FEBRUARY 2019 Issue 5

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What’s Inside?

Boxing Day Success -- I Love Rugby -- Junior vs Senior -- Upcoming Fixtures -- The Power of Rugby -- And Much More! Our Significant Otter If last season served as a in Otter, as well as his other in scintillating form; hitting Otters praises; “Jack Otter sneak preview, this year is back row stars - Luke rucks, turning over ball, has had an amazing start to the full feature-length Tamlin and Marcus Epps making important tackles - the season and has come picture! And the star of the often made up the rest of everything you hope for on leaps and bounds since show - Jack Otter! the wing-forwards. (The trio from a young seven! pre-season. His individual 19 year-old Jack broke are affectionately known as Meanwhile, bad luck has hit talent to read the body through into senior rugby ‘The Boyband’). Luke and Marcus in the language of the opposition alongside his colts team, The three band members form of injury, but this in the ruck and tackle area coached by former senior made up the back row for singing Otter has quite a is why he is such an asset to Head Coach, Justin Boyes. the majority of last year’s voice, and a solo career has the back row. He still has a Boyes remained Jacks unfortunate relegation been more than achievable! lot to learn but for such a coach for a further year, season, but here they Although, if asked, I’m sure young player he has a very taking the helm of the remained, at the disposal of he’d love to get the band bright and interesting rugby seniors as his junior new Head Coach Jordan back together. career ahead.” coaching days came to an Thompson. As the season Coach Thompson has also end. He showed great trust has unfolded Jack has been been in great voice, singing

THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 1 Thompson Takes Charge Another year. Another youngsters within the coach. Following last squad but, at the same year’s relegation, Justin time, add some Boyes made the decision experience and leadership to step down as the club’s with some old heads - head coach, giving look no further than Chris Bourne the off-season to Nanson. The decision to appoint a third in as many move him from last years years. Many applications front five to this year’s were received and backs seemed pre-season trial sessions questionable to say the were taken by a lucky few, least ... well, question but in the end it was answered. The bulky Jordan Thompson that fly-half has nestled in topped the list. Thompson seamlessly. has played and coached Jump to present day and at a number of clubs in Bourne sit second in the Kent since he left league with the second Coach Thompson (Left) with brother Brad, sporting Sittingbourne some 17 half of the season still to Sittingbourne Vets colours years ago. The 39 year old play. With training took his first session with numbers higher than drills and game plan they “As Sittingbourne was my seven weeks until the start usual and great morale are practicing at training. first senior club and still of the new Kent 2 season within the squad, hopes Younger players are holds true the rugby and implemented his style are high for the rest of the growing and developing family ideal then I would of play quickly. His new season. Thompson in their game and the welcome the chance to look side took to the field appears to have reigned in more seasoned players put back something to the for the first time in a rout this youthful squad. are providing good club that gave me my of old rivals Sheppey, the The chairman’s opinion; balance to the enthusiasm start in rugby life”. That’s a first of three pre-season Watching games it is clear of the youngsters. pretty good motivation in matches. His team that our teams Jordan joined us in the my book. selections have looked to understand and are summer. His application trust the exciting enacting the skills and for the post stated that: Planning Approved Written by Roger Down development will be history! letters of support and The Swale Planning subject to discussion We are indebted to Quinn attendance at meetings Committee have passed regarding clubhouse and Estates for all their hard has been immense and it the planning application facilities design between work and for their is truly appreciated. for development at Wises ourselves and the generosity throughout Now the hard work starts Lane which includes a developers and will be this process and in the - planning, running and new clubhouse, three based on a 100-year future. developing our own pitches and car parking renewable lease. This will I am extremely proud that facilities to help us to for Sittingbourne Rugby give us security of tenure, the whole club's response maintain and grow. Club! something our club has in supporting the OUR CLUB, OUR The detail of the never had in its entire application through FUTURE!!

