Welcome to the Newsletter – February 2009

 

 

 

 

NEWSLETTERS ARCHIVE

 

 

 

The Clubhouse
Langford Road
Biggleswade
Beds
SG18 9RA
01767 312463

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Current NEWSLETTER 

 

All players who have not paid in full or made a contribution to their club membership need to do so ASAP

Payments can be made to team captains or to Dave the Bra.

Players are not going to be selected until membership has been paid.

 

 

 

Upcoming Social Events :-

·         “The Tackle and Ruck” Monday 2nd March at Biggleswade RFC 7.00pm till 9.30pm

·         Saturday 14th March 2009 - “Ladies Luncheon”, prior to 1st XV match vs. Rushden. This is still to go ahead and Mr Biernis will liaise with the Ladies concerned in organising it.

·         Saturday 11th April 2009 - “Skool Disco”.

·         Saturday 25th April 2009 - Greene King Finals to be held at the club.

·         Friday 8th May 2009. Club Dinner.

·         Saturday 9th May 2009. Chairman’s Match.

·         Ladies Night is to be Friday the 5th of June 2009, tickets to be £28 each.

·         Saturday 4th July 2009 - Beach Party.

 

 

 

National U20s Cup

 

East Midlands vs Staffordshire

 

Wednesday 18th March

 

7.30pm

 

Biggleswade RUFC

 

Biggy are finally to host this National U20s game, after the original fixture was cancelled due to snow.

Players for the EMRU side will be drawn from clubs across Beds and Northants, and may include some home grown talent as well as some players who are already in Premiership academy squads.

 

 

Biggleswade RUFC March E-News

 

 

This is emailed to over 180 members, feel free to pass on to anyone who may be interested. This is being sent a bit early as March is going to be very busy, please keep looking at the website for updates!

 

This weekend........

Saturday 28th February  Senior games TBA (County Cup game posponed for third time, due to Vauxhall having a League game)

 

Sunday 1st March. See the Message Board for last minute changes!

U13s HOME v Ampthill (League) 11am

U14s HOME v London Welsh (League) 11am

U15s HOME v Bedford Development 11am

Colts HOME v O.A.s (League) 2pm

Minis very possibly home training in the afternoon, this is TBA

 

Everything over the next few weeks is subject to alteration as we try and re schedule cancelled games. At Biggy we cancelled very few games, but others we not so fortunate, leading to a fixture back-log!

 

RFU Referee Education Evening. This course is being held at Biggy on Monday 2nd March 7pm to 9.30pm the speaker is Paul Freestone, Referee Development Officer for the Midlands and is aimed at non-society referee's at all levels, including coaches who occasionally referee.

For further details please contact Paul Freestone paulfreestone@rfu.co. 07738 029262 or Sam Rouse on 07764 960389. This evening is FREE.

This course will only run if enough participants apply, please register via www.rfu.com/referee

 

First XV meet Bedford Queens at home on Saturday 7th March at 2.15pm.

On Saturday March 15th the First XV are at home to Rushden & Higham. This game will be preceded by the Ladies Lunch, open to ALL lady club members (Mini and Youth mums most welcome) from all of the sections. More detail will be posted on the website soon.

There is some re-organising to do following the loss of games in the ice and snow, so please keep looking at emails and the Message Board for details.

 

 

National U20s: East Midlands vs Staffordshire at Biggleswade RUFC on Wednesday 18th March K.O at 7.30pm. Top level National U20s at Biggy for the first time in many seasons!

(confirmed now Wednesday not Tuesday as stated previously)

All spectators welcome.

 

Bedfordshire U13s County Cup Final:

Bedford Junior Blues vs Biggleswade venue TBA, very possibly a home game!

 

County Colts opt for Biggy training base. The Bedfordshire Colts will train and prepare at Biggleswade on every Tuesday during March starting on the 3rd. The Colts will be managed by John Thoday and coached by Paul Rait. Paul has coached at Biggleswade and London Welsh.

A number of Biggleswade players will be hoping to make the squad. For more details please contact John, contact details are on the website.

 

On Wednesday 11th March we host the local round of the Schools Year 3 & 4 Tag Rugby competition. This will start at 10am and is being organised by Stratton School and will feature lower schools from Biggleswade area.

