Hertfordshire Rugby News

County finals 2009

2009-04-28T16:29:00.001-07:00

At OMT's (Old Merchant Taylors) Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, 27th April 2009:

County Colts Final

Bishop's Stortford 31 Old Albanians 10 (photos)

President's Trophy Final

Datchworth 13 Old Ashmoleans 16 (photos)

Photos are courtesy of Digital Sports UK

Colts News

2009-04-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

RFU National Colts Cup

Congratulations to Old Albanian Colts on reaching the Final of the Competition. They beat Colchester last Sunday and will play Hinckley at Northampton Saints on Monday 4th May, kick off 3.00 pm.

Hertfordshire Colts Cup and Shield

The success of a number of Hertfordshire Clubs in the National Colts Cup or Plate, including that of Old Albanians, coupled with the impact of the frosty weather earlier in the year has resulted in a fixture backlog in both Cup and Shield. Although Bishop's Stortford and Datchworth have reached their respective finals, the other semi final in each competition has not been played. It has proved impossible to play them over the Easter holiday, so reluctantly the final of each Competition will be postponed. The outstanding semi finals - Old Albanian v Hertford (Cup) and Fullerians v Harpenden (Shield) - will now be played on Sunday 19th April.

The dates and locations for the finals will be announced as soon as practicable.

Presidents Cup Final: Photostream

2009-03-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Click here for photostream

Stevenage Town Player in England Deaf Squad

2009-03-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

ENGLAND have included Stevenage Town lock forward Ryan Arbon amongst ten new caps in their squad for their Deaf International against Wales at Pontypridd on Saturday March 21 (1.30 pm).

England will be without some experienced players including Josh Corcoran (Hertford and Hartpury College) because of injuries, but they have called up ten players, including Ryan Arbon, who are in line to win their first caps.

This will be the seventh Deaf International between England and Wales and England will be seeking only their second victory having been trounced 66-7 at Broadstreet last season.

The English Deaf Rugby Union has continued to recruit new players to the England squad by raising awareness of the minimum hearing impairment required to qualify.

Players are eligible to play for the England Deaf side if they have a combined average hearing loss of 25dB or more in both ears. This roughly translates to a minimum hearing loss in both ears or a moderate hearing loss in one ear but with normal hearing in the other.

HSBC Emerging Schools Hertfordshire County Finals

2009-03-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

15 schools were represented at the finals of the Hertfordshire HSBC Emerging Schools Finals held at the superb facilities of St Albans School on Friday 13^th March. In total there were 20 teams and 292 players aged between 11 and 14 playing for the right to represent Hertfordshire in the Regional Finals of this national competition which culminates with a final at Twickenham.

Rob Hardwick, Chairman of Youth Rugby in Hertforshire was impressed with the standard of rugby which was very high this year. Rob commented that it was an endorsement of the huge effort put in by PE staff and Hertfordshire Community Rugby team over the last few years to raise standards at emerging rugby playing schools.

In the end, the winners in each category were as follows:

With the emphasis on development of rugby in schools, the refereeing duties were undertaken by 6^th form students from Richard Hale school who performed superbly

Herts RFU Annual Members Dinner, 5th March, at Mid-Herts Golf Club, Wheathampstead

2009-03-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Once again we returned to Mid-Herts GC to hold our Annual Members Dinner which this year broke all records with 117 attendees with 14 clubs being represented. John Drew our President hosted the evening with Mark Elliott once again doing a stalwart job as MC and kept us all on our toes. John kept us informed of the successes in our playing sides so far this season and also that of our clubs. He welcomed our guests and in particular John Owen Senior Vice President of The RFU on his return to Hertfordshire and also our guest speaker Eddie Jones, Director of Rugby for Saracens, and past Manager of Australia RU. In addition a warm welcome and grateful thanks was given to our county sponsors Weston Homes Plc for their continued support throughout Herts.

Two recipients for awards this year were:
Jamie George, Haileybury College and Saracens: A tankard for playing for England U18s in 6 Nations Tournament 2007-08 and in Argentina summer 2008 and also the Morrie Morris Trophy for services to Hertfordshire Schools Rugby

Owen Farrell, St George's School & Harpenden: Two tankards - One for playing for England U16s against Wales, France and Italy in 2006-07; One for playing for and captaining England U16s against Wales, Italy and France in 2007-08. He also played for England U18s in Argentina summer 2008

John Owen presented both players with these following a short response on behalf of the guests which gave us another insight into what was happening at HQ.

Eddie Jones kept us alert with interesting comments from an outsiders point of view regarding rugby in England as well as the national side and the pressures that the top level players are constantly under nowadays. He ended up with a question and answer session which brought some very valid participation from his eager audience and honest and from the heart answers.

A superb meal, good company and flowing wine meant that this was another great event enjoyed by all.

Photographs from the dinner

Stags Move Again

2009-02-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

The Hertfordshire Stags Match against The Army U20 on Sunday, 15th February has been moved for a second time due to the effects of the winter weather. With the pitches at both Harpenden and Bishop's Stortford out of action, the RFU U20 National Championship match will now be held at Tabard RFC, kick off 2.15pm

The Stags team selected for the match is:

15 Full back Henry ROBINSON Letchworth

14 Wing A N OTHER

13 Centre Kyle LEMON Stevenage Town

12 Centre Brad MARTIN Saracens Amateurs

11 Wing Rob RICHARDSON Bedford Academy

10 Fly half Stuart SMART Hertford

9 Scrum half Elliot BIRCKBECK Old Northamptonians

1 Prop Rob SCHILLACI Hertford

2 Hooker Mike SKINNER Bedford Academy

3 Prop Ross MEALING Letchworth

4 Lock James DORAN Old Albanian

5 Lock Sam BARROW Tabard

6 Flanker Miles DEMPSEY Fullerians

7 Flanker Joe COLLINS Tring

8 No 8 Tom JANKOWSKI Welwyn (Capt)

Replacements:

16 San FARENDEN Hertford

17 Steve DURNING Hertford

18 Sean McGINTY Hitchin

19 Alex LENNON Letchworth

20 Matt CHAMBERS Bishop's Stortford

21 Liam CHENNELS Tring

22 Jack TREDGET Letchworth

Hertfordshire Stags v Middlesex U20 Postponed

2009-02-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately the weather has again disrupted the Stags RFU U20 National Championship programme.

Following the postponement of their match against Kent, the Stags game against Middlesex, scheduled to take place at Tabard RFC on Sunday 8th February, has been postponed due the severe winter weather.

The Stags’ next match is on Sunday, February 15th, against The Army U20 at Harpenden RFC. Kick off 2.15 pm

Eddie Jones to speak at Members' Dinner

2009-01-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union

Dear Club Secretaries, Club Chairman, Club Committee Members, HRFU

Members, Players, Supporters and Friend of Herts Rugby

Annual Dinner- Thursday 5th March 2009

Once again it is time to book tickets for yourself, partner and friends at the Annual Dinner of The Hertfordshire RFU.

Following the great success of last year’s dinner we are delighted to have been able to book again the Mid-Herts Golf Club, Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead for the occasion. Wives and partners are especially welcome, aperitifs are from 7.15pm with Dinner commencing at 8.00pm.

We are delighted and honoured to have as our guest speaker Eddie Jones, Director of Rugby for Saracens. Eddie is a highly respected international coach with immense experience of the game not only here in the UK but also from his homeland of Australia and the southern hemisphere in general.

In addition John Owen, Senior Vice President of The RFU, has agreed to be our guest, we look forward to giving him yet another memorable evening with Herts Rugby.

The ticket price has remained the same as last year at £35 per head. Once again we will be under the control of our very own MC, Mark Elliott, so please do try and make this special evening.

Please return your ticket request to John Atkinson complete with your cheques, made payable to Herts RFU as soon as possible, but latest by Friday 27th February

We look forward to seeing you.

John Drew, President.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please return to;

John Atkinson, 86 Winterscroft Rd, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8RJ

Tel: 01992 462206 e-mail: tony.edlin@btconnect.com

I/We will be attending

Please supply ……. Tickets, payment enclosed £ ………………

[Please provide a list of guests for seating arrangements]

I will require a vegetarian meal

{Please Print}

Name: ……………………………………………………………………………..

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………..

Club: ………………………………………………………………………………

Stags Squad for East Midlands

2009-01-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

The Hertfordshire Stags (U20) squad for their match against East Midland U20 @ Hitchin RFC on Wednesday, 14th January, KO 7.30 pm is:

1. R. Schillaci (Hertford)
2. S. Durno (Hertford)
3. R. Mealing (Letchworth)
4. D. Calnan (Tabard)
5. S. Barrow (Tabard)
6. T. Jankowski (Welwyn)
7. T. Meller (Stevenage Town)
8. M. Chambers (Bishop's Stortford)
9. E. Birbeck (Old Northamptonians)
10. S. Smart (Hertford)
11. M. Claire (Bishop's Stortford)
12. S. Ellis (Hertford)
13. B. DeGrandis (Bishop's Stortford)
14. K. Lemon (Stevenage Town)
15. H Robinson (Letchworth)
16. M. Connors (Bedford Academy)
17. M. Dempsey (Fullerians)
18. H. Howman (Letchworth)
19. R. Richardson (Bedford Academy)
20. J. Tredgett (Letchworth)
21. J Davis (Tabard)

Herts Student Festival

2008-12-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

Twas the Monday before Xmas… and the cream of the county’s young players flocked to Old Albanian RFC for the inaugural Herts Xmas Festival. Over 150 young players – a combination of students back for the holiday period, colts and younger players from the senior sides - representing eight clubs turned out for some festive fun. Playing ten minute matches with no penalties, the action was fast and furious.

