Club Dinner 7pm

Please be punctual for a 7:30pm sit down

AGM WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE 2008 7.30pm

Clubhouse Refurbishments

As you may be aware, we have been planning some major changes to the structure of the club house.
These changes have now been designed and drawn-up and have been sent to the council for planning permission.
Principally, the main change is the erection of a new pitched roof that squares off and over-reaches the existing building. The idea being that we will then be able to replace the innards of the existing building piece meal as and when funds allow.
You can view a video of the proposed changes here

Summer Garden Party

AGM WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE 2008 7.30pm

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It's your time to voice your opinions, suggestions, elect new Officers and Captains, or simply step forward and get involved at the club.

The club needs your support in more ways than just playing rugby. If you're passionate about your club and have some ideas or even better want to get involved, then please attend the AGM WEDNESDAY JUNE 4th 2008 7.30pm .

Club roles:
President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Team Sec, Fixture Sec, 1 XV Captain, 2 XV Captain, 3 XV Captain, Kit Manager, Surrey Representative, School Representative, Recruitment Officer, Press Officer and Organisers for the following events: Ladies Night, Club Tour, Club Dinner, Countryman's Lunch, Supporters Lunch.

If you're interested in being considered to take on a role for the club and would like to know more about what's involved then feel free to drop me an email at nataliehicks@btinternet.com

7's Tournaments

Ollie Beales has taken up the challenge of 7's skipper and will be after availabilities for the Surrey 7s on Friday 25th April (first game at 1810hrs) and the Haslemere 7s on Sunday May 4th.
Those interested in playing please contact him on 07793708273 or e-mail him at obeales@hotmail.com.

Theres a good chance there will be more tournaments to follow so keep an eye out for updates.

7's Skipper required

The seven's season is drawing closer, and invites for competitions/tournaments are being sent out so if anyone fancy's skippering the OW 7's side this season then email me at nataliehicks@btinternet.com

Washer Cup – Thursday 20th March 4pm

Due to issues with the guys getting back from university in time, the game has been re-scheduled for Thursday at 4pm.
Please come along and support the club and see the latest crop of Walcountians in action.

Club Dinner 9th May

Look's as though we will have plenty to celebrate this season so get your name down for a ticket to the club dinner now.
The cost is £37.50 and includes a three course dinner, wine and entertainment.

You can buy your ticket online or by sending me a cheque or by paying direct into the club bank account (email me for details). I will not be accepting any cash (can't be trusted not to drink it as soon as you give it to me).
Numbers are limited this year, purely for my own sanity so if you want a ticket, buy it now.

Chief
sohara@pivotal-solutions.co.uk

PRESIDENT'S REUNION LUNCH 29 MARCH 2008

Invitations have been issued to Honorary Vice Presidents, former players and supporters of the OWRFC. The lunch will be free but, as usual we will aim to cover the cost from a generous response to the sale of raffle tickets on the day. After lunch the 1st XV will take on Chipstead and the result will have an important bearing on the final places in the Surrey 2 League. A good turnout on the touchline is important.

Our mailing list, though much improved, is still not complete, so if you have not heard from the President and would like to come along please contact him on 01737 352802 to ensure that you receive your invitation and that your details are recorded for the future.

E.G.M - 19th March 2008

EGM will be held at the rugby club on Wednesday 19th March at 7:30pm with a single agenda item of ?Ratifying the Changes to the Club Rules?

Please support your club and attend.

The changes to the club rules can be viewed in the following download:-
OWRFC RULE CHANGES CLICK HERE

New Players Evening Saturday 9th February

That time of year again where The Shadow and Potato Boy make their appearance.
A rip-snorting evening of entertainment in honour of all those new players to the club this season.

As always, the festivities start at 7:30pm with games and shenanigans, followed by a Monty 'road kill' curry and cabs into Sutton for those that can still stand!
The curry is provided gratis to all as is the beer for all New Players.

This is a great night and a really good opportunity to get to know the new guys so please make sure you've cleared it with the boss (WAG or Mum) and bring your drinking trousers!

75th Anniversary Dinner Picture CD

Countrymans Lunch

Comedy Night Friday 26th October

A Northern Monkey production that will no doubt be every bit as good as the last one.
Book you tickets by dropping Phil a line on phildinsdale1963@hotmail.com or 07921650269
Tickets cost ?10 and include the meat raffle!!

