Hertfordshire RFU sponsored by 7766 About erts Winter Edition 2017-18 hertsrugby.co.uk

Congratulations to the Three Herts Ladies

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 Welwyn Trio impress for England 7766

Congratulations to the three ex-Welwyn players who represented England recently in the 49-12 win over Canada which took the Red Roses to 2-0 in the 3 match series. Hannah Botterman and Zoe Harrison were both playing in just their second match having made their debut in the first game against Canada. Lottie continued her representative run with her 11th cap. On a great night for the girls, Hannah scored her debut try with Zoe scoring a conversion for a later try. Lottie unfortunately sustained a head injury during the game which needed nine stitches. The photo on the front cover shows the three girls post-match (from left to right) Zoe Harrison, Charlotte Clapp and Hannah Botterman.

Hemel Hempstead Golfers 7766

Wooden Spoon Charity National Rugby Club Golf Challenge Henley Golf Club Wednesday 20th September 2017

On Wednesday 20th September a team from HHRUFC along with 19 other Rugby Club Golf teams from around Southern England and the Midlands helped to raise £2,500 for the Wooden Spoon charity for disadvantaged children The team from HHRUFC comprised of, Jon Clapham, Chris Lovesay, Jim Temperley Snr & Jim Temperley Jnr gave a good team performance aided by an outstanding individual performance from Jim Temperley Jnr. After many years of entering the competition the team triumphed finishing first by just two points.

Each member won a new golf bag and for the rugby club a very large wooden spoon to hang behind the bar for the next 12 months. Yes, a wooden spoon for coming first !

7766 Herts Referee Success 7766

As the Hertfordshire Referees Society moves toward it 60th season it is arguably having one of its most successful periods, with no less than 6 referees on the National Referee Panel.

In addition to long standing members of the Panel, Phil Davies (Hertford) and James Clarke three young home-grown referees have recently been promoted to the Panel:

Anthony Woodthorpe (Harpenden), who joined the Society in 2011 as a schoolboy starting at level 13. Regular promotion swiftly saw him refereeing at Level 5 (London & SE Premier) by August 2014 and then on the National Panel in August 2015. This season Anthony has refereed in the Championship and Anglo Welsh Cup and is regularly seen on TV as AR in the Premiership.

George Selwood (Fullerians) who also joined the Society in 2011 starting at Level 13. He rapidly reached Level 5 by December 2014 and was then promoted to the National Panel at the start of the 2016-17 season. This season George has refereed regularly in National 2 North and has also made an appearance in the middle in Glasgow in the Scottish Premiership and at Twickenham as AR in the Varsity match.

Jack Sutton also joined the Society in 2011, starting at level 13 and reaching Level 5 by August2014. He was promoted to the National Panel at the beginning of December and this season's highlights include a trip to Redruth 2 days before Christmas.

In addition, Richard Haughton, ex Saracens, Wasps, Perpignan and England 7s star, joined the Herts Society in 2014 when he retired from playing, deservedly benefitting from the RFU policy of fast tracking ex professional players into refereeing. He hit Level 5 in Sept 2016 and is now a regular feature in the National Leagues and the World 7s series competition.

The Society also has three members on the RFU’s AR (Touch Judge to the older brethren) Panel. Bob Carnel (Old Albanian) and Matt Shepherd (Chess Valley) have been joined by Andrew Jackson, who joined the Society in March 2013 after a promising playing career with the Worcester Academy was cut short by injury. Andrew rose quickly to level 7 as a referee before joining Panel in September 2016. He now features regularly as AR in National 2 and National 1. A sad day for Hertford and Hertfordshire Rugby 7766

I have the very sad duty of informing our members, and the wider Rugby community, of the passing of Vera Hodges. She had not been well for some time and finally succumbed to pneumonia. Whilst it’s rude to tell the age of a lady I’m she would not mind me saying she was into her 10th decade and until the last couple of years, very sprightly with it.

A native of Newark, Vera moved to Herts in 1950 with her new husband Bill. As many will know Bill played for Hertford and Hertfordshire and also became president of both and in 1970 became the County representative on the RFU. Although she had a husband with an impressive Rugby pedigree she was certainly not in his shadow,(Rugby wise.) When Bill was Herts Team Sec. Vera acted as, and was for a time officially, his assistant. The standing joke at the time was that if you wanted selection for County, it was Vera that you needed to impress. ………..The power behind the throne!

