Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter: December 2017

MATLOCK 37 BAKEWELL 7

A great day down at Cromford where we hosted our friends from along the A6. This was preceded by our best ever Vice Presidents lunch with 95 VPs and guests attending including our NLD President and officials from Bakewell.

The VP office sincerely thank all those who attended and for raising a fabulous sum of money for Motor Neuron Disease which was prompted by Doddie Weir prior to the Scotland vs New Zealand match recently. Doddie has set up a foundation UK wide to generate funds for this terrible disease and we here in Derbyshire have a MND unit where the fantastic sum raised of £730 will be going. Once again thank you all. Also thanks to those who made the lunch a success (kitchen and bar) especially Les Davis who chaired the event in his own inevitable  style and Ian McCluskey who had a difficult job of arranging the whole event over 2-3 months. 

A report of the Blue Boys game can be downloaded from: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/0-3830198

We get it before the Matlock Mercury! Thanks Tony.

And photos from Paparazzi Baker on: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-37-v-bakewell-5-788122.html

Next week, 9th December, the Blue Boys travel to play Coalville and on the 16th December they entertain Dronfield at Cromford Meadows. Both games will kick off at 2.15pm. So please continue your valuable support for one of the best supported clubs in Derbyshire.

MATLOCK LADIES

Matlock Ladies continued their progression with a development game against Amber Valley. Photographs can be downloaded from their Facebook page – Matlock Ladies RFC.

Yours in Matlock Rugby

David Hood

Vice Presidents Office

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents Newsletter: October 2017

BLUE BOYS SQUEEZE A VICTORY OVER NEWARK RFC 36-33 !!

Please note that all reports can be downloaded from our web site now and in the future on:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/news/results-from-the-weekend-21st-22nd-october-2017-2046996.html

Also the 1st XV match report on:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/0-3830194

Along with Paparazzi Baker’s photographs of both the Blue Boys versus Newark RFC and Matlock Ladies versus Chesterfield on Sunday:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/

At present the 1st XV have no game this Saturday (watch this space) whilst the 2nd XV play Sutton Bonington away and the 3rd XV play Mansfield in a friendly away. All kick offs are 3:00pm. 

Please note that all kick offs from Saturday 4th November are 2:15pm

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MATLOCK RUGBY VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH – 2ND DECEMBER

Yesterday my VP colleague, Ian McCluskey, sent out the following notice which I would ask you to note:

"I am pleased to announce that the lunch is already a sell -out !

If you have only just sent in a booking, please reply to this email and I will let you know the status of your booking.

We will be operating a reserve list for any more bookings received after today and will replace any cancelled booking from that list.

I will keep those on the list informed when and if cancellations are registered with me.

Thanks as always for the support of all VPs towards the Club.

With kind regards,

Ian McCluskey."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours in Matlock Rugby,

David Hood

Vice Presidents Office

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- January 16th

Please find below the latest Matlock Rugby news, provided regularly by Matlock Rugby Vice President David. 

_________________________________________________________________

THE 2NDS AND 3RDS TAKE PRIDE OF PLACE THIS WEEK

Our Paparazzi took the long journey to Chesterfield to take action shots of the Matlock 2nd XV's victory over our neighbours Chesterfield Panthers by a score line of 35 points to 19. Pictures can also be seen on the Matlock Senior Rugby Facebook page including a fabulous photo of Tupton and Matlock 3rds.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/chesterfield-2nd-xv-19-v-matlock-2nd-xv-35-715669.html

Our resident scribe Chris Loeber sent me the under noted reports for both the 2s and 3s who travelled a long way to Tupton and a great day was had by all including our foreign export Paul Emerson. 

"Yes, 2 good wins although the 2’s was a funny game – good photos from Colin (paparazzi) though.

Chesterfield 2^nd 19 Matlock 2^nd 35

5 tries, 5 conversions, 5 yellow cards – a funny game!

The seconds maintained their position at the top of their Pennant league in a match which started with much promise but which deteriorated to near farce when the referee decided that nearly every penalty offence deserved a yellow card. A depleted Matlock pack found themselves spending the final minutes of the game desperately defending their own line.

The lack of a first team fixture gave Tom Cruttenden the opportunity the get some good pitch time and Marcus and Curtis Bolam both made a welcome return to the second team fold.

