ALNWICK RFCSATURDAY 23RD MARCH VS HEATH RUFC 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 2ND TEAM Alnwick V Heath 2s Stuart May, Peter McCaig & John Spark Dallas Allen Ken Fairbairn Richard Welbury AML - Matthew & Ali Currie Burgham Golf Rory Mallaburn Craig Greer Turnbulls Butchers
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
6. JONNY YOUNG 8. BEN GOTHORP 1. RICHIE ELLIOT 4. FERGUS BURN ALNWICK RFC FORWARDS 2. JAMIE COMBER 3. MATTY JOLLY 7. ALI BLACKETT 5. MATTY GRAY Stephen Dickinson
13. SEAN HUTCHINSON 15. SAM EGGLESTON BACKS 10. EVAN MOIR 14. JAKE WOODS Guy Renner-Thompson 9. HUGH TODD 11. ANDREW SPARK 12. CALLUM BURN ALNWICK RFC
18. ANDREW ORD 17. CHARLIE FARMER HEAD COACH TOM BORTHWICK Victoria Bell PHYSIO DAVE ROSS The Muppets COACHING TEAM FORWARDS COACH ALLY HOGG Tom Bell SUBSTITUTES 16. DUNCAN SMITH ALNWICK RFC
STATS: VS HEATH Season League Game No Date League Name Level H/A Result For Against 2022/23 696 26/11/22 Regional 1 North East 5 H W 27 22 2022/23 706 04/03/23 Regional 1 North East 5 A L 30 40
What are your first memories of Alnwick RFC? Hector Brewis picking me up from the house at only 16 to play a game for the Lions at Rockcilff and then taking me home after consuming 8 pints. 1stXV debut? A win Vs Ryton at home. Who were your early mentors at Alnwick? Big Trev Kirkup smashing everything that moved in the midfield and Stu gray with his mazy runs. Favourite/Best game for Alnwick? Probably Billingham at home 2019 and Wheatley Hills at home 2016. Best/favourite try for Alnwick? vs Gosforth where I ran the length. Unheard of MEET THE PLAYER: RICHARD ELLIS The final meet the player features a club legend. Back in the first team fold towards the end of this season but unfortunate to not sign out infront of the Greensfield faithful this afternoon. Richard Ellis, just shy of 200 first team league caps, is apparently hanging up the boots at the end of the season. He’s been a great servant for the club and an integral part of the first teams success helping Alnwick secure the Durham and Northumberland N1 title and the clubs first county cup for a number of years. Probably more suited to the older style of rugby of high tackles and feet in at the breakdown (and the odd haymaker), Ellis always offered a different approach towards the game which often caught the opposition off guard. He does have a couple more games in the blue and gold to play but these will be in the southern hemisphere as he joins the lads on the tour to New Zealand in May. God help us.
Best away trip/tour? Pocklington 2011. A Hatrick followed by an asbo banning order from York city centre. Best and toughest opponent? Probably Billingham always a hard game. Morpeth openside - Richie Armstrong. Biggest regret in rugby? Not commiting as much in later years. Funniest moment at Alnwick? Sticking deep heat in Gordon Smiths underpants and him thinking he had an STI. Biggest differences between rugby now and then? Speed of the game, the tackle rules, lack of mutant men like the the 1-15 of Horden. Which players have impressed you lately at Alnwick? Ben Gothorp and Callum Burn both 100% committed when the whistle blows Best club player you played with? It has to be my old mate Andrew shell. Shit off a stick. Best ARFC memory? Winning the league in DN1 and the first county cup win at Novos. Also watching big Willy down a pint of piss unaware of it’s origin. MEET THE PLAYER: RICHARD ELLIS
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
Big Colts Win takes us to Borders Final. Our Colts have been in action again, and of course on the road again! We traveled up to Melrose for the Borders Plate semi-final and in a physical encounter came out on top with an excellent 29-36 Win! This takes us to a 2-1 lead in this seasons matches against Melrose who always give us a good match. It was a tense affair at the end as we defended well in our 22 to retain possession until the whistle went for the end of the game. Both teams finishing with 13 on the pitch. There was an ugly incident when one of the Melrose backs tested out Josh’s nose which lead to a Melrose Red Card, in what otherwise was a good spirited game. There was humor as well as Edward took the prize for the longest tackle of the season in which drove back / carried one of their forwards right through their 22m line and over the try line to dump him down over the line. Bit of a George North moment . We wish the boys every success in todays final up at Gala where they play Carlisle in what promises to be a cracking encounter with honors equal this season at one win each. In other news, more of the colts have been action for the seniors, this time representing the 2ndXV in a tough away game v Medicals. Great experience for the boys, huge well done to Mark Carolan scoring the only Alnwick Try, as well as Tom Stringer, George Nelson and Ryan King. COLTS