Computer-generated images of how the new development could look

2 THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 Boxing Day Success

Written by Roger Down Sittingbourne RUFC’s annual Boxing Day game was played in memory of Steve Ardley who played for both Sittingbourne and Faversham, however Faversham were sadly unable to field any players this year. Steve’s brother, Terry, attended as a spectator as he has every year. Being early on Boxing Day the game started with only 9-a-side, one team splendidly bedecked in the Wooden Spoon playing shirts. Players gradually turned up as the snappers. There was a Sittingbourne, we had a course Wooden Spoon game progressed, welcome return to the great turnout from the who do great works in finishing up with pretty club by the Goodrum supporters who gave their improving the lives of much 15-a-side. family, not seen at the usual helpful suggestions children and young Notable participants were club for a goodly while. as to how the players people with disabilities Andy Butler, an elder of The match was refereed might do a better job. As and facing disadvantage. the club and his son by Fred Nash who looked for the score, not a clue Thanks to the generosity Jacob, Big Al and Little Al at times quite competent, but the clear winners were of all players and Collins with just three legs but at others as if he was our great sport of rugby, spectators we raised between them and trying to herd cats! our great club and its £330 for the charity. numerous young whipper As is normal at community spirit and of

‘Just a Little Bit Longer’

Dave Fairbrass ... yes he’s where, within 6 months, have declined over the still playing! At the ripe he became the skipper of years, his love for the old age of 72, Dave still the 3rd team. game and desire to keep dusts off his boots a few 3rd team captain would playing certainly have not. times a year to play for turn out to be calling for So what could the secret Bourne. Dave as he took on the be? How does Dave keep Dave was born 18 months very same role when he putting on the Bourne after the war (the second migrated towards shirt? one in case you were Sittingbourne, and Well, many readers will unsure) in Margate. Living maintained a 12 year stint probably already know in Thanet, he grew up with before finally relinquishing the answer - Dave’s lucky a taste for sport, taking the role in 2011. These shorts have been the part in athletics and days, if you’re lucky, you’ll staple of his kit since his cross-country at school. catch him running the first match, not missing a His first experience of wing in the odd 3rd team game since 1972! And if Dave sporting his rugby came when he or Vets game, refusing to Dave has his way they’ll lucky shorts joined the navy, taking take the easy non-contact live to play for years to part as a hooker in a option. come. seven-a-side game Ever since his journey in When asked how he club’s history.” between his ship and a club rugby began Dave wants his rugby future to Well here’s to that! A real New Zealand ‘rival’. has played constantly, pan out, Dave said; “I want club legend! Keep going In 1974 he left the navy never considering his age, to play just a little bit Dave, we hope to see you and found his way to and although the longer ... I want to be the on the pitch again and Sheppey rugby club frequency of games may oldest try-scorer in the again.

THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 3 Introducing: Big Dan! Sittingbourne Rugby Club session one to session two is proud to introduce its alone was incredible, and latest acquisition - Big since then his Dan! Dan Elliot joined up improvement has been with Bourne in the exponential. With just a pre-season with a basic understanding of fondness for rugby, but rugby and one very little playing scrummaging session experience ... and his first under his belt, Dan was session made that selected to prop in the apparent. However, first team pre-season knowing that the senior match against Sheppey, front row has become and he did more than hold somewhat depleted (and his own. That experienced never any younger) in the opposition didn’t move last few years, it was nice forward an inch and boy to see a young, large, were they surprised. Had eager player rock up to you been there on the day Absolutely not! He impressive asset and he’s training. you could have no repeated the feat the very here to stay! ... unless he Talk about not looking arguments, Big Dan won next week away at Deal decides to pursue a career back! The big man’s man of the match on his and Betteshanger. Bourne in modelling, just look at transformation from debut. Beginners luck? have certainly gained an that picture! The Loyal Treatment Written by Jamie Stevens and nothing proves this Blandford, a mere three and some unavailabilities. Sittingbourne Rugby Club more than those that hour and 160-mile drive Even then he was willing prides itself on an ethos of continue to make the away. But despite no to play in the back-row, loyalty and togetherness, arduous journey to play longer being a First XV something he has only a club that encourages for us week in and week regular (Jacob scored 18 done a handful of times the progression of players out. tries in the 2016/17 season and would admit that he on to pastures new. A Jacob Parr has played in Kent 2 with the First knows not a lot about - sense of loyalty to the more than ten times this XV), due to his Army despite his dad (A former players is something that year, despite being based commitments, he has still Wales Under 19’s flanker) is reciprocated from them, at an Army camp in made the journey and frantically shouting from filled in for the club. the sidelines. He certainly Currently a regular in the still can’t comprehend the Second XV, Jacob has offside line around a ruck, filled in across a variety of something he surely has positions ranging from the picked up from watching back-row to the centres to Dean Marsh play too the wing. He has also much. stepped up a level in It is out of the club’s terms of leadership, the gratitude to players like former (Self-titled) hot Jacob that I have been headed trouble starter has asked to write this article shown increasing levels of about him (and in the maturity - perhaps process, inflate his ego something to do with the tenfold). But while Jacob strict military regime he is is in the spotlight of this under. Jacob was asked edition ofThe Blindside, it to captain the Second XV must be said that there away at Deal & are many others who Bettsehanger at the make personal sacrifices beginning of December in to be with us every week, the absence of regular in the present and in years captain Richard (Dick) gone by. It is these players Humphries. that make Sittingbourne In recent weeks, Jacob Rugby Club what it is has found himself back in today, and what it will the First team squad, continue to be in the Jacob (Left) laughing with 1XV No8, Ben Teeder following a run of form future.

