ALNWICK RFCSATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER VS HARROGATE RFC With thanks to our match sponsor
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 2023/24 season of the North Premier League at Greensfield. Having enjoyed a very good season last year, we are hoping to keep any momentum going, and to retain or better last years’ league position. I would like to wish our club captain, Richard Elliott and coaches Tom Borthwick and Ally Hogg good luck for the forthcoming season, and I thank them for their outstanding contribution last season. We must endeavour to retain our status as a three team plus Colts Club. Many clubs continue to struggle at lower levels and it is so important that our club can produce regular 2nd and 3rd teams. Once we cast aside this aspiration, we join the slippery slope to becoming a one team club. Our Colts have elected to play once more in the Border League and it is genuinely pleasing to see former Colts rising through the teams. The Junior section within the club continues to thrive under the past guidance of John Davidson and future guidance of Tony Manners. We are indebted to them for hopefully cultivating future club players. Finally, our Ladies section is very active and strengthening in numbers, if you would like to participate please contact any club member. Similarly, women and men touch rugby adds a social blend to the participants of our great game. Thanks are due also to David Ross who runs the physio section of the club and to David Stewart who never misses a game to make superb videos. WELCOME! Andrew Bell Snr President
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS OUR MAIN CLUB SPONSOR FOR THE 2023-2024 SEASON
MATCH BALL SPONSORS Fraser Burn Rod Bell Alan Gardiner Martin Straker John Davidson Fiona Burn Catering Iain Stewart Charlie Davies Danny Hodgson Andrew Hodgson ON THIS WEEKEND 3RD TEAM Alnwick V WB Rockcliff Vikings COLTS Alnwick V Percy Park Stuart May, Peter McCaig & John Spark Dallas Allen Ken Fairbairn Richard Welbury AML - Matthew & Ali Currie Burgham Golf Rory Mallaburn Craig Greer Turnbulls Butchers Sunday 24th
CLUB OFFICIALS Fraser Burn Vice Chairman & Vice President Dallas Allen Chair of Facilities Andrew Bell Snr President Hugh Burn Chairman & Senior Vice President Iain Bell Treasurer Alan Gardiner Chair of Colts Judith Burn Hon Secretary Andrew Bell Jnr Chair of Senior Rugby Tony Manners Chair of Mini & Junior Rugby Ruth Gregory Chair of Social Events Martin Straker Chair of Sponsorship & Advertising Gillian Apthorpe Club Safeguarding Officer John Davidson County Representative Rod Bell Chair of Health and Safety Michelle Hall Bar Manager
Ritchie Elliott Club & 1st XV Captain Ben Gothorp 1st XV Vice Captain Gordon Smith 3rd XV Captain Charlie Davies 2nd XV Captain Becky Dyson Ladies Captain James Bird 1st XV Vice Captain Mark Carolan Colts Captain OUR CAPTAINS
N Alnwick RFC is an amateur rugby union club based in the town of Alnwick, Northumberland in the north-east of England. We are the most northerly rugby union club in English league rugby (although Berwick’s headquarters are in Scremerston, they play in the Scottish league system). The traditional colours of Alnwick are royal blue shirts and socks with gold trims and white shorts. Alnwick RFC was originally formed on 9th December 1880 under the name of ‘The Hotspur’ a reference to the famous knight, Harry Hotspur. Mrs Rennison of The Star Hotel offered a field on the outskirts of the town to play on known as Wagonway and a W. Newman was elected to captain the initial team. Their first game ended in a thrilling 0-0 draw against Jesmond. The Hotspur won their first home game, which was also the first game under rugby union laws, against Rockliffe by 1 goal and 3 touchdowns. In May 1884 a meeting between The Hotspur, Guild and other football clubs resulted in a decision to merge all parties to form the Alnwick Association Football Club. It took 50 years for the game of rugby to be reintroduced to the town. In 1933, under the presidency of Stan Anderson, whom represented England, rugby in Alnwick flourished; playing at Denwick Mill and using The Plough Hotel as the clubhouse. However, this was short lived as difficulties in getting playing numbers saw the game abandoned in 1937. After the second world war, another attempt to revive rugby in the town was made but to no avail. It wasn’t