TRAINING NOW ONCE A WEEK

Training is now TUESDAY - 7.45pm all welcome!

The End of an Era

Dave Carter who died in the early hours of the fifth of September at the age of 67 was a local legend to many in the rugby community. He embodied the art of coarse rugby played in the twentieth century. A very big and very strong prop forward, who developed great technical skills in his front row play. He was a fearsome competitor in the time when the front row was far more of a gladiatorial contest than it is today.
He was often more renowned by opposing clubs who experienced his full force than by some of his peers at Walcountians. Every club that we played regularly knew him as ?Bluto?, (Popeye?s enemy, big muscles and wild black beard), liked for his approach to the game and his conviviality afterwards.
Graham Brooks of Purley, a by no means small prop forward once told me that the problem with playing against Dave was not only that he was immensely strong but that he had so big a frame that he was really hard to get a grip on.

Dave never played rugby at school; Walcountians had to show him the subtleties which naturally took a while for him to pick up, a task that he approached with enthusiasm and dedication. Bill Ireland, famed rugby teacher of Wallington School and at the time coaching the Old Boys said that if he had been able to coach him from the age of eleven, he would have played for England.
Dave was a good clubman, being a builder with a penchant for demolition he provided the club with the opportunity to obtain hard core for the foundations of the clubhouse from a factory that he was destroying in Kenley. His enthusiasm helped to encourage the Old Boys to go further than the foundations in digging out what is now the cellar under the bar.

Throughout his playing career, he was always interested in meeting and encouraging new and younger members to the club. Long before coaches picked up on the importance of hydration before a match, Dave was practising this discipline with four or five pints before kick off, (plus a couple of whiskies if it was a cup game). Skipper Roly Walton tried to get him to change his regime, but gave up when it appeared to reduce his performance.

As a tourist he was also legendary although under the ?what happens on tour stays on tour? law, over much of this I must cast a veil. However I do remember one Easter Sunday a slightly foxed Walcountians team lining up for kick off behind our own 25 yard line (1960s) as MidSomer Noughton RFC kicked off, gathered the ball quite unopposed and narrowly missed a drop goal. At that moment Dave who had disappeared into their outside privy behind the try line opened the door, caught the ball and punted us back to the halfway line.

Dave also toured with invitation sides such as Rumbridge Pack to the West Indies, Bahamas and Kenya. The experience helped him to organise an eventful but enjoyable Walcountian tour to Mombasa. He also played for invitation sides, the Clappers, Flying Safari and the Met Police. On tour to Ireland Walcountians lost to Balina on a Saturday, after celebrating with the victors, the next day Dave found himself playing for them in an Irish cup competition.

Dave also had a successful trial with Warrington Rugby League Club and was offered a house and employment there but one look at Warrington in the sixties decided Dave on remaining an amateur with OWs.

We played together in the front row for many years and went through thick and thin together, forging a great friendship which extended to our professional careers, if one of us was unemployed we would often find work for each other in our respective industries. Our families enjoyed many happy times together. All our thoughts are with Julie, Danny, Lee, Alan, Maria and Mike and Dave?s grandchildren James and George.

Your very good friend,

Rocky.

Dave and his family did not want a formal funeral. His body has been donated to science. The Carters will hold a celebration of his life at the Club on Sunday the 23rd September from 3pm. Please come and raise a glass to him.

Ray Hague

As many of you will already know, after a long and painful fight with cancer, Ray Hague sadly passed away on Monday at the Marsden.

?The Major? was a true gent, a charming man with a lovely wit who bore his knocks with great stoicism and humour. He will obviously be greatly missed by all Old Walcountians and our very dearest sympathies go out to his son Spike, daughter Janet and wife Marje.

The funeral is at 4pm on Thursday, 9th August at North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden Lane, Morden, Surrey SM4 4NU. Black not essential. Followed by refreshments at Clockhouse.

Family flowers only, but donations in lieu welcomed to the Renal Research Unit at the Marsden. Cheques payable to "Martin Gore's Renal Research Fund" or to either the Director on the day or W A Truelove & Son, 121 High Street, Banstead, Surrey SM7 2NS.

Scott Gunn Trophy ? Saturday 21st June 2pm

The annual inter-club tournament will be taking place this Saturday starting 2pm.
This is a chance to play lacrosse (against the girls as well ? not as easy as you might think), soccer, cricket and hockey against all the other sections of the OWA ? of course you also have to defend the honour of OWRFC in the tag rugby games!

