Bicester RUFC - Chrispey Corner

Bicester RUFC: A brief review of season 2008-09

2009-05-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

This season has seen playing numbers at Bicester grow yet again. Three senior teams have competed in the league system for the first time. We have seen several juniors graduate to the senior club from the Colts as well as our numbers being boosted by a large number of Fijians from 23 Pioneer Regiment and players from the locally based charity Christians in Sport.

Unlike season 2007-08, when all senior sides, were all resoundingly successful, this one has been one of more mixed fortunes for the Bicester club. Whilst the 1^st XV have experienced a mostly disappointing season, the 2^nd XV have carried all before them, winning their second successive promotion, and the newly formed 3^rd XV finished mid table in the Division below, a highly creditable performance for a new team.

FIRST XV

The first team have been hit by injuries and lack of availability by key players for lengthy periods. However they did achieve five excellent victories, and might so easily have added at least three more to that total, which would have enabled them to finish mid-table, instead of one place off the bottom.

However, by avoiding the bottom spot, their place in the Southern Counties League North is secure for next season. Unlike the last campaign in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier League, when Bicester won a number of easy victories against the lower sides, every win in the Southern League has to be earned the hard way. Led by Coach Chris Nash and Simon Grater, along with fitness coach James Shields, manager Michael Hutchinson and skipper Anthony Lewis, a lot of hard work was done both at the Saturday matches and at the mid-week training sessions. Out of the 22 matches played, five were won and 17 were lost, with 288 points being scored and 706 conceded.

Bicester began their campaign with a 13-8 home victory over Beaconsfield. Dan Spencer and Alec Warriner were the try scorers with Steve Risbridger adding a penalty. An unfortunate 34-15 defeat followed at Aylesbury, before we crashed at home to Buckingham 53-0. In a more evenly contested game at Grove, we lost 24-8, before hammering Swindon 42-22 on our own ground. Paul Leverton and Martin Linstrom both scored two tries with Esava Rakacikaci, Anthony Nightingale and Anthony Lewis contributing one apiece Tom Barnes kicked two conversions and a penalty goal. A 25-7 defeat at Chipping Norton was followed by another fine home win against Slough 18-7. Dan Spencer, Esava Rakacikaci, and Paul Leverton, were try scorers whilst Steve Risbridger slotted over a second-half penalty. A below-par performance by the pack was the main reason for our emphatic 57-0 defeat away at Marlow, but despite Steve Risbridger’s impressive tally of five penalties, we went down 23-15 at home to Milton Keynes. Two defeats, away at Witney 46-7, and at home to Windsor, 36-8, preceded a 26-3 loss at Milton Keynes, a game we could so easily have won, had we not been reduced to 14 men!

We began the 2009 campaign with two more narrow defeats, 18-8 away at Slough, and 25-20, at home to Chipping Norton.

Then on Saturday 14^th February, Bicester completed the “double” over Swindon with a superb 22-17 triumph away at Greenbridge Road. Steve Risbridger converted two of the three tries scored by Martin Linstrom, Alec Warriner, and Esava Rakacikaci, and he also banged over a penalty goal. One week later, Bicester avenged their earlier loss, beating Grove her 27-13, with tries from Steve Barnes, and Martin Linstrom, Steve Risbridger was again in fine form with the boot, converting one try and landing five penalty goals. Bicester performed well against Marlow, here, until the closing stages, and the 44-17 home defeat flattered the league’s 2^nd placed side. Winger Pat Truby scored his maiden try for the 1^st team. Bicester were the first side to score 17 points on the Buckingham pitch, despite losing 66-17, but we ended the season with three lacklustre performances, leading to two home reverses by Aylesbury, 44-12, and Witney, 41-11, and an away loss at Beaconsfield, 29-7.

The 288 points consisted of 35 tries, 29 penalties and 13 conversions. Martin Linstrom was the leading try scorer with six tries, followed by Dan Spencer (5). Paul Leverton, Leigh Rushworth, and Esava Rakacikaci, occupy third place on four tries. Alec Warriner and Anthony Lewis both scored twice. Apart from a penalty try, seven players crossed the line once: Anthony Nightingale, Steve Barnes, Pat Truby, Darren Cassidy, Chris Nash, Timoci Mantanavou, Viz and Christian Wright. Steve Risbridger kicked 25 of the 29 penalties. The other four came from Tom Barnes (2), Dan Spencer, and James Holton. Risbridger also converted 10 tries, with Tom Barnes (2) and Dan Spencer providing the other three.