In the evening of March 11th the Bedfordshire County U14s will also be playing Hertfordshire at Biggleswade with a 7.30pm start.

 

Mini's Bedfordshire Festival.

Sunday March 15th U7/U8/U9s at Luton RFC with the U10/U11/U12s venue TBA (NOT at Bedford Ath as original plan as they are not allowing the Festival to be held at Wentworth Drive)

 

Bedfordshire Police Support Schools festival. The club are pleased to play host to over 250 children for the Year 5 & 6 County Tag Finals on Tuesday 31st March. This event will be supported by Bedfordshire Police as part of the Child Victims of Crime charity. The police will also provide help from cadets and officers on the day. Mid Beds Schools Liason Officer is club secretary Simon Rutt (mates with Lawrence and Jonno!) who is helping organise the day.

The all day event will start at 10am and go on until 4pm. Support from club members is welcome and vital!

 

Parking Just to clarify the position re parking. Parking on the main road outside the club is not permitted. There is also no parking in Sheepwalk track as we have to give access to both the houses and RailTrack.

 Parking in the lane that leads to Holme Mills is OK.

The police will enforce the No Parking on the main road.

On certain days we will use Jordan's Meadow or Sheepwalk, but only if dry.

 

Bedforshire Rugby Dinner. Friday 27th March at Stockwood Park. There is a Biggy table at the dinner, please contact John Thoday if you want to go.

 

RFU Grand Draw. Huge thanks to those who supported the Grand Draw. This is an essential fund raiser for the club and we have done very well again....The Draw results will be known on 24th March.

 

TESCO VOUCHERS! we are collecting the TESCO vouchers , which are being offered at the stores from 2nd March. We can use the vouchers on a wide range of equipment for the Mini and Youth teams. As last season, those age groups who contribute will see the benefits.

 

STS Tyres remember to get your 10% discount card from Dave the Bar Tzar or Martin.

 

Pitch Preperation. We need garden forks that you may not use anymore! This is to help get the pitches through one of the busiest periods in the clubs recent history. Please contact Martin 01462 811242 if you can help.

 

Diary Date..... Greene King Finals Day Saturday April 25th

 

 

 

Oadby-Wyggestonians 41 Biggleswade 0

Midlands 5 East (South)

 

 

Traveling to Leicester without ten first choice players Biggleswade suffered their heaviest league defeat of the season. But the replacements made Oadby work hard for their points. It was the thirty-ninth minute of the first half before the defensive dam cracked.

 

A hen-night saw Biggleswade short of three players who had turned out all season as they had to look after the children. Other regulars Tom O’Connor (ankle), Stan Matthews (old age), Ian Flack (jet-lag) and Tom Hill (foot) were on the injured list.

 

The match did mark the return of flanker Alex Small after a long lay-off. Although not match fit he relished being back in the team. He hopes to turn out every week to the end of the season. He was one of many players to record a massive tackle count. Centre Russell German was immense in tackling one and getting straight up to down another. But the highest merit marks for style must go to Taig Norman. Despite his slim build Taig cuts players in half when he stops their progress abruptly.

 

Biggleswade played up the slope in the first half with a stiff wind blowing across the park. Oadby are third in the table and looked very vulnerable early on. The Biggleswade pack dominated the scrums shunting the home team back. Adam “Tink” Fage taking the tablets to combat gout and colt Cullum Maxwell anchored the front row very securely. James Caulfield being a very capable replacement at number two.

 

The lineouts too were not a comfort zone for the opposition with Tom Farron soaring into the stratosphere to dominate the middle of the line. As a flanker he was much in evident around the park. Biggleswade played possibly their shortest second row ever. Dave “the bar” Howells a prop normally was one half of a very lopsided pairing.

 

Biggleswade did have scoring chances. Matt Smith missed one penalty attempt and a cross-kick for the winger to chase just rolled dead before the flying Taig Norman could ground it.

 

After the score at the end of the first half there were two more at the start of the second. These effectively finished off the match as a serious contest. But Biggleswade continued to fight hard. Stand in Captain Damian White said after the match, “With so many regular players missing we did very well and I am proud of the boys for the effort that they put in.”

