09/04 Captain’s log

April 8, 2010

Here’s another installment of the Captain’s log. I hope to give you some insight into the weird and wonderful world of the Newbury Blues 1^st XV.

 

First, a massive thank you to all our friends, supporters, sponsors and family members who travel around the country supporting their lads…

 

We start with a fantastic win at home against Redruth. Now this really was a case of boys becoming men in the space of a long, hard season. Anyone who watched us play away down at “hellfire corner” would have recognized they bullied us and came away with a convincing win – not on our patch! We met fire with fire and took it straight to them especially up front, dominating not only scrum and lineout but the contact area as well.

 

Now with my fellow “spearmint panda” house mates MIA, it was a different, younger looking side that took the field at Monks Lane, which makes this an even more impressive home win and the future is definitely looking good for the Newbury Blues. Right from the start we looked to move the ball and play rugby, again sticking to the game plan, which we have found hard to do all season. Forward runners making in-roads off 10 and 12, and our slick backs hitting hard, fast and wide up the wings… most sides cannot live with that style of play. But not to be out done, the forwards showed off their superior forward dominance with two tries of their own coming from mauls and ‘pick and goes’.

 

To last Saturday and London Scottish away. HOW DID WE LOSE? The score definitely ended up flattering the home side and I think if you ask anyone who was there they would agree. The forwards once again (not that I am biased at all) dominated up front pushing the Scottish pack around and also made many solid breaks through the line. It’s the story of our season – we just don’t seem able to finish off moves with points. Sides like Scottish and Esher only seem to need a small number of opportunities and they take advantage of them.

 

Saturday will see us playing against Stourbridge in our penultimate home game of the season… expect fireworks – we fully intend to get a 5 point win to secure the future of the Blues in the national division 1.

 

Then to celebrate securing our league place we are inviting everyone to a FREE – yes FREE –60/70s fancy dress disco afterwards. The players and coaches are paying for this party to say thanks for all your support, time, money and effort over the season.

 

So thank you and C’mon you Blues!

 

Grathy

1^st XV Club Captain  

 

 

25/03 Weekend breaks in winter – rugby style!

March 24, 2010

Since my last programme piece we have had two games. Firstly a big, satisfactory home win (90-5) against a gutsy but out classed Manchester side. Secondly a very typically, hard fought contest away against Cinderford which saw us lose (29-13) and be reduced to 14 men when Chris Rowland saw red in the dying minutes of the first half.

 

I was going to try and inject some humour into my article this week, but Tom Fidler said that I had to make it inspiring. He looks forward to my (very occasional) team chats because it sends him out with real purpose and a spring in his step!

 

There is something to be admired at the way that the Manchester team have approached this season. They themselves must have realised very early on (and the rest of the league soon had an idea following their 148-0 loss to Esher on day one) what was in store for this season. Yet they have fielded a side every week, when many said that they would fold before Christmas. They play for the full 80 minutes and play for each other. Off the field the players and coaches seem to enjoy each other’s company and remain together at all stages. Building a team takes time. You cannot build a winning team until you have built a team – Manchester have a team and if they stay together they, eventually, will become a winning team. I would love to be there when they win (whenever it is!)

 

One of the nice things about playing rugby in a National League is that you get to visit many of the great beauty spots this country has to offer. The down side is we get to visit them “out of season”. So we get to go to Cornwall, Northumberland, The Yorkshire Dales and, two weeks ago, “The Forest!”

 

Whilst these locations are miles apart, their passion for rugby is fierce and their supporters are as “one eyed” as any, always wanting their team to win. Their styles are similar; very physical, although the way that they deliver that physicality may differ! One thing is for sure, any team visiting these places know that if they come away with a win it will have been a hard fought and well deserved. They are difficult to beat at home. The crowd is very vocal from the moment “their boys” come out to warm up until the final whistle. If they get on top they stay on top and the crowd help maintain that momentum. If they are defending the crowd become that 16^th man and make defending that bit easier.

 

On Saturday we welcome a Redruth side who are just above us in the league, having played one game more. When we visited the Duchy at the end of November they gave us a torrid time on a very wet Cornish afternoon. The home crowd filled the grandstand (not even the locals wanted to stand in the rain) and really got behind the home side and we were sent packing with our tails between our legs!

 

A great deal has happen, to both sides, since then. As a team we will be expecting another tough challenge but are resolved to put in a better performance than in November. Get behind the team and become our 16^th man!

 

On a different note we wish Chris Ridgers a speedy recovery from his latest set back. Chris broke a metacarpal (finger to you and me) against Cinderford. Good news is that it does not require an operation so we are hoping Chris will be back for our last few games.

