Bournemouth RFC (H) 09/09/23

Bracknell vsBournemouth

Presidents Welcome

Whilst the Rugby World Cup in France looks to grows the game, we are doing our bit by bucking some alarming trends around domestic rugby circuit with 4 senior men’s teams, a women’s, a thriving Colts set-up and immensely successful Mini’s & Junior Section. The club remains as vibrant and alive as it’s ever been.

Whilst the players play, the executive committee are focused on the continual improvement of our facilities, the match day experience and futureproofing the club. There is no doubt in my mind that Bracknell Rugby Club is in rude health and remains the envy of many.

The introduction of the new tackle height laws has been a subject of animated debate so I would ask that we accept ‘we are where we are’, and respect any on field decisions made by the official with the upmost deference, as respect is a core value & differentiator of our great game.

Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors and wish our players, captains, coaches and support teams every success for the campaign ahead.

I look forward to catching up with you all throughout the season and hearing about your achievements and sharing a post-match debrief in the clubhouse.

BRACKNELL RUGBY CLUB

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

2023—2024

President: Martin Radford

Chairman: Ian Wilson

Vice Chairman: Andy McEwan

Honorary Secretary: Dave Ruddle

Chair of Finance: Rachel Yoxen

Chair of Rugby: Ben Nowak

Chair of Women & Girls Rugby: Adam Gillings

Commercial Chair: Rob Rance

Outdoor Facilities: Mark Findlay

Indoor Facilities: Richard Bond

Mini & Junior Chair: Stuart Evans

Chair of Communications: Vicky Udell

Chairmans Notes.

Good afternoon everyone and a big welcome back to Lily Hill Park and the start of a new season.

I would like to welcome the players, coaches, supporters and officials from Bournemouth RFC to Bracknell for todays game, you are all very welcome.

As always a new season brings lots of hope for what might be, as our teams from across the club take to the field of play again. Once more we are looking to field as many teams as possible this season and last weekend saw us get 2 Colts teams, 3 Mens teams our Women's team as well as seeing the return of 400 minis & juniors. Not a bad start!

Unfortunately the results didn't go our way but if can keep the hard work and these numbers going this can only lead to the success we all desire.

The start of any new season it is often tinged with sadness as we reflect on those who are no longer with us. Today in particular we remember with much fondness 3 of our past stalwarts of the club. Paul ‘ The Judge’ Rendall, Bert Ridley and Dave Bolton. All 3 gave so much to this club in different ways. It is fair to say that without the influence, determination, support and hard work of these three Gentlemen, Bracknell RFC would be a very different place today.

We will remember all of those who are no longer with us with a minutes applause before the kick off today. Thank you as always for your support today. Please cheer loudly and give the boys your backing. Lets Go Bracknell !!

Mini & Junior Chair.

Welcome back to Lily Hill Park for the 2023/24 season from everyone in the Mini and Junior Section at Bracknell Rugby Club. As way of an introduction, we provide rugby for circa 580 boys and girls aged from 4 years to 18 years old every week and we are the largest youth rugby section in Berkshire.

Today we will see players in the starting line-up who have come through our ranks to represent the Clubs 1st XV. Some former members will also represent clubs further up the rugby pyramid, right up to the Premiership as the season, and their rugby pathways progress.

We are proud to have been part of your journey so far!

The Mini and Junior Section wish every player, member, and visitor to Bracknell Rugby Club all the very best for the season ahead.

#bracknellrfc

BOURNEMOUTH RFC

Bournemouth Rugby Club have been around since the late 1800s at a number of different grounds, kit colours and leagues.

The club enjoyed various successes and turmoil in the early years of the 20th century but it was from the eighties onwards that really saw the club kick on.

Growth of the minis and Colts section saw the 1XV benefit. In the lates eighties Bournemouth were playing in the South West 1 at level 5.

After a few ups and downs, success really came to The Lions in the 2011/2012 season when they comfortably won the league to reach national 2. They were to do this again in 2018/2019 season beating Bracknell home and away during that campaign.

Today sees both teams come together for the second season in a row with honours even last year with one win each.