 

This week-end Biggleswade are due to play Vauxhall in a much re-arranged Beds County Cup tie. Vauxhall may have a league match to play although the RFU web-site does not show it. Vauxhall play at level four but are second bottom. In their most recent league match they lost by ninety points to Peterborough Lions.

 

 

Friendly Match : Biggleswade 3rd XV 24 Letchworth 4th XV 32

 

 

Last season these two sides battled out three epic matches and on the last game of the season, Biggy stole the trophy (cant remember what it was) for bragging rights and won 2 -1 at Letchworth.  So off we went again this season with another local derby, but only the 2nd time this season that the club has got out three sides.

 

A beautiful sunny day, spring had almost arrived at Langford Road and some new faces in the side which was great to see ! A very youthful, fresh faced Ashley Dunn (halving the average age of the side !) playing his first senior game at Scrum Half, a decidedly not so youthful Jim Young with half his leg gone AWOL, the return of Dave Anderson after many years away and big, powerful Jason Livings. It was good to see them all back.

 

Biggy started well against a Letchworth side they knew very well, especially the pack, but not the young, fast, elegant looking backs, which ultimately would be the undoing of Biggy.  

Biggy dominated the first quarter and were unlucky not to open the try scoring after a great move between Dunn, The WitchDoctor and Twinkle Toes, great tackling by the opposition prevented a try in the corner. However with Letchworth infringing at the ruck, Biggy got the first points courtesy of an Evergreen Greer penalty.  Roy was vying for oldest player in the side with Roy of the Caulfield, who was still his most vocal self !  Both of them still accounting for themselves with typical aplomb.  However for all of Biggy's possession in the first quarter, the three points were all they achieved as the team were on the back foot against a strong Letchworth pack and very pacy backs, who with the ball looked dangerous everytime. However Biggy were not short of some big tackles, notably Richard Cooper (thank goodness Rich arrived as we didn't have a jumper !!), Jas and Stubby.  But for all the defence, Letchworth plundered two tries and led at half time 12 - 3, not bad or Biggy considering Letchworth had the wind and the sun in their favour.

 

Biggy turned round for the second half, optimistic of a revival especially with the wind behind them.  Not to be, Biggy went to sleep and some missed tackles let Letchworth's speedy backs in again.  By the time Biggy had woken up, the three's found themselves 22 - 3 down and on course for a drubbing. Chances had gone begging when the Witchdoctor was stopped cruelly on the line and Evergreen Greer was halted on the way to five points after a hazy run. The Squirrel Whisperer wanted to get in on the act and showed even with half a leg, he still has much to offer, even with that mullet....  However, Biggy came back after a solid scrum, with Beano and Ex Captaino Rutty solid in 2nd row, big Jas linked well with new boy Dunn - who fed Twinkle, in trademark Alec stylee, he glided in leaving desperate Letchworth grasping at thin air.  With Mudge leaving the pitch (feeling the affects of last week's game) the scrums went uncontested, Biggy's lax tackling let in two more speedy tries and some raised voices amongst the team, did what the side needed. Some solid running once again by Beano and Dave Anderson, set up the scrum which was a formality, recycled it was left to Rutty, who was about to power over, when rather like the parting of the Red Sea, Letchworth let him walk it in. Instantly converted by Evergreen, Biggy's tales were up.  Biggy came back again and Rutty was cruelly denied another try after an alleged quick WitchDoctor throw in was forward (never), it didnt matter, from the Letchworth scrum, tremendous following up by Dunn and Shov, resulting in Ashley getting in for his well deserved debut try. Stuart must have very proud !! Even more instantly converted by Evergreen.

Not bad way to finish on two converted tries in three minutes !! 

 

Thoroughly enjoyable match, once again played in an excellent spirit, shame Biggy lost their way in the middle, but well stuck at and a great ending !  Biggy play Letchworth again in two weeks, cant wait..........

 

Man Of The Biggy Match : Ashley Dunn.

 

Biggy 3rd XV : Stubby, Roy of the Caulfield, Mudge, Beano, Ex Captaino Rutty, Big Jas, Coops, Dave Anderson, Dunn, Twinkle Toes, Squirrel Whisperer (Insp Smith of the Yard), Shov, Evergreen Greer, The WitchDoctor, Bish.