As with many games this season the forwards laid sound foundations and the backs showed they had the pace and power to score from anywhere on the pitch. Tries came from Mike Gunter (2), Chris Buckley, Harry Hunt and perhaps the best of the lot from Marcus Bolam. Chris Buckley converted them all.

The most impressive try wasn’t allowed! A sweeping move from near our line, running back a Chesterfield kick which resulted in Harry Hunt scoring beneath the posts was brought back for a somewhat surprising forward pass.

Tupton 2^nd 7   Matlock 3^rd   57

A stunning result for the 3^rd’s against a strengthened Tupton team.

Captain Bruce Johnson had assembled an outfit blessed with experience and pace (some had experience and some had pace, but none had both!)

As with all games with Tupton the match was played in tremendous spirit with both victors and vanquished enjoying a crisp winter’s afternoon in the true spirit of rugby.

This week the seconds are looking for a pool fixture – hopefully at home whilst the thirds entertain Chesterfield 3rds in a Pennant League game (kick off 2.15)"

Once again, many thanks Chris for your hard work with the future of the club!!

  

FIXTURES FOR 21ST JANUARY

Matlock 1st XV are back in action down at Cromford against Notts Casuals whilst the 3rd XV play Chesterfield also at home. Both games kick off at 2.15pm. At the time of going to press the 2nd XV may have the chance of playing the Derbyshire 2^Nd team Cup game against Ilkeston, we await news.

MATLOCK RUGBY VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH

Please remember that our next Vice Presidents Lunch will be on Saturday 4th March at the Club House. Our opponents that day will be Coalville RUFC. Early bookings are being taken but an official notice will be going out in the next couple of weeks. We would ask you to book and pay in advance which will allow us to plan and cater for such a big club event.

MATLOCK TOWN FOOTBALL SPORTSMANS DINNER

Our Vice President Tom Wright who is the Chairman of Matlock Town Football Club has asked me to circulate the attached. If anyone is interested in attending please contact Tom directly.

LASTLY PLEASE NOTE THE 1ST JULY IN YOUR DIARY FOR THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT COUNTY HALL

If you want more details, please contact me at the VP Office on 07951 268678. There is no point contacting Les as the lazy bugger is lying somewhere in Western Australia comforting a kangaroo and getting very hot to boiling!!!

Yours in Matlock Rugby

David

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents- Latest News

Please find below the latest news from the Matlock Rugby Team, as provided regularly by David (Matlock Rugby Vice President).

A HAPPY, HEALTHY, PEACEFUL AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE AT MATLOCK RUGBY!

MIXED FORTUNES FOR THE BLUE BOYS AT NEWARK

NEWARK 1ST XV 18 MATLOCK 1ST XV  17

Prior to the match Vice Presidents Tin Bestwick, Andy Shooter, Ian McCluskey and yours truly were hosted by President Alan of Newark Rugby to a fabulous lunch. As soon as the final whistle blew both club officials expressed their views on the refereeing and as you can imagine we were in agreement. Having said that their report can be read in full from the hyper link below. Again many thanks to our scribe, Tony Hooton.  

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/1-2158796

Our 'paparazzi' Colin Baker has posted photographs of the game and they too can be downloaded from the below link. There are a couple of shots of our 2nd XV coming out of the changing rooms. Hopefully we will have action shots in the future, maybe next week?

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-17-v-newark-18-714592.html

NEWARK 2ND XV 15 MATLOCK 2ND XV 19

Our 2nd and 3rd XV 'scoop' and coach, Chris Loeber, posted his following report:

"The seconds and thirds welcomed the New Year with just one fixture – the 2^nd team away at Newark. Unfortunately we were unable to honour the 3^rd team game at Worksop due to lack of numbers with 3^rdteam talisman Bruce away terrorizing the locals on the ski slopes of Andorra!

However the 2^nd team recorded an excellent 19 – 15 victory at Newark. Newark were one of only two teams to have beaten the seconds prior to Christmas – a 33 – 32 thriller early in the season, so it was very pleasing not only to avenge that defeat , but to do so without playing at our best.

Some post Christmas blues, or was it the after effects of over indulgence, resulted in a rather stop start performance with the team not being able to impose their free flowing style on fairly strong opponents who play in the league above us.

Having said that we did score “ the try of the season” when a break from our own 22 saw the ball go through numerous sets of hands with skipper Chris Perry being on hand to go over.

