31/5: NRFC Junior Presentations 2008-09
May 31, 2009
Newbury RFC Juniors held their end of season Presentation Dinner on Friday 8th May hosted by Club Chairman Bill Brogden. Each age group from Under 13 - Under 16 were represented by both players and parents and the Wickens Suite was filled to capacity. The award winners were as follows:
Under 13 Winners
- Coaches Player: Ross MacIntyre
- Players Player: Freddie Fane
- Most Improved Player: Matt Nicholls
- Clubman: Eion MacFarlane
Under 14 Winners
- Coaches Player: Cameron Leatham
- Players Player: Sam Jones
- Most Improved Player: RossThompson
- Clubman: Mikey Ansell
Under 15 Winners
- Coaches Player: Tom Soanes
- Players Player: Hugh Towey
- Most Improved Player: Henry Milsom
- Clubman: Simon Harris
Under 16 Winners
- Coaches Player: Kieron Jordan
- Players Player: Harry Bate
- Most Improved Player: Harry Smith
- Clubman: Henry Theobald
In addition the U16s were presented with the Berkshire League Trophy by Berks RFU Chairman Steve Cullen for winning the Berkshire League for the fourth consecutive year.
The club also awarded an unprecedented 7 Nicholson Trophies to the following U16 players who have been with NRFC since U7s. Recipients were:
- Jack Moates
- Henry Theobald
- Will Dace
- Nick Williams
- David Duncan
- Jack Birtwistle
- Stephen Doyle
Other awards on the night were:
Junior Rugby Coach of the Year: Dave Smith (Under 16’s)
The coveted NRFC club wide Clubperson of the Year award was re-presented to Ruth Winter for her 10 years of work in Junior Rugby at Newbury.
RFU Value Volunteer Certificates awarded to a number of Coaches and Helpers for their work in the Junior Section over many years : The winners and their achievement are detailed below:
Value Volunteer Certificates
- Dave Pincott - ‘The Judge’ Works tirelessly in Amateur Rugby…running the B’s in Newbury Senior Club, and for his work with the Under 16’s. Dave will be leaving Newbury at the end of the season for pastures new. So a big thank you from NRFC for his service to the club and we wish him every success at Henley as long as its not against Newbury.
- Vince Newton - Vince is currently the Under 15 Manager and works long hours organising and supporting his age group and the club. There is a rumour that Vince may retire this season but we would like him to reconsider because his input in Junior Rugby will be sorely missed
- Nev Apperley- Nev is one of the few non - parent coaches in an age group and he works tirelessly with the Under 15’s and spends a huge amount of time helping Vince and the guys develop a strong Under 15’s. We are grateful for the effort he puts in and thank him.
- Mike Maher and Mannie Ramos - These guys have been with the current Under 13’s since they were minis, working tirelessly to develop the age group for Junior rugby going forward. They have been instrumental in looking at innovation in their group and have made the bold decision of asking a non parent Head Coach to step up to the age group as they feel this is in the best interest of the boys and club going forward. They will still be actively involved but deserve credit for the work they have done to date and for opening the age group to an independent as a lead coach.
- Audrey Kelly - Audrey ‘retired’ from the Under 13’s as Manager at Christmas 2008 but until then she had managed the group even when her son no longer played in the Under 13’s Age group. Thank you Audrey from all those you looked after even those of us on the Junior Committee when we lost our focus
- John Dixon, John Duncan and Colin Theobald - 3 coaches who have worked tirelessly for many years and this year bow out from the under 16’s. These guys have spent too many hours to mention on the training pitch travelling and organising players, and parents! But have contributed massively to the overall success of the age group and this should be recognised. Additionally we would note that Steve Paice has also been part of this success and received his Value award last season and we again thank him in despatches for his outstanding effort.
- Clare Allman - Clare has Managed the Under 14’s without any complaint but her main effort has been in the excellent way she has assisted Ally Pankhurst in the organisation of the festival and driven chasing sponsorship money .No mean feat in the current economic crisis
- Lynn Moates - Lynn has worked with the current Under 16’s with his prettier half Ruth Winter for many years and does a huge amount in the background assisting with match reports, festival and general organisation. If anything he was up to 2 seasons ago the balance across the squads in terms of how they operated. His input has been huge, valuable and well respected and we are very grateful.
A great evening with fantastic support from both players and parents showing the depth and strength of Junior Rugby at Monks Lane. We look forward to a successful 2009 - 2010 season and wish everyone a happy and restful Summer and we look forward to seeing you all back at Monks Lane in September.
29/05 Club seeks a Finance Director
May 29, 2009
The club is looking to appoint a Finance Director.
The role will be to provide financial and business planning for the club and to ensure that the club remains on track within its financial plans.
Day to day finance actives will be carried out by the club’s finance team which is already in place.
The role will be honorary (unpaid). It is possible but not necessary that the same person will be appointed as the clubs Treasurer.