What Vera did have was an insightful knowledge of our game. Nuances missed or not understood by some who had participated in the game for years were obvious observations to her and in recent years she has ‘discussed’ with me where we are going wrong (and right) and what needed to happen for the benefit of both Club and Country. In giving you her opinion it’s safe to say she took no prisoners! But Vera was not all talk. Back in the 70’s, when clubs were run on far tighter budgets, Vera would galvanise and organise a her dedicated band of tea ladies and girls every week and for the annual VP’s lunch would present a lavish feast for all. Rugby was a huge part of her life and she was, for decades, a huge part of the life of Hertford RFC.

An Honorary Life Vice President since 1985, Vera really was the Matriarch of Hertford RFC and will be sorely missed as we all enjoy the legacy that she and hers helped establish. Vera, enjoy your peace and thank you from your Rugby Family.

Ged Murphy, Director of Club Rugby, Hertford RFC. Fred Cox 7766

Fred Cox, former mine host of The White Hart, Welwyn and former player at Welwyn passed way at the beginning of December after a long illness.

Fred was a second row forward of the old-school who you were much happier playing alongside rather than for the opposition. After playing senior rugby for Met Police and Northampton, he finished his career with Welwyn where he was a larger than life character.

After service in the Grenadier Guards and the Met Police, Fred turned his hand to the pub trade and he was landlord of The White Hart for some38 years until his retirement in 2004.

As well as being Welwyn rugby club’s other “club house” for many years the pub was the venue for Hertfordshire RFU Executive meeting and for the 3Ps Sub Committee during the 80s and 90s.

In his later years, Fred bred several shire horses, some of which pulled the McMullen’s dray at special events and he was often to be seen behind the bar polishing horse brasses ready for the next show.

Fred is sorely missed by Welwyn and the wider rugby community. We extend our sympathy to all concerned and especially his sons Austen and Spencer. Herts Rugby Round up, end of 2017. 7766

Bishops’s Stortford continue their good form and at the time of writing, sit in 6th place in National One, this proudly puts them in the top 30 sides in the Country and after promotion last season, they have captured the imagination of the whole town. In the 2017 calendar year they played 33, won 24 and have drawn 1, the total home attendances for the year were almost 11,000, with a weekly matchday attendance of well over 650. Against some old, traditional, big clubs, the improved standards achieved by the second team has been crucial and after many injuries to key players, the strength in depth of the squad has been tested, a test it has passed with flying colours. Stortford finished the year with a convincing win over Old Elthamians, trailing 7-13 early in the second half they ran out 34-20 victors to complete the double over their opponents from Kent.

Old Albanians hoped to have turned the corner with a stirring draw against high flying Ampthill, down 20-6 at one point they rallied to draw 35-35 and earn three valuable league points. They will hope this is the start of their climb up the table and away from the relegation zone.

In London & South East Premier league, Hertford sit in second place, a point behind leaders Guernsey, but, they have a game in hand and remain hopeful of an automatic promotion place. Hot on their heels are Tring in third place, Hertford narrowly edged the first encounter by a couple of points, before their away game at Tring they face a trip to fourth placed Barnes and a home fixture to Guernsey in early January. Tring will hope their home game against Sutton and Epsom followed by a visit to Tunbridge Wells will put them in the promotion spot.

Fullerians have settled into London 1 North, they completed the double over County rivals Letchworth and sit comfortably in mid table. Letchworth however, will hope that their traditional second half of the season improvement, will keep them out of the relegation spots.

Harpenden are the pace setters in London 2 N/W, but only 2 points separate the top 3, they finished the year off with a narrow victory away at Hemel Hempstead, who are fairly comfortable in 8th position. Tabard are the basement team, and will need to improve rapidly if they are to avoid the drop.

London 3 N/W host 7 Hertfordshire sides and following their promotion, Verulamians top the table on points difference from Grasshoppers, Welwyn are chasing in third spot 2 points adrift and a further 4 points down finds Stevenage in fourth. Cheshunt are in sixth place but head a very congested bottom half, only 6 points separating them from tenth placed St Albans, who are a point ahead of Datchworth. At the foot of the table are Hitchin, who will need to produce some positive results very quickly.

Despite their best season for a few years, third placed Royston in Herts/Middlesex 1, are unlikely to catch London Welsh at the top, but are hot on the heels of the Bank of England. A good December has seen Barnet Elizabethans climb to fifth, unfortunately, Watford look likely to return to Herts/Middlesex 2, to re-join Cuffley, who sit in mid table.