 

 

Biggleswade 10 Oundle 27

Midlands 5 East (South)

 

 

In the only game to be played in the division Biggleswade went down to Oundle at home. The score line though flattered the visitors rather like England against Italy. But it extends the runs of defeats against them to six.

 

The match was played on the Sheepwalk which is the first time that a home league match has been played there. Despite the recent adverse weather the ground was in excellent condition thanks to the efforts of the ground staff.

 

Although playing at home for many of the side it was their first experience of playing across the road. Skipper Iain Jones said, “Like the rest of the Club first XV players helped destine the pitches to make them playable, but I never thought we would play a league fixture here.” But Iain was impressed with the quality of the pitch with a distinct absence of mole hills a real bonus!

 

Taig Norman returned to the side after injury and stayed on for the full eighty minutes. Not so fortunate was fly-half Matt Smith who was sent to the “cooler” after an accidental trip. Despite a creaking body Stan Matthews played sixty minutes at hooker before letting Karl Marshall fill the role to keep his hand in.

 

Oundle took an early lead and were always going to win after the first twenty minutes although Biggleswade came back strongly in the final quarter. Two of Oundle’s tries came from Biggy mistakes which is always a disappointment. But Biggleswade scored two tries both from back row moves.

 

The first came after Ian “Robbo” Robinson broke from the base of the scrum and powered his way over the line. The second came in similar fashion but this time from a ruck after a back row move. This time it was a pop from scrum half to Tom O’Connor for his sixth try of the season. In the latter stages of the game Tom was badly affected by a twisted ankle but he is confident of being fit for Saturday’s match against Oadby Wyggestonians.

 

Tomorrow’s match will be the fourth trip to Leicester in six weeks but will be the last for this season. It will be a tough encounter on the gluey mud against a team that after a sticky period are now second in the league table.

 

Team: J Caulfield (I Flack), S Matthews, A Fage, I Jones, T Hill, T Farron, K Marshall, I Robinson, R Taylor, M Smith, T Norman, T O’Connor, D White, M Rastrick D Howell.

 

 

Southend Colts 17

Biggleswade Colts 5

(Friendly)

 

 

Southend got of the best of starts when a huge knock-on was missed by the referee and a fortunate white shirt got on the end of the loose ball to score the opening try. Biggleswade tempers were further raised when a minute later, fullback Charlie Darlow was tripped as he raced in to level the score, again seen by the referee but not punished.

This was largely a forwards dominated game with the rapid Gavin Taylor and Dean Bartlett seeing little of the ball, but making inroads when they did. Captian Stuart Phipps and hooker Tom Harwood had good games. the latter committing a professional foul which prevented a Southend score, and getting away with it!

Southend's hefty pack were getting the better of Biggy, who were missing five pivotal players due to holidays but seeing big Will Sale making his first appearance this year following injury.

 

As the game  progressed, it was obvious that this was going to be a hard slog, and one that the Essex seasiders were used too. Southend extended the lead just before half time, with the conversion being missed.

 

Playing down hill on the heavy and worn pitch, Biggleswade made a good start to the second half with Ashley Dunn, Michael Haddow and James Hamilton at the heart of the Biggy attack, on a day when the bulk of West and nous of Nott (away skiing) were sorely missed. The second half also saw the introduction of Pottonite, Tom Torne who replaced the stamped upon Hamilton. Biggy mounted a series of assaults on the Southend try line and appeared to have scored when Taylor charged down a clearance and scored under the posts, but the pink shirted official was having none of it and called the players back for a scrum. Justice was done as Biggy won the scrum and Will Priston bundled over the line like a rat up a drain to score the Biggy try.

 

The casual observer could sense that Biggy were fighting back, and it was to a great shame that the game was curtailed as yet again Darlow was targeted in a off the ball incident and as the troops rallied to his support the referee decided that the game should end.

 

Colts manager Richard Phipps said " Its good to play sides that you do not normally meet, this was a creditable performance given the players we were missing and one which gave the Colt valuable game time, thanks to Curtis Wilson for turning out for the Colts, even though he broke a bone in his hand in the process".

Biggleswade Colts have a free weekend next week while the League game against Finchley is rearranged for later in the season

 

Biggleswade Colts.