until the Duke’s School started playing rugby union, which provided a strong pool of enthusiastic players, that rugby caught on. A meeting was held on 12th April 1960, presided over by Bobby Robinson of Northern FC and the club was reformed and matches played in the following 60/61 season. His Grace, The Duke of Northumberland, agreed to be Patron of the club whilst S.O. Williams accepted the presidency. Alan Churchill was elected captain and The Plough Hotel was once again used as the clubhouse. The club obtained use of a field at Greensfield Moor which became their permanent headquarters when the Duke of Northumberland offered a long lease of land. THE HISTORY OF ALNWICK RFC
VOLUNTEER NEEDED 07922277350 WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT US WITH WRITING OUR MATCH REPORTS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE MESSAGE BEN TO FIND OUT MORE. MATCH REPORT WRITER Message Ben
MATCH PREVIEW We wish a very warm Alnwick RUFC welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Harrogate RUFC for our 3rd home game of the season. Our opponents today have made a strong start to the season and have strength across the field, so we look forward to the challenge that they will present. Our injury woes continued last week away to Blaydon, loosing Matty Jolly after one minute with a serious hand injury and then Drew Thompson with a rib injury. The squad were already missing some influential clientele with injuries from the previous week against Ilkley. However the group put in an outstanding effort and, even though we came out the wrong side of the scoreboard, we should be proud of the energy and commitment shown throughout the game. In preparation for todays game the players understand that how we react to defeat is an important indication of the strength and resolve within the group. Can we replicate that same desire, determination and belief to ensure that performance and mental levels do not lapse, so that we can get that positive outcome at the end of the game? Finally, can I give a special mention to Jonny Young who last week made is 100th appearance in an Alnwick 1st team shirt in league games . A tremendous milestone to reach, for a highly respected and popular member of the squad, who performs consistently to a high standard on a weekly basis. I am sure this achievement will be celebrated in the clubhouse after the game. We hope everyone enjoys the rugby on show today and the hospitality at Alnwick RUFC. Tom Borthwick
6. ALI BLACKETT 8. CHARLIE FARMER 1. RICHIE ELLIOT 4. JONNY YOUNG 7. WILL PETTIFER ALNWICK RFC FORWARDS 2. DUNCAN SMITH 3. FERGUS BURN 5. KALVIN INGLIS Stephen Dickinson
10. EVAN MOIR 13. ALEX ROBSON 15. ANDREW SPARK 14. JONNIE DODDS Guy Renner-Thompson BACKS 9. SIMON ORD 11. ANDREW ORD 12. SAM EGGLESTON ALNWICK RFC
18. BEN COURTY 17. JAMIE COMBER 16. PETER BROWN HEAD COACH TOM BORTHWICK Victoria Bell PHYSIO DAVE ROSS The Muppets COACHING TEAM FORWARDS COACH ALLY HOGG Tom Bell ALNWICK RFC SUBSTITUTES
Loosehead Prop Josh Peace Hooker Steve Maycock Tighthead Prop Barney Vaughen Second Row Sam Brady Second Row Will Pritchard Blindside Flanker Guy Coser Openside Flanker Ben Richardson Number 8 Will Hill Scrum Half Pete Otley Fly Half Tom Steene Left Wing Jack Haydock Inside Centre Richie Kaisia Outside Centre Connor Miller Right Wing Orisi Katalau Full Back Rory Mcnab Reserve Jacob Percival Reserve Cam Edgar Reserve Ben Raubitschek
NOKTOBER LASH NOKTOBER LASH Saturday 16th November Alnwick Rugby Club£10 per ticket Over 18’s only Limited Tickets Available For tickets messageRuth 07554 815199
Pre-Match Lunches September 2nd - First Game of the Season BBQ September 9th - Open Lunch September 23rd - Ladies Day Lunch October 14th - Open Lunch November 4th - Open Lunch November 18th - End of Harvest Lunch December 16th - Christmas Lunch January 13th - Wooden Spoon Lunch February 3rd - Farmers Lunch March 2nd - Prostate Cancer Lunch March 23rd - Ovarian Cancer Action Lunch Pre-Match lunches will be held on before all first team home games. All table bookings should be given to Michelle in advance, along with any dietary requirements. Confirmation of final number is needed by Thursday. Advanced payment is appreciated. For lunches in September, October, March & April, meet at 12:30pm for a 1pm start. For lunches in November, December, January & February, meet at 12noon for a 12:30pm start.