The annual awards ceremony took place after the Witney game on 18^th April. Skipper Anthony Lewis named Steve Risbridger as the Player’s Player of the Year, and Martin Linstrom as the Captain’s Player of the Year. He made further awards to Dan Spencer and Paul Chrisp.

SECOND XV

Rarely does a rugby season pass without at least one senior Bicester side being honoured in some way. This time, it is the turn of our second XV, who won their second successive promotion, a feat all the more remarkable as they were relegated to the bottom level only two years ago. Having won promotion last year from Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division 2 North, they have just been acclaimed as champions of Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division 1 North and will compete next season in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier A League, the highest level for all clubs whose first teams do not play in the national leagues.

The side, managed by Jeff Willmore, has been under the captaincy of Tom Edgar, who gallantly stepped in to fill the vacancy created by the enforced absence of Jeff’s son Adam. Thankfully, Adam Willmore has now fully recovered from last year’s serious injury and is back in the side at wing forward. Under the outstanding leadership, Bicester 2^nd XV have won 16 of their 18 league matches, amassing a total of 676 points. The only two defeats were away to Bletchley 2nds, 29-12, and at home to Chesham 41-39.

Beginning with a 27-17 home win against Beaconsfield 2nds, they lost at Bletchley, before winning the first of two games, played away at Aylesbury Athletic 25-21. A walkover against Buckingham 3rds was followed by a fine away success at Chesham 33-24, before another walkover to Banbury 2nds. Scrum-half Ben Wacalevu then scored four tries in the 52-9 rout of Aylesbury 2nds and he added two more, as the 2nds thrashed High Wycombe 2nds 69-0 away. Nete Bav also scored twice and Tom Barnes converted seven of the 11 tries.

Barnes then slotted over a penalty conversion and drop goal in the 23-16 away win at Witney 3rds, and just before Christmas High Wycombe 2nds were hammered again, 94-5 here at Oxford Road. Both Nete Bav and “Jim” Matanavou scored hat-tricks and Lewis Massey, Alastair Smith, and Tom Edgar each bagged a brace of tries. Tom Barnes converted six out of eight tries in the 52-13 away success at Aylesbury 2nds and seven players contributed points in the 37-12 triumph also away at Banbury 2nds. Next came the home loss to Chesham, but the second away fixture with Aylesbury Athletic ended again in our favour 37-34.

Both Adam Willmore and Tom Edgar were among the try scorers as we trounced Buckingham 3rds away, 67-3. Then followed a fine 35-26 win at home to Bletchley 2nds, whose first team compete in South-West 2 East, a level above our own Southern Counties North Division. Mataiasi Vave scored a hat-trick of tries and Tom Barnes converted five tries, as we won the return game at Beaconsfield 2nds, 48-18, and finally we beat Witney 3rds here, 31-24 in the last match.

Altogether, 108 tries, 52 conversions, 11 penalties and a drop-goal were recorded in the 18 league games. The leading try scorer was Nete Bav (9) with Ben Waqalevu and “Jim” Matanavou in second place with eight tries. Four players scored six tries, Viz, Tom Edgar, Qalo Eliki, Paul Johnson, and Dave Millward. James Cookson crossed five times and eight players did so three times: Viz, “Max” Tuiwai, Jonny Hicks, Trevor Bethell, Dave Brind, Waisake Rokobati, S. Mats, Mataiasi Vave, and Mohammed Sazaz.

Of the 52 conversions Tom Barnes contributed 25, Alastair Smith eight, and Jak Cluness five. Barnes also landed six penalty goals and a drop goal.

Tom Edgar received the 2^nd XV Players’ Player award from manager Jeff Willmore with additional awards going to Michael Harris (representing Christians in Sport group), Tony Shaw, Adam and Annie Willmore, and Sally-Ann Baldwin.

THIRD XV

The newly formed Bicester 3^rd team have made an encouraging start to the league rugby scene. Finishing in 6^th place in Berks Bucks Oxon Division 2 North. They won 6 and drew two of their 16 matches, but the eight defeats include three walkovers. 262 points were scored, and 212 were conceded, a highly creditable achievement.

The side, managed by Colin Morris, who has played at both full back and in the front row, scored 41 tries, 18 of which were converted, together with seven penalty goals.