Bartlett, Darlow, Dunn,Haddow, Hamilton, Harwood,  Joyce, Maxwell, Phipps (C), Priston, Roake, Sale, Taylor, Thomas, Torne, Wilson,

 

 

 

 

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World Cup winner and rugby team boss meets Henlow's Simon Rutt


While England's rugby supremo Martin Johnson and his squad came in for unnecessary criticism following their RBS Six Nations opener against Italy last weekend, the former 2003 World Cup winning captain has thrown his considerable weight behind the Child Victims of Crime charity.

As the Mid Beds Schools Liaison police officer, Henlow's Simon Rutt was recently invited to meet with him at Rugby Union headquarters at Twickenham to discuss the charity in which victims of crime can receive an award if nominated by an officer as a result of the police force's fundraising activities.

"It's all part of my work within the police," said Simon, who is based at Shefford Police Station and has played rugby for Biggleswade for more than two decades.

"He was really great and personally signed a rugby shirt, which has already been auctioned for the charity. I was absolutely amazed to meet him as he's a true rugby great although he's also a man with bags of humility and a passion for the charity.

"I almost had to pinch myself having a cup of tea and toast with him. I was also surprised when he said he knew about Biggleswade Rugby Club and its heavy involvement in community rugby."

Anyone wishing to contribute to the charity can contact PC222 Simon Rutt on 01234 842843.

Any rugby fans wishing to watch this weekend's Six Nations Internationals – France v Scotland, Wales v England and Ireland v Italy – on the big screen can go to the Langford Road club after Biggleswade entertain Oundle in a league match.

 

 

 

 

Biggleswade Rugby Club

 

Players who have played First Class rugby before joining Biggleswade

Bob Smyth                                        

Bedford

Gerald ‘Nuts’ Gilbert                      

Bedford

Mike Williams       

Blackheath, London Welsh, Penguins

Richard Eales             

Harlequins, Northampton Saints

Simon Darville                                  

Bedford

Dave Parker                      

Lancashire, Oldham R.L

Gavin Simkins                    

Bedford, England u21

Players who have played first class rugby after playing at Biggleswade

Mick Buck                                           

Bedford

Stu Williams                          

Bedford , Sedgley Park

Hugh Green                                          

Bedford

Roger Smith                                         

Bedford

Richard Kendall *                      

Bedford

Steve Grabham *                    

London Welsh, Bridgend

Simon Lincoln                             

Bedford, Penguins

Peter Shea

England Deaf team

Andy Savage                                   

Nottingham

Charlie  Beech     

Northampton Saints, London Wasps England u20

*played before and after playing at Biggleswade

 

 

If you can add to this list of players who have played first class rugby please email the club or speak to Mike Williams, who compiled this list.

This list can also be found at Club info

 

 

 

 

 

RBS Cheque

1-2-09 biggy U15 vs Dunstable U15s

6-2-09 biggy snow

Chairman Thoday receives a cheque for £250 from RBS as part of the bank's support for employee's who contribute their free time to community projects. 

Presenting the cheque is under eights coach John Coffey, surrounded by the Biggy U8s squad.

U15s beating Dunstable on Sheepwalk Railway pitch on

1st February 2009

 

What a difference a week makes!

6th February 2009

 

 

 

 

East Midlands U20s vs Staffordshire U20s

 

Wednesday 4th February

 

Biggleswade Rugby Club

 

The U20s game scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed.

 

The pitch was inspected tonight (Tuesday) and although not frozen, it has too much snow cover , the lines could be cleared but the referee may insist that the whole pitch was cleared and with short notice it would be hard to get enough manpower to clear the pitch tomorrow. Also the forecast suggests it may melt a bit, which would make the surface almost unplayable

 

The good news is that, if the alternative venue (Towcestrians) cannot host tomorrow, we will play the game on Wednesday 11th February.

 

This will be confirmed as soon as we know.

 

 

Biggleswade Colts 17

Ampthill Colts 24

 

 

Bragging rights for another season go Ampthill as they turned over a lacklustre Biggleswade Colts who seemed unable to raise their game for this friendly fixture.With the cold easterly wind on their backs, it was Ampthill's Josh Bassett who opened the scoring following 20 minutes of pressure which saw the ball rarely leave the Biggleswade half. Ampthill scored again through a superbly worked try from the centre, while Biggy hardly made any impression.

