"Rob Andrew, like most fly halves always get the blame, and he was always being critised for kicking too much!."

Most Admired Witney Player
"JC all heart and passion - it was a big regret not returning to the club when he was skipper." "Mark Godfrey - Mr longevity, (and in my very early days mark and nick were under strict orders to take care of me on and off the pitch, by mum!)"

Ed - Frannie failed to mention anything here but I first saw that balanced fly half movement back in 1981 when he was a dancer in a production of Half a Sixpence! He looked very fetching in a sailors uniform which I believe he still puts on for special occasions at home !

"cup match at Banbury 15-12 win 1995"
WHY - "It was the day after first meeting Sharon"
Witney XV : Gibbons, Dunbar, Herbourn, Snow, Breary, Grant, Wilsker(D), Aldridge, Hoyle, *Gosling, Serle, Chatterton, Townsend, Campbell, Godfrey(M)
Repl : Wicks(D), Strutt, Rawlings, Smith(A)
Scorers : Brearey(try), Grant(4 pens)

Also, the victory over the so called invincible Quins at their ground 23-21? Back in 01/02? And only just missing out in the return.

"The Cup match at Henley 22-22 loosing on tries, after they scored a late converted try."
Witney XV : Gibbons, Brearey, Snow, Dunbar, Herbourn, Grant, Wilsker, Aldridge, Hoyle, *Gosling, Serle, Chatterton, Bennett, Rawlings, Godfrey(M)
Repl : Bowmer, Strutt, Townsend, Davies(G)
Scores : Dunbar(T), Brearey(T), Grant(2C, 2P)

"Missing last kick of game away to Buckingham."

Editors Comment
Frannie has won more matches for anyone in the history of the club. Some people will chose to remember that he couldn't make bone crunching tackles but they should remember his phenomenal points tally and his exemplary kicking from hand. He is also an underrated runner and played some of his best rugby when in the 2nds when we won the Merit Table and he ran the ball whenever possible. A much better player since shaving the "Ian Rush" moustache off !

Francis on the Witney "Dream Team"

Players who made my life easier - JC Marky and JB the perfect back row - full of running well JC and JB; plenty of tackling! ; and never shy to take the ball when under extreme pressure. They were a pleasure to be on the pitch with. Latterly its been Gareth Williams, Will Worrall and Wayne Caffakey doing the grafting. Gareth Lewis - I never ran that far, but he was always on your shoulder to off load the ball to at all times. Chris Murray, Remy, Rich Herbourne and Fish - always stand strong and prepared to take the crap slow ball, infact they all seem too relish it.
Must say thanks to Jez Hugo, Wiksie, Scottie and Nige Strutt who have done more miles chasing kicks than anyone else, and it was with Jez we started the cross kit for the corner for one or two tries. Its been great to see the emergence lately of the Lambs and other youngsters who have the enthusiasm and fitness to get up and down chasing the ball. Gary Pizzy had by far the best array and accuracy of passes, but Dave Wilsker was the quickest although the pass was not always straight and could be high or low, in front or behind! Goz, we go back a long way, both like to talk a lot on the pitch and are best when bitching at each other. He could always raise the team when he wanted, I have played with few people who can do this ( JC and Marky were both experts, as was Buddha at Littlemore )

Dream Team
1 Gary Rose, as strong as they came, enjoyed srummaging.
2 Andy Merriman, good around the park and always getting on the nerves of the opposition.
3 Andy Gosling, good with ball in hand and could raise game when wanted to.
4 Shaun Lewis, big and strong, always gave his all, could have gone farther.
5 John Williams, great runner, always niggling and some great hits.
6 John Bennett, complete footballer, could play anywhere.
7 John Campbell, never say die, like a rash over the opposition. Never backed down from anything.
8 Mark Godfrey, enough said, when his name was on the sheet you new only 110% was good enough.
9 Dave Wilsker, like a 4th back rower, strong as an ox and quick.
10 ME kick a bit, let JC tackle a bit, you know how it works!
11 James Lamb quick, strong and able to twist out of the tackle, great off the mark.
12 Andy Cannons good feet and hands, always well balanced.
13 Gareth Lewis always in the right spot, could glide through and create space for others.
14 Henry Lamb quick, strong and able to twist out of the tackle, great off the mark.
15 Andy Moss silky smooth, great boot and solid in defence.

16 Paul Thomas
17 Wally Holborough
18 Pete Holiday
19 Chris Murray
20 Fish