Old Albanians and Bishops Stortford won their pools and in a tight final Bishop’s Stortford just edged the host club to become the first club to lift the Herts Returning Students trophy. Other awards during the evening went to Joe Brouder (Old Albanians) for Best Try, Alex Brookes (Welwyn) for Best Hit, and Francis Denny (Old Albanians) for Best Player.

The festival was organised by Peter Engledow, the Herts Rugby Development Officer, who said he was pleased with the response: ‘It’s all about keeping players involved with their clubs, particularly those that move away to attend college. This gave the guys a chance to meet old friends, play a bit of rugby and have a couple of beers – what better way to start the Xmas holidays!’

John Drew, President of the Herts RFU, was on hand to award the trophies and he was in no doubt that the Festival should be a permanent fixture in the Herts rugby calendar. He said: ‘We’ve seen some quality play here tonight and I’d like to congratulate all who made tonight’s festival go so well.’ There were county selectors present and, as MC Hardwick reminded the crowd, there was plenty to play for with the U20 County Championship, U23 fixtures and the senior County Championship Shield coming up.

The clubs taking part were Barnet, Bishop’s Stortford, Cheshunt, Fullerians, Harpenden, Hertford, Old Albanians (two sides) and Welwyn. Each club got a Gillette community rugby bag containing training balls, bibs and water bottles, courtesy of Apex Multisports and the Herts Sports Partnership. Thanks to OAs for hosting the event, and to the Herts Referees’ Society, whose refs put their fitness on the line!

Herts students invited home for Christmas rugby

2008-12-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Hertfordshire rugby clubs are encouraged to invite their student players back to represent them at the county's first Under 23 Student Club Rugby Festival this month.

Old Albanian RFC near St Albans is the venue on Monday December 22, 2008, with the accent on fun and social rugby but a serious message too as it allows clubs to stay in touch with players who have gone to college or university.

"The rugby will be 20-20 style and we are looking at 10 to 15-minutes games," said Peter Engledow, the RFU's Hertfordshire rugby development officer.

"This is a great way to bring back all the Herts players to the county and enjoy a super late afternoon and evening playing rugby and building friendships."

Organisers are hoping around 150 to 200 students take part on behalf of their clubs, and there will be scope for the county's smaller clubs to field combined teams if they are short of numbers on their own.

"The selectors of Herts' Under 20, U23 and senior sides will be there too, to spot some talent," said Engledow, "but most of all it is about playing with your mates and having a good time."

Food and drink will be on offer and Engledow is hopeful this will become an annual rugby festival for the county in support of the RFU's Play On campaign which aims to maintain and develop contact with rugby players in the 16 to 24 age group who may have moved away from home for work or further education.

Clubs are asked to confirm their entry and nominate a key person who will be in charge of getting their players together.

Contact Peter Engledow on peterengledow@rfu.com or 07764 960407.

Hertfordshire Schools at Wembley

2008-12-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Nine schools teams from Hertfordshire took to the world famous Wembley Stadium turf last week as part of the rugby festival that was a unique curtain-raiser to Barbarians v Australia match.

Pupils from Francis Combe (Watford), Sir John Lawes (Harpenden), Sandringham (St Albans), Knights Templar (Baldock), Mount Grace (Potters Bar), The Priory (Hitchin), Fearnhill (Letchworth), Greneway School (Royston) and Wheatfields Junior School (St Albans) were among more than 1300 school children in the London North / Barbarians festival designed to generate interest among players either new or recently introduced to the game.

Some of the children met England flanker Joe Worsley at the end of a fast and fun day's action organised jointly by the RFU's London North development team and the Barbarians in which the teams played 10-a-side matches lasting 10 minutes each. Year 5 and 6 teams played Tag rugby, and Years 7 to 10 took part in the contact version with scrums and line-outs.

All the schools teams, parents and supporters were able to stay on to watch the evening match which celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Olympic rugby competition won by Australia at the London Games of 1908.

Hertfordshire A XV

2008-11-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

The Hertfordshire A XV squad for their match against Middlesex County Clubs at Harrow RFC on Wednesday 19th November, kick off 7.30 pm is:

15	Colbourne O Ashmoleans	Hayden Cheshunt
14	Muskat Harpenden	Coy St Albans Reserve	DuPreez O Ashmoleans
13	Childs Harpenden	Lane St Albans
12	M. Thomas Tabard	Joubert St Albans
11	N Burger O Ashmoleans	Watt Datchworth
10	Reilly Tabard	O’Brien HH Reserve	Howard St Albans
9	Homan Harpenden	Murphy Tabard
8	Dronke O Ashmoleans	Harmse HH
7	Bailey HH	Stoba Tabard
6	Clark Cheshunt	S. Donnell Cheshunt
5	Sio Tabard	Holgate Datchworth
4	O’ Connor Tabard	Buckland O Ashmoleans
3	McDougal HH
2	Lemiere St Albans	Green HH
1	Jeffrey HH	Green St Albans Capt	HartDatchworth

Herts Players in Deaf Barbarians Squad

2008-11-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hertfordshire have 2 players among the 14 England players in the Deaf Barbarians squad for their inaugural match against Wales at Pontypridd on Sunday November 23 (12 noon).

Both Josh Corcoran (Hartbury College and Hertford) and Ryan Arborn (Hitchin) have been selected as replacements for the match, which will help to mark the Wales Deaf Rugby Centenary. The Barbarians side has been selected by Lyndon James, secretary of the England Deaf RU, and Tony Stoyles the EDRU director of rugby.

The 14 England players have already been capped in Deaf Internationals and will use the Barbarians game for their post-Christmas internationals against Scotland and Wales.

Attempts are being made to encourage Ireland to establish a Deaf XV and the England Deaf RU are planning to visit to Dublin at the end of the season to play a demonstration match.

The Barbarians squad includes one Irishman in fullback Charlie James, who plays his club rugby at New Brighton, plus English-based players with bloodlines to other nationalities in Kris Mannering (Netherlands), David Steele (Australia), Ryan Arbon (Poland), Mark Lewis (New Zealand) and Truter Bothma (South Africa).

Lewis, of East Grinstead, will captain a Deaf Barbarians squad that also includes eight Scotland internationals.

The England Deaf team plays a series of international and representative matches home and away each season with players eligible to play if they have a combined average hearing loss of 25 decibels or more in both ears. This roughly translates to a minimum hearing loss in both ears or a moderate hearing loss in one ear.

3 Herts Clubs make The National Finals

2008-10-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

Three Hertforshire Clubs have qualified for the Finals of the National Rugby Clubs Golf Championship, which is organised by the Wooden Spoon.

The Regional Final was held at John O'Gaunt Golf Club, Sandy, Beds, on Monday 19th September with 12 clubs taking part. The club teams consisted of teams of four in pairings. Each pair playing with pairs from another club, the combined scores of the two pairs gave the total score. Hemel Hempstead came out the days winners with Barnet Elizabethans coming second followed by The Civil Service and Bishop's Stortford. All four clubs go through to the National Final at Walton Heath Golf Club on Friday 17th October.

Experimental Law Variations

2008-07-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday 2nd July 81 stalwart Club Coaches and Referees assembled at the University of Hertfordshire for the first unveiling of the RFU interpretations of the new Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) that come into effect on 1st August.

The speaker was David Rose – Premiership Referee and Midland Referee Development Manager.

Future opportunities to hear about the ELV’s will be at 7.30 on Monday 14th July at Welwyn RFC for Teachers and Junior age group coaches and again at 7.30 on Thursday 14th August at the University of Hertfordshire for referees and Coaches in the adult game when the speaker will be Alan Biggs Midlands Referee Development Officer and Premiership Touch Judge – oops sorry “Assistant Referee!!”.

Full details of the ELV’s are available on the IRB web site

Oxfordshire Preview

2008-05-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hertfordshire take on Oxfordshire in their last pool match of this season's RFU County Championship Shield competition at Old Albanian RFC on Saturday, May 17th, kick off 3.00 pm

Following last weeks impressive win over Cornwall, Herts are confident of maintaining their place in the Shield for next season, but they would require a large win over their visitors and Cornish win by the smallest of margins over Eastern Counties to have any chance of winning the group.

