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WELLSWe also have links with schools such We want to achieve stability in SW1as Wells Blue, Wells Cathedral, King’s and who knows we may even win theBruton and Downside but geographically Somerset Senior Cup sometime soon – ifspeaking it is difficult for us.” it is still played!”Commercial Tel: 01749 675837 Mob: 07968 901202“We have an outstanding group of people www.mdiclaudioheating.co.ukwho are volunteers actively looking atraising sponsorship. Full Central Heating SystemsThis has generated literally tens ofthousands of pounds in the last 3 years Bathrooms • Boiler changesand continues to amaze me. Being • Underfloor heatingsuccessful on the field often leads tocrowds of around 3-400 turning up!” MA Diclaudio Plumbing & Heating is an established local plumbing and heating company with a large customer base in the Wells area as wellChallenges/Ambitions as Somerset and the South West. We specialise in domestic central heating installations, all natural“SW1 is a massive step up for us. We gas and LPG systems upgrade and repairs, boiler installation,acknowledge we will be playing against replacements and servicing, solar panelling, under floor heatingclubs who have Premiership Academy and much more.players dual registered, Overseas All our work is carried out by fully qualified engineers and no job is tooPlayers and Coaches and budgets far big or too small.greater than ours. www.rugbyclub.biz 101But we have pride in the club badgeand ethos and if we front up as we didin Western Counties against the likes ofHornets (Weston super Mare) we will givea number a fright.

ERITHERITHErith Rugby Club are a team that have a made a tremendous amount of progress recently,putting into place a terrific set-up off the field. Rugby Club Magazine caught up with theclub’s Chairman Eric Shuttleworth to find out more about the terrific work that they havebeen doing.Involvement bodies that you are prepared to back your club as a whole.”He started by telling us about his involvement with theclub, saying, “I’ve been Chairman at the club for just Progressunder 12 months. I felt that it just needed pushing in theright direction and we’ve had more ups than downs so “The last few months have been great. We’ve got a lotfar. of people within the club who have some great ideas because everyone’s pulled together and the funding isThe club needed to be run in a professional manner starting to come into the club.and I think that we’re getting there now which shouldhelp us to reach our full potential. That’s not just my doing, that’s thanks to everyone coming forwards with ideas and we’ve got a fantasticThe biggest challenge so far has been generating team behind the scenes now. Everybody’s come to thefunding to make the club a more viable proposition for fore and helped the club to move forwards.”people to use. The doors for funding are firmly shutuntil you demonstrate to the RFU and the governing102 ISSUE 46

Youth ERITH“I took the decision to fund a coach going into the club to enable us to rent out the facilities toschools out of my own pocket and through that open up an additional source of revenue. You’vethe RFU have backed us. got to speculate to accumulate.” AmbitionsWe put a coach into the local school in Novem- “Over the next 5 years I would like to see theber/December time ourselves and because junior section thriving. Hopefully the players willof that the RFU funded a day at the club for come through the ranks to represent the seniorpeople from the school to come along and see team to push the club forwards.what we do at the club and how we operate. Financially I want the club to be buoyant and notFor me that was the start of what’s happening have to worry about whether we can afford whatnow. We’ve earned funding from the RFU to go we want to be put in place.into 3 schools in our area and with that we’veseen an increase in the numbers in our juniors We’ve pushed the club forwards over the lastand minis. year and are looking good with sponsorship details in place for the new season.Bringing through young players is very impor-tant to us. In 5 years’ time hopefully this will be a thriving club which attracts players without having to goWe’ve only got one senior team in place but out and hunt for them.with the enthusiasm that everyone is showingwe’re starting to attract new players.” So long as everyone is enjoying their rugby we know we’ll be doing something right.”Facilities“We don’t stand still. I am happy with what wehave now but we want to improve when we can.There are plans to change the configuration ofProud sponsors of Erith RFC 15 Alderney Road, Slade Green, Erith DA8 2JH.EMERGENCY CALL OUT 24 HR RESPONSE 08000 234533 [email protected] www.ukdoubleglazingrepairs.co.uk www.rugbyclub.biz 103