Today Bournemouth boast a wide range of teams across Mini, Junior, Mens and Women's sides. They also offer alternative versions of the game including wheelchair and touch rugby teams.

Bracknell RFC

BRACKNELL

1. Ruairi Henderson

11. Noah Cannon

13. Dan Walton

15. Will Field

Replacements:

16. Hamish Beattie

17. Jake Findlay

18.

Head Coach: Matt Heeks

Bournemouth RFC

BOURNEMOUTH

1. Jonny Young

2. Louis Allum

3. Henry Turner

4. James Stevens

7. Ben Kimber

8. Joe Martin

9. Antony Fitch

10. Ben Meaden

11. Ash Taylor

12. Grant Hancock (C)

13. Jordie Wayman

14. Adam Higgins

15. Ben Hogan

Replacements:

16. Freddie Harding

17. Nathan Duffield

18. Harry Costello

Head Coach: Dan Connolly

BRIGHTON RFC VS BRACKNELL RFC MATCH REPORT

Brighton 48 vs Bracknell 29

It wasn't the start we were looking for in the sunshine in Brighton on Saturday.

Both sides had had tough campaigns last season with only 1 point separating them at the end.

Today saw several enforced changes to the Bracknell side who had Gus O’Connor and Hamish Beattie making their 1XV debuts. Brighton on the other hand looked a lot different to last season.

The game started off steady and patient for both sides but it was Brighton who took the early lead with their nippy winger going over the line.

A penalty converted by Oli Radford brough the sore a little closer. Both sides then exchanged tries until a spell of pressure from the home side before half time opened up a lead at the break of 24-8

The second half looked promising for Bracknell in the early stages but this soon became a hope as Brighton crashed in two unanswered tries.

Then Bracknell did what sometimes Bracknell do, in a 7 minute spell we scored three unanswered tries of our own. Was the fight back on?

Sadly it was to little to late as the home side finished off with a try right on the final whistle.

Final Score 48-29

Domestic Law Variation. Changes to Tackle Height.

In order to reduce risk and in accordance with the scientific advice, the Rugby Football Union has resolved to reduce the tackle height by introducing a Domestic Law Variation (DLV).

World Rugby is encouraging all Unions to address this important player welfare issue in a similar way.

By reducing the legal height at which an opponent may make contact with the ball carrier, it is intended that the head of the ball carrier and the head of the opponent seeking to tackle the ball carrier will not be in the same space and the risk of head-to-head contact will reduce.

The RFU has decided to implement the decision to lower the height of contact between opponents in open play by making variations to law 9 Foul Play.

There is bound to be some confusion amongst all participants of the game as this new law settles in.

We ask that spectators, players and coaches respect the on field decisions made by the referee and do not show dissent in anyway.

The graphics on the following pages give examples of how the new tackle height changes effect the ball carrier and the tackler.

Domestic Law Variation. Changes to Tackle Height. The Ball Carrier

Domestic Law Variation. Changes to Tackle Height. The Tackle

Women & Girls Rugby.

Welcome to the start of the 2023/24 season and this is an especially exciting time for the Women & Girls section due to there being more female player numbers at Bracknell than ever before and more are always welcome!

Along with having the mixed sex sections (U10s and below), we also have teams at every age group up to and including our women’s team.

Preseason training has been going well with all sides are chomping at the bit to put these skills into practice.

On some individual news, we are delighted to have two U18s players that have joined Henley college as part of their Elite Rugby program, in conjunction with Ealing Trialfinders.

We are also delighted to have 12 players selected, along with Daimon as a coach, for the U16s ERDPP program. A huge congrats to all of the girls selected and commiserations to those who trialled but have not made it through.

Thanks Adam

To Take advantage of the partnership between The Village Hotel Group & Bracknell RFC simply show the membership advisor your Bracknell RFC Members Card and they will take you through the various options open to you as a member of the club

Any problems please email commercial@bracknellrugbyclub.com

Proud to support Bracknell RFC through the 2023 2024 Season.

Today we remember 3 stalwarts of Bracknell RFC who sadly passed away during the summer.

All are represented here today by their families and friends.

