Club points News for Hitchin Rugby Football Club members Issue 28 • May 2013 Hitchin 1XV 2012-2013 Hitchin had a rather varied season this year; we had a very confident start to the season by only marginally losing to the eventual unbeaten Old Priorians, and then setting a high standard of rugby across the board but unfortunately not getting the results needed. Westy runs in to score v. Haringey We then had a great October and early November winning five games in a row including two victories in the cup against Upminster and Norwich who had both not lost a game all season. Unfortunately, then came the rest of November and December where Hitchin did not win a single game through a heavy injury list losing key players such as Duane Brand, Jack Peachy, John “Nuts” Bolter on the charge v. Datchworth Perkins, Nathan Burns, Ian Thompson and Lewis Skittrall but the team still showed tremendous heart and pride putting their all performances from James Bolter, Heinrich Schlehmeyer, Stefan in week in week out. Hitchin came back after Christmas with a Brand, Nick Panton and Jack Peachy. great spirit and Coach David Marshall had come up with a master This standard of rugby was showcased at the brilliantly plan to change the way Hitchin played. organised LV weekend, where the under 23’s took on the over With key players coming back into the team some wonderful 23’s in the John Drew Cup, which saw the best of the youth rugby was seen at King George’s playing Field with fantastic section run by Jim Panter and Amos Brand, take on the older victories over Haringey Rhinos, Cheshunt, Barnet and a huge heads of Hitchin, headed up by Dave Marshall and Adam Shaw. performance against Datchworth. This brilliant game end up at 28-28 with some superb skill and These marvellous performances saw Hitchin finish the season talent, showing that this forthcoming season could be a very on a high with some of the best rugby being played, and standout good season for a new look Hitchin side. Adam Shaw
RESULTS IN this issue... London 3 North West 20 April 2013
Team P W D L F A Diff B Pts Pts Adjust 25 years of Old Priorians 22 22 0 0 839 212 627 16 104 0 Mini & Youth Twickenham 22 20 0 2 773 188 585 15 96 0 Welwyn 22 14 0 8 568 386 182 9 65 0 Finchley 22 13 1 8 384 333 51 6 60 0 Datchworth 22 12 0 10 416 429 -13 11 60 0 LV= and HRFC London New Zealand 22 10 0 12 641 380 261 16 56 0 Wasps 22 10 0 12 461 423 38 14 54 0 Hitchin 22 10 0 12 361 533 -172 9 51 0 Changing room Barnet Elizabethans 22 9 1 12 373 436 -63 9 47 0 Imperial Medicals 22 5 0 17 302 656 -354 9 24 -5 redevelopment Cheshunt 22 4 0 18 219 592 -373 4 20 0 Haringey Rhinos 22 2 0 20 188 957 -769 3 11 0 update The Ladies Passion... Drive... Talent... Just a few words to describe Hitchin Ladies rugby. From no coach to three, the Ladies fought back and got on with it. With copious amounts of club support and positivity from Jim Panter, Amos Brand and Gary Ayers, we went from a team that played, to a team that people wanted to watch and talk about. We started to win games and play simple rugby as a gelled team. Our Friday night game under the 1 XV lights was a massive highlight with over 100 fans out The LV weekend was also an excellent Ladies under lights supporting us on a fabulous win. Not example of how we pulled it all together, only were we a team on the pitch but the coming second, and loving every minute comradery off the pitch increased tenfold. of it. A positive end to a great season. RUGBY SHORTS
100 Club winners Cheers Dave! • Keith Gibson • Babs Morgan Many of you will know that David • R Swarbrick Marshall has left his position of Head You have to • Brian Chapman be in it to Coach to take up a similar post at • Derek Ambler Dunstablians RFC. David has been • Chris Jones win it! involved with Hitchin RFC for many years as a player, a successful Captain – remember Twickenham 1993, Coach and RFU Grand Draw more recently he played a very great part Thanks to all members who in the implementation and organisation contributed to the draw, which of the LV= U18 National Cup. put nearly £1,200 into the bank. David became Head Coach at the start Unfortunately no one from HRFC of the 2007/8 season when we found won, but there is always next year! ourselves back in Herts