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BRUFC vs HULL IONIONS RUFC

12TH OCTOBER, 2024
NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 NORTH
CONTENTS - 1ST XV TEAM SHEETS - TABLES, FIXTURES & RESULTS - CLUB PRESIDENT'S WELCOME - MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN - SENIOR COACH UPDATE - COLTS UPDATE - CLUB TEAM NOTICES - CLUB NOTICES & EVENTS - HOST YOUR EVENT AT THE CLUB - INSTAGRAM GALLERY
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Sam Yates (Ref), Matt Daubney (AF) & Carl Walsh (AF)

BILLINGHAM RUFC

  1. Adam Brown
  2. Ed Graham
  3. Harry Beadling
  4. Matty White
  5. Ben Walton
  6. Liam Armstrong
  7. Tom Campbell
  8. Nathan Myers
  9. Elliott Husband (c)
  10. Ryan Foreman
  11. Jonny Horner
  12. Luke Wilson
  13. Louie Groark
  14. Joe Scarborough
  15. Peter Evans

  16. Ewan Lydiatt
  17. Harvey Headlem
  18. Dan Dixon
  19. Jobe Roxby
  20. Jamie Lane

HULL IONIONS RUFC

  1. Chris Morton
  2. Sam Edwards
  3. Scott Westwood
  4. Joe Makin (c)
  5. Callam Sanderson
  6. Allan Hudson
  7. James Sanderson
  8. George Mewburn
  9. Sam Pocklington
  10. Ben Smith
  11. Will Yates
  12. Josh Britton
  13. Lewis Minikin
  14. Jake Boardman
  15. Cam Burnhill

  16. Mike Melhuish
  17. Ben Stephenson
  18. Kobby Fofie
  19. Lucas Powell
  20. Alfie Celella

Today's Match Day Sponsor

HPS Roofing & Property Maintenance

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to HPS Roofing & Property Maintenance for sponsoring today’s match against Hull Ionions. As a trusted local business, HPS Roofing & Property Maintenance has been providing quality roofing and property services across the region. Their support helps us continue to grow as a club and provide a fantastic experience for both players and supporters.

Thank you for your generous support, and we wish both teams the best of luck in today’s game!

Visit their website

CLUB SPONSORS

Club President & Chairman's Welcome

JOHN KER

CLUB PRESIDENT

Well, that's the first hundred years out of the way; onwards and upwards into the next hundred.

I wonder what Billingham Rugby Club will be like in 2124? Will our wonderful game have changed?

Anyway, in welcoming our visitors this afternoon, whether you are a player, committee representative or loyal fan, we shall endeavour to treat you well, both on and off the pitch, whatever the ultimate result. First of all I would like to apprise you of a few facts.

Our rugby club was founded by the Synthetic and Nitrates Company which eventually became ICI. Originally we were the rugby section of the Synthonia Sports Club and for many years simply regarded as the 'factory' team. Although the date of our inauguration is 1924, during the autumn of 1923 players were

"recruited, training started and coaching started in earnest."

The very first game was against West Hartlepool Secondary School Old Boys when Billingham Synthonia Rugby Football Club
won by 8 points to 6. Our very first players' dinner was held in April 1928 and the following year saw us achieve Senior Club status.

However…

" … The pavilion was a wooden hut and tin basins with cold water did service in place of showers."

We have come on a bit since those days and since 2000 we have opened the new clubhouse on the new ground here at Greenwood Road, courtesy of Lottery funding. Then in August 2017 we added the Artificial Grass Pitch, thanks to RFU and last year extended both our balcony and upstairs room as well as changing over the kitchen and the snug

Annually I put into print my appreciation and thanks to the strong leadership of our hardworking Executive Committee and of course to our very many volunteers without whom we would struggle. I realise that most sports clubs rely heavily on voluntary help but I do believe that our various groups are a match for any club in the country. I feel also, that it is important to acknowledge the many parents who bring their children to join the minis then stay involved to become coaches, team managers, fund raisers and even - referees.

It's difficult in a one-off piece which remains in the programme for the whole season to react to weekly events but the contributions from Chairman, Mark Armstrong, and Director of Rugby, Peter Evans, do change game by game. So a special thanks to both.

In conclusion, after our first season of national rugby we hung on to fight another day - well a second season and this time we know exactly what to expect. Going forward we hope to establish ourselves permanently in National 2 North.

Enjoy the game.

MARK ARMSTRONG

CLUB CHAIRMAN

I am confident that the season 2024-25 will be as intriguing, potentially as frustrating but hopefully as exciting as the last.

We could not have asked for a better season than the last for our centenary year. Achieving National League status for the first time in our history and in our Centenary season too, was more than we could have dreamt for. However, it is something we planned for, and dreams become a reality when you have the commitment and buy-in of a whole club and a whole community. We knew last year was going to be a tough year and it proved to be so, but our final match of the season against Rotherham, will go down in history as one of the best games of all time for Billingham RUFC.

Okay, some might say we survived by the skin of our teeth, but I would argue we survived out of pure grit and determination and we showed our true colours during the last few weeks of the season and we showed why ‘Our Spirit is our Strength’ is just not just a saying, it’s a belief! But this is not just a player or a club mentality, it is becoming a community belief too. We had over 1,000 people attend the Rotherham game to see a truly spirited performance from our team, and the celebration at the end went on into the night.

As we close out our Centenary year and start our 101st season as a Rugby Club, we start with the same excitement, the same belief and with the same ethos. Our goal is to be the leading Professional Amateur club in the country and if you look around you, we can walk the walk with many professional clubs despite being 100% amateur. I truly believe that this is the bedrock of our success over the last 25 years.