 

The Ampthill squad was made up largely of U17s players, lead by coach  John Cresswell whose commentary kept the crowd entertained from the touchline! Biggleswade introduced two new players to the squad, Jack Mudge and Charlie Long and were missing the bulk of messers Sale and Maxwell.

A typical raging bull run from Stuart West lead to the first home try, with Sam Joyce converting.

 

With the strong wind behind them, it was Biggleswade who started the second half brightly and a cross field kick from Joyce was gathered by Will Priston who brought the score the 12 points to 14, the conversion drifting wide.

 

Biggy made changes, with Adam Dommett returing to the squad at centre following a year away playing senior rugby. Ampthill continued to dominate posession and a try from hooker "Monkey" looked to take the score to 12 -19. As in many games this season, it was Dom Nott who lead by example and hustled his way through the 'Amps' defenses to claim Biggleswade's final try. Nott had also played first team rugby the previous day so was entlitled to feel tired.

 

It was fitting that the visitors claimed the final try of the day and left Biggy rueing a morning of missed opportunities and missed tackles which the regular spectator would not have expected to have happend in a League match. Biggleswade manager Richard Phipps said " I applaud Ampthill for putting out a very strong and effective side, thier game plan worked, ours did not"

 

As the first snow flakes descended on Langford Road it was Ampthill whose 17 -24 win served to remind the Biggy Colts that they still have a number of key matches to play and today's performance simply will not do.

 

Biggy travel to Finchley next Sunday for a Herts and Middlesex League game,fullback Charlie Darlow hopes to return to the squad following an unfortunate injury sustained during the first Ampthill try.

 

Biggleswade Colts

Bartlett, Darlow, Dommett, Dunn, Franklin, Gordon, Haddow, Hamilton, Harwood,  Joyce, Long, Mudge, Nott, Phipps (C), Priston, Roake Taylor, Thomas, Welsford, West

 

 

Aylestone Athletic 17 Biggleswade 16

Midlands 5 East (South)

 

 

After trailing for most of the match Biggleswade mounted a thrilling climax that just proved not enough to win the game. Traveling to Leicester for the third time in four weeks with several key players missing hopes were still high. Aylestone have a similar record in the league and were one below Biggleswade in the table.

 

On a muddy pitch with a biting crosswind Biggleswade played up the slope in the first half. After a period of pressure they scored first thanks to a Matt Smith penalty. The lead was not to last for long. The ball came out awkwardly from the scrum allowing Aylestone in for a soft try. Worse was to follow with an attempted clearance kick failed to find touch and the ball was run back by Aylestone for a converted try. .

 

Hooker Stan Matthews was forced to retire with a re-occurrence of a strained back that caused Adam “Tink” Fage on. Tink was a reluctant starter as he is suffering from the effects of “rich living” normally associated with older men. Your correspondent can verify the pain and discomfort caused by the complaint.

 

Matt Smith reduced the deficit with another successful penalty that left Biggleswade with much look forward to in making use of the slope to get a victory.

 

Biggleswade through the efforts of Russell German chasing a Matt Smith crosskick should have been awarded a try in the left corner going up the slope. The referee who was forty metres away ruled a foot in touch although the touch judge affirmed otherwise. After a frank exchange of views the referee insisted on a new touch judge! Coach Stan Mathews was not amused as he was the person concerned!

 

In the second half Aylestone seemed very sharp and Biggleswade did well to contain them. The lineouts were the strongest suit with the scrums under pressure. The stand in back row did immense amounts of work with Tom Farron, Dom Nott and Callum Maxwell in to everything.

 

With the match entering its fourth quarter and the spectators looking forward to a hot cup of tea Aylestone stretched further ahead. They were awarded a penalty for “back chat” which rather seemed to sum up the players’ frustrations. However Biggleswade had other ideas and staged another thrilling climax.

 

The first try came after Damian White had twirled and barged his way into the heart of the defence before throwing out a pass over his shoulder. The ball was gathered and swung down the line and across the park for Russell German to score the try.

 

With just a minute and a half remaining Damian White gave Biggleswade hope with a try two thirds of the way out from the posts. Despite his best efforts Matt Smith could not get the conversion attempt over in the swirling wind. The small drunken looking goal posts put up for each match did not help.

 

In the closing minute Biggleswade threw everything into a last attack with even second row Tom Hill handling like an accomplished three-quarter! Players to catch the eye include Nic Edenborough who had a couple of strong runs and made a crucial tap tackle when all seemed lost. Tom Farron so often Cinderella on the sidelines put himself about with a high tackle count. Russell German impressed his fellow backs with some intelligent play and crunching tackles.

 

Tomorrow there is the visit of Vauxhall Motors to Langford Road for the much postponed Bedfordshire County Cup match. Biggleswade are without several players away in Ireland on a stag week-end. After that there is a return to league action with a home game against Oundle. Then it is back to Leicester for the final time this season to play high-flying Oadby-Wyggestonians. They were thumped by Rushden & Higham by nearly thirty points at home last Saturday

 

Team: J Caulfield, S Matthews (A Fage), C Maxwell (M Peace), T Hill, I Jones, T Farron, K Marshall, D Nott, R Taylor, M Smith, D White, R German, T O’Connor, N Edenborough, M Rastrick.

 

 

 

Biggleswade 2nd XV 15-20 Letchworth 3rd XV

Green King League game

 

 

A bright sunny but windy afternoon saw a major turn in Biggys player fortunes this week no less than six subs. Unfortunately not quite enough players available to allow the club to field a third XV.

 

A match that in the past has always been enjoyable, close and hard yet well spirited. This was to prove to be no different. With Biggy playing into the wind for the first half it was hard to make headway against the strong wind so the ball had to be kept in hand. Biggleswade learning week by week that if in possession the opposition can’t score. Ball retention was good and forays by both sides into opposition halves were proven fruitless with either player error or quality defence ending the attack. With the game nip and tuck Biggy had the opportunity to score first with Grandads penalty attempt drifting just wide against the strong wind. Moments later well organised forwards defence on the Biggy try line prevented the Letchworth pack from driving over. However not for long. Further pressure, quick ball to the Letch backs saw them slice through the Biggy back line to score close to the posts and convert. In response to this good play by the Biggy forwards saw the ball taken forward with some good quality continuous play resulting in a scrum on the half way line. As last week quick ball through hands brings results, quality passing saw Grandad charge through the line to release The Witchdoctor who was caught and pushed into touch on the Letchworth five metre line. In response Letchworth once again gained control and through some good forward and backs play released their young winger who went over in the corner. This plus a further penalty saw Biggy turning round fifteen points down and yet to score.

 

The second half saw Biggy start to gain the upper hand in the pack. Changes in the front row saw Stubby and Mudge take over at props and Dom Mussino move inside to play Hooker. Both Prop come Winger Dave Howells and Graham Place having made a big contribution to the afternoon. After a few minutes the Biggy pack started to win scrums with carefree ease their own and Letchworths. Going forward with regularity now considerable pressure was put on the Letchworth side. With two try attempts ruled ungrounded it seemed only a matter of time before Biggy scored. Three points from Grandads boot followed by a try from Mudge on his debut after some superb work by the pack. Letchworth responded well and continued to look dangerous coming close on several occasions. Two further substitutions saw Dan come on for Graham Gadsby on the wing and Richard Cooper for the injured Paul Temple. More scrums won against the head I think eight in a row at one point and further pressure on the Letchworth line. Gareth Drew going over under the posts and Grandad converting. This after newcomer Dan was released on several occasions to show his place down the flank and cause problems out wide for the Letchworth defence. A sense of panic started to creep into the Letchworth pack could this have been to do with the introduction of Mr.Rutt. However a short period of Letchworth possession saw them score out wide putting them ahead. The resulting try seeing Flacky throwing a tantrum.

 

This was an afternoon of enjoyable rugby only spoilt at times by the strong wind blowing from end to end. The Biggy team are to be congratulated on battling all the way to the final whistle in particular the forwards Howells, Place, Mussino, Flack, Griffiths, Tysom, Temple, Shea, Applegate, Mudge, Cooper and Rutt. The same can also be said for the backs of Jones, Ambrose, Gadsby, Bishop, Drew, Bedford, Elcock and Dan.

