for functions and We are a year round club. private parties and we believe Sports related income would we have one of the best not nearly cover our costs but set ups in North Wales. We thankfully we have a good own the land-almost 12 acres- and improving ability to draw and we are always looking in extra custom. The club are to expand. We’ve recently currently spending a lot of money revamping the main The impressive club has two faithful and long serving officials in Ken Davies as Fixture Secretary and Bryn Martin as Secretary and legal advisor and a recently restructured Committee means a better balanced backroom team who are all looking to share out the workload. Rugby Club Magazine spoke to two key figures at Parc Bodegroes last month. Wil Martin - Chairman YOUTH AND COMMUNITY “Youth and junior rugby are integral to the develop- www.rugbyclub.biz | 135

PWLLHELIlounge and foyer to make it CHALLENGES TOGETHERNESS the 1st XV, if they train. As amore attractive. I think it is AND THE FUTURE  “Clwb Rygbi Pwllheli repre- coach I am of the opiniona delicate balance between “We want to continue to sents, and draws upon all that an ambitious squad ofsports and business which we invest in the future both on the diverse communities players will always integrate.are getting just about right.” and off the field and need on the Llyn Penninsula. At a Communication is key to to convince the WRU and senior level, when it comes to on the field success, and thatTHIS TERM  the North Wales Union that selection, we aim for an even transfers into the changing“We will be committed to maintaining development playing field, young or old the room and thence the clubprogress as far as we can in is getting more difficult. We emphasis is on training at- bar.”both The North Wales Cup have a good relationship with tendance. We run two seniorand the Swalec Plate. We both and trust that they lis- sides, and there are ample THIS SEASONhave not yet given up our ten to the message from the opportunities for ambitious AND THE FUTUREaspiration for league honours clubs. To maintain progress young players to run out for “Ours is a young squad withthough Nant Conwy are a fine we need to ensure an unob- potential, we currently lie 2ndteam who have a good lead.” structed pathway from junior “Clwb Rygbi in NW4 and remain in con- to senior rugby.” Pwllheli represents, tention for both the SWALECTALENT  and draws upon all Bowl and the NW Cup. Our“We have a very talented Ian Jones – Head Coach the diverse aim is to be consistent, bothand quick backline. We also communities on the in effort and skill. We havehave a couple of strong, big Development Llyn Penninsula.” a number of promising andand fast forwards who have talented players within ourhuge potential and we have “We are fortunate in having squad, and the hope is thathigh hopes for them. George Mark Robert as coach and they will remain and developNorth played junior rugby at administrator for the youth together. On the field we arethe club as did Rhodri Jones. section. The problem we, and keen to retain this group ofJack Roberts has recently I would hazard every club players whilst also recruitingbeen called into the Scarlets has, is the drop-off after U18. and integrating new talent.”squad.” Much of our success this season is down to recruiting lapsed ex-youth players.” June Jones has been involved with Pwllheli Rugby Club for many years and she recently told Rugby Club Magazine “My business Pwllheli Travel organised the first club tour to California about two decades ago and we are still arranging Pwllheli Rugby Travel today, with the next proposed trip to South Africa scheduled for later this year. The club are doing really well this season, which is great to see, and I wish everyone associated with the club continued success.”136| ISSUE 32

Rob Evans of club PWLLHELIsupplier and sponsorMint Safety recently Gareth Dobson of Dobsonspoke to Rugby Club Owen Architects recentlyMagazine spoke to Rugby Club Magazine“I provide first aid training forthe club and for the junior “As a company we like tocoaches as well and find support sport locally andPwllheli Rugby Club to be a very Pwllheli RFC are greatimpressive outfit. Wil Martin is ambassadors for oura fabulous ambassador for the community. My brother in law,club and it’s good to see that the Alan Williams, is a frequentteams are doing so well. I am attender and it’s great to see thealso a club sponsor and have club are enjoying such a greatbeen for the past five years. I season, good luck to everyonewould like to wish everyone at at Pwllheli for the remainder ofthe club continued success for the year.”the rest of the season.” www.rugbyclub.biz | 137Stephen Williams, ofclub sponsors SJ &SWilliams, recently toldRugby Club Magazine“I played prop forward forthe club in the early 90’s andenjoyed very much my timethere travelling and playingrugby. After starting my ownbusiness and the commitmentsthat come with that I stoppedplaying about eight years ago.Pwllheli have a very good youngside this season and there is noreason they can’t go all the way.Good luck to everyone at theclub for the rest of the season.”