WiveliscombeWiveliscombeWiveliscombe Rugby Club plays their home games on West Road in Somerset and theycurrently compete in the Somerset Premier League. They are led by Chairman PeterRawson who is supported by Secretary Arthur Moore and the club is looking to progressunder their guidance.It would be fair to say that they did not perhaps Although Wiveliscombe did not enjoy theenjoy the campaign that they would have liked season that they would have liked this timelast time around. around this should not take away from theTheir league form was disappointing and theyended up finishing twelfth in the table which would good work that they have been doing inhave been lower than they would have hoped. recent times, particularly in relation to theThe team will now be looking towards nextseason and will be keen to put in some better development of young players.performances.As long as they are able to retain their current One of the standout features of the Wiveliscombegroup of players and perhaps make one or two set-up is the superb youth section that they havequality additions they should have a good chance in place.of claiming a higher league finish. This part of the club looks to provide young 104 ISSUE 46 players with an opportunity to play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping them to reach their full potential. It is important for any club to be able to produce their own talent, particularly in the current financial climate and this is an area that they appear to have covered. With the first team not performing as hoped, bringing through some youngsters may prove to be the perfect way to reinvigorate the side. In order to help these players to make the sometimes difficult transition into senior level rugby they also have a reserve team running. This allows them to give young players experience of the adult game even if they are not yet considered ready for first team action which can be an important step in the development process.

WiveliscombeAnother benefit of having an extra side is that MOTit allows the first XV to benefit from far greater Repairsstrength in depth. Services ExhaustIf they are ever left short on numbers through Brakesinjury or suspension then they have the option Tyresof calling players up with a limited amount of Batteriesdisruption. Clutches Air ConditioningAlthough Wiveliscombe did not enjoy the season Diagnosticsthat they would have liked this time around this Proud Sponsors ofshould not take away from the good work that Wiveliscombe Rugby Clubthey have been doing in recent times, particularly for over 10 Years.in relation to the development of young players. Good luck for the new season!Hopefully they will be able to continue in the same Spypost Garage, Rockwell Green,manner for many years to come. Wellington TA21 9PY. 01823 664432 www.rugbyclub.biz 105

WansteadWansteadWanstead RFC is a great example of a club that plays a vital role in their local community.Their club’s Secretary Will Fisher took the time to tell us more about the good work thatthey have been doing.Involvement“I moved to the Wanstead area five years ago and justturned up to training not long after I moved in. Fromthat day forward I was made to feel incredibly welcome.We are very much “one club” from top to bottom, ministo the first team and the management.By that I mean there are no cliques within the club andno barriers to progression within the club.Since I joined I’ve played for all three senior sides(as well as a cameo for the vets!) and in that time I’vebeen 3rd team captain, fixtures secretary and now clubsecretary as I start my sixth year as a club member.My experience is proof of the club ethos.Atmosphere“It is really buzzing here. We’ve just had two verysuccessful tours, the seniors to Benidorm and thejuniors to the Isle of White.Our senior’s coach who will be starting his secondseason is putting together big plans for the future andeveryone is very excited to see what the future holds. Iwould say that team sprit has never been higher.” 106 ISSUE 46



Wanstead point for the local community. The club house is frequently used for weddings, funerals andYouth birthdays, making it a community resource.“Youth rugby is very important to us. We run We have a link with Saracens as well. Part ofteams at all age grades with active recruitment this link allowed us to have Allianz Park as ourfrom local schools. We have a lot of very home ground for one match this season, whichpromising young players who are starting to was a great day out for everyone! We hope tofeed through to the seniors. repeat this next season and get more teams involved.”Our third team is very much a developmentteam. This season we won our merit table Challenges/Ambitionsplate match with 6 players aged 17 or 18, andI for one have really enjoyed playing alongside “Translating excellent team spirit, facilitiesan excellent crop of young players this year. and coaching into consistent squad selection and performances across the club is a bigI’m certain that they will all progress into the challenge at a fully amateur club like ours. Weseconds and the first team in due course – know we have the potential to succeed and thewe’ve another similarly talented group of lads key challenge is turning that into reality.coming through next season so I hope there isstill space for me in the team! Our first team is aiming for promotion to London NE 2. This season we beat the teamsI think key to success is bringing peer groups who finished top so we know we can do it if wethrough together, have them train with the improve our consistency. The new patterns ofseniors then come match day have them play play that the coach introduced last season arealongside their mates and some of the more giving the great attacking foundation.experienced guys they train with. It’s workedreally well for us this year.” We’ve put in two new floodlights with a view to having a fully floodlight exhibition pitch. I can’tCommunity wait to see our first evening fixture! On the juniors front, we’re targeting greater outreachWe are absolutely a community establishment. and exploring new ways to introduce kids toThe bulk of our members are from the local rugby. We’re planning to double our mini/midisarea and we’re always looking for new players numbers which is crucial to the developmentof any age or standard. of the juniors and of course the seniors in the long term.”With a thriving youth section fielding teams atall age groups, we provide an excellent focal108 ISSUE 46

