STACKSCHAT - ILKLEY RUGBY CLUB
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
StacksChat
This is the rst StacksChat club update since the last home match programme in March last year.
What we all thought would be a rela vely short-lived hiatus from rugby has turned into a dystopian
nightmare with no signs of an end in sight. Vaccina ons will be the solu on. Let’s hope the roll-out gets
us something like back to normality by early spring.
Anyway here’s a quick update on Ilkley Rugby Club’s 2020 post last season’s abrupt termina on.
On the eld
Covid terminated the season in March and we were arbitrarily relegated to league North One east. Make
no mistake we had thoroughly enjoyed our ve years amongst the semi pro’s and were sad to lose our
posi on in North Premier league.
Rhys Morgan bemoans the loss of 20 quality 1st XV players over the last 2 years either for work or a
higher standard of rugby but all le on good terms. We have high hopes the majority will return to Ilkley.
The wonderful weather of spring inspired the players to keep the team ethos together by holding a
sponsored run. Some huge e orts resulted in a dona on to NHS chari es of well over £3,000. Well done
boys!
Training started in July and there were record numbers in a endance with many new players and a new
assistant coach, Andrew Clitheroe. Welcome to all!
Joe Lowes and Chuckie Ramsey con nue as Captain and Vice-Captain respec vely.
With the excep on of Blake Morgan, Luke Pearson and Ma Dakin all the squad of last season were
training. Our budding youngsters Harry Smith, Ma y Sheard, Finn Gateley and Kodie Brook were joined
by Oli Ham, Jake and George Kapur to strengthen the cohort of lads coming up through our Junior ranks.
Watch out too for Jack Leibster, Jack Popely and Rob Sigsworth, Steve Costellow, Phil Warboys, Jack
Brown, Luke Gamble, George Hill, Josh Pinder and George Wilbur with another 6 or so s ll to come.
There are also a host of students from Leeds. So far we have Sam Garbe , Will Downs, Oli Pearson, Tom
Akehurst, Tom Holden, Adam Hopkinson, Angus Kinder and several more. Students coming from
Northumbria Uni are the Ilkley born and bred Graham brothers, Callum and Alex both in great nick along
with Hugo and Benny King and Harry Boyd.
Charles Morgan has been down to help the development of our prospec ve number 10’s.
Jack Maplesden has also promised to come and help with the number 9’s.
Referee Richard Arthur is lined up to come and help through the new laws.
The 2nd XV had a really tough season last year o en playing short of numbers. Coach Si Sutcli e will
con nue to look a er the 2’s with new skipper Adam de la Rocca. Training con nued building up to the
normal September start to compe ve rugby in North 1 East league.
The Centurions will no doubt gather as and when called for but several have been to training. There are
surely a few players amongst their ranks who are capable of holding 2nd or even 1st XV places down
should their life choices allow.
Andrew Munro and Rhys Morgan had to work within the RFU Return to Rugby protocols developed by
RFU and approved by the Government.
However, when it became clear there was no compe ve rugby in sight, and the virus really took hold,
training was paused for a month. Training has since resumed with the tantalising prospect of a hybrid
ti
ti
fi
fi
ti
ft
ff
ft
ti
ti
ti
ti
fi
ft
tt
ti
ti
ti
ti
tt
tt
ti
ti
tt
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ff
form the 15-a-side game without scrums and mauls or contested lineouts which can be played between
clubs locally.
Our cluster is Morley, Moortown, Sandal, York and ourselves. Provisional start date and Tiers permi ng
is 23rd January with a possible friendly on Jan 16th. Our lads are straining at the leash to get going with
some form of compe ve rugby, in fact, any form of compe ve rugby!
We await nal instruc ons as to whether spectators will be allowed to a end.
Age Grade rugby (juniors and youth in old money!)
A severely weather interrupted 2019 and then Covid had starved the Juniors of rugby in 2019/20. The
restart a er lockdown therefore came as great relief to once again bene t from physical ac vity and
social interac on. We were able to move with the RFU protocols up to stage C in August and then D in
September. Come December we have progressed to stage E.
The protocols have prevented set piece rugby but handling and evasion skills are enabling the running
and passing game to ourish.
Regre ably no matches are possible just yet but there are prospects of compe ve rugby in the second
half of the season.