In the Merit tables, Weston sit in 6th place in table 2, Hatfield have won 9 out of 9 in table 3 and also lead the Herts Honours table, Black Horse are handily placed in fourth. Chess Valley and Berkhamsted sit mid-way in tables 4 and 5 respectfully. Hertfordshire RFU Jack Marshall Honours Table Table 03 - Weekend of 16 December 2017

Now Club Name L'gue P WDL For Ag'n % Ratio Were Last Result PRIZE 1 Hatfield HMM T3 9 900308 92 100.00% 3.35 1 Away v Biggleswade 2 Won 35 - 12 £700 2 Hertford L & SE Pr e m 13 11 0 2 458 245 84.62% 1.87 3 Home v Shelford Won 31 - 5 £400 3 Harpenden L2NW 12 10 0 2 585 199 83.33% 2.94 4 Away v Hemel Hempstead Won 29 - 24 £300 4 Verulamians L3NW 12 10 0 2 386 204 83.33% 1.89 6 Away v St Albans Won 34 - 12 £200 5 Tring L & SE Pr e m 14 11 0 3 398 259 78.57% 1.54 2 Away v Towcestrians Won 17 - 9 £100 6 Royston HEM 1 12 903335 164 75.00% 2.04 5 Home v Saracens Amateurs Won 39 - 7 £100 7 Welwyn L3NW 12 903417 267 75.00% 1.56 9 Away v Datchworth Won 21 - 15 £100 8 Stevenage Town L3NW 12 804338 211 66.67% 1.60 11 Home v Hitchin Won 48 - 7 £100 9 Bishop's Stortford Nat1 15 915398 361 63.33% 1.10 7 Away v Cambridge Lost 22 - 21 10 Black Horse * HMM T3 8 503301 243 62.50% 1.24 8 Away v Tring 3 Lost 12 - 63 11 Fullerians L1N 14 806381 378 57.14% 1.01 12 Home v Letchworth Won 31 - 7 12 Cuffley HEM 2 9 504236 215 55.56% 1.10 10 Home v Mill Hill Lost 8 - 31 13 Barnet Elizabethan HEM 1 12 606303 305 50.00% 0.99 15 Away v Watford Won 31- 19 15 Cheshunt L3NW 12 507215 215 41.67% 1.00 20 Away v Old Streetonians Won 21 - 12 16 St Albans L3NW 12 417258 344 37.50% 0.75 13 Home v Verulamians Lost 12 - 34 17 Berkhamsted HMM T5 7 214119 192 35.71% 0.62 16 Away v Hertford 4 Draw 24 - 24 18 HH (Camelot) L2NW 12 408318 347 33.33% 0.92 19 Home v Harpenden Lost 24 - 29 19 Chess Valley * HMM T4 6 204 85 154 33.33% 0.55 17 Away v Old Grammarians 2 Lost 5 - 27 20 Datchworth L3NW 12 318213 346 29.17% 0.62 18 Home v We lwyn Lost 15 - 21 21 Weston HMM T2 9 207162 242 22.22% 0.67 22 Away v Amp t h i l l 4 Lost 17 - 56 22 Old Albanian Nat1 15 3 0 12 240 444 20.00% 0.54 21 Away v Plymouth Albion Lost 8 - 26 23 Letchworth L1N 14 2 0 12 243 619 14.29% 0.39 25 Away v Fullerians Lost 7 - 31 24 Hitchin L3NW 12 1 0 11 194 374 8.33% 0.52 23 Away v Stevenage Town Lost 7 - 48 25 Watford HEM 1 12 1 0 11 200 392 8.33% 0.51 26 Home v Barnet Lost 19 - 31 26 Tabard L2NW 12 1 0 11 101 542 8.33% 0.19 24 Away v Harrow Lost 0 - 34

The John Macfarlane Bowl: Hatfield with 100% are the top of the table, followed nom Hertford

The John Macfarlane Bowl is the prize for winning the Jack Marshall Honours Table. The Jimmy Little Trophy is awarded to the team with the best points ratio. *Only games played qualify for the table, walkover wins and losses and agreed draws are excluded. †Expunged league matches included.

Organiser: John Gregory, 4 Caldecote, Near Stilton, Cambs., PE7 3SG. Tel: 01733-246209 e-mail:[email protected]

Original concept by Jack Marshall Returning Students Festival 2017 7766

The annual Returning Student’s Festival returned for the 10th year which took place at Old Albanian RFC on Wednesday 20th December, with a new exciting format of Cross Pitch 7’s. 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 7-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 mild dry evening and some fine rugby was played. There was a fantastic crowd of over 500 watching throughout the evening.