Starting with a fine 20-10 away win against Winslow, they went down to Aylesbury 3rds at home 20-14. They next conceded a walkover to Amersham Chiltern 3rds before losing away to Chipping Norton 2nds, 59-7. A try by Dave Brind and a penalty by Andrew Morris earned the 3^rd XV an 8-8 draw at Witney 4ths, and two weeks later they were granted a walkover by Banbury 3rds, a 30-5 defeat away at 2^nd placed Chinnor 4ths followed, but they made amends with a crushing 46-17 victory over high Wycombe 3rds here.

Dave Millward scored two tries with Mark Gulvin, Dave Brind, Chris Stone and Andrew Heritage all crossing the line once. Heritage converted five of the six tries, and Stuart John kicked two penalty foals. The 3^rd XV lost the return fixture at home to Witney 4ths, 12-5, but they avenged the earlier loss at Chipping Norton, beating Chippy 2nds at Oxford Road, 15-0. An exciting 31-31 draw at home to champions Amersham and Chiltern 3rds followed, before they went down 20-15 away to Banbury 3rds.

Finlay Brown then scored five tries as the 3rds hammered Aylesbury 3rds away, 68-0. They completed “the double” over 4^th placed Winslow, 28-5, with Dave Brind scoring a brace of tries, but were forced to concede walkovers to High Wycombe 3rds and Chinnor 4ths at the end of the campaign.

Dave Brind was the leading try scorer with seven to his name. Then followed Finlay Brown (6), Chris Stone (3), with Dickie Walsh, Dave Millward, Andrew Heritage, Anthony Burrows, Stuart Leese and Peter Bramley, all running in two tries. Stuart John converted 12 of the 18 tries, and he slotted four of the seven penalty goals.

COLTS

For Bicester Colts this has been a season of mixed fortunes. They lost two games away at Buckingham, 13-5, in the Kirk Nokes memorial game, and 27-5, in a Berks Bucks Oxon Colts league match last September, but defeated Banbury at home, 39-3.

They also beat Oxford Harlequins away in a league match, but lost to Oxford RUFC Colts on Sunday 8^th March.

Bicester Colts drew their Bucks berks Oxon Division 2 league match with Drifters 3-3, courtesy of Sam Butler’s well-struck 42-metre penalty goal. In the dying minutes the Bicester pack was held up on the Drifters line four times! Matt Dye and Craig Harris both scored tries in the 21-15 home defeat to Marlow, but Bicester beat Wallingford 26-14 in the Quarter-Final and Tom Miles were the try scorers, with Sam Butler converting three times. However, despite dominating the possession stakes in the first half, they went down 28-6 to a well-drilled clinical Banbury side in the semi-final at Bodicote Park.

Mini and Junior Review

Bicester U17s enjoyed success comparable to the senior 2^nd XV. They beat Buckingham 35-3 in their Colts league, scoring 5 converted tries before the break in a spectacular display of running rugby. Losing only one league game, to Bracknell, the U17s reached the quarter final of the South West Division (national) Cup before going down to Chinnor U17s.

Bicester U15s preserved their status in the Bucks Berks Oxon 1^st Division, by defeating Witney 21-12 in the play-off game. Prop Josh Walker, hooker Tyrone Brown, and centre Jordan Brodley were the try scorers, with scrum-half Elliot Nicklin converting all three.

Bicester U14s won their fourth consecutive Oxfordshire Cup with their 20-15 success over Banbury in the Final at Stratfield Brake. Tries were scored by Henry Gayler, Don Rowland, Tom Burrell, and James Grosvenor.

Bicester U13s won both matches, during their tour to Tregoyd Wales. They gained an emphatic 40-19 win at Brecon, and a 28-24 success at Builth Wells.

Here are the some more notable results of the mini and junior section:

County Festival - Henley
U7s - A team won Plate
U8s - A team Plate finalists
U9s - Won the Bowl
U10s - A team won the Plate; B team Cup semi-finalists
U11s - A team won Plate; B Team County Cup Champions
U12s - Semifinalists
U13s - Plate finalists in County 10s
U14s - County Champions for the 4th year
U15s - Finished 5th in the Oxon Division 1
U16s - Finished mid table in Oxon Division 2
U17s - Runners up in BBO Division 2 league and then went on to finish 2nd in the pay-offs. The 2nd highest Oxfordshire Club in the league

by Paul Chrisp

England Trio at Bicester

2009-04-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Three England players will return to Bicester on Sunday to celebrate a double anniversary at their former rugby club.

