Sprigga’s View (cont’d) disagreements amongst us from time to time we must not lose sight of that!! What can we learn from the All Blacks? Can you imagine what would have happened in a professional football game if a referee had given a penalty with 2 minutes to go and then changed his decision to merely restart the game? The respect Sprigga’s View shown to the official by their captain and the team is something Welcome to a new season of what I know will be entertaining to be admired. Put that alongside their dedication to the cause, rugby at Fenley Field and I hope to see as many members as team­work, skill levels, commitment and discipline (Sonny Bill possible in the excepted!) they are real champions of the world. Clubhouse before and Spectators? Being privileged to be at the 3 Tests I was struck by after the games, which the respect shown to the All Blacks performing the Haka. The is what makes us a Lions supporters were in the majority and the absolute silence during that spectacle was a delight to behold, compared to the successful community mindless singing and lack of respect that goes on at Rugby Club; or in Gareth . The spectators were true rugby supporters and I Chilcott’s words a urge all of you to follow that ethos when decisions go against us proper Rugby Club. That man was so inspirational at the Club or the opposition are taking a penalty. Respect is a vital and Dinner and for him to call us that made me very proud to be crucial part of being an Old Laurentian!! your Chairman. This year sees a new Head Coach Andy Milner and new Club In my New Year’s message, I revealed my hopes for 2017 in Captain in Charlie Seager and I had the privilege to see the guys Rugby terms and sadly only one came to fruition but that was training the other day. The commitment and skill level was a real the British & Irish Lions beating the All Blacks; and whilst the surprise to witness and I was delighted to see respect being series was drawn, believe me every Kiwi accepts that we drilled into them by the actions of the referee Carl Adams, who won. A team put together in little more than 6 weeks showed is the epitome of a poacher turned gamekeeper. Hearing Andy tremendous spirit in coming back from the 1st Test defeat briefing Carl and the way the players responded was awesome st and shook up the World Champions. What can we the OL’s and as always, I have high hopes for the season ahead. The 1 team remain in (South) and will be targeting as learn from this? Firstly, can I apologise for getting a minimum a play­off place. The 2nds will again be in philosophical but I think we can learn something from both 1 and will be challenging for the title and winning teams and the spectators at each of the Tests, so let me the Clonmell Cup. I am delighted to confirm that the 3rds have explain. re­joined the Leagues and I intend to personally help them to The Lions are a treasured part of rugby folklore and being a compete in . Particular thanks to Barry Hipwell proud Scot I was naturally disappointed that no Scottish for leading the team so well last year and making R2R work. The players featured in the Tests, but that did not stop me Vets will also continue under Ash McEwan who organised a fervently supporting the team as it is the people of the 4 great Vets tournament for the Mike Lewis Memorial trophy and countries coming together that makes Britain Great. When we will repeat the event as part of our centenary celebrations in you analyse the Test Results since 1989, which I will term the 2019/20. Whilst the Colts did not materialise last season we are modern era, the Lions have won 10 games, lost 13 and drawn concentrating our efforts on transferring the current U16’s into one. That 3 game deficit can be attributed solely to the that position for next season and thanks to Dan Volkman & disastrous 2005 tour of New Zealand under the direction of Rebecca Taylor for taking on that vital role. Sir & which created 2 On the social side Ben Scott has taken over from Rich Hayes, separate squads and a test team picked on the basis of who did a great job over the years, and his committee ran some narrow nationalism and past form. It led to division within excellent Lions Breakfast Parties and got the Clubhouse full for the Lions and could have led to the end of the institution but a “Free Gig” by a band involving the incomparable Chris Tew and Ian McGeechan and have restored the one Paul Golby who started in the Colts with me in 1972!!! whole concept and ethos. One group all pulling in the same The new season is always a time of hope but I am confident the direction and committed to the Lions, irrespective of club is in good shape and thank you to all our members and nationality, with the whole squad walking around the pitch players for your continuing support. The mantra for the Club is at the end of the final test. and must remain RESPECT – respect the Club, your team mates, The Lions won not just those on the pitch!! The lesson for us? supporters, the opposition and most importantly the referee as st nd rd Whatever our role is within OLRFC, 1 2 3 team players, without them there is no sport. Enjoy the new season and see Vets, VP’s, Minis, Juniors, volunteers, officers we are ONE you all at the Bar! club and whilst there will be some tensions and OL’s Vets Tournament Rhondda Vets, a team drawn from several clubs in the Rhondda Valley, were popular winners of the inaugural Veterans competition for the Mike Lewis Memorial Cup at Fenley Field on Saturday 16th May, coming as they do from the area that Mike called home. Jenny Lewis was present to hand over the trophy that bears her late husband’s name at Encouraging and positive reports were received the end of a very successful and entertaining day of rugby. from the Chairman, Treasurer and Playing Also remembered on the day was Dom Marsella, another Chairman; and Ian McPherson, who is managing OL’s stalwart who passed away last year, in the shape of Marsellas Old Boys, a team made up of old friends and the Club Development programme for the OLS, colleagues of Dom’s. presented an interesting and optimistic update on Following a series of group games the first semi­final was the plans for a possible relocation. contested by Rhondda and Marsellas, the Welsh side The election of Officers that followed saw few coming through 10­5. With OLs toppling the fancied changes from the previous Management Newbold side 10­0 in the other semi, the final pitched OLs Committee, and against Rhondda. The Welsh side were just too sharp all round for the hosts and ran out 12­0 winners to claim the continuing as Chairman and Secretary trophy. respectively. It was OL’s Ash McEwan who came up with the idea for the Welcomed to the Committee was tournament and the main man behind its organisation. , who succeeds as Hon. Treasurer, Matt moving over to take on responsibility for House and Grounds. Another new arrival on the Committee is who has taken on the role of Social Secretary, succeeding , who has done a terrific job in this role for several years. Succeeding Ben Wiles as Club Captain is who has been an ever present in the 1st XV in the last couple of seasons. All other key roles within the club remain as before.

