Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter: August 2017

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter

CHRIS LOEBERI would like to start the first Vice President Newsletter of the season ,with a picture of Laura Loeber officially commemorating a plaque at the Greenaway Workshop in Darley Dale, on Tuesday 5th September, in memory of ‘our’ Chris.

Plaque reads: "In Memory of Chris Loeber, who for over 25 years was an invaluable supporter and legal advisor to Greenaway Workshop"

I had the honour of attending the event on behalf of Matlock Rugby and was impressed with the work that Chris carried out for them for over 25 years.

Laura spoke movingly and presented framed certificates and monetary awards to 2 long serving employees of the workshop, Andrew for 30 years service and Barry with 20.

 

These being a part of the proceeds from Chris’s memorial service which was donated by the family to Greenaway Workshop. 

 

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NLD AND DERBYSHIRE CUP DOUBLE

Last Saturday, the Blue Boys travelled across to play Ashbourne, in a game that doubled up with a place in the next round of both competitions.

Not a game for the connoisseur, but Matlock Rugby triumphed 29 points to 26 with Tom Morton converting a penalty with the last kick of the game.

 

Don't forget to follow the Facebook page – Matlock Senior Rugby

 

Special mention goes to Tim Taylor on receiving his 150th cap for the club – Congratulations Tim, here's to many more! 

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ILKESTON RUFC

Next Saturday the Blue Boys will play their first league game of the new campaign away from home against our neighbours, Ilkeston RUFC with a 3pm kick off.

There will be a mixed 2nd and 3rd XV team also taking on Ilkeston away from home at 3pm.

Lets get behind the club and look forward to seeing you in Ilkeston.

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MATLOCK LADIES

Great news the Matlock Ladies 1st fixture of the season is away to our highland friends, Buxton on Sunday 10th September with a 2.30pm kick off.

 So if you have not had your fill of rugby jog up to Buxton and support the Blue Ladies!!

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Yours in Matlock Rugby and Vice Presidents,

David

P.S. Don’t forget to renew your VP membership

Vice Presidents Newsletter- March 7th 2017

Dear Vice Presidents,

VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH

I start this newsletter by thanking our Vice Presidents and their guests who attended our successful lunch on Saturday. I am sure you will agree that it was a most enjoyable day in the company of our NLD President, Jeff Mapp, our Coalville visitors and many sponsors. Thanks also go to Ann and Gordon Statham who travelled all the way from Haywards Heath on Saturday morning to renew their ties with the Club. In fact Gordon played alongside Dave Ramsden, who looked after them royally. Thanks go to our 'professional' auctioneer, VP Adrian Fidler, who persuaded, cajoled and bullied bidders to part with £150 which will go to the Derbyshire Air Ambulance, an organisation that will also benefit from Adrian's endeavours to celebrate his 25 years in business. Please see attached flyer for his auction at Edensor on 23rd March. Well worth supporting.

The most abiding memory I am sure we will take away from this event will be the recognition of the Honorary Life Membership awarded to Terry Boswell. As you know Terry was very emotional but pleased that he could attend. Photographs can be downloaded along with snaps (if we can call them that!!) of the day including the rugby action from the links below including Matlock Senior Rugby on Facebook. 

You will also see our under 15's squad taking a well earned break from their car washing duties,proceeds of which are going towards their rugby tour. Well done lads.

MATLOCK 1ST XV  5 COALVILLE 1ST XV 27

The above scoreline certainly took the gloss off the day but all credit to Coalville who showed strength in their commitment. Colin's photographs and Tony's match report can be downloaded from: 

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-5-v-coalville-27-724274.html

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/1-2158827

Next Saturday the Blue Boys travel to Kesteven with a 3pm kick off. Please find a location map below:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/kestevenrfc/contact/

MATLOCK 2ND XV  &  MATLOCK 3RD XV

Our resident scribe, Chris Loeber, sent his excellent report for the 2s and 3s as follows:

"PAVIORS 2nd  32   MATLOCK 2nd 32
64 points - shared equally. What a game!
The second's rarely get anything other than a good beating when they venture across the border to Nottinghamshire and on Saturday travelling to face a side who play in a higher section of the Pennant with a much changed team the prospects didn't look good.
However, it is a measure of the ever growing playing strength of the Club that the seconds were bitterly disappointed to only come away with a draw. Fielding 3 17 year olds Matlock were 20 - 17 down at the interval, leading 32 - 22 with 10 minutes to play and had to settle for a draw.
Could Matlock have seen the game out  - well with experience perhaps they could. The test for the team is to win the next time they find themselves in the same situation.
Our strength in depth is improving  - the second teamers must now start to put pressure on the firsts.