The Current table is:

P W L Pts Diff Ch Pts

Eastern Counties 2 2 0 +14 4

Cornwall 2 1 1 +53 2

Hertfordshire 2 1 1 - 5 2

Oxfordshire 2 0 2 - 62 0

The Hertfordshire side selected for Saturday is:

Kieron Davies (Ampthill); Ian Crompton (Stevenage Town), Jon Child (Welwyn), Ray Adde (Hemel Hempstead), Nico Burger (Old Ashmoleans); Richard Gregg (Old Albanian (Capt), Ryan de la Harpe (Letchworth); Ryan Long (Tabard), Tavita Faamausili (Stevenage Town), Jim Remfry (Caldy), Peter Coke (Hertford), Robert Dumbleton (Harpenden), Alfie Church (Hertford), Chris Rainbow (Newbury), Ian Hardcastle (Westcombe Park)

Replacements: Paul Welch (Hertford), Handre Schmidt (Hertford), Mark Evans (Old Albanian), Brent Lemiere (St Albans), Adam Gelman (Old Albanian), Gareth Davies (Tabard), Peter Streinberg (Letchworth)

Cornwall ready to end away day blues

2008-05-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Cornwall will be seeking their first away win in three years when they play Hertfordshire at Hertford on Saturday (3.00 pm) in game two in this season's County Shield.

It was May 2005 when the Duchy's senior team last triumphed on the road with an 18-15 success over Gloucestershire at Lydney, though they did manage a 22-22 draw against Oxfordshire at Chinnor last season.

Cornwall could not have got their campaign off to a much better start last weekend when they crushed Oxfordshire 66-8 at Redruth, and new captain Josh Lord believes it sets them up nicely to put an end to their disappointing away record.

"It is a tougher proposition going away than it is playing in front of your home crowd, but I think we have got the players to do it," said the Cornish All Blacks flanker. Everybody is really determined and focused this year. We have got the goal that we want to get to the final at Twickenham and win and everybody has bought into that. It maybe a little harder next week, but we know we can do it."

Any fears of complacency setting in should be dispelled by painful memories of a visit to the same venue two seasons ago, when Hertfordshire pulled off a stunning 31-27 victory against a strong Cornwall side coached then by Chris Brown, Nigel Hambly and Jim McKay.

The Hertfordshire selectors have made a number of changes from the side that lost to eastern Counties last Saturday. The team selected for Saturday is:

Kieron Davies (Ampthill); Ian Crompton (Stevenage Town), Jon Child (Welwyn), Ray Adde (Hemel Hempstead), Mark Evans (Old Albanian; Richard Gregg (Old Albanian), Ryan de la Harpe (Letchworth); Ryan Long (Tabard), Tavita Faamausili (Stevenage Town), Simon Carter (Newbury), Adam Amos (Stevenage Town), Robert Dumbleton (Harpenden), Alfie Church (Hertford), Ian Hardcastle (Westcombe Park), Dave Archer (Henley Hawks). (Capt).

Replacements: Toby Prescott (Tring), Paul Welch (Hertford), Adam Gelman (Old Albanian), Matt Cross (Nuneaton), Jim Remfry (Caldy), Billy Johnson (Hertford), Gareth Davies (Tabard).

John Creasey

2008-04-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

We regret to inform you that Hertfordshire Life Member, John Creasey, passed away on 24th April.

During his long career in rugby John represented Hertfordshire five times in the County Championship and served as a county selector from 1981 to 1984.

However, John was best known for his career at Old Hertfordians and Hertford RFCs. After a distinguished playing career he served the club as President for 21 years and was President Emeritus at the time of his death.

He also had a high reputation as a speaker on the after Dinner circuit, where he was involved in many charitable fund raising activities.

The funeral service will be at All Saints Church, Hertford on Monday 12th May at 11.30 am and all friends are welcomed to Hertford Rugby Club afterwards.

Our deep sympathy goes to his partner Penny, children Edward, Mary and Lucy and grandchildren Marlie and Joe.

Herts Team v Eastern Counties

2008-04-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

County Championship Team News

Hertfordshire play Eastern Counties at West Norfolk RFC, near Kings Lynn, on Saturday in the opening match in this season's County Championship Shield competition - kick off 3.00 pm. The team selected is as follows:

Tom Newton (Tring); Ian Crompton (Stevenage Town), Jon Child (Welwyn), Ray Adde (Hemel Hempstead), Mark Mansfield (Old Albanian); Richard Gregg (Old Albanian), Toby Prescott (Tring); Ryan Long (Tabard), Tavita Faamausili (Stevenage Town), Jim Remfry (Caldy), Adam Amos (Stevenage Town), Rob Dumbleton (Harpenden), Ian Hardcastle (Westcombe Park), Chris Rainbow (Newbury), Dave Archer (Henley Hawks) (Capt).

Replacements: Ryan de la Harpe (Letchworth), Ross Willoughby (Hemel Hempstead), Richard Woodard (Tabard), Brent Lemiere (St Albans), Luke Hardwicke (Hertford), Alfie Church (Hertford), Tom Mowbray (Tring)CORNWALL READY TO END AWAY DAY BLUES

Cornwall will be seeking their first away win in three years when they play Hertfordshire at Hertford on Saturday (3.00 pm) in game two in this season's County Shield.

The Hertfordshire selectors have made a number of changes from the side that lost to eastern Counties last Saturday. The team selected for Saturday is:

Replacements: Toby Prescott (Tring), Paul Welch (Hertford), Adam Gelman (Old Albanian), Matt Cross (Nuneaton), Jim Remfry (Caldy), Billy Johnson (Hertford), Gareth Davies (Tabard).

John Macfarlane

2008-04-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hertfordshire Rugby Union regrets to announce of the death of John Macfarlane, Past President and Life Member of Hertfordshire RFU, on Monday, 22nd April.

John was President of the County from 1986 to 1988 and served on the County General Committee and Executive Committee for many years. He was a Barnet man through and through and was President of Barnet RFC for a number of years.

The funeral will take place at 12.30 pm on Friday 2nd May at Monken Hadley Church, (between Hadley Common and Hadley Green), Barnet, followed by a private cremation and after at the West Lodge Park Hotel.

Our thoughts are with Gill and all the Macfarlane family at this time.

County Championship Preparations

2008-04-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

As part of Hertfordshire's preparations for this season's County Championship, the County will host Crawshay's Welsh XV on Sunday, 27th April in what should be a testing warm up match. The match will also honour the memory of Vivian Jenkins, the former Welsh International, who lived his later years in Harpenden. Vivian was a Life Member of Hertfordshire RFU and was also President of Crawshay's Welsh XV at the time of his death. The match will be played at Old Albanian RFC, kick off 2.30 pm.

Last Monday (14th April) Hertfordshire hosted Henley Hawks in a warm up match at Hoe Lane, Hertford. The home side put in a very encouraging performance, although they lost by one point to an injury time penalty - 12 - 13. Their forwards put in a particularly good display against a strong Henley side that included the Herts skipper, Dave Archer, in their back row.

A try by flanker Craig Bailey (Hemel Hempstead), converted by Richard Gregg (Old Albanian) gave Herts an early lead, but Henley replied with a try 10 min before half time. Half way through the second half, full back Peter Fermse (Hemel Hempstead) increased the home leads with a try. However, Henley cut the lead to two points with a try and then elected to kick a penalty in injury time to win the game by one point.

The selectors hope that this match and the Crawshay's match, plus regular training sessions, will produce a good squad for the County Championship Shield campaign which starts on May 3rd with an away fixture against Eastern Counties @ West Norfolk RFC. The following two Saturdays, Herts will entertain Cornwall and Oxfordshire at Hertford and Old Albanian respectively.

Herts Team v Henley Hawks: Peter Fermse (Hemel Hempstead); Ian Crompton (Stevenage Town), Jon Child (Welwyn), Paul Welch (Hertford), Mark Evans (Old Albanian); Richard Gregg (Old Albanian), Toby Prescott (Tring); Ryan Long (Tabard), Matt Cross (Loughborough Coll), Neil Bamber (Stevenage Town), Adam Amos (Stevenage Town), Peter Coke (Hertford), Phil Pearson (Stevenage Town), Craig Bailey (Hemel Hempstead), Billy Johnson (Hertford)

Replacements (all used): Tony Giddings (St Albans), Luke Hardwicke (Hertford)

Middlesex U23 v Hertfordshire U23

2008-04-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

@ Harrow RFC

Wednesday, 16th April. KO 7.30pm

Hertfordshire Squad: Henry Robinson (Letchworth), Adam Shaw (Ampthill), Tim Gray (Letchworth), Greg Bezzer (Fullerians), Jack Reilly (Tabard), Sam Clapham (Tring), Ollie Forrest (Hertford), Kyle Lemon (Stevenage Town), Elliot Birkbeck (Old Northamptonians).

Paul Brown (Bishop's Stortford), Ben Solez (Welwyn), Will Freestone (Welwyn), James Costen (Old Albanian), Aaron MacDougall (Hemel Hempstead), Matt Gibbs (Hemel Hempstead), Craig South (Hertford), Gareth Briggenshaw (Tring), Tom Mellor (Bedford), Nick Panton (Hitchin), Tom Jankowski (Welwyn), Ian Bailey (Hemel Hempstead), Rick Streets (Letchworth)

Herts Stags Play Kent for a "Jason Leonard and London & SE Trophy"

2008-03-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

Herts Stags will play Kent U20s for a "Jason Leonard and London & SE Trophy" on Sunday, March 30th as part of a day of age-group rugby, to which Jason Leonard, RFU Council National Member and former England prop, has leant his name.