If you are interested and wish to find out more about the role then please contact the club Chairman Bill Brogden by email on chair@newburyrfc.co.uk
28/05 Charlie Perry signs for the Blues
May 28, 2009
Newbury Blues are delighted to announce that Charlie Perry has signed for The Blues for next season.
Charlie originaly came to the club from Bath and is a welcome addition to next years squad.
22/05 Mitch Burton signs for the Blues
May 22, 2009
We have today secured the signature of Mitch Burton on a two year deal to play for Newbury Blues. Mitch is a very talented Fly Half who can also play Inside Centre and Full back if required.
Mitch played two seasons with London Welsh in National Division One before moving to Jersey last year .
Mitch is a top class goal kicker and will bring experience to the back line.
More on Mitch to follow….
22/05 Four “Blues” favorites sign for next year!
May 22, 2009
We are delighted to announce that Ien Ascroft-Leigh, Rob Green, Scott Whitcombe and Sean Fox have signed to spearhead the forward battle for next year.
All 4 players played a major part in the season 2008/2009 they have a high work rate and lots of experience to bring to the 2009/2010 promotion chase.
The club is in negotiation with a number of last years squad as well as looking to bring some excited new faces to the club, more to be announced in the comming weeks.
20/05 Chris Dunn and Dave Smith join the committee
May 20, 2009
Early in the year Rosie Golby stepped down from the management committee due to family commitments, however she has continued in the role whilst we found a replacement, often working a full 40 hour week on rugby matters.
The committee would like to thank Rosie for all of her effort over 9 years on committee with 8 as Hon Secretary. Rosie will continue in her role managing our community coaching program in schools and clubs in West Berkshire.
We are very please to announce that we have appointed Dave Smith and Chris Dunn to the Management Committee.
Dave Smith who has spent many years involved with Mini & Junior rugby most recently as Vice Chairman of Youth Rugby has been appointed Honorary Secretary and he will take a hand over from Rosie Golby over the next 5 weeks.
Chris Dunn takes on the role of Chairman of Commercial. Now is a very important time for commercial matters of the club with lots of work to do out of season. Chris has for some time been working with Spencer Wakeling on retaining and attracting new sponsors and commercial relationships for the club.
20/05 Pre-Season program for The Blues
May 20, 2009
All Fixtures at Monks Lane, Newbury
8th Aug Clifton Kick off 3pm
15th Aug Richmond Kick off 3:30pm
22nd Aug Heineken 10’s See Here for more details
22nd Aug Bristol Kick off 5:30pm after the Heineken 10’s
The Development Team will also be playing Richmond 2nd XV on the same day as the 1st Team. Also at home.
19/05 Q&A Food and drink at Newbury RFC
May 19, 2009
19 May 2009
Simon Liquorish, together with his business partner Steve Leadley, is taking over the contract for all the food and beverage operations at Newbury Rugby Club, including catering and functions. So what does he have in store for members and visitors?
What new ideas have you brought forward?
We aim to work very closely with the club - in true partnership, through profit sharing. It’s about teamwork and transparency: for me, the club is like a family, and hopefully we want to build on that. Already we plan to have a beer festival in summer. For our three upcoming open days, which will coincide with the Lions test matches, we’ll be putting on free catering, big screens and a kicking competition to raise money for charity.
How about your opening hours?
We will be opening the Langdon Lounge seven mornings and six evenings a week. If anything, we hope to extend the opening hours, rather than reduce them.
Both of your pubs serve beer from the West Berkshire Brewery. Will you make that available at the bar too?
Yes. We will definitely look to work closely with local suppliers, including the West Berkshire Brewery. We will be working with Nick Vine at Griffin’s Butchers, Geoff Fisher at Fisher of Newbury and John Rice at Harewood Eggs, all three former players with NRFC There will be special offers on food for members.
Does improving standards mean higher prices in the bar?
No, I don’t think it does. The club has negotiated to maintain the prices so that they reflect the average prices at 10 leading pubs in Newbury. In the past a lot of the banqueting, hospitality and members’ buffets have been outsourced; now we want to cook everything in-house instead, and provide the members with restaurant-quality food.
Does improving standards mean that we can offer our young athletes healthier alternatives to ‘pie and chips’? What about organic meat?
There will be healthier alternatives for our young athletes, but to keep prices realistic we won’t be offering organic meat. We will, however, be using fresh produce. And it will be cooked to order.
Will it be possible to get a decent Sunday lunch at the club?
Yes. As soon as the summer is over, we will be launching Sunday lunch for members.
Do you have any plans to refurbish the bar?
Yes. We will be investing in the bar areas, but also in the kitchen and reception areas. And, subject to discussion with the club, we are looking to get new audiovisual equipment.
For further information please contact:
Robert Hayward
Resonates SLM Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 898 698
rugby@resonates.com
www.resonates.com
19/05 Food and beverage soon to be in new hands
May 19, 2009
Newbury Rugby FC appoints new food and drink firm
Newbury, UK, 19 May 2009 – Newbury Rugby FC announces that it is awarding SJL Partnership the contract for all the food and beverage operations at Monks Lane. From 1 June the local company will take over from longstanding contract holder Blues Leisure Solutions.