Bracknell RFC sends its deepest condolences to all who have lost loved ones in recent months.

Today their will be a minutes applause before kick off.

Paul 'The Judge’ Rendall

In 1991, whilst playing in the Berks, Dorset & Wilts leagues, Bracknell RFC decided to employ a full time Director of Rugby. The appointment of former England and Wasps prop Paul 'The Judge' Rendall was inspired and a decision that without doubt had the greatest impact at the Club in its playing history.

The Judge won the 1st of his 28 caps for England in 1984 at the age of 30 and played in six ‘Five Nations Championships’ and two world cups in 1987 & 1991 where he said farewell to the national team, aged 37 years old.

Through the subsequent seasons with Bracknell RFC, the record speaks for its self with three back to back championships & promotions, with a fourth to National One in 2000/01 – The equivalent of The English Championship today.

Bert Ridley

Bert’s contribution to the club as a life member, player, coach, referee, and supporter are beyond measure. He will also be remembered for designing and project managing the redevelopment of the current clubhouse.

Bert was a constant supporter of Bracknell RFC and was often seen, and heard in and around the grandstand offering words of wisdom and encouragement to the team of the day.

Dave Bolton

David was a former Secretary and Chairman of the Club (2002/2004) and had been a member for over 35 years. He was involved with the Minis and Juniors and immediately made an impact both on the pitch as a coach and off it as an administrator.

He was honoured as “Clubman of the Year” in 1991/2 in recognition of his work for the Club

Long after his retirement from the Club Committee and his involvement with the Berkshire County Committee David was one of the most regular supporters and continued to support and assist the Club in any way he could. He was a highly regarded and well known Club supporter at every home match

Fixture dates and kick off times are subject to change. For up to date fixture information, check www.bracknellrugbyclub.com

BRACKNELL RUGBY FIXTURES 2023/24

Fixture dates and kick off times are subject to change. For up to date fixture information, check www.bracknellrugbyclub.com

BRACKNELL WOMEN Women’s NC 2 South East (West)

BRACKNELL RUGBY FIXTURES 2023/24

Fixture dates and kick off times are subject to change. For up to date fixture information, check www.bracknellrugbyclub.com

BRACKNELL RUGBY FIXTURES 2023/24

Fixture dates and kick off times are subject to change. For up to date fixture information, check

10% off for Bracknell RFC members, simply produce your membership card

Volunteering in any form is a fantastic way to make new friends, be part of a team and get a real feel of making a difference.

That's why at Bracknell Rugby Club we are always on the look out for people who are looking to help out.

Over the recent years we have seen a decline in the number of volunteers which is putting extra strain and workload onto those who continue to give their time

In a lot of cases this shortfall in volunteers means we have been unable to progress things on and off the pitch as much as we would like.

This is why we are asking everyone connected to the club to consider volunteering in one form or another over the next 12 months. People are always looking for a New Years resolution at this time of year, so why not volunteering.

We have a number of areas in which we need volunteers with specific skills, such as: Finance, Marketing, Communication and IT.

As well as these key roles we are always looking for help on match days, big events and general jobs around the club.

How much of your valuable time you want to give is down to you. While the specific roles may take up a little more time anything that you can give will be appreciated and go towards growing our club throughout.

Thank you and if you want any more information please contact: office@bracknellrugbyclub.com or chairman@bracknellrugbyclub.com

2023/2024 CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Membership for the new season is now available via the shop on the club website.

Membership is valid 1st August 2023 31 July 2024

*This includes match fees.

** Option A: 2 Named Adults & 2 Mini or Junior Players Option B: 2 Named Adults & 3 Mini or Junior Players Option C: 2 Named Adults & 2 Mini or Junior Players. (included 1 playing adult)

An Occasional Player is one who plays 5 games or less in a season. Full membership becomes payable (minus the occasional player fee) on playing 6 games or more.

Communications Team.

Meet members of our Communication Team. We will be introducing others from the team over the course of the season.

2023/2024 Hall Hire Price List

Hourly rates available for fitness and art classes etc.

Please contact events@bracknellrugbyclub.com for further information, including food options available