The highlight of the day is the Hampshire and Middlesex play off at the Army Stadium in Aldershot for the right to represent London & South East in the semi-finals of the National Under 20 Championship.

The two counties won their respective round-robin pools between January 27 and March 2. The winners of their play-off final will be rewarded with an away tie against the qualifiers from the South West on the weekend of April 19/20.

The second-, third- and fourth-placed teams from the group stage were each due to play off for a trophy named after Leonard, although Surrey have withdrawn from the competition and will not be facing Sussex as intended.

That leaves matches on Sunday between the Army and Essex (Stadium pitch, 12pm) and Hertfordshire and Kent (Queens Road Pitch, 1.15pm), each for the ‘Jason Leonard and London & SE Trophy’.

The Stags team for Sunday is:

Henry Robinson (Letchworth); Kyle Lemon (Stevenage Town), Carling Colfer (Old Albanian), Joe Weston (Saracens Amateurs), Kris Cottendon (Letchworth); Zak Vinnicombe (Fullerians), Elliot Birkbeck (Old Northamptonians); Sam England (Old Albanian), Tom Haller (Old Albanian) (capt), Ollie Day (Bishop's Stortford), Pieter Frisch (Hitchin), Jamie Molloy (Fullerians), Miles Dempsey (Fullerians), Tom Mellor (Bedford), Tom Jankowski (Welwyn)

Replacements: Joe Frewin (Fullerians), Barry Mellor (Letchworth), Sean Mcginnty (Hitchin), Sean Hughes (Saracens Amateurs), Brad Martin (Saracens Amateurs), Tom Sadler (Saracens Amateurs)

Tabard - Seal of Approval Club of Year

2008-03-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

In August 2006 Tabard RFC gained the RFU Seal of Approval in record time! The Club Development Group enthusiastically embraced the challenges ahead and spearheaded many changes to bring new young players into the club. These changes have not only resulted in an influx of new players at lower levels, but has necessitated the training of new coaches, which in turn has enabled the club to apply for funding and offer rugby coaching to schools, colleges and youth groups, starting after school rugby clubs as well as running skills days during half terms.

Being awarded London North Region, Seal of Approval Club of the Year for 2008 is a huge honour. Both club chairmen, Ross Hopcroft, for the Seniors and, Laura-Jo Pearce, Mini and Youth Chairman are thrilled that all the hard work of the CDG team is being recognised nationally. This prestigious award will help the club to drive up standards and continue with its ambitious development programme to bring rugby to the community and the community to rugby.

Farrell Captains England

2008-03-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Owen Farrell (Hertfordshire & St George's, Harpenden) in his second season in the England U 16 team captained the side in the opening match of the Four Nations Tournament in France. Unfortunately England went down by the narrow margin of one point, 13-12, to Wales U16s, their first defeat at this level since 2003.

England's first try came when fly half George Ford, son of the England defence coach Mike, combined with his inside centre and captain Owen Farrell who delivered a double miss pass to Edgerley who scored in the corner. Although England went on to lead 12-3 at half time, Wales fought back and a late penalty just won the match for Wales.

Hertfordshire Stags v The Army

2008-02-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

The Stags team to play The Army U20s in the final pool match of the RFU U20s National Championship at Hertford RFC on Sunday, March 2nd - ko 3.00pm - is:

Henry Robinson (Letchworth); Kyle Lemon (Stevenage Town), Carling Colfer (Old Albanian), Joe Weston (Saracens Amateurs), Tom Johnson (Oakland’s College); Zak Vinnicombe (Saracens Amateurs), Elliot Birckbeck (Old Northamptonians); Paul Brown (Bishop’s Stortford), James Coston (Old Albanian) (Captain), Ollie Day (Bishop’s Stortford), Jamie Molloy (Fullerians), James Alford (Letchworth), Miles Dempsey (Fullerians), Andy Byrne (Old Albanian), Tom Jankowski (Welwyn)

Replacements: Roger Williams (Old Albanian), Tom Haller (Old Albanian), Chris Johnson (Old Albanian), Sean Hughes (Saracens Amateurs), Sean Flatman (Letchworth), Brad Martin (Saracens Amateurs), Tom Sadler (Saracens Amateurs)

Herts Stags v Sussex

2008-02-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

The Herts Stags team to play Sussex U20s at Chichester RFC on Sunday 17th February, kick off 2.15pm is:

Henry Robinson (Letchworth); Joe Oyesiku (Finchley), Carling Colfer (Old Albanian), Joe Weston (Saracens Amateurs), Tom Johnson (Oaklands College); Zak Vinnicombe (Saracens Amateurs),

Elliot Birckbeck (Old Northamptonians); Andy Clark (Old Albanian), James Coston (Old Albanian) (Capt), Ollie Day (Bishop's Stortford), Frankie Fenwick Wilson (Oaklands College), Jamie Molloy (Fullerians), James Alford (Letchworth), James Rawlinson (Saracens Amateurs), Tom Jankowski (Welwyn).

Replacements: Roger Williams (Old Albanian), Tom Haller (Old Albanian), Joe Frewin (Fullerians), Miles Dempsey (Fullerians), Brad Martin (Saracens Amateurs), Rob Smith (Old Albanian), Tom Sadler (Saracens Amateurs)

John Fuller

2008-02-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union regrets to announce that Past President, John Fuller, died on Tuesday, 12th February after a short illness.

John was President of the County from 1982 -to 1984, as well a serving the County in many other capacities. John had been a prominent member of Old Elizabethans RFC, Phoenix Gas RFC and Barnet Elizabethans RFC during his long rugby career, as well as being a founder member of the Hertfordshire Referees Society.

Details of the funeral arrangements are expected to be known in the next few days.

Our thoughts are with Francis and their only son David.

Stags Squad for Hampshire

2008-01-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

NATIONAL UNDER-20S READY TO KICK OFF

This season’s National Under-20 Championship kicks off in London & South East with four matches on Sunday January 27.

Hertfordshire Stags' opening match is against Hampshire at Winchester RFC, ko 2.15pm and they have selected the following squad for the match.

1. Paul Brown, Bishop Stortford

2. Joe Coston, Old Albanians

3. Ollie Day, Bishop Stortford

4. Craig South, Hertford

5. Miles Dempsey Fullerians

6. Neil Mckinnon, Old Albanians

7. Michael Winters, Hertford

8. Sean Flatman, Letchworth

9. Elliot Birkbeck, Northampton

10. Tom Sadler, Saracens Amateurs

11. Tom Johnson, Oakland’s College

12. Joe Weston, Saracens Amateurs

13. Carling Colfer, Old Albanians

14. Francis Denny, Old Albanians

15. Henry Robinson, Letchworth

16. Sam England, Old Albanians

17. Tom Haller, Old Albanians

18 Joe Frewin, Fullerians

20 Jamie Molly

21 Zak Vinnicombe, Fullerians

22 Joe Oyesiku, Finchley

The London & South East’s seven county teams plus the Army’s Under-20s are split into two regional groups of four teams, each playing the other once within the group.

Hertfordshire is in Region B and the other match in that group is Sussex v The Army at Aldershot. In Region A, Surrey take on Kent at Dorking RFC, and Middlesex host Essex at West London RFC.

The winners of regions A and B will then play off to be crowned as the Divisional Champions. In addition, the second, third and fourth placed teams also play off against each other. All these matches will be played on March 30 at the Army Stadium, Aldershot.

The Divisional Champions go forward to the national semi-finals. Yorkshire are the defending National Under-20 champions, having beaten Devon in the final at Twickenham last May.

The various Under-20 squads have been busy with warm-up fixtures. Hertfordshire Stags picked up useful experience against older sides in an Old Albanians Development Squad and the county Under-23s.

Hertfordshire's Championship fixtures 2007-08:

London & South East Region B

January 27

Hampshire U20 v Hertfordshire U20 (Winchester RFC)

February 17

Sussex U20 v Hertfordshire U20 (Chichester RFC)

March 2

Hertfordshire U20 v Army U20 (Hertford RFC)

Two Hertfordshire Men to Coach England Saxons

2008-01-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Steve Bates and Simon Hardy, two familiar faces in Hertfordshire rugby, form part of this year’s England Saxons coaching team for the 2008 shadow Six Nations competition. Newcastle Falcons coach Steve Bates will be head coach and he will be joined by the RFU’s National Academy coaches Graham Rowntree and Simon Hardy.

As a scrum half Steve Bates enjoyed a long and successful career alongside Rob Andrew at London Wasps, during which time he played 11 County Championship matches for Hertfordshire. He won one England cap against Romania in Bucharest in the summer of 1989 and toured South Africa with England in 1994.

He moved north to take up a coaching role with Newcastle Falcons in 1995 and was the club’s head coach until 2003, leaving to take over as director of rugby at Borders, who he led into the Heineken Cup.

Steve went on to coach Scotland A at the Barclays Churchill Cup in 2006, where they beat England Saxons 13-7 in Toronto, before returning to Kingston Park as Coaching and Technical Director in the summer of 2007.