For the first time in the festivals history we ran three competitions, the Bowl, Shield and the Cup. At this year’s festival we had eight clubs enter with two groups of six; thanks must go to Old Albanians for putting in four teams and Harpenden putting in two teams. Group A was made up of Hitchin, Old Merchant Taylors, Old Albanians 1 & 2, Harpenden 1 and Fullerians. Group B had Harpenden 2, Old Albanians 3 & 4, Tabard, Cheshunt and Hertford.

The Bowl Semi-finals saw Hitchin v Tabard and Fullerians v Harpenden 2. The Shield Semi- finals saw Harpenden 1 v OA’s 3 and Hertford v OMT’s. In the Cup Semi-finals we had OA’s 1 v Cheshunt and OA’s 4 v OA’s 2. In the Bowl, Tabard was victorious over Hitchin and unfortunately Harpenden 2 had to withdraw from the competition so Fullerians went through. The Shield saw OA’s 3 progress alongside OMT’s and in the Cup competition OA’s 1 and OA’s 4 progressed to the final.

After a long evening of some tough rugby the Bowl final saw Fullerians victorious over Tabard, the Shield winners were OA’s 3 and in the Cup final we saw OA’s 4 victorious over OA’s 1. Congratulations to Fullerians, OA’s 3 and OA’s 4.

Thanks must go to Peter Brady and his team from the Hertfordshire Referees Society, a big thanks to Pro Medicus for covering the medical side and to Old Albanians for hosting.

I look forward to seeing you all next year - Tom Mowbray Herts RFU CRC.

Herts Representative Rugby in 2018 7766

We are delighted that this season our Men’s County Championship team will be coached by Michael Owen. Michael’s no stranger to the County and the ex-Welsh International leads an experienced team with an ambition to succeed again in the Bill Beaumont cup. Paul Allen will once again be the team manager, they are joined this year by ex-County captain Brett McNamee. Rich Hoskins and Jamie Simpson complete the team.

In round one we host Kent on the new AGP at Cheshunt RFC on the 5th May, this is followed by a trip the following week to Gloucestershire. Then our old friends from Cornwall visit Hertfordshire on the 19th May, this final group match at Bishop’s Stortford promises to be a good one, always a close match and will be preceded by the County Members Supporters lunch. Should they prevail, the County Championship final is at Twickenham on the 27th May.

Our Women too will hope to get beyond the group stage, again led by Grant Hathaway with Angela Clifford as team manager, they face Somerset at home before two trips to the West Country, Dorset & Wilts are followed by a trip to Launceston to face Cornwall. Should they progress, they would face a semi-final before the big showdown at Twickers.

Paul Jelski heads the Under 20’s team, he has an experienced team of Ash Walsh, Carl Bradshaw, Bob Graham, Karl Garside and David Paine. After a warm up game against Middlesex, the boys travel to Kent before hosting Surrey on the 25th Feb and then Eastern Counties on the 18th March, both at Hertford RFC.

All of our representative sides would be pleased of your support, it has been said many times, that as a small County we punch well above our weight on the field, let us try and be the best on the touchline too!

Representative Group Fixture List 7766

REPRESENTATIVE GROUP FIXTURE LIST (as of 04/01/2018)

DATE AGE GROUP EVENT VENUE TIMINGS Sunday Under 16 Boys North Midlands Five Ways Old Edwardians 1st XV KO – 7th January 2018 1st & A XV RFC 1pm A XV KO – 2pm Sunday Kent 21st January Under 16 Boys 1st & A XV Old Colfeians RFC 2018 Sunday Sussex v Herts 28th January Under 17 Boys (CB Dev Fixture) 2018 Under 20’s Middlesex v Herts Ealing Trailfinders 2pm KO (Warm Up Fixture) Sunday Essex 2.30pm 4th February Under 16 1st & A XV Barnet Elizabethans RFC 2018 Boys Friday Under 23s/A Middlesex v Herts 7.30pm KO 9th February XV 2018 Sunday Under 20’s Kent v Herts Cranbrook RFC 2pm 11th February County Championship 2017 Essex & Kent Sunday Under 16 1st XV Allianz Park 18th February Boys 2018 Herts v Eastern Counties Under 17 Boys Friday Under 23s/A Herts v Middlesex Cheshunt RFC 7.45pm KO 23rd February XV 2018 Under 20’s Herts v Surrey Hertford RFC 2.30pm KO Sunday County Championship 25th February Under 17 Kent v Herts 2018 Boys Under 20’s Herts v Eastern Counties Hertford RFC 2.30pm KO Sunday County Championship 18th March 2018 Under 17 Herts v Essex 2.30pm KO Boys Sunday Under 20’s County Championship 1st April 2018 Quarter Final Sunday Under 20’s County Championship 15th April 2018 Semi Final Sunday Under 17 Boys Herts v Sussex 2.30pm 22nd April 2018 (CB Dev Fixture) Sunday Womens XV Herts v Somerset Harpenden RFC 3pm 29th April 2018 County Championship Rd 1 Saturday Mens XV Herts v Kent Cheshunt RFC 3pm 5th May 2018 County Championship Rd 1 Sunday Womens XV Dorset & Wilts v Herts REPRESENTATIVE GROUP FIXTURE LIST (as of 04/01/2018)

