BRUFC vs OTLEY RUFC
Michael Harris (Ref), Paul Fincken (AF) & Fraser Gill (AF)
BILLINGHAM RUFC
- Adam Brown
- Ed Graham
- James Watson
- Ryan Kirkbride
- Ben Walton
- Dan Burns
- Tom Campbell
- Anth Jackson
- Elliott Husband (c)
- Ryan Foreman
- Joe Ross
- Luke Wilson
- Louie Groark
- Jonny Horner
- Peter Evans
- Harvey Headlem
- Harry Beadling
- Matty White
- Joseph Scarborough
- Jamie Lane
OTLEY RUFC
- Jason Moss
- Tom Coates
- Tom Baxter
- Rhys Green
- Adam Malthouse
- Finn Warren-Lambert
- Charlie Mears
- Ben Waddington
- Ollie McNab
- Eddie Crossland
- Elliot Spiers
- Jacob Holmes
- William Derry
- Michael Graham
- Callum Irvine
- Noah Greenald
- Billy Nicholls
- George Bowen
- Simon Willet
- Sam Connor.
Today's Match Day Sponsor
AIC Ltd.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to AIC for their generous sponsorship of today’s match.
We truly appreciate AIC’s support, as sponsorships like theirs are vital to the ongoing success of our club. Thank you again to AIC for backing the team, and we encourage everyone to learn more about their incredible work by visiting their website.
TABLE, FIXTURES & RESULTS
National League 2 North
FIXTURES
RECENT RESULTS
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
SENIOR COACH UPDATE
PETER EVANS
SENIOR COACH
7 points from the opening 2 games is a really good return.
You know we are doing well and all aligned when a draw at Tynedale is disappointing. Playing in to a strong wind first half we played with an element of composure and defended well. Only going in 7-0 down.
2nd half was more attacking showing and the disappointment was we didn’t take 1 more chance which would have won us the game.
We were top of the discipline charts last season with the fewest cards in the league. For some reason we have flipped that so far and been down to 13 men twice. Do that today and we are in big trouble. Otley play some really good open rugby and we need to be on it from the first minute. They also have the required grunt up front to cause any team issues. I have a feeling it will be an open game and we must take out chances.
The Lions head up to Morpeth looking for their first win of the season, it was a good showing at Tynedale, we just didn’t get the result. It is a very young squad this season but the lads are training hard and mirroring what the 1st team are trying to do which is exactly what we need. The 3TM have a trip out to the dales and looking for their first win as well. The lads have a great core this season and hopefully they can get a win before a gap week.
As always we love being at home, especially with a big crowd, something we are proud of.
Please bring the noise and see us home.
#OSIOS
FIRST XV SHIRT SPONSORS
We can't thank these and all our other sponsors enough for their continued support throughout the season.Billingham Girls Section
As we move into the 2024-2025 season 3 Billingham girls section teams will take the field at u12, u14 and u16.
In January 2022 we took our 5 players to a festival, powered by a good luck video from Jade Konkel of Harlequins and Scotland. 4 of those players remain today, playing in our under 16s this season alongside 46 other registered players who’ve joined since across the junior and minis sections in the club, the majority of which are within the girls section.
In that time we’ve assembled a great coaching team to make sure we can keep delivering on our promise to players and parents, with 2 more coaches completing their coaching courses last season and a further 4 taking theirs this coming season. We also welcome Lola and Freya, now u18s, into the coaching group, also taking their coaching qualifications this year alongside embarking on Sixth Form, both of whom have been successful in achieving rugby scholarships at Bede following excellent GCSE results in the summer.
At the end of last season we sent a group to trial for the u16s DPP, where a number were successful in being selected for the squad for the season. A very strong showing from us, reflective of the work the players, and parents, have put in since last summer.
Pre season finished the other week for the girls, and after the obligatory fitness we got to working on our skills, game development and coaching players new laws for the age groups they’re joining. We’ve come a long way since that festival in 2022 and we know where our ability level is.
The focus for the season is togetherness and to shut out the noise and discussion around other clubs/players and focus on us, and in something I was taught as a young man in an office full of personalities - don’t get cocky or complacent when it goes well, and stay connected whether it does or doesn’t.
A team built around mates, on their way to senior rugby, with a Hyndman (Amelia) coaching - has a touch of destiny about it doesn’t it. We continue to make Greenwood Road the centre of the world.
WE ARE RECRUITING!
u12, u14 and u16 girls. For more information contact Steve Gordon on 07525 122543 or email the club.
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.
WERE HIRING!
Hospitality Staff
Role includes: Table service, Bar service (full description upon interview). 18+.
Please email CV to matthewpinkney1@hotmail.co.uk
#OSIOS
HOLD YOUR EVENT AT THE CLUB
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!