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Hertfordshire RFUSeason End Newsletter 2016-17hertsrugby.co.uk

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COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP CHAMPIONS 2012UNDER 20’S THE JASON LEONARD TROPHY CHAMPIONS 2012COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP THE BILL BEAUMONT CUP FINALISTS 2011COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD FINALISTS 2009COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD CHAMPIONS 2005

Hertfordshire Rugby Football UnionHertfordshire Rugby Football Schools’ UnionHertfordshire Society of Rugby Football Union Referees

About erts

7676Hertfordshire Boys Meet up

Owen Farrell receiving his 50th Cap Award from RFU President Peter Baines following the 6 Nations match at Twickenham against Italy on Sunday 26th February 2017.

In 2009 Owen started to catch the eye, here he is presented with his first Honours Award by the then RFU Vice President John Owen.

7676Hertfordshire Boys Meet up From the RFU President

It has been a privilege and an enriching experience to serve the RFU as its President and, as the end of my term approaches, I thought I would mention a few highlights for me over the past year. It has been an interesting year. We have continued to enjoy the legacy of the Rugby World Cup and investment in all levels of the game has continued to grow.

Much of my time has been spent visiting clubs, referees societies and CB’s all over the country, presenting awards and saying a few words at lunches and dinners. In particular, it was a great honour to be invited to the 50th anniversary dinner of Uckfield Rugby Club and the 150th anniversary dinners of two of the Union’s oldest clubs, Wasps FC and Harlequins and in each case to propose a toast to the club. Wherever I have been the welcome and hospitality has been fantastic. Clearly the main focus of community clubs is fielding

senior teams on a Saturday and many are struggling to do this, but I have found the spirit of rugby thriving at all levels of the game.

It has been a pleasure to host a number of lunches at Twickenham for valued volunteers from all over the country and the presentation by Eddie Jones of volunteer recognition awards for outstanding service at the team dinners after each of the Autumn Internationals and Six Nations matches. These are but a few of the countless numbers of rugby people who freely give of themselves for the good of the game.

What outstanding performances we have seen from the England teams. Four autumn wins and a second successive Six Nations Championship for England and Six Nations Grand Slams for England Women and the U20’s. It was a real pleasure for me to present special 50th caps to Courtney Lawes, Owen Farrell and Tom Wood and to make a 100th women’s cap presentation to Tamara Taylor. Many congratulations to them and also to Rochelle (Rocky) Clarke for breaking the world record number of caps for women.

It has been a privilege on a number of occasions to meet and greet Prince Harry who has continued his fantastic support at matches, at women and men’s teams training sessions, at all schools programme events and visiting the IPF research at University of Bath. It was a particular honour to accompany him in laying wreaths in a memorial garden at the Rose and Poppy Gates before the South Africa match in November.

Whilst the President’s role is mainly ambassadorial, the President also chairs Council meetings and in that capacity I believe needs to ensure that Council is able to perform its role as the elected body of the game.. I am pleased that this year a group of Council members have been involved from the start in the preparation of the 2017/2021 Strategic Plan which was approved in early June.

HM Government, through Sport England, produced its Corporate Governance Code last October and Council has led the response to this. They have in June approved some fairly radical constitutional changes which it is intended will be put to a special General Meeting of the Union later this year.

Amongst my final duties as President are travelling to Argentina for two England matches and then on to New Zealand for three tests with the British and Irish Lions. As I have been heard to say many times – it’s tough at the top!

Peter BainesPresident of the RFU

7676End of Season from The President

Congratulations to Nikita, ably assisted by Jon Clapham and all the officials, for arranging a marvellous end of Season Hertfordshire President’s Cup competition at Allianz Park on the 30th of April. Well done to all the teams who took part and who played so well: Old Verulamians beat Barnet Elizabethans, Stevenage defeated Welwyn and finally Bishop’s Stortford 2nd XV won against Tring’s 2nd XV.

The month of May was equally as busy. Unfortunately I missed Hertfordshire’s trip to Kent, but I certainly made up for it by watching Hertfordshire defeat Gloucestershire in style at Hertford RFC on the 13th. It was good to catch up with our old friends from Gloucestershire including their President Jeff Tyler, their Chairman Peter Williams and Nigel Gillingham their RFU Representative who made some insightful comments about the workings of the

RFU. Last but not least it was marvellous seeing Tricia Perris again, their long serving County Administrator.

This brings me on to our Cornwall away match on the 20th of May. Myself and my wife let the train take the strain which proved to be a very leisurely way to travel to Redruth. Thanks must go to the Cornwall RFU in the form of Peter James their President and Dennis Preece their Chairman for their most generous hospitality. We were all made to feel extremely welcome at Camborne RFU and the atmosphere in the park was amazing. Despite the result going against Herts, there was a great feeling of bonhomie from start to finish. Thanks once again to Colin Haslam our hard working Chair of Marketing for his sterling work in organising the hotel and travel arrangements from Redruth to Camborne while managing to keep everyone happy – no easy task indeed!

Best wishes to all.

Martyn KirkHerts RFU President

For up to date information, fixtures and results visit:

www.hertsrugby.co.uk

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7676End of Season from The President Goodbye from Our Chairman

Another wonderful season for rugby throughout Hertfordshire. The County has, yet again, enjoyed successes in nearly every age group, both Girls & Boys as well as our Women & Senior Men. Our Women having won three of their four games in the RFU Women’s County Championship & our Senior Men winning two out of their three games in the Bill Beaumont Cup. The numerous School’s competitions including the Returning Students’ Festival, organised so very efficiently by Harry Harrison & Tom Mowbray, were extremely well attended with so much young talent on display … our County future looks very bright!