4 THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 I Love Rugby with Jamie Stevens

For the first instalment of guy that got lifted into the new season, I had the touch by Mike Tindall in pleasure of picking the the Final of the World pint-sized brain of newly Cup). In club rugby James elected club captain Simpson-Daniel ... but Jamie Talbot. The Jonny Wilkinson was just 24-year-old has amazing, he could do progressed all the way up everything better than from 3rd XV to the helm anybody else and he won of the 1st XV and despite England a World Cup! his newfound authority, Maybe Andy Goode as the short jokes remain. It’s well just because how 5 foot 4 if you were does he have the nerve to wondering, I know you play in the backs with that were. body.” What’s your nickname? Best rugby moment? “Little Jimmmmmmmmaa “The pass that everyone aaaaaaaaaay, with a lot of forgot”, Roo Nanson will M’s and a lot of A’s.” back me up on this What position do you (hopefully). There was a play? “Scrum-Half, I game at home three years dabbled a bit at ten last ago, I can’t remember season but I’ll always be a who it was against, but nine.” somebody passed me the Favourite food? “I never ball from 9, Roo ran really know the answer to around me, I got that question when absolutely smashed but people ask but every managed to pass to Roo single birthday I get a round my back and he Chinese, so yeah, went in and scored in the there as well and I have to Plans as club captain? Chinese.” corner easily. It didn’t give a shout to all the “Promotion back to Kent 1 Favourite movie? “I’m a even get a mention in the Nanson’s and Sam Catlin this year and to be captain huge Harry Potter nerd so paper I was so angry.” too.” of a competitive London any of the Harry Potter Best player played with? Best player played division team in a few films really, or maybe “Fender, with a side order against? “I don’t know his years’ time with a nice Blues Brothers.” of Nutley! – Matt Fender name but the RBS flanker new clubhouse.” Favourite team? was an awesome in the red scrum cap. He Why do you love rugby? “Gloucester. They were all-round player and scored four tries against “It’s all I do. I don’t know top of the league when I probably the best line-out us in Kent 1 last year and anything else. It’s not a first started watching jumper I’ve ever seen in completely dominated us. game, it’s a lifestyle and I rugby.” person. Add Chris Nutley’s Also, the blonde couldn’t function without Favourite player? “If I was throwing into the mix and long-haired Fly-Half for it.” going for a scrum-half it you’re near-on perfection! Snowdon, Cary Jackson, would have to be George Obviously Hayden was a tough player to play Gregan (the Australian Thompson-Stringer is up against.”

THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 5 Natalia’s Kent Return You may remember, from run in the team, Talia my hard work has paid off The BlindSide’s second continued to play a high and I’ve been able use the issue, that Natalia Faik standard of rugby for skills my coaches have (once a Sittingbourne Aylesford and was chosen taught me over the years”, junior) had just made her to represent an Australian Talia said. county debut. Well, sevens touring side at The Natalia’s Dad, Metin, also around about a year on World Games in Paris, expressed a huge sense of she has made the team alongside four pride in “how she’s been again, making it through teammates.She now able to take the skills and the Kent trials held at looks forward to serving family ethos from Bourne Aylesford Rugby Club the county side as an to Aylesford, and now which was made up of experienced back-row Kent.” Natalia wearing her battle some 70 girls. player. scar with pride Following last season’s “I’m really proud that all

JNR vs SNR

JNRJNR vsvs SNRSNR JNRJNR vsvs SNRSNR Name: Oliver Kirk (Kirky) Junior vs Senior returns Name: Oliver Dawes (Dawesy) with a battle of Nines, a battle of Olivers, a battle of personalities.

