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Bromyard Rugby Club
October Newsletter
Welcome to the first issue of the monthly newsletter.
The idea of this is to keep everyone in the Club up-to-date with what is happening in the various
teams. This is very much a work-in-progress, and as the months go by, I imagine the content of
this newsletter will change.
Thanks to all of the contributors, and if anyone has any ideas on how it could be improved,
other information which should be included and/or any constructive criticism, let me know. The
next issue will be after the completion of games at the end of November (29th & 30th), so I will
be chasing people for news/updates in early December…
Team News
1st XV
It has been a mixed start to the season so far
for the firsts. We started strongly away against
Tenbury (always nice to get a win over the
local rivals), and Yardley at home. However a
much changed team, long journey and early
injuries took their toil against Barton under
Needwood. Next was Bishops Castle at home
on VP's day - thanks to everyone for the great
support which helped us clinch a memorable
one point win in the last minutes. Cannock
away was a disappointing loss, really because
we led for most of the match before they got
the upper hand in the final 20, however much
better than the result there last year.
Yesterday we played Cleobury Mortimer, and
there's a few of us nursing bruised bodies after
a tough match against the form side in the
league. Although we suffered a heavy loss we
did score the first try anyone has against them so far. Looking forward, the next few matches are winnable and
could be critical in how the season pans out. This season was always about developing for the future and several
young players have been putting in worthy performances. The back line has shown they are as good as anyone
with excellent performances from Jon Parker, John Pudge and Greg Leighton. The player of the season so far is
awarded to Gareth Griffiths (Griff), primarily for his hard edged, always committed tackling which has often been
the corner stone of our defence, plus a few try's.
2nd XV
The seconds have played three league games so far, won two and lost the other by 2 points. The team is looking
good, have good numbers every week, and looking solid. Just coming together nicely and looks good for the future
if we can keep it going.
Ladies Touch Rugby
Sunday 26th November saw the final round of the Midlands touch ladies tournament hosted by Sutton Coldfield.
Bromyard went into this tournament nine points clear in the league but they were taking nothing for granted. The
first match of the day was against Stratford who always prove to be a test, both teams were on top form but we
came out on top 3 tries to nil. The 2nd match was against Cannock where we saw Bromyard really switch on the
burners and win the game an impressive 8 tries to nil. The 3rd match was against the hosts Sutton Coldfield but
they proved no match for Bromyard who were still playing on top form winning an impressive 8-0. Going into the
4th match against Redditch was very difficult as Redditch are a very improved experienced side. Bromyard had to
dig deep for a 2-0 victory. As Bromyard had won all their pool games they were heading into the play offs. After
much deliberation on a very cold day, the play offs were decided. Bromyard had to play the 2nd position winners in
the other pool group which were Wellesbourne, who defended well and at first it was difficult for Bromyard to break
the line but after a few minutes when everybody had got warm Bromyard turned up the pace and beat
Wellesbourne a convincing 4-0.
That meant Bromyard were heading into the final against rivals Pershore, who were standing 2nd in the overall
positioning of the league 9 points behind Bromyard. This match always proves difficult and Bromyard had to really
work hard to prevent a Pershore win. During the first half both defences were holding strong until Fiona Francis for
Bromyard broke free down the wing to secure the first try of the game but Pershore kept going and just before the
half time whistle their player broke through Bromyard defence line, looking like it was an inevitable try until Aimee
Simpson closed the gap and managed to touch her a split second before the Pershore player put the ball
down, preventing a even 1-1 half time score. As the second half commenced Bromyard knew they couldn't be
complacent with the Pershore attack and together as a team, looping and scattering the defence, Lilly EdgarWilson broke through to secure a 2-0 victory to Bromyard.
A great day for the Midlands ladies touch league - all teams were superb on a very cold windy day, and Bromyard
secured their league win 4 years in a row returning the shield to the club house.
Player of the day went to Jess Gwynn, who was everywhere on the pitch. She was solid all day in defence and
never stopped trying to break the line in attack. Player of the season went the Lilly-Edgar Wilson who has shown
not only a very defensive game but has learnt very quickly in attack, her side steps and speed has often proved too
much for other teams. Most improved player of the season was awarded to Clare Weaver, who has shown
improvement in all areas of the game, especially in attack as it shows in both scoring and setting up tries. She
regularly breaks the defensive line. A brilliant season for Bromyard ladies. Well done to all involved.
Under 7’s
Under 8’s
A record number of 22 U8s have registered for the season and after four weeks training were raring to play their
first match against Ledbury. The enthusiasm translated onto the pitch with the three teams winning all 3 of their
games - 9 out of 9 - a perfect start against good opposition. Our squad much enjoyed playing a very competitive
mixed demonstration game with the U7s at the VP's day and forming the welcome tunnels for the 1st and 2nd XV
games. The next day we played Hereford at home and won 5 from 9 games against better opposition. Kings
Norton could only muster one full team and with their extra players and volunteers from our U8s we formed a
Baabaas team, which, as tradition dictates, did very well. In fact if it wasn't for their excellent efforts we would have
done better than squaring the rubber!
