Hertfordshire RFU Celebrating the 9th Year of Herts Returning Students Festival 7766 hertsrugby.co.uk

About erts Winter Edition 2016-17 Season

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP CHAMPIONS 2012 UNDER 20’S THE JASON LEONARD TROPHY CHAMPIONS 2012 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP FINALISTS 2011 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD FINALISTS 2009 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD CHAMPIONS 2005

Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union Hertfordshire Rugby Football Schools’ Union Hertfordshire Society of Rugby Football Union Referees Executive Committee 7766 HERTFORDSHIRE RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT – MARTYN KIRK RFU COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE – 31, Beech Avenue, Radlett, Hertfordshire, WD7 7DD DAVID ROBERTS tel : 01923 856927 (H) 07767 868980 (M) 30, Salusbury Lane, Great Offley, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, [email protected] SG5 3EE tel : 01462 769228 (H) 07734 059295 (M) [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT – PETER BAINES 31, Prae Close, St Albans,Hertfordshire, AL3 4SF CHAIRMAN of COMMUNITY RUGBY – tel : 01727 863397 (H) 07887 998645 (M) TIM BONNETT [email protected] 194, Whitehill Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9HY tel : 01462 421829 (H) 07860 538823 (M) IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT – [email protected] GRAHAM WALKER 46, Church Street, Guilden Morden, CHAIRMAN of REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY – Hertfordshire, SG8 0JD DAVID TOON tel : 07922 221599 (M) 01763 852843 (H) c/o 30, Chilcott Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24 5LE [email protected] tel : 07714 510554 [email protected]

CHAIRMAN – RICHARD MILNES CHAIR of COMPETITIONS – NIKITA JACKSON Duart, Bulstrode Lane, Felden, Herts, HP3 0BP 28, Iveagh Court, Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead, tel : 01442 230602 (H) 07940 255355 (M) Hertfordshire, HP2 5DN tel : 07720 286418 (M) [email protected] [email protected]

HONORARY TREASURER – JOHN GREGORY CHAIRMAN of MARKETING – COLIN HASLAM 4, Caldecote, Near Stilton, Cambridgeshire, PE7 3SG 35, Alder Close, Thorley Park, Bishop’s Stortford, tel : 01733 246209 (H) 07710 493731 (M) Hertfordshire, CM23 4JX tel : 01279 659030 (H) [email protected] 07970 154330 (M) [email protected]

HONORARY SECRETARY – ADRIAN SPARKS VICE CHAIRMAN OF MARKETING - 296, Ware Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7EX STEVE WALLER tel : 01992 538453 (H) 01992 589364 (B) 35, Woodland Mount, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7JD 07778 436341 (M) [email protected] Tel: 07711 071727 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – CLUB LIAISON

TIM BONNETT RICHARD MILNES Bishop’s Stortford, Datchworth, Hertford Berkhamsted, The Mount, Tring

JOHN GREGORY DAVID ROBERTS Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Herts Fire & Rescue St Albans, Old Albanian, Weston

COLIN HASLAM ADRIAN SPARKS Black Horse, Letchworth Cuffley, Fullerians, Watford

NIKITA JACKSON DAVID TOON Cheshunt, Harpenden, Verulamians Barnet, Chess Valley, West Herts College

MARTYN KIRK GRAHAM WALKER Tabard, Welwyn Hitchin, Royston, Stevenage Chairman writes 7766

As we enter the second half of this season I take this opportunity to wish all the Players, Coaches, Managers, Support Staff, Volunteers & Supporters a very healthy, fulfilling & injury-free 2017.

Rugby appears in rude health in Hertfordshire with so many of our Clubs faring well in their respective Leagues. Bishop’s Stortford ending 2016 sitting on top of National League 2 South, Tring sweeping all before them and topping London Richard Milnes 1 North, Verulamians on top in Herts/Middx 1, Watford one Hertfordshire RFU Chairman off the top in Herts/Middx 2, Hertford closing in on the top three in National League 3 London & SE, Hemel Hempstead in second place in London 3 North West, Fullerians & Letchworth Garden City both mid table in London 1 North, Harpenden, Tabard & Welwyn all fighting hard in London 2 North West, as are Stevenage, Datchworth, Hitchin, Cheshunt & St Albans in London 3 South East, Royston & Barnet Elizabethans in Herts/Middx 1 and Cuffley & Chess Valley in Herts/Middx 2. And in the Herts/Middx Merit Tables Black Horse sits top of League 4 with Weston fourth in League 3, Berkhamsted fourth in League 6.