The rugby section are the current holders of the cup so it would be nice to carry on the tradition and show the other sections who?s boss.
This is a really good fun day out for the whole family so please make an effort to attend. If you would like to play, send an email to Chairman Bob bobmcdowell.1@gmail.com

PRE SEASON TRAINING STARTS MONDAY 2ND JULY

Please be up the club for a prompt 7.45pm start!
To avoid blisters and injuries bring trainers as well as boots
Any problems contact Andy Boivin 0775 954 2708

Tony Jones and Gerry Robinson

It is with much sadness that I have to announce the loss of Tony and Gerry.

TONY JONES was the first Wallington boy to represent England at the 18 Group level. He was capped in1952. After National Service he went to play first class rugby with Richmond, which was then one of the big clubs in English rugby. He returned to play with the Old Walcountians in 1957. He was elected Captain of the club and led the side for five seasons at the end of which his job took him away from the area. During this period the 1st XV lost only 24 out of 141 games and went through the 1958-59 season unbeaten. Tony had the gift of quickly reading a game, evaluating the strengths and weakness of the opposition and of setting tactics accordingly. He led from the front and inspired and encouraged his fellow players. Although suffering from cancer and the effects of chemotherapy he was determined to come to the 75th Anniversary lunch in April and even fought his way up to the pitch to see the match, an act typical of Tony.

He died on Thursday and will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to Sheila and his family.

His funeral service will be held at 1.30 pm on Monday 11 June at The Surrey and Sussex Crematorium, Balcombe Road, Worth, Sussex. Donations may be sent to St. Catherine?s Hospice at East Grinstead.

GERRY ROBINSON was one of our senior Honorary Vice Presidents. He was a good athlete and an ex-player but above all he was a tremendous worker for the Old Walcountians. Gerry was our very first Tour Manager. He was very much involved with the running of the fund-raising Donkey Derbys of the 60s and 70s and with the building of the clubhouse, where he was responsible for all aspects of the electrics, heating and plumbing. We remain indebted to him for his unsparing efforts on behalf of the OWs.

Our condolences go to Patricia and his family.

His funeral service will be held at 1.15 pm on Wednesday 13 June at Randalls Park Crematorium, Randalls Road, Leatherhead. Donations may be sent to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution or the Donkey Sanctuary c/o Longhurst Undertakers, Pound Lane, Epsom KT19 8RY.

Munge Nicholls
President
2 June 2007

OWRFC AGM - Wednesday 23rd May

Come along, have your say, get yourself involved for next season and do a job for the club.
This is an important night, please don't miss it.
The club will also furnish you with some food and few beers for your trouble!

Club Dinner 4th May

The annual dinner is once again upon us and I am taking bookings.
Cost is ?35 which includes food, wine and entertainment (we will not be having the good doctor back again!!).

You can pay me by cheque, bank transfer or PayPal here
I will be at the club on Saturday or else you can give the money to John behind the bar.

When booking your place, please specify your wine choice, Red or White. Places are strictly limited to 80 this year because of a different table layout so it's strictly a first come first served basis.

Chief

Bob "The Claw" McDowells 50th Birthday

In truly attrocious conditions, the stalwarts of the OWRFC yeomanry took on our old mates from Warlingham in a fun filled knockabout game that despite the conditions, attracted a large crowd of vocal and animated supporters.
Ii was Testimony to the Ginger Claws popularity that so many old mates braved the elements to participate - in fact, there were 6 father & son combinations on display which was great for all the families concerned.
Happy birthday Bob!!

New Players Evening 10th Feb

Another BIG night on the 10th Feb. The Shadow and accomplices will be running the entertainment!! Carnage is expected so make sure you've booked a cab and/or a bed in intensive care.

Monty will be providing us with his usual feast of everything currried and there's free beer for all the new boys. This is always a great night at the club so make sure you're there.

The new players will be receiving their summons' very shortly.

Boxing Day Game - Warlingham

The tradition continues - we are playing Warlingham away on Boxing day, 11am KO.
The game is a chance to shake off a few cobwebs and to enjoy copious amounts of port and mince pies at the expense of our generous hosts at Warlingham.
When your skipper calls you this week, please make yourself available to make this a great jamboree to end the year.

Countrymans Sold Out!!

