27/02 Team to face Cornish Pirates
February 27, 2009
NEWBURY v CORNISH PIRATES
SAT 28TH FEBRUARY
KICK OFF 1500
+
1. ROB GREEN
2. JOE CLARK
3. TOM FIDLER
4. IEN ASCROFT-LEIGH
5. BRAD MOCKFORD
6. JACK BENTALL
7. SEAN FOX
8. JAMES PHILLIPS
9. WAYLON GASSON
10. GARETH GRIFFITHS
11. MARTIN NUTT
12. MATT HUMPHRIES
13. NICK SCOTT
14. RHYS CRANE
15. CHARLIE PERRY
16. HARRY PENDLETON
17. PAUL FINCKEN
18. ROSS NOONAN
19. MARK LEE
20. TOM KESSELL
21. CHRIS RIDGERS
22. BEN STEVENSON
26/02 NRFC U17’s v Aldershot & Fleet
February 26, 2009
Newbury U17s vs. Aldershot & Fleet U17’s (22/2/2009)
Newbury’s development squad hosted a return visit by Aldershot and Fleet on Sunday, and handed out to them a comprehensive lesson in “the great game”.
It took 6 minutes for the first score to come, a quickly taken penalty by Scot Wilson setting up Matt Maher to drive through and score. Rhys Jenkins converted (7-0). On 16 minutes a drive by Tom Martin came to nothing, but Will Murray picked up the recycled ball and demonstrated a great body angle to drive through 6 or 7 players to score. This time the conversion eluded Jenkins, 12-0.
On 25 minutes a very loose passage of play saw the ball recycled several times. Darren Smith and Matt Maher showed great digital dexterity to cling on to the ball and Rhys Jenkins took the final pass to score. Jenkins converted his own try off the post for 19-0.
For the second half, Newbury brought on the “heavy mob” in the front row of Guttridge, Haynes and Sanders. These three now drove all the scrums back at will. Straight from the kick-off the forwards made good ground and fed the backs, but Maher was just unable to secure the touchdown. Two minutes later Dom Tarquini took the ball off the back of a scrum to score. A couple of minutes later Toby Thorne, Jenkins and Maher all showed great hands to release Pete Burns to score in the corner (converted 31-0).
Aldershot and Fleet to their credit refused to give up and might have scored on 11 minutes but for a huge tackle by Jamie Futcher. But on 18 minutes normal service was resumed as Pete Burns sprinted from a long way out to score his second (36-0). Four minutes later, Jenkins showing some of his old magic sliced through the midfield to within 5 meters of the line. Wilson and then Tarquini made the support, and Tarquini scored for 43-0 (converted).
On 25 minutes Guttridge made a fine run, and when he was stopped Sam Jones was on hand to finish the try. Jenkins converted off the post again for 50.
Finally at the death the ball was spun all the way along the line for Peter Burns to score his hat-trick try, and Jenkins converted for a storming 57-0 win.
Credit to the Aldershot & Fleet boys who never game up and by the end the spectators were all praying for them to get a consolation try. Credit also to all those playing out of position – Tom Clarke in the second row, Toby at fly-half, Matt Maher in the centers and of course full-back Dom Tarquini who was excellent at number 8.
Newbury:- Kennedy; Martin(Haynes); Moore(Sanders); Craigen; T.Clark; Murray; Tarquini; Jones(Guttridge); Wilson; Thorne; Burns; Jenkins; Maher; Smith; Futcher
26/02 U17’s Draw Redruth
February 26, 2009
Newbury RFC U17’s have been drawn against Redruth in the 1st round of the National U17’s cup, South West Division
The tie will be played on March 8th at a neutral venue, either Taunton or Yeovil to limit travel
25/02 Presidents Message v Cornish Pirates
February 25, 2009
A very warm welcome to Cornish Pirates on their return visit to Monks Lane for Newbury’s first home game in 2009. Let us hope for a bright, sunny and DRY spring day, in contrast to when Pirates last visited Newbury for what was our postponed pre-Christmas game. It was not festive weather on that day - it was just very wet! Many Pirates’ Supporters travelled to the game, and we welcome them back to Newbury today for what is an important game for both teams.