World Cup winning scrum half Andy Gomarsall, back-row forward James Forrester and former England under 21 back Jon Goodridge will help Bicester celebrate their 60th anniversary season.

All three started their rugby careers with Bicester’s mini and junior section, which was founded in 1983-84 with the help of Andy Gomarsall’s dad Jack.

Goodridge and Forrester will play in a sevens tournament on Sunday afternoon part of a family fun day at the Oxford Road ground.

Gomarsall will be coaching from the sidelines, as he saves his energy for the Guinness Premiership play-offs with his club Harlequins.

Their star-studded team also includes Gloucester and England wing James Simpson-Daniel.

The day will also feature a presidents’ lunch for old boys and club members, awards for Bicester’s 500-strong mini and junior section, a barbecue and a bouncy castle.

Club chairman Chris Baldwin said: “For 60 years rugby has been at the heart of Bicester town and being able to celebrate this alongside the juniors’ 25th party is highly significant.

“We run the club as a single unit and this weekend is really a mass appreciation for everyone who plays or has ever played rugby at this mighty club.”

For more details contact William Morris on 07795 163563.

60th / 25th Anniversary

2009-04-09T04:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Rugby Fans

To celebrate the end of Bicester's 60th senior season and 25th for the mini and junior club a number of events will be taking place over the upcoming May Bank Holiday weekend.

Friday 1st May - Dinner Dance

Saturday 2nd May - Junior Presentations

Sunday 3rd May - Anniversary 7's Tournament

- VP's Lunch

- BBQ and Bouncy Castle - all day

- Mini Presentations

The Anniversary 7's will be highlight of the weekend including teams from the current senior squad, old boys teams, a coaches team, a colts team and some special guests teams.

Timings are to be confirmed but the rugby should start around 1200 with the finals being between 1700-1800. As mentioned there will be a BBQ all day so come along at any point to enjoy the rugby.

We intent to do a whole club photos so would like to see as many people there as possible, especially all the mini and jumior players.

Tickets for the Dinner Dance on the Friday are selling fast, so if you want to come contact Wendy Spencer or Sally Anne Baldwin via the club or email.

Tickets for the VP lunch can also be purchased via Wendy, but again spaces are limited!

Mini and Junior presentations details should be coming to you via your coaches soon.

We will also be carrying out other presentations and events throughout the day so watch this space for more details.

This will be an important weekend for the club and hopefully one to remember. If you think you can help in any way, contact me on this blog or contact

Will Morris - 07795163563,

wmorris2001@hotmail.com

2009-02-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, and welcome to County Round up.

Since our previous home match against Windsor on the 6th December, Bicester have played 2 away matches, losing 26-3, at Milton Keynes on the 20th December, and 18-8 at Slough last Saturday. At Milton Keynes, the dismissal of Esawa Rakacikaci and injuries to Leigh Rushworth and Jeremy Liddy ended our justifiable victory aspirations, whilst 3 errors on the greasy Slough pitch cost us a total of 15 points.

Still on the subject of local teamnews, I’m delighted to report that the Bicester 2nds promotion drive is still very much on course, courtesy of 4 more emphatic victories. Beginning with a 43-3 victory here against Gosford All Blacks 2nds,they annihilated High Wycombe 2nds, 94-5, also at home. Therewere 7 individual try scorers in the Gosford match and both Nete ‘Fox’ Bav and ‘Jim’ Matanavou, bagged hat-tricks in the Wycombe game. I had the pleasure of watching their 52-13 away win at Aylesbury, where Nete ‘Fox’ Bav scored twice and fly-half Tom Barnes converted 6 of the 8 tries. Then,last Saturday the 2nd XV won the crucial return game at Banbury 2nds, 37-12.

Bicester 3rds completed their 2008 programme with an impressive 46-17 victory at home to High Wycombe 3rds. They then started the new year with a 24-17 friendly win over Faringdon, but went down last week 12-5 to a very strong Witney 4ths side, which included the more senior teams.