As a teacher at Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire, he was instrumental in the development of the young Jonny Wilkinson, who joined the Falcons on his recommendation in 1997.

Simon Hardy is a World Cup winner with England, having been the specialist lineout coach for 81 Tests, including the Six Nations winning sides of 2000 and 2001 and a memorable 2003 when they won a Grand Slam, beat New Zealand and Australia Down Under and then returned to Sydney to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. In his specialist capacity, he also worked with the England team in advance of last year’s 2007 Rugby World Cup.

A hooker for Saracens, Wasps and England U23 before his playing career was ended by injury, the Loughborough University graduate joined the Rugby Football Union as Youth Development Officer for Hertfordshire in 1990. He became South West Technical Administrator two years later and was National Coach Development Manager between 1994 and 1999. He joined England part-time before the 1999 World Cup, going full-time in 2000.

As one of the RFU’s National Academy Coaches, he works as a coach and mentor with England’s up and coming players.

This will be his second stint with England Saxons, having been part of the successful 2006 Churchill Cup coaching team.

The England Saxons will play two fixtures against Ireland A at Welford Road on Friday 1 February (kick off 7.45pm) and Italy A in Sicily on Saturday 9 February (kick off 6.15pm local time).

Herts Stags Prepare for Championship

2008-01-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

For this season's RFU U20 Championship, the London and South East division is split into two groups of four with each county playing the others in their group. Hertfordshire Stags (under 20s side) are in Group B which means they play the following group games.

Away to Hampshire on Sunday 27th January at Winchester Rugby Club, North Walls Park, off Nuns Road, Winchester, Hants. SO23 7EF kick off 2.15

Away to Sussex on Sunday 17th February at Chichester Rugby Club, Oaklands Park, Wellington Road, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6BB kick off 2.15

Home to the Army on Sunday 2nd March at Hertford Rugby Club kick off 2.15.

The winners of each group then play off to be crowned as the Divisional Champions. In addition the second third and fourth placed also play off against each other. These games will all be played on 30th March at the Army Stadium at Aldershot. The match between the group winners is also the quarter final match for the main championship.

The winner of the division then play the semi final on the weekend of 10th/11th May and it will be against the winners of the South West division. The final is on Saturday 24th May at Twickenham.

The team, under lead coach Dave Phillips, has had two warm up matches against Old Albanians Development Squad and the county under 23 side. Although they lost both games against sides older than them they showed enough good points for us to look forward with confidence to the championship matches.

Dick Dickinson St Albans RFC

2007-11-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Dick lost his battle with cancer on Monday evening. He passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family around him. Not only was he a staunch club supporter but also a loyal supporter of rugby throughout the county.

His funeral will be held in the Lady Chapel at St. Albans Abbey on Friday 30th November at 2pm. There will be refreshments afterwards at the Rugby Club. We would love to see as many of you there as can make it.

He will be sadly missed by all, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Contact details for the family are as follows;

pip.andrews@tiscali.co.uk.

GoPlay Rugby on Target

2007-10-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

GO PLAY RUGBY ON TARGET TO RECRUIT 6,000 NEW PLAYERS

The RFU's Go Play Rugby campaign is on target to bring more than 6,000 adult players back into the game this season.

More than 700 clubs and 140 universities and colleges are taking part in the most sophisticated recruitment initiative ever run by a single sport in England.

And while England have been battling their way into the final of the Rugby World Cup in Paris, the grassroots game back home has been seizing the chance to build on the sport’s sky-high profile.

"All the feedback we've been receiving from clubs indicates that we're on course to meet our target of bringing 6,000 players into the game, which would represent a six per cent increase in adult participation in rugby," said the RFU's campaign leader Andy Lees.

"Thousands of volunteers have run hundreds of recruitment events throughout the country and the imagination and dedication they have brought to the campaign will make a lasting impact on all levels of the game.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and the campaign isn’t finished yet.”

Go Play Rugby, launched at the England training camp in the build up to the Rugby World Cup this summer, is designed to reach out to potential players and equip clubs with the resources to recruit them. So far:

Two million of our target audience have watched Go Play Rugby advertising in cinemas

300 radio and TV stations with an audience of more than 36m have covered the campaign.

20,000 people have searched for places to play on the www.goplayrugby.com website or texted their postcode to 64411 to find their nearest club.

1.6 million resources – including business cards, beermats and posters – have been distributed to club teams around the country

300 Go Play Rugby events have taken place, ranging from beach rugby tournaments to World Cup parties

Free Seminars for Clubs

2007-10-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Calling all sports clubs…….

As part of its support programme for voluntary sports clubs in Hertfordshire, the Herts Sports Partnership has organised a series of seminars and practical workshops, to be held at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village, Hatfield.

The programme kicks off with two seminars on Sunday 28th October 2007 and is FREE to all representatives of the county’s 2000+ voluntary sports clubs.

Facilitated by Gareth Edwards of Company Solutions, the afternoon session, starting at 2pm – “Managing your Volunteers” – will cover areas such as recruitment, reward, recognition, induction, training and communication, and is aimed at voluntary sports clubs and other organisations that depend on volunteers for their own operations.

The evening session, commencing at 6pm – “Practical Fundraising” – will target those clubs looking to generate increased funding, and will signpost funding from grant aid bodies, charitable trusts, and emerging opportunities for fundraising through the internet.

The session will further outline the funding available through the Herts Sports Partnership towards the development of club – school links, and projects aimed at increasing participation in sport and physical activity for those in the 16-24 age group.

This session will also feature a presentation by Susannah Butt, Corporate External Funding Officer for Dacorum Borough Council, who has developed specialist knowledge on sources of grant aid available to such clubs.

In announcing the seminars, the chairman of the Herts Sports Partnership Grahame Bowles said:

“Voluntary sports clubs are the lifeblood of sport in our communities, and without them, sport in its current form quite simply could not exist. Those running our clubs, give up their time selflessly for the benefit of others and this effort is now given against a backdrop of burgeoning legislation, increased regulation, heightened expectation on the part of the funders, and a generally more litigious society.

So that many volunteers continue to give freely of their time to keep our sports programmes flourishing is a great tribute to each and every one of them. As a County Sports Partnership, we are determined to recognise and support this effort, and our forthcoming series of seminars, organised in response to the expressed needs of those clubs, will, I hope, go some way to demonstrating that support.

Increasingly, sport is gaining due recognition as a very powerful vehicle for positive social change and as a cost effective contributor to educational attainment, health improvement, social inclusion, community cohesion and crime reduction.

Over a quarter of all voluntary activity is sports-related, and voluntary sports clubs generate massive social capital and make a huge contribution to society. We will continue to lobby to ensure that our clubs get all the support that they need and deserve.”

For more information or to book your place please contact Graham Keen on 01707 281006 or G.A.Keen@herts.ac.uk

Note

The Herts Sport Partnership is a non-profit making organisation. It is made up of a number of organisations, (sports clubs, coaches, volunteers, governing bodies, local authorities, etc) and people with local interests whose common purpose is the advancement of sport and physical activity at all levels and for all people in the county of Hertfordshire.

The vision of Herts Sports Partnership is to develop a sporting community where we will be “Working together to co-ordinate and promote a quality sporting infrastructure allowing everyone to get involved, stay involved and reach their full potential in their chosen sport or physical activity”.

Website: www.sportinherts.org.uk

Watch out for Thieves

2007-10-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT SECURITY INFORMATION FOR CLUBS

TAKE ACTION NOW TO ENSURE THAT YOUR CLUB IS NOT THE NEXT VICTIM!

THE FOLLOWING ITEM HAS COME TO US VIA THE CITY OF LONDON POLICE

The following article was posted at Westcombe Park RFC's (Orpington, Kent), news sheet.

"Watch Out! There’s A Thief About

Not the usual type of lead story for The Bugle but this is something that everyone should know.

There is a “young gentleman” who makes a hobby out of nicking from rugby clubs. This is how it works.

He turns up to training (which should make him easy to identify) and makes himself available for the

following Saturday. He gets selected for one of the lower senior teams. He turns up and plays but is

unlucky enough to be “injured” before half time. He leaves the field, showers and gets changed. He takes

his valuables from the valuables bag... and everyone else’s too. Last week his haul included mobile phones

and a Mercedes car. He has done at least two clubs near to us. So, watch out! And make sure you know

who’s got their hands on your valuables."

There was a spate of thefts involving a 'old blazer type' who would sit at club bar's regularly. Then be handed the valuables to look after as a good sort, only to run off with them. The West country clubs have had a regular problem with this last year, especially around Gloucester. This latest version of the theft scam, is a bit different as most playing members are usually introduced by someone to a club.

So read and learn!!

Richard Morkill

T/Detective Inspector

SCO Crime Policy & Crime Support Unit

City of London Police

Phone- 0207 601 2039

Mobile- 07921 111648

E-Mail- richard.morkill@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk

THE FOLLOWING ITEM HAS COME TO US FROM THE RFU

Dear All

It has been brought to our attention that local rugby clubs in the West and South West of London have unfortunately been the victims of thefts and break ins recently. This is almost certainly the work of one individual or small group.