BLAST FROM THE PAST 1. First ARFC Memories? Ian: Mini rugby 1988 with a very patient John Gray Ali: Mini rugby with Ian darting about asking when we would be allowed to tackle in full contact every week! 2. 1stXV Debut? Ian: 1998 v Tynedale at Alnwick. Played 9 on heavy pitch forwards had busy afternoon – every ruck was like putting hands in a blender to dig out the ball. Dapo Odemeru scored late for us but Tyne were the victors. Ali: Aug 98 a half on wing and the other at 9 then the next weekend v West Park Leeds. Lost 18-5. 3. Early Mentors? Ian: Nigel Davies ‘Lions’ mainly off-field strategies! Si Manners even though I was chasing his spot always had good advice, and George Robson latterly when 1st team coach. Ali: My Older brothers. Tim Bell and John Gray our mini coaches. Nigel’s Lions then Dave Debbage at seniors who refined my bullet pass but not its accuracy… 4. Best Game? Ian: Promotion play off v Pontefract. Drama all the way under the pump for most of the game. 5m to go and Alan Moses drop goal, John Snaith scoring late to seal it at the death. Was chuffed for our capt Dave Smith that day. Ali: Pontefract playoff Apr 2004. We left some skin on the concrete pitch. Was worth it to see Micky Walton’s smile at finish! Sparky chats with more ‘Old Skoolers’ from yesteryear with their memories at ARFC. This week it’s those Nineties and Noughties Nuisances... the Gray Twins!! Ali and Ian who followed their elder brothers and quickly became established senior players, recognized for hill bred tenacity and fearlessness on the pitch… and absolute pests to all in sundry in the bar after!! Both played a bit of county and Ali went on to National rugby with Tynedale before returning to Greensfield to finish. Ian’s huge club shift saw him be one of first and few to reach 200 league appearances finishing on 210. Both have great memories of their days in the Blue and Gold. Continued on next page…
BLAST FROM THE PAST 5. Best Try? Ian: 2013 last game of season v Medicals got on end of an Andrew Shell break to finish…not glamourous but defining. We won and became league champions. Ali: Vs Bridlington away 2001. Picked up from scrum and went past a mate playing at 10 from Brid for a solo effort. We won 8-33. 6. Best Away trip? Ian: Sheffield when the 2s joined us on a full bus. Blakeys livestock haulage would have been more suitable. Last game of 15/16 v Doncaster Phoenix 10- 43 was best away win. Ali: Driffield beating them with last ditch try, I got end of a forward rampage at end, then Xmas fancy dress in York 7. Toughest opponent? Ian: Gordon Smith when he played for Northern, he was unrelenting at breakdown. Ali: Doug Gray, garden games at Great Ryle early 80s, no ref and no crowds… it was brutal! 8. Funniest moment? Ian: in Alnwick A&E after a bruising encounter both myself and Trevor Kirkup had facial wounds. They got straight to work on Trev stitched his face like a wool pack with baler twine… then sent me to plastics surgeon at the RVI as I was younger and prettier!! ☺ Ali: Dump tackling Tongan no8 at Huddersfield he thought he would just run over me aged about 18 and 10 stone… (JS- remember that well, he def underestimated you – I can still see his ‘WTF’ face!! He was a big lad.) 9. Biggest Regret? Ian: missed a touch v Sheffield at Alnwick 2 points up in dying seconds… their 10 collected and dropped a goal from the 10m line. Ali: Not coming back to Alnwick sooner from Tynedale – but enjoyed it when I did. Continued on next page…
BLAST FROM THE PAST 10. Old School Differences? Ian: The refs have improved and need more recognition. The breakdown is more organized so flows quicker. Defence more glamourized which is nice for the forwards. Ali: More kicking of ball and less kicking offside bodies at ruck. More structure these days all seemfitter and stronger. 11. Who’s impressed you latterly? Ian: Andrew Ord still getting regular games after serving club so long. Evan Moir the ‘bootasaurus’ has worked hard with the tee and getting rewards. Ali: James Bird always a force with ball and in defence. 12. Best Club player you played with? Ian: James Hamilton. Ali: Simon Manners early on and James Hamilton latterly. 13. Best ARFC Memory? Ian: Playing with 3 brothers for the wooden spoon XV against Alnwick!! Being Invited to be 1st XV captain. Stepping into a packed bar after a game. Ali: playing with brothers and mates and post-match beers win or lose. Tours to Kinsale,Edinburgh, Mull, Amsterdam….epic tales… Continued on next page…
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Regional 1 North East TODAYS FIXTURES ALNWICK’S FINAL FIXTURES Alnwick V Heath Blaydon V Scunthorpe Cleckheaton V Sandal Doncaster Phoenix V Harrogate York V Pontefract Driffield V Ilkley 6th April York V Alnwick 13th April Blaydon V Alnwick 20th April Alnwick V Kendal 27th April Stockport 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. 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