Thank you for all the donations.
December 21, 2009
The management committee would like to thank all those supporters who gave donations at the weekend. The club was in receipt of over £10,000 at the weekend and this has helped our current position.
We had donations from £5 to £500 and we thank you all equally. We also had money for debentures.
If any supporter wishes to help in any way with a donation or the offer of time and expertise then please contact any member of the management committee.
Your support on Saturday was much appreciated.
Photos from the Otley game
December 20, 2009
Photos from the Otley game by Richard Bennett:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bennettsocial/sets/72157622910557023/
2 Newbury U16’s through to the South West England squad
December 20, 2009
20/12 Cancelled - All Mini and Junior Fixtures and Training are Cancelled due to Frozen Pitches
December 20, 2009
Team to face Otley
December 18, 2009
NEWBURY v OTLEY
This game is still on.
1. TOM FIDLER
2. CRAIG McGRATH
3. CHRIS ROWLAND
4. STEVE PAPE
5. DAN HODGE
6. IEN ASCROFT-LEIGH
7. JACK BENTALL
8. JOSH OVENS
9. WAYLON GASSON
10. MITCH BURTON
11. MARTIN FREEMAN
12. SAM KATZ
13. CHARLIE PERRY
14. CHRIS RIDGERS
15. MATT WILLIAMS
REPS:
16. RYAN PROSSER
17. BILLY MOSS
18. SCOTT WITCOMB
19. FINLAY COXON-SMITH
20. PAUL ROBERTS
Newbury Rugby FC announces 1st XV budget cuts
December 17, 2009
It is with great regret that we have begun discussions with our 1st XV squad with a view to making a reduction in our playing budget for the remainder of the season. While we have no plans to release players or coaches, we are asking all members of the 1st XV playing squad and support team to consider a reduction in their salaries.
We significantly reduced our playing budget before the start of this season to align it with our expectations for income and expenditure in the new National League Division One. Unfortunately, despite aiming to keep the budget viable for as long as possible, a lack of commercial income means that we now have to find further savings in 1st XV expenditure.
Our intent is to retain as many of the current squad as we can, and we have started discussions with them with this in mind. We understand that this situation is very difficult for all of our employees, but Newbury RFC management committee remains committed to providing for all levels of rugby in Newbury. It is still our vision to play 1st XV rugby at the highest level our resources allow, and to provide rugby for all from U7 to 1st XV.
Our rugby offering will also continue to include girls’, women’s’ and touch rugby. In the long term we are planning to improve our facility and provide a pathway from U7 to 1st XV rugby through a cohesive player development program.
This short-term difficulty is very regrettable and we will be offering all the support we can to those directly affected. We call upon the understanding of all supporters of the club, and ask that they rally around the squad at this difficult time, especially most immediately at our home game against Otley at Monks Lane on Saturday.
Released on behalf of the NRFC Management CommitteeFor more information contact:
Julian Lewis - Director of professional rugby - 0776 848 8666
13/12 U16s Win Away at Havant
December 17, 2009
U16s Win Away at Havant
Havant 12 – Newbury 24
Although the game was very tight early on and both sides seemed evenly matched, Newbury emerged as comfortable winners four tries to two.
Havant showed strength in the set piece, at the breakdown and signs of danger from their backs were apparent from the start, especially in the centre. Havant also had the luxury of large squad numbers, allowing them to refresh throughout the game. Newbury on the other hand suffered several injuries in the backs, losing Alex Cima in the first 10 minutes and Jonny Courtney not long into the second half.
Havant scored first when poor Newbury defence at a breakdown inside their 22 allowed a Havant Centre an inside line and a score under the posts. A great example of what we have been training to avoid! But Newbury was winning its fair share of possession and territory and threatened to score on several occasions. The first try came about ten minutes before the break when Josh Winfield, tackled just short, used every inch of his long arms to stretch and place the ball onto the line.
After the interval, Havant’s midfield continued to be very quick up in defence (perhaps too quick on occasion) and managed to close down Newbury’s attack time after time. But constant strong back row support from Jonno Stancombe and Tom Simm helped Newbury secure ball and begin to work the phases. On one such occasion at second phase on Havant’s ten metre line, and in off his wing at inside centre, Jonny Courtney found a nice line on the inside and weaved through to score by the posts. But he was forced to hand over kicking duties due to a foot injury and then left game shortly after. Season newcomer Sam Gutteridge took over the kicking and slotted the conversion comfortably. Newbury’s third score came after a strong break to the right by Alex Huntsman and his well timed pass to Jack Hibberd. Hibberd ran 20 metres to the line, looked sure to score but was tackled inches short. Richard West, in close support, picked up and placed the ball over the line for the try, amid loud protest from Havant for a knock-on at the initial tackle. Havant replied with another well worked try, helped again by inattentive defence at the fringe of the breakdown, before Newbury closed the scoring with their fourth. A well weighted kick and chase by Sam Gutteridge bounced perfectly instead for Joe Leadley, who ran down the left wing to score in the corner.
Despite some lapses in defence, this was an encouraging team performance in several respects. The forwards showed increasing aggression in loose play and the phase play is improving. The new players are playing with increasing confidence and people are settling in well to new positions.
Tries: Josh Winfield, Jonny Courtney, Richard West, Joe Leadley. Conversions: Sam Gutteridge (2)
Squad: Tim Blake, Alex Cima, Jonny Courtney, Harry Fisher, Will Frome, Sam Gutteridge, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Alex Huntsman, Tom Lauder, Joe Leadley, Jake Newton, Tom Nield, George Read-Smith,Tom Simm, Tom Soanes, Jonathan Stancombe (capt), Richard West, Josh Winfield
Boxing Day Match - Newbury v Hungerford
December 17, 2009
Click on the poster to see it full size!
January home games: Cambridge and Esher
December 16, 2009
Saturday January 16th Newbury Blues vs Cambridge
Saturday January 30th Newbury Blues vs Esher
Just two of our home matches not to be missed. Tables are going fast so book your place now. Delicious lunch, great ales and a fine selection of wines plus balcony view of the game from just £10.50.
Call Susie on 01635-239669 or email susiepalmer@newburyrfc.co.uk
Family day - 1st XV v Blackheath - January 2nd 2010
December 16, 2009
Enjoy “Family Day” in the Wickens to watch the 1st XV v Blackheath
Indian Banquet…. £10.00 adults and £5.00 for 12 years and under
· Red Chilli Beef Curry
· Chicken Korma
· Sag Aloo
· Saffron Scented Rice
· Naan Breads & Poppadoms
· Onion & Coriander Salad
· Mango Chutney
· Cucumber Raita
Doors open 12.30pm, lunch at 1.15pm, kick off 3pm
Call Susie on 01635-239669 to book a seat….tables of 10 also available