Middlesex. David Marshall Second prize went to a Royston Returning to Hitchin from Ampthill after RFC member, so it is getting closer. a year away from the club it was clear standards matched those off the pitch. that he had a desire for the club to do David always felt the Club had the Called to the bar well. At the end of the season the First players to achieve promotion to London John Humphries retires as Bar XV gained promotion to London NW4. NW2, but each season had its own Chairman after six years, taking The 2008/9 season saw the Club problems – injuries to key players, over from John Gregory in the maintain its position within the league especially the ‘curse of the captain’ 2005/6 season. The bar is of course but due to the RFU reorganising the and the uncertainty about promotion/ the club’s best asset – our thanks league structure the start of the 2009/10 relegation late in the season. to John who will no doubt prop campaign put us in NW3. David, always As well as being Head Coach David up the bar from the other side. looking to involve younger players, made was always looking to promote rugby use of members of the successful colts’ and Hitchin RFC. The idea to organise an side who became available for senior U18 National Cup, look for sponsorship Silver Hedgehogs rugby – the start of “Hitchin’s Young and hold the finals at Hitchin shows how Recipients of the much valued silver Guns”. At the end of the season the team forward thinking he is about the game of hedgehog since the last issue of Club was playing a more expansive game rugby. Points are the ubiquitous Mark Tidey, and was able to compete with a greater David has been a great asset to the and Richard Stidolph, for his work level of fitness, helped by the idea to Club and we wish him all the best in the on the website and online shop. change the garage into a gym and the next step of his coaching career. introduction of some indoor training. At the end of the season the 1st and 2nd teams were County Cup finalists. Over the next couple of seasons the 1st XV played with mixed success, often playing some brilliant catch up rugby, having given the opposition too much of a start. David’s enthusiasm for open rugby allowed players to be creative and HG Construction supporting the youth of today and building for the future. this was often seen on the rugby field. The end of the 20011/12 season was A Hitchin based construction company working regionally, producing high quality, frustrating for David, with results not energy efficient and sustainable buildings to meet all the needs of our Clients. quite as good as expected, and he was looking forward to the next campaign We wish Hitchin Rugby Club every success with their plans both on with good things happening at the Club and off the pitch for the future. – LV= sponsorship, the U18 Cup and the planning of new changing rooms. He felt For the latest news and projects at HG Construction, visit our website at www.hgconstruct.co.uk it was now time to ensure that playing
2 3 25 years of Mini & Youth The 25th season of the Hitchin Mini and youth rugby and then Youth Section has flown by and what a both those sides top their season it has been! leagues as champions, I am happy to report that we now gain promotion and are have a record 412-registered M&Y also the Herts County players, with a growing number Plate runners of age groups now maintaining up. We look 40+ players. This is clearly a John Drew forward to wonderful position to find reported at the welcoming ourselves in, but one which 1987/88 AGM that them into presents both challenges and there was a proposal the Academy rewards. The limitations on to set up a mini next season. pitch space at KGV as well as rugby section. The U16’s strains on other resources has ended their forced us to take a good look at season as HML how we can better manage what Division 2 Champions! we have. The U19’s ended There have been many outstanding second in their league, achievements; U11’s are winners of the a tribute in no small part Hitchin girls’ squad Cup at the North Herts Festival, U12A’s to the success of the newly the Bedford Festival Plate Winners, the formed Hitchin Academy organisation of the tour, I was delighted U14’s finished 3rd in their league, a now