Due to Charlie's pursuasive manner and threat of violence, the Countryman's Lunch is sold out at 50 people.
If you would like to go on the reserve list, then drop Charlie a line on 07881920391
Also, if you haven't paid yet, then get your money in soon as possible otherwise Charlie will sell your ticket.
Apparently, there is entertainment this year... it isn't Adam fighting with everyone either!!

ANTWERP 2007 - 6th - 9th April......Deposits needed NOW!

Initial interest in this seasons OWRFC jaunt has been great but its time to put your money where your mouth is and get your deposits in NOW!
With the "old guard" moving aside to let the younger and lets face it just plain cooler members of the club to run this seasons show it promises to be a trip not to be missed!

?50 deposit is required now....All payments to be given to Ollie Beales 07793708273 ASAP!
Cheques made payable to OWRFC Tour Fund.

COUNTRYMANS LUNCH - DECEMBER 8TH

Get your ticket now for this years Countrymans Lunch
?25.00 per ticket including entertainment.
This is surely the biggest drinking event in the OWRFC social calender.
To claim one of the limited nos. of tickets contact Charlie Everingham on 07881920391.

BIG SCREEN RUGBY AT OLD WALCOUNTIANS THIS AUTUMN

Nigel Hook Remembered

As you may be aware, this great friend of Old Walcountians very sadly died suddenly on the 27th September this year. You will all have recieved an email from the club, paying tribute to Nigel and his unstinting efforts with OWs over the years - here is another tribute from an organisation that he worked tirelessly for. CCPR

SAFFA Night 7th October

We've got a surfing machine, bunny chow (road kill, I think), biltong, Castle lager and a disco - all for the princely sum of ?10.
This promises to be a big nigt and it's Tom's first do' so let's make it a big one for the little fella.
Also, the dress code is strictly Springbok or Hawaiian.

Chairman's BBQ - Sunday 30th July

Surrey Boys

Congratulations to Andy, Sweedo, Dave, Jo and Ollie for great performances on Sunday playing for Surrey against Croydon in their pitch opener.

Club Dinner 2006

The club dinner is on Friday 5th May, cost is ?30 per head.
This includes a 3 course dinner with wine and port and the pleasure of a top class speaker and comedian.
Numbers are strictly limited so please let me know asap how many tickets you require, along with the dosh.

Contact Chief O'Hara 0208 660 4296 sohara@pivotal-solutions.co.uk for tickets. You can also pay using your credit card if you wish -
Unfortunately, there is a transaction cost for this service to cover the PayPal and credit card fees of ?1.50 per ticket.

Merit Table Draw

The merit table sem-final draws have been announced here
Interesting reading - looks like the Combination Bowl was the competition to be in given that ALL play-off and quarter finals games were walkovers!

Yet Another Great Satuday of Wins

Wins all round on Saturday with the 1s turning over poor Warlingham 2s (didn't have the heart to tell them we had four 4th team players in the side), the 2s getting a well earned victory over the Kingston bully boys and the 3s doing the business against our old mates Streatham & Croydon.

This season's shaping up to be the best the club has seen for ten years - 1s promoted, 2s and 3s in the semi-finals of their merit tables and if that wasn't enough, we've been fielding 4 teams!
Tremendous work by the captains, coach and team sec.

Six Nations - France vs England - Sunday 3pm

The club will be showing the England game on the big screen this Sunday from 2:30pm onwards.
Monty is also providing food in the form of burgers & chips, pasties etc.

Another Clean Sweep !!

Congratulations to all that got a game on Saturday, especially the 1s who look to have secured promotion to Surrey 2 with an immense performance against a very strong Raynes Park.
A double whammy over Alleynians saw us crush both their 3s and 4s with the Spartans and Warriors putting in some great performances.

Sadly, it wasn't all joy on Saturday as the 3rd team players will attest - Mitcham cried off at 1pm, leaving us no chance of getting another fixture. This was doubly galling given that we had passed up some decent fixtures as late as Friday night.

Reserve League Draws

The reserve league draw has happened and can be downloaded/viewed here Draws
Intriguing match-ups for our 2s and 3s with the Twohig Massive taking on either Farnham 3s or Kingston 2s and the Barbarians getting another go at the Fire Brigade 2s.
I suspect Trev will be happier than Morgan given the stitch-up the Fire Brigade pulled earlier in the season. However, if he prevails then there is a feast in store in the Quarter Finals where we would play our old muckers Streatham & Croydon!!