When we were due to play in December, the Autumn Internationals had just finished and now we are in the middle of the Six Nations, and a big game in Dublin follows our own match on Saturday. Back in December, Cornish Pirates were lying 7th which, as I said in the previous programme notes (now to be seen at the front of this programme!), was probably a disappointment. They had experienced some indifferent results and particularly, losing 28-32 at home to Rotherham Titans. On the credit side however, they had run both Exeter Chiefs and Leeds Carnegie very close indeed, especially Leeds Carnegie only losing 23-25. Away from home both Manchester and Otley, the teams still in the bottom two, managed to secure a losing bonus point and The Blues will be hoping to achieve better than that today. The week before Pirates were due to come to us in December, they had achieved a very good win at London Welsh but since then it has been a disappointing run of form and two weeks ago they were easily beaten by Nottingham in the EDF Energy Cup, which is why we are playing the rearranged fixture today when eight other teams compete in the Quarter Finals of the Cup competition. The tie between London Welsh and Moseley has a ring of a fixture of 30 years ago. Can Birmingham Solihull provide another great Cup “upset” and beat Leeds as they once did Wasps, and can Doncaster upset the very strong Exeter team? Mounts Bay have already “lost” at home in the Cup, and although they have home advantage again will surely find Nottingham too powerful.
The consequence of the Pirates’ Cup defeat and other poor results in the League have led to the Pirates sacking their Coach, which is becoming an annual occurrence. It is understood the Players have been told that their salaries will be cut, which to many of us in the circles of National League Rugby, is a very familiar story, yet the RFU still want to proceed with The Championship and make it a fully professional league… There must remain serious questions about the thinking behind this decision.
Despite the disappointing results, Cornish Pirates are now 6th in the League and Newbury remain 14th without a league victory since the 8th of November 2008. This year has, however, produced two disappointing away games, namely those at Esher and London Welsh, but two heartening performances (both drawn games) away to Plymouth and last week at Otley when Newbury really should have achieved their first away win of the season. I am sure that today’s game will be an entertaining encounter and although Newbury have not achieved a victory against Cornish Pirates, many of the games at Newbury have been very close.
The Match Sponsors are Highcross and other Sponsors include Cry, Comology, Quintons, Black Bear and TKP Surfacing. I would also like to thank all the Clubs’ Sponsors, especially Vodafone, and our shirt sponsors, Jokers’ Masquerade. I would also like to thank the designers and printers of our excellent Match Programme. Thanks also to the “Man of the Match” Sponsors, the Furze Bush Inn.
I would like to reiterate a very warm welcome to all the supporters from Cornish Pirates and also to the Match Officials forthe game, referee Michael Tutty and his assistants Richard Parker-Sedgemore and Lloyd Jackson. I hope everybody enjoys the “Newbury experience”. The “aperitif” will be Minis and Junior fixtures against Bournemouth: the “main course” Newbury -v- Cornish Pirates and the “afters” Ireland -v- England. Sounds to me like a very good afternoon of Rugby Football Union!
Enjoy!
David Smith President
22/02 Newbury U12’s v Chipping Norton
February 24, 2009
Newbury U12 A’s v Chipping Norton
Score: 40 -0
Scorers: Josh Lawrence, Theo Brophy Clews, Louis Lyne (2), James O’Connor (2), Zach Stancombe (2)
Newbury immediately were on the offensive but lost the ball on the line. The clearance kick fell into the arms of Josh Lawrence who skated down the left wing to score Newbury’s first try. The second try fell to Louis Lyne, who enjoying his new found freedom at centre jinked his way over the line. The third was again inspired by Josh Lawrence who got close to the line before popping it up to James O’Connor. The next score again went to Louis Lyne which brought half time with Newbury four scores to the good.
The second half started as the first ended with Newbury pressing for more. Tries were scored by Zach Stancombe and James O’Connor who finished off periods of concerted pressure. Not to be outdone, Theo Brophy Clews, got his hands on a ball as it bobbled free close to the Chipping Norton line and fell over the line to score. The match finished with Zach Stancombe scoring his second and Newbury’s eighth try following yet another break from Josh Lawrence.
A cracking all round performance from Newbury with a final score of 40-0.
Newbury U12 B’s v Chipping Norton
Score: 10 - 10
Scorers: George Bicknell, Ciaren Ffrench
Chipping Norton kicked off and 5 minutes of sustained pressure saw them maul the ball over the line for their first try. After the restart, promising play by Newbury got the ball well into Chipping half but we were let down by poor passing. Despite good rucking play by Newbury, the 10 minute mark came with another Chipping try. Newbury were not downhearted and excellent running and passing play saw George Bicknell get a try back. Just before half time some excellent passing saw a Chipping winger fast approaching our line but he was excellently tackled out of play by Alex Gallo.