Sean Gilbert and his team of volunteer organisers and coaches have organised training for all age groups
ensuring everything was Covid safe and risk assessed. Coaches were soon familiar with sani sing
equipment and gels.
tt
ft
fi
ti
ti
fl
ti
ti
ti
ti
fi
tt
ti
ti
ti
ti
tti
We were blessed with some lovely weather and the bar did open all but ee ngly and a bacon bu e van
provided the tradi onal Sunday morning fayre.
It has been heartening to see as many as 250 youngsters enjoying their Sunday mornings once again,
expertly looked a er by 40+ trained coaches.
Parents and carers on the touchline are limited to one per child.
The kit swap shop and limited tuck shop have raised over £900 for the pitch improvement project.
One of the striking photographs of the season was of every young person in every age group lined up on
and around the 1st XV pitch in 2 minutes silence in memory of Ma Ratana tragically killed on duty.
Police Sgt Ratana was Head coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club who many will remember were our
opposi on when we reached the Na onal Intermediate Cup nal at Twickenham in 2014.
The England Rugby Player Development Programme con nues to draw in the players who show
excep onal promise at their age group. Jack Gilbert, Fergus Ramage and Sonny Gibbons are in the under
15’s group and Will Ogden, Will Cu e and Woody Lu man are with the under 16’s.
Our under 17’s have Jake Kapur, Archie Medway, Harry Jackson and Fred Gazeley in the EPDP. These boys
will be qualifying for places in our senior teams next season.
Anyone watching Sale Sharks either in the Gallagher Premiership or Heineken European Champions Cup
will have seen Ma hew Postlethwaite come on from the bench or start at Lock (4). Ma hew started his
rugby journey at Ilkley as a 6 year old and progressed right through the age groups before taking a place
in the Sharks academy. We will watch his future progress with interest and pride.
Finances
Just about everyone is worried about nances either in business or domes cally. The club is no di erent
on that score.
The clubhouse development project was paused because our applica on for addi on to our loan was
approved but later postponed. When the RFU will have funding available is anyone’s guess. Planning
approval has been extended to May 1st 2021, but we are looking at what work would be necessary to
permanently secure the current permission. We are therefore fortunate to have a substan al cash pile
for the project but due to current cash raising di cul es it will probably be at least two years before the
project is completed. However due to our careful nancial management over the years and the
con nued support from members and sponsors and the spring and summer allowing us to re-open
facili es, our Treasurer who has worked relessly through the pandemic is con dent the saving made on
outgoings should allow us to get through to next season 2021-22 rela vely unscathed when, hopefully,
normality will return. Nothing is certain though and, un l this thing is over the future is uncertain.
We look to our Membership Subscrip ons and Sponsor contribu ons to get us safely through this year.
We have bene ed from the Business Interrup on scheme, furlough grants and other fund raising
schemes presented to us by the RFU. We have one more e ort for next year which we hope you will help
with.
ti
ti
ti
ti
fi
tt
ft
tt
ti
ff
ti
ti
fi
ti
ti
ffi
fi
ff
ti
ti
ti
ff
fi
ti
tt
ti
ti
fl
ti
ti
fi
ti
tt
ti
ff
tti
Richard Scargill has not let up on his fundraising task. Through his dogged persistence the club Golf Day,
the annual cricket match versus Ilkley Cricket Club and the Christmas Draw have taken place, all
contribu ng handsomely to club funds.
Annual General mee ng
This eventually took place as a virtual mee ng, organised by our Treasurer. It was “a ended” by more
than a quorum and both the Chairman’s and Treasurer’s report gave some comfort about the nancial
health of the club as well as a review of the past season and prospects for the future. Those “a ending”
signed o with a nice warm feeling despite trepida on about where Covid would leave us. We are in
good hands!
Membership
Chris Meyrick has ini ated an online membership system which will make collec on of subscrip ons and
maintaining of membership records more manageable and reduce the workload on our Volunteers.
There were a few early teething problems but it is now up and running. We are grateful to members who
have paid their subs despite having li le to show for them, at least to date.
We are budge ng on the majority of members renewing their memberships.
Bar
The bar has hardly pulled a pint in anger since lockdown in March. We made it as Covid-safe as possible
but it has not proved viable due to Covid regula ons. It will remain closed un l restric ons are eased.
We can’t wait to be back in ac on and enjoying our favoured pple!
Clubhouse and changing rooms
Cleaning, pain ng and repairs have been carried out by socially distanced volunteers, sta and
contractors as appropriate. Special men on to Chairman Mike Halling who has jet-washed virtually every
surface in the club space.
