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MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
MATCH OFFICIALS:
NATHAN HOWARTH (REF), JONO SIDWELL-KEETON (AR) & LIAM TAYLOR (AR)
BILLINGHAM RUFC
- Adam Brown
- Ewan Lydiatt
- Dan Dixon
- Dan Burns
- Ryan Kirkbride
- Tom Campbell
- Nathan Myers
- Anth Jackson
- Jamie Lane
- Peter Evans
- Jonny Horner
- Luke Wilson
- Louie Groark
- Joe Scarborough
- Elliott Husband
- Ed Graham
- Harry Beadling
- Ben Walton
- Matty White
- Joe Ross
PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS RFC
- Daz Hill
- Harry Holden
- Sam Kyle-Clay
- Ewan Naylor
- Ellis Causey
- Dec Norrington
- Rob Willetts
- Ally Murray (c)
- Niall Povall
- Greg Smith
- Tyler Spence
- Sammy Russell
- Izaak Gosling
- Sam Freeman
- Jacob Browne
- Jonny Wild
- Danny Maher
- Scott Richardson
- Harvey May
- Rory Brand
Welcome to our Match Day Guests…
Billingham Golf Club
We are delighted to welcome Billingham Golf Club as our match day guests for today’s game against Preston Grasshoppers. It’s always a pleasure to strengthen the connections between local clubs, and we hope you enjoy the rugby, the hospitality, and the atmosphere here at Billingham Rugby Club.
Thank you for your support, and we hope you enjoy your day!
Our Ladies Day guests
Today, we are thrilled to be hosting our annual Ladies Day, a fantastic celebration of the amazing women who support our club, our players, and our community. Your presence adds so much to the occasion, and we hope you enjoy a day filled with great company, good rugby, and plenty of laughs!
A huge thank you to everyone attending – your support means the world to us, and we truly appreciate it. Enjoy the day, and let’s make it one to remember!
Thank You for Your Support!
A huge thank you to both our Ladies Day guests and our visitors from Billingham Golf Club for joining us today and for your incredible support. Your generosity is helping to raise vital funds for the next phase of Billingham Rugby Club’s development, ensuring we continue to grow both on and off the field.
Your contribution plays a key role in shaping the future of our club, and we truly appreciate it. Enjoy the day, enjoy the rugby, and thank you for being part of the journey!
SOUTH EAST ELEVATION
NORTH EAST ELEVATION
TABLE, FIXTURES & 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
Director of Rugby Performance Update
PETER EVANS
DIRECTOR OF RUGBY PERFORMANCE
A must win game. Simple as that.
To be blunt time is running out and we need points. It is a big day with a clubhouse packed full of ‘ladies’ with a dose of prosecco. Unfortunately we are the only team in action after a few cry offs but should make for a busy club.
It has been a testing time lately. Lads have been playing injured and working patterns have hit us hard. That said, we have but in some strong performances in parts of games especially the first half. We look a bit stronger with 6 changes to the squad with some experience and a bit of bulk returning.
I am forever proud of this club as we continue to be the best we can. I don’t use the phrase punch above our weight as I think we belong at the level. We have 3 home games left including this Preston game, please back us. Our support makes a huge difference to everything we do.
If you have time get down Sunday and support the Colts in a top of table clash with rivals Stockton.
Huge weekend incoming.
#OSIOS
FIRST XV SHIRT SPONSORS
We can't thank these and all our other sponsors enough for their continued support throughout the season.
NEWS & EVENTS
Live This Saturday – Welcome Back, Harry Hailey!
We are thrilled to welcome back the talented Harry Hailey, performing live at Billingham Rugby Club this Saturday. (facebook.com)
Harry’s versatility and engaging performances have made him a favourite at venues across the North East, from intimate garden parties to lively club events. His passion for music and ability to connect with audiences ensure a fantastic experience for all.
A huge thank you to Harry for bringing his energy and talent to the club once again. To stay updated on his music and upcoming gigs, check out his Facebook page: Harry Hailey Music.
Enjoy the music, and welcome back, Harry!
COLTS
The Colts are back in action against league & cup favourites Stockton.
It’s been a while watching our future in action but they are keen to get back on the field.
Sunday 8th March
Kick Off -1pm!
Why not join our ladies touch rugby fitness sessions?
Using the basics of rugby to help improve fitness levels without the contact element of the sport. A great fun way to aide fitness and make new friends.
They’re currently running at 6pm on Friday's at the club, usually pitch based but sometimes in the gym.
Billingham RUFC Achieves 5-Star Safety Accreditation
Billingham RUFC is proud to have once again been awarded a 5-star safety accreditation, reinforcing our commitment to providing the safest possible environment for players, supporters, and visitors alike.
We continue to prioritise the highest safety standards, ensuring that everyone who steps through our doors can enjoy their time at the club with confidence. Our dedication to safety is backed by SAVI (Security and Vulnerability Initiative) – find out more about their work here.
Book your Match Day Table now and make your game day one to remember!
Experience match day in style by booking a Match Day Table at Billingham Rugby Club!
For just £250, gather a group of 10 and enjoy exclusive pre-game hospitality from 12.30 to 17.30.
Your package includes entry to the match, a hearty hot meal before kick-off, and a bottle of port with a cheeseboard to savour afterwards. Plus, our table service ensures you can sit back, relax, and soak in the atmosphere.
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
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 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 2025.
Let us help you make your next event truly special!
SUPPORT WHERE IT MATTERS
One of the initiatives I have been especially proud of over the last 10 years, is our support of local charities.
We have put our chosen charities up front and centre in our fundraising and promoted them on our 1st XV away shirts as evidenced by the shirts hanging on the back wall in the main room of the club. You will see Daisy Chain, a local Autism Respite charity in Norton, BCT Aspire, a local Billingham Foundation for young adults run by our very own Paul Burgum and of course Prostate Cancer. Local does not always mean locally based but can mean personal too us.
Charities are very personal choices, and many people support charities due to personal reasons and Prostate Cancer is a great example of that as I know there have been sufferers amongst our club members and bringing awareness to this cancer was our objective. In addition we continue to support the Poppy Appeal.
I am delighted to confirm that our charity for this and next season is the Alzheimer’s Society.
Again, whilst the Alzheimer’s Society is a national charity, it is one that is personal to us.
We recently lost a life long member in Bob Bell and cardio-vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s were the cause of his rapid deterioration. My mother has Alzheimer’s and to see the light and spark of recognition go out from within someone you have known and loved all of your life is a heartbreaking experience. There are new drugs coming to the market and two have recently been approved for use in the UK, but sadly not by the NHS yet. The continued research into this disease is important but so is the awareness and support that charities like the Alzheimer’s’ Society provide.
Our sport is a physical impact support and there is a lit of talk about the impact of our support on dementia in general. Creating awareness off the field alongside ensuring our players have the relevant support in and around the field is a priority for the club.
We kicked off the year with our Centenary dinner and we have already raised well over £1,000 towards the charity and later this year we will have a home match focused on our charity fund raising for the Alzheimer’s Society. I know it’s an over used phrase but please give generously.
There is a donation bottle on the bar – it does take ‘notes’ and we have stickers and badges but if you want a badge, let’s here the rustle of plastic paper please.
MARK ARMSTRONG
