End of Season Summary 2007-2008

CLUB STATS WEB SITE for full Career and Season Details

….. a message from Danny
As you will know the Club decided this year to form two Limited Companies one to hold the assets and one to run the playing side of the business. Well thanks to all the hard work of Andy Tacon this has now been achieved so I think we all should give him a big thank you. Although we are still to finalise the lease I am please to report that the new field has been fully prepared and that after pitches have been marked out and posts erected it will be ready for use from the start of next season, it will be a great asset to the whole Club. We were all very proud to see that our Director of Coaching Gareth Lewis was West Oxfordshire Coach of the Year but more of Gareth later.
This year we appoint JC and Phil as coaches to the first fifteen and I would like to start by giving them a personal thank you for all their hard work and although by our normal standards you could say we have had a disappointing season we still finished a creditable fifth, although we thought it was going to may be a season when we would be serious contenders for promotion, it was not to be, but I think Jez and the squad performed well and there is still a lot of potential in the side. Nick moved up to coach the 2nds and another great result finishing 4^th in what is a very competitive league showing we have got strength in depth, I am sure that Mickey and the lads are well pleased with their performance.

At the start of the season we were having problems turning out side which has reflected in the results for both the 3rds and the 4ths with times when we were unable to field a 4^th team at all, but they both finished 8^th which means all four sides will compete in leagues next season which is a great achievement as I am unaware of any other club being in this position.

Unlike last year we were unable to turn out a 5^th side, but I do not think this affected the spirit in the Club.

The Vets continue to flourish, but without the silver wear they achieved last year, I think they can up against some teams with more players in their late thirties, than in the past, maybe they should change the entry age.

The Angles again put in a good performance finishing 4^th in a very good league and I think they should be congratulated, with having represents at County and Regional level. You all deserve a medal for the amount of travelling you do and I am sure under new coach Goz and the watchful eye of Mike there is more to come. A big thank you also to Ben Morris as the Cherubs continue to strengthen and I know you will receive more support for the Angles next season.

So back to Gareth and the performance of the under 17 teens County Champions and then to play very well at National leave well done to all involved. Also the under 13 teens were winners of the County Plate, the entire Minis And Juniors again put in a strong performance they are a credit to the whole set up, to themselves and the Club.

This year we have seen an increase in the number of function booked at the Club and Dave and his team is to be congratulated.

I would like to thank the Committee for the enormous amount of work they have carried out the year and in particular, Andy for his work in setting up the new companies, Pat for his tireless work with schools and although not a committee member to Brillo for all his work on the grounds.

Thanks to everyone for their support during the year and I am sure we can look forward to success both on and off the field next year.

Danny Crump
Chairman.

Words from the 1^st XV Coach

Well, what can I say, I wasn’t “Golden B*!!*cks” like Matty who got us to two Cup Finals but I did, with Phil’s help, get us to the Tring Tournament Final against Chinnor. We played some great rugby to get there and Jason Bowers and Lynn Evans had bottoms like rabbits noses for at least three minutes!
We continued to play a fast offloading game which we felt would be best suited to us having a small but mobile pack of forwards as well as not having the biggest of threequarters to bosh it up the middle.This by and large was okay up until playing Olney away (which we should have won but for an uptight lesbian* referee telling the likes of Norm how to play). We then lost the next seven games including the Cup against guess who, yeh, Banbury. That was a long lonely period around Christmas but the boys continued to train, all four teams worth. We had anything between 40 and 70 players training some nights which was great and meant a lot to me and the other coaches.
We dicked a weakened Grove side and started to believe in ourselves again until Wallingford at home where we were inept and panicked kicking away possession aimlessly – thanks for talking to Ed that day Phil.We started to change our game plan around the home fixture against Slough. We had the forwards in a pod system and thanks to James Lambs return could also bosh up the middle in the threequarters. Our improving pack could then provide quicker ruck ball for the backs.The remaining fixtures saw our pack take on bigger opposition forwards and come our on top which is all credit to them on their efforts and belief in training.The backs attacked and defended well and our defence was one of the meanest in the league. I think I enjoyed the last four fixtures the most all season as the team relaxed and played some excellent rugby with the backs scoring some great tries and the crowds being entertained and not bored by driving mauls (Olney).