Our annual Herts Returning Students Festival took place on 19 December at Old Albanian RFC, superbly organised yet again by Tom Mowbray, with the Students from Bishop’s Stortford carrying off the Cup after yet another wonderful evening of exciting & entertaining running rugby.

Our County Cup Competitions will soon be under way as will our senior Representative matches with our Women kicking off against their counterparts from Essex on 30 April. In their first encounter this season, our STAGS lock horns with Surrey U20’s on 5 February. The first of our County games in this season’s Bill Beaumont Cup is scheduled for 6 May away to Kent, venue yet to be confirmed.

In addition, our various Schools’ Competitions, organised by Harry Harrison, will also be under way with the Girls’ U13 & U15 Finals taking place at Hertford RFC on 17 March followed by the Boys’ Competitions at Old Albanian RFC on 22 & 29 March. Away from the rugby pitches, there are at least two social events which I do hope those reading this will enter into their diaries: the first, our Annual County Members’ Dinner which, this year, will take place at the beautiful Golf Club in Radlett, Porters Park on Wednesday 1 March, the second is our Annual Golf Day which, once again, will take place at the equally beautiful Golf Club, East Herts in Buntingford on Friday 7 July. Sadly, the beginning of this year sees the departure of our much loved & highly respected RDO, Mel Liley. As you will read in other parts of this publication, Mel has decided to take up a position outside of rugby & I wish her every happiness and success in her new challenge.

I also take this opportunity to thank all my Colleagues on the HRFU Executive Committee along with the 100+ Volunteers throughout Hertfordshire who contribute so much of their time to help run all aspects of rugby in our County from the Mini & Youth to the Girls & Women to our Stags & Senior Teams. Without all of you contributing so much, rugby in our County would & could not be in such a good place. Thank you all.

Richard Milnes 7766

Dai Tanner 8th April - 21st October 2016

Dai served his Club, Verulamian RFC, loyally both on the field and off it. Off it as Hon. Treasurer for over a remarkable 30 years some of which, after retirement, also assumed the time – consuming role of Bar Chairman. He will be sorely missed. He did all this after having initially four heart by – passes and then a brand new heart from Harefield Hospital, which gave him another 17 years!

He also fulfilled the Hon. Treasurer role for the HRFU for fourteen years and was elected Vice President of Herts Rugby in 1988 but due to ill health he only held this office for one year and declined the position of being The County President.

His funeral was extremely well attended on Wednesday 9th November at West Herts Crematorium which just shows how highly regarded he was in Hertfordshire.

Our thoughts are with Jo and her family at this sad time. Herts RFU RDO 7766

As you may know, Mel Liley, the RFU RDO in Hertfordshire left us in January to pursue a new career in teaching. We wish Mel all the best in her new career and we now have a vacancy for a Rugby Development Officer in Hertfordshire. Full details of the role and application process can be found at http://www. englandrugby.com/careershub/

For an informal discussion about the role please contact: Gavin Williams, RFU Area Manager on 07764 960391 Whilst the recruitment process takes place clubs should in the first instance contact the Community Rugby Coach (CRC) linked to their club. A full range of support from the Area Delivery Team will continue to be available to clubs."

RFU Area Manager - Gavin Williams

We are going to miss you Mel. You arrived into this great County of ours as an unknown quantity, you are now leaving us with us all being very impressed and indebted to your hard work, enthusiasm, dedication and even your skills with the whistle!! You have left your mark in the game of rugby throughout Herts. All clubs are very sad to see you leave our family, however we do wish you all the very best in your new career in Hertfordshire.

Herts RFU Executive Committee.

In her words When I became a Rugby Development Officer in 2013, Hertfordshire was a complete mystery to me. I knew it was around the M25 from Twickenham, the centre of my universe, and I knew that I’d need to be smart with my time to ensure I could get back to west London each evening, where I fully intended to remain. Six months later, having spent countless hours on the M25, A414 and A1M, Hertfordshire had my heart and I moved. I now finding myself a blazer wearing county member with no intention of leaving.