The second half started with rather poor discipline that led to Newbury giving away the restart kick. At the 5 minute mark a scrum was followed by a excellent running and passing by Will Rupp and George Bicknell. Newbury had their heads up now and a second try from Ciaren Ffrench came quickly and saw us level the score sheet. The teams were clearly well matched and in the dying moments Newbury almost got a winning try but were defeated at the line.
22/02 Winchester U13’s 5 Newbury U13 B’s 12
February 22, 2009
The U13 B’s
played well as a team throughout the match which they deservedly won. The Pack led by some positive attacks by Aaron Castle were able to secure ball for the backs to run with. Both Newbury tries either side of the interval were real team efforts with the wingers, Brandon Gilmour and Billy Clark running in tries after
the ball was moved from a ruck along the line to out flank the Winchester defence. Tom Nichols converted one try with a difficult kick. Winchester came back with a consolation try towards the end of the match, and showed a good deal of spirit, but Newbury defence held firm to gain the win.
18/02 U17’s Dev v Saracens U17’s Dev
February 18, 2009
Newbury U17’s vs. Saracens U17’s (15/2/2009) (Development)
Newbury Under 17s took a step into the unknown on Sunday with the long trek to Saracens in North London, a club they had never played before. Looking around the clubhouse before the match we were amused to see, amongst all the famous names in the team photos, a certain “Ben Sturnham”.
As it was half term, most of the Newbury backs seemed to have gone skiing. The forwards, presumably as they have less sense of balance, had all stayed at home. Consequently the squad showed 17 forwards and 6 backs. Ollie Spanswick and Josh Haynes played out of position and acquitted themselves well, the latter grabbing a try.
Saracens too had a mixed bag, and started by giving most of their ‘B’ squad players an outing. Inside two minutes, Newbury’s backs showed good hands, and Josh Love popped up in the line to release James Monger to run 40 metres and score. Guttridge assumed the kicking duties (successfully). 2 minutes later, Monger nearly got a second as Jamie McIntyre’s astute cross-field kick rolled agonizing away from him and into touch.
Next up was Tom Dyer with another good touchdown. Touch-judge Paul Dyer, when interviewed, professed himself to be “over the moon” and “pleased for the boy” on his first touchdown of the season (successfully converted).
Saracens nearly got one back with a good run and an astute kick by the number 13, but Newbury kept them at bay. On 15 minutes Michael Hobbs took the ball off the back of a scrum, popped it to Scott Wilson, and classy short passing to West, Hobbs again and West again to score, made the score 19-0 (unconverted).
On 23 minutes good hands again took the ball to the left wing Haynes, then Josh Love, popping up everywhere, was outside him to support. When the move was stopped, Matt Maher was first there to pick up and score. Straight from the restart McIntyre made a powerful run and Maher was in support to nearly grab a second try. Almost immediately though the ball was again swung wide, and this time Love appeared inside the winger, creating the overlap for Haynes to bag his try (29-0).
There were no further scores before half time. Saracens strengthened considerably at half time in both forwards and backs. Newbury changed 7 of their 8 forwards. This all produced a much closer contest, of which Saracens had slightly the better. It was, therefore, no surprise when Saracens scored on 12 and 19 minutes to bring the score back to 29-10. Newbury though also had their chances, and Josh Haynes came close to a second try. Rhys Jenkins, who has now made almost as many injury comebacks from injury as Johnny Wilkinson (and I feel desperately sorry for both of them), made a welcome return for 20 minutes, and Newbury fought hard in the last quarter to prevent further scores, and indeed were camped in the Saracens 22 for the last 5 minutes when the final whistle came.
Newbury: Guttridge(Kennedy), Love(Martin), Caunt(Sanders); Dyer, Sherratt(Craigen); West(T.Clark), Hobbs(Murray), Maher(Jones); Wilson, McIntyre; Monger(Jenkins), Lawrence, Spanswick, Haines; Tarquini
15/2 U15s concede league draw to Windsor
February 18, 2009
Newbury U15s concede disappointing League draw to Windsor
Newbury 17 - Windsor 17
Newbury U15s outplayed League rivals Windsor but conceded a disappointing draw to the visitors in the final minutes. This was always expected to be a close contest but, with the performances on the day, Newbury felt they had thrown it away and Windsor went home relieved.