This week the eggs went to winger Rich Cook - back on leave from the RAF he found himself on the wing and flew (!) in for a couple of tries.
BELPER 2nd/3rd 5  MATLOCK  3rd 34
Bruce's boys recorded an excellent win down the valley at Belper. With a squad of 22 ( several of whom were told that there was nothing to this rugby lark ) Matlock ran away with the game in the second half - surely we can't have been the fitter team!
PLEASE NOTE - This week the second's take a rest and the thirds face Tupton at Cromford. It's rumoured that this will be another fun Friday under the lights. We'll make sure a message is circulated during the week.
Chris."

DON’T FORGET TO BOOK FOR OUR 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Yours in Matlock Rugby

David

Matlock Rugby News from David Hood (20th Feb 2017)

Well would you believe it! There was another Matlock Blue Boys game on Saturday and what a game!

Coach Chris Loeber sent the following late news item to the VP Editor for circulation:

"The second’s entertained National League side Sheffield Tigers second string and produced a sensational performance.

Matlock 2^nd 37  Sheffield Tigers 2^nd 15

Our opponents from National League side Sheffield Tigers warmed up like internationals – had we bitten off more than we could chew?

The answer was an emphatic “No”. Aggressive at the breakdown and clinical in possession Matlock produced a stunning first half performance. Sheffield simply could not live with Matlock’s pace, accuracy and support. They were stunned and blown away.

In previous weeks Matlock’s backs had provided the cutting edge but this week it was a total 15 man performance with backs and forwards interpassing and totally bamboozling their illustrious opponents. It was 25 – 0 at half time. It doesn’t matter who scored – the entire 20 man squad was magnificent.

Inevitably Sheffield came back into the game in the second period but Matlock were never threatened and ran out comfortable 37 – 15 winners.

Phil Braund was voted man of the match but, in reality , it could have been any one of the Matlock players.

The challenge for the seconds is to keep this excellent form going. This will be tested this Friday evening when a strong Belper development team visit the Meadows for a 7.30 kick off. Rugby and a pint  - could you think of a better way of spending your evening.

Matlock 2^nd’s ; James Waterhouse, Mark Thornley ( Harry Hunt) , Harry Boyd, Mike Gunter ( Adam Gallagher), Marcus Bolam; Chris Buckley, Chris Perry (capt); Conor Laughnane ( Dave Ball) , Harry Stephenson, Daz Smith ( Tom Neville ) ; James Painter ( Adam Twyford) Matt Fenton, Ollie Beesley, Phil Braund, Rory Cookman.

Chris"

Yours in Matlock Rugby

David

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ASHBOURNE 1ST XV 12  MATLOCK BLUE BOYS    12  

Only one senior fixture this week to report on with the Blue Boys coming away from their nearest neighbours with a strong second half performance to earn a draw.

Both 'Scoop Hooton' and 'Paparazzi' Baker submitted their reports and photos below:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/1-2158819

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/ashbourne-12-v-matlock-12-721825.html

Next Saturday the Blue Boys play Spalding in a rearranged game at Cromford with a 2.15pm kick off. 

A combined 2nd and 3rd team will play our friends from down the A6 Belper on Friday evening at Cromford Meadows kicking off at 7.30pm. So come along to both games and support the Blue Boys.

VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH – 4TH MARCH

I would ask those who have not booked or indeed paid for the above event to do so as quickly as possible. There are a few places left for this extravaganza.

Please contact Ian McCluskey to avoid disappointment. His contact details can be obtained from the attached booking form.

Don’t forget those quality donations for our wonderful raffle and auction!!!

90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION DINNER OF MATLOCK RUGBY CLUB

Bookings are going well for this fabulous event which will be held at The County Hall, Matlock on Saturday 1st July at 7pm. The evening entertainment will consist of:

Champagne and Canapé Reception

Sumptuous Dinner

Live Band

Celebrity Rugby Guest (tba)

All at £50 per head and our beautiful ladies are made very welcome. Tables of 10 are available.

Dress code will be black tie or lounge suits (dress to impress)

If that is not impressive let me tell you that Jepo and his lovely wife will be flying over from Italy to attend this quality event.

Yours in Matlock Rugby

David