Cambridgeshire Rugby Handbook 2014/2015 Affiliated to Eastern Counties Rugby Union Cambridge University and District Rugby Referees Society Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club Patron R. E. G. JEEPS ESQ., CBE Contents Contents ........................................................................ 5 Report of 2013-14 Season.............................................. 7 Calendar of meetings ............................................... 12 Previous Officers ...................................................... 15 Club County Representatives ....................................... 16 Club Secretaries ........................................................... 18 Club details, match contacts and directions ................. 20 Cambridgeshire Schools RFU ....................................... 24 League Membership 2014-15 ...................................... 30 Six Nations 2015 .......................................................... 31 Cambridgeshire County Cups 2014-15 ......................... 32 County Cup History .................................................. 34 Other Competitions ................................................. 35 Cup Competition Rules ............................................ 36 Cambridge University and District Rugby Referees Society......................................................................... 40 Officers .................................................................... 40 The Whistlers Trophy ............................................... 41 Rules for the Cambridgeshire Youth Rugby Cup Competitions ............................................................... 42 Under 13’s to Under 16’s Cups .................................... 42 Youth Tournament Draws 2014-15 .............................. 48 Under 13 ................................................................. 48 Under 14 ................................................................. 49 Under 15 ................................................................. 50 Under 16 ................................................................. 51 Summary of rules..................................................... 52 Club Youth Contacts .................................................... 53 Bye-Laws of Cambridgeshire Rugby Football Union...... 54 Dickie Jeeps Trophy ..................................................... 61 Vice Presidents and Associate Members ...................... 63 Associate Membership ............................................ 64 Application Form for Associate Membership............ 65 Report of 2013-14 Season The 2013-14 season presented many challenges to those involved in Cambridgeshire rugby both on the field and off. We reach the end of the season however with our enthusiasm for the game we love undimmed and looking forward to the forthcoming season with relish – new approaches to the development of our young players will need to be bedded in; a new league structure for teams across Eastern Counties will doubtless present opportunities to develop new friendships and the prospect of the Rugby World Cup in Autumn 2015 is a mouthwatering one. The latter also presents us with a once in a generation opportunity to promote our game and its values to the wider community – one that the county will be working hard to seize. As always, the past season has been full of activity – much of which goes unseen to large parts of the rugby community – but which could not take place without the loyal and generous support of our sponsors. We therefore record our gratitude to: Silicon Valley Bank> Gibbs Denley Insurance and Financial Services Adcock Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Limited Kings School, Ely There can be no doubting the highlight of the domestic club season in 2013- 14 was the revival of matches at first team level between Cambridge and Shelford, with large crowds present at both the National League 2 clashes. Honours were even on the field over the two games as Shelford first defeated Cambridge at Volac Park and Cambridge then returned the favour at the Davey Field later in the season. While both clubs maintain ambitions of playing at a higher level, it was Cambridge who claimed local bragging rights with a higher league position than their rivals this season – but both will be looking forward to renewing their rivalry at the Davey Field on 27 September this season. Saffron Walden’s season continued right to the very end of the year as they sought promotion to London 1. A 22-0 victory over leaders Ipswich in December saw the Cambridgeshire side top of their league at Christmas, but a pair of unfortunate losses in January meant that they were fated for the play- off position at season-end. A trip to Twickenham RFC (just a mile from HQ) was to follow and a loss in extra time by the odd point in 87 means that the Henham-based club will remain at London 2 level for the next season. The renewed strength of the second team however means that there will be a high level of optimism for going one place better in 2015. Two Cambridgeshire clubs competed at London 3 level in the last season – both having been promoted two seasons ago. Another season of consolidation for Cantabrigians saw them finish in the upper half of the table without ever seriously challenging for the promotion places. However the club is in good spirits as it approaches its seventieth anniversary season and significant investment in facilities will see them in good heart for the new season. Wisbech also opened their renovated clubhouse this season but will be returning to the Eastern Counties 1 league next season as a late run of losses saw the Fenland club drop out of London 3 by a single point. For much of the season, Newmarket looked likely to win the Eastern Counties 1, but injuries eventually took their toll as they lost a series of tight encounters in the last two months of the season to miss out to West Norfolk for the championship and automatic promotion. A play-off against Clapton – runners up in Essex 1 – was lost by a single point and so a further season in Eastern Counties 1 beckons. Ely will remain alongside them as their young side continues to contest the upper reaches of the league – buoyed perhaps by their appearance in the County Cup final – they will be looking to build again in 2014-15. For Mildenhall Red Lodge in Eastern Counties 2 the vagaries of player availability continues to be a challenge, but they can look back with some pride in having completed their league season, ensured that where they were able to they also honoured the fixtures for their second XV in the Greene King leagues, and will take the field again among their Cambridgeshire colleagues in the new Eastern Counties leagues for next season. For Cottenham-based Renegades, the season was one of transition as a mixture of youth and experience led to a series of variable results – but an honourable third place in the Green King Premiere table was obtained – while for Sawston and March in the same league, some renewed stability was achieved. Teams were fielded regularly, oppositions were hosted in the appropriate style and genuine community rugby was delivered – no mean achievement in times of increasing demands on players time and continuing economic uncertainty. The same can be said of Cambourne Exiles and Wendens Ambo who graced the Greene King Deuxieme league with good humour, commitment and – at times – skill. Indeed at all levels of our local game, we see individuals playing, refereeing, volunteering for the sheer joy of the game, its camaraderie and its values of teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, respect and – most importantly – enjoyment. While it might be the first teams who gain the press coverage and can attract several hundred to pre-match lunches and the like, all levels of a club from firsts to fifths contribute to this spirit and provide the framework for games to take place. Sadly, one famous name in Cambridgeshire rugby met its end this season as Old Perseans finally decided to wind themselves up. As longstanding secretary, Phil Harvey, reported: “It has been several years since the club has played a single game and many more years since a regular fixture list has been in operation. A few months ago I called together some of the local ex stalwarts and it was decided, over a pint or two, that there is no sensible reason to prolong the club's existence. We then had a big reunion on 12th April, including taking in the Shelford v Cambridge match where we wore our old OPRUFC shirts, some more comfortably than others! We had some great years, in the 60s and early 70s especially, and this really is a sad but the inevitable conclusion.” The Youth and Mini Rugby scene across the county remains vibrant, with an extensive programme of county cups at youth level, mini festivals and tournaments being held. This year’s model of taking various events to different clubs around the county proved successful and enabled the workload to be more widely spread. The new age grade regulations from the RFU have now operated for two seasons and are contributing to a faster and more inclusive mini rugby game … we wait with excitement to see how the increased skill level will translate into the older youth game. County Cups were held at u13 to u17 level and this year the cup winners, runners up and plate winners all took part in inter-county competitions with their counterparts in Norfolk and Suffolk – a much enjoyed innovation. The Cambridgeshire Youth County squads had an enjoyable and productive year in terms of player development.