PWLLHELI Simon Butterworth is a long standingAndrew Foskett of club sponsor of Pwllheli Rugby Clubclub sponsor HarlechFoodservice recently with his business Firmhelm Ltd. Hespoke to Rugby ClubMagazine recently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine “I played scrum half for the club in the“My son Toby played for a few early 80’s and my last game was in 1996.seasons for the club up until In between I had some time at Londonthe age of under 10’s. Although Welsh and overseas in New ZealandI don’t get down to the club as where I was involved with teams frommuch as I like I keep an eye on Auckland and Wellington, most notablyhow the club is doing and it’s Tawa Rugby Club. My son Nicholas hasgreat to hear about the success followed in my footsteps and by the timethey are enjoying this season. your magazine goes to press he will haveSport generally is a wonderful already left for New Zealand. I supposeoutlet for children and the we are quite a sporty family with myrugby club provide a fabulous other son Matthew playing for the youthcommunity service. Best wishes set up at Pwllheli and my daughter Chloeto everyone associated with is a sailor who is involved with GB sailingPwllheli Rugby Club for the rest as well as being a keen horse-rider.of the year.” Nicholas plays for Pwllheli Rugby when he is back in the UK and I’m sorry that heTim Dop of club can’t be with the team for the season’ssponsor W. Dops remainder. The club are doing very wellspoke to Rugby Club this season and I wish them all continuedMagazine about his success. As a club they are a goodpositive association example of a committed northern rugbywith the Club club who have produced some very good rugby players over the years and will“as a company we try and help continue to do so.”out Pwllheli RFC when we can.The club have developed anexcellent structure and providea great example to our localcommunity. The young playersthat have been cultivated arecoming through now and theteam are enjoying a successfulseason. I hope the clubcontinues to prosper and growinto the distant future.”138| ISSUE 32

PWLLHELIMal Thomas of club sponsor Hurion Hafan Hire Dr Christoff Lotter of club sponsor Abersoch Dental Care recently spoke torecently spoke to Rugby Club Magazine Rugby Club Magazine about his positive association with the club “Although I am mainly a football man I love my Rugby too “I arrived from South Africa in 1996 and began my involvement with Pwllheliand I get along to see Pwllheli whenever I can. I am not fromPwllheli but my wife Marian is. As a company we help the club Rugby club then. The people at the club made my family feel very welcome in factout whenever we can and for their 50th anniversary we erected most of my friends and my wife and children’s friends have come about througha marquee for the club which was a great success. It’s great to our association with the club.see the club competing so well and I would like to wish everyoneassociated with Pwllheli RFC the best of luck for the rest of the Tom Meyerratken (previous captain) and myself, Lee Oliver (previous captain) andseason.” Phill Jones, go away every June/July to my brother in law’s game farm to hunt. Mainly dears, like Springbok, Kudu’s etc. We played together for a long time and really enjoy our yearly trips to the Bushveld in South Africa! Although I stopped playing a few years ago my sons are now all involved and enjoying their rugby. Janni, Michael, Christie and Colm play from the 12 years old age group down to the five year olds and when my nephew, Daniel Reties came over from South Africa three years ago I played my last game with him for Pwllhel - Daniel scored two tries and I one. Pwllheli is a lovely club and I wish everyone associated with them the best of success for the future.”Ian Roberts is a club sponsor with The Gwesty Ty Newydd Hotel and he recently told RugbyClub Magazine“I played some rugby in Scotland but when I returned home the club having such a wonderful season especially with such aI never really continued it on. Vaughan Jones, who is sadly young squad and what the boys lack in experience they certainlydeceased now was also a great supporter of the club, in fact make up for in enthusiasm and fitness. Good luck to everyonehe was heavily involved in the development of junior rugby at at Pwllheli for the rest of the year.”Pwllheli with his family having strong links too. It’s great to see www.rugbyclub.biz | 139