DATE AGE GROUP EVENT VENUE TIMINGS Sunday Under 16 Boys North Midlands Five Ways Old Edwardians 1st XV KO – 7th January 2018 1st & A XV RFC 1pm A XV KO – 2pm Sunday Kent 21st January Under 16 Boys 1st & A XV Old Colfeians RFC 2018 Sunday Sussex v Herts 28th January Under 17 Boys (CB Dev Fixture) 2018 Under 20’s Middlesex v Herts Ealing Trailfinders 2pm KO (Warm Up Fixture) Sunday RepresentativeEssex Group Fixture List2.30pm 7766 4th February Under 16 1st & A XV Barnet Elizabethans RFC 2018 Boys Friday Under 23s/A Middlesex v Herts 7.30pm KO 9th February XV 2018 Sunday Under 20’s Kent v Herts Cranbrook RFC 2pm 11th February County Championship 2017 Essex & Kent Sunday Under 16 1st XV Allianz Park 18th February Boys 2018 Herts v Eastern Counties Under 17 Boys Friday Under 23s/A Herts v Middlesex Cheshunt RFC 7.45pm KO 23rd February XV 2018 Under 20’s Herts v Surrey Hertford RFC 2.30pm KO Sunday County Championship 25th February Under 17 Kent v Herts 2018 Boys Under 20’s Herts v Eastern Counties Hertford RFC 2.30pm KO Sunday County Championship 18th March 2018 Under 17 Herts v Essex 2.30pm KO Boys Sunday Under 20’s County Championship 1st April 2018 Quarter Final Sunday Under 20’s County Championship 15th April 2018 Semi Final Sunday Under 17 Boys Herts v Sussex 2.30pm 22nd April 2018 (CB Dev Fixture) Sunday Womens XV Herts v Somerset Harpenden RFC 3pm 29th April 2018 County Championship Rd 1 Saturday Mens XV Herts v Kent Cheshunt RFC 3pm 5th May 2018 County Championship Rd 1 Sunday Womens XV Dorset & Wilts v Herts 6th May 2018 County Championship Rd 2 Saturday Mens XV Gloucestershire v Herts 3pm 12th May 2018 County Championship Rd 2 Sunday Womens XV Cornwall v Herts Launceston RFC 13th May 2018 County Championship Rd 3 Saturday Mens XV Cornwall v Herts Bishop Stortford RFC 3pm 19th May 2018 County Championship Rd 3 Sunday Womens XV County Championship 20th May 2018 Semi Final Sunday Mens XV County Championship Twickenham 27th May 2018 Final Womens XV County Championship Final

Herts Rugby : Restructuring 7766

Herts Rugby’s Executive Committee have since the start of the season been engaged in a review of the structure and governance of the Hertfordshire RFU.

The review process was initiated as a result of the RFU’s new 5 year Strategic Plan and the changes there have been in the game over the past 15 years. The Strategic Plan emphasises the importance of protecting the game’s ethos and standards, retaining players and coaches and encouraging the growth of the game in all of its forms. The response from Herts Rugby to that Strategic Plan has to be club centred, ie while Herts Rugby has to meet its responsibilities as set out by the RFU in its document on ‘Roles and Responsibilities of a Constituent Body’, its primary aim remains that of representing all of the Herts clubs and acting in their collective best interests.

The aim of the restructuring exercise is :

(i) to make the Executive Committee more responsive to the clubs’ needs;

(ii) to share the Herts Rugby workload out more efficiently; and

(iii) to identify clearly who the clubs can expect to go to for information, decisions and action.