The main problems seem to have been cars of players, referees and others left at the clubs on match days and also training evenings. The other problem has been referees rooms (which have been locked) have been broken into and wallets and valuables have been stolen.

Please can you make your clubs aware of this problem and alert local police of any suspicious behaviour.

Kind Regards

Laura Fear (RFU)

Formal Launch of Herts School of Rugby

2007-10-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Hertfordshire School of Rugby will be formally launched at Old Albanian RFC, The Woollam Playing Fields, Harpenden Road, St Albans on Monday, October 22nd 2007.

The timetable of events will be as follows:

10.00am Session starts

12 Noon Lunch break during which Weston Homes Plc (Stuart Thomas, Financial Dir) will present a to Hertfordshire RFU for the sponsorship of Herts Rugby throughout the county and especially the Hertfordshire School of Rugby.

Ben Skirving (England and Saracens) will be arriving at approx 12.45pm once he is clear of training and will be able to stay for most of the afternoon session where we could get a photo shoot.

1.00pm Afternoon session begins

3.00pm Session ends

The Hertfordshire School of Rugby, which started this summer at the University of Hertfordshire, will identify and develop the best young rugby players in the county. With our leading coaches, and based at the best facility in the county, the School of Rugby will help our top players between the ages of 12 and 16 develop their skills and achieve their rugby potential.

We have selected players for the School from this season’s Under 13s, Under 14s, Under 15s and Under 16s that have been nominated by either their club or school. How many? Probably around 20 in the older age groups, with perhaps a few more in the Under 13s. We are not selecting a team, though – these will be the best players in Hertfordshire, irrespective of their positions.

We are running the School of Rugby when there is the least possibility of clashing with other school and club activity. The sessions lasting the full day during school holidays – in August, over the Xmas holiday period and during the October and February half terms. We will expect players to commit themselves to attend the sessions.

As well as skills coaching, the players will benefit from lifestyle and nutritional advice and specialist input on conditioning and other key subjects. We are very fortunate to have the financial backing and expertise of Saracens RFC and Western Homes Plc to support the Hertfordshire School of Rugby in line with The RFU guidelines and support. We are delighted to have Ben Skirving, (Bishop’s Stortford, Herts RFU, Saracens and England) on board, with his pedigree we are sure that the individuals involved will be taking this very seriously.

Tim Bonnett, our county Welfare Officer, is co-ordinating the introduction of the School of Rugby and coaches can email Tim with any queries. Read more about Schools of Rugby by reading this document on the RFU website:

http://www.community-rugby.com/communityrugby/index.cfm/Fuseaction/Home.Download_Counter/StoryId/15629/downloadid/1241/filename/Schools_of_rugby.pdf

Borehamwood Has New Ground

2007-09-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Borehamwood RFC is pleased to announce that it has a new home. From the beginning of this season the Club will play at Pursley Football Ground, Shenley. Full details of the ground are set out below.

Borehamwood RFC

Pursley Football Ground

London Road

Shenley

Herts

WD7 9EP

Directions:

From M25 Jct 22

Head southwest on A1081 Bell Lane

After 1 mile, turn left at roundabout into Shenleybury

Go straight on at two roundabouts (Black Lion Hill), through the village (London Road), then straight on at a third roundabout (London Road).

The ground is 80 yards on the right.

From Stirling Corner

Head north on A1 and turn off at next junction (Moat House)

Take A5135 towards Borehamwood,

After BP garage, stay in right hand lane and follow signs for Well End / Shenley (Rowley Lane)

Go straight at the roundabout. Road then bends sharply to right, and to the left at Mops and Brooms pub (becomes Well End Road, then Silver Hill, then London Road).

The ground is just after the Tomten Kennels on the left.

England Counties Draw with France

2007-09-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

France Amateurs 21 England Counties XV 21

Fylde wingman Nick Royle has scored in all three England Counties XV games during the FIRA/AER Rugby Festival in South West France, but the try in the sixth minute of injury time that brought the Counties a draw against France Amateurs in St Paul Les Dax was easily the best and most important of the trio.

Trailing by seven points and struggling to break free from the French grip on the game, England had reached panic stations, two simple opportunities going begging as the game moved into injury time.

But a nice piece of handling skill by replacement Jack Smales finally give Royle the sniff of an opening and he delivered a spectacular finish to race diagonally 45 yards through the heart of the French defence for a try that fly-half Tristan Roberts converted.

Having suffered a humiliating defeat earlier in the season, the French were bitterly disappointed to have victory snatched from them at the death, but closer examination will reveal that their place kicking let them down more seriously than their defence.

It was evident from the outset that the Counties expectations of the toughest game of their programme were fully justified, with France fielding a much more organised and powerful side than the one beaten 41-10 at Blackheath earlier in the year.

The French were quite content to take the Counties on up front and were rewarded after three minutes when England were penalised at a ruck and fly-half Phillippe Lafue kicked the first of his two penalties in the first-half.

The second came 27 minutes when lock Tom Bason collected a yellow card for killing the ball at a ruck under the Counties posts, fly-half Tristan Roberts matching him with a brace of penalties to keep the sides level after 32 minutes.

An ankle injury resulted in full-back Frankie Neale being stretchered off and replaced by Jack Smales, and England’s problems were then compounded when flanker Stanislav Durand scored at the posts after 42 minutes after a strong forward drive, Lafue converting.

There was still time, however, for England to win a footing in the French 22 and a smart tap penalty brought a try for No 8 Jim Jenner, who was lurking undetected on the flank, to leave France leading 13-11 at the break.

Playing with the slope, France continued to have the better of the game territorially and they extended their lead on 50 minutes when flanker Stanislav Durand scored on the left.

Roberts then cut the deficit again with a penalty before a drop goal by Phillippe Labrouche gave France a seven point cushion.

The sin-binning of wingman Tom Jarvis and French No 8 Bruno Rolland with 10 minutes remaining contributed to a more frantic finale, but having missed two simple scoring chances after kicking through, Royle slipped into top gear for the first time to supply the heartbreaking moment for the French and leave the Counties as elated as they were relieved.

England Counties XV: F Neale (Blackheath & Kent); T Jarvis (Stourbridge & Gloucester), C Malherbe (Wharfedale & Yorkshire), K Dench (Otley & Yorkshire), N Royle (Fylde & Lancashire); T Roberts (Cinderford & Kent), C Aikman (Halifax & Lancashire); D Jacques (Redruth & Cornwall), G Cooper (Redruth & Cornwall), J Tideswell (Stourbridge & North Midlands), T Bason (Blackheath & Kent), R Snowball (Otley & Yorkshire), M Payne (Henley & Oxfordshire), J Kellard (Blackheath & Kent), J Jenner (Stourbridge & Gloucestershire) capt.

Replacements used: P Joyce (Redruth & Cornwall), C Rowland (Stourbridge & Somerset), D Cooper (Durham University & Durham), D Archer (Henley & Hertfordshire), J Doherty (Wharfedale & Yorkshire), P Mooney (Otley & Northumberland), J Smales (Tynedale & Northumberland).

France Amateurs: R Ourak; J Delhaye, D Laborde, P Labroche, D Marque; P Lafue, L Frison; V Claireaux, F Marque, V Violle, L Robert, G Trotignon, E Serna, S Durand, B Rolland.

Referee: G De Santis (Italy)

Archer aiming high with England Counties XV

2007-09-10T15:54:00.001-07:00

Hertfordshire RFU captain and flanker David Archer will make his debut for the England Counties XV against Spain in Morlaas, South West France, in the second game of the FIRA/AER International Festival of Rugby.

The Henley player was one of four players in the 26-man squad that sat out the opening 76-10 win over Russia in Fleurance last night (September 6), but in line with the agreed selection process, he will start against Spain and win the international cap that persuaded him to forgo a four-figure sum in wages to make the trip.

And even before he runs out against Spain, there are no regrets about the decision to make himself available for the three-match, 12-day visit.

He is quick to express his thanks to his colleagues at Carter Hatch Primary School in Enfield, whose support enabled him to have time off and to Gwyn Williams, the Hertfordshire Chairman, who nominated him for the Counties squad and gave him the opportunity to experience international rugby for the first time.

“I was extremely excited about being selected,” he says: “I was asked whether I would be available for the Russia trip earlier this year, but didn’t make the final cut, so to be involved now is a big thrill, as I know it is for Henley club-mate Matt Payne, who is also here for the first time.

“It has probably cost me around £1,000, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I spoke to team-mate Liam Wordley about it and he said the look on his father’s face when he came home with an England shirt was something you can’t beat. Obviously the pride of playing for your country and your family takes the experience to a new level.”

And has the reality lived up to expectations?

“Definitely,” he says: “From the moment you arrive at the team hotel and are presented with your England Counties kit to starting training twice a day – it’s just a different approach to training Tuesday and Thursday nights.

“We have ice baths at Henley as part of the recuperation process, but here we are weighed every morning to see that we are hydrating and eating properly. That’s quite an interesting process. I’ve always wanted to see what the professional rugby lifestyle was like and while there is quite a bit of waiting around to make sure that food is properly digested and also the travel time, it's a very professional environment and you settle into it.