New Players Evening

A record crop of new guys means a BIG night on the 11th Feb.
Could be an enormous night given that the 1s are playing Bec, folowed by England vs Italy on the big screen.... just to make sure the evening doesn't pass without incident, The Shadow and accomplices will be running the entertainment!! Carnage is expected so make sure you've booked a cab and/or a bed in intensive care.

Monty will be providing us with his usual feast of everything currried and there's free beer for all the new boys. This is always a great night at the club so make sure you're there.

Invites are going out to the new players as we speak.

Boxing Day - Warlingham take the Spoils

In a fast and very good natured game on Boxing day, Warlingham managed to provide just a little more edge than OWs and make off with the new Christmas Cup, winning 44-25.

Despite some eccentric refereeing from the Chief, the game was notable by it's pace (as dear old Monty can testify from his oxygen tent) and no lack of skills. Good performances from new boys and old stagers alike made for an entertaining game (46 minutes 1st half, 31 minutes 2nd - the Chief forgot to start the watch.......) and was well supported by both sides with over 80 supporters braving the chill.

Thanks have to go to Warlingham for energetically supporting this inaugral event and for providing a 2nd place trophy too! This is the start of what we hope will be a long and happy Christmas tradition with our mates from Warl and we look forward to visting their new clubhouse next Boxing day.

OWRFC ANNUAL LADIES NIGHT

*****ADVANCED WARNING*****
Saturday 18th February 2006 - Woodcote Park Golf Club
7pm for 7.30pm SHARP! Carriages 12.45am

Entertainment by ?JULIE?
This season?s annual Ladies Night is being organised by Dins? mentor - ?The Supreme Court Judge?
There will only be 110 tickets available (Tables = 5 x 10 & 5 x 12)
Tickets ?30.00p each (a magnificent ?5.00p reduction on last seasons Ladies Night!)

An evening of quality food, Young?s ale, top drawer entertainment, and fine speakers? all at a wonderful and convenient location!
NOT TO BE MISSED!
To reserve your table/tickets, please see Jerry Warwick at the club, or phone: 01737.550352/07760.495284

Donations of raffle pries will be gratefully received ? please see Jerry before he has to come and hound you. Remember, there may well be a Court sitting before the end of the season!!!

Boxing Day Games

Everything is in place for 2 games, yes that's right, 2 games on Boxing day.
Despite my protestations, our new friends at Warlingham are keen to get an under 25s and an over 25s game sorted for 10:30am Boxing Day.

So, please start making preparations for this feast of Rugby on the 26th Dec - as always, there will be mince pies, port and hot toddies for all and as we're starting a new tradition with Warlingham, a new trophy.

This years fixture is at our place and the timing is to allow us to get back to the serious business of Ikea/B&Q in the afternoon. If you are in touch with any students that fancy a run out, please forward their contact deatils to me asap.

Chief

Countrymans Lunch - Friday 9th Dec

Yes, it's that time of year where you dust off (steam clean in some cases) your OWs party frock and sign up for the afternoon treat that is the Countrymans Lunch. For those that haven't been to one before, it's a Christmas Lunch with accompanying wine at the club - an institution!!

To reserve your seat, please tell Monty this Saturday.

Walcountians Top the League!!

The 1st team joined the 2nd team this weekend in topping their league with a fantastic display of open running rugby against the previous first placed incumbent.
Congratulations to everyone, not least the coach who must have been driven to distraction after the Raynes Park cup game - a real lift for every player in the club, well done!!
RFU League Table

Another 4 Team Weekend

Despite injuries and unavailabilities, we're fielding 4 strong teams this weekend !!
Fantastic effort everyone.

4 Sides this Week !!

Through Sterling work by your captains and team sec. we have 4 strong teams competing this weekend.
Hasn't happend for over six years, so congratulations to all concerned. Let's hope it's 4 victories we're celebrating on Saturday night!

Barbarian and "Friend"

Morgan "Barbarian" Kelly's 50th birthday celbratory game against Streatham & Croydon on Sunday was a fine example of the sort of rugby that this club has been missing!!

The Presidents 15 managed to field 8 props in all, 2 on the wings, 1 at scrum half and the rest scattered around the pack. The leisurely pace of the game was been put down to the pre-game and halftime refreshments i.e. port and 47% vodka in huge measures.