However, the time has come for a career change, and I am leaving the employment of the Rugby Football Union to become a Secondary School Sports Teacher. This comes Mel Liley after a lot of thought, mainly around personal development and ability to build a career within Hertfordshire, and brings with it the opportunity to go back to being a volunteer in the sport I love, with the plan to continue refereeing and spending time on the touchline. Cameo playing appearances may continue on request.

Reflecting on the past three years is a very rewarding way to while away the time. Without naming clubs, projects or events, or, worse, forgetting to mention one, there have been some fantastic developments in terms of facilities, teams and events that have made working in Hertfordshire an absolute pleasure. There have been moments of madness, mainly where the weather has been against us, and experiences that money can’t buy. We are so fortunate to be part of a connected network of volunteers, and whilst there may be rivalries, Herts Rugby is a team I still intend to be a part of. Building relationships, friendships, with many of you has probably been the best part of the job. I hope I leave the role with your clubs aware of the opportunities to grow the game and a clearer pathway on how that can be achieved.

Finally, a huge thanks must go to two sets of brilliant people. The RFU Staff are a group of professionals that have provided excellent support to Hertfordshire clubs, and we are lucky to have them at our disposal. It seems right to publically thank Tom Mowbray and Harry Harrison for their commitment to their jobs – both have been instrumental in getting people playing rugby across countless clubs and schools over the years. They’ve also got me out of numerous scrapes! Secondly, the Hertfordshire County Executive Team, in their green blazers, put in hours of volunteering to support the development of rugby in our county which often goes unnoticed. I encourage anyone to chat to one if you spot them in clubs – they’re a wealth of information and excellent at what they do.

Thank you all for your time, patience and commitment to rugby. The game wouldn’t happen without you. I look forward to seeing you soon.

All the best, Mel Safeguarding Article 7766

Amid all the upheaval in the news in 2016, one of the saddest for me was the revelations about the abuse of hundreds of young footballers who have been subject to degrading and criminal assault by coaches and others over the years. The prospect of a golden future as a professional player has turned to a nightmare that could and should have been addressed. Many people at rugby clubs around the County have asked me about these revelations, often with the hopeful statement “But it couldn’t happen in rugby could it.” Unfortunately it could and, in very isolated incidents over the years, has happened within rugby clubs in Hertfordshire.

However, there is a lot of good news associated with the work done in rugby in Hertfordshire and nationally to safeguard children and vulnerable adults at our clubs. It is important to understand why we do this. There is a legal imperative on all organisations that work with children to have safeguarding and child protection systems in place. The first bit of good news is this: the NSPCC rates national sporting bodies for their compliance with good practice. The Rugby Football Union was the first national sporting body to achieve the Gold Standard for Safeguarding and Child Protection from the NSPCC and it has retained it ever since. This is not a sinecure – many sports have struggled or never achieved this standard. No sport has gained and retained the Gold Standard for as long as rugby union.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are embedded in the Regulations of the RFU – specifically Regulation 21, though regulations 15 (Age Grade Rugby) and 19 (Discipline) are part of the picture too. How is your club doing?

• If your club has a mini and youth section for players under the age of 18, it must comply with the Regulations. • Club Safeguarding Officer is a Golden Role – your club must have one. Everyone in the club should know who they are. • Team managers and Head Coaches (all coaches ideally) should do the Play it Safe safeguarding training course. • Key volunteers who work unsupervised with children should be Data and Barring Service (DBS) checked every 3 years.

Just before Christmas I put out the below message for clubs to circulate to members, players and parents. You are welcome to use this on club websites and so on if you know that your club accords with the message. If some of the below is not in place at your club, you need to contact Tim Bonnett to make improvements. I can send the original electronically, for ease of copying:

The Rugby Football Union nationally and in Hertfordshire takes the safeguarding of children who play rugby as of the highest priority. The RFU was the first national sports organisation to achieve the Gold Standard for Safeguarding and Child Protection from the NSPCC and the only national sports organisation to have Safeguarding Article 7766 retained it ever since. There are robust policies and procedures in place that support club efforts to promote good practice. Hertfordshire has one of the most experienced CB Safeguarding Managers nationally and he regularly audits clubs and supports them when needed. Our club has an excellent record for safeguarding with sound procedures and policy and excellent people supporting them.