OL’s Vets at the tournament Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation The Club’s annual dinner and awards presentations was After an outstanding first season with the club, Ash Moore held on Friday 19th May when Bath, and British was named Best Newcomer; and Ollie Jones scooped the Lions legend was the guest of honour and Under 23 Player of the Year award. main speaker. Over 100 members turned up for the At the other end of the scale, the Veterans award went to event at Fenley Field to enjoy a fine meal prepared by the evergreen Gary Hammond, who also came close to Rob Bean and to winning the award for leading try scorer. But with 18 tries recognise the apiece over the season that honour fell jointly to Ben outstanding Shepherd and Jordan Bunn. contributors to the Named as Most Improved Player was Ben Roach, the 2nd club’s season. XV’s Player of the Year was James Harris and for the unsung Taking top billing on the heroes of the 3rd XV the top award went to Martin Nobes. night was Andy Orbinson Mike Roberts’ untiring work as Fixture Secretary, a job that (pictured), who earned is essential but rarely makes the headlines, was rewarded the accolade of Player of the Year and pulled off a when he was named as Clubman of the Year; and receiving notable double when voted Players’ Player of the Year. a special award for his Outstanding Contribution to the club Voted by OL’s supporters as their Most Entertaining in so many ways over many years was Arwel Jones. Player was Troy Owen, a man who is invariably in the Receiving 1st XV ties on the night were Ben Roach, Charlie frame when the seasonal awards are decided. Seager, James Collins and Leigh Fisher. Looking ahead to 2017/18 st The prize fund for the monthly 1200 Club draw is The 1 XV will be competing in Midlands 2 East (S) for the second season and will be meeting seven of the clubs who £400 and is split as – 1st prize £200, 2nd prize £100, 3rd th were in this league last term. Promoted from Midlands 3 are prize £65, 4 prize £35. The lucky winners over the Stewarts & Lloyds and Long Buckby – we look forward to last seven months were: meeting the latter particularly. No side was relegated from Midlands 1 – despite finishing in the bottom 3, 1st: Mike Linnell 1st: Jason King Wellingborough stayed put in that league for some reason! Completing the line­up are Pinley, who have been level 2nd: Mark Palmer 2nd: Richard Hayes transferred from ; and , 3rd: Simon Bracken 3rd: Paul Cutts who have moved south from the northern division of

