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Breaking Fixture News
For games on:- Closed Season -summer schedules here soon
* Seniors Only
* Juniors/Minis
Training (all at Moss Farm)
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Seniors
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Tuesday & Thursday evenings
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Minis, Juniors & Colts
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Sunday
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10.30am-12pm Unless there are fixtures. See junior page or individual team pages for details
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Wednesday
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6.30-8pm Mixed Age groups
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Ladies
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Tuesday
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7-8.45pm
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Girls (U15 & u18’s)
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Sunday
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2pm @ Sandbach or Moss Farm. See also Girls site
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Contact your coaches for more information or check the relevant senior or junior team pages. New club fees are given in the ‘About the club’ page.
Got something that you’d like on the web site? Pictures, story, useful link? Then please email it to 4ourwebsite@northwichrufc.co.uk
For other other local rugby results and other sports try :-
Northwich Guardian - Northwich Guardian Rugby page
Northwich Chronicle - Northwich Chronicle Rugby page |
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Northwich to stay up!
Northwich battled to a 22-16 win at Leigh on Saturday 19th to stay in the North 2 West league. Well done for a real gutsy performance. For the full match report, click here.
Chairman Sam Naylor would like to thank everyone involved :- “We justifiably retained our league status with a magnificent victory at Leigh yesterday. It was the culmination of a long, tough season which has been both a learning curve and an adjustment to playing at a higher level. Our position does not do us justice but we are where we are and it all means that we live to fight another day. We have the awards evening and the cup final to look forward to but I simply want to play tribute to all who have contributed to this seasons efforts. This means the whole club, the President John Cosgrove, the players, the supporters, the sections, the managers, the committee(s), Paul Reid and Danny and the other coaches, the press and our many sponsors and of course the staff at Moss Farm. As a club, the senior club in Mid Cheshire, we have big ambitions and following the AGM the new committee will continue to ensure that we remain 'THE TEAM OF THE TOWN'. A massive thank you to you all”.
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International Player Exchange
Thanks to the successful impact on the club of overseas players like Stacey Hoskin and David Khaniyle, Northwich would like to invite interested players to approach the club for next season. The club is interested in any player that would be comfortable playing in the North 2 West league or higher and is happy to spend the winter here in the England. In return the club are eager to continue to foster relationships with clubs in Australia,South Africa and New Zealand so that young Northwich players can get the opportunity to play and travel safely to those countries to develop their playing career and to compliment their education and/or employment. New web pages (see below) have been added to the web site to help provide information for interested players. Please feel free to contact Colin Johnson at the club if you need more information. His details and more are on the following page.
International Player Exchange - link
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Bumper Easter for Juniors
An ambitious Easter schedule for Northwich Juniors has already brought in the dividends with silver ware for the U11’s and U13’s. The U11’s faced opposition from all over England, Scotland and Wales to win the Shield in the U11’s competition and the U13’s were winners in their age group of the full competition at the recent Wales International Rugby tournament organised by TeamTours. Consistency and team spirit helped bring both teams success with Northwich U11’s fielding the only girls in the event. Excellent work everyone, let’s see what the U16, U15, and U14’s can produce on their visit to Ireland. Full stories and more pictures on the team pages - U11 & U13.
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Junior Colts 10’s Tournament
In August the club will be holding their first Junior Colts 10’s tournament. This will take place during the bank holiday weekend at Moss Farm alongside the club’s annual Festival of Sports. Junior Colts’ teams from across the region and beyond are welcome to participate. Details of the event, registration forms and rules will be placed on a dedicated tournament web page shortly. Please use this link to visit this page where we will put the latest news about the event. If you have any immediate questions please call Ken Houghton on 01606 558677 or email khoughton@northwichrufc.co.uk. Click here for a flyer with preliminary details.
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Record number make County & Representative grade
This season a record number of players have been selected for developmental and representative honours. 9 players were selected for Mid Cheshire Development squads, 8 players got County caps, two players North West regional caps and 3 players were selected for places at the RFU Schools of Rugby.
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Gavin makes School of Rugby
Gavin Vaughan, (pictured) has had a very busy start to the season. Apart from playing for Northwich U15`s he has been chosen to play for Cheshire. If representing County and club was not enough, he has also become the FIRST Northwich junior boys player to be selected to attend the RFU’s Schools of Rugby. The school, run by Cheshire coaches with the assistance of the Sale Sharks coaching team is part of a national programme set up by the RFU to identify and coach potential England players.
This is a massive achievement for Gavin. The club and especially his coaches are delighted that his hard work and dedication to the sport have been recognised and they wish Gavin every success for the future.
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Northwich U14’s selected for the Mid Cheshire Development squad (left)
Cheshire caps for two U16’s players (right)
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Two Northwich U15’s Girls were selected for Cheshire, North West and for the RFU Schools of Rugby
Cheshire caps for two U17’s players
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End of Year message from the Club Chairman
Seasons greetings to you all
In all my 38 years of membership with Northwich RUFC (formerly Mid Cheshire College RUFC), the year of 2007 stands out as the most remarkable and memorable. In my 11 seasons as captain, and during my spells as Coach and Director of Rugby the club enjoyed many successes but none of our previous achievements came anywhere near to what we did in the 2006/7 campaign. On the 7th May 2007 the 1st XV finished their 32nd match without defeat to lift the Cheshire Vase and complete the remarkable and probably never to be repeated 'treble' of League Champions, Cheshire Vase and the National EDF Intermediate Cup. Those present will never forget the moment when Captain Jonathan Simpson lifted the EDF trophy at Twickenham, the home of world rugby.
Supported by our main sponsor John Cosgrove, newly promoted Northwich faced and drew with our neighbours Winnington in the opening match of the current season. Since then both teams have had a rough ride but as we enter 2008 and the second half of the campaign it is the 'Blacks' who appear to be best placed and strong enough to retain a position in this very competitive North West Two League. The 2nd XV are unbeaten and the 'famous thirds' are in good shape.
Can I thank all our sponsors, our players and officials from the Senior, Junior and Ladies sections for their continued support. We also thank the Vale Royal Borough and the County Council for their support and we look forward to 2008 in developing our community club and enhancing its reputation as the 'Team of the Town.' Sam Naylor
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Club running Schools Year 7 & 8 League
In a new venture this season Northwich are running a challenge cup league for local schools. Matches take place on the second (Year 7) or third (Year 8)Tuesdays each month at Moss Farm between 4 and 6pm. Results and photos will be published soon. Special web page can be found here. Dates for games are as follows :-
Year 7 - 13th Nov, 11th Dec, 8th Jan, 12th Feb
Year 8 - 20th Nov, 18th Dec, 22nd Jan, 19th Feb
For more information - call Phil Clarke 07730 814162
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RFU Prize Draw
This year’s RFU prize draw tickets are now in. Tickets are £1 each and are available from coaches and team managers. Please sell as many as you can. There are over 40 different prizes plus ticket sales not only benefit the club but those clubs selling the most tickets will also be entered for a separate draw for further prizes. This years top prize is £10,000 cash.More information to come soon on the Grand Prize Draw web site.
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Stacey Hosking has backed Blacks to rediscover that winning feeling
Injury has forced the Aussie to spend most of the season watching from the sidelines after his switch from the Gold Coast, but he says Northwich will soon be smiling again. “Well be climbing the league ladder pretty soon”, he told the Guardian.
Northwich have won only two games in the first half of the season, both against the two teams below them in the table. It’s a stark contrast to their all-conquering campaign last year. But Hosking, who arrived in town in October from Surface Paradise Dolphins, has a message for their North Two West rivals.
“This team has so much more to come yet”, he warned.
“We’ve had terrible luck with injuries to key players and the boys have been adapting to a different style of play under a new coach”. Paul Reid is a very different character to what I’m used to back home he’s more of a philosopher about the game and thinks deeply about strategy.
But the lads have every faith he’s taking us in the right direction.
Centre Hosking, 25, dislocated his shoulder in the defeat to New Brighton last month on only his second appearance for the club. He hopes to be back in time for the weekend crunch clash with rock bottom Tyldesley. “I’m itching to get out there”, he said.
“I feel like I owe it to the club to give something back to them as everybody has made me feel so welcome”.
Fellow import James Gwynne, a Kiwi, is also at Moss Farm this term.
Hosking admits the pair have found it tough to adjust to conditions in the North West of England.
“I’ve still not sorted my boots out”, he laughed.
“Back home I only play one match a year in the rain but that’s more the norm over here isn’t it?”
Story courtesy of Andrew Simpson Northwich Guardian
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Sponsors come flocking in!
Last year’s success, a large junior following, girls and women’s teams and great web site, have all been different reasons why many local companies have agreed to sponsor the club this season. Colin Johnson - this season’s sponsorship manager has been delighted with the response from local companies. “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to attract interest not only from our loyal sponsors but also as companies new to the club”, he said. “However we’re still looking for new sponsors especially for match sponsorship as well as for junior teams.” As web traffic is likely to continue at up to 20,000 unique visits per month (40,000 page hits) the web site is a shop window not only for local businesses but also a PR vehicle for organisations wanting to support their local community. Please contact Colin on 01606 891229 or visit our new sponsorships pages for more information. 2007-8 Sponsors and Sponsorship details.
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Sponsors Northwich Glass, Landlink & the Anderton pictures with the EDF Cup and Northwich players.
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Chairmans Pre-Season preview
The Northwich Committee have not let the grass grow under their feet during the closed season and intend to hit the ground running when they commence proceedings in North West Two in just eight weeks time. Secretary Trevor Rawling has engineered a deal with relegated Bowdon to start the season with a trip to Clay Lane on 1st September in what will be the quarter final of the Cheshire Vase. The 'Blacks' are the current holders of this trophy and although they had until December to play the round Rawling wanted to avoid any repeat of last seasons fixture backlog and managed to persuade Bowdon to get it out of the way before the league fixtures commence.
New coach
The match will be a good test before Northwich take on neighbours Winnington at Moss Farm on September 8th. This crunch dream start to the league will give new Head Coach Paul Reid an indication of the clubs league prospects for the 2007/08 campaign. Reid who has just turned forty is a tremendous catch for the ambitious Northwich Club. He is a level three Coach and mentored former Northwich Coach Chris Chudleigh. Paul has recently moved into the Tarporley area and works as a Sports Science Lecturer at the North East Wales Institute in Wrexham. He has held coaching positions at Whitchurch and Old Anselmians and is paid by the RFU to tutor and mentor up and coming coaches. He played his rugby at Preston Grasshoppers, Fylde and Blackpool and also coaches the Cheshire under 21 squad. He retains the services of Mike Penny and Danny Townsend who are both looking forward to working with Paul. Reid will also have the benefit of receiving advice from ex Northwich Coach Roger Blake who has agreed to rejoin the club in the role of Coaching Advisor. Roger Blake is regarded and recognised as possessing one of the finest rugby brains in the North West. He is currently a County Selector and has in depth knowledge of the teams and players in North West two.
New Players
On the player front Northwich have retained last years squad apart from Dave Khanyile and Vuyol Pasiya who have both returned to Durban. Nothing has been heard from winger Khanyile but Pasiya has applied for a work permit and is keen to return to Northwich. Natal Sharks have promised to pay for the flights of a quality prop forward who already has a work permit and so Northwich will be gaining a cost free signing to bolster the demanding front row existence. The pack will also be strengthened by Ian Lear who has signed from top club Macclesfield. New skipper Steve Campbell brokered the deal, the duo played together during Campbell's season at Macc and they both played for Cheshire at Twickenham in the County finals in May 2006. Lear is a Fitness Instructor at LA Fitness Northwich and relishes the prospect of helping Northwich to continue their assent in the leagues.
Keeping it in the family
Young Sam Naylor returns from playing in Australia in two weeks time and just in time for his big sister Lydia's wedding to Carl Patterson of Winnington Park. Carl is the younger brother of new Park skipper Mark and Sam can't wait to lock horns against the Patterson boys on 8th September. They all get on really well but there will be no love lost in what promises to be a real curtain raiser of a game. Sam has been playing in the under 21 team of the top Sydney Club Eastgate. The standard has been really high and he considers that his game has really come on during his spell down under. Sam is also hoping that his cousin Chris Dale will sign and return to his home club from New Brighton. Chris was plagued with injuries during last season and his Northwich colleagues are desperately trying to persuade him to rejoin and play in the centre which would allow Campbell to play in his county position, on the wing.
Ex Skipper Bryan Johnson has taken on the role of 1st XV Manager releasing Rob Heath to captain the 2nd XV. Heath sees his role as vital in building a competitive 2ndXV and creating a 1st and 2ndXV squad mentality. Bryan is joined on the Committee by his dad Colin who, as a retired businessman, is developing a corporate sponsorship strategy.
As you can see Northwich are determined to succeed and build upon last seasons remarkable 'treble' and are once again backed by their President John Cosgrove. John believes that there is only one way to think and that is BIG!!
Sam Naylor July 2007
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Framed photos and DVD’s
Ken Houghton has collated pictures and video footage from the Twickenham and Cheshire Vase on a DVD. Plus he now has A4 and A3 framed photographs of the 1st XV at Twickenham (see on right). Prices are given below, please contact Ken on 01606 558677 or email khoughton@northwichrufc.co.uk if you’d like to order some, profits of course go to club funds.
1) A4 Framed Photo - Gold Frame £10
- Wood Frame £10
2) A3 Framed Photo Wood Frame £30
3) A3 Photo - Unframed £15
4) DVD Pack - Twickenham Final + Memories DVD + Cheshire Vase Footage £10
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1st XV make the Treble!
Northwich finished the season unbeaten with a narrow victory over Wirral at Birkenhead Park on Monday 7th May to win the Cheshire Vase and so complete their famous Treble as League Champions, EDF Trophy winners and now Cheshire Vase winners. A full match report and more news to follow shortly..
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Picture collection
Click for an album of pictures collected from club members and press etc.
Twickenham Photo Album
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Collecting Tesco Vouchers
We are registered again with the Tesco web site and have started to collect vouchers for this seasons sports promotion. Last year we were able to get some new balls and although that doesn’t seem very much it all helps us to stretch our meagre resources. We know that you may be already collecting them for schools but please find some spare ones for the club. The collection box is in the club shop. For more details about the promotion click on www.tesco.com/sport/
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Club members set up ‘Sportsmates Reunited’ web site
Three locals who come from a rugby, rowing & martial arts background have recently set up a new web site to help reunite old friends who’ve played sports together. After wanting to get in contact with old friends who’d they’d lost contact with and frustrated with the existing web sites on offer, they thought about creating a new website. Specifically sports-based Sportsmates Reunited works like the well established Friends Reunited sites but specialising in sports like Rugby with all UK clubs listed. To find out more here is the link. www.sportsmatesreunited.co.uk
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Sale Sharks - special prices on tickets
Last season we were able to get 40 free shirts as part of the Sale Sharks ‘kit back’ scheme. Sale will continue to offer the scheme this year. We get points for all Sale Sharks home match tickets purchased through the club, plus there are now new special family tickets. Please contact Dave Jefford email: djefford @northwichrufc.co.uk to book tickets for any of the Sale matches. More details of the status of the kitback scheme are also on our new page at Kit back. See the Sharks site for details of the next home game or go to the new Premiership web site for more information on the league, clubs and players. www.guinesspremiership.com
Matches looming up over the next few months include :-
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More Sponsors for 2007-8?
The club would like to thank a number of sponsors for their support in the 2006-7 Season and welcome further new sponsors to assist with the cost of running the club for the forthcoming 2007-8 season.
If you or someone you know, would be interested in helping with a team strip, raffle prizes, equipment or with a team tour please contact Colin Johnson at 07831 785972 or email cjohnson @northwichrufc.co.uk and also view the new sponsor pages.
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