Other projects completed by our amazing volunteers:
Energy conserva on programme including LE light bulbs throughout and ming sensors on the external
lights. (Chairman)
Outdoor wooden bench sea ng repairs. (Mike Fourie)
External cladding and oor under the stand seats painted.
Terrace drinks tables re-stained. (Robert Nelmes)
Internal clubhouse walls repainted.
Upstairs toilets deep cleaned and painted.
Further pain ng planned for the foyer and changing areas this year.
£9,000 upgrade to kitchen (which would have been a part of the extension project) completed. (Jason
Shaw and Tony Gri ths)
200 sq. metre area of grasscrete hard standing behind the far gate on Denton Road completed with long
term aim of doing the whole area behind the 1st XV pitch. Part funding from Ilkley Parish Council (thank
you!)
Thanks to all the volunteers and a grateful welcome to new addi ons to our volunteer roster.
Robbie Moore MP
Our hard-working social media savvy Member of Parliament gave Ilkley Rugby Club along with other
leading sports clubs in his Ilkley and Keighley cons tuency a men on in his speech in parliament on
behalf of sports clubs. We are therefore immortalised in Hansard!
ff
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ffi
ti
ti
fl
ti
ti
tt
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
tt
ti
ff
fi
tt
ti
Robbie also showed up to do some volunteering on our NatWest Rugbyforce working party day which
ne ed the club £500.
The volunteers pre-social distancing
Chuckie Ramsey shows Robbie Moore a thing or two about how to paint a goal post
tt
Pitches
They look magni cent! All the best looking grounds are those that don’t get played on! Bobby Simms has
been doing something or other almost daily since March. We were recipients of a Sport England ood
remedial work grant. This was u lised to buy 60 tonnes of special Mans eld sand and more nutrients as
recommended by Keith Kent the now re red Twickenham groundsman. Our contractor applied both
with extra deep hollow nes.
There’s no doubt the grass cover was improved as a result.
fi
ti
ti
ti
fi
fl
Imagine our (and Bobby’s) horror when the river ooded again in October to record high levels. The
remaining pile of sand and no doubt some of what was on the pitches washed away. Climate changes
will mean we must keep applying signi cant quan es of sand and nutrients onto our pitches regularly.
Floods seem to be at least a once or twice a year occurrence, whereas they used to be a once in 10 year
event.
fi
fl
ti
ti
The planned drainage and irriga on project has fallen vic m to several factors. Grants for pitch
improvement have all but dried up and the planning applica on for a water holding tank in the loca on
that we wanted has been turned down but the planners have agreed to an alterna ve loca on. We will
revitalise the project a er things have se led down and we are back in business.
Vandalism, li er and general bad behaviour by a few people who think it is ok to trespass in our grounds
have been a bugbear this year. Bobby has had some seriously unpleasant stu to clear up especially
during the long hot spring.
Photographer
Our club photographer Peter Clark has been pos ng lots of pictures from seasons past onto our
Facebook and Twi er accounts. The players (and ex-players) do like to see these.
Website, Facebook and Twi er
Ken Wardropper has been keeping the website updated. Ilkleyrfc.co.uk
Kim Ferris posts up our Facebook page with contribu ons from our local star turn Andrew Dobby
Dobson. Ilkley R.F.C
Keith Davison is now running our Twi er account. @IlkleyRugby
Other useful Twi er accounts are:
RFU. @EnglandRugby
Yorkshire RFU. @yorkshire_rfu
Both are a great source of informa on on Rugby ma ers.
There is a lot of fun and banter to be had on all these social media pla orms. It would be good to have
more members ac ve on them.
Club annual awards
As there was no club dinner the awards were made par ally at a small gathering at The Ticket O ce or
by Captain Joe Lowes and Chuckie Ramsey on a Zoom mee ng.
The awards were:
President’s Cup: John Oddy, our Treasurer
Chairman’s Award: Ascen s – John Oddy and his Company for their excellent voluntary work on
protec ng our nances and on our new Financial Systems.
Clubman of the Year: Kim Ferris, our 1st XV manager and Facebook moderator
Volunteer of the Year: John Coen
Volunteer Long Service Award: Bobby Simms
Player of the Year: Blake Morgan
Most Improved Player of the Year: Kodie Brook
Most Consistent Trainer of the Year: Finn Gateley
Players’ Player of the Year: Dan Lawrence
2nd XV Player of the Year: Harry Smith
2nd XV Most Improved Player of the Year: Adam Della Rocca
3rd XV Player of the Year: George Dale
3rd XV Most Improved Player of the Year: Al Horner
Man of Steel Award: Blake Morgan
Congratula ons to all.
