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BRUFC vs LEEDS TYKES RUFC

4TH NOVEMBER, 2023
NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 NORTH
CONTENTS - TEAM SHEETS - TABLES, FIXTURES & RESULTS - CLUB PRESIDENT'S WELCOME - MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN - SENIOR COACH UPDATE - U12S GIRLS RUGBY - BILLINGHAM COLTS - EX-PLAYERS DAY, 2023, GALLERY - INSTAGRAM GALLERY
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Dave Charlton (Ref), Jonathan Keeton (AF) & Liam Taylor (AF)

BILLINGHAM RUFC

  1. Dan Dixon
  2. Jordan Foulds
  3. Kieran Clark
  4. Ben Walton
  5. Mike Walton
  6. Dan Burns
  7. John Padley
  8. Anth Jackson
  9. Conner Foley
  10. Peter Evans
  11. Matt Kirby
  12. Joe Evans
  13. Peter Youll
  14. Joe Ross
  15. Elliott Husband (c)

  16. Ed Graham
  17. Joe Spoors
  18. Nathan Myers
  19. Tom Campbell
  20. Shaun McCartney

LEEDS TYKES RUFC

  1. Toby Williams
  2. Adam Brown
  3. Dan Grant
  4. Jake Brady
  5. Tom Collins
  6. Lucas Walsh
  7. Jonny Teague
  8. Junior Nu’u
  9. Henry Macnab
  10. Pete Lucock
  11. Harry Jukes
  12. Tom Williams
  13. Ben Dixon
  14. Charlie Venables
  15. Kieran Davies

  16. Arron Yorke
  17. Alex Fishwick
  18. Eddie Brown
  19. Jerry Bai
  20. Will Hardwick

CLUB SPONSORS

TABLE, FIXTURES & RESULTS

Last update: 3rd November, 2023

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 Leeds Tykes 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

CLUB SPONSORS

SENIOR COACH UPDATE

PETER EVANS

SENIOR COACH

After a well-deserved rest we are ready to roll the dice this weekend.

We welcome for the first time a club steeped in recent history. Leeds Tykes have played at the highest level in the last 20 years and will no doubt be looking to come and continue their winning start.

Its seems odd to have a 2 week break so early in the season but in reality it was a welcome break. It has been a very tough but rewarding start to our first knock at this level. Our last time out was the first time I have been disappointed by our level of work rate. We promised ourselves at the start of the season nobody would work harder than us, and that is a must today.

It is a squad which will likely have some changes, 1 or 2 enforced but mostly changes we see having an impact on how we are going to approach this game. It is great to be in a position where we have a lot of disappointed players who believe they should be out on the pitch. That competitive nature has been positive so far and must remain. I have no doubt this is our toughest test this season but Greenwood Road is a tough place to visit and we pride ourselves on our home form.

It no doubt will be a busy day at the club. We have a packed sponsors lounge and of course our ‘ex-players’ day. It is a big day for the club, against a beast of an opposition, in front a packed new balcony, the good, the bad and the ugly of our ex-players and a bit of team social after.

Just the 1st team and 3rd team in action this week so hopefully a big crowd focussed on the lads.

One big push towards Christmas.

#OSIOS

Calling all young U12 girls in County Durham and the North East!

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Join us for an exciting season of U12 Girls Rugby, where the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship takes centre stage.

Our U12 Girls Rugby programmes are the perfect opportunity for girls under 12 to discover the joys of rugby. Whether you're new to the sport or looking to hone your skills, our experienced coaches are here to support your growth every step of the way.

Develop lifelong friendships with like-minded girls who share your passion. Build physical fitness, coordination, and mental resilience. Learn essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Experience the thrill of competition in a safe and supportive environment.

But that's not all! To get a taste of the excitement, be sure to check out our accompanying promotional video, showcasing the incredible moments and unforgettable memories awaiting you on the rugby field. Don't miss this chance to be part of something extraordinary!

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!

Get in touch

BILLINGHAM COLTS

Six from Six!

As we enter the two week break in the Halbro North East and Cumbria Colts League, Billingham maintain their top of the table position with a fantastic 6 from 6.

The last game before the break saw us visit Stockton for the second time in as many weeks and with a score to settle after our narrow loss in the National Colts Cup. The lads prepared well and there was a definite “ can do” attitude amongst the squad. Selection was difficult with such depth and talent in the group and a number of players unavailable.

After a tough fought 70 mins the lads secured a 21-19 victory after defending heavily on our try line to avoid the disappointment of our previous encounter.

Last weekend and this weekend sees a number of the squad trialling for Durham County U18 selection. There are five new nominees and 4 returning from last years u17’s squad to trial. Three of the players who are in the Newcastle Falcons u16 and u17 squad have been selected to trial after discussions with the Premiership Academy.

This is great for the pathway in our club and the team in general.

Next week sees us return to League and County Cup action with a double header against Hartlepool Old Boys who will no doubt be out to take the scalp of the league leaders.

Details of the game are to be confirmed but we are hoping for a “Friday Night Under the Lights” fixture. Keep an aye on the socials for more information.

Finally congratulations to Harry Wildridge and Lauchlan Hill on their selection for the Newcastle Falcons Academy u18 league squad.

The futures bright!

#OSIOS

EX-PLAYERS DAY, 2023

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARCHIVES…

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY!

The newly refurbished clubhouse is an ideal choice for any special celebration, live entertainment, conferences, meetings and sporting events:

  • - Flexible events and meeting space
  • - Can accommodate up to 150 banquet style
  • - Can accommodate up to 200 conference or standing
  • - Can host up to 12 tables of 10 with a dance floor
  • - Host up to 20 exhibition stalls
  • - Newly installed balcony can host up to 80 standing guests
  • - The balcony can also cater for tables and seated guests too
  • - Onsite AV systems available
  • - Large car park available

Now’s the time to get in touch!
Book your event today.

Want to book a time to take a look around?
Call us on 01642 560052

or click on the button below to email us:

Event Enquiries

CHRISTMAS FOOD DONATION

Please give a little joy to our local community.

More Information?

CLUB SPONSORS

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