I would like to thank the other coaches, Nick, Andy and Gareth, who were superb in putting up with me and making all Witneys players feel important and not left to their own devices. Dave Martingale, who puts up with all my sh*t on the way to and from games. For his perfect organisation and attention to detail. All you lads should buy Dave a beer, he’s like a big uncle to you all. Scottie for running the touch and doing the reports. Pat Hall for getting me balls and any kit I’ve required. The travelling supporters, John Hicks and co – its great to see them. Dave and Daniel for supplying the necessary refreshment after games and training.
I’m happy that Phil and I have brought along a new, young side which have done well after a poor mid part of the season. We’ve found a new hooker in Adam Copperwheat, who’s lineouts have been outstanding. We’ve got Charlie Bennett who’s a great prospect and now has some experience under his belt. James (Elwood), Louie, Arran and George also performing so well for their teams at such young ages.
I want to thank Jez for skippering the side which always tried to play running rugby and eventually proved Phil and I right in our tactics. I have saved two final thankyou’s to last and they go to two of my best mates. Norm “Tinkerbell” Serle who has been a rock in the scrum and much respected and admired by myself and all the boys. And finally, to Phil Harper (Pip) – right - who had to put up with my ranting but never complained (to my face anyway). Phil has made the back play superb at times and also made training fun and exciting. I couldn’t
have got through the season without “Sponge” Harper and he should be praised by everyone for his commitment to the cause.
Thanks to all the players who turned up training – I’m very proud to have coached the best club in England.
JC

A Captains Tale

The summer of 2007 was a very dramatic one. It was the summer of the floods, it was the summer of success in the Aunt Sally Leagues, it was the summer that Owen joined a gym!
This early enthusiasm was reflected in everyone as record numbers, undeterred by the pouring rain, turned out for JC and Phil’s first pre-season training session.It was evident very early on the newly appointed head coaches had spent many hours discussing their coaching philosophy over G&T and had moulded into the perfect partnership – Phil the razor sharp tactician (“offload, offload, offload!”) and John the motivational guru (“Simon, you fat f*ck!”).

For the second year running the squad travelled to Tring for the pre-season 15-a-side tournament and it seemed that all the hard work in training was paying off as some immense performances on the pitch saw off some big clubs to set up a Witney – Chinnor final. Witney were narrowly beaten by the side just down from the National Leagues, but their graciousness in defeat was epitomised by an injured and drunken James Lamb calling out “C**ts” in congratulatory fashion as Chinnor lifted the trophy.

The season then started proper, with a 20 – 20 draw away at Buckingham. Disappointed with the draw, Witney really raised their game and went on to win the next three games on the bounce, most notable of which was the 58 – 10 drubbing of newly relegated Swindon.

From here, the autumn progressed largely with success until that black Saturday in November when the unthinkable happened…… as if an away trip to Olney wasn’t bad enough, a woman referee was appointed to ruin the afternoon. Goz was the one to break the news to the team – “she’s pretty attractive actually boys…. nice arse!”. This coupled with Jimi’s ever so slightly patronising charm (or possibly smarm) definitely helped everyone to respect the official. The game was lost and this would mark the beginning of a losing streak that was set to last for six league games. The team seemed in decline and as the coach’s blood pressure reached an all time high, the team hit an embarrassing low, handing Amersham their first win of the season. It became evident at this point that there were just too many distractions off the pitch, as stories of heavy petting with some heavy lasses began to dominate training. Something needed to be done – Pin Head needed to get back his self-respect, the boys needed to get back some belief and fire. Once again the motivational genius of J.C. was called upon and with every ounce of passion within, he stepped up and delivered a speech reminiscent of McGeechan’s to the Lions of ’97 – “I strongly believe boys, that you are the second best team in this league”.