Events
Ilkley Rugby Club golf day
ti
ti
tt
fi
tt
tt
ti
ft
ti
tt
ti
ti
tt
tt
ti
tt
ti
ti
ti
ti
ti
tf
ff
ti
ti
ffi
ti
In pre y unfavourable September condi ons 92 players all turned up and had a really good day at our
local golf course. Some of our intrepid ladies put on socially distanced half way refreshments. The day
was capably organised by Patron Je Greaves and sponsored by Hunters Estate Agents.
The winners were: Old Fart Peter Benson’s team of Junior parent Toby Coupe, Old Fart Anthony Flather
and top man Chris Nixon. Well done to them.
The Je Mar n trophy for cricket match IRFC vs ICC
Another successful day when the weather was a li le kinder. The Trophy was retained by IRFC.
Christmas Draw
A Richard Scargill e ort. It raised a record £6,050!
The £200 prize winner was Life Member Brian Boutell who has kindly donated his prize back to the club.
A huge thank you to Brian.
If it hadn’t been for Richard none of the events listed above would have taken place. As always, many
thanks to the most persistent man on the planet!
Thanks too to all whose “back o ce” roles played a part in ensuring the success of these events.
Memorial to the fallen of the Great War
102 years since the end of the 1914-1918 war that was supposed to end all wars, a memorial to the 27
young members of Ilkley RUFC who gave their lives in that con ict was installed in the ower garden at
the entrance to the club. The large rock was hewn and shaped by Hawksworth Quarries, le ered by Chris
Holland and delivered by B&TS. Bobby Simms and Tim Bowles completed the installa on which was
privately funded.
It will provide a focus for the club on future Remembrance Sundays when we join with the na on in its
uns n ng and con nuing respect and gra tude for all the fallen.
ti
tt
ti
ff
ti
ti
ff
ffi
ff
ti
ti
tt
fl
ti
fl
tt
ti
Rest In Peace
Sadly the club ag ew respec ully at half-mast for 7 of its nest this year.
Sir David Jones – Our esteemed long serving Past President.
Jon Brayshaw – a generous Patron and loyal supporter.
Pat Hems – wife of stalwart and legend Laurie and Mother of Christopher and Nigel who played many
games for the club.
Charles Cooper – a generous Patron and long- me sponsor of the club.
Jim Brown – A Patron and long service volunteer who was a world champion sweeper. Devoted Grandad.
Tony Rising – A man of many talents and who held many roles within the club. La erly he did a great job
with our grant applica ons for the new clubhouse and was Gate organiser for a number of years.
John Obank – A Life Member and great supporter in recent years. His greatest achievement for the club
was as one of the founders the IRUFC Junior sec on.
fl
fl
ti
tf
ti
ti
fi
ttHere’s one for memory lane:
Seven-a-side rugby
Some of our older members will remember the Ilkley Schools Seven-a-Side tournament which was
started in 1950 and ran un l the late 70’s. They gained a reputa on for being one THE social events in
the calendar.
The rst winners were Acklam Hall Grammar School. In 1951 and 1952 Heath Grammar School were the
winners bea ng Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Wake eld in 1951 and Hemsworth Grammar School
in 1952.
One J.P. (Phil) Horrocks-Taylor played in both Heath sides before going on to an illustrious rugby career
during which he acquired Cambridge Blues in 1956 & ‘57, 9 England caps between 1958 & ’63, Bri sh
Lions in ’50 and made 61 appearances for Yorkshire, ending his rugby career at Middlesbrough as a
player and Chairman.
fi
ti
ti
fi
ti
tiAnd did you know that a special Post O ce frank was authorised for the 1971 event.
I wonder if anyone has s ll got one of those somewhere in the a c!
10th Anniversary of the new facility
Can you believe it is 10 years since the new facility was opened with a Yorkshire league One xture
against Scarborough.
All the work done during lockdown will at least mean the place looks shipshape for celebratory event
and the next decade!
…..and Finally,
Good Riddance to 2020.
A very happy, peaceful and, hopefully, a much be er all-round New Year to all Ilkley RFC members,
sponsors and friends.
Further news of what’s to come and when will be sent out when some sense and order returns to our
lives.
Meanwhile Stay Safe!
ti
ffi
tt
tti
fiYou can also read