Newbury started strongly, with the forwards controlling the ball well in the loose and retaining possession effectively. This took them to Windsor’s 22 and forced a penalty in front of the posts. Unfortunately, the decision to run the ball in the forwards instead of to kick for 3 easy points in the first two minutes, proved crucial at the close. Newbury scored first on 10 minutes after moving the ball well in the backs just inside the 22. As the ball went down the line Jonny Courtney broke through to the line but, when held just short, gave a final offload to Alex Cima who touched down in the corner on the right. Windsor responded, taking advantage of Newbury’s less intense focus and repeated poor tackling around the fringes, and levelled the score half way through the first half. Newbury upped their play again and had several further opportunities from counter attacks before the second try, a creditable forwards’ effort. Following a few phases of pick and drive featuring Ean Kershaw, Tom Soanes and Tom Simm, captain Jonno Stancombe barged forward to touch down on the line. Newbury were 10-5 up at half time.
Windsor came back determinedly after the break, kicking with the wind for territory and keeping Newbury on the back foot. Their pressure in Newbury’s 22, quick ball from a ruck and quick hands by the Windsor backs sealed them a well worked and deserved try. 10-10 and tense.
Newbury rallied and played all the rugby from then on but struggled to finish. One flowing backs move to the left should have ended with points but the final pass unfortunately went to Alex Huntsman’s feet. Then, 5 minutes from time, Newbury pulled off an excellent counter attack. After a long Windsor clearance kick, Jak Rossiter ran it back from deep inside his half for about 25 metres through a tangle of players, as the backs regrouped. His spin pass bounced in line and was scooped up by Peter Allan who passed to Jonny Courtney 35 metres out. Jonny Courtney outflanked the drifting defence before stepping inside the full back, touching down by the posts and converting for 17-10. Four minutes to go and confident of the win, Newbury gathered the restart and moved up field, with the forwards offloading at close quarters. But one of these was a bit wayward, seeming to hang in the air for seconds, and it gifted an alert Windsor vulture easy pickings, a try under the posts and an un-missable conversion for 17-17 inside the last 2 minutes. An all out blitz by Newbury for the remainder of the game could not get them in range for a chance to win. Final score 17-17.
Newbury Tries: Alex Cima, Jonno Stancombe, Jonny Courtney. Conversions: Jonny Courtney (1)
Newbury squad: G Williams, T Soanes, J Hitchens, J Newton, H Fisher, J Miles, B Hicks, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), C Mercer, J Leadley, P Allan, J Courtney, A Huntsman, A Cima, J Rossiter, J Hibberd, T Lauder, T Nield, R West, M Thompson.
17/02 Newbury U16’s Crown Slips at Windsor
February 17, 2009
Windsor U16s 33 - 22 Newbury U16s Stags
Newbury’s unbeaten league run of three and a half seasons came to an abrupt end yesterday at the hands of a well drilled and hungry Windsor side. The final score of 33 - 22 to the hosts was a huge disappointment to the Newbury faithful and all credit to Windsor as they attacked Newbury from the outset and came away as deserved winners. The pitch conditions were heavy underfoot and the hosts had been preparing for the game since 9am. This reflected in their lionhearted performance whereas Newbury arrived as always on thewire and never really managed to get their game together.
Windsor opened the game with some strong attacking rugby and after 7 minutes of pressure they opened up Newbury’s lacklustre defence to open the scoring in the corner to take the lead. Newbury normally are slow out of the blocks but this time the early try against them seemed to stun the visitors and from the kick off Newbury were again pinned back in defence. A series of penalties allowed Windsor to continue the pressure and ultimately extend their lead with a penalty goal after 9 minutes to take them in front by 8 points. This time Newbury attacked from the kick off and after some strongly contested rucks and mauls Newbury attacked with their backs allowing Jacob Coplestone to score in the corner. Newbury were back in the game but again managed to concede more penalties and allow Windsor to push them back. After 13 minutes Windsor gained another penalty and again increased their lead to 11 - 5.
