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

The Blue Boys are back in action!

31st August 2017

On Saturday, the Matlock Blue Boys will start the season off with an away game against Ashbourne RUFC, kicking off at 2.15pm.

This will be a double header cup competition NLD and Derbyshire Cup for the 1^st team.

For those who have paid their VP subscription you will see from the fixture book the league competition will start next week with the 1st XV away at Ilkeston.

So nothing to do?

Well then, head over to Ashbourne and give the Blue Boys your support in this double headed cup fixture.

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

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter- 19th December 2016

Please see below the latest news from the Matlock Rugby Club:

As we are entering the festive season it gives me great pleasure to publish our last Newsletter of the year with the news that all Matlock Rugby squads were winners on Saturday! Congratulations go to all including our coaches and back room staff. 

WEST BRIDGEFORD 1ST XV 15 MATLOCK 1ST XV   19

The Blue Boys made it four in a row with a narrow win in Nottingham as can be seen from 'Scoop' Tony Hooton's report here.

'Paparazzi' Baker has uploaded his usual standard of photographic genius too:

SCOOP LOEBER REPORT

West Bridgford 2^nd   14    Matlock  2^nd   22

"Unfortunately, there was only one game for our 2^nd and 3^rd teamers as Derby, not for the first time this season, called off the 3^rd team game on Friday evening – too late for as alternative fixture to be found. So it was either Christmas shopping or a trip to West Bridgford with the seconds. Fortunately, Bruce had already his presents bought and wrapped, so a very full Love Bus went to Nottingham.

Bridgford play in the League above us (where we want to be next season) and to come away with a hard earned, but well deserved win, was very pleasing.

Unfortunately, Harry Morton suffered a serious knee injury and our very best wishes go to him.

HALF SEASON REPORT

One of the senior club’s aims at the beginning of the season was to put out 3 sides each week, and I’m delighted to say that we’ve achieved this. Great credit goes to Chris Perry with the seconds and Bruce Johnson and Lee Brant (Milky) in the thirds. They move heaven and earth each week in the form of lots and lots of phone calls, texts, messages and Facebook posts to ensure that we get 3 teams on the pitch.

Of course, if the playing experience isn’t positive and enjoyable, guys will perhaps play one week but not the next. The 3rds have a fine group of senior players who are determined to introduce our youngsters to everything that’s right about senior rugby.

The seconds have great promise and potential. Essentially a young side, they are held together by a group of senior players who are keen to pass on their skills and experience and who demand that the side plays an open attacking style. Jonny Bunting, Elliot Boam, Adam Twyford and Chris Buckley (aided on occasions by Paul Lane) are the glue that makes this team successful.

Finally, it would only be right to report that the seconds (or at least one of their number) were again involved in a punch up on Saturday. Prop Daz Smith took part in a charity boxing night in Nottingham, where he lost on points but did make a mess of his opponent’s face and helped to raise £10,000 for cancer research. Well done mate.

Merry Christmas,

Chris

MATCH DAY – 7TH JANUARY 2017

Both the 1st and 2nd XV are at Newark RUFC on Saturday 7th January. The 3rd XV will be away to Worksop. All games will kick off at 2.15pm

Location details can be downloaded as below:

Newark   

Worksop 

Please continue supporting the Blue Boys!!!

DON’T FORGET – SATURDAY 1ST JULY 2017 

Matlock Rugby will be celebrating their 90th anniversary with a fabulous black tie dinner/dance with top notch entertainment and a wonderful speaker. No not our own Les Davis, he is organising the extravaganza!!! The event will be held in the Members Room at the Derbyshire County Hall in Matlock. As some of you know Les is off to Oz at the beginning of January for 10 weeks and has asked the Vice President's Office to help promote and sell tickets in his absence. Price for this not to be missed event will be £50 per ticket

This is a club function so can I ask if you have any influence in generating financial support from the business community to sponsor parts of the function such as the champagne reception, canapés, table decorations, tombola prizes, etc will be gratefully received. Please let me know sooner rather than later.

Please note that there will be 12 tables x 10.

Finally, may we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year coupled with Blue Boy success for the rest of the season!!!               David Hood & Ian McCuskey