completing it first year. The Academy to present her with the Mangold Cup this tremendous achievement by the U15’s, was established to provide the best year. The U15’s notably took two touring the first Hitchin side to take 2 teams into quality rugby coaching for Under 16s to squads away to Holland in another first Under 20s in North for Hitchin rugby club. Hertfordshire. We remain committed to Touring A public an increased recruitment season saw notice in the press for Girls Youth rugby and 150+ Minis in September 1988 forward planning in tourists go advertised the start of preparations for the effect off on a Mini rugby at HRFC on our numbers of the next terrific Safari and by November we Rugby World Cup are also to Shropshire, had 50 members on the way. organised, for A huge thank you to our the second year in wonderful team of volunteers, a row, by Helen Dudley. without whom none of this would be As a token of the M&Y achieved. section’s appreciation for all the hard work Phil Dickson-Earle, M&Y Chairman Under 12’s get their club ties as they graduate to youth rugby Helen put into the [email protected]
Schools Programme: Hitchin Rugby Academy – first ahead of our time! season a success! HRFC have been active in a The new Hitchin Rugby Academy for number of primary schools 16 to 19 year olds has completed a throughout the season. successful inaugural season under Lead Working with our partners, Coach, Jim Panter. The rationale is to Sports 121, and with the provide the best possible rugby coaching financial support from LV= we in North Hertfordshire across all three have been able to introduce of these age groups, combine players primary school children to tag into a representative Academy team and rugby for the first time. smooth the entry of these players into This activity couldn’t have senior rugby. Welsh international been timed better with the The season is viewed as a success Paul Turner announcement of Legacy by all players, age group coaches, the funding and as such we are club and the coaching and management Cup. We also have four of our U19s in currently building an ambitious team of the Academy. We appreciate the the County U20 squad and many have programme of activity for the sponsorship of LV= and JC Services in played for the First XV this year. coming season, again with LV= helping create the Academy identity. Guest coaches included Nick Walshe and Sports 121 but, fingers The U16s won their HML Division 2 (England U20s) and three great sessions crossed, as part of the Herts as Champions while the Academy side from Paul Turner thanks to generous Sports Partnership (currently (mostly U18s and U17s but with a select sponsorship from our VPs. in discussions) we will be active band of U16s too) performed well in We look forward to season 2013/14 in 30+ primary schools. the National Cup, LV= competition and when we welcome almost 50 new reached the semi-final of the County players to the Academy!
3 & HRFC Over the past two seasons the impact on Hitchin Rugby Football Club can’t be ignored as the LV= partnership is now in full swing. From delivering a whole club identity to introducing young players to their first taste of live rugby the effects of this special relationship will be felt for many years. It’s not just about money (which is often a key enabler) but it’s more about the impact on our members and players – ensuring that HRFC is a club that delivers on its bold ambitions. Aside from helping pay our bills here’s a small flavour from this season on what we have been able to do together... Live Rugby Thanks to LV=’s support we have been able to take a huge number of M&Y players and parents to experience live rugby, some for the first time. Whether it’s been support for transport costs to mini festivals at Sarries or tickets to watch England’s U20s there has been a full programme of activity. Next season we plan to do lots more of this and huge thanks to Justine Welbury and her team for putting all the work into organising these trips In addition we are currently developing plans to deliver an exciting programme of Rugby at our neighbouring school, The Priory. Watch this space for exciting news on a scheme that we hope will set the club on a strong footing for many years to come.