SJL now plans to work with the club to build the quality and reputation of its hospitality offering, making it a premier venue in the South for parties, conferences and other events. Its owners plan to use produce from local suppliers, refurbish and extend the opening hours of their bars, and host a number of events, including a summer beer festival and open days coinciding with British Lions test matches this summer.
Simon Liquorish, one of the owners of SJL, commented, “We aim to work very closely with the club – in true partnership, through profit sharing. It’s about teamwork and transparency: for me, the club is like a family, and hopefully we want to build on that.”
“We feel that SJL can take us forward another stage,” said Julian Lewis, chairman of professional rugby, Newbury Rugby FC. “We are very excited about their new ideas, which will see value for our members at the same time as improving standards throughout the facility.”
He added, “I would like to thank Blues Leisure Solutions for its stewardship over the last eight years: the bar they took over was disorganised and inefficient, and they turned it into a profit-making business.”
The club will participate in the profit of the operation starting at 33% rising to 50% once a suitable turnover is reached. SJL, which will rent the facility from the club, has guaranteed that this profit share will be at least £30,000 each year.
Ends
11/05 England 7’s Coach Ben Ryan on the U19 7’s
May 11, 2009
NATIONAL ACADEMY SEVENS HAILED AS A GREAT SUCCESS
May 11 2009
ENGLAND Sevens coach Ben Ryan believes the National Academy Sevens has a huge future after witnessing some of the best emerging talent in the UK go through their paces last Saturday.
Sixteen teams of Under-19 players impressed a good crowd at Newbury RFC which resulted in Leciester Tigers beating Saracens in the Futures Cup final by 50-12.
Manu Tuilagi, brother of Tigers’ big Samoan wing Alesana, proved he is another of the powerhouse family ready to make his mark with three tries in the final to cap a Man of the Touranment performance.
The tournament received backing from sponsors FloGas, Low Cost Vans, Imperial Commercials, RugbyTech and IBS Office Solutions while the organisers were also grateful for the help from the charity CRY - Cardiac Risk for the Young - through patron Simon Halliday.
Host club Newbury deservedly came away with a trophy after beating London Wasps in one of the best games of the pool stages. They added a second Premiership scalp when they beat newly-promoted Leeds Carnegie by 22-17 to take the Plate.
Bedford beat one of the two Welsh regions in the tournament, Newport Gwent Dragons, to lift the Shield via a rousing five converted try victory and a 35-14 score.
And county side Kent won the Bowl final as they beat a composite BaaBaas team, coached by former Newcastle Falcons and current England Under-18 boss John Fletcher, by 26-12.
Ryan, accompanied by his England Sevens assistant Russell Earnshaw, praised tournament organiser Jason Forster, the director of rugby at Henley RFC, and his team for putting together a sevens tournament which, he believes, could lead to much greater things in years to come.
He said: “I think it is brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and seeing the quality of players on show. It is a fantastic devleopment tool to see players express their skills and keep putting more effort in game after game.
“From my point of view, at elite level, we can see the future and track these players with their clubs.
“I am England Sevens coach and I love this. Hopefully, we will see this as an international Home Nations Sevens in the future.
“This could have kick-started a tournament like that and this could be a selection tool for other Sevens tournaments.
“We had a England international Sevens man playing for Saracens but the aim should be where we get to a point where the annual Rosslyn Park Sevens provides for schools and this is tournament provides for 19 and 20 year olds. All the coaches have given us great feedback.”
Premiership sides from Sale, Leicester, London Irish, London Wasps, Leeds Carnegie and Saracens took on Welsh regions Newport Gwent Dragons and the Ospreys plus National League One sides Exeter, London Welsh, Bristol and Bedford.
There were two county teams taking part in Berkshire and Kent, while host side Newbury gained enthusiastic support from the locals as did the BaaBaas seven.
Now word will spread to all corners of the country and beyond about the National Academy Sevens, believes Ryan, so that next year’s event will feature all Premiership teams, Welsh regions and others.
He added: “All the Premiership clubs will come next year while the Ospreys and Dragons will be telling the other Welsh regions, Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets.
“Something has started here and it fills an important gap in the age groups. Rugby is due to get Olympic status in October and this could be an Olympic sport for 2012.
“For the first time of trying, it is fantastic. There had to be 20 or 30 age group internationals there and we were looking at some very good talent.
“I can see this involving Scotland and Ireland too before we get France, Italy, Portugal and Spain on board. Who knows what will happen after that.
“I only got involved when the idea was already hatched and Fozzy (Forster) brought it up. He probably does not realise it but, as a Welshman, he is helping the English game!”
Fletcher endorse Ryan’s views saying: “It’s a fantastic event. It ticks so many boxes in terms of player identification and player ID.
“Jason Forster has been the driving force behind this. It was a terrific venue and I can see this just getting better and better. Players from all over the country came and this now will become an annual event.”