Our other tries came from the excellent Harry Boyd with Harry and Chris Buckley each adding a conversion.

From a Club point of view it was very pleasing that two 17 year olds were in the second team squad, Mark Thornley and Joe Thompson.

This Saturday the second return to league action with an away fixture at Chesterfield. The thirds are looking for a pool game – isn’t it about time we played Tupton again!"

SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY

As we go to press the 1st XV do not have a fixture next Saturday but as Chris Loeber states in his report the 2nds have an away fixture over the hill at Chesterfield with a 2.15pm kick off. I look forward to seeing support for the Blue Boys against our near neighbours.

FINALLY SOME SAD NEWS

JAMES GEORGE

Last week I received the sad news that James George has died. His brother and Matlock Rugby Vice President, William George, contacted me and has asked me to communicate the following through the Newsletter:

"Dear David,

Sad news I am afraid – my brother James George died on the 2^nd January 2017 after a year long struggle (bowel cancer).  He was only 63 and played for Matlock in the 70s while a student and then joined Waterloo where he played in the first team for a season before moving away in the course of his medical career.

He leaves a widow (Angela) and daughter Jennifer.

He was diagnosed on Xmas Eve 2015 and at first chemo and radiotherapy appeared successful but in late summer a further scan revealed trouble necessitating further radio therapy. He gave lectures in Glasgow and London to fellow physicians about 6 weeks before he died.

James was  consultant physician in Carlisle until he retired about 18 months ago but remained active in research and part time work until shortly before his death.  He leaves a wife (Angela) and daughter Jennifer.  The funeral has been provisionally arranged for Saturday the 14^th in Carlisle Cathedral.

He remained interested in Rugby and attended many internationals both at home and abroad.

There may be some members who may remember him as a fierce and able wing forward (much better than me) and will be interested to hear my news."

On behalf of the Club I have extended our sympathies.

 Yours in rugby,

David

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents

P.S. don’t forget to book your place on 1st July to celebrate the Club's 90th anniversary also the next VP lunch on Saturday 4th March (details of both events to follow)

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

Matlock Rugby- December Newsletter

This week's Newsletter will start with Matlock 2nd and 3rd XVs who continue to make this wonderful club of ours proud

Its always nice to get these reports from one of 'England's leading journalists' and a 'diplomat' to boot!! Early this morning I received 'Scoop' Loeber's action report and I mean action! How often have we heard and indeed experienced such disgusting behaviour at Ashfield. The Matlock Blue Boys continue to rise above it and continue to play and behave in accordance with the laws of rugby union. Well done the Blue Boys!

Here’s a brief roundup of the way the 2^nd’s and 3^rd’s spent their Saturday afternoons:

Ashfield 2^nd 5   Matlock 2^nd  55

When Tupton 1^st’s cried off it seemed a good idea to take a pool fixture away at Ashfield. Unfortunately it proved to be a bad decision as, both on the pitch and on the touchline Ashfield ‘s view of what is acceptable behaviour differed from ours.

A description of Ashfield’s conduct on the pitch would, I’m afraid, make the blood boil, so I’ll limit myself to the comment that we will not be taking “friendly fixtures “ against Ashfield in the foreseeable future.

Being charitable we could take the view that such conduct was the only way they could try to counter our attacking 15 man style. We’re definitely improving and some of our tries were quite stunning. Wingers Morgan Miles and Mark Thornley were outstanding with young Mark’s two tries earning him the coveted MOTM award. But in the words of that great Anglophile Eddie Jones “there’s a lot of improvement to come”.

Off the pitch the referee has said that his match report will include reference to the constant abuse both he and our players were subjected to by some of the Ashfield  spectators . All in all not a pleasant afternoon.

Tupton 2nds 26   Matlock 3rds 22

So Tupton gained revenge for their defeat at the Meadows the previous week. Captain Bruce was adamant that had they played for just 5 more minutes “we would have had them”

Players of the weekend were undoubtedly Jonny Bunting and Paul Lane. When told that the seconds had 19 players and the thirds only 14 they were more than happy to go with the thirds – club men through and through. Or did they use their vast experience to conclude that the Tupton experience was likely to be a whole lot more fun?!

This coming Saturday ( 10^th December) the seconds take a rest but the thirds entertain Ashbourne in a league encounter , kick off 2.15.