 

Finally, the 1^st team are organising a 60/70’s theme disco which will take place following the home game against Stourbridge on Saturday 10^th April. Entry will be free. Look out for posters and announcements on the website. The players and coaches wish this to be an opportunity to thank the supporters and all those involved in the club from parents of minis and juniors, colts, ladies to amateurs. A club like ours cannot and will not survive without people putting in a great deal of time and effort. The 1^st team players DO appreciate this and feel that this is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate!

 

Andy Widdop

1^st XV Manager

25/03 Captain’s Log

March 24, 2010

Captain’s log star date 25 – 03 – 2010 …right Bill Shatner impression out of the way. Well to begin with I’d like to say a big hello and thank you to all our diehard fans who support us week in week out, in this instalment of my regular column I hope to give you a player’s view of current events and rugby in Newbury, both on and off the pitch.

Firstly to Manchester, then. Well, what a great bunch of guys with a true spirit of rugby. Each Saturday they take to the field hoping to secure their first win of the season and from experience I can tell you they keep fighting to the final whistle. From our point of view it was a great chance to play some open rugby with Mitch Burton leading from the front, the backs seeming to be able to score from almost anywhere with some great running lines and well-executed plays. The forwards, as always, were dominant in both scrum and lineout providing clean ball all afternoon. A few “bigger” boys even had a few trundles.

From the fast-flowing rugby against Manchester to the war of attrition against Cinderford in the Forest of Dean.  A battle from start to finish with casualties on both sides! From the start, Cinderford set their stall out early with hard rucking, solid tackling and the insertion of many fingers in many different orifices! We had a great opening 30 minutes, sticking to our game plan securing both territory and possession.

With Cinderford’s “off the ball activity” finally becoming too much for Chris “Alfred” Rowland, upon seeing his opposite number Andy Deacon’s finger lodged in my eye (I can only assume he left his wedding ring in there in a previous gouge!) Chris took it upon himself to have a quiet word with his oppo, resulting in six stitches for Deacon and a red card and a red face for Rowland’s act of heroism. Unfortunately that changed the game for us and things took a turn for the worst, although from this we can take heart from the performances of some of the squad’s younger contingent who definitely stood up to be counted.

Off the field, some of the other 1^st XV boys and I have enjoyed some excellent nights at the club. Recently, at the race night and St Patrick’s night, some of you may have noticed the two gorgeous ladies, horse, jockey and accompanying toffs! Both excellent evenings enjoyed by all (some more than others Mr Rowland.)

It was great to see so many people giving back to their club and thanks must go to the volunteers who organised these events, too numerous to mention all their names.  

So to Saturday’s opponents Redruth, a good, hard Cornish team with whom I’ve had some battles over the years enjoying some excellent hospitality in hell fire corner! It will be a hard game with a good battle between the forwards, judging by our last encounter.

Thank you for reading and have a great day. Mine’s a pint of good old boy if you see me!

Come on you Blues!

 Craig McGrath

 

See England u18s at Monks Lane

January 27, 2010

Sunday 21^st February….England U18’s v France U18’s KO 3pm

There’s plenty to entertain you starting with our Minis playing a triangular from 10am onwards and then the international kicking off at 3pm.  We’ll have Club Sausages and Burgers on the BBQ as well as our home cooked Pies, the gate is £8.00 so come and see the future of England rugby playing on your own home turf!

 

WICKENS LUNCHTIME SPECIAL

·        A PLATE OF LASAGNA, SALAD & CRUSTY BREAD FOR JUST £8.00

UNDER 12’S £5.00

Enjoy a delicious & hot home cooked lunch followed by the game and support your Club into the bargain.  Call Susie on 01635-239669 to book your seat.

 

Saturday 17^th April….England u19’s v France U19’s KO 3pm

More details in next month’s issue of In Touch

Get more from your club membership

January 27, 2010

 

·         FREE ROOM HIRE for private parties.  The club has great facilities, why not use them for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries or christenings.  We can provide the food, anything from BBQ’s and Hog Roasts to formal three and four course dinners, just give Susie a call on 01635-239669

·         DISCOUNTED RATES FOR CORPORATE EVENTS.  We want to be your first choice so we’re offering

-           20% off room hire when members book a room for their next meeting, seminar, team building day, AGM, training day, product launch…..All sizes of groups from 10 to 200, with or without catering.

-          Discounted Day Delegate Rate….normally £35.00 per head, now £30.00 to include:

Room hire

3 servings of tea & coffee with biscuits

Bacon rolls on arrival OR danish pastry mid-morning

2 course fork buffet lunch with cheese, biscuits and fruit

Orange juice and mineral water with lunch

All available equipment including overhead projector, screen, TV and video, flipchart, whiteboard and internet access

DO YOU EVER ORGANISE SOCIAL EVENTS FOR…..