Still nothing in it except Windsor were far more organised at the breakdown and were tackling like their lives depended on it. Newbury on the other hand continued to look lethargic and relied on individuals to perform rather than making the teamwork count. One of those individuals did step up and after 18 minutes and what was starting to look like a Newbury side we’d recognise, Ben Pritchard went in for a well worked try. 11 - 10 to the hosts and all to play for. Newbury at this point had the opportunity to pick themselves up and start to perform as they can, but again the inexplicable lack of tackling and poor decision making allowed Windsor to regain control and at 30 mins another kickable penalty gave Windsor a 14 - 10 lead.
With only 5 minutes to half time this score line would have suited Newbury to turn round only 4 points behind. However, the Windsor lads were growing in confidence, attacking Newbury at will, stretching Newbury across the field and getting to the breakdown with greater belief than the visitors. Windsor wanted to win more and with Newbury unable to gain any control Windsor ran in 2 more converted tries before the break to take their well deserved lead to 28 - 10 at half time. Both tries were avoidable and one of them again was simply down to non-existent tackling.
An 18 point deficit and now it was time for Newbury to come out and take charge of this game. Half time changes hopefully would shore up the Newbury defence, allow them to win more ball and show a bit more character. It looked promising and there were glimpses of a bit more commitment from the boys in blue. In the early exchanges Chris O’Halloran began to dominate and made some outstanding defensive tackles and then ran into open space to close the score down with a great try in the corner converted by Pritchard. 28 -17 and still time for Newbury to pick the game up and snatch it? Windsor were having none of it and the home team continued to play with passion and dominate possession with the exception of the line-out.
Newbury’s inability to counter and play with similar passion allowed Windsor to take the initiative. Countless penalties, wrong options and the lack of belief to trust each other and play as a unified team seemed to be Newbury’s undoing. With 10 minutes to go Windsor’s efforts were rewarded with their only try of the second half to take the score to 33 - 17. The final ten minutes seemed to galvanise Newbury but it was too little too late. There was still time for a fine solo try by O’Halloran to round off a good personal performance to bring the final score to 33 - 22 but Windsor were never going to let this one slip and they doggedly held on for a fine and well deserved victory.
Disappointment for Newbury an understatement - elation for Windsor and one hand on the Berkshire League Trophy which Newbury have dominated for the previous 3 seasons. They have been worthy Champions too but the true measure of Champions is the ability to come back from a defeat and show fighting spirit and maturity as an age group and rally for each other to run the opposition close for the title. It’s now Windsor’s title to lose and Newbury’s to chase. The test of being true Champions lies ahead, we hope they can prove as a group that they are those Champions.
By Caroline Coombs - February 17th 2009
11/02 Invite to tender for Food and Beverage
February 11, 2009
Newbury RFC Food and Beverage operation
1) Outline request for tender
Newbury Rugby Football Club Limited (NRFC) are seeking outline tender documents for proposals on running its food and beverage operation. The current arrangement ends 31st May 2009 and we are seeking to speak to all interested parties to establish an agreement for the next 3 years.
All outline tender documents will be considered and NRFC will invite shortlisted proposals into the 2nd phase of tendering. The Outline document should be no more than 2 pages of A4.
The club currently has an open mind on how best to operate in these areas and is therefore looking for suggestions that are forward thinking and innovative. The club is seeking to create a more mutli-sport and community operation at its facilities as well as continuing its business conferencing activities.
2) The requirements
NRFC are looking for proposals in the following 5 areas, interested parties can tender for any 5 or any combination of the 5.
- 1. The Bar operation
- 2. The conferencing operation to include the hire of the Wickens Suite, The Langdon Lounge, The Kickers Bar. Pease note that the flat and use of the flat is not part of this proposal and will revert back to NRFC.
- 3. The food operation
- 4. The gym
- 5. Cleaning
3) The time lime
3rd March 2009 - Outline Proposals to be in to NRFC
9th March 2009 - Meeting with NRFC to discuss proposals in more detail
30th March 2009 - Detailed proposals to be submitted
13th April 2009 - Contract awarded
1st June 2009 - Contract Starts
4) The requirements of NRFC
NRFC needs stability of income and service over the 3 year period. NRFC will look to see that this is provided for in the proposals. A proven track record is an advantage as is the ability to integrate and innovate with all parties both internally and externally.
Questions can be asked of Julian Lewis by email to professional@newburyrfc.co.uk or by phone on 07768488666
Outline proposals should be sent to:
Julian Lewis - Chairman of Professional Rugby, NRFC, Monks Lane, Newbury, RG14 7RW
or by email to professional@newburyrfc.co.uk