Team:...... u12s Which of these two Team:...... 2nd XV Position:...... Hooker/Scrum Half characterful scrum-halves Position:...... Scrum-Half Passing:...... 85 has the edge? You decide! Passing:...... 81 Tackling:...... 80 Tackling:...... 85 Pace:...... 70 Pace:...... 87 Charisma:...... 100 Natural Bravado:...... 100

6 THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 U17 Kent SF (tbc) Kent Kent QF (tbc) Kent Kent Finals (tbc) Kent U16 Gillingham Thanet (a) Thanet Medway (h) Medway Whitstable (a) Whitstable Anchorians (h) Kent Cup (tbc) Kent Kent Cup (tbc) Kent Maidstone (dov) Maidstone Tonbridge Judds (h) Tonbridge U15 Deal (a) Thanet (a) Thanet Folkestone (a) Folkestone (h) Whitstable Old Colfeians (a) Old Colfeians Kent Cup SF (tbc) Kent Kent Cup QF (tbc) Kent U13 Dover (a) Dover Gillingham Thanet (h) Thanet Training (h) Training Training (h) Training Folkestone (h) Folkestone Anchorians (h) Kent Waterfall (tbc) Waterfall Kent U12 Deal (h) Dover (a) Dover Gillingham Thanet (h) Thanet Whitstable (h) Whitstable Folkestone (h) Folkestone Anchorians (h) Kent Waterfall (tbc) Waterfall Kent Mini Deal (h) Dover (a) Dover Training (h) Training Training (h) Training Training (h) Training Whitstable (h) Whitstable EK Festival (a) EK Festival Kent Festival (h) Festival Kent 17/03/19 17/02/19 31/03/19 10/03/19 10/02/19 YOUTH 24/03/19 24/02/19 03/03/19 FIXTURES THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 7 2xv Maidstone 3rd (a) 3rd Maidstone Canterbury 5th (h) Canterbury Deal & Betteshanger (h) Deal & Betteshanger Thanet Wanderers 3rd (a) 3rd Wanderers Thanet 1xv Askean (a) Askean Greenwich (a) Greenwich Faversham (h) Faversham Lordswood (a) Lordswood Dartford Valley (h) Valley Dartford Cliffe Crusaders (a) Cliffe 16/03/19 16/02/19 23/03/19 23/02/19 30/03/19 02/03/19 09/03/19 09/02/19 SENIOR FIXTURES

8 THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 2xv Ashford 3rd 43 - 3 Sittingbourne (L) 3rd Ashford Sittingbourne HWO Maidstone 3rd (W) 3rd Maidstone Sittingbourne HWO Sittingbourne 50 - 10 Folkestone 3rd (W) 3rd Sittingbourne 50 - 10 Folkestone Faversham 7 - 29 Sittingbourne (Friendly W) Faversham Sittingbourne 39 - 26 Ashford Barbarians (W) - 26 Ashford Sittingbourne 39 Deal & Betteshanger 3rd 40 - 12 Sittingbourne (L) 3rd Deal & Betteshanger 1xv Sittingbourne 20 - 12 Bexley (W) Sittingbourne 20 - 12 Bexley Sittingbourne 24 - 19 Cranleigh (W) - 19 Cranleigh Sittingbourne 24 Sittingbourne 17 - 7 Lordswood (W) Sittingbourne 17 - 7 Lordswood Sittingbourne 0 - 22 Hitchin (Cup L) (Cup Sittingbourne 0 - 22 Hitchin Brockleians 29 - 17 Sittingbourne (L) Brockleians Faversham 13 - 14 Sittingbourne (W) Faversham Westcombe Park 3rd 27 - 17 Sittingbourne (L) 27 3rd Park Westcombe 24/11/18 12/01/19 19/01/19 01/12/18 26/01/19 08/12/18 05/01/19 02/02/19 SENIOR RESULTS

THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 9 The Power of rugby ... Jasper’s Story Written by Alan Sharman commitment in the tackle. This lad he struggled with. He’s less phobic Walk into any rugby club on a didn’t hold back and went from hit of dirt, calmer generally, sleeping Saturday or Sunday and you’ll be to hit! Some good individual better and he’s managing to met by a multitude of different performances from many, including complete his homework more people, from different backgrounds, the New Recruit! frequently. of different ages and different Shortly after, I received a message This is why I love rugby, if it can sporting abilities. They are all there from Mum. She told me about the make even the slightest difference for one reason, and the reason that difference that rugby has made to to just one person that can only be a binds them all, The Game. his home life. His confidence has good thing. Everyone should give it The U13 team that I coach are just increased and he’s completing more a go! Rugby is the game for the mixed bunch you’d expect, a independent tasks that, previously, everyone! team of youngsters of which most would never have met if it wasn’t for rugby. They come from about six different schools and have started playing from anywhere between 7 years and 2 weeks ago. A new recruit arrived in November, this lad wanted to give rugby a go. The initial coach-to-parent chat was had with mum, and she highlighted a couple of individual needs for the budding new player. When the words Asperger’s and dyspraxia were spoken (I, personally, have never heard them in the same sentence as rugby player), coupled with; “sometimes he doesn’t cope with pain very well”, I knew it would Jasper Kay: “The New Recruit” be a challenge. Ever the optimist, I introduced him to the team and cracked on with the training session. Apart from the slight preoccupation with getting dirty, the crash course in tackling was successful, this being the cause of dirty knees. Judging by the number of Dabs and Fortnite victory dances he seemed to enjoy himself. The Team were brilliant; they’re a great bunch of lads and were supportive and welcoming as they are to all the new players. We’d only had a handful of training sessions since he started, and I had a couple of lads unavailable. So, rather than give him a few minutes to ease him in gently I had to bring him on for a whole half. He’d already displayed a bit of pace during training and didn’t disappoint in the game, what really impressed me and The Squad the coaching team was his

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10 THE BLINDSIDE - FEBRUARY 2019 Voluntary Role Available

What you can do for your club: • Ensure the right first aiders are on hand with the correct equipment during training and matches • Raise awareness of the importance of following correct injury prevention and management guidance, such as RFU guidelines on concussion • Monitor and review any significant incidents to ensure best practice is followed and processes are appropriate and up-to-date

The role: • Review risk assessments of all activities to determine the required level of First Aid cover • Recruit and appoint appropriately trained individuals to matches, training sessions and other club activities • Ensure all volunteers understand the club’s emergency procedures, • Monitor volunteer qualifications and arrange first aid and/or immediate care training for new and existing volunteers as required • Make sure First Aid kits are accessible to appointed individuals, suitably stocked, in good condition and contents are in date. Ensure first aid room (if available) is kept clean and well-maintained. • Keep records of player medical conditions and injuries securely and confidentially and ensure first aiders are briefed on any relevant conditions. • Ensure serious injuries are reported promptly in line with RFU regulations Ideally, you’ll need to be: • An experienced First Aider or Healthcare Professional • Well-organised • Enthusiastic and dedicated to your club • Empathetic

What you’ll get out of it: Injuries happen in a contact sport, so your role is vital in making sure players have quick and efficient access to appropriate first aid and helping to prevent injuries wherever possible. This role is all about teamwork, managing others, and making sure players have the right level of care on hand. It’s also a great way of staying involved in the game if you’ve already hung up your boots.

How much time it will take up: About 2 hours a week.

SRUFC WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING WHO GENEROUSLY SUPPORT OUR CLUB:

Editorial input with pictures to: The BlindSide Editor, Jamie Talbot Email: [email protected]

The BlindSide is designed by Creatif Graphics, published by Colour Factory on behalf of the Sittingbourne Rugby Union Football Club. Also available on the SRUFC website: srufc.com

Photography courtesy of The BlindSide contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the SRUFC. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the SRUFC or Creatif Graphics. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can betaken for errors and/or omissions. All trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners.

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