FYLDEFYLDEFylde Rugby Club was first me, having been the founder for local secondary schools chairman of the mini/junior who traditionally didn’t playestablished in 1919 having taken section and I’m currently rugby. coaching in my 39th season.the decision to form a rugby club I have several close friends We’ve developed many in Preston GH and Fleetwoodrather than a soccer one. The players who have obtained and we recently played a representative honours both friendly against Fleetwoodteam is based in Lancashire and at County and International at U21 level to try to bring ex- level in the past; not least Bill colts back into the game. Wethey currently compete in the SSE Beaumont. Several juniors also have a ladies team but played County & North last it can be difficult to attractNational League 1. season and 2 are playing in players and fixtures that are the combined counties side in local.”They play their home Johnson has shown good the next few weeks.” games at the Wood- form with the boot and is the FACILITIES lands Memorial team’s leading points scorer INTEGRATION “Our facilities receive excel-Ground on Blackpool Road. with 123 in total so far this “The Chairman of rugby, an lent comments from both season. ex-chairman of the mini/ players and visiting officials. The team have produced junior section is responsible There are however a numbersome solid form so far this Rugby Club Magazine was for rugby at all levels. He has of things we would like to doseason and they currently keen to find out more about a rugby committee who meet but which we are not able tosit in a mid-table position, the club and it was with this on at least a monthly basis afford e.g. a boundary fencehaving won nine of their first in mind that we spoke to with all levels of the club hav- to the rear of the ground.”18 matches. The team will be Club President Bob Barclay ing representation.”hoping that they are able to who told us about a number COMMERCIALuse this as a platform to push of different areas of the team COMMUNITY “The Club have 2 staff mem-on further in the second half and their set up. “We have a community bers and 1 volunteer budgetof the season. programme with 2 players holder tasked with maxim- YOUTH designated to take rugby into ising our revenue stream Oliver Brennand has been “Youth rugby is very impor- local schools and to organise via social/business events,in fine form on the wing and tant to the club and it is of an annual rugby competition sponsorship etc. For the Openleads the clubs scoring charts particular importance for Golf the police used Fylde aswith 10 tries. Fly half Chris their operational base.” Hopes/Ambitions “We hope to finish in the top half if not the top 3 of National 1. We also wish to see our 2nd team do well and our others senior sides to continue to support and enjoy the game. In particular we want to see the Colts continue to grow in strength and our players at all levels gain representa- tional honours at county and international level. We want to be able to continue to com- pete at National level, and do so by bringing our ‘’home grown players’’ through into the 1st XV.”140| ISSUE 32



FYLDE Rugby Club Magazine recently spoke to Christine Thorpe, the Managing Director of club sponsor Digital Telecom Airtime Limited, who told us about their positive association with Fylde. “We’ve been associated with the club for roughly 5 years now. I attend a breakfast meeting which takes place every Wednesday at the club. We initially took a table of ten and invited local clients for an afternoon of corporate entertainment. We feel like we are contributing to the local community by supporting the club. As a telecoms company that does not cold call it is an excellent way of saving businesses that are associated with the club money and donating back to Fylde. It is a win win situation for the businesses that take up on the offer as it also helps them enhance their reputation in relation to their corporate and social responsibilities. We hope that the money donated back to the club will eventually pay the salaries of the Fylde Community Project team.”142| ISSUE 32