ALNWICK RFCSATURDAY 13TH JANUARY VS CLECKHEATON 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 Stuart May, Peter McCaig & John Spark Dallas Allen Ken Fairbairn Richard Welbury AML - Matthew & Ali Currie Burgham Golf Rory Mallaburn Craig Greer Turnbulls Butchers 2ND TEAM Alnwick V Billingham Lions 3RD TEAM Alnwick V Morpeth Edwardians LADIES Tynedale RFC V Alnwick Sunday 14th January
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 Mark Carolan Colts Captain James Bird 1st XV Vice 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 A warm welcome to everyone for Round 15 of Regional 1 North East and our first home game in 2024. A special welcome to our opponents today, Cleckheaton , who after an inconsistent start to the season by their standards, have put some impressive results together over recent weeks. Although we won a close contest away this season, we know that we need to be at our best to take the points against a team who are very physical and strong in both attack and defence. Unfortunately last week our away game last Saturday against Harrogate was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. This game is now re scheduled for Saturday 10th February, which was the next available free Saturday in the RFU league structure. This therefore is our first league game back after the Christmas break and it's always interesting to see how quickly players get back up to speed after a long lay off. On Boxing day we played our traditional festive derby games away to Berwick. Everyone should be proud that on the day a Community club like ourselves could field 3 Senior teams, Colts and for the first time a Womens 15 a side game. The Ladies got the day off to a fantastic start with a convincing 7 - 81 victory. Well done to everyone involved on the day. For information the 1st XV are away to Heath next Saturday 20th Jan. in our re arranged league game that was postponed in early December. I hope you all enjoy your day at Greenfields. Let us hope the weather allows a great open game of rugby. Tom Borthwick
6. ALI BLACKETT 8. CHARLIE FARMER 1. RICHIE ELLIOT ALNWICK RFC FORWARDS 5. JONNY YOUNG Stephen Dickinson 2. JAMIE COMBER 3. DREW THOMPSON 4. FERGUS BURN 7. WILL PETTIFER
10. EVAN MOIR 13. ALEX ROBSON 12. CALLUM BURN 15. SAM EGGLESTON 11. ANDREW SPARK 14. ROB CUTHBERT Guy Renner-Thompson BACKS 9. ANDREW ORD ALNWICK RFC
18. KALVIN INGLIS 17. BEN PETTIFER HEAD COACH TOM BORTHWICK Victoria Bell PHYSIO DAVE ROSS The Muppets COACHING TEAM FORWARDS COACH ALLY HOGG Tom Bell 16. MATTY JOLLY ALNWICK RFC SUBSTITUTES
Loosehead Prop Niall Jakson Hooker Robin Bennett Tighthead Prop Andy Piper Second Row Josh Plunkett Second Row Matt Beasty Blindside Flanker Joe Flanaghan Openside Flanker Brad Marsden Number 8 Richard Piper Scrum Half Don Howarth Fly Half Dale Breakwell Left Wing James Wilson Inside Centre Tomm Lillycrop Outside Centre Tom Hainsworth Right Wing Jack Marshall Full Back Richard Noble Reserve Louis Frear Reserve Ben Thrower Reserve Tom Breakwell
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 CLECKHEATON Season League Game No Date League Name Level H/A Result For Against 2001/02 204 22/09/01 North 2 East 6 H L 14 23 2001/02 220 09/03/02 North 2 East 6 A L 17 34 2013/14 487 05/10/13 North One East 6 A L 12 56 2013/14 499 18/01/14 North One East 6 H L 7 40 2017/18 592 07/10/17 North One East 6 A W 23 15 2017/18 601 27/01/18 North One East 6 H W 41 26 2022/23 690 01/10/22 Regional 1 North East 5 H W 56 31 2022/23 699 07/01/23 Regional 1 North East 5 A W 31 18
If you had to take one team mate on a date, who would it be, where would it be and why? The birdman, we’d go for a weekend away wild camping, cooked breakfast in the morning, hiking and hunting for dinner in the afternoon, then sat around a fire with a few beers in the evening reminiscing about the Batman and Robin days. What is your meal deal choice? Drink, main and snack. Tesco’s. All day breakfast, bag of wotsits and an orange lucozade. If you were prime minister, what law would you bring in/change tomorrow? There would be no free handouts. Create jobs such as litter picking and if people want their ‘benefits’ they’ll work for them. They’ll soon find another job that pays slightly more. What's your favourite place to go for a drink, and why? The fridge, it has a nice cool water dispenser and means I don’t have to socialise with anyone else. If you had to cook a meal to impress someone, what would it be? (Something you can actually cook!) Got a pizza oven a few years ago and although they might not be up to Moz’s standards they are edible. What's the best piece of craic you've overheard in the changing rooms? I have a soft spot for all the stories involving Mallers.. like the time his dad went on holiday and left him to build the blockwork of the house. He returned to find out he’d not put any doors or windows in. I feel bad saying this as Mallers has recently set up on their own. So if any vampires want a house built, he’s your man. MEET THE PLAYER: BEN COURTY