Despite the obvious positional displacements, the boys did well, narrowly losing 27-26 (that's how I remember it anyway) with some major comedy moments - one of which saw the Barbarian put up an "up & under" which by the time he got past our gain line, they had converted into a try!

One of the many presents recieved by the big man included a blow up "friend" which out of force of habit, he couldn't resist giving a crafty "reach around".

Yet more Oppo. Cry-Offs

It seems that our reputation is getting about and for the 3rd week in a row the opposition have decided not to play us. So far we've had the following teams cry-off:-

Reeds 2s vs 2nd Team
South Godstone vs 3rd Team
Old Cats Vets vs Vets Team

The upshot of all this is that the 3rd team are playing the Fire Brigade 2s this Saturday at Home - 3pm KO. A new team sheet will be winging it's way to you shortly.

CLOB Dinner Cancelled

The CLOB Dinner has been cancelled. Shame, it means we'll all be missing out on the dulcet tones of our very own "Mr Saturday Night" Phil Dinsdale!

Spud Caption Competition Winner

The reindeer always liked a sandwich after sex!

Bottle of sparkle to Tutts

Yet Another Great Weekend of Rugby!!!

What can I say, another 3 great wins, this is getting serious. Well done to the ones for seeing off likely rivals Raynes Park. The 2s sorted out Kingston and the 3s got a great debut win in their merit table against Mitcham.
Looking forward to next week.

Another Great Weekend of Rugby

Well done to the first and third teams for big performances and great results over Park House and Streaham & Croydon. Bad luck to the second team who were beaten 7-6 in what must have been a real battle of attrition.
Congratulations to Simon Fowler on coninuing his scroing streak with a brace of tries on Saturday. Also a very big welcome to Same Perez, Tom Flood and Lee Donovan on making their debuts for the Old Boys just before going off to university.

Excellent Clean Sweep!

Well played everyone and thanks for a great turnout on Saturday.
3 wins out of 3 is a great start to the season so lets see if we keep make this a start of a roll.
No cry-offs please this week.

Big Day Saturday 10th September

Ok fellas, the big day is approaching, the first league game of the season with all that it entails e.g. big crowd, loads of heckling (sorry, support) and free beer for all players that play on the day. Hurrah!!

All three sides are at home with the added bonus of a Wanderers side from Northolt travelling by coach playing the 2s who, and I quote, "...we're looking for a game and good few pints afterwards...." Apart from the "afterwards" bit, they sound right up our street!

Also, Monty is laying on a Karaoke for the evening with a promise of some of his famous dog and otter curry.

We should have a cast of thousands given the exeptional influx of new talent to the club so let's make it a BIG day for everyone - late passes from wives (or Mum Sweedo) are advised.

p.s. 3rd team players - there will be a strict dress code with fines for not participants - you will be informed by your skipper Morgan "The Barbarian" Kelly in due course.

Front Row Clinic

The man with the plan from the RFU will be here on Wednesday 10th August.
All those with any interest in playing in the front row or lock should be there.

Pre-Season Training!!

Training has begun!! We're training every Monday and Thursday with light fitness and ball skills, working up to more sophisticated stuff towards the start of the season.

The sessions start at 7:45pm sharp under the tutelage of our professional coach and is aimed at the whole club, young & old, talented & Morgan.

Come along and get stuck in, it's actually fun!!

Reigate Rout

Pictures from the victorious 1s last game of the season.

Washer Memorial - 23rd March

The annual washer memorial game will be held at the club on the 23rd March, 4pm kick-off
If you can take the time off or are at a lose end on Wednesday why not drop by and support this event to remeber an OW's old boy Steve Washer.

OddBins Wine Tasting - Friday 11th March

Just a reminder that this Friday OddBins are running a wine tasting competition at the club, 7:30 for an 8pm start.

Plenty of free wine and the chance to buy from Oddbins with a big discount - they will also be donating 10% of their sales to Red Nose Day.

Tickets are ?5 per person and cover your wine tasting and a buffet. You're welcome to bring kids for the buffet free of charge.

Please contact Monty on 01737 354348 to confirm.

Front Row Clinic - Wednesday March 2nd

We have arranged with the RFU for a top class front row coach to come and give us the benefit of his wisdom on Wednesday 2nd March.
The session will start at 7pm and end at 9pm and is aimed at introducing new props to the correct way to play as well as improving the technique of more experienced players.
It is imperative that we take advantage of these occasions so please make sure that you come along, even if it's only to watch.