IRVINE IRVINE www.rugbyclub.biz 109First established in 1962, George McDowall, theIrvine RFC is based at Clubs Honorary Presidentthe Irvine Community said, “I would like to takeSports Club on Marress this opportunity to thankRoad in Ayrshire and the clubs supporters andthey currently compete sponsors for their on-go-in the RBS West League ing support as well as allDivision 1. the players for their workThey are led by President and effort on the pitchGary Auld who is and all the achievementssupported by Secretary for the season.Derek Murdoch and I would also like to saythe club is looking to thank you to all the com-progress under their mittee members for theirguidance. dedication to the club and to the support from ourThey put together a steady business as a proud sup-campaign last time around, porter.”finishing with a record ofhaving won 7, drawn 1 and to go on and play for thelost 10 of their 18 matches. club at senior level.This saw them finish in amid-table position with 33 In order to help theirpoints on the board. juniors to make the sometimes difficultThis should provide them transition into the adultwith a solid platform to build game Irvine has a 2ndupon as they look ahead team running as well.to the 2014-15 season. So This allows them tolong as they are able to give players experienceretain their current group of of senior level rugbyplayers and perhaps make even if they are not yetone or two quality additions considered ready for firstthey should be in with a team action.good chance of claiming ahigher league finish next Another benefit of havingtime around. more than one side is that it allows the first XVOne of the stand-out to benefit from far greaterfeatures of the Irvine set-up strength in depth. If theyis the superb youth section are ever left short onthat they have in place. numbers through injury orThis part of the club looks work commitments theyto provide young players have the option of callingfrom the local area with an players up with a limitedopportunity to play the game amount of disruption.in a safe and enjoyableenvironment. There is much to admire about the Irvine set upIt is important for any team and their hard workto be able to produce their behind the scenesown talent if they are to should help them to bebe successful, particularly successful on the field inin the current financial the coming years. Eitherclimate. Coaching staff way everyone at Irvineoverseeing their youngsters is sure to continue toare confident that a number enjoy taking part in theof them have the potential game and Rugby Club Magazine would like to wish them the best of luck.

Streatham- CroydonStreatham-CroydonStreatham-Croydon RFC are a club It doesn’t change overnight, it takes timewith some exciting plans for the future and patience. And so we have to create theand have recently announced a new bedrock and foundations that will bring thiscoaching structure for next season club and its community together.”that they hope will continue the recentdevelopment of the club and power them Involvementtoward promotion. “I’ve been involved since the mid 1980’sThey are a level 11 club in Surrey 3, and when I moved into the area. It was one offeel the wrong type of ambition will not do my local clubs and they didn’t insist that Ithem any good. Club representative Jeff had played for a school to be able to joinGreenleaf took the time to tell us more, them unlike other local clubs at the time. Isaying, “If we are truly to live and breathe am involved in developing the communityour future self as a really developed and links and increasing the usage of ourengaged community club, then we need to Ground and facilities.start to create the environment we want in 5years’ time now. We are a few hundred yards away from where the Croydon riots took place and it is one of the very few green areas locally. WePROUD QualitySolicitors Copley Clark with What you can expect offices in Sutton and Banstead, provideTO SUPPORT a wide range of legal services including: Direct lawyer contact Same-day response Streatham- • Residential conveyancing No hidden costs Croydon RFC. • Wills and probate Free First Advice • Family disputes Saturday openings • Personal injury claims • Disputes between individuals • Commercial property • Company matters • Employment issues • Resolution of business disputes QualitySolicitors Copley Clark offer a Free First Advice service to see if we are the right solicitor for you. You never know, it might just be possible to love your lawyer. QualitySolicitors Copley Clark Changing the way you see lawyers. Banstead office: Pathtrace House, 91-93 High Street, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2NL 01737 362 131 Sutton office: 36 Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1BS 020 8643 7221 www.qualitysolicitors.com/copleyclark Copley Clark LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, no. 558559.110 ISSUE 46