Henley’s good form has deserted them in recent weeks. In the 4th round of the E.D.F. Energy National Trophy, the hawks last 34-6 to Moseley, and surprisingly, they went down, 17-3 at home to basement boys Worthing in a National 3 South game. The junior side, Henley Wanderers are currently bottom of South West 2 East. Meanwhile fellow National 3 side Chinnor have staged a dramatic revival defeating Barking 30-22, and Bridgwater & Albion 29-3. Wallingford’s historic run of success has come to an abrupt halt, with losses away to Reading Abbey,13-9 and at home to promotion contenders Maidenhead, 29-5. However, they are still 4th in the South- West 2 East league table.

Turning to our own Southern Counties league, Witney have enjoyed 2 ‘local derby’ wins already this year, beating our visitors Chipping Norton, 13-10, at Hailey Road, before succeeding 20-10 against Grove, at Cane Lane. Chipping Norton went down 20-7at hoe to 3rd placed Marlow. In the equivalent Midlands 3 East division Banbury lost at home to mid-table Lutterworth, 17-15. Winger Ben Bodinham scored both a try and a penalty as Gosford All Blacks knocked last season’s finalists Oxford out of the County Shield, with an 8-5 shock win last Saturday, the All Blacks won more convincingly again to Oxford 22-11 in a BB&O Premier Division league game at Stratfield Brake. Harwell also won, away at Wheatley, 31-12, but they suffered an earlier reverse at hometo Broadmoor Staff, 32-23. Abingdon who were given a walkover in the Oxon Shield by Wheatley, gained an impressive league win away at Phoenix, 30-20. Littlemore thrashed Aldermaston, 41-5, but Thatcham’s defeat of Oxford Harlequins 3rds, means they remain the leading 1st team side in Division 1 South.

Four Oxford University Blues, Ricky Lutton Toby Henry, Sean Morris and Ian Kench have been named in the England Students squad for their forthcoming 4 match campaign, against Irish Colleges, France Universities, The Dutch National Team and Combined Services. University hooker Anton Oliver plays for the Barbarians against Llanelli Scarlets today.

Director of rugby Steve Hill, has stepped down from coaching the Dark Blues. Ex University and Chinnor coach Lynn Evans, is now a part-time contributor to a new R.F.U. coaching website. Former Oxford Harlequins director of rugby Matt Maudsley is now looking for a coaching job in the national leagues.

The Littlemore squad nowhave new Adidas tracksuits thanks toa sponsorship deal with Specsavers of Cowley, whose manager Roy Midwinter played for Littlemore in 1977.

Chinnor prop Bob Baker hasretained his place in the England Under 20 squad and hopes to be included in the game against Italy on February 6th.

Oxford Harlequins beat Amersham & Chiltern, 27-10,in a recent O.B.B Under 17’sDivision C league match. Three Oxfordshire players Charlie Gordon, Vadim Toczylkin, and Julian Watkins have been named in a 40 man England Under 16 development squad.

Oxfordshire girls received a £3000 cheque from Oxon County Council, to help develop rugbyacross the county over the next 2 years. Four girls from Grove Flyers recently took pat in the ThamesValley Under 15’s squad trials. Banbury Under 11’s gained a 10-5 victory away at Wallingford. Wallingford Under 7’s reached the semi- final of the plate in the Tag Festival at Richmond College, losing by one try to Old Reigations.

For now, enjoy your rugby whever you are and hope to see you again at Oxford Road this Saturday, February 21st when we play Grove.

Paul Crisp

Australia tickets must go - get them cheap

2008-11-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

Dear All

Despite a good interest for both the South Africa and New Zealand games the interest for Australia has not been forthcoming!!!

Perhaps you are all predicting an easy win. If so, we wouldn't want you to miss out on all those tries so the reserve has been removed!!

Tickets must go.

The closing date has also been extended until the end of Thursday, so get your bids in now.

wmorris2001@hotmail.com

Of course bidding is still open for the other games; so even if you cant afford to bid, keep spreading the message -

Friends, family, work colleagues, company executives with an expense budget, rich neighbours, crazy uncles with too much money.

Its all money to the club so - We want their cash!!

Good Luck

William Morris

International Tickets - Silent Auction

2008-11-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

Dear All

Bicester RFC is pleased to announce the silent auction of...

5 PAIRS OF AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL TICKET

1. 2 x England v Australia

@ Twickenham, Saturday 15th November, KO 1430
2. 2 x England v Australia
@ Twickenham, Saturday 15th November, KO 1430
3. 2 x England v South Africa
@ Twickenham, Saturday 22nd November, KO 1430
4. 2 x England v New Zealand
@ Twickenham, Saturday 29th November, KO 1430
5. 2 x England v New Zealand
@ Twickenham, Saturday 29th November, KO 1430

The tickets will be allocated by silent auction, with bid submitted to me at this address: wmorris2001@hotmail.com

Bidding will close the Wednesday before each fixture and winners will be informed by lunch the following day.

These are excellent tickets, for sell out matches and with a face value of £150.

As this is a club fundraiser, bids should be greater than £150.

Your bid should include your name, a contact telephone number and the amount you wish to pay for the tickets. Please make genuine bids, however if the highest bidder cannot take the tickets, they will be offered to the next highest.

Please pass this opportunity on to other members of the club, or friends and family.

A reminder again the closing dates for bids are:

England v Australia - 2359 Wednesday 12th November.
England v South Africa - 2359 Wednesday 19th November.
England v New Zealand - 2359 Wednesday 26th November.

Good Luck

William Morris
Fundraising Officer

Results 25/10/08

2008-10-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

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

Paul Chrisp’s County Round Up 11th October 2008

2008-10-11T04:32:00.000-07:00

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

Bicester Can Bounce Back

2008-10-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Training and Membership

2008-10-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

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...

County Round Up ‏ 27/09/08

2008-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

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.

County Round Up

2008-09-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

This season my world famous County Round Up returns to the programme at all first XV home games.

Why trawl the counties press for the latest rugby news? Find all you need to know in one place.

Coming soon...

County Round Up ONLINE

Even if you can't make it Oxford Road on match days you will now be able to get all the latest news here the following day.

Dont forget to look out for my match reports for all senior games in the Oxford Mail, Bicester Advertiser and Bicester Review as well as on the team blogsites.

The Paul Chrisp Awards 2008

2008-09-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hi all and welcome to my new blog page

At the end of season awards I presented my annual press officer awards.

The 2007/08 winners were:

Nick Kenny and Mark Malins

Winners recieved a bottle of the finest port as usual.

Look out for next years awards...

Season Review 2007/08

2008-09-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

The club has enjoyed phenomenal success on the field since last August. At a senior level, both the first and second XV have been promoted from their current leagues, the third XV have won all their matches, the veterans won the OXON county vets cup, and the colts too, have performed consistently well in the local colts league. Whilst managers and coaches must take a lot of the credit for the high quality rugby which has been served, the enthusiasm, team work and dedication of so many players has, without any doubt, been a crucial factor in producing some impressive statistics.

First XV
Bicester 1st XV have once again been led by popular scrum-half Steve Risbridger, who has been quick to praise the immense contribution made to the ultimate goal of promotion by long-serving flank forward and vice-captain, Anthony Nightingale. Quite apart from their leadership and the tremendous support and organisational talents of manager Michael Hutchinson the squad have benefited enormously from the regular Tuesday night training sessions led by fitness coach James Shields.
Of course, no coach, captain or manager can succeed without full cooperation from the players. It is therefore a joy to report that our 1st Xv, reinforced by members of the 2nd team and senior colts side, have attended both the Tuesday and Thursday training sessions with gusto throughout the league programme, even on those nights prior to the Christmas and Easter holidays. Long may the spirit continue!
Bicester began with an impressive 7-7 draw against High Wycombe, who plays in a division two levels higher than our own. Martin Linstrom scored the Bicester try, and Wycombe only equalised just before the end. After last weeks final game against Phoenix, Bicester have won 21, drawn 1 and lost 5 of their 27 matches, comprising 22 league, two “friendly” and three cup games. Four of the five defeats took place before Christmas, the first of which was away to Gloucester side Old Richians in the EDF Energy Senior Vase. The following week, we beat Abingdon here at Oxford Road 35-16, in our opening league match. Our first encounter with Chipping Norton ended in their favour 28-10, but another emphatic victory was earned away at Farnham Royal 55-3, before a below-par performance ended in a 16-10 reverse at Oxford. Further league wins continued, away at Stow, at home to Wheatley, and away at Broadmoor.
Bicester completed the double against Gosford All Blacks before Christmas, as well as accounting for Drifters and Phoenix both at home. Centre Chris Nash, was nominated man of the match for the Phoenix game on November 24. The final defeat of 2007 occurred on December 1 away at Swindon College O. B. (10-9), where the referee ended proceedings at least seven minutes early.
Bicester began the New Year with a well-earned 30-7 away win at Drifters. Man-of-the-match Daniel Spencer later celebrated his birthday in the clubhouse. Brother Adam crossing with two tries. A thrilling victory followed, away at Chipping Norton in the first round of the Oxon County Shield (18-0). In the words of manager Mike Hutchinson: “All we did was put on a game of basic rugby, concentrating on the line-out, scrum and defence,” and “as a team performance that was our best of the season”. Two more decisive triumphs ensued, against Broadmoor and Wheatley, before a below strength Bicester side went down 12-8 on their own turf to invitation side Blue Boar in the semi-final of the Oxon County Shield. However, their cup exit only made Steve Risbridger’s boys all the more determined to win promotion to the Southern Counties League (North, winning all of the league matches to be played since. Chad Ward scored four tries in Bicester’s 27-5 win over Stow, and skipper Steve Risbridger was named Man of the Match by club president John Deeley after the 23-17 home win against Oxford. Bicester then annihilated Farnham Royal 66-0 also at home, with Daniel Spencer kicking eight out of nine conversions. Away victories followed at Chipping Norton 10-9, and Abingdon 37-3. Chipping Norton were ahead 9-5 until late in the second half, when Mark Malins set up a superb driving maul from a line-out, and Man of the Match hooker James Davies was driven across for the winning try. It was Chippy’s first league defeat of the season. A stunning tackle by Anthony Nightingale ensured the Bicester try line remained intact at Abingdon (37-3) and two weeks later on April 12, Bicester crushed Swindon College O. B. 68-7. Paul Leverton scored a hat-trick of tries, and Will Morris two, in the 11-try romp.
In a ceremony after the Swindon game, President John Deeley presented the club heraldic shield to Michael Hutchinson, who in turn gave a framed colour photograph of the team to captain Steve Risbridger. Vice Captain Anthony Nightingale also received a photograph of the team, from Steve Risbridger, whilst the Captain’s Player of the Year award went to John Rollason. Will Morris was named the Most Improved Player of the Year and Anthony Lewis received the Player’s Player of the Year trophy. Other awards were received by touch judge Tom Abernethy and myself!! I presented two awards: to Mark Malins and Nick Kenny.

Second XV
Bicester 2nd XV have even managed to upstage their 1st XV colleagues, by finishing their season as champions of the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division two North. They will be playing in Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division One North next year. They have won all but one of their 18 matches amassing a total of 655 points, and conceding 134 points. The side have been astutely managed by Steve Coogan and captained by prop Pat Zdyrko. Their only defeat was away to a strong Amersham and Chiltern 3rd XV on April 12, the last game of their campaign. Of the more notable earlier triumphs, the 2nds beat Winslow away 48-26, and Chipping Norton 2nds at home 50-14. Andy Blacklock scored a hat-trick in the first, and a brace of tries in the second game. They went on to crush Witney 4ths, 75-7 at Witney and achieved the double over runners – up, High Wycombe 3rds, before Christmas. Chris Nash touched down four times in the Witney game, whilst George Williams scored a hat-trick in the 37-24 home win over Wycombe. In the return fixture at High Wycombe, Bicester won 41-0, with Jon Barnes and George Williams both bagging a brace of tries. They began the New Year by thrashing Bletchley 3rds 54-0 and winning away at Stow, 39-0. The double was completed over Chipping Norton 2nds with an impressive 52-0 victory at The Greytones. Other doubles included a 29-7 home win over Milton Keynes 3rds and a 44-5 success against Aylesbury 3rds also at home. The return fixture with Winslow resulted in a narrow 20-17 win for Bicester 2nds. The only setback occurred during the home game against Milton Keynes when flanker Adam Willmore had the misfortune to rupture a kidney. He was rushed to the Churchill Hospital where he spent several days in the intensive care unit. Adam is making an excellent recovery and is on course to hopefully resume his playing career with Bicester next season.

Third XV
Bicester 3rds won all 14 of their friendlies with a total points aggregate of 73 for and 35 against. They began last October with a 12-8 win away at Chipping Norton and continued before Christmas with a 10-5 victory over Oxford Harlequins 4ths here at Oxford Road. Winger Chris Stone scored both tries against Harlequins and both he and scrum half Stuart Venning scored in the 25-5 win over Farringdon played on the Chesterton pitch. Number eight Dave Brind notched a hat-trick in the latter game and Chris Stone was in action a week later contributing a brace of tries as Bicester won the return fixture at Oxford Harlequins 26-17. Nigel Cox also scored twice and conversions came from the boots of Ian Mann (2) and Chris Stone. Simon Ellison and Paul Davies were the try scorers in the Chipping Norton game with Stuart Venning adding one conversion.

Veterans XV
The Bicester Veterans topped off the season by winning the Oxon Vets Cup last week. They crushed Grove 69-19 at Banbury in the first round. Martin Linstrom and Chris Austin both recorded hat tricks while Adam Wade, Dave Brind, Steve Coogan, Geoff Woolloff, and Will Deeley scored one try apiece. Stuart John kicked six conversions and Steve Coogan converted his own try. The semi-final against Witney was a far closer affair but Bicester’s overall superiority was clearly evident from the outset. They finished 12-5 victors with tries from Lee Boulter and Dave Brind. Stuart John converted the winning try. In the final at Oxford RFC Bicester defeated Chinnor in a close game 16-6. A Stuart John penalty opened the scoring before Dave Brind crossed for Bicester to lead 8-0 at half time. In the second half after an exchange on penalties (Adam Wade slotting for Bicester) Chinnor pilled on the pressure, pinning Bicester to their own line. But Chinnor could only come away with a penalty and as time ran out Justin Hitchcock crossed in the corner to seal the win. Captain James Davies collected the trophy whilst Dave Brind was named man of the match.

Colts
Not to be outdone by their senior brethren, today’s ‘home team’ Bicester colts have likewise enjoyed resounding success. Aided by highly professional organisation comprising coaches Chris and Dan Kimber and Steve Coogan, manager Keith Nash, and skipper Joe Macaneany. They have won seven, lost won, drawn one and had one walkover in their nine league matches. The Ox, Berks and Bucks colts league programme began with a 5-5 draw away at Banbury and a 24-0 away win at Oxford Harlequins. Following the Aylesbury walkover Bicester gained victories over Buckingham 24-17, and Wallingford away 17-18. Matt Flegg bagged three tries in the Buckingham match here while Joe Macaneany scored twice at Wallingford. Their only defeat occurred at Stow in January where they went down 13-7. The colts then proceeded to win all their last four matches at home. First they edged past High Wycombe 13-12, next they beat Beaconsfield 14-0, and after a thrilling 20-17 success against Reading they defeated Windsor 31-22. In the latter game Jack Briggs and Joe Macaneany both crossed the try line twice. They also made it to the final of the Oxon County Sevens losing narrowly to Chinnor 9-7, with Joe Macaneany crossing.
Niall Morrow scored two tries as Bicester accounted for Banbury 32-15 in the national colts cup second round, but they lost 12-0 to Long Levens away at Gloucester in the third round. They then went down 18-5 to Newbury in the national plate before crashing out of the Oxon county cup 27-10 away at Witney. However, Bicester’s league success was matched by their record in friendly fixtures. Despite playing away from home on all three occasions, Bicester won at Wallingford 12-0, Cirencester 21-15 and Windsor 42-14.

Mini and Junior
The results this season of the mini and junior section have likewise mirrored those of the senior club teams. The under-17s recently trounced Abingdon 41-0, whilst earlier this year a below-strength Bicester under-16s achieved and excellent 26-24 win over Banbury. Jimmy Mcphee with two tries was nominated Man of the Match. Centre Elliot Nicklin ran in four tries as Bicester under-14s routed Oxford Harlequins 55-0 in the Oxon cup. Last year’s county champions Bicester under-13s won the Banbury tournament trophy scoring 102 points in five matches and conceding only 10. They saw off Brackley, Wallingford, Oxford Harlequins and Henley in the group matches, before triumphing 29-3 over Witney in the final. Dougie Haynes was the principle hero with a hat trick of tries aided by Dan Rowland who touched down twice. The Supermarine 50th anniversary tournament featured teams from Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Oxfordshire, and whilst Bicester under-12s lost 5-0 to Abingdon in the semi-final, both the under-7s and under-8s went through the day unbeaten. The Bicester under-7s scored a total of 37 tries conceding only 17, whilst the under-8s scored 49 and conceded 19.