What is your pre-match hype song? I don’t really have one song that I religiously listen to. But if I had to choose one would be Getting Started - Sam Fender If your Mam had to describe you in 3 words, what would they be? My favourite son (favourite is also easily interchangeable with ‘only’) Who do you dread being sat next to on the away bus? Pundy, because I’d only have half a seat and my booty big. If you could improve one part of your game, what would it be? Tackling, definitely tackling If you could play a different position, what would it be? I still believe I’m a natural 10 and Evan has proved over the last couple of seasons anyone can do it. Highlight moment at Alnwick RFC (on or off the pitch)? My absolute screamer from my own half Vs Sandal. Still in debt to Moz for fumbling the ball originally and Scott for running alongside me. If it was anyone else I would’ve passed and wouldn’t of had all the glory myself. If you could be any teammate for a day, who would you be, why and what would you do? Sean Hutchinson IYKYK What is the harshest critique you’ve ever received from Len Smith? Between Tom and Len their are a quite a few, too many to remember just one. But thank GOD I’m not a referee. MEET THE PLAYER: BEN COURTY
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
Following plenty of cancelled matches before Christmas, the ladies were raring to go for our first ever Boxing Day derby match against Berwick ladies. Fuelled by their Christmas dinners and plenty of Baileys, the ladies took to the pitch first on the day, with several senior debuts and returning players from past youth section teams. Although Berwick put up a hard defence at first, the ladies were able to show off their skills on the pitch and take the win, with a final score of 7-81! A fantastic effort from all involved, even if the orange slices were left in the physio bag until this week…. Coming up we have a close away game this Sunday 14th at Tynedale RFC. All supporters are encouraged, Kick off time of 2pm. Our upcoming fixtures are as follows, but can be found on the club website. Sunday 14th Jan - Tynedale (A) Sunday 28th Jan - Open Women & Girls training session, all 11+ welcome. Sunday 4th feb - Acklam (A) Sunday 11th feb - Guisborough (A) Sunday 18th feb - Whitley Bay Rockliffe Roses 2nds (H) Sunday 24th March - Guisborough (H) LADIES Becky Dyson Ladies Captain
Although the recent horrendous weather has got in the way of Tuesday night training sessions for Alnwicks mixed touch rugby team, players have continued to get involved in regional, national and cross border training events. Don McLean and Craig Auchinachie continue their regular drives across the border to take part in the Scotland touch rugby world cup trials. Congratulations to Don who has made it onto the Scotland 50s training squad. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Craig makes it through to the next stage in a very competitive 40s group. Tracey Graham travelled to Glasgow to play and captain the North East Raiders against Scotland W40s in a friendly game. A little bit closer to home, but still on the Scottish side, Alnwick will make the trip to Duns on December 29th for a festive friendly. From a regional perspective, some of the team participated in the recent North East Raiders training session at Rockcliffe, and Pete has made it on to the 50s North East Raiders team who will soon kick off their regional training - congrats Pete! Ladies Friday night training sessions will be paused until the weather improves in the Spring time. However, the team continue to bond off the pitch and look forward to their Christmas party this weekend. Fancy giving touch rugby a go and improving your fitness? Why not join us for an indoor session this Tuesday at Willowburn from 6pm. There are opportunities for all, so if you fancy it you can pop along or contact Don McLean On 07860510623 or [email protected] TOUCH
BLAST FROM THE PAST… …WILL BE BACKSOON
Regional 1 North East TODAYS FIXTURES ALNWICKS NEXT 3 FIXTURES Alnwick V Cleckheaton Blaydon V Doncaster Phoenix Pontefract V Heath Sandal V Harrogate Scunthorpe V Ilkley York V Driffield 20th January Heath V Alnwick 27th January Sandal V Alnwick 3rd February Alnwick V Doncaster Phoenix
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. Alex Robson enjoying the benefit of here! This new bit of equipment that is already getting our players back to fitness. The Muppets, Dave and the players would like to thank everyone that contributed to the cost. THANKS FROM OUR MEMBERS
Regional 1 North East