With confidence firmly reinstated, Witney began to claw their way back up the table, winning seven of their last eleven games, including some top performances against some tough teams such as Grove, Slough, Chinnor, Beaconsfield and finishing on a high with a 37 – 11, five try spanking of Amersham.

In all seriousness, although there has been some incredibly frustrating periods of the season (losing 8 games by a single score, 3 by a single point!), the effort and energy supplied by all players and coaches involved has been awesome. We saw a lot of determination and the team really pull together to rescue something from what could have been a very poor season, finishing with a string of good wins including the coveted double over Slough. Attendance at training throughout the season has been greater than ever, which demonstrates the commitment of all the players and is testament to J.C., Phil and all the coaches involved. So a BIG thanks to everyone, including the team managers – Big Dave and Little Harry (& stand in Paul Copper, perhaps learning his trade for the future? Look out Dave), and of course Sarah for sticking with us through another season of massaging Rikki’s back.

To finish, some quick goodbyes as inevitably players move on: Mad Dog Collins has packed his calculator and heads to Cheltenham for a career in accounting, Rollo, after years adrift in the sea of temporary work has time for just one last jaunt around the world before beginning a career plucked from the air! Jimi is retiring to a farm in Dorset and can finally get drunk on a Friday night with a clear conscience, and look out rebounding ladies of London, Twiggy ‘I’m free!’ Elwood is off to Harrods. We can only hope that the rugby fairy visits WRFC during the summer and replaces them.

So join us in September for another thrilling season and find out if Witney turn into the dynamic world-beaters of Phil and John’s dreams and see who comes out on top of the power struggle between Nick and Andy for control of the 2nds!

Here’s looking forward to a messy Bulgaria Tour.

Laters

Jez.

1st XV
Most Games - Gareth Campbell & Rikki Dore (28)

Most Tries - Carl Strutt & James Monks (10)

Most Points - Henry Lamb (133)

1^st XV Managers Report.
A very different look to the season this year. We have got used to reporting good halves and bad halves either way round this last two years but this year it was a case of "Good start, good finish, but what happened in the middle??"
It was very frustrating for all whilst we were going through the one point losses against Amersham & Beaconsfield etc in the middle of the season. I do not think we played badly in general in any match exept the loss to Wallingford. Everybody stuck at it and it all came well in the end although we all wanted to be further up.
It was always going to be a transition season of sorts. It is very difficult to keep things going as they were when the team loses players of the calibre of Andy Merriman, Gareth Williams & Bernie Williams. It is not just the playing ability that is missed in these cases but the experience that they can impart to others in all aspects of the game. We have all played with people who lifted us just by being there, giving us encouragement, passing on the tips or just getting in opponents faces. However, you cannot look back and everybody had to get on with the job & that is what happened.
We are probably the youngest 1st Team Witney have ever put out, so quite a few came of age. I thought Snaz Cambell was immense throughout the season with brother Carl not far behind. Adam Copperwheat improved in the second half as did Louie Collins when he came back from injury. Monksy matured and was a real nuisance to any defence with Jonny Wheater coming out of a sticky patch mid-season to get back to his form of old. Joe Collins slotted in when asked and the Lamb brothers were a very effective combinataion after James came back from his long lay-off. James Ellwood must have learned after being pitched in very quickly as will Charlie Bennett. Their day will come. Jez Hicks & Owen Fowler were always in the thick of it, not taking a backward step. Rikki Dore, I think has come on this season. I do not remember any tight head really getting the better of him. Strutty, mouthy as ever but he poached a few didn't he!

What of the older crew. Norm must come in for special mention. Still playing first team at 48!! Always there, doing his job not letting anyone get on top of him. The same for Alan Richens. Whether he was in the start line up or on the bench (Mainly bench!), no moans, just got on with it. Tim Muller had his usual injury affected season, but when there he played his part. What of Will and Jimi?? I sