A mixed week for our teams this week.
Whilst the first missed out at Chipping Norton the seconds came away with an impressive victory at Chesham that moves them to third in the table and sets up an exciting encounter with local rivals and league leaders Banbury next week.
Finally, although I am sure the third team would have liked the run out, it was an easy 2 points in the bag after Stow on the Wold gave the a walk over.
Southern Counties North
Aylesbury 18 - 12 Witney
Chipping Norton 25 - 7 Bicester
Grove 5 - 26 Marlow
Milton Keynes 8 - 0 Buckingham
Slough 24 - 38 Swindon
Windsor 20 - 15 Beaconsfield
Berks / Bucks & Oxon 1 North
Aylesbury Athletic 26 - 30 Buckingham III
Banbury II 36 - 7 Bletchley II
Beaconsfield II 18 - 11 Aylesbury II
Chesham 24 - 33 Bicester II
Witney III 7 - 8 Gosford All Blacks II
Berks / Bucks & Oxon 2 North
Amersham & Chiltern III 52 - 0 Chipping Norton II
Aylesbury III 20 - 12 Witney IV
Bicester III HWO Stow-on-the-Wold III
High Wycombe III 10 - 15 Chinnor IV
Winslow 29 - 11 Banbury III
Monday, 27 October 2008
Saturday, 11 October 2008
Paul Chrisp’s County Round Up 11th October 2008
Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls, and welcome to our third home Southern Counties North League match of the new season.
Welcome to our visitors Swindon. They have had mixed fortunes in recent times; following a spell in South-West Division 2 East, they are currently, like ourselves languishing in the relegation zone. So today promises to be a nail-biting encounter as both teams seek to kick-start a revival in their form. We last met here on the 15th March 2003, with Swindon winning 13-0, and they also won the previous year 19-10. On that occasion Martin Ewins crossed for Bicester with Patrick Coogan adding the conversion and a penalty goal.
Bicester have so far been unable to maintain their promising start to the league programme. Following our home victory over Beaconsfield, we have fallen 53-0 to a well-drilled Buckingham side. Despite being 0-0 after 24 mins it was to be Henry Colver's day. The Buckingham centre scored a total of two tries, six conversions and two penalties. Last Saturday we went down 24-8 away at Grove. The scores were level 8-8 after Leigh Rushworth try and Tom Barnes penalty, but the home side used the strong wind, to kick 3 penalties and cross for a late converted try.
Next Saturday, 18th October, we shall be travelling to Cirencester in the 2nd round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase. We are hoping that as many Bicester supporters as possible will make the relatively short journey, to cheer Anthony Lewis and his team to a memorable National Cup victory. Other local clubs are also involved in the competition include; Chipping Norton, who will be away to Gordon League, Grove who play Chosen Hill Former Pupils at home, and Witney who entertain another Gloucestershire side, Widden Old Boys.
Turning now to the National League 3 South, Henley have re-established themselves as the premier rugby union side in Oxfordshire. They were made to battle all the way at basement boys Worthing before Neil Baggett's 80th minute try converted by Danny Wells, earned them a 10-6 win. Last Saturday the Hawks recorded a more impressive 28-19 home success against Richmond. There is precious little joy at Chinnor however, who went down 25-20 away to Bridgewater Albion before losing at home 32-20 to Worthing.
In South West 1, Oxford Harlequins were routed 55-7 at league leaders Readingensians, and despite making changes to the side, the again lost, 39-10 to 4th place Bracknell at home. This leaves Quins rooted to the bottom of the table. Wallingford made it 4 from 4 with an excellent 30-15 success at Olney, followed by a thrilling home victory over Swanage and Wareham. They now occupy third place in South West 2 East, behind Reading and Maidenhead. At the other end Henley Wanderers lost 31-18, at home to Olney.
Returning to our own Southern Counties North, a late penalty goal by Adam Smith gifted Chipping Norton a pulsating 28-26 victory at home to Windsor and a week later, they earned a emphatic 32-0 triumph away at Aylesbury to make it 3 from 4. Witney, like ourselves are still out of form. A narrow 20-17 home defeat by Slough preceded a 18-12 reverse away to Milton Keynes. Grove drew 27-27 at home to Alyesbury and gained their first win of the season last week against ourselves.
Oxford leads the field of local teams in BB&O Premier League. Successes against Stow 27-13, and Wheatley 48-7, mean they are now joint third. Newly promoted Harwell have made a highly creditable start to their first season in the League, winning 2 of their first 3 games. However, they returned to earth last week, crashing 83-10 at Newbury Stags. Newbury now top the league. Gosford, Abingdon and Wheatley are so far without any points. Gosford had thrashed Wheatley 54-0, but then forfeited 2 points due to a lack of front row and last week they lost 39-7 at Broadmoor. Littlemore secured an impressive 48-12 win at home to Berkshire Shire Hall in BB&O Division 1 South. In the same division, Hungerford beat Didcott 17-8. Two recent wins, against Huntingdon 27-12 and Old Newtonians, 32-15, have elevated Banbury to 4th position in Midlands 3 East South.
Witney Angels began their Midlands 2 Campaign with a 12-5 success over Longton Ladies. Veteran lock forward Debbie Gorrod, the former international sailor and Olympic trialist, scored the second try. Henley Ladies lost to title favourites Bath in their Championship Division 1 South opening game. Full back Chris Catling crossed for 2 tries in Oxford University's 24-8 defeat of Moseley. Despite the collapse of sponsors Lehman Brothers, the 127th Varsity match will take place at Twickenham as scheduled on Thursday December 11th.
To the Mini and Junior section now and it was another successful campaign for the mini section at the annual Grove festival last Sunday. Of the12 finals played in all (a main final and a plate final in each of the six mini age groups) Bicester appeared in 5 of them, winning 3; the Under 8's went unbeaten all day defeating Wheatley in the final match, as defending county champions the Under 9's got the season off to a perfect start and a special mention should go to Under 7's who were runners up in their first ever competitive outing. Well done to all the players and the ever dedicated coaching staff.
Finally a reminder that we shall be travelling to Chipping Norton on the 25th October, following the cup game in Cirencester, and on Saturday 1st November we entertain Slough in the league here at Oxford Road.
See you all soon
Paul Chrisp
Welcome to our visitors Swindon. They have had mixed fortunes in recent times; following a spell in South-West Division 2 East, they are currently, like ourselves languishing in the relegation zone. So today promises to be a nail-biting encounter as both teams seek to kick-start a revival in their form. We last met here on the 15th March 2003, with Swindon winning 13-0, and they also won the previous year 19-10. On that occasion Martin Ewins crossed for Bicester with Patrick Coogan adding the conversion and a penalty goal.
Bicester have so far been unable to maintain their promising start to the league programme. Following our home victory over Beaconsfield, we have fallen 53-0 to a well-drilled Buckingham side. Despite being 0-0 after 24 mins it was to be Henry Colver's day. The Buckingham centre scored a total of two tries, six conversions and two penalties. Last Saturday we went down 24-8 away at Grove. The scores were level 8-8 after Leigh Rushworth try and Tom Barnes penalty, but the home side used the strong wind, to kick 3 penalties and cross for a late converted try.
Next Saturday, 18th October, we shall be travelling to Cirencester in the 2nd round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase. We are hoping that as many Bicester supporters as possible will make the relatively short journey, to cheer Anthony Lewis and his team to a memorable National Cup victory. Other local clubs are also involved in the competition include; Chipping Norton, who will be away to Gordon League, Grove who play Chosen Hill Former Pupils at home, and Witney who entertain another Gloucestershire side, Widden Old Boys.
Turning now to the National League 3 South, Henley have re-established themselves as the premier rugby union side in Oxfordshire. They were made to battle all the way at basement boys Worthing before Neil Baggett's 80th minute try converted by Danny Wells, earned them a 10-6 win. Last Saturday the Hawks recorded a more impressive 28-19 home success against Richmond. There is precious little joy at Chinnor however, who went down 25-20 away to Bridgewater Albion before losing at home 32-20 to Worthing.
In South West 1, Oxford Harlequins were routed 55-7 at league leaders Readingensians, and despite making changes to the side, the again lost, 39-10 to 4th place Bracknell at home. This leaves Quins rooted to the bottom of the table. Wallingford made it 4 from 4 with an excellent 30-15 success at Olney, followed by a thrilling home victory over Swanage and Wareham. They now occupy third place in South West 2 East, behind Reading and Maidenhead. At the other end Henley Wanderers lost 31-18, at home to Olney.
Returning to our own Southern Counties North, a late penalty goal by Adam Smith gifted Chipping Norton a pulsating 28-26 victory at home to Windsor and a week later, they earned a emphatic 32-0 triumph away at Aylesbury to make it 3 from 4. Witney, like ourselves are still out of form. A narrow 20-17 home defeat by Slough preceded a 18-12 reverse away to Milton Keynes. Grove drew 27-27 at home to Alyesbury and gained their first win of the season last week against ourselves.
Oxford leads the field of local teams in BB&O Premier League. Successes against Stow 27-13, and Wheatley 48-7, mean they are now joint third. Newly promoted Harwell have made a highly creditable start to their first season in the League, winning 2 of their first 3 games. However, they returned to earth last week, crashing 83-10 at Newbury Stags. Newbury now top the league. Gosford, Abingdon and Wheatley are so far without any points. Gosford had thrashed Wheatley 54-0, but then forfeited 2 points due to a lack of front row and last week they lost 39-7 at Broadmoor. Littlemore secured an impressive 48-12 win at home to Berkshire Shire Hall in BB&O Division 1 South. In the same division, Hungerford beat Didcott 17-8. Two recent wins, against Huntingdon 27-12 and Old Newtonians, 32-15, have elevated Banbury to 4th position in Midlands 3 East South.
Witney Angels began their Midlands 2 Campaign with a 12-5 success over Longton Ladies. Veteran lock forward Debbie Gorrod, the former international sailor and Olympic trialist, scored the second try. Henley Ladies lost to title favourites Bath in their Championship Division 1 South opening game. Full back Chris Catling crossed for 2 tries in Oxford University's 24-8 defeat of Moseley. Despite the collapse of sponsors Lehman Brothers, the 127th Varsity match will take place at Twickenham as scheduled on Thursday December 11th.
To the Mini and Junior section now and it was another successful campaign for the mini section at the annual Grove festival last Sunday. Of the12 finals played in all (a main final and a plate final in each of the six mini age groups) Bicester appeared in 5 of them, winning 3; the Under 8's went unbeaten all day defeating Wheatley in the final match, as defending county champions the Under 9's got the season off to a perfect start and a special mention should go to Under 7's who were runners up in their first ever competitive outing. Well done to all the players and the ever dedicated coaching staff.
Finally a reminder that we shall be travelling to Chipping Norton on the 25th October, following the cup game in Cirencester, and on Saturday 1st November we entertain Slough in the league here at Oxford Road.
See you all soon
Paul Chrisp
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Bicester Can Bounce Back
This Saturday the first team will be hoping to bounce back from recent results when we host basement boys Swindon College in Southern Counties North.
They give a debut to Luke Harris at tight-head prop, while Esava Rakacikaci continues in his new role at hooker. Rakacikaci's fellow Fijian Marau Tuiwai starts at lock. No 8 Martin Linstrom and loose-head Will Morris return to the squad.
Nick Kenny, who has recovered from an ankle sprain, is preferred to Steve Risbridger at scrum half.
The second team will be looking for a home double when they host Buckingham 3rds. Jeff Willmore will be casting his keen managerial eye over the teams as ever.
The third team are this week away to Chipping Norton 2nds and its a first outing this season for the veterans 'select' squad lead by Jed Pell. Their numbers will be boosted by Colin Morris and his 'regulars' so good luck to both of them.
Good luck to all our senior, junior and mini teams this weekend. See you all at Oxford Road to celebrate.
They give a debut to Luke Harris at tight-head prop, while Esava Rakacikaci continues in his new role at hooker. Rakacikaci's fellow Fijian Marau Tuiwai starts at lock. No 8 Martin Linstrom and loose-head Will Morris return to the squad.
Nick Kenny, who has recovered from an ankle sprain, is preferred to Steve Risbridger at scrum half.
The second team will be looking for a home double when they host Buckingham 3rds. Jeff Willmore will be casting his keen managerial eye over the teams as ever.
The third team are this week away to Chipping Norton 2nds and its a first outing this season for the veterans 'select' squad lead by Jed Pell. Their numbers will be boosted by Colin Morris and his 'regulars' so good luck to both of them.
Good luck to all our senior, junior and mini teams this weekend. See you all at Oxford Road to celebrate.
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Training and Membership
Hi again blog fans
Remember senior training is Tuesdays and Thursday 1900 - 2100
All players welcome NEW and OLD
I will be in the changing rooms after in my role as senior registration organiser (or if you just want a chat).
If your not registered please come get a form. You need to be registered to play first team rugby.
Finally no programme for this weeks home game but look out for
county round up EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE
coming soon...
Remember senior training is Tuesdays and Thursday 1900 - 2100
All players welcome NEW and OLD
I will be in the changing rooms after in my role as senior registration organiser (or if you just want a chat).
If your not registered please come get a form. You need to be registered to play first team rugby.
Finally no programme for this weeks home game but look out for
county round up EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE
coming soon...
Monday, 6 October 2008
County Round Up 27/09/08
GOOD afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls andwelcome to our second home league game of the 2008 - 2009 season. As you will all be aware, Bicester were promoted back into the Southern Counties League North at the end of last season and today we aredelighted to be entertaining our friends from Buckingham for the first time since the 12th March 2005, when our visitors earned an emphatic 52 - 17 victory. As part of our Diamond Jubilee celebrations, we are staging a special luncheon for both vice presidents and former players before the match, and we hopethat you will all have a mostenjoyable afternoon.
I will begin these notes with a very brief sketch of the 2007 - 2008season. Firstly, skipper Steve Risbridger. Steve led the 1st XV to promotion in his final year as captain, and congratulations in advance for your wedding to Kim next year! Although Bicester finished in 2nd place, they defeated champions Chipping Norton on 2 of the 3occasions that they clashed during the season. The 2nd XV werechampions of the BB&O Division 2 North, whilst a newly formed 3rd XV are playing in BB&O 2 North. Ourveterans side won the Oxon Veterans County Cup, beating Chinnor 16 - 6 in a high quality final at Oxford RFC. The senior Colts XV won 7 out of 9 league matches, whilst the Under 12’s won the Banbury tournament. Five of this age group were members of the County Development squad. The Under 11’s won silverware at the Oxon Festival of mini rugby, and the Under 8’s and Under 7’s were bothunbeaten in the Supermarine 50th Anniversary tournament. To sum up, the 2007 - 2008 season was a hugely successful one for Bicester Rugby Club and our thanks and appreciation go out to all the players and officials who contributed to this spectacular success.
The Oxford Harlequins club, who now play their 1st XV home games at the Southern Bypass, have announced that the Oxford University Director of Rugby, Steve Hill, will be helping out with their forwards and defence. Witney have promoted Martin Moran to their Senior coaching staff andcentre Aaron Justin has joined them from Chipping Norton. Former American football team player John Gerring has signed for Grove. Bicester, now captained by Anthony Lewis, have so far registered 10 new players, including former Chinnor Academy player Alec Warriner. Craig Smith’s father Alec is now Chief Coach at Gosford All Blacks, while No 8 Simon Brand captains Banbury RFC. Anton Oliver, the ex New Zealand hooker heads the Oxford University line up on new recruits. Former England head coach Brian Ashton is working in aconsultancy role, as the Dark Bluesprepare for the Varsity match.
The 53rd A Plan Abingdon Sevens Tournament was won by Kamikazee from South wales. Having overcome Abingdon 44 - 0 in the semi finals, they beat Pony Smackers 42 - 12 in the final. Oxford Harlequins defeated Chipping Norton 40 - 12 in the Plate Final. Debbie Gorfod, the Witney Angels lock forward, celebrated her 60th birthday on September 18thand the RFUW (Rugby Football Union for Women) has confirmed she isthe oldest registered player in the county. Debbie was once aninternational sailor and Olympictrialist for Great Britain! Continued on page 8Henley Hawks earned a comfortable 29 - 7 win over Newport Saracens in a pre season ‘friendly’. They opened their National 3 South League programme, with a nail biting 12 - 12 draw at Barking, before proving they are still Oxfordshires leading club with a 22 - 14 away success at newly promoted Chinnor. Then, last Saturday they crushed Bridgwater & Albion 43 - 20 . Chinnor bounced straight back to win 23 - 19 at Barking after suffering their second defeat 45 - 3 away to animpressive London Scottish. Oxford Harlequins conceded 4 tries in 17 minutes to lose 44 - 25 at Old Patesians, and as a consequence of last week’s 41 - 25 home defeat by Clifton, they now occupy the bottom spot in South West 1.
Meanwhile, the Wallingford success story continues. Trailing 21 - 3 at half time, they went on to beat Henley Wanderers 25 - 21 away and made it 2 wins from 2 with a 28 - 12 victory at home to High Wycombe.
In the Southern Counties League Alex Warriner celebrated his birthday by scoring the winning try in Bicesters 13 - 8 victory at home to Beaconsfield, but last Saturday our boys went down to a 34 - 15 defeat at Aylesbury. With only 7 minutes of the game left, Bicester needed a converted try to earn a draw, but then Aylesbury scored twice to register a victorymargin which did not reflect our gutsy performance. After losing at home to Buckingham, 27 - 10, Witney then crushed Swindon away 25 - 14. Chipping Norton withstood some late pressure to edge past Slough 20 - 17, but they werehammered 42 - 8away at Milton Keynes. Grove lost 31 - 25 also to Milton Keynes and their visit to Windsor ended in another defeat 26 - 15.
Harwell opened their BBO Premier programme with a fine 29 - 15 win away at Swindon College OB, but went down at home to Amersham & Chiltern 47 - 27. Oxford likewise, lost at home to Newbury Stags 53 - 7, but triumphed away at Phoenix 22 - 17. Phoenix however, outgunned Gosford All Blacks 27 - 0 and the All Blacks were then forced to forfeit theirfixture at Stow-on-the-Wold due to a lack of front row forwards. Both Wheatley and Abingdon lost their opening 2 matches. Banbury have made a somewhat erratic start to their Midlands 3 East programme.A heavy 50 - 0 defeat at home to Old Northamptonians preceded a 48 - 3 rout of Aylestone St. James, also at Bodicote Park. Oxford University began their season with a 53 - 7 victory over Henley Alliance at Dry Leas. Oxford bowed out of the EDF Energy Senior Vase, away at Gloucester Old Boys 36 - 27, whilst Harwell conceded a walk over to Drybrook. Bicester play Spartans or Cirencester away in the 2nd round of the Vase on October 28th.
The next home game is on October 11th when we play Swindon. See you all then!
Paul Chrisp.
I will begin these notes with a very brief sketch of the 2007 - 2008season. Firstly, skipper Steve Risbridger. Steve led the 1st XV to promotion in his final year as captain, and congratulations in advance for your wedding to Kim next year! Although Bicester finished in 2nd place, they defeated champions Chipping Norton on 2 of the 3occasions that they clashed during the season. The 2nd XV werechampions of the BB&O Division 2 North, whilst a newly formed 3rd XV are playing in BB&O 2 North. Ourveterans side won the Oxon Veterans County Cup, beating Chinnor 16 - 6 in a high quality final at Oxford RFC. The senior Colts XV won 7 out of 9 league matches, whilst the Under 12’s won the Banbury tournament. Five of this age group were members of the County Development squad. The Under 11’s won silverware at the Oxon Festival of mini rugby, and the Under 8’s and Under 7’s were bothunbeaten in the Supermarine 50th Anniversary tournament. To sum up, the 2007 - 2008 season was a hugely successful one for Bicester Rugby Club and our thanks and appreciation go out to all the players and officials who contributed to this spectacular success.
The Oxford Harlequins club, who now play their 1st XV home games at the Southern Bypass, have announced that the Oxford University Director of Rugby, Steve Hill, will be helping out with their forwards and defence. Witney have promoted Martin Moran to their Senior coaching staff andcentre Aaron Justin has joined them from Chipping Norton. Former American football team player John Gerring has signed for Grove. Bicester, now captained by Anthony Lewis, have so far registered 10 new players, including former Chinnor Academy player Alec Warriner. Craig Smith’s father Alec is now Chief Coach at Gosford All Blacks, while No 8 Simon Brand captains Banbury RFC. Anton Oliver, the ex New Zealand hooker heads the Oxford University line up on new recruits. Former England head coach Brian Ashton is working in aconsultancy role, as the Dark Bluesprepare for the Varsity match.
The 53rd A Plan Abingdon Sevens Tournament was won by Kamikazee from South wales. Having overcome Abingdon 44 - 0 in the semi finals, they beat Pony Smackers 42 - 12 in the final. Oxford Harlequins defeated Chipping Norton 40 - 12 in the Plate Final. Debbie Gorfod, the Witney Angels lock forward, celebrated her 60th birthday on September 18thand the RFUW (Rugby Football Union for Women) has confirmed she isthe oldest registered player in the county. Debbie was once aninternational sailor and Olympictrialist for Great Britain! Continued on page 8Henley Hawks earned a comfortable 29 - 7 win over Newport Saracens in a pre season ‘friendly’. They opened their National 3 South League programme, with a nail biting 12 - 12 draw at Barking, before proving they are still Oxfordshires leading club with a 22 - 14 away success at newly promoted Chinnor. Then, last Saturday they crushed Bridgwater & Albion 43 - 20 . Chinnor bounced straight back to win 23 - 19 at Barking after suffering their second defeat 45 - 3 away to animpressive London Scottish. Oxford Harlequins conceded 4 tries in 17 minutes to lose 44 - 25 at Old Patesians, and as a consequence of last week’s 41 - 25 home defeat by Clifton, they now occupy the bottom spot in South West 1.
Meanwhile, the Wallingford success story continues. Trailing 21 - 3 at half time, they went on to beat Henley Wanderers 25 - 21 away and made it 2 wins from 2 with a 28 - 12 victory at home to High Wycombe.
In the Southern Counties League Alex Warriner celebrated his birthday by scoring the winning try in Bicesters 13 - 8 victory at home to Beaconsfield, but last Saturday our boys went down to a 34 - 15 defeat at Aylesbury. With only 7 minutes of the game left, Bicester needed a converted try to earn a draw, but then Aylesbury scored twice to register a victorymargin which did not reflect our gutsy performance. After losing at home to Buckingham, 27 - 10, Witney then crushed Swindon away 25 - 14. Chipping Norton withstood some late pressure to edge past Slough 20 - 17, but they werehammered 42 - 8away at Milton Keynes. Grove lost 31 - 25 also to Milton Keynes and their visit to Windsor ended in another defeat 26 - 15.
Harwell opened their BBO Premier programme with a fine 29 - 15 win away at Swindon College OB, but went down at home to Amersham & Chiltern 47 - 27. Oxford likewise, lost at home to Newbury Stags 53 - 7, but triumphed away at Phoenix 22 - 17. Phoenix however, outgunned Gosford All Blacks 27 - 0 and the All Blacks were then forced to forfeit theirfixture at Stow-on-the-Wold due to a lack of front row forwards. Both Wheatley and Abingdon lost their opening 2 matches. Banbury have made a somewhat erratic start to their Midlands 3 East programme.A heavy 50 - 0 defeat at home to Old Northamptonians preceded a 48 - 3 rout of Aylestone St. James, also at Bodicote Park. Oxford University began their season with a 53 - 7 victory over Henley Alliance at Dry Leas. Oxford bowed out of the EDF Energy Senior Vase, away at Gloucester Old Boys 36 - 27, whilst Harwell conceded a walk over to Drybrook. Bicester play Spartans or Cirencester away in the 2nd round of the Vase on October 28th.
The next home game is on October 11th when we play Swindon. See you all then!
Paul Chrisp.
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