The attached diagram shows the new structure as currently proposed by the Executive. This is a draft which will be the subject of further consideration by the Executive in the light of any comments thereon by the clubs who have been asked to feed back to Adrian Sparks, the Herts Secretary, by 8th January. Those comments on the proposed structure will be taken on board by the Executive’s Working Party, with the results being reported to the 12th February Forum meeting which will also be looking at the draft PFR bid for the 2018/19 season.

The final version of the new structure and any consequential changes to the Herts Rugby rules will be dealt with formally at the AGM.

The proposed new structure includes the following significant changes from the existing arrangement :

(i) Most areas will be headed by a Director whose first task will be to determine how his/her responsibilities should be delivered. This means that references to Sub- Committees have been deleted from the structure with each Director having the initial task of determining how his/her remit can best be achieved and, if a Sub Committee is appropriate, to appoint the members of that Sub-Committee and oversee its work.

(ii) The post of President remains but the post of Immediate Past President has been deleted as it was considered that the great talents and experience of those who have held the position of President would be better used by allocating each to a specific role as appropriate. (iii) A new post of Director of Communication has been introduced with the aim of significantly improving the flow low of information on all Herts Rugby matters from the Executive to the clubs, from the clubs to the Executive and between the clubs themselves. The way in which that individual will operate will be the subject of further detailed reporting.

(iv) A new position of Chair of the Nominations Committee is being created. This role will be filled by an independent individual who has extensive knowledge and experience of the Herts Rugby world but who will not take on responsibility for any individual area. The role of that individual will be to chair a Nominations Committee who will oversee the Herts Rugby process of succession planning and identify individuals who will add ‘new blood’ to the Executive as the seasons pass.

Detailed job descriptions are being prepared for every position on the Executive.

Comments and questions from the clubs are very welcome throughout the rest of the process - please contact Adrian Sparks on [email protected].

Peter Brady Herts Rugby [email protected] 07743 84230

HERTFORDSHIRE R.F.U. GOVERANCE STRUCTURE Chair

Independent Executive Member Chair Of Nominations Committee Hon. Vice Hon. Secretary President Treasurer President

Governance Membership Disciplinary Secretary Secretary International Tickets Sec.

Director of R.D.O. R.F.U. Director of Director of Director of Director of Director of Community Rugby Area Manager Representative Rugby Marketing Communications Game Development Club Development Age Grade

Handbooks Leadership in Coach Publications DPP Web sites Union Development Coaching News letters Junior game U16B U18 M Social Media Leadership Ref Development Branding Junior comps U15G U20 M GMS Academy Adult Comps Sponsorship Safe guarding Seniors E-Mails Facilities Retention and Event Rugby Safe U18 W Volunteers Growth Women’s Management Reward and Recognition

AS AT 1ST JANUARY 2018 New Clubhouse at Cheshunt RFC 7766

Following several years of negotiation, planning and hard work, Cheshunt RFC were pleased to open their brand new clubhouse in November.

The repositioning of the clubhouse at Cheshunt RFC formed the major part of a section 106 agreement with developers Crest Nicholson, who were developing the former Everest Football Club site adjacent to Cheshunt’s own site. The wider Rosedale Sports Club (of which Cheshunt RFC is a constituent part) identified that the proximity of the new properties would potentially jeopardise the existing licenses for the clubhouse facilities (particularly due to noise).

Through lengthy negotiation with the developer and council, representatives from the club were able to identify a suitable area further away from the new development, to site a new clubhouse.

The new facility offers 6 full size, ensuite changing rooms, a members bar and separate function hall as well as ancillary facilities such as physio room, kit shop, storage, a commercial kitchen, plant room and stewards flat, set across 3 floors. The rugby club worked closely with the RFU, as well as the other members of the Rosedale Sports Club (Waltham Cross Rosedale CC and Rosedale Bowls Club) to ensure that the new facilities offer the best opportunity to cater for rugby for all ages and abilities.

Whilst the majority of funding was via the section 106 agreement, the club had to find a further £100,000 and were able to utilise a loan facility with the RFU to achieve this.

Cheshunt are also looking forward to opening their new AGP in partnership with the RFU early in 2018.

Gary Barton, Chair, Cheshunt RFC Hertfordshire Under 18s 2017-18 7766

This season’s Herts Under 18s Rugby programme saw a squad of close to 50 boys, under Head Coach Ian Reid, compete in three matches across the Southeast, against Surrey in Farnham, Hampshire at Old Merchant Taylors School and finally Hampshire at the home of Saracens, Allianz Park.