A positive sporting environment for children does not happen without effort. The following are key to success: • An open and honest club culture about these issues. • Everyone in the club understanding their duty to challenge inappropriate behaviour in the rugby environment. • Everyone in the club knowing what to do if they have a concern about rugby activity. • All team managers and lead coaches having safeguarding training as part of their development in the volunteer role.

All these are in place or within the policy at our club and we work hard to achieve full compliance.

With all the concerns in the press about safeguarding children in sport it is important to remember: • Involvement in sport is fantastic for children. • Rugby Union has the highest reputation for the sporting experience it gives to children. • Negative incidents are rare and robustly dealt with in rugby.

If anyone has any questions or concerns they can contact the Club Safeguarding Officer or CB Safeguarding Manager Tim Bonnett (07860 538823).

Rugby Union is a very different environment to Association Football. Whilst professional players are well rewarded, the professional club base is comparatively tiny. Therefore, it should be hoped, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that exists in football is not the same bar to young players or parents speaking out if their child is subject of abuse. However, complacency is not an option. Rugby must keep up the good practice and work done and keep the game safe for all children involved.

For further advice and support contact: Chair of Community Rugby and CB Safeguarding Manager Tim Bonnett [email protected] 07860 538823 REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY COACHING and MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE 7766 CHAIRMAN - DAVID TOON

SUB COMMITTEE Paul Allen (Senior Mens,AXV,U23's), Paul Jelski (U20's),Grant Hathaway (Womens & Girls), David Toon (DPP & U15 - U18 Boys), Gavin Lennon (U13,U15,U18 Girls), (RDO), Clubs (TBC, Schools (TBC)

Developing Player Programme (DPP) Mens / Boys Representative Delivery Lead David Toon Delivery Lead David Toon

Advance Player Development Group (APDG) Mens XV Lead Coach Chris Bajak (Hitchin Boys) Manager 1st XV Paul Allen (Hertford) Asst Coach Gareth Hatherley-Hurford (Saracens Academy) Lead Coach James Shanahan (OA's) Asst Coach Lewis Sones (Saracens CRC) Asst Coach Andy Long (Bishop Stortford)

Under 16's Matchday Manager Jamie Simpson (OA's) Lead Coach George Munro (TBSHS) A XV / U23s Lead Coach Sam Townsend (Veralumians) Coach Ian Reid (Brandles) Asst coach Dave Hynard (Harpenden) Coach Richard Hope (RDO)

Under 15's Coach - Forwards Torran MacDougall (Hertford) Lead Coach Carl Bradshaw U20 Lead Coach Lewis Sones (Saracens CRC) Manager 1st XV Ash Walsh (OA's) Asst Coach Dave Flynn (St Columbas College) Lead Coach Paul Jelski (Tring) Asst Coach Lewis Plenty (Stockwood Park) Asst Coach - Forwards Bob Graham (Barnet) Asst Coach Tom Gamage (Saracens Foundation CRC) Asst Coach - Backs Carl Bradshaw

Under 14's U18 Lead Coach Bobby Graham (Barnet) Lead Coach Ian Reid (Brandles) Lead Coach Dave Neale (Fullerians) Asst Coach - Forwards Sam Townsend (Verulamians) Asst Coach Nick Lacey (Stevenage) Asst Coach - Backs Nick Padgett

Asst Coach Russ Suters (Haileybury) U17 Asst Coach Nick Padgett Manager 1st XV Asst Coach Tom Smith (St Albans Boys) Lead Coach Under 13's Asst Coach - Forwards Lead Coach Liam Fitts (Letchworth) Asst Coach - Backs Lead Coach Nick Padgett Asst Coach Asst Coach Sean Silver (Watford) Asst Coach