Matlock 1st XV vs Market Bosworth

After a weekend off from league action the 1st XV squad have ben training hard in preparation for the next league match at Cromford on Saturday against our friends down the road, Market Bosworth. Lets get behind the Blue Boys and encourage them to take another leap up the league. It was interesting to see that the league leaders, Melbourne, drew 14-14 with Loughborough who we defeated at Loughborough 29-8 over a week ago!

Lets have a good turnout of Vice Presidents, friends and family to show our support for Matlock Rugby 1st and 3rd XV.

Thank you

David

P.S. congratulations go to England for recording their 13th consecutive victory, said through gritted teeth but in the spirit of rugby union!!

(Newsletter courtesy of David Hood- Matlock Rugby )

Matlock Blue Boys go further up the league

Matlock Rugby Vice Presidents- Release 14/12/2016 

BLUE BOYS 58 MARKET BOSWORTH 14

A MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY

 

A comprehensive 10 try victory pushed the Blue Boys further up the league to 4th place last Saturday with many Vice Presidents in attendance to watch them as well as our glorious 3rd XV who seem to score at will and emulating the 1st XV in the process!!

'Paparazzi' Baker was in his element taking photographs during normal daylight conditions but his expertise was put to the test when the floodlights came on! A great set Colin.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/photos/matlock-58-v-market-bosworth-14-711488.html

'Scoop' Hooton, at his editorial best and his comprehensive report can be downloaded from:

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/matlock/teams/9812/match-centre/1-2158783

On Saturday, the Blue Boys will be venturing over to West Bridgeford so please continue to support the boys before the Christmas and New Year break. The West Bridgeford officials have kindly invited 6, yes 6, of our Vice Presidents to attend the lunch prior to the game (12.45pm prompt start) so would you let me know if you would like to represent Matlock Rugby. Our 2nd XV will also be playing at West Bridgeford with both games kicking off at 2.15pm so no excuses including Christmas shopping from the Vice Presidents. Just to let you know Derby County are not at home!!!

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

ANOTHER MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY

'Scoop' Loeber reports in as follows on the success of the 3rd XV:

Matlock 3rd    41     Ashbourne 4th   0

On the most perfect December day for rugby the core of Bruce's babies

supplemented by an assortment of 2nd teamers proved to have too much fire

power for our good friends from Ashbourne. In contrast to last week's Battle

of Ashfield, this was rugby as it should be - hard, fair and (for the most

part) good humoured!

Our forwards had to work hard to produce good ball for our backs to run with

- and run they did with all tries coming from the backs, although forwards

and backs did exchange passes for a couple.

Up front Tom Neville played like a spring chicken for 20 minutes before

retreating to the quiet of the subs bench, but special mention up front

should be made of young Ethan Donnelly who found himself in the unaccustomed

position of main lineout jumper -  and a good job he did too.

Harry Boyd shared scrum half duties with his mentor Steve Marsden, and then

found himself playing against Steve, as the Youlgrave wizard kindly

volunteered to move over to our visitors when they lost a man to injury. A

sporting gesture which was suitably recognized by the fines committee who

fined him for playing for the opposition!

In the backs Jake Richards starred on the wing, running in a brace.

This Saturday sees all 3 teams away. The challenge is to get 3 teams out -

so if any VP's are suffering from delusions of youth they should make

themselves known!

The seconds accompany the first team to West Bridgeford and the thirds make

the short trip to Derby to face Derby 4th's. All games kick off at 2.15.

RON BROOME

It is with great sadness we were informed of Vice President Ron's passing on 30th September aged 89. As some of you know, Ron was a past captain of Matlock. His daughter, Emma, contacted me on Monday to apologise for not being in touch sooner. Her father died suddenly at home and she wanted to let everyone know that he always spoke fondly of the Old Baileans and was still paying his VP subs each year. Emma has seen plenty of photos from his earlier years when he used to play for the club, which meant a lot to him. RIP

MATLOCK RUFC CELEBRATE 90 YEARS

Date for your diary - On 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.

As most of you know this will conveniently double up with the British Lions second test against New Zealand at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on the same day. We could be celebrating by then?

If you wish to place your name on the 'interested' list please note that there will be 12 tables x 10.

(Release from David Hood- Matlock Rugby)