Herts Rugby forms a part of the London and Southeast Division, and the fixtures, known as 'grading fixtures', not only allow the lads to wear their Herts County colours with pride but also give a chance for each lad to showcase their own individual skills in front of Divisional and England selectors. So, each lad knew that playing well might get them a shot at a Divisional trial and the honour of playing Divisional rugby and potentially national representation at U18 in the England Counties Team. Ten current U17 lads were given the chance to try their skills among the county U18s, by Head Coach Ian Reid too.

The first match was played at Farnham RUFC and Herts came away victors beating a very strong Surrey side: Surrey 24, Hertfordshire 39. The first half saw Herts behind, but the team dug deep in the second half and came home, happy victors. The second match, against Hampshire at Old Merchant Taylors School, saw the Herts lads leading a tight and close fought match up to the last minute when a very strong Hampshire side fought valiantly to steal a victory, the final score, Herts 24, Hants 27. The referee congratulating both sides for an outstanding game of rugby.

Finally, the lads headed off to the Premiership Home of Saracens, Allianz Park to face the best of Middlesex. A fantastic venue and a fitting season finale. Following a nervous start by Herts, the team settled into their rhythm, which saw Herts steadily claw back the first half Middlesex lead and come away with another victory! The result being Herts 33, Middlesex 17, another fantastic match against a very strong opposition.

Following a nervous wait, the Divisional selectors made their choices as to who would go forward to trial for the London and Southeast Squad. Over the previous 2 months, close to 200 lads, from 8 Counties had been assessed by Division and England and finally, a trial squad of just 40 players was announced, a total of 9 players were selected from the Herts squad and received their invite from L&SE Team Manager Steve Tomlinson just in time for Christmas!

The Herts players selected are;

Under 18s Harry Collins (Centre) Oaklands College Luke Bouchier (Flyhalf) Oaklands College Alfie Orchard (Flyhalf) Bedford School Max Bedford (Prop) Bishops Stortford High School, Bishops Stortford RFC Steffan Jones (Hooker), Oaklands College Oliver Moody (2nd Row), Haileybury College, Old Albanian RFC

Under 17s Sam Jones (Wing) Oaklands College, Old Albanians RFC Harry Cavlan (Centre) Oaklands College Arthur Fitt (Scrumhalf) Hartpury College, Hemel Hempstead (Camelot) RUFC Old Albanians, Rwanda and the Combined services… 7766

Woollams recently hosted a wonderful evening of rugby, with the visit of the President of Rwanda RFU, President Araire Alexander, the Chairman of Hertfordshire RFU, John Gregory, Chairman of Marketing for Hertfordshire RFU, Steve Waller and a host of ex- Chairmen and Presidents from Old Albanians and Hertfordshire. The Clubhouse was full and a large, boisterous crowd enjoyed a great evening both on and off the pitch.

Prior to the game, the visiting guests were introduced to the teams from Old Albanians and a Combined Services team from Northwood Headquarters. The game was always close with both teams making use of a large bench. OA’s led at half time, thanks to tries from Chad Williams and Tom Spratt and a successful conversion from Toby Daley, score 12-5.

Both sides had opportunities in the third quarter but it was Northwood who scored two tries within about 5 minutes which made the score 15-12 with 15 minutes to go.

Referee, Peter (Polly) Poulain kept a tight grip on proceedings and even managed to ignore Darren Ead’s tirade of rants, keeping 30 men on the pitch at all times, Northwood again broke through to score and with 8 minutes left OA’s were trailing 20-12. Possession and territory were now all OA’s but they were not able to break through, George Middleton, crashed over in the corner but Mr Poulain determined that he had been held up.

Finally, OA’s Terry Piper, in only his second game of rugby ever, scored in the corner to make the score 20-17. An outstanding touchline conversion reduced the margin to 20-19 and we hoped we had two minutes left to get the result. Sadly Mr Poulain, who is the sole arbiter of time on a rugby pitch, thought otherwise and blew the final whistle.

It was a great match and one that promises to become an annual event on the rugby calendar.

Afterwards, President Alex thanked Darren Ead for his efforts in supporting Rwandan Rugby. Darren and a selection of 60+ friends from the Hertfordshire Rugby community have visited Rwanda every year since 2004 and have made a huge difference to rugby in their country. President Alex thanked Darren for the playing kits (70), boots, tag belts, balls and training that they have provided to all rugby players in Rwanda from school children up to the National team. Hertfordshire Chairman of Marketing, Steve Waller thanked OA’s and Northwood for hosting such an event and putting on a great game of rugby and Darren Ead for personally making a difference to rugby in another country. Northwood HQ presented OA’s with a bottle of vintage port from their Officers’ Mess and the post-rugby stories carried on into the small hours.