4th: Andi Middleton 4th: Paul Dempster Midlands 2 East. We expect to be competitive in this league and to be amongst the front runners. 1st: Lionel Gardner 1st: Kevin Mahon The 2nds will again play in , from which last 2nd: Paul Cutts 2nd: Jenny Lewis season’s top 2, Banbury and Newbold, have moved to a new 3rd: Grant Inch 3rd: M J Walker 2nd XV premier league. The strong Stratford side remain in 4th: Grant Inch 4th: Rob Bean Warwickshire 1 but we can expect our 2nds to be challenging for honours again this season. 1st: Pete Jones 1st: Malcolm Blair The 3rds have re­entered Warwickshire 3 and, as a result, 2nd: Mick Bass 2nd: Andy Thorne have a full fixture list this season. 3rd: Stuart Esworthy 3rd: James Orbinson Early Season Action 4th: Al Foster 4th: Jim Melvin Pre­season games Saturday 19th August, v Daventry (A) 1st: Tim Fawcett Thurs 24th August – v Leamington (A), 7.30 ko (floodlit) 2nd: Tim Chambers Warwickshire Shield, Sat 2nd September 3rd: Malcolm Blair Both 1sts and 2nds have drawn Pinley in the Warwickshire 4th: Toby Davidson Shield, both games at home on 2nd September Midlands 2 East (South), Sat 9th September If you are not a member, or would like to buy more nd numbers, you can do so at any time and go into the v Market Harborough (away). The 2 XV will also travel to Market Harborough to play a friendly. very next draw. Just contact Sprigga on aws-sms- th st [email protected] and he will gladly arrange it. Saturday 16 September is the date for the 1 round of the Intermediate Cup – draw awaited.

OL’s Phoenix Ladies The Phoenix Ladies have become an important and mixed touch teams, finishing on top of a pile of 13 integral part of the Club, constantly growing in sides when the competition reached its climax at numbers and ability. They are a mirror of the Fenley Field on 7th July. impressive growth and results in women’s sport in During the season, the Phoenix Ladies carry out the this country. important (and often not very comfortable!) task of Following on GB Hockey’s brilliant gold medal in Rio selling match programmes on 1st XV match days. ‘16 came Johanna Konta’s impressive run to the Thanks, ladies! Wimbledon semi­final. That was followed by the superb win by the women’s cricket team in the World Cup in front of a full house at Lord’s and the footballers reached the semi­finals of Euro 2017. Next up is the women’s , in which England are defending champions – and they beat New Zealand on their own turf in their last competitive match back in June! This summer Phoenix Ladies hosted the Midland Ladies Touch League Super Saturday tournament at Fenley Field, with 16 clubs taking part. And they Phoenix Ladies in their smart new Krusada team formed the core of the OL’s team that won the Rugby gear, with coaches Olly Cowley and Kev Mortimer & District Summer Series, a fun event for Minis and Juniors Another fabulous season in 2016/17 for our Minis Not to be outdone, the Under 14s recorded big wins and Juniors with as many as 350 boys and girls against Broadstreet (73­0) and Market Harborough, registered with the club. who were beaten by 55­10. The Juniors boasted three very strong squads at U13, With the oldest age group playing as Under 16s in the U14 and U15, the Minis had a full house of teams coming season, the time approaches when the senior from Micros through to U12s and the Dragonesses club can begin to benefit from the massive amount of play non contact rugby with an age range of 8 to 17 work put in by a large team of coaches and Some notable tournament wins were pulled off, administrators who have worked so hard to elevate including both Minis & Juniors at Hinckley and OLs Minis and Juniors into a position where they are Barkers Butts; and several end of season tours one of the strongest clubs in Warwickshire – and the included destinations as far apart as Devon and Midlands! for teams from both mini and junior sections. The highlight for the Dragonesses was a hard earned 3rd place in a tournament at Kings Norton where in the dying minutes of their final game they pulled back from 6 tries to 4 down to win 7­6. The Junior sides had a full list of fixtures and between the 3 squads they suffered just a handful of losses. Notable were the Under 15’s wins at Pinley by 97­15, over Newbold by 48­10 and 62­10 at Hinckley. The Under 13s had a great day at Kenilworth where they beat the host club by 65­10 and Moseley by 70­ Under 14s in their brand­new tour kit 0. Seniors ­ Season 2016/7 A run of six successive wins in the latter part of 2016 lifted the 1st XV into 2nd place in Midlands 2 East (S), a position they held until early March. With runaway leaders looking certain to finish as champions, a play­off for promotion appeared to be well within our reach before a series of disappointing defeats saw the side slump to 5th place by season’s end. secured second place and with it a play­off against , which they won comfortably to be promoted to Midlands 1. With the foundations established and with several young players benefitting from increased exposure to league rugby, we can look forward to better things, perhaps, in 2017/18. The 2nds competed in a particularly strong Warwickshire 1 league, also finishing 5th, and were only bettered by teams from clubs whose first­string play in higher leagues. They had a great run in the Clonmell Cup, losing the final to a strong Newbold XV by 30­8, a score which flattered the winners somewhat.

Overall playing record The 3rd XV featured several players who joined the club TEAM P W D L PF PA DIFF following the ‘Return to Rugby’ initiative promoted by the RFU and embraced by the club. Thanks to Barry 1st XV 25 15 0 10 604 565 39 Hipwell who worked hard to recruit them and keep the team together. This season’s fixtures were all friendlies nd 2 XV 27 17 0 10 747 647 100 but the team will re­join Warwickshire League 3 in 2017/18 which will ensure a full calendar of games for 3rd XV 15 8 0 7 Records not complete them.

The Unsung Heroes Unsung Heroes (cont’d) There are a number of people around the club who Playing respectively. Fixture Secretary Mick Roberts can always be relied on to be there and get on with has already earned a mention in these pages having their jobs. Perhaps the first name on many people’s deservedly been recognised with the accolade of list of unsung heroes would be Arwel Jones. Always Clubman of the Year for last season; and also worthy doing something around the clubhouse and grounds, of a deserved mention is Mick Bass, who ensures that marking out pitches, emptying bins, sweeping up the Griffin Club runs smoothly, a feature of the club rubbish. Well Arwel is stepping down this season appreciated by so many. from the pitch preparation he has done so Already mentioned elsewhere are the Phoenix Ladies, immaculately for years and Charlie Seager is taking organised by Nic Marsh, who stand at the gate in all over that job. weathers to sell programmes on 1st XV match days. We are fortunate that we have 2 experienced and But not mentioned so far has been Andy Thorne, who highly competent touch judges to call on, week in, produces those programmes, which are without week out. David Anderson rarely misses a 1st XV equal amongst the clubs we play – in fact for any game, Roger Cole is always there for the 2nds, a junior club! feature other clubs too often fail to match. Producing some brilliant videos and stills is Simon Caroline Todd has managed the club shop for some ‘Budgie’ Bracken. See his work on the OLRFC senior years – 7 or 8, maybe more! But she has now handed photos & videos Facebook page. the keys over to Linsey Green. Thanks, Caroline, for Finally – and deserving of a mention much earlier in the terrific job you have done over those years. this list – it’s a fact that every last club member would Another facet of the club that is the equal of any and recognise and praise the efforts of our superb bar and better than most is the physio support for players, catering team, led by Chris Tew and Helen. The meals match days and weekdays, led by Suzi Cox and that Helen produces – both Griffin Club and players – admirably supported by Charlotte Hipwell, Emily are of the highest standard; and with Chloe she laid Palmer and Ruth Adamek. on terrific breakfasts before the Lions test matches this summer! Stepping into the shoes of the late Terry Wootton was always going to be a big task but how well Garrie It all goes to show that a rugby club needs so much ‘Butch’ Reeve has done that, ensuring that every more than a few dozen young men doing their stuff team has a full, clean set of jerseys each week. on Saturday afternoons to function and flourish. Making sure that every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed on match days is 1st Team Manager Rob Bean. Not only that but he produces the legendary post­training meals on Thursdays, caters superbly for Warwickshire Shield 1st and the club dinner and manages playing jersey design, 2nd XVs both at home, v Pinley acquisition and sponsorship. first league match, v Market Doing the same job for the 2nds is their Team Harborough (away) Manager David Middleton – ably supported by Butch VP’s Lunch, game v Olney and Steve Pike. Middy’s influence goes well beyond team management as he is involved in so much else, Bonfire Night (NB this from MC at the club dinner to being one of the main event will be on Saturday 4th as the 5th is on men in producing our now famous Bonfire Night Sunday this year). celebration. VP’s Away Day at Long Looking for a man with balls – then it’s David Eales Buckby you want! Official Ball Manager, Dave gets very Captain’s Day, match v Market agitated when one of his balls disappears over the hedge or into the field next door! And he looks after Harborough VPs sub payment. Two other elder statesmen always – Club Dinner & Awards involved (or is it interfering!?) in something are Alan Willis and Mick Warwick – Hon Sec and Chairman of