Weekend of Rugby Westcliff battle it out with Old Albanians in U18’s final With a shared ambition to support the development of rugby the partnership Even the weather played along as a full teams entering a 6th ‘invitational’ team – between LV= and Hitchin Rugby Club was weekends programme was completed in the Pink Panthers – completed the line up. always destined to be a success, however I glorious sunshine, and not a drop of rain. Women’s rugby has been crying out for don’t think anyone was quite prepared for Last year’s event had already set the bar some serious support to get it onto the same just how amazing the LV= Hitchin Rugby high, so the team at Hitchin had looked level as the men’s game, both Hitchin RFC Weekend was going to be. to expand with an ambitious three day and LV= love this type of challenge but it This season saw the LV=U18s Cup in its ‘festival of rugby’. was really down to the quality of the play to 2nd year, this event has quickly become make this step change. Yes Hitchin RFC and the cornerstone of the HRFC and LV= LV= Ladies Cup LV= laid on a superb event, all teams were relationship. This season the organising First up, on the Friday under lights, was the made very welcome, first class facilities and committee set themselves a tough challenge first ever LV= Ladies Cup, this tournament beautiful pitch and some of the top young introducing the first ever LV= Ladies Cup was designed to accommodate as many referees in the county but the ladies had to and a full day of rugby dedicated to HRFC. female players as possible so, as well as five deliver – and they did just that and more! The standard of rugby was superb, amazing commitment from every team and player who all seemed to be relishing the support of a buoyant crowd. An evening of intense rugby along a ‘Super 10s’ format cumulated in a hard fought final between Peterborough and Hitchin’s very own ladies team. As hosts the Hitchin team had the lion’s share of support but, in keeping with the ethos of the event, the open and clinical style of the Peterborough Moo Moo’s was applauded by one and all. The two teams had battled out a thrilling draw earlier in the completion but when it came to the final the Peterborough team came out on top, it sounds like a cliché but can be said in all honestly Rugby was the real winner on the night. An evening of entertainment followed with talk of next year’s LV= Ladies Harry Chater(ref) in control of Hitchin Ladies v. Stockwood Cup a major topic of the post match banter.
4 5 Callum Taylor breaks away for President’s XV (U23’s) in John Drew cup after giving everything and entertaining the John Drew Cup partisan crowd. The Real winners... On the Saturday of their LV=Weekend With one final game of rugby to be After some amazing rugby with a full Hitchin RFC dedicated a day to themselves played the last run of the tractor pepped weekend of entertainment huge thanks and their players. First up the ‘young hogs’ up the superb Hitchin surface for the LV= must go to the HRFC team that not only put in the ever swelling Mini & Youth section U18s cup final between Westcliff and OAs. all the plans in place for the event but also (with over 400 members) enjoyed some fun Westcliff had travelled from Essex with one put in hours of work to ensure the event and games (the obligatory bouncy castle) thing on their mind, winning the Cup and lived up to expectations. and the Hitchin U11s entertained Robert they soon put the OAs team to the sword There are too many people to thank Bloomfield School in a fierce encounter, with some electrifying attacking rugby, OAs individually because this was an example Hitchin U11s running out winners 10 trys competed well but as the game moved of what HRFC is all about – everyone to 4 to claim the LV= Minis Cup. on the Westcliff team just had too much doing their bit, from parents, players, The afternoon was then handed on to and with 10 minutes to go the result was officials, volunteers it truly was a team the men’s senior side of the club who had assured and Westcliff were crowned the effort. Not many clubs could even entertain already played an active part in supporting LV= U18s Cup winners. For a completion in such ambitious plans, but they don’t the LV= Ladies Cup and the LV= Minis, so only its second year it was again testament have the one thing that makes this work they had a lot to live up to. What followed, to the outstanding commitment from LV= – the support and time from an amazing witnessed by one of the largest crowds and the vision and delivery of Hitchin membership. of the season, was quite possibly the best Rugby Club. Roll on next year! game of Rugby in many years at King Georges Playing Fields. The ‘very best’ U23s vs the ‘very best’ Over 23s players from Hitchin decided to throw everything (and some) into a superb contest for the clubs very own John Drew Cup – as summed up afterwards ‘No Quarter