Under 9’s
Under 10’s
Under 11’s
After a few weeks getting back into it, the U11s put in a great team performance against
Kings Norton winning both matches, 5-1 and 4-2, try scorers Ptolomy, Fred Hewitt, Euan,
Tom Wackett and James Castle. All players showed solid progress with three players of
the day; Fred Perry having a great game as scrum half, Daniel putting in some
effective tackles and Tom Brown on his debut for Bromyard.
We have the pleasure of welcoming three new players this season, Zac, Tom Wackett and
Tom Brown strengthening the team who are a great bunch to be associated with, well done
all!
Under 12’s
The season so far : Played: 3, Won: 1, Lost: 2, Points for: 108, Points against: 120
After a promising start to the season with a 35 – 40 win away at Ledbury, our attention turned to a succession of
home fixtures. With the coach abandoning his team to their fate to go on a FOOTBALL TOUR, (apparently you
play that game with a ROUND ball!) Hereford, complete with an ex Bromyard player, brought themselves across
the county border for the second game of the season. A closely contested match ended in the visitors favour, 42 –
47.
A timely training session ahead of the third match of the season allowed for some much needed practice in
securing and recycling the ball. With regret, none of the opposition had forgotten to adjust their clocks, and so, due
to the extra hour in bed, a well rested team arrived from Kings Norton for the first of the ‘half-term’ fixtures. Thanks
to some successful recruiting, instead of borrowing from, we found ourselves lending players to the opposition.
However, all that had been drummed into the boys during the training session the previous weekend was duly
forgotten and the biggest dose of try line fever spread throughout the home team. With regret, the second of our
fixtures at the Clive Richards sports ground once again ended in our guests favour, 26 – 38.
So as we lick our wounds and prepare for Worcester at home, we can only hope that the aforementioned fever has
broken, and that we can balance the columns in the results table.
Player of the week awards have so far been awarded to Ethan Barrett (Ledbury), Jack Baker (Hereford) and Marc
Hackman (Kings Norton). Tries have been scored by Ewan Guy, Alex Perrin, Ben Gifford, Conor Burton, Marc
Hackman, Freddie Edmonds and Will Morris. All the kicking duties have fallen successfully to Johnny Langford.
I would like at this stage to welcome Josh Chatburn, Henry Paterson, Ollie Portman, Cameron Hudd and Harry
Birch to the U12’s, we look forward to their continued development and integration into the team and club.
Under 13/14’s
The U13/14s are going very well - we have had two games and won them both. We only have fourteen players so
we have shown good strength and team work and are always looking for more players that can strengthen our
team. They are a great bunch to work with and train, and are great kids all round and best mates.
Under 15/16’s
Other information
Fun Day & BBQ - despite the bouncy castle not arriving, a great effort by Rob and Helen Denny and Ed Gough in
raising funds from the BBQ. Thanks to all the parents who stayed and joined in.
Big Breakfast - Great atmosphere, fabulous rugby and nearly £500 raised from the Big breakfast bar, thanks to
Steph, Dave and Jean for all their help. We also had lots of smiling floured faces from the apple bobbing.
Congratulations to Master Denny for winning the Pumpkin carving competition.
Race Night - Donna Gough is investigating the possibility of a race night on a Friday in the new year but needs
some assistance to organise and run, could anyone interested in helping Donna please contact her - details on the
website.
New Floodlit Competition
We are starting a senior floodlit competition this season, initially with four teams, and if successful, will be extended
next year, inviting other teams. It will be known as the Champion’s League Cup.
All matches are on a Tuesday night, kick-off 7.30pm. so please come and support the games.
25th Nov 2014 Bromyard v Tenbury Wells
20th Jan 2015 Greyhound v Clee Hill
10th Feb 2015 Tenbury Wells v Clee Hill
10th Mar 2015 Bromyard v Greyhound
31st Mar 2015 Greyhound v Tenbury Wells
14th Apr 2015 Bromyard v Clee Hill
The Competition Trophy will be sponsored by Nick Champion (Auctioneer from Tenbury) hence the name for the
competition…
Hospitality and Site Boards
There are still a few places left. In addition, the Club is seeking match day sponsors. Anyone interested please
contact Andrew Jelley.
Site Care
Please remember:Dogs are not allowed on the Sports Ground. If you see anyone walking their dogs on the
pitches, please point out the notice on the front gate.
Glasses and bottles are not allowed outside the clubhouse. Broken glass could be
potentially fatal to players, spectators and children frequenting the ground.
Dumping of rubbish, of any kind, is not permitted. If you see this happening please make a
note of the registration number and pass it on to the committee for the necessary action to be
taken.
As a member of the club, it is up to you to keep it litter free. We are all responsible for
clearing up especially after matches and social functions.
Insurance
Playing members are reminded that The Club only takes out the compulsory insurance from the
RFU, which is a ‘permanent total disability’ policy, and covers members for death, loss of limb,
or total disablement from employment, and does not cover any loss of earnings following
accidents.