During the game, two attractive, young ladies went round asking for donations. OAs are delighted that they managed to raise £260, half of which has been donated to Help for Heroes and half will be sent to Rwanda RFU.

Thank you to Paul, Vikki and the staff of OA’s for their excellent hospitality and to Mick Foley and Chris Butterworth for arranging the fixture. Disciplinary Report 7766

We have now reached the half way point in the 2017/18 season. Unlike last season which started off slowly, this year “Kicked off” straight away. So far this season the panels have dealt with a total of 15 cases, with 1 case awaiting a police investigation and 1 citing to be dealt with by a Hertfordshire panel early in the New Year.

The panel members have been stretched to the limit, sitting most weeks due to the lack of available panellists. To this end we are looking for volunteers to come and join us in the quest to make sure that our game is kept safe. We are particularly looking for those that have recent playing experience, a good basic knowledge of the game and common sense. The committee sits 1 or 2 Thursday evenings a month from 7.30pm at the Mercure Hotel, Roehyde Way, Hatfield. Training opportunities are available from the RFU during most off season periods.

Anyone that would like any further information contact me or the Chairman of the Hertfordshire Disciplinary Panel, John KNIGHTON.

Paul DOYLE Hertfordshire Disciplinary Panel. 01727 864575 07747 872213 [email protected].

Thank you to our Sponsors 7766

Since the loss of Weston Homes as our main sponsor, we have struggled to fill the void that was left. Weston Homes had been incredibly generous over many years and they were contributing up to £25k a season to help the game in Hertfordshire grow.

Representative rugby has continued to expand, we are running as many age grade teams as ever before and added to that is the rapidly increasing Women and Girls game. Hertfordshire Rugby were lucky to have Proco to take up the reins, they produce a massive amount of literature for us every season, this booklet, the Yearbook, countless programmes, menus, posters, the list goes on. We are very grateful.

Thanks also to all the contributors who take an advertisement in our Yearbook. We are able to welcome two new sponsors this season. BPC Land sales and Marketing have kindly agreed to support the County this season, Director Steve Blight is a sports enthusiast, as well as Rugby, he has a keen interest in Golf and Football. Alongside the full-page advert in the yearbook BPC have sponsored the County playing shorts, our annual golf day and the popular members dinner held at Porters Park Golf Club on 7th March.

Tiki Tonga Coffee are also rugby fanatics, Justin Stockwell is very well versed in Hertfordshire rugby, his co-owner Brad Barritt knows a thing or two about the game too! Tiki Tonga have kindly agreed to sponsor the match balls this season.

We are always on the lookout for extending our list of sponsors and advertisers, if you know of anyone who might be able to help Hertfordshire Rugby, please contact me. Steve Waller. Mob: 07711 071727 Email: [email protected] Some dates for your diary….. 7766

Annual Members Dinner. 7th March 2018.

We are delighted that this year we will be entertained by ex-Irish International Mick Quinn, so we expect a high demand for tickets. Again, we will enjoy the wonderful facilities at Porters Park Golf Club, excellent food and excellent company. £45/Head. Please reserve your place with John Atkinson, [email protected]

Annual Members Lunch. 19th May 2018.

The last home game of the season, come along and enjoy the lunch at Bishop’s Stortford then watch the County team take on Cornwall”s best. All enquiries please to Mark Elliott, [email protected]

Home County Championship Matches

The full fixture list for our representative matches can be found on pages 10 and 11. We would of course be delighted to see you at any, or all of the games, but the County need your support, to roar our Men and Women home in the Championship matches. The home games are: Under 20’s V Surrey, 25th February, at Hertford RFC. 2.30pm KO Under 20’s V Eastern Counties, 18th March, at Hertford RFC, 2.30pm KO Womens XV V Somerset, 29th April, at Harpenden RFC, 3.00pm KO Mens XV V Kent, 5th May, at Cheshunt RFC, 3.00pm KO Mens XV V Cornwall, 19th May, at Bishop’s Stortford RFC, 3.00 KO

Annual Golf Day. 6th July 2018. Always a great day at the excellent East Herts Golf Club. Teams of four from clubs across the County compete for the Herts Golf Trophy, we are very grateful to our friends from BPC for sponsoring this event. Please book your place with:- Les Clark: [email protected] or Steve Waller: [email protected] Helpfully Productive

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