Streatham- Croydonare lucky enough to own the land and community links were fully recognisedthus are able to maximise community by several organisations that haveuse as well as playing rugby.” funded the redevelopment of our changing rooms to the tune of £360k.”Atmosphere Challenges/Ambitions “The financial problems of running a“The mood at the club is positive and rugby club will always be around butdespite a poor season on the pitch we the biggest issue is stopping the dropare consistently putting out 3 senior off in people playing rugby regularlysides and both the ladies section and throughout the season. Over the comingMini/juniors are seeing growth. We years we want to have 4 regular men’shave a great coaching team in place senior sides every week, a regularfor next season so the only way is up.” ladies team and girls and boys rugby throughout the age groups.”Community www.rugbyclub.biz 111“We are absolutely a communityclub and we work with a numberof groups in the area includingThe sport for Social ChangeNetwork http://sscnlondon.org.ukand community Action zone http://communityactionzone.org, both ofwhich we are partners with that haveintroduced us to several groups suchas the Zesh Rehman Foundationhttp://www.zeshrehmanfoundation.org and the London WarriorsAmerican Football team http://www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk whoregularly work use the ground.We also work closely with CroydonVolunteer Action http://www.cvalive.org.uk and The British Asian RugbyAssociation http://www.bararugby.com/default.asp.”We are also employing communitycoaches who will be deliveringrugby programmes in schools fromSeptember and are focusing ongirl’s programmes in particular. Our

HARTLEPOOLHARTLEPOOLFirst established in 1893, Hartlepool RFC is based at Mayfield Park in Durham and theirfirst team currently competes in the Durham and Northumberland Division 2. They are ledby President John Bradley who is supported by Treasurer Keith Dobson and the club islooking to progress under their guidance.It would be fair to say Established in 2010, Hartlepool Training & Employment are a prominent,that they did not perhaps fast-growing Training & Recruitment provider with multiple offces throughoutenjoy the season they the North East.would have wished for We provide training and staffng solutions to both small business andlast time around as they multinational companies throughout the UK, covering all sectors fromfinished with a record of Engineering & Construction through to Sales and Business.having won 8 and lost 16 We have a passion for people and creating winning partnerships with our clientsof their 24 matches. This in order to create excellent working relationships. The team come from varioussaw them finish near the industry and sales backgrounds and each have their own area of expertise andbottom of the table with 35 knowledge that we apply to all aspects of our business.points on the board. It is important for any adult game even if they Although HartlepoolWith the season now over team to be able to are not yet considered has just endured aHartlepool will be keen to produce their own ready for first team disappointing seasonhave a good off season talent if they are to be action. this should not takein order to put them in a successful and this is an away from the goodposition to improve next area that they appear Another benefit of work that has beentime around. As long as to have covered. It will having more than one getting done at thethey are able to retain their certainly be exciting to side is that it allows the club. Hopefully theycurrent group of players see how their youngsters first XV to benefit from will be able to continueand perhaps make one or are able to develop in far greater strength in to play an importanttwo quality additions they’ll the coming years. depth. If they are ever role in their localhave a good chance of left short on numbers community for manyclaiming a higher league In order to help their through injury or work years to come.finish. juniors successfully commitments they make the transition have the option ofHartlepool is not a club into senior level rugby calling players up withthat focuses solely upon Hartlepool also has a a limited amount ofsenior rugby however 2nd XV running. This disruption.and this is reflected by allows them to givethe fact that they have a players experience of thenumber of youth teams inplace. These teams lookto provide young playersfrom the local area withan opportunity to playthe game in a safe andenjoyable environment.112 ISSUE 46