was asked, no quarter was given’. In a game of high intensity and commitment the final result, a 28 -28 draw, seemed somewhat justice and we eagerly await the return fixture next season! LV= U18s Cup and Plate Final So, two days into the weekend and the club had already created some amazing memories, won over many new friends and really paid justice to the support of LV= and their combined ambition to support the development of rugby, at all levels and across all boundaries. Only the small matter of a full Sunday of rugby to follow, the now established (in only its second year) LV= U18s Plate and Cup final. This competition started back in October with 32 of the best U18s sides from across the South of England and after much rugby it now came down to 4 teams to contest the honours. The plate final saw a spectacle of attacking rugby with Colchester pitched against Chinnor, a game that could have gone either way resulted in the Colchester Team holding aloft the LV= U18s plate with Chinnor holding their heads high A Pink Panther cannot escape clutches of Hitchin tackler
5 VP’s corner By the time you read this I hope that I’m sure there are many other options I have been re-elected, or not as the and I would really like to learn your case may be! Whatever, it is hard to thoughts, whether or not you think it believe that my year as Vice President a good idea; would you like to help in Liaison Officer is nearly done. It is some way; what would you like to see an important role and one that I am as a tribute to us? proud to undertake because the Vice Please don’t make me wait until the Presidents are in many ways the back- next VP Lunch to tell me, you can email bone of the Club. your ideas to [email protected], Over the years you have raised or write to me c/o the Club. I expect an incredible amount of money and that you will harangue me at the next provided essential support to our Club few Lunches as well, but I enjoy them in so many different ways that I shan’t too much to accurately remember any even begin to try to list them. Thank you discussion held! all so very much. I hope you have enjoyed the lunches You cannot have missed the news as well, and I would like to pass my about the proposed, and sorely needed, thanks to Sue for looking after our redevelopment of the club house and I stomachs so well! And for keeping a think it is time that the Vice Presidents hygienic kitchen! Sponsors’ dinner had public acknowledgement of their My thanks to you all for your support, 140 sponsors, support. One way of doing this would and I look forward to seeing you again guests and members be for us to “sponsor” a specific part when the new Season begins. enjoyed a splendid of the new building by paying for it evening in the - a “Vice Presidents changing room” Martin Howard club’s marquee on perhaps? [email protected] Wednesday 6 March, fed by Sue Stanbury and entertained by MC Steve Battersby and guest speakers Ted Gareth Chilcott Merit tables and comedian Lea • The 2XV, led by Richard Lucas, spent Roberts. Gareth spoke Gareth Chilcott some time at the head of Herts/ Eva in his imitable way, regaling us with rugby Middlesex merit table 2, but finished It is with stories of his time a respectable 7th out of 10, playing great with England and the 19 games W 7: D1: L11 sadness that British Lions, to be we have followed by Lea – • The 3XV, led by a selection of learnt of an ex rugby league stalwarts, again finished 7th out of the death of Ted player for Halifax 10, playing 21 games W6: D1: L14 Eva, a much loved Vice –President of RLFC – who had the the club house rocking with • The 4XV (Hedgehogs) led once We send our condolences to his laughter more by Gary Hawtin, finished a family and friends. A successful raffle commendable 3rd from 13, playing An obituary will be published in the ensured that the event 20 games W 12: D0: L8 next issue of Club Points. did not lose money! Lea Roberts
Thanks to our main club sponsors Arrow Generics General sponsorship HG Construction General sponsorship Hitchin Youth Trust Mini & Youth and coaching in schools JC Services Academy sponsorship Kelly Communications Group General sponsorship LV= General sponsorship Mike Tarrier Associates General sponsorship Weston Homes General sponsorship
