BRUFC vs HULL RUFC
Dave Charlton (Ref), Paul Fincken (AF) & Graham Bentley (AF)
BILLINGHAM RUFC
- Joe Spoors
- Ed Graham
- Kieran Clark
- Ben Walton
- Dan Burns
- Tom Campbell
- Anth Jackson
- Mike Walton
- Conner Foley
- Ryan Foreman
- Louie Groark
- Peter Evans
- Peter Youll
- Joe Ross
- Elliott Husband (c)
- Dan Dixon
- Jake Bamber
- Michael Whinn
- Matt Kirby
- Jonny Horner
HULL RUFC
- Major
- Jobling
- Bairstow
- Regardsoe
- Renouf
- Uriburu
- Hall
- Latu
- Naylor
- Astley
- Barratt
- Faraimo
- Heard (c)
- Shaul
- Dean
- Beech
- Tuvotu
- Papa/Fawcett
- McDougall
- Harding
Today's Match Day Sponsor
Stranton Energy Services
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Stranton Energy Services who will be joining us as Match Day sponsors today.
At Billingham Rugby Club, we take immense pride in hosting such distinguished guests, and we look forward to an exciting day filled with fun, sportsmanship, and the thrilling spirit of rugby.
TABLE, FIXTURES & RESULTS
National League 2 North
FIXTURES
RESULTS
CLUB PRESIDENT'S WELCOME
JOHN KER
CLUB PRESIDENT
In welcoming our visitors in this, our Centenary season, whether you are a player, committee representative or loyal fan, we shall endeavour to make sure that you are treated well, both on and off the pitch, whatever the ultimate result. First of all I would like to apprise you of a few things. As a club we have taken another step (perhaps more of a giant leap) upwards into the higher echelons of English rugby union.
Our rugby club was born out of 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 a 'factory' team. Although our date of inauguration is 1924, during the autumn of 1923, players were recruited, training started and coaching commenced in earnest. The very first game was against West Hartlepool Secondary School when Billingham Synthonia Rugby Football Club won by 8 points to 6. Our first dinner was held in April 1928 and the following year saw us achieve Senior Club status. Although
"… the pavilion was a wooden but and tin basins with cold water did service in place of showers"
We have come on a bit since those days, however, and since the turn of this century we have opened the new clubhouse on a new ground at Greenwood Road, courtesy of lottery funding. Then in August 2017 we added the Artificial Grass Pitch thanks to RFU, but this year, following our league and Durham County Senior cup wins of last season we start life in National 2 North. Not content with promotion, we have added to our facilities in extra special ways, which everyone can enjoy this afternoon.
Annually I put into print my appreciation and thanks to the strong leadership of our hardworking Executive Committee and, of course our very many volunteers, without whom we would struggle. I realise that most sports clubs rely heavily on voluntary help but I think our various groups are a match for any club in the country. I believe it is also 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 is 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.
John Ker
#OSIOS
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
MARK ARMSTRONG
CLUB CHAIRMAN
Welcome Hull RUFC...
Welcome to all of our wonderful members and supporters, enjoy the match, remember where you are, who we are and respect players, officials and each other. Rugby is always the winner.
I have achieved many things in my life that I am proud of (my family being top of the list), I have been to many places, seen many things, met many people and overall, I see myself as being very fortunate. I also know that fortune favours the brave, hard work delivers results and being part of a team, a successful team is a wonderful place to be.
The above sums up this club for me. I have been fortunate to be part of this club for 35 years of it’s 100 year history and to be it’s Chairman for over 20 of those. A centenary is a milestone in any sport and in life in general and those of us who are members today, including myself, are fortunate to be part of a club that has been built on the back of many generations of players, members and supporters. We may have started out as a works team but back in the day we were a force to be reckoned with and despite the end of the industrial giant that was ICI, Billingham RUFC has gone from strength to strength.
Of course, we have had challenges along the way, including becoming homeless in the 90s, then nearly going out of business in the 00s, but we have come through to where we are today. Many people have contributed to our survival and our growth and the honours board of Presidents, Chairs and Club Captains are a great example of this, but there are many that don’t have their name on boards who have been instrumental in ensuring we can stand here today, with a soft smile on our faces. We have a plan for them too!