STATS: VS HARROGATE Season League Game No Date League Name Level H/A Result For Against 2018/19 622 17/11/2018 North Premier 5 A W 13 10 2018/19 634 09/03/201 9 North Premier 5 H L 7 24 2019/20 645 19/10/2019 North Premier 5 A L 20 44 2019/20 657 15/02/2020 North Premier 5 H L 0 25
This weeks meet the player features the Big red bus, Jonny Young. Last weekend Jonny celebrated his 100th league cap for Alnwick 1st XV Vs Blaydon. An achievement that not many get to experience. I remember Jonnys debut well. Malton and Norton away, where we travelled with only 17 players but under the promise from Andrew Bell that we would have the full 18. Half way through the warm up a ghostly like figure comes running across the pitch to join in. It turns out to be Jonny, who had been living off a stable diet of meal deals and vodka red bull for the past 2 years in Liverpool. However he must have made an impression as he has been on the 1XV radar ever since, becoming a regular fixture in the squad after he finished his ‘studies’. MEET THE PLAYER: JONNY YOUNG Age: 27 Position: second row (4) Nickname: “The Big Red Bus” Strengths: Ball carrying Weaknesses: Remembering my kit. Sunlight. When and where did you start playing rugby? Alnwick minis under 7s. Who have you played rugby for previously? Liverpool John Moores and a 20 minute stint for Northumberland county. First memory of Alnwick RFC? Dad taking me down for my first training session. What do you do outside of rugby? Working and spending time with family. If you had to take one team mate on a date, who would it be, where would it be and why? Sparky I feel he wouldn’t finish his meal and would offer to pay. What is your meal deal choice? Drink, main and snack. Tuna sandwich, chocolate bar & Ribena.
If you were prime minister. What law would you bring in/change tomorrow? Bring the retirement age down to 30. If you had to cook a meal to impress someone, what would it be? (Something you can actually cook!) Bacon and egg sandwich. What's your favourite place to go for a drink, and why? Sofa, it’s quiet. What is your pre-match hype song? Bad man - UKs Hardest Female MC. If your Mam had to describe you in 3 words, what would they be? Skin of teeth. If you could improve one part of your game, what would it be? Passing. If you could play a different position, what would it be? 5. Highlight moment at Alnwick RFC (on or off the pitch)? Winning the league at Morpeth and 100 caps for the 1st team. If you could be any teammate for a day, who would you be, why and what would you do? Evan - life would seem really simple. What is the harshest critique you’ve ever received from Len Smith? “Why can’t you catch the fucking ball man” MEET THE PLAYER: JONNY YOUNG
QUIZ Freddie Burns spent the 2023 super rugby season at which club? How many international caps (B&I Lions and Wales) did Alun WYN Jones retire on? Which team won the 2022/23 women’s premiership final? Alex Codling is head coach of which premiership rugby team? Who scored the two tries in the Rugby World Cup final 2019? Answers can be found at the end of the programme
PLAYER STATS Name Appearances Try Points Evan Moir 3 20 Charlie Farmer 3 Duncan Smith 3 1 5 Ali Blackett 3 Sam Eggleston 3 Jonny Young 3 Richie Elliott 3 Matty Jolly 3 Kalvin Inglis 3 Andrew Ord 3 Jake Woods 2 James Bird 2 Will Pettifer 2 Colin Phillips 2 James Blackett 2 Fergus Burn 2 Alex Robson 2 1 5 Rex Nareki 2 1 5 Rob Cuthbert 1 Andrew Spark 1 Drew Thompson 1 Jamie Comber 1 Jonny Dodds 1 Ben Pettifer 1
SENIOR RUGBY The 2022-23 was a success on all fronts, the 1st Team finished 4th in the League (the clubs highest ever league position!) and just lost out to Driffield in the Papa John’s Cup, who went on to win it. The 2nd Team finished 2nd in their League and were extremely competitive in the County Cup, narrowly losing to Northern 1st Team and Tynedale. The 3rd Team won their league and reached the Cup Final where they lost to Medicals 2nds. As Chairman of Rugby, keeping 3 senior sides turning out every Saturday is key to the club’s success! It was evident last year more than ever. A strong 3rd Team inevitably means that the higher teams will perform well. Sadly, many clubs in the area and across the country are losing players at lower levels and are struggling to get sides out which has a massive impact on the social and financial aspects of clubs as well as on the pitch! We welcome Tom Borthwick and Ally Hogg back as coaches this season. Over the last 2 years we have seen a huge improvement in basic skills and the style of rugby we play. After 3 pre-season games against Melrose, GHA and Morpeth, it is evident that we have increased the pace and tempo we are trying to play at. This, alongside a very physical defence, will make for good viewing this season! While 4th position is the highest position the club have ever finished, there was a sense of underachievement last season. Many felt that we could have achieved a higher league position, which will be the aim this year, in what will be a more competitive league with additions of Blaydon and Harrogate! Alnwick are still one of the few clubs at our level that are completely amateur with regards paying players. While the pot of gold may make other clubs stronger and recruitment easier, Alnwick has a body of players that are there every week playing for each other because they want to and that makes us stronger! We have recruited a few players this season, at all levels, which will improve all teams. We have also had several colts training which is great to see! Continued on next page…
At the end of every season, you also wonder who will be leaving you. I would like to thank a couple of people for their contributions over the years. Firstly, Pete Moralee who both played for and coached the club. He amounted 227 league appearances, scoring 101 tries. His pace and vision will be a big miss this year, although his continued assistance on the coaching front is a big asset! The second is George Stoker, a bit of an unsung hero! George has helped manage the 2nd and 3rd teams for the best part of 20 years now. Very rarely missing a game, he has played an important role in the club ensuring that 2nd and 3rd teams turn out! My thanks go to you both! SENIOR RUGBY Andrew Bell Jnr Chairman of Senior Rugby
On behalf of the entire Alnwick Minis and Juniors, I am delighted to extend a very warm welcome to you. We are thrilled to have so many kids and volunteers enjoying what we have to offer on Sunday mornings, and we are looking forward to an exciting season ahead. Rugby is not just a sport, it is a way of life that fosters teamwork, camaraderie, and personal growth. Our mission at Alnwick is to provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of rugby or have been playing for years, we are committed to helping the kids develop their skills, build character, and create lasting friendships. As we embark on this rugby adventure together, we encourage the kids to embrace the core values of rugby, Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship. These values are the foundation of everything we do, and they will shape us into not just better rugby players but also better human beings. We have 14 sides in the Minis and Juniors this season, which is testament to all the hard work of coaches and parents from previous seasons turning up on sometimes wet and cold Sunday mornings some time nursing hangovers from the night before. Finally, we wish all the Senior sides the best of luck for the forth coming season and hopefully we can continue to support them on Saturdays as ball boys and girls. MINI & JUNIORS Tony Manners Chairman Minis & Juniors
Colts take on Percy Park at home in the first round of RFU England Rugby National Cup. This promises to be an exciting first home game of the season for Alnwick Colts. We are hoping for a good home crowd to cheer the boys on to a win. Kick off 2.00pm Sunday 24th Sept. COLTS Alan Gardiner Colts Commitee Chair