·         Charities  -  auctions, balls, race nights etc

·         Fun Runs  -  we’ve plenty of outdoor space with outdoor catering our speciality!

·         Car Owners Clubs  -  monthly meetings or start and finish your rally or treasure hunt from our large car park

·         Old Boys or Girls Societies  -  reunions, dinners

·         Sports or Social Clubs  -  meetings, AGM’s, prize presentations, fund raisers

WE’D LIKE THE CHANCE TO ORGANISE YOUR EVENT…CALL SUSIE ON 01635-239669 FOR A QUOTE.

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting the next generation of Newbury Blues

November 10, 2009

The Next Generation of Newbury Blues need your help.

At Newbury Blues a ‘player pathway’ is being set-up to encourage and support young players as they progress from junior rugby through to becoming a senior player. The pathway is continually being refined but the general aim is to provide players with the rugby skills, knowledge and attitude to successfully navigate the route through to senior rugby and to enjoy long careers at the highest level they can.

A structure has been in place for 3 years that takes a player leaving the juniors at U16’s, through to the U17’s squad and on to the U19’s squad. The U17’s and U19’s train together on a Thursday night, with play league and cup matches on a Sunday. Beyond U19’s, a development squad has been set-up that includes players from other clubs in the area. The development squad train together, with the 1st Team Squad, during pre-season and play fixtures against club and representative teams at U23’s and U21 levels.

This is the first season of the development team and already they can boast victories against the Army U23, RAF U23 and Navy U23.

Players in the U17’s that develop well have an opportunity to play for the U19’s. U19’s can move up to the development squad, and players in the development squad then have an opportunity to push for the 1st XV squad. This season has proved a success in the number of current and former colts players who are involved in the development and 1st XV squad and are making an invaluable contribution to the Newbury Blues. As many as 14 of the current 1st team squad have been involved with the development squad this season; of those 6 have been involved with Newbury’s U19 and U17 teams.

The U17’s & U19’s have achieved success in the last 3 years winning the OBB league and winning the National Colts Plate Final at Franklin Gardens.

It may surprise you to discover that this group are one of the only teams at Newbury that do not receive any sponsorship help. We recognise how important this group is to the long term success of the club and are seeking sponsorship to support the players on the pathway to senior rugby. The sponsorship would go towards kit and equipment costs and if we can achieve the right level of sponsorship we would like to extend this to helping with specialist coaching and helping players cover some travel costs.

So if you are interested in helping the next generation of blues and would like to raise the profile of your company within the area and beyond please contact Neil Collins (07900990969) or Andy Widdop (07747 535799) to discuss packages.

November & December home matches

November 10, 2009

There’s a new addition to our pitchside food….Chef Gough’s home-made pies are a delicious alternative to our usual Griffin Burgers and Club Sausages, all available from the BBQ from 1.30pm onwards. The Wharfedale match reports were less than 100% regarding the food offering BUT we are looking for an immediate return to top form with three brand new match-day menus taking us right through to Christmas.  Early booking is a must for London Scottish (5/12/09) and Otley (19/12/09).
Cinderford  -  November 14th…..

• Slow cooked pork loin chops in a creamy cider & apple sauce with crushednew potatoes & green bean bundles
• Chocolate roulade with chantilly cream
• Cheese & biscuits

London Scottish  -  December 5th …..

• Venison casserole with root vegetables & dauphinoise potatoes
• Treacle tart with custard
• Cheese & biscuits

Otley  -  December 19th…..

• Roast rib of beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, horseradish & mustard braised cabbage, baton carrots with rosemary & honey
• Apple, sultana & cinnamon pie with custard
• Cheese & biscuits

Main course plus cheese £10.50     OR     Two courses plus cheese  £15.00
Great food….great value….great view of the game, come and support THE BLUES.  To make a booking call Susie on 01635-230023 option 2, or email susiepalmer@newburyrfc.co.uk

Club update: finance and governance

September 30, 2009

At a meeting of members on the 29th September, club president David Smith provided an update to members on the financial status of the club.  

The main points were:  

1. The club has appointed a new treasury team consisting of three experienced accountants. Their job will be to re-establish financial control and reporting procedures for the club. Michael Seckington has accepted a place on the management board and he made a short presentation to the meeting. 

2. A more detailed report will be available at the Finance AGM on the 29th of October at 7:30pm.

3. The club is talking to all of its creditors and significant progress and payment has been made on old debt with nPower and Thames Water, among others. Talks with HM Customs & Revenue are on-going and open, with both sides hoping to make an affordable settlement agreement shortly.