Another excellent Hertfordshire Cup Finals day at Allianz Park on Sunday 30 April saw Bishop’s Stortford Blues win the Presidents’ Cup by beating Tring 2nd XV 49-14 with Stevenage Town winning the Presidents’ Tankard by overcoming Welwyn 36-7 and, in the

Presidents’ Trophy, Verulamians retained the Trophy by beating Barnet Elizabethans 53-10. Huge thanks go to Nikita Jackson and her Team for organising this day so well as well as huge thanks to all the Supporters of all six Clubs

This season also saw many excellent results for a number of our Clubs in their various Leagues & Cup competitions. Congratulations go to Bishop’s Stortford for becoming Champions of National League 2 South & joining Old Albanian next season in National League 1, the third tier of English Rugby. Also huge congratulations to Tring for taking Top Spot in London 1 North and joining Hertford next season in National League 3 London & South East, the fourth tier of English Rugby. Well done Letchworth Garden City & Fullerians for cementing their positions in London 1 North & to Harpenden & Tabard for confirming another season in London 2 North West. And what a season Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage Town, Datchworth, St Albans, Hitchin & Cheshunt all had in London 3 North West. Congratulations to Verulamians for topping Herts/Middlesex League 1 with Royston and Barnet Elizabethans ensuring they retain their positions within this League.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Herts 7’s on Saturday 17 June at Harpenden RFC. And, don’t forget ! … Friday 7 July our Herts RFU Golf Day over at East Herts Golf Club in Buntingford.

As always, I thank all the 100+ Volunteers throughout our County who contribute so much of their time to ensure this wonderful game of rugby of ours is played and enjoyed by so many throughout our County. Thank you also to all the Referees without whom none of us could play. My Colleagues on the Executive Committee have been absolutely fantastic and have all worked so very hard throughout the year, as they do year in year out, and deserve not only all our thanks but also huge medals for their patience in dealing with so many crass, meddling and frequent requests from numerous of those 500+ fully-paid employees of the RFU. Whilst we all work as Volunteers and do all we can to help run rugby efficiently and correctly throughout Hertfordshire, I was saddened, but not surprised, to read, yet again, a headline in the 21 May edition of The Rugby Paper “The RFU are paying City-style salaries to their Executives” … wouldn’t it be lovely, for a change, to read “City-style monies going to grass roots rugby” ?! … hey ho !

Finally, thank you for allowing me to be part of this wonderful Hertfordshire Family, it has been an absolute privilege for me to have been involved with so many brilliant Hertfordshire rugby people and to have been granted the honour to be Chairman of your Executive for these last five years. I retire in the knowledge that, using a well-worn phrase of the moment, I leave the Executive in “strong & stable” hands.

Richard MilnesHerts RFU Chairman

7676Hon Secretary

Well the dust has settled on the County Championship for both the senior men’s and women’s XVs. Firstly I personally would like to thank both coaching teams’, men’s and women’s, for all the hard work they put in. Hertfordshire played 7 representative games in 4 weeks, they won 5 of them and lost 2. In the men’s case they lost to Cornwall who went on to contest the final at Twickenham. In the women’s case they lost to Buckinghamshire, but it was Essex (who they beat away) who went on to contest their pool final at Harlequins. You can’t play any game without players and a big thank you to all those players who extended their season to play for Hertfordshire in May.

Now a further word on the men’s competition. Firstly this year, twelve counties contested for The Bill Beaumont Cup (the level 1 competition). Six from the South and six from the North. The six

from the South were then split into two sets of three teams. Each team in set 1 playing each team in set 2. This meant that we played Kent, Gloucestershire and Cornwall, but for example Cornwall played Hertfordshire, Devon and Surrey. A league table of all six teams was produced and the winner went to Twickenham to play in the final. That winner was Cornwall. Hertfordshire finished 4th in the table with a record of played 3, won 2, lost 1, points for 93, points against 76, bonus points gained 2 and a total of 8 points in the table.

Now can I address the reason for 8 points in the table, if it was 4 points for a win and 2 bonus point for 4 tries in two of the games then we should have got 10 points? In the game against Kent we played Ralph Adams-Hale who at the end of the season had dual registration with Saracens RFC (level 1 club) and Ampthill RFC (level 3 club). Unfortunately Ralph was not qualified to play for Hertfordshire. The regulations stated that a player to qualify for a county had to hold dual registration with a level 1 or 2 club and a level 3 or below club on “the effective registration date”. This was 24th February 2017. On that day Ralph was registered for Saracens and London Scottish (level 2 club). He later on 31st March transferred to Ampthill on “a special clause due to Ampthill’s lack of front row players”. Our coaching and administrative staff therefore believed Ralph to be eligible to play as his transfer date had in effect changed. GMS does not allow the county to look at registrations of people not playing for Hertfordshire clubs.

The sequence of events that unfolded were as follows. On the Friday before the Kent game. The Kent R.F.U. representative (who is also their secretary) contact our R.F.U. representative David Roberts to say that playing our two England Academy Under 20 players was “not in the spirit of the game” (Ralph was one of these). David responded that Hertfordshire would always try and play the best team available to it. Before the game the next day nothing was said about this, nothing was said after the game either. No indication was given that one of our players was ineligible. On the Monday morning following the game the Kent R.F.U representative rang David Roberts to say that Kent had found out that one of our players was ineligible and were putting in a complaint to the R.F.U. They said that someone from London Scottish had seen our team and noticed that Ralph was on it. The wheels of the RFU went into action and we were given two days in which to respond to the charge that we had played an ineligible player.

Thanks to some hard work by Peter Brady (who has legal training) we put in a submission. We admitted the offence with mitigation of the Ampthill transfer after the deadline and the GMS inadequacies. We received a judgement that took away all our match points from that game (4 in total). We knew that two seasons before Eastern Counties had been deducted 2 points for playing an ineligible player. So with this and other information we launched an appeal. This was

7676Hon Secretary

heard in London two days before the Cornwall game. Our appeal was upheld and we therefore lost only 2 points, not the 4 points of the original sanction. Hence why we have 8 points and not 10 points. Side note to this was when we played Cornwall they told us they had received a telephone call (not from anyone in Cornwall) on that same Saturday night as the Kent game, telling them not to worry about Hertfordshire as they were about to lose their points for an ineligible player.

So back to the Championship then. If we had not have been penalised 2 points we now would have 10 points and would have been 3rd in the table. This is because Gloucestershire have a much better point’s difference than us of plus 60 points compared to our plus 17 points. What will happen is that at the end of next season the “table for two seasons” will then be used to decide who is relegated. What I can’t tell you at present is who we will play next year. There are 3 trains of thought on this

1) That we do play the same teams again with reversed venues. That would put us home to Cornwall and Kent away to Gloucestershire.

2) That the teams that did not play each other this year (in our case we did not play Devon or Surrey) play producing two games and then a further game against someone we played this year.

3) Some fixtures which are “Marquis Games” (example Lancashire v Yorkshire) take place to preserve them (this did not place this year). This could then either link into option 1 with a redraw of the sets to allow this or link into option 2.

Then there is the question of who plays in the final at the end of 2017-18, no decision here as yet. Is it again a league which starts from everyone at zero points (like this year) and the top club goes to Twickenham or is it a continuation of this year’s league? If the later then Cornwall have a good start in the south starting on 15 points. We await the RFU to tell us! Hertfordshire Rugby Football Union will be watching the situation carefully and will be submitting a paper of observations on both the men’s and women’s championship coming out of its experiences this year.

Footnote to the above following a recent Twickenham meeting….1) We will play Kent, Gloucestershire and Cornwall again next year.

2) We were and are seeded two in the South (behind Cornwall seeded one and in front of Gloucestershire seeded 3)

3) For deciding the 2017-2018 South winner to play at Twickenham we will all start back at zero points.

Adrian SparksHon Secretary

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David Hurst

David Hurst, President of Herts RFU 2000-02, passed away in May after a short illness. David was the Herts representative to the RFU for 10 years and gave great service to the administration of the game in general and refereeing in particular.

David’s playing career spanned four clubs, Leigh, Kersal, a side he captained, Fylde and Headingley and two seasons with the Royal Air Force Coastal Command in 1954-55. He took up refeering with the Manchester and District Society in 1966 and when he moved south through work he joined the London Society in 1969.

In 1977 he joined the Herts Referees Society and quickly established himself as a man with a large appetite for the game and its administration. He was elected secretary of the Society in 1980 and ten year later he succeeded Alan Gibbs as Chairman. In 1994, again following Alan, he was elected President of the Society a post he filled for two years.

David’s energetic contribution to Herts County Rugby let to his election to the Herts RFU Executive in 1984. He then followed a parallel career in administration alongside refereeing, chairing the County clubs Playing Committee. In 1992 he was elected the Hertfordshire representative to the RFU and served on the Council for 10 years.

During this time the two strands merged again when he served on the Referees Sub Committee alongside his old playing colleague from Kersal, Peter Hughes. There he helped oversee the introduction of teams of three into League rugby and was involved in the appointing of the touch judges, or assistant referees. Later when he retired from the Council David served as citing officer at many top League and representative matches both at home and on the Continent.

In recent years despite the onset of ill-health he continued to attend internationals at Twickenham and until a couple of years ago was a regular attendee at the annual Herts RFU Past Presidents Dinner. Our sympathies go to his wife Kathleen, daughter Anne and all the family. He will be greatly missed by the rugby community in Hertfordshire and at large.

The funeral took place at West Herts Crematorium, Garston on Tuesday, 13th June at 11.40 am.

7676David Hurst Marketing and the future of Herts Rugby

As you will no doubt realise there are going to be a few changes of personnel on the HRFU Exec Committee following the AGM in June. One of which will be The Chairmanship of The Marketing & Communications Committee as I have come to realise that this very important sector of Herts Rugby need s new blood. I have been involved since 2003, other than the two year tenure as your President in 2010-12, in the marketing of our great game and now is the time for the reigns to handed over. I am delighted that we have found a fellow rugby fanatic whose marketing knowledge and professional ability will move the game once more forward throughout the county.

At the AGM on June 19th I along with the Exec Committee will be recommending Steve Waller (President of Cheshunt RFC) who has acted as my vice chairman for this past season to succeed me.