Ladies Night Saturday 12th February

There are a few places still available at this years black tie Ladies Night.
The Ladies Night is undeniably the best event that the club organises and this year at the Rayon D'Or promises to be no exception. Tickets are priced at ?40 per person.

If you would like to book a ticket then please contact Phil dinsdale on 07890 430 326 or phildinsdale1963@hotmail.com

New Players Evening - Saturday 22nd Jan

It's that time of year again when we as a club welcome the new arrivals in a traditional Old Walcountians style........ loads of beer and games followed by weapons grade strength curry from Monty!!

The curry is free to all, as is the beer for our new guys. So, when your captain rings you this week to confirm your availabilities, please make sure you tell him you're coming to the New Players Evening also.

All members, playing are otherwise are very welcome.

Chief

Boxing Day Debacle

As you may be aware, Old Walcountians has a traditional Boxing day fixture against our old friends at Purley. This year, thanks to Gary Dring, we had a good team complete with subs and a shed load of supporters.
Unfortunately, Purley decided not to bother showing up on the day at their place and didn't even open the bar.
Obviously, everyone was thoroughly pi**ed off the results being a letter sent to their chairman which you can download here

Not for the Squimish! - a note from Bill

For those in doubt, it is real!! I have broken my leg!! See above.

Note the 2 incisions. The top incision is where a plate and six screws are being used to hold the broken fibula together while it heals. The lower, smaller, incision is where 2 bolts have been screwed through the base of the tibia and fibula while the ligaments and tendons heal after being ripped apart.

Note the nice tight stitches to reduce scarring. Please also note that nice tight stitching hurts like hell when it is removed!!!

I strongly advise against nice stitching (don't know why the surgeon did this anyway considering its the third time its happened and my legs are already covered in scars!. Don't think I'll be missed on the catwalks!!).

Have a nice day!!

Bill

PS Next thing to look forward to is having 2 bolts taken out of my ankles around Christmas time. I am awake to watch them doing it so I'll try and get a camera in while they unscrew ;-)

Christmas Sunday Lunch 19th December

Monty is cooking the final Sunday lunch of the year on the 19th December, 2pm. He is doing a 3 course spectacular (loads of roasties anyway) that will include at least a glass of wine with your meal.
Cost is a only ?10 for adults and ........... kids (up to the age of 14) go free!!

As it's the last of the year it would be nice for the rugby club to make a bit of an effort - the Kelly's/Dring's/Tutton's and O'Hara's are all getting a little weary of their own company!!

Please let Monty know this Saturday or by calling him on 07904 012853

England vs Australia
Coverage begins 2pm at the Club !!

Cometh the hour and cometh the man!! Not for the first time, Gary Hird has stepped up to help out his club and sorted out the license for this Saturday! Hurrah!!

Gary will run a raffle this Saturday and at all the 6 nations games to gradually recoup the cost - so, when he and his cohorts come round with the bucket on Saturday, don't be stingy.

Let's make sure there's a good turnout this Saturday for another famous English victory over the whining Oz.

Thanks again to Gary.


As we've got it until January 27th 2005, you might be interested in watching the following at the club:-

Sat Nov 27 France v New Zealand (KO 20.00)
Fri Dec 3 Castres Olympique v Munster (KO 19.30)
Sat Dec 4 Stade Francais v Ulster (KO 13.00)
Sat Dec 4 Leinster v Bourgoin (KO 17.15)
Sat Dec 4 Gloucester v Cardiff Blues (KO 19.30)
Sun Dec 5 Glasgow Rugby v Llanelli Scarlets (KO 13.00)
Sun Dec 5 London Wasps v Leicester Tigers (KO 15.00)
Tue Dec 7 Oxford v Cambridge (KO 14.00)
Fri Dec 10 Bourgoin v Leinster (KO 19.30)
Sat Dec 11 Ulster v Stade Francais (KO 13.00)
Sat Dec 11 Toulouse v Northampton Saints (KO 15.00)
Sat Dec 11 Munster v Castres Olympique (KO 17.15)
Sun Dec 12 Llanelli Scarlets v Glasgow Rugby (KO 13.00)
Sun Dec 12 Leicester Tigers v London Wasps (KO 15.00)
Mon Dec 27 London Irish v Northampton Saints (KO 15.00)
Sun Jan 2 Gloucester v Leicester Tigers (KO 15.00)

Vets Evergreen Cup

It's time to brush off your old encrusted boots, check your dentures and health insurance and turn out for the magnificient OWRFC Veterans!
Here's the details from Steve "I'm only just old enough" Simmonds.......