“The club cliques that are inevitable at the start when players don’t know each other quickly give way to bonding within the group and a good spirit has quickly developed. I know I’ll have some lasting friendships when it’s over and I’m already looking forward to meeting the lads again when we play them in the league.”

And the problems of welding a team together in a short time?

“Obviously rugby is a game for 15 men and you can only play well when the 15 play together as a team, with all 15 involved,” he says: “What the coaches have tried to instil in us is the confidence to trust our experience as players and play heads-up rugby and also trust in each other and believe that we’ll have support inside and outside whenever we have the ball.

“There’s also the interaction with some very good players and that provides and added dimension to the learning process and also encourages you to think outside the box.”

Archer and his team-mates are also facing the added challenge of trying to play a much more expansive game than is generally found in the often stodgy club game where fear of failure conspires against adventure.

“We’re being encouraged to play a very idealistic style of game. It’s a different approach, but it also depends on the people you are playing with and in this team we have backs who can score from their own line and break tackles.”

The challenge facing Archer on Monday against Spain was intensified by the romp against Russia, which completely went according to the manager’s vision of what should be possible in the Counties XV environment.

Twelve tries, some stunning handling and support play and a clear belief in the time-honoured ethos of making the ball do the work set the benchmark for the programme.

The Hertfordshire man now knows that the Counties’ philosophy is not simply a pipe dream, but rather an achievable goal for teams who have the bottle to set their sights high.

Which is exactly why he showed so much commitment in making the trip in the first place!

Archer helps England to Win

2007-09-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Late rally is decisive for England Counties XV in France

England Counties XV 21 Spain 15

Two tries in the last eight minutes of a keenly contested encounter gave the England Counties XV the second win of their three-match programme in the FIRA/AER Rugby Festival in Morlaas, South West France tonight.

Having destroyed Russia with a 12-try rampage in their opening game, the Counties objective was to develop the enterprising, attacking style that had left their supporters and management in raptures only a few days previously.

There was never on doubt in the Counties camp that Spain, recently elevated to 20 th in the IRB international rankings, would present a sterner test than Russia and that perception was quickly reinforced.

The Counties contributed to their first-half malaise with a handful of uncharacteristic handling errors, while the place-kicking of fly-half Tristan Roberts fell some way below the standard that brought him eight successes in the opening match.

Spain were also much better drilled defensively and more street wise and physical at the breakdown, which left the Counties struggling to either create or find the space to move the ball with the freedom and fluency they showed in scoring 12 tries against Russia.

As a result, the action never really flowed and scoring was restricted to the place kicking of the fly-halves, Roberts landing two for the Counties and Mathieu Gratton finding the target three times for Spain to leave the Counties trailing 9-6 at half-time.

With prop Peter Joyce in the sin-bin for an offence at a ruck, the Counties were unable to impose themselves on the match in the face of staunch opposition and with fly-half Gratton and replacement Manuel Olivares both converting penalties to keep Spain in the driving seat, the game moved into the final 10 minutes before the crucial scores arrived.

On 74 minutes a catch-and-drive at a lineout finally gave the Counties the lead after a Roberts penalty had put them within striking distance, replacement hooker Glenn Cooper emerging with the ball to claim the try after a well-constructed maul.

Replacement Frankie Neale made no mistake with the conversion and the Counties wrapped up the win in the style that they had been chasing all night, when they finally created space for wingman Nick Royle to run at front-row forwards wide out and he left three players in his wake for the final try after 82 minutes.

England Counties XV: J Smales (Tynedale & Northumberland); N Royle (Fylde & Lancashire), K Dench (Otley & Yorkshire), P Mooney (Otley & Northumberland), T Jarvis (Stourbridge & Gloucestershire); T Roberts (Cinderford & Kent), J Doherty (Wharfedale & Yorkshire); C Rowland (Stourbridge & Somerset), D Bick (Blackheath & North Midlands), P Joyce (Redruth & Cornwall), M Owen (Manchester & Cheshire), T Bason (Blackheath & Kent) capt, J Kellard (Blackheath & Kent), D Cooper (Durham University & Durham), D Archer (Henley & Hertfordshire).

Replacements all used: G Cooper (Redruth & Somerset), J Darren Jacques (Redruth & Cornwall), R Snowball (Otley & Yorkshire), D Allen (Blackheath & Kent), C Aikman (Halifax & Lancashire), C Malherbe (Wharfedale & Yorkshire), F Neale (Blackheath & Kent).

Spain: C Sempere; M Tudela, M Mazo, R Turrion, P Martin; M Gratton, C Arenas; J Insausti, M Cidre, J Moreno, I Criado capt, S Souto, M Acena, C Hijar, J Tourtoulou.

Replacements used: M Serrano, J Recuerda, M Olivares.

Referee: P Guazer (France)

Hertfordshire RFC’s GoPlayRugby Campaign

2007-08-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

Since the introduction of professional rugby union the game appears perilously close to a sense of humour failure and it seems to be fast losing the charm, goodwill and sense of humour that marked it out from just about every other game on the planet.

Inadequate player recruitment and retention at all levels of the game, including schools, has resulted in steadily declining numbers over a sustained period of time. If we are to keep the best team game on the planet thriving we must nourish its roots to ensure we leave behind a positive legacy for future generations to enjoy.

In support of this objective the RFU are investing in a national recruitment campaign with a target of recruiting 6,000 players between the ages of sixteen and thirty. This will engage some 600 clubs, 100 universities and will involve a dedicated RFU support network. It has been planned to coincide with the Rugby World Cup 2007 and the RFU will leverage the event with an aggressive national and regional media campaign.

In support of this the majority of our constituent clubs have seized the opportunity to benefit from this welcome RFU initiative and by working closely with the County Campaign Team significant progress has already been made in Hertfordshire.

Our campaign was launched on April 18 at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village. Over twenty clubs attended and with Andy Farrell, Saracens RFC and England, fully backing our campaign the evening was a great success.

Follow up workshops covering such topics as, Players Recruit Players, Welcoming New Players and Volunteers and How to Organise Rugby World Cup Events, have taken place in May, early June and a final one at beginning of July just prior to the national launch on July 9.

Our target is to recruit 160 new players across Hertfordshire and I am sure with the enthusiasm shown by clubs attending the two most recent workshops that we will achieve our goal.

Ross Hopcroft

Hertfordshire GoPlayRugby Campaign Leader

GoPlayRugby hits Cinemas

2007-08-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union

Press Notice

RUGBY HITS BIG SCREEN WITH CINEMA CAMPAIGN

The Go Play Rugby campaign to recruit more players hits the big screen this week with an advert being shown in 294 cinemas in England.

The 20 second commercial will be screened before the Bourne Ultimatum movie on August 17 to 31 and reach an audience of more than 1.2million.

Fans will also get the chance to watch Rugby World Cup games for free in 20 selected Odeons in September and October as part of the Go Play Rugby recruitment drive.

Players from the Cinderford, Old Patesians, Bredon and Cirencester clubs took part in filming for the cinema advert at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire last month.

The action follows one former player, George Brooks, who experiences a range of emotions as he's welcomed back into the sport and back onto the field.

"We wanted to look at someone going back to the game, to make it realistic and have a character people in our target audience could identify with," said director Simon Tate.

"We follow him through the trepidation he feels, to being welcomed into the dressing room, going on to the field and feeling the joy and elation of playing again, then in enjoying the social side as he’s accepted back into the fold.

"That emotional journey is reflected in the way that the film is shot with colours washed out at the start and gradually introduced to give a feeling of warmth he feels more comfortable."

The Go Play Rugby team opted to run the commercial alongside the Bourne Ultimatum as the film most likely to fit the target audience of male former players aged 16-30.

It also fits in with a innovative media campaign being followed up by local clubs who have trained recruitment teams armed with resources like banners, posters, beermats and business cards.

The aim is to make contact with former players and encourage them back into the game by directing them to the www.goplayrugby.com website and to find their nearest Go Play Rugby clubs by texting their postcode to 64411.

A longer two-minute version of the film will be screened as part of a promotional package before Rugby World Cup games are shown in Odeon cinemas during the tournament that kicks off next month.

The 20 Odeons involved are at: Bath, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Covent Garden, Guildford, Huddersfield, Hull, Kingston, Leicester, Liverpool, Maidenhead, Maidstone, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Sheffield, Southampton, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, Wimbledon.

Entry to these licensed venues will be free and all the games involving England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are being shown as are all of the knock-out stages.

"It should be a great opportunity to watch the game on a large screen, in a comfy chair and in a great atmosphere," said Go Play Rugby team leader Andy Lees. "It's also a unique opportunity for clubs to recruit and target rugby enthusiasts."

Go Play Rugby, the largest recruitment drive ever mounted by a sport in the United Kingdom, aims to bring former players back into the game and is timed to coincide with this year’s Rugby World Cup.

The £1m campaign involves more than 700 clubs and 130 universities and colleges, and is funded by the Rugby Football Foundation and National Sports Foundation with the support of commercial sponsors Chelsea Building Society and O2.