Whilst many clubs have dallied with paying players and been seduced by the riches that professional rugby has to offer, we have stayed true to our values, and we have built an open and welcoming club that is also a fortress. I don’t mean Greenwood Road, I mean Billingham Rugby Club and I mean OSIOS. It is this steadfast belief that we can achieve the impossible if we stand together as one club united in the believe that rugby, at every level and every age group will be the winner without paying players that has helped us to build a strong playing membership and attracted young, talented local players who want to perform at a higher level.

It was great to see the Chris Hyndman and Craig Willis at our Centenary dinner, former and current professionals alongside Amelia Hyndman, our newest professional player. If we can provide a club that plays at the highest level we can, currently National League, and also creates a platform for local boys and girls to go on to play at an even higher level, then we can be proud and rugby and Billingham RUFC will be the winner, and for the long term. We currently boast 14 age grade teams including 3 girls teams as well as 4 senior teams and have approx. 400 registered playing members. Our weekends are busy, but our mid-week training sessions equally so and this is why we exist and this is what makes us who we are.

We are committed to improve everything about our club that is rugby related. I am committed to ensure this club has the best facilities, provides the best experience, on and off the field and working with Peter and Danny, ensure that our rugby is entertaining and underpins that experience across the club. As I said last year, it was John F Kennedy that gave the famous speech in Berlin in 1963, and said that “2,000 years ago the proudest boast was to say you were a citizen of Rome”, and went on to say, “that today the proudest boast is ‘ich bin ein Berliner”. Today I say to you, the proudest boast is to say, “I am a member of Billingham Rugby Club”.

#OSiOS

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SENIOR COACH UPDATE

PETER EVANS

SENIOR COACH

Home again and looking for points.

We have had a couple of tough weeks. Boys have been emptying the tanks and some playing out of position but we should be proud of the efforts so far. Leeds deserved the win but we were frustrated we gave them easy points and easy outs. 

There is a mindset change this week. Ionians look to have really picked up this season and will certainly provide a very tough game (aren’t they all). They have some brilliant players who are mainstays at this level. That said it’s a home game against a team who didn’t beat us last year and we must target points and teams like this.

It is great to have our 3rd double-header of the season and it’s the start of 3 on the bounce with Lions playing I’s Buccaneers. I am a massive fan of these days where teams play at the same location and travel together. We will return the favour later in the season.

It has been a tough start for the Lions but we have blooded some great young lads fresh from Colts. Some experience to add back in the mix today and some real talent on show.

The 3TM have a tough game at Darlington 2s who are strong group for the area. Thankfully, the boys keep plugging away and producing healthy squads with some great games.

67 lads taking the field today with plenty not around (I wont claim 60 missing like some clubs) we keep getting numbers out on the field and enjoying their rugby. 

Huge effort today against a physical side, big support as always and hopefully a handful of wins.

#OSIOS

National League 2 North Preview

Watch A Preview Of This Weekends Games.

The official YouTube channel for National League Rugby.

The place to watch The National League Rugby Shows every single week. Find out more at: ncarugby.com

Subscribe to their YouTube channel to watch the best tries and biggest moments throughout the season.

YouTube Channel

COLTS UPDATE

It seems like the season has been going on for ages already with 3 league games in the Halbro North East and Cumbria league and the first two rounds of the Colts National Cup already completed. We finished last week off with a hard fought win against a strong Novocastrians side and meet Darlington in the next round in mid November.

After a slow start the lads have continued to improve and gather momentum with some impressive results both at home and away.

We are fortunate enough to have a large squad and as the coaches balance game time for everyone it also allows us to manage workload for players with college and academy commitments. We feel this is important as it’s a long season. We have arranged a friendly against a Hartlepool Rovers Developing Squad this weekend to keep everyone active.

Good luck to the first XV today against Hull Ionians and to all the other boys and girls from minis through to senior teams.

Go well, the future is bright!

#OSIOS

CLUB NOTICES & EVENTS

Sunday Lunches at the Club

Our Sunday Lunches are a culinary delight that combines mouthwatering flavours with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in a scrumptious feast featuring a variety of delicious dishes, from succulent roasts to fresh seasonal vegetables, all prepared to perfection.

To ensure we have a table waiting for you, pre-booking is advised. Gather your friends and family, and make your reservation today to savor the best Sunday Lunch in town at Billingham Rugby Club.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and delicious meal with your loved ones.

Pre-Booking is Advised

WERE HIRING!

Hospitality Staff

Role includes: Table service, Bar service (full description upon interview). 18+.

Please email CV to matthewpinkney1@hotmail.co.uk

#OSIOS

Email your CV

HOLD YOUR EVENT AT THE CLUB

For private or corporate enquiries and to book a viewing, please contact us Chris Ker.
Wedding Reception Venue

Looking for the perfect venue to host your wedding reception, private party, or corporate event?

Billingham Rugby Club’s recently refurbished clubhouse is the ideal choice for any special occasion, offering a versatile, stylish, and welcoming space for all types of events.

Our modernised clubhouse is now open for bookings for the remainder of 2024 and throughout 2025. Whether you’re planning a wedding celebration, an intimate family gathering, a milestone birthday party, or a professional corporate event, our venue can accommodate it all. With a spacious function room, a fully stocked bar, and tailored catering options, we ensure every detail is covered, making your event stress-free and memorable.

The clubhouse’s recent refurbishments have transformed it into a contemporary space, perfect for creating lasting memories. Our experienced team is committed to working closely with you to customise the venue according to your vision, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

With flexible layouts, ample parking, and a warm atmosphere, Billingham Rugby Club’s clubhouse is a top choice for hosting events in the area. We invite you to contact us today to secure your preferred date for 2024 or 2025.

Let us help you make your next event truly special!

Get in touch

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