6 7 Changing room redevelopment to be ready for 2014/15 season There has been an unavoidable improved changing facilities will benefit updating the membership of progress. delay due to the finalisation of Trust Sunday footballers, but this represents an They will be launching a series of arrangements for King George V Playing opportunity to the club as these facilities programmes, more detail will follow. fields by North Herts District Council. will be hired out to our financial benefit Unfortunately, due to the delay as The Trust had its first meeting on, 27 in running the facility. explained above, we do not expect to March 2013. The trustees visited the We remain committed to this essential start the work this year, as planned. club a few weeks ago “to have a look project and appreciate that we require However substantial funds are in hand, around”, and meet again on 14 May. the support of all club members to make and once the new 99 year lease has been The Trustees received a report from an this happen. Tim Jeffries (Club President) agreed it will be “all systems go” with the independent Chartered Surveyor on a and Richard Lucas (Chairman of the first six new changing rooms ready for number of property issues including the Business Committee) will be driving the 2014/15 season. proposals for the new lease and premises the fundraising initiative and will be Peter Tasko, Club Chairman for the rugby club. Based upon the independent advice the Trustees have asked NHDC to negotiate the heads of terms for the new 99 year lease, and confirm their support for the club’s proposals The phased plan to rebuild and improve the changing rooms, pavilion and eventually clubhouse at King George’s is the result of negotiations with North Herts District Council over a number of years. NHDC were unhappy to grant a lease for a satellite changing facility when the existing structure had passed its realistic lifespan and they had no foreseeable access to funds to replace or continue to maintain their long term integrity. Likewise we as a Management Committee were unprepared to take the responsibility for an old building with no tangible benefit to the club. The agreement we are negotiating will allow the Club to redevelop the changing rooms and pavilion over a period of 15 -20 years, but we will only conclude the agreement on the basis of a long term lease (i.e. 99yrs) that secures the future of our club. The actions we take and funds we raise now will clearly be of benefit to current players at all levels, but will be of greatest benefit to our younger members now and as they reach adulthood and they become senior and hopefully first XV players. Moreover, the facility will provide the environment and security for their children and for our club for the foreseeable future. The provision of
7 Periwinkles RFC This was the Robin Thorpe 10th Anniversary for fund raising for a charity that is very close to my heart and if it wasn’t for all my dear friends and playing colleagues at Hitchin RFC I’m sure it wouldn’t have got this far as it has and with help long may it continue. We successfully raised on the day with the help of Hitchin Rugby Football Club a staggering £2,085 I can’t think of anything more fitting than to get recognition for all the hard work the Periwinkles Rugby Football Team have achieved over those ten years and the total value of funds raised. The total raised from the Periwinkle rugby matches to date is a staggering £27,651.36 – excluding this year’s income of £3,316.82 which is still ongoing on our Just Giving web page, this means we’ve smash the £30,000 mark this year – wow, BRILLIANT! I know it’s not all about the money but I feel that this is a landmark achievement for both the Lymphoma Association and the Periwinkles Elite meet the not so elite! Ben Youngs, James Haskell,Joe Marler and others step out with the Hedgehogs Rugby Football Team whom I’m now the non playing Captain.
Many thanks, Back to grass roots! Karl Thorpe In November 2012, courtesy of We have it on very good authority Canterbury of NZ, a representative that James Haskell is still talking about delegation from Hitchin RFC joined the the evening 6 months on. Suffice to say England Rugby team for a VIP dinner that we succeeded in our task to remind at PennyHill Park where they were the pros what life is like at grassroots stationed for the Autumn Internationals. level rugby. They may even have heeded The night was billed as an opportunity some of our well intended tactical and for the cream of English rugby to technical advice for the test against the reconnect with amateur club rugby. Springboks the following Saturday. Earlier that day, it was announced that They lost 12-16. Ben Youngs had lost his place in the starting XV to Danny Care. The tone of the evening was set straight away when one of the Hitchin party (who shall British Lions remain nameless) unsympathetically asked Youngs if he might be able to get in Australia Danny’s autograph for him. Hitchin then introduced England’s elite Saturday 22 June to the phenomenon that is ‘meal in a 1st TEST glass’, sung songs with lyrics that made Suncorp Stadium, even Joe Marler wince and ended the Brisbane night with a demonstration of Tiddles’ legendary ‘Three man lift’. Saturday 29 June 2nd TEST Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Saturday 6 July 3rd TEST Live on TV Don't forget to log on ANZ Stadium, Sydney at the club to our website! All 11am Bar Open! www.hitchinrugby.com kick off
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