 

4. David Jones will be assisting the club’s commercial team in getting further sponsorship.

 

5. Plans to redevelop the ground, which will provide increased revenue and improved facilities, are ongoing. Progress is expected by the time of the Finance AGM.

 

The club continues to build on its long-term vision of ‘one club’ and ‘rugby for all’ by building a sustainable facility available to the local community.

Julian Lewis
Director of professional rugby

A vision for youth rugby

September 28, 2009

The Youth section of the club returned to Monks Lane on 6^th September. There are great plans for the Youth section of the club and to this end director of youth rugby, Dave Smith addressed parents at an open forum on Sunday 20^th

 

Some of the key note points of my presentation revolve around the structure, vision and future of the biggest section of the club and I have detailed these points below. It is the start of what I and my team see as a real opportunity to ‘join up’ all sections of the club from the minis through to the 1^st XV. After our meeting, the parents and coaches enjoyed a morning of training with great assistance from members of the 1^st XV who assisted in each age groups training session.

We have had 1^st XV players with us in the past but this weekend saw all the coaches and managers well briefed as to who would be helping them and fully enter into the vision of a joined up approach across the club. Feedback from the weekend was really positive and there are number of future sessions already booked.

I expressed my thanks to 1^st XV manager Andy Widdop and the players for giving up their Sunday and making the morning really useful for coaches parents but most importantly the kids in all the age groups.

The new Youth Handbook is now published on the Youth Section of the NRFC website and I encourage all parents and players to read the sections regarding Codes of Conduct which underpin the ethos of the Club and the game we all play.

Moving forward, there is much to do, and I and the Youth Committee are keen to endorse the reignited motto of

“Expect Nothing, Blame No One, Do Something”  throughout the Youth section.

The future players of our club are here already. Let’s support them and the section in whatever way we can, either by volunteering - or if you can offer sponsorship for the section or for our festivals - the highlight of our season - then please contact me via the club or on my mobile 07824 994717 if you can offer any assistance.

The key points of my vision are:

Vision

•       To nurture Community Rugby and play safely and for fun.

•       To maintain and develop the RFU seal of approval.

•       To continue Newbury’s Mini, Junior and Colts (Youth Rugby) as one of the leading organisations in the South - if not ALL of England.

•       To progress players from U7 to U19 and the onward transition from Colts to Senior Rugby at Newbury Rugby Club.

•       To develop a structure which brings ‘home grown’ players across all sides.

•       To develop sustainable resource of coaches, first aiders and others to deliver safe and best-in-class coaching at all levels.

Structure - Youth Committee comprises of

•       Director of Youth Rugby

•       Mini Rugby Manager

•       Junior Rugby Manager

•       Girls Rugby Manager

•       Colts Rugby Manager

Associated to this will be:

•       Coaching Co-ordinator

•       Child Welfare Officer

•       Tournament Director

Organisation

•       Each section (Mini Junior & Colts) to have a Fixtures Secretary.

•       Each age group to have a Manager and a Head Coach with suitably qualified and CRB checked coaching team.

•       On training weekends, the potential to rotate coaches across the age groups to give advice and observe.

•       On match days maintain the age group coaching structure.

•        To develop a structure with independent head coaches - not age group parent head coaches, from U13 – U16.

To develop strong links by regular meetings with:

•       Colts Rugby  Management

•       Senior Amateur Management

•       Professional Rugby Management

•       To ‘join up’ each section of the club and be visible as one club.

 

 

 

Dave Smith

Director of Youth Rugby

 

 

 

3/9 Matchday hospitality

September 3, 2009

Mickey’s delicious paella has been such a hit during the Lions Tour and at the pre-season games that we’ll be offering it again alongside burgers and sausages from the BBQ pitchside.   Upstairs in the Wickens Suite, we’re offering the choice of…

 

• A  cold buffet for £10.50 a head (technically it’s still Summer so for the moment it’s a cold buffet) of coronation chicken, cold meats such as honey glazed ham and rare roast beef, homemade turkey, ham and cranberry pie, a selection of salads, fresh breads, relishes and fine cheeses!) 
• For £15.00 a head there’s a 2 course meal of starter and main course.  At the Tynedale game, the menu is chicken liver pate with an onion marmalade and toast followed by steak and ale pie with mashed potato and vegetables of the day.  At the Sedgley Park game the menu will be tomato and basil soup followed by chicken casserole with dauphinoise potatoes and French beans.

 

Bookings can be made by calling Susie Palmer on 01635-230023 option 2.

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