Asst Coach Ash Walsh (OA's) U16 Asst Coach Ollie Cascarino (Haileybury) Manager 1st XV David Toon Player Development Centres Lead Coach George Munro (TBSHS) East Lead Coach David Paine (TBSHS) Asst Coach - Forwards Sam Townsend (Veralumians) East Asst Coach George Munro (TBSHS) Asst Coach - Backs Dave Hynard (Harpenden) East Asst Coach Chris Hadley (Bishop Stortford) East Asst Coach Simion Purcell (Hertford) Central Lead Coach Dave Hynard (Harpenden) Central Asst Coach Phil Aspinal (Barnet) Central Asst Coach Rob Jordan (Chess Valley) Central Asst Coach Ben Mann (Finchley) North Lead Coach Nick Padgett North Asst Coach Liam Fitts (Letchworth) North Asst Coach Christophe Lavialle (Hitchin) North Asst Coach Jamie Green (Royston) West Lead Coach Ash Walsh (OA's) 7766 West Asst Coach Sean Silver (Watford) West Asst Coach Sam Berry (Francis Coombe) West Asst Coach Rhys Mellor (Longdean) West Asst Coach Matt Toms (Hemel Hempstead) West Asst Coach Rob Ireland (OA's) REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY COACHING and MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

CHAIRMAN - DAVID TOON

SUB COMMITTEE Paul Allen (Senior Mens,AXV,U23's), Paul Jelski (U20's),Grant Hathaway (Womens & Girls), David Toon (DPP & U15 - U18 Boys), Gavin Lennon (U13,U15,U18 Girls), (RDO), Clubs (TBC, Schools (TBC)

Mens / Boys Representative Womens / Girls Representative Developing Player Programme (DPP) Delivery Lead David Toon Delivery Lead Grant Hathaway Delivery Lead Kevin Brind

Mens XV Womens XV Medical and S&C Team Manager 1st XV Paul Allen (Hertford) Manager 1st XV Lewis Sones (Saracens Ladies) Physio (ICIS) Kevin Brind (Fullerians) Lead Coach James Shanahan (OA's) Lead Coach Grant Hathaway (Wasps Ladies) Physio (ICIS) Louise Armstrong (Saracens Ladies) Asst Coach Andy Long (Bishop Stortford) Asst Coach - For- Charlie Hughes Physio (ICIS) Robert Baah

Matchday Manager Jamie Simpson (OA's) Under 18's Physio (ICIS) Emma Cooke A XV / U23s Manager 1st XV Kate Somerfield (Hitchin) Physio (ICIS) Michael Orr Coach Ian Reid (Brandles) Lead Coach Craig Ihfeldt (OA's) Physio (ICIS) Genevieve Croll Coach Richard Hope (RDO) Asst Coach Charlotte Frederickson Physio Tom Dunn (Camberley) S&C - U20's David Paine (TBSHS) Coach - Forwards Torran MacDougall (Hertford) Under 18's S&C - DPP Joe Ellis (Oaklands College) U20 Manager 1st XV Kate Somerfield (Hitchin) S&C - DPP Robin Pritchard (Berkhamsted Sch) Manager 1st XV Ash Walsh (OA's) Lead Coach Craig Ihfeldt (OA's) Lead Coach Paul Jelski (Tring) Asst Coach Charlotte Frederickson

Asst Coach - Forwards Bob Graham (Barnet) Under 15's Asst Coach - Backs Carl Bradshaw Manager 1st XV Adrian Pomfret (Hitchin) U18 Lead Coach Jane Everett Lead Coach Ian Reid (Brandles) Asst Coach Martin Prior (Hitchin Asst Coach - Forwards Sam Townsend (Verulamians) Asst Coach - Backs Nick Padgett Representative Fixtures U17 Manager 1st XV Senior XV - County Championship Lead Coach Sat 6 May Kent v Hertfordshire @ tba KO 3.00 pm Sat 13 May Hertfordshire v Gloucestershire @ Hertford RFC KO 3.00 pm Asst Coach - Forwards Sat 20 May Cornwall v Hertfordshire @ Camborne RFC KO 3.00 pm Asst Coach - Backs Sun 28 May County Championship Final @ Twickenham Asst Coach U20 (STAGS) - County Championship Asst Coach Sun 5 Feb Surrey v Hertfordshire @ tba KO 2.30 pm Sun 26 Feb Essex v Hertfordshire @ tba KO 2.30 pm U16 Sun 19 Mar Hertfordshire v Kent @Bishop’s Stortford RFC KO 2.30 pm Manager 1st XV David Toon Sun 2 Apr Quarter Final Lead Coach George Munro (TBSHS) Sun 16 Apr Semi Final Sat 6 May Final @ Twickenham Asst Coach - Forwards Sam Townsend (Veralumians)