Since his involvement over the last twelve months I have come to realise that not only is he a true rugby man but also highly respected within the county by fellow clubs and have no hesitation in passing over the responsibility of keeping our brand name and those of our sponsors , advertisers and supporters at the front.

We have certainly been hit by the understandable loss of sponsorship from Weston Homes this season and cannot thank ProCo, our printers, enough as they stepped in to help and once again produced programmes, newsletters, Honours Table and the Yearbook which have become the envy of many other Counties. Although I am stepping down I am not walking away and will help Steve along with his committee in various ways allowing him to focus on gaining the financial support which is so needed as the game grows and costs rise.

Thank you all for your support over the years and please step forward if you feel you can assist in any way Steve and the Marketing Team to achieve their plans. Colin Haslam

7676A Big Thank You...

Herts Rugby are very grateful for the continued support offered by our main sponsor Proco.

Marketing Chairman, Colin Haslam was pleased to present Giles Bowes, Managing Director and Sam Goody, Head of pre press with their County Shirts, as a memento of their first season supporting Herts Rugby.

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Community Rugby Report

New RDO for Hertfordshire

We have pleasure in confirming that at the beginning of April 2017 we appointed Tom Redfern as The Herts RFU R RDO. Tom was the RFU CRC in North Middlesex and has developed an outstanding reputation with his clubs as well as Middlesex RFU. We had an exceptionally strong field of applicants and Tom was the stand-out candidate”

Although we thought about asking him we felt it a bit cruel to insist on him doing an article for this edition so we will be calling upon him to fill us with his thoughts for the Yearbook 2017-18 which in theory should be published at the start of next season.

Hertfordshire Voice on a new National BodyThe RFU has been holding a lot of consultations about the future of Age Grade Rugby. One of the outcomes of this has been the creation of a National Advisory Board for Age Grade Rugby. Following an application and selection process, Tim Bonnett our Chair of Community Rugby and CB Safeguarding Manager has been selected to be a member of this Advisory Board. The Board will give under 18s rugby in clubs the same national level voice as Schools, Colleges and Universities. It is excellent for Hertfordshire that the CB will have direct knowledge of issues and initiatives and a voice to influence discussions at national level. We congratulate Tim on his appointment and wish him luck in the new role. The first meeting is on 28th May so Tim will doubtless make mention of this at the next County Forum.

Changes to the Executive – Community RugbyFollowing a review of the scope of the Community Rugby Chairs role, it has been agreed that the role will be split. In future there will be a Chair, Community Rugby – Adults and Chair, Community Rugby – Age Grade Rugby. The amendments to the CB Constitution to facilitate this will be presented to the AGM. At the AGM the Executive will be presenting their nominees for the roles:Community Rugby, Adults – Peter BradyCommunity Rugby, Age Grade Rugby – Tim BonnettRole descriptions of the split role are available and will be circulated with the AGM papers. In summary, Adults will encompass Men’s and Women’s Rugby in all forms and Volunteering; Age Grade Rugby will cover all club and school activity with under 18 (Mini and Youth) players.

Tim Bonnett

For up to date information, fixtures and results visit:

www.hertsrugby.co.uk

Community Rugby Report

New RDO for Hertfordshire

7676New RDO’s reportHerts RFU Annual

Golf Day 2017Friday 7th July at East Herts Golf Club

Plenty of spaces available to this great day out!

If you are interested then please contactLes Clark: les.clark@sky.com or

Colin Haslam: penninepartnership@ntlworld.com

WANTED! COUNTY MEMBERSAre you a County member?

Become a part of our growing club and help support the County in the process.

Your donation helps to run the game in the County and still offers fantastic value for money.

At only £15 (family £20) a year you can gain free admission into home County Championship games and Presidents’ Cup. Tankard and Trophy County cup finals, including the Hertfordshire

7’s. You will also receive a copy of the County Yearbook and About Herts Newsletters.

Members are also eligible to apply for International tickets, however, it must be pointed out that demand often exceeds supply.

Please complete the application form on the overleaf and post as directed at the bottom of the page, or, if preferred, scan and email to sw@apsmetals.co.uk

Hertfordshire  Rugby  Football  Union    Application  for  Individual  or  Family  Membership  

I  apply  for  *individual  (£15-­00)  /  *Family  (£20-­00)  membership  of  the  Hertfordshire  Rugby  Football  Union.    I  agree  to  pay  my  annual  membership  subscription  on  the  1st  September  in  each  year.  

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Application  for  membership  must  be  proposed  by  a  member  of  the  Union  Proposed  by:     Signature    

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Please  Pay   To  Account   Hertfordshire  Rugby  Football  Union   Number        :                06206387  

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Branch  Title   Barnet  Branch      51        -­    61      -­      34  Address 126  High  Street   Barnet   Hertfordshire   Post Code EN5  5FF  

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Please  DEBIT  *my/our  account  accordingly,  quoting  “Annual  Membership  Subscription”  

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*Please  delete  as  appropriate  When  you  have  completed  this  application  form,  please  return  this  document,  for  onward  processing  to:-­            

 Brian  M  Burke,  Membership  Secretary,  41a  High  Street,  Baldock,  Herts  SG7  6BG  

or  John  Gregory,  Treasurer,  4  Caldecote,  Near  Stilton,  Cambridgeshire,  PE7  3SG  

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7676Schools Rugby Results 2016-17

A huge amount of rugby has been played in the last month involving the final stages of the Herts Schools Rugby competitions this season. Quick reminder that we run three tiers of boys tournaments to allow all schools to play competitive rugby with a chance of winning:

• SHIELD schools that are new to rugby or less developed for one reason or another. • TROPHY schools that are not traditional rugby playing schools, but nevertheless play a reasonable standard of rugby.• CUP traditional rugby playing schools and private schools.• For girls rugby, we run two tiers – Trophy & Shield.

I am pleased to say that, as Hertfordshire schools rugby continues to expand and thrive, there are some new names on the various trophies. This is great to see. U15 Girls SHIELD Final – 17th March: Thomas Alleyne 15 – 10 Sandringham.U15 Girls TROPHY Final – 17th March: Beaumont 15 – 10 Kings Langley.U14 Boys SHIELD Final – 22nd March: Simon Balle 15 – 20 Marlborough.U15 Boys SHIELD Final – 22nd March: Simon Balle 36 – 15 Thomas AlleyneU18 Boys SHIELD Final – 22nd March: Kings Langley 7 – 23 Queens.U14 Boys TROPHY Final – 29th March: Freman College 17 – 18 Queens.U15 Boys TROPHY Final – 27th March: Broxbourne 10 - 14 HockerillU18 TROPHY Final – 29th March: Birchwood 8 – 12 Tring.

And finally, a reminder of results in the CUP from earlier in the season:U14 CUP Final – 7th December 2016: Haileybury 17 – 30 Watford U18 CUP Final – 7th December 2016: Haileybury 24 – 21 St Albans

U14 Boys SHIELD Final - Simon Balle

U14 Boys SHIELD Final - Queens

U14 Boys TROPHY Final - Queens

U15 Boys TROPHY Final – Hockerill

7676Hertfordshire Womens Rugby

2017 Gill Burns County Championship

In 2016, the opportunity to represent the county was improved greatly from previous years and the RFU put together a competition that reflected the national interest in the sport. This experience was well received and laid a foundation for plans that in future years, it would become even more aligned with the male championships.The 2017 competition was improved in structure, offering more competitive matches and more of them. In response to this, the offer available to local players was improved further with an even greater investment of time and resources.

This year’s competition had Hertfordshire pitted against Somerset, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire. With the possibility of a cup final for the group winners, the level of prestige was increased for this year’s group and the target for all involved was to reach the final.A large group of players was brought together for the task and a management group which worked hard to support them; in terms of success stories for this year, the togetherness and collaboration between players and coaches was probably the biggest achievement of all. The club team atmosphere that was created meant that there was such a great deal of enjoyment for all of us involved and I believe this was also reflected in some of the inspired play seen on the pitch. The work done in training by the players and coaches gave players the confidence to go out and express themselves, whilst the incredible support of the Herts Exec added an incredible value and professionalism to the player experience.

In the first game against Somerset at Harpenden RFC, in spite of a number of players absent, the Herts Women put together a solid performance to beat the visitors 32-12.

Some key themes were seen in our play throughout the Championship and that day we saw the ability to build phases in attack, vary wide and narrow attacks, high pressure defence with some brutal 1-1 tackling. At set piece we also saw the beginnings of our lineout dominance and scrum that was able to problem solve and gain the upper hand against a variety of scrummaging styles.In the next game away to Essex we saw an increased physicality and competition at the breakdown but the Hertfordshire women stepped up to this challenge and beat the eventual finalists 24-18, scoring some of the best tries seen by us or the opposition in any of the games this year.

In the third fixture we travelled away to Buckinghamshire, this time with a side now carrying injuries and suffering with some availability issues we had to select a side that could go and compete. Sadly this was like a cup final to Bucks who put together their best performance of the Championship while we managed the opposite. With the game finishing 39-5 we had to hope that the results went our way on the final

7676Hertfordshire Womens Rugby

weekend to allow us the chance to still go through after our final pool game the following Sunday.We finished the pool stages hosting Hampshire at Hertford RFC. The performance on the day was simply outstanding, reminiscent of the away game to Essex, where at times we were almost unplayable. The quality of some individual performances was immense and as a team we showed we were ready to peak the end of the competition. The whole side pulled together to comfortably beat Hampshire 22-5, but sadly the result was not enough to take us through in spite of winning 3 from 4 leaving us a very close second in the pool of 5 teams.

This year we came very close to achieving our target of reaching the final and we definitely had the quality to not only compete at that level but perhaps even win. Thanks must go to David Toon especially for his incredible work supporting the Women’s side and ensuring that the players and coaches were all well looked after. Close support from other Exec members, notably David Roberts, Richard Milne, Colin Haslam, Tim Bonnett and Adrian Sparks was all very much appreciated by the whole coaching and playing group. Thanks must also go to the excellent coaching staff of David Paine, Ben Creasey and Charlie Hughes who helped improve every player that arrived at a training session or game.

And lastly, but most importantly the players – thank you and congratulations must go to them all for their commitment to the challenge and also their performances that were a source of great pride for us all.

Grant HathawayHead Coach

For up to date information, fixtures and results visit:

www.hertsrugby.co.uk

7676County Championship ……An inside view:

PRE CAMPAIGN:After another long season the task of pulling a squad together is always a bit nervy as injuries mount up and the battle with holidays , weddings and stag do’s commences. The first gathering arrived and all concerns were eased as a formidable squad sat listening to our battle plan laid out by the ever young Mr Shanahan. Over the next few weeks training went well with players from Old Albanians, Bishops Stortford , Hertford, Letchworth and Tring gelling together and becoming a genuine TEAM. A quick reference to David Toon who had the unenviable task of dishing out “The Stash” a seminal moment in any rugby players life as also seen by the LIONS who still are like excited puppies when STASH arrives despite probably having a loft full on unused kit.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, ProCo and Tylers for all their support and once the excitement of the new clothing had eased the campaign began proper.

THE CAMPAIGN:Our victory at Kent was pleasing but we made it difficult for ourselves and it was one of those games that you just take as a win and move on. Gloucestershire arrived at Hertford RFC and met a Herts squad that just clicked . Some brilliant passages of play led to many sparkling tries and when the whistle blew and hands shaken the odd thought drifted to what may be !

Cornwall stood in the way of a memory making trip to Twickenham. If you managed to make the trip or had the pleasure of listening live via Cornwall radio you will know what a match it was. Cornwall Rugby do not do things by half measures, huge crowds, bands, pasties and a very, very good team just were a bridge to far for our Hertfordshire lads .

No one could doubt the commitment of any player and an amazing effort from James Shanahan ; Head coach and playing in two of the fixtures is some effort and is an example to any players , he deserves any and all plaudits he may receive and we wish him well in his future ventures.The lads all had an early night after the Cornwall match and despite staying very close to the lively Newquay night life spent the evening in ice baths before retiring early ; HONEST!

CONCLUSION:There is some disappointment as Twickenham would have been special for so many of the players but the group came together as one very quickly and any rivalries were forgotten and new genuine friendships have begun. The Herts executive supported us at every stage and many thanks go to all those involved.

There is also a little frustration as there is some resistance to county rugby from some coaches and clubs but if any single player is asked about their experience over this campaign there would be no doubt playing for HERTFORDSHIRE is a fantastic experience, a big honour and can lead to representing your country as many Herts players have done and are doing in the England Counties set up.

Rumours abound about changes that may or may not occur to the county game but rest assured Hertfordshire is ready and looking forward to 2018.

Paul Allen HRFU Team Manager

7676County Championship ……An inside view: Bill Beaumont County Championship 2017

A new format for the Bill Beaumont County Championship was introduced this season.The top 12 Counties from last year’s tables formed Division One split into North and South Pools, the winners of each playing in the Final. Although the winners will compete for the Cup each year, relegation from Division One will be determined over a two year cycle. Promotion from Division two will also be determined over two years.

In the South, last year’s top pool of Hertfordshire, Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Surrey was joined by Kent and Devon. The Pool was split into two groups of three and each County played the teams in the other group once only either home or away. Hertfordshire was in Group One and played the group two sides, Kent, Gloucestershire and Cornwall in year one, The Committee will determine the groups for year two in due course.

Overall Hertfordshire had a satisfactory season, though missed out on a bonus point against Kent and lost to Cornwall. That coupled with the fact that it was deducted two Championship points for playing an ineligible player due to an administrative error, meant that Hertfordshire finished fourth in the Group One table.

The story of the season follows

Kent 12 Hertfordshire 19Despite the self-inflicted handicap of playing with 14 men for 60 minutes, Hertfordshire forged a fine with over Kent in their first pool match at Blackheath.

Having scored three fine tries, excellent Hertfordshire defence kept Kent scoreless until the game entered second half stoppage time when the home side grabbed two late scores, which rather flattered their score line.

Although the Herts line out did not function at all well, the forwards dominated the scrums and won much turn over ball at the breakdown. This enabled the speedy backs to take the most of their opportunities. In addition Kent made numerous handling errors, many forced by the strong tackling of Herts.

With both teams playing their first match, the game took a little time to settle, but it was the visitors who struck first, when following a line out 15 metres from the Kent line they spun the ball along the line for Tom Banks (Bishop’s Stortford) to cross in the right corner.

Unfortunately 10 minutes later the two scrum halves got themselves involved in a fracas which resulted in a yellow card for the Kent player and a red for the Herts scrum half. However the Herts selectors had shown the foresight to select Stortford’s scrum half Banks on the wing, so he stepped in and took command behind the forwards.

Just before the half hour, a loose Kent clearance kick was caught inside his half by full back Ali Crossdale (Old Albanian), who showed a fine turn of speed to beat all the opposition and touch down under the post for a try which Banks converted to give the visitors a 12 point lead. Just before the end of the half a Sam Winter (Bishop’s Stortford) break threatened the Kent line only for the ball to be knocked on.

The second half opened in a similar pattern to the end of the first, with Kent being harried into mistakes and Herts winning enough ball the keep play clear of their line. Then after 15 minutes, from a scrum on the half way line fly half Zac Vinnicombe (Old Albanian) made a clean break and the speedy Crossdale was on hand to finish the move for a try that Banks converted, so extending the lead to 19 points.

By now Herts were not kicking penalties to touch because of lost confidence at the line out, but by scrummaging or tapping and running they kept possession. However being one short began to tell and more and more of the play took place in the visitor’s half. Excellent defence held the line intact, but when Herts suffered a yellow card from a maul offence the cracks began to appear. But it was not until the game went into stoppage time that Kent finally got a score when flanker Stradwick (Blackheath) crashed over from a driving maul. The try was converted by Reynolds (Tunbridge Wells) and there was just time for replacement prop Cooper (Canterbury) to touch down to make the final score 12 – 19. Hertfordshire 46 Gloucestershire 19In the second pool match, Hertfordshire ran in eight tries, seven in the first hour, to overwhelm Gloucestershire in an entertaining display of running rugby at Hertford.

By common consent this was one of the best displays of rugby seen at Hoe Lane for a long time, with Herts running the ball at every opportunity. The Herts pack again scrummaged well, won a number of turnovers in the loose and, unlike last week against Kent, gave a plentiful supply of ball from the line outs.

This gave the backs plenty of opportunities, with Banks at scrum half masterminding the proceedings - his individual tap and go try from 40 metres

out being one of the highlights. As a result Herts swept to a 39 -7 lead in the first hour. The multiple replacements disrupted things somewhat and, with Gloucestershire tenaciously sticking to their task and scoring two late tries, Herts scored only once more.

Herts got off to a dream start scoring two tries in the first few minutes. Firstly from a penalty some 30 metres out the ball was swiftly moved left and centre Winter crossed the line. Then five minutes later Banks took a quick penalty and had beaten the defence to score under the post in the blink of an eye. He converted to give Herts a 12 point lead.

Shortly after, Herts lost their fly half Vinnicombe with a torn hamstring but full back Lloyd moved seamlessly into his slot. Gloucestershire used well what ball they won and centre Goatley (Cleve) always looked dangerous. He opened the visitor’s scoring after some 20 minutes play with a try which was converted by fly half Moffatt (Cinderford).

Herts responded immediately and having won a line out Banks made the half break and from the recycled ball a long pass left gave Sam Barnes (Tring) space to cross in the corner. The home side kept up the pressure and a forward drive from a 5 metre scrum enabled replacement lock Sam Lunnon (Old Albanian) to touch down. Then on the stroke of half time prop Karl Garside (Old Albanian) touched down after a spell of continuous play that had started deep in home territory.

The opening five minutes of the second half clinched the game for Herts. From a line out 7 metres out Herts ran the ball to the right and debutant wing Ben Creasy (Hertford) crossed the line.

7676Bill Beaumont County Championship 2017

Minutes later, to the delight of the home crowd, skipper Brett McNamee (Hertford) finished off a moved initiated by a 30 metre dash by Garside. Banks added the conversion to make the score 39 – 7.Multiple replacements followed and Herts to some extent lost their shape. This enabled Gloucestershire to fight their way back into the game and eventually they were rewarded with tries from replacement hooker Addis (Newent) and replacement prop Gibson, the latter converted by Moffatt. However Herts had the last word when Barnes grabbed the ball inside his half and sprinted past the defenders for a spectacular individual try converted by Banks to make the final score 46 – 19.

Cornwall 45 Hertfordshire 28In front of three and a half thousand Cornishmen at Camborne, Cornwall finally over powered a spirited Hertfordshire side to reach the final of the Bill Beaumont Cup.

Fifteen minutes into the second half the game was still in the balance with Herts just 3 points adrift, but at that point Herts flanker, Harry Bate (Old Albanian), who overall had an outstanding game, was sin binned and Cornwall took immediate advantage to open their lead to 10 points. Two more converted tries soon followed and the hopes of Herts were dashed.

Overall the Cornish side prove to be too strong for the visitors and took their scoring chances well. Flanker Matavesi (Camborne), with two tries, matched Bate in his performance and centre Wedlake (Plymouth Albion) was a constant thorn in the Herts flesh.

With a number of enforced changes, the Herts mid field lacked the cutting edge of the previous week’s performance, though they kept the Cornish defence on their

toes throughout the game. The forwards were steady in set piece and loose, but the Cornish pack matched them and this was by far the hardest contest of the season.

Cornwall took a very early lead when a clearance kick failed to find touch and although the Cornish attack was stopped short of the line, Matavesi used the recycled ball to touch down. Shepherd (Plymouth Albion) added the conversion. Within five minute Herts levelled the score, when fly half James Shanahan (Old Albanian) sold a simple dummy and strolled over after good ball was won by the forwards, Banks adding the conversion.

With both sides playing expansive games play went from end to end, but it was the home side who threatened to draw away when each of their wings scored in quick succession. Firstly Vinnicombe (Redruth) scored on the right following a pick and drive from a scrum and then Notman (Redruth) touched down on the left after the ball was quickly passed from the base of the scrum. Shepherd converted the first and Cornwall led 19 – 7.

Bill Beaumont County Championship 20177676

Bill Beaumont County Championship 2017

Herts soon counter attacked and winning good possession from a succession of breakdowns full back Pier Dotta (Bishop’s Stortford) was given enough space to touch down under the posts for a try which Banks converted. Despite a number of unforced errors Herts still looked dangerous and with the score at 19 – 14 to the home side there was all to play for at half time.

Just as in the first half, Cornwall had an early score in the second. Herts conceded a couple of penalties and from a 5 metre line out hooker Brown (Redruth) drove over for an unconverted try. Again Herts were swift to respond and lock forward Lunnon crashed over the line. Banks’ conversion reduced the deficit to 3 points.

The crucially Herts were then reduced to 14 men. Matavesi took immediate advantage for his second try, which Shepherd converted and suddenly Herts were 10 points down.

Cornwall drove home their advantage on the half hour scoring two tries in quick succession to seal the game. Excellent last ditch defence denied Cornwall a try at first but then Vinnicombe crossed for his second try. Replacement Mankee (Camborne) then latched on to a loose ball for another try and with Shepherd adding the conversions, Cornwall had 45 points on the board.However Herts had the last say and were rewarded when, after five minutes of good possession, Lunnon scored his second try followed by another Banks conversion on the stroke of full time.

Hertfordshire players:

Backs: Ali Crossdale (Old Albanian) (1), Ben Lloyd (Hertford) (1), Pier Dotta (Bishop’s Stortford) (1), Henry Robinson (Rosslyn Park) (1), Ben Creasey (Hertford) (2), Sam Winter (Bishop’s Stortford) (2), James Shanahan (Old Albanian) (2), Jimmy Rea (Bishop’s Stortford) (1), Nick Hankin (Bishop’s Stortford) (1), Sam Barnes (Tring) (3), Francis Denny (Letchworth) (3), Matt Bendin (Hertford) (1), Jack Scantlebury (Bishop’s Stortford) (1), Zac Vinnicombe (Old Albanian) (2), Tom Banks (Bishop’s Stortford) (3), Stefan Liebenberg (Cambridge) (1), Jack Daly (Old Albanian) (2)

Forwards: Ralph Adams-Hale (Ampthill) (1), Hayden King (Old Albanian) (3), Karl Garside (Old Albanian) (3), Sean Edwards (Bishop’s Stortford) (1), Josh Taylor (Old Albanian) (2), Will Roberts (Bishop’s Stortford) (2), Andy Berry (Old Albanian) (2), Brett McNamee (Old Albanian) (3) (Capt), Declan Caulfield (Bishop’s Stortford) (1), Matt Tomlinson (Bishop’s Stortford) (2), Jonathan George (Bishop’s Stortford) (2), Sam Lunnon (Old Albanian) (2), James Apperley (Bishop’s Stortford) (1), Jason Billows (Old Albanian) (2), Dan Elsom (Bishop’s Stortford) (3), Anthony Maka (Hertford) (1), Dave Archer (Hertford) (3), Josh Corcoran (Hertford) (2), Harry Bate (Old Albanian) (2) ,

David WilliamsHRFU Press Officer

7676Bill Beaumont County Championship 2017

For up to date information, fixtures and results visit:

www.hertsrugby.co.uk

Bill Beaumont County Championship 20177676

Hertfordshire Rugby Supporters’ Lunch

The annual Hertfordshire Rugby Members’/Supporters’ Lunch was held at Hertford RFC before the County Championship match between Hertfordshire and Gloucestershire on 13th May 2017. As usual, this was very well attended with 116 sitting down for an excellent lunch prepared by Hertford’s resident caterer Kevin Brewer. Thirteen clubs were represented as well as a table of referees from HSRFUR and the regular table comprising our friends from the Bull at Gosmore on one of their regular annual outings. We also welcomed Brian and Sue East from Middlesex RFU as our guests.

Head Coach, James Shanahan, and President, Martyn Kirk, took time out from their busy match day responsibilities to address the lunch and their contributions were much appreciated. Lunch organiser, Mark Elliott, welcomed everyone to the lunch and then tried to explain the change in format to the first division of the Bill Beaumont County Championship Cup. The RFU, in their wisdom, have increased the pool size from 4 to 6 but with each County only playing three fixtures. Bizarrely our fiercest rivals, Gloucestershire and Cornwall, will not play each other in this year’s competition but Hertfordshire will play both of them.

The lunch was followed by a highly entertaining game in difficult, windy conditions and Hertfordshire were quite outstanding, particularly in the first half. The cost of the lunch is only £20, which includes admission to the game and match programme, and it was generally accepted that this represents extremely good value for money. The next lunch will be held before a Hertfordshire home fixture in May 2018. Please keep your eye on the website for details nearer the time.

Past Captain’s meet up againTony Else 1970-72James Wright 1972-73

Mark ElliottHertfordshire RFU President 2012-2014

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Wow.... How’s About This for Herts Rugby

10 x Ladies represent England from Hertfordshire this season including 4 x Full Caps

All for the 2017 England Women U20’s

Lotte Clapp

Sydney Gregson

Sarah McKenna

Ellana Perry

Emily Scott

Ella Wyrwas

Justine Lucas

Jeanne Stephenson

Zoe Harrison

Rosanna Moynihan

Wow.... How’s About This for Herts Rugby ....AND EVEN MORE from HERTS7676

9 x Men have also gained International Honours which include 2 x at the very top.

England XV v Barbarians & Tour of Argentina 2017

England Counties U20 Tour of Holland 2017

England U20 World Cup in Georgia 2017Ali Crossdale Ralph Adams-Hale

England Counties Tour of Spain 2017Harry Bate Haydn King

Nick Isiekwe

Seb Brownhill Karl Garside

Jack Singleton

Matt Bendin

This just proves that our game of rugby is stronger than ever in Hertfordshire proving once again that we do punch above our weight.

Not only do we have success as above but having 4 x Herts boys on The British & Ireland Lions Tour to New Zealand tin 2017 in Owen Farrell, Jamie George and Maro Itoje. Not forgetting of course our very own, Peter Baines, President of The RFU

This is something very special to all involved in the game throughout the County.Well done everyone as you can tell we are very proud.

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