Go Play Rugby will remind former players what they are missing and how they can get back to enjoying rugby and all it can offer. The aim is to bring 6,000 players – the equivalent of 400 new teams – back to the game this season.

ends

For more information about the Hertfordshire Go Play Rugby campaign contact Ross Hopcroft at rhopcrof@csc.com or Peter Engledow at peterengledow@rfu.com

Herts Skipper selected for England Counties

2007-08-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hertfordshire's skipper, Dave Archer, has received just reward for his outstanding performances in the resen County Championship by being selected for the England Counties XV for the inaugural FIRA/AER Festival to be held in South West France from September 5/13, 2007.

The England RU Counties XV, the representative flagship of the County Championship and the game outside the Premiership, have stayed true to their development ethos by naming 14 previously untried players in their squad of 26. The Counties XV, which included Hertfordshire's Chris Rainbow, recently returned from a successful first trip to Russia, but only six of the squad that beat Russia in the Test match that wrapped up that three-match visit will be on duty in France.

Because of the impact of the National Division One league programme and the promotion of Esher to that section, the squad for France is drawn from National Division Two and below, hence the significant change of personnel.

One message the survivors will surely be passing on to the newcomers, however, is that the opening game of the three-match programme, against Russia in Fleurance, near Auch, will be a serious test of technique and temperament.

The Counties XV defeated Russia 23-21 in their most recent game, but had to defend doggedly to hold on for the win, which was only secured when an injury time conversion attempt by the Russians went wide.

Says Counties XV Manager Jim Robinson: “All three Russian sides were extremely competitive on home soil and I’ve no doubt that when they come to this festival, they will be just as passionate and skilful. Their links with France have helped to shape what is a very exciting and ambitious style and it offers us a serious challenge. Of course part of our remit is player development on both sides of the scale and I know we learned plenty from the Russian trip. Now we take on our old friends the French Amateur side, who will be very keen to redress the balance of recent results have gone our way, while we will also be extending our horizons by playing Spain for the first time.

“The festival is a first for all the teams taking part and I know it will be a competitive, challenging affair which our players will learn from. Most will be wearing an England shirt for the first time and I know they will rise to the occasion and wear the jersey with pride. The players have been chosen because of their form in the County Championship and I’m excited that we have a squad with so many young players who have already made their mark in the competition.”

The England Counties XV itinerary is: September 6: England v Russia in Fleurance (17.00); September 10: England v Spain in Morlaas (17.00); September 13: England v France in Saint-Paul Les Dax (18.00).

The England Counties squad is:

Craig Aikman (Halifax & Lancashire), David Allen (Blackheath & Kent), David Archer (Henley & Hertfordshire), Thomas Bason (Blackheath & Kent), Dan Cooper (Durham University & Durham), Glenn Cooper (Redruth & Somerset), Kyle Dench (Otley & Yorkshire), James Doherty (Wharfedale & Yorkshire), Daniel Hyde (Otley & Yorkshire), Darren Jacques (Redruth & Cornwall), Thomas Jarvis (Stourbridge & Gloucestershire), James Jenner (Stourbridge & Gloucestershire), Peter Joyce (Redruth & Cornwall), Chris Malherbe (Wharfedale & Yorkshire), Paul Mooney (Otley & Northumberland), Frankie Neale (Blackheath & Kent), Matt Owen (Manchester & Cheshire), Matthew Payne (Henley & Oxfordshire), Tristan Roberts (Cinderford & Kent), Chris Rowland (Stourbridge & Somerset), Nicholas Royle (Fylde & Lancashire), Alastair Simmie (Durham University & Durham), Alex(Jack) Smales (Tynedale & Northumberland), Richard Snowball (Otley & Yorkshire), James Tideswell (Stourbridge & North Midlands), Liam Wordley (Henley & Staffordshire).

Gwyn Williams - Chairman of Executive

2007-07-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Gwyn Williams was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Hertfordshire RFU at its AGM on Monday, 25th June 2007. In a vote held at the meeting he beat off the strong challenge of Daryl Hayler to win the election.

Speaking of the role of Chairman Gwyn says:

"One of John Drew's last acts as Chairman was to prepare the next phase of the Strategic plan. The executive has to use this document as a working plan, not another initiative gathering dust on shelves around the county. I believe that to achieve the long-term vision of the plan, the executive have to break it down into short-term action plans, setting goals and targets

against which we can measure our progress.

I want the executive to become more proactive in its work rather than reactive. I shall bring my ideas to the executive and push for Herts to make plans to move Rugby forward across the board, in every town in the county. We need to identify issues facing clubs and the CB and discuss them as well as discussing the various reports from sub committees.

I wish county meetings to become more of an open forum, with published agendas that clubs can subscribe to and be encouraged to discuss. I want to make our committee meaningful to our clubs so that a greater interest is engendered in our game at a local level. And I need the clubs to buy into this vision."

John Drew had vacated the position, under the Rules of the Union, having been Chairman for 5 years. With the approval of the General Committee, he now takes over the position of Chairman of the Playing Committee, Gwyn's former position. Gwyn will continue as Chairman of Selectors and Fixture & Match Secretary.

All the other Officers of the Union and the Sub-Committee Chairmen were re-elected unopposed.

Hertfordshire's Rainbow in Russian Win

2007-06-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Krasnoyarsk 19 England Counties XV 27

The England RU Counties XV managed the opening win they were looking for when they scored four tries to one to beat Siberian side Krasnoyarsk in the city’s Central Stadium today.

With limited preparation time, the Counties were always expecting a stiff test against a side containing a large proportion of the Russian National team and their hosts lived up to their billing.

Though they trailed 13-3 at half-time, Krasnoyarsk rallied early in the second-half to draw level and then collected a brace of penalties to take the game to the wire after England had moved in front with a try by flanker Mike Blakeburn.

The Russian side opened the scoring with a penalty by wingman Artem Lubkov and he kept his side in touch with a conversion and four penalties, centre Igor Galinovsky finding the only flaw in a solid Counties defence to level the scores after 57 minutes.

The Counties side, the representative flagship of the club and County game outside the Guinness Premiership, were well organised and energetic in defence, but the cohesion of the team was inevitably flawed at times.

There was imagination in the cross-field kick from fly-half Mark Woodrow that brought the opening try for prop James Tideswell and the second try from wingman Paul Jarvis owed much to a smartly taken free kick by scrum-half Paul Knight.

Woodrow’s earlier penalty left the Counties in a strong position at the break, but Krasnoyarsk got back into the game and it needed a 40-yard gallop by No 8 Gregor Hayter to set up Blakeburn’s score.

The home side came back again to leave the game precariously balanced at 20-19, but in injury time centre Mark Bedworth sliced through at the posts for Woodrow to convert.

“I thought our performance was much as expected.” said Manager Jim Robinson: “There were some very good bits and some bits where the cohesion just wasn’t there, but there are good things to work on and we’ll take the positives and move on.

“I thought Mike Blakeburn was immense in the back row and Mark Bedworth had some good moments in the backs, but overall everybody made a contribution, especially in some tight defensive situations.”

Coach David Baldwin also singled our Blakeburn’s back-row colleagues Chris Rainbow and Gregor Hayter for praise.

England Counties XV: Oliver Viney (Preston Grasshoppers); Hamish Smales (Tynedale), Arran Cruickshanks (Devon & Plymouth Albion), Mark Bedworth (Yorkshire & Wharfedale), Tom Jarvis (Gloucestershire & Lydney) (Frankie Neale, Kent & Blackheath, 70); Mark Woodrow (Gloucestershire & Doncaster), Paul Knight (Gloucestershire & Moseley) (Chris Pilgrim, Cheshire & Loughborough Colleges); Duncan Cormack (Surrey & Esher) captain, Liam Wordley (Staffordshire & Henley), James Tideswell (North Midlands & Stourbridge), Alex Davidson (North Midlands & Pertemps Bees) (James Winterbottom, Middlesex & Henley, 70), David Campton (Warwickshire & Coventry), Chris Rainbow (Hertfordshire & Newbury) (Neil Spence, Bradford & Bingley, 61), Mike Blakeburn (Surrey & Esher), Gregor Hayter (Oxfordshire & Newbury) (Glenn Cooper, Somerset & Newbury, 80).

Hertfordshire Youth Finals 2005

2005-05-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

This season’s finals of the Herts Youth Cup were hosted by Bishop’s Stortford RFC on Sunday 17 April. The weather was good and the rugby was even better! Having played in pool games and semi-finals through the season, the players put on a sparkling display of what’s good about Herts rugby.

The results of the finals (with the winners named first) were:

Under 13s:

Harpenden 20 Old Albanians 5

Under 14s:

Hertford 13 Harpenden 12

Under 15s:

Harpenden 29 Bishop’s Stortford 24

Under 16s:

Harpenden 69 Bishop’s Stortford 0

Under 17s:

Bishop’s Stortford 28 Hertford 14

Congratulations to all the winners and commiserations to the runners-up.

Our thanks go to all at Bishop’s Stortford RFC for hosting the day and in particular to Peter Houghton and Cameron Mackenzie for organising the Cup during the season. Well done for booking good weather! We also thank the Herts Referees’ Society for providing officials on the day and during the season.

And finally, of course, thanks to all the players, their parents and coaches for their efforts and support through the season.