Asst Coach - Backs Dave Hynard (Harpenden) U16 Sun 22 Jan Hertfordshire A&B v Kent @ Allianz Park KO 12.30 & 2.00 pm Sun 19 Feb Hertfordshire A&B v Essex @ Allianz Park KO 12.30 & 2.00 pm

Women - County Championship ‘Plate’ Competition Sun 30 Apr Essex v Hertfordshire @ tba KO 2.30 pm Sun 7 May Hertfordshire v Somerset @ Tabard RFC KO 2.30 pm Sun 14 May Buckinghamshire v Hertfordshire @ tba KO 2.30 pm Sun 21 May Hertfordshire v Hampshire @ Harpenden RFC KO 2.30 pm

Hertfordshire Schools Competitions 2016-17 Friday 17th Mar Girls U13 & U15 Festival @Hertford RFC 1.00pm

Wed 22nd Mar U14 Shield Final @OARFC 4.30pm U15 Shield Final @OARFC 6.00pm U18 Shield Final @OARFC 7.30pm

Wed 29th Mar U14 Trophy Final @OARFC 4.30pm U15 Trophy Final @OARFC 6.00pm U18 Trophy Final @OARFC 7.30pm Just One Click Away 7766 JOCA – Because no one has to Try alone ! Following the tragic loss of two playing members of the club through suicide I felt that we had a social responsibility to each other to offer support, guidance and a friendly ear to one another to do our utmost to prevent this from happening again.

I also wanted to take steps to help de-stigmatise mental health amongst young men and women and to raise the importance of mental wellbeing amongst our player and to make it equally as important as physical fitness. Mental illness is an often unspoken about issue and is sadly the biggest killer of young men in the UK aged 22 to 42.

If you have a physical injury you report it to your coach and seek advice and go see the club physio, but with mental issues you soldier on and hope it goes away.

Helped by some other likeminded club members JOCA (Just One Click Away) was born. So called as we felt that the whole subject needed a light approach and that it was felt that those two guys we lost were a couple of Jokers.

We have also encouraged our senior players to buddy buddy with someone and not the most obvious person that you would normally pair up with.

There has also been significant interest from other local clubs to adopt the JOCA committee.

We fully appreciate and understand that Suicide is the exrtreme here, through our website we will also be offering advice and guidance on issues of sexuality, addiction be it alcohol drug or gambling, advice on financial matters, applying for a job, writing a CV, attending interviews ect any area where life’s pressures may be effecting our young men and women.

What I can tell you is that we have had some really positive feedback and some great encouragement and support from our players, and members, the general public away from the club and the Herts Refs.

In an attempt to boost the profile of JOCA and to get people talking about JOCA we have set a challenge to get a photograph of a celebrity wearing a JOCA wrist band each photograph uploaded to the JOCA Facebook Page will gain us £5.00 through a sponsor.

Pass It On! is a project where we aim to pass a JOCA branded rugby ball from club to club in Hertfordshire, the aim of this is to get EVERY club talking about mental wellbeing with their players. We launched Pass it On on Saturday 3rd December by holing two charity games at Welwyn, it was a great day and really brought players, members, friends and family together. In the process we raised over £2500 which will go toward providing immediate access to JOCA’s very own fully trained counsellor.

If you would like to involve your club please contact me directly at HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected] or any of the JOCA team at HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]

Justin J Burgess JOCA & Welwyn Welfare Committee Chairman Hertfordshire Schools Cup 2016-17 7766

The finals of the Herts Schools u14 and u18 Cups took place on Wednesday 7th December at Old Albanian RFC. This competition is for private schools and long-established rugby playing state schools.

U14 Final: Watford Grammar 30 – 17 Haileybury. Watford fully deserved this victory, having built up a commanding 25 point lead at half time with some expansive free flowing rugby. However, Haileybury can be proud of the fightback in the second half that saw them get within a couple of scores and create some tension going into the final minutes. Both teams played well, but Watford’s greater pace and power saw them over the line to win the u14 Cup for the first time.

U18 Final: Haileybury 24-21 St Albans. In a repeat of last season’s final, Haileybury came from 9 points down at half time to win a thrilling final against St Albans. In the regular season fixture between these schools, Haileybury had won convincingly; but St Albans started the game with some ferocious drives and rucking that rocked Haileybury back on their heels. The intensity of St Albans’ play meant that they were ahead at half time by 21-12 and Haileybury had a mountain to climb. This was a game that could have gone either way and it is great credit to both schools to produce such a contest in the final.

Watford U14

Haileybury U18 Club Of the Month 7766

September - Tring

October - Hemel Hempstead Returning Students Festival 2016 7766

The annual returning student’s festival took place at Old Albanian RFC on Monday 19th December. The festival is run for all Hertfordshire clubs looking to stay in contact with their University players and invite them to represent their home club in the festival. Teams are made up of mainly university or sixth form students and bolstered by young players coming into the senior club. All games are shortened and penalties replaced with free kicks and 10-a-side games to promote a fast and furious game.

Over the last few years the weather has been a big benefactor for this festival, but lucky for us we had a cold, but dry evening and some fine rugby was played. There was a fantastic crowd of over 500 watching throughout the evening.

For this year’s festival we had seven clubs enter with two groups of four thanks to Old Albanians putting in two teams. Group A was made up of Cheshunt, Old Merchant Taylors, Old Albanians and Fullerians. Group B had Bishop Stortford, Old Albanians, Tabard and Hitchin. From Group A, Cheshunt finished 2nd and Old Merchant Taylor’s finished top of the group. Group B had Old Albanians finishing 2nd and group winners were Bishop Stortford.

Semi-final one saw Bishop Stortford v Cheshunt on pitch one and on pitch two, Old Albanian’s played Old Merchant Taylor’s. In semi-final one, Bishop Stortford was victorious on pitch one with a score of 31-5 and Old Albanian’s came out on top against a resilient Old Merchant Taylor’s by 26 points to nil.

After a long evening of some tough rugby the final saw the two fierce rivals, Bishop Stortford and Old Albanians go head to head. The final was a nail-biting affair which was decided by the last play of the game with a try being awarded to Bishop Stortford. The final score being 7-0.

Tom Mowbray HRFU Community Rugby Coach (CRC) Hitchin RFC Ladies Naked Calendar 2017 7766

It may be too late for you to order yours so here is a starter!! Hitchin Ladies have done a great job in raising extra money for their club and have had tremendous coverage from TV and national press

County Members Christmas Lunch at The RAF Club

Attended by The RFU President Peter Baines and Guests from Middlesex Paul Astbury, Andrew Smart and Guest Speaker and Impressionist Steve Williams of the Harrow Club. Hertfordshire was represented by President Martyn Kirk and Chairman Richard Milnes plus representatives from the following Clubs Letchworth, Tring, Bishops Stortford, Hertford, St Albans, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Cheshunt, Fullerians and from Middlesex members of the Harrow Club. County and Club Blazers were resplendent.

Assembling in the Victoria Bar 43 sat down in The Presidents Room on the first floor to enjoy Game Terrine followed by Roast Sirloin of Beef finished off with Mulled Wine Pudding and Mince Pies with the Coffee. Afterwards they were addressed by Herts President Martyn Kirk who welcomed everyone. He was followed by RFU President Peter Baines who mentioned some of his recent activities which included the Autumn Internationals and presenting the Cook Cup to England after another win over Australia. Finally we heard an amusing Speech with impressions from Steve Williams who imitated recent Politicians and public figures. A very good Ed Miliband and Boris Johnson I remembered.

On conclusion a lot of the party repaired to the Rose and Crown round the corner and continued conversation and light refreshment. A few of the Blazers tested their chat up lines on a group of attractive Ladies who were seated in the centre of the Bar. This caused a certain amount of amusement to all. We then went home and have since been notified that this annual event has been booked at the same venue for Friday 15th December 2017.

Jon Clapham Christmas Luncheon Organiser. Hertfordshire Referees Society Annual Dinner 7766

We were delighted to welcome nearly 120 referees, club members and their guests to our Annual Dinner at Mid Herts Golf Club in November.

RFU President Peter Baines was the guest of honour at the Dinner and presented the Leslie Boundy Trophy to Saracens Amateurs RFC who were selected as Club of the Year by reports from our referees throughout the season. Congratulations to Saracens and also to Hatfield QE RFC and The Mount RFC who were a very narrow 2nd and 3rd in the voting.

The Society’s own trophy awards went to: The Past Presidents trophy for the Young Referee the Year: Phil Russell The Ted Western Trophy for the Most Improved Referee: Andy Nicholson The John Blanchard Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Referees Society: John Eyre.

The referees, club members and their guests were then excellently entertained by ex-Premiership and international referee Andrew Small who charted his refereeing career from provincial games in New Zealand, where he was Richie McCaw’s housemaster in the early days of his teaching career, to his move to England and eventual promotion to the Premiership and international panels.

Andrew particularly entertained the audience with a short quiz on the idiosyncrasies of elite panel referees including the questions: i) Which referee, having been appointed to Bayonne Martin Kirk presents long service v Biarritz Heineken Cup game, insisted that the award to Bill Ractliffe fixture was in fact the other way round and therefore turned up in Biarritz some 40 miles away from the actual game? ii) Which referee caused the inflatable covering over the players tunnel to collapse as the teams were coming out by unplugging the generator in order to charge his mobile phone? iii) Which referee turned up with at a European game with no kit whatsoever? Phil Russell receiving Young Referee of the Year award from Martin Kirk Only those who attended the dinner know the answers!

Can I say on behalf of the Referees Society how pleased we were to see so many representatives of the Hertfordshire clubs. We look forward to continuing to cement our relationship with the clubs during the rest of the 2016/17 season.

Peter Brady Saracens Amatueurs receive President - Hertfordshire Referees Society Club of Year award from RFU President Verulamian RFC Volunteers 7766

Verulamian RFC Volunteers for The St Albans Half marathon, from left to right Max Schroeder, Paul McGoughan, Angela Clifford, Sheila White and President John White. Recently receiving their award from the organisers of the St. Albans Half Marathon. We annually, with 47 other organisations, marshal the runners through the Opening gate at Verulamian Museum. It is now a mega event with over 7000 runners of all ages who raise in excess of £25,000 for a number of annually nominated local charities. Vees invariably have some entries – some fast, some slower - and it is these hardy individuals who receive our encouragement!

A Tale of Two Bottles

A senior member of the Referees Society and the County won a prize in the raffle at the Referees Dinner last November. It was a bottle of fine Malt whisky in a cylinder box. However when he got it home he thought that the box was a little light and on opening the box he discovered it contained and empty wine bottle.

Thinking that it may have been a booby prize, he e-mailed the Dinner organiser, but did not receive a response. In the light of subsequent events it is just as well that he used the wrong e-mail address.

The week before Christmas he attended the pre match lunch at Letchworth. As it was Christmas they had a young entertainer who did magic tricks for the top table. At the climax of his little show he produced from inside his jacket a full bottle of said malt whisky and presented it to said senior member.

Christmas magic or Letchworth tricks! WEDNESDAY 1st March 2017 UNIQUE COUNTY EVENT ANNUAL DINNER New Venue PORTERS PARK GOLF CLUB, RADLETT

Why Unique?

The RFU President - Peter Baines The RFU Vice President- John Spencer, Both in attendance

Supported by a highly respected member of the After Dinner Circuit and no stranger to a golf club Russ Williams

Diary Dates 7766

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Executive Meetings (commencing 7:30pm) Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AF

Monday 9 January 2017 Monday 6 February 2017 Monday 3 April 2017 Monday 8 May 2017 Monday 5 June 2017

Forum Meetings … Welwyn RFC (commencing 7:30pm)

Monday 6 March 2017 Monday 19 June 2017

Annual General Meeting … Welwyn RFC … 7:30pm Monday 19 June 2017

County Members’ Annual Dinner Porters Park Golf Club Radlett, Hertfordshire WD7 7AZ Wednesday 1 March 2017

Herts RFU Golf Day East Herts Golf Club Buntingford, Hertfordshire SG9 9NB Friday 7 July 2017 Helpfully Productive

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