 

 

 

 

 

Biggleswade Rugby February E-News

 

This is sent blind copied to members, please forward to anyone you think will be interested

 

Biggy vs Vauxhall Motors (County Cup) Saturday 7th February.

 

Biggy vs Oundle (League) Saturday 14th February (the perfect Valentines Day treat)

 

A different looking First XV play Vauxhall on Saturday 7th February in the County Cup. This game has been rearranged at least twice, but frozen pitches and a fixture clash meant that this was the only date available. Note the kick-off time will earlier so that the opening Six Nations game can be watched. KO time will be posted on website.

The Second XV play St Neots at home on the 7th February

 

Come and watch National U20s rugby at Biggleswade.

Biggleswade host East Midlands U20s vs Staffordshire U20s on Wednesday 4th February in the National U20s Championship. This prestigious game will start at 7.30pm, and is the first EMRU game that we have hosted for many years. There will be hot refreshments on sale for the large number of spectators who are expected.

All spectators welcome!

 

The club have become corporate members of Sandy Gym (next to Sandy Upper School). This means that club members get subsidised membership of the gym.

They are also offering to take circuit training for players, at a nominal cost, those players do not need to be Gym members. Please note that players should be over 16 to participate

Contact club captain Iain Jones (Gooner) via the contacts page on the website.

 

Saturday 7th February LIVE BAND "The Legend"  will be playing at the club following on from the Six Nations coverage and the re-arranged First XV game vs Vauxhall Motors.

 

RBS Six Nations 2009.Games shown on BBC TV will be screened at the club, starting with England vs Italy on February 7th

 

RBS have also contributed £250 towards the Mini section via U8s coach John Coffey who applied to the RBS community fund. Many thanks to John and to RBS for this valuable contribution.

 

 

On Monday 2nd March the club are hosting the RFU Referee's Development Course for those who are already refereeing or coaching. The evening course will take 2 to 2.5 hours and will cost £5 per candidate.

The evening is being organised by Sam Rouse, rugby development officer for Bedfordshire.

 

RFU Grand Draw. Thanks to those who have bought Grand Draw tickets. The final date for returning tickets is Saturday 14th February

Please return all books or ticket stubs plus the money to Martin Harwood (01462 811242 evenings)

The club retain 90p in the pound for every book sold....this is an essential money raiser for Biggy.

 

Minis Mobbs Memorial Game. The final of the Mobbs 2009 tournament for U10s, U11 and U12s will take place at Goldington Road on Tuesday 7th April prior to the Bedford Blues vs Barbarians match at 7.30pm

The preliminary rounds are on February 22nd at:

Under 10s at Luton RFC

Under 11s at Dunstablians

Under 12s at Ampthill

The Northants and Huntingdon clubs will be holding prelimiary rounds on the same day.

 

Cancelled Games! We are very lucky having well-drained pitches, we have cancelled far fewer games that other clubs.

On one weekend when all other local clubs were cancelled, we held four games on Sheepwalk! 

If the weather is questionable, please look at the message board before setting out to away games. Biggy will endeavour to make the call on games by 10am on a Saturday or by 9am on a Sunday for Mini / Youth games. Sometimes games are called off at the last minute (Colts at London Welsh for example!)

 

Diary Dates

Proposed Ladies Lunch with cheese & wine prior to the home game vs Rushden & Higham on 14th March.

On Saturday 18th April the popular 'Skool Disco' takes place

 

 Friday 5th June is Ladies Night! dancing to "The Soulman"

 

Tesco Vouchers for Schools & Clubs. we will be collecting the vouchers again this season. The Tesco vouchers have helped 'buy' balls, bibs, cones, etc for the Minis and Youth sections in the past. There will be collection boxes on the bar's. The vouchers will be in shops from Monday 2nd March.

 

 Greene King Finals Day to be held at Biggy on Saturday 25th April

After many years of trying, the Greene King Finals day is being held at the club on April 25th. Twelve teams from all over East Anglia will be playing....more detail to follow!

Thanks to Pete Biernis and Simon Rutt for pushing for this to happen

 

 

 

 

 

Biggleswade Rugby Club

As seen on TV:

jim1outtake2.jpg

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

 

 

 

 

 

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