Vets Evergreen Cup
Sunday 24 October
At home at OWRFC
Meet time 1300 (for 1430 kick off)
v Old Reigatians

Please make Steve Simmonds first year as Vet's Captain easier by confirming your availability to him.
Simmo's contact details are:
email: steve@prcassoc.co.uk
Home: 020 8647 1767
Work: 020 8786 7376
Mob: 07976 303390

Race Night 16th October

Fancy a flutter at the OWRFC Race Night this Saturday ? Monty has organised a video race night for the Saturday 16th October starting at 7pm with all the usual betting opportunities. He will also be laying on some snacks for the evening. Last years event was a great success and this year's should be even better. So, bring your hard earned spondulacs along for some laughs and some not so serious betting. Children are most welcome.

Skipper gets his come uppence

Here is the unedifying spectacle of the club skipper Russ Yeo recieving the traditional offering from his team mates following his no-show at last weeks league game.

Despite what it may look like, Sweedo isn't emtying the contents of his sack of man juice over the captain, it is in fact just tonic water (might be the same thing to some).

Not Farewell to Guy.......

It would appear that the Dubai authorities have caught a whiff of the balding meastro's antics and decided they would prefer it if he stayed in Blightey !!
Guy will be heading up the operation from a London office so, no dodgy tax scams or being paid in barrels of the black gold for Nicholls.
I wonder if he'll give us his bloody shirt back now that he's not leaving ?????

10,000 Metres of Torture....(for me anyway)

Fishman (a.k.a. Paul Gregory) and a bunch of other nutters have entered the Brighton Reebok 10K. He would welcome anyone from Walcountians who'd like to join him and his mates.

The details of the event can be viewed here Brighton Reebok 10K and you can contact fishman on Phone: 020 8649 3240 E-mail: paulps61.gregory@met.police.uk

CLOB Pictures

Congratulations to the boys on reaching the semi-final.


Here are some pictures from the day, Russ leaping like a salmon (tinned variety!) and Ollie kicking a penalty which he insists was from near the half way line.....

Farewell to Guy

The CLOB tournament will mark the end of the road for one of Old Walcountians best and longest serving players - Guy Nicholls.
Guy is taking up a position in Dubai and CLOB will be his last game for the club.

Just to give you an idea of what Guy has contributed to OWRFC over the years :- a) Born in the year his father John became Club Captain (1945 by my reckoning!!). b) Nephew of Club President Munge. c) First 1st XV appearance at 16 years old d) Captain for 4 years during early 1990's e) Nearly 400 1st XV appearances spanning 22 years. As you can see, OWRFC runs deep within the Nicholls family.

Guy will be in the chair on Sunday after he's played and would welcome the chance to buy everyone a pint to celebrate his last match with OWRFC.
If you can make it to see the great man play, or just want to cadge a free beer out of him, I'm sure he will be happy to see you, particularly the codgers who have given him such helpful and vocal advice over the years.

Congratulations to Sandy and Steve Simmonds

Congratulations to Sandy & Steve on the arrival of their son Cameron on Tuesday at 4am weighing in at a healthy 7lbs The Ambassador is naturally both knackered and shell shocked but nothing can wipe the smile off his face.

Forwards Training Session

There is a forwards only training session at the club at 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 31st.
Scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls, game plan and theory. If you're serious about playing this season, then be there and make sure you know the relevent sections from the training guide.
Prospective 1st XV pack - attendance compulsory

More Training !!!!

Training is now of the pucker Rugby sort and is at 7:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays.
Phil has put together a fantastic programme of drills and exercises so please make every effort to attend.

Training

The fun starts on Wednesday with Rich Risebro taking you through some fitness.......
Then, as of Monday Aug 9th RUGBY TRAINING will be on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Season starts in September, so it's time to shake out those conwebs and get to training !!

Our Mates at Beddington CC Invite You ...

The boys Doughie, Cowlin and Lester have cordially invited members of OWRFC to a Pimms drinking bonnanza and bun fight at their cricket club on Wednesday 14th July. There will be drinks, cricket, BBQ and an assortment of merriment starting at 11:30am in Beddington Park