The senior ladies team have had a proactive start to this season, with a full team meeting outlining our goals for the Inner Warrior League at the start of September. We also took this opportunity to celebrate the achievements on three individuals last season. Players Player - Tanya Douglas Coaches Player - Lauren Clark Most Improved Player - Lindsey Little These three have shown us all how fantastic they are, and we can’t wait to see how they perform this season. We recently held a Women & Girls fun session, encouraging all aged 11 and up to come and give rugby a go. With some familiar and new faces across all age groups it was great to see so many women and girls on the pitch. Massive thanks to Anya for organising and Rosanna for running the session. Thanks also goes to the handful of senior men’s players who came and helped the session run smoothly. We hope to see those new faces again. Finally, we have some fixtures for you all to be excited about! We would love to have your support at all of our games. 8th October - Away @ Guisborough 15th October - Home to Acklam 29th October - Home to Berwick LADIES Becky Dyson Ladies Captain
TOUCH Don McLean Alnwick Rugby mixed touch team train every Tuesday from 6 - 7.15pm at Alnwick Rugby Club. The first session is free, annual subs are £60. The group is mixed ability, from complete novices to regional and national players. The current age range is from 17-70, its a social and friendly team, perfect for newbies to Alnwick. Here is why touch rugby is an ideal starting point for rugby-parent newbies: 1. Safety First Touch rugby eliminates the more aggressive elements of the game, reducing the risk of injury significantly. 2. Skill Development While contact is minimal, the core skills of rugby – passing, catching, communication, and positioning – are all still integral to the game. 3. Fitness and Health Benefits Touch rugby offers numerous physical benefits. It's a fantastic cardiovascular workout that helps improve endurance, agility, and coordination. 4. Inclusivity and Social Connection Renowned for its inclusivity, touch rugby is a sport for people of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. The social interaction builds a supportive community. 5. Shared Family Experience By taking up touch rugby alongside their children, parents can create a shared experience that strengthens family bonds. 6. Understanding the Game Touch rugby provides an excellent education in rugby's basic rules and strategies, allowing you to better support your children's rugby journeys. 7. Transition to Full Contact As you gain confidence and skills in touch rugby, some may choose to transition to full-contact. Having a solid foundation in the basics can make this transition smoother and more enjoyable.
BLAST FROM THE PAST 1. First ARFC Memories? PF: Colts dinner with George Moses and John Smith... well before safeguarding was a thing. FH: Playing 3rd team as a 17-year-old with Wing Commander Bob as Captain. 2. 1stXV Debut? PF: Never got one, see Dave Smith. FH: I think it was in 2005/06 against someone like West Hartlepool - Dave Smith was Captain. 3. Early Mentors? PF: Dave Debage at school rugby and Don Havery at Colts. Very different approaches. FH: Andy Bell was always good to me and George Robson as a coach when I started playing regularly from 2010 onwards. 4. Best Game? PF: Playing7s in young farmers competition and Mull 7s. FH: Beating Medicals away to get promoted from D&N 1 to North One East. 5. Best Try? PF: Playing Durham and Tim Bell screaming at me to pass most of the pitch until I went off. FH: Probably a one I got on Boxing Day away at Berwick. 6. Best Away trip? PF: Kelso, when I spent all the subs on Gin and Tonic in the Black Swan. FH: Plenty of good ones, but the messiest would certainly be away to Sheffield in the 2013/14 season. Sparky chats with more ‘Old Skoolers’ from yesteryear with their memories at ARFC. This week it’s Colts coaches Paul Frater and Frank Hutchinson. Between them the pair amassed 214 1XV caps, with Frank contributing 214 of them. Frank captained the side during one of the clubs most successful periods whilst Frats stood on his tiptoes trying to watch over the advertising hoardings. As you can tell, they had very different rugby careers with Frank representing Northumberland county and Frats representing Duchess Yr 9 B team. Continued on next page…
BLAST FROM THE PAST 7. Toughest opponent? SM: Waisale Serevi at World 7s in Wales. FH: Holden away in the D&N 1 years and Dinnington away in North One East. 8. Funniest moment? PF: Hearing Nigel Davies screaming shishka from the side lines and that high pitched laugh. FH: Biff Bell having to cry off due to an incident with an axe and a washing line. 9. Biggest Regret? PF: Not playing 1s.… see Dave Smith. FH: Not kicking the ball more. Although probably best for everyone that I didn’t. 10. Old School Differences? PF: All the paperwork and yellow cards all the time. FH: I’m sure players didn’t used to whoop and cheer for every half decent tackle. 11. Who’s impressed you latterly? PF: Lots of young players coming through Colts. Senior level, young Sparky has a lot to offer and Kalvin Inglis, both good club men. FH: Ben Courty for his efficiency at distributing kit (I’m not taking the piss by the way). 12. Best Club player you played with? PF: Plenty to choose from, but Trevor Kirkup always did the job for whatever team he was picked for. Says a lot about a player. We are all one club. FH: Rob Cuthbert. 13. Best ARFC Memory? PF: Loads to choose from.. organising players dinner, social events but lately bring a group of kids from 12 up to Colts. Enjoying seeing them turn into young men and hopefully play senior rugby in the club we all love. FH: The players dinner where Doddie Weir was guest speaker well worth the serious struggle that feeding cattle was the next morning.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Regional 1 North East TODAYS FIXTURES ALNWICKS NEXT 3 FIXTURES Alnwick V Harrogate Blaydon V Cleckheaton Sandal V Ilkley Scunthorpe V Heath York V Doncaster Phoenix Pontefract V Driffield 30th September Cleckheaton V Alnwick 14th October Alnwick V Sandal 21st October Doncaster Phoenix V Alnwick
Regional 1 North East THIS SEASONS FIXTURES 2nd Sept Alnwick V York 9th Sept Alnwick V Ilkley 16th Sept Blaydon V Alnwick 23rd Sept Alnwick V Harrogate 30th Sept Cleckheaton V Alnwick 14th Oct Alnwick V Sandal 21st Oct Doncaster Phoenix V Alnwick 4th Nov Alnwick V Scunthorpe 11th Nov Driffield V Alnwick 18th Nov Alnwick V Pontefract 2nd Dec Heath V Alnwick 9th Dec Ilkley V Alnwick 16th Dec Alnwick V Blaydon 6th Jan Harrogate V Alnwick 13th Jan Alnwick V Cleckheaton 27th Jan Sandal V Alnwick 3rd Feb Alnwick V Doncaster Phoenix 17th Feb Scunthorpe V Alnwick 2nd March Alnwick V Driffield 16th March Pontefract V Alnwick 23rd March Alnwick V Heath 6th April York V Alnwick
The Muppets have decided to sponsor our club physiotherapist Dave Ross for the 2023-2024 season. In addition, we wondered if Dave would like a bit of extra equipment to help him in his endeavours to keep the lads fit and get them ready to play as soon as possible. Dave has done some research and requested the MYO MASTER INFLATABLE AND COMPRESSION BOOTS. These will aid recovery, improve circulation, reduce pain and increase recovery time from injury and exercise induced soreness. At a cost of £700, we are sure this equipment will be a huge benefit to the players and help the club in the upcoming season. Having already fundraised well over £350 towards this, we hope that you will support us by making a FUNDRAISING REQUEST FROM OUR MEMBERS £10 DONATION.
Regional 1 North East
Freddie Burns spent the 2023 super rugby season at which club? The Highlanders How many international caps (B&I Lions and Wales) did Alun WYN Jones retire on? 170 Which team won the 2022/23 women’s premiership final? Gloucester Alex Codling is head coach of which premiership rugby team? Newcastle Falcolns Who scored the two tries in the Rugby World Cup final 2019? Mapimpi & Kolbe QUIZ ANSWERS