If I look at the last 25 years, from the time before we had our clubhouse to where we stand today, many of the people who have helped with our success, are still here today, every day, every game. This club to many, is a big part of their life. Our club is our community and over time our club has become an important part of the community.
When you have a great team, great things happen, and this year, our centenary year, to be playing in the National Leagues, Level 4 of rugby, in the top 60 teams in the country, in our new clubhouse, yes it is a dream come true, but one that was never in doubt.
We have a great rugby leadership team, we have a great rugby operations team, we have a great rugby development team and we are supported by many volunteers. Not only are we playing in Level 4, but we boast teams from U6 to Colts, 4 senior teams and 3 girls teams, a total of 19 teams. You have heard me say time and time again, if you stand still you go backwards and we have never accepted anything for granted and looked to improve every year.
We look at every part of what we do; coaching, kit, health and well-being support, playing surfaces, changing facilities, club, food, even the beer, and we look to make improvements along the way. Today we stand in a new extended and refurbished clubhouse. We used the have the ‘If Carlsberg made toilets…’ moment (we still do) but now we have the ‘If Carlsberg made members bars’ experience. Yes, I am excited about this, of course I am, and why not, who would not want a private bar, with a private balcony with the best view of the match?
But we are not finished, we want to continue to improve and the next phase is the players, including girls changing and physio facilities. Some might ask how you can afford it and the answer is simple, we invest all of our profits back into rugby but we do not pay players, repeat we do not pay players. They, like every playing member, pay their monthly membership subscription. Some say this will restrict our potential, I say, this is what has got us to where we are, this is the ethos that defines our culture and this is what will ensure our success.
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”.
Mark Armstrong
#OSIOS
SENIOR COACH UPDATE
PETER EVANS
SENIOR COACH
As a group we have taken some big steps forwards over the last few weeks.
Results might not of been perfect but we are really starting to get to grips with the league and our own style of play. We have had a lot of changes this season with key players missing so this has maybe changed our style. Add to that the learnings from each game we have adapted and tweaked to suit conditions and opposition.
Last week was a brilliant game of rugby, a game we could and should have won. The first 35 minutes was controlled fluid rugby we just let ourselves down with some lapses in concentration. 3 points is great but doesn’t really do us any favours in overtaking our rivals.
Looking forward to this week we have another monster of a challenge but one we really fancy. Hull have some brilliant players who can create and win games. We need to control that, limit their chances and work harder in all areas. The great thing for me is players coming into to the side recently are really showing that desire to get whatever we can from a game, this means players coming back from unavailability have to match the mindset.
8 games left, 5 of which are at home and 7 in total on AGP’s. That’s a lot of cup finals where we need to find a way to win.
The 3rds are joining us at home today as they entertain Rovers. It's great to see some returning players.
Couple of big wins followed by the German Night in the club.
#OSIOS
National League 2 North Highlights
Round 18
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FIRST XV SHIRT SPONSORS
We can't thank these and all our other sponsors enough for their continued support throughout the season.Calling all young U12 girls in County Durham and the North East!
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Ready to get started? Get in touch with your local club for more details. Together, we'll tackle challenges, score amazing tries, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Join us on this incredible rugby journey today!
Rugby Fest 2024:
Unleash the Excitement!
Join us on June 15th and 16th at the Billingham Rugby Club for the ultimate weekend of sports and festivities! Here's a sneak peek into what awaits:
Rugby 7s Extravaganza
Car Show
Strongman Competition
Beer Festival
Live Music
Food Delights
Billingham Rugby Fest 2024 is more than just rugby; it's a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and fun.
Bring your family and friends to be part of this unforgettable weekend. Get your tickets now for a perfect blend of sports and entertainment!
LADIES DAY '24
SATURDAY 6TH APRIL, 2024.
For the first time since 2016 we are bringing ladies day. It’s always been a huge occasion and we want to bring back the good times.
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.