A busy summer A piece of club history It has been a busy close season at the Club with lots The pictures we feature here were sent to Alan Willis by happening throughout. It all kicked off with a F un Day OL Barry Thornicroft. Barry is not certain of the exact organised by the Minis & Juniors on the final match day of date but knows they were taken in the early 1960s. last season when the 1st XV were playing Olney and the They show the transformation of the old Nissen hut that place was absolutely heaving with people. The guard of had been the clubhouse, presumably since the club moved honour formed by mini players for the teams as they came to Fenley Field in 1948, into a building that we can on to the field was the biggest ever seen at Fenley Field! recognise today. It has, of course, been enlarged and May saw the first Veterans tournament for some years at extended since then, particularly on the right hand side Fenley Field with a great day of entertaining rugby. OLs and at the rear of the building. reached the final, only to be beaten by a very good Rhondda Vets team. This was followed in quick succession by a highly successful Club Dinner and the AGM, both very well attended. Before work started In June Head Coach Andy Milner set up some early ‘pre pre­season’ training events, essentially light hearted in nature and well attended. The proper pre­season training started in July, again attendances have been good and fitness levels have been visibly improving. June was particularly busy. OL’s Phoenix Ladies organised and hosted a Midlands Ladies Touch League ‘Super Saturday’ tournament, with 16 clubs competing and a party to follow.

Super Saturday coincided with the first of the three Lions test matches in New Zealand, for each of which Social The old building Secretary Ben Scott organised breakfast sessions. The bar disappearing. Where did the club was open, Helen and Chloe laid on some superb breakfasts meet then as this and the clubhouse was packed to the doors for each of the is obviously in the matches. winter months?

In July the club hosted the last of the Rugby and District

Summer Series for mixed touch teams and the club

emerged victorious as overall winners.

OL’s cricket team have been in action in the Advertiser midweek cricket league throughout the summer and enjoying a good season. They reached the final of the Advertiser Shield knockout competition but came second – to a very good Stockton team with several players of a A new, state of the quality not normally encountered in Wednesday evening art building rises from the remains of cricket! the old! On July 22nd, the clubhouse was full for a gig by Chris Tew

and his band Goodfellas and the joint was rocking! A great summer – and maybe a prelude to a great season

coming up?

Membership subs are now due

The easy way to pay is online – go to the club website and click on the ‘Membership’ tab on Many thanks to Barry for digging out this little slice of the the home page. If you haven’t already done so club’s history. you will need to register to create an account first. Please get in touch with Bill Wallis ([email protected], 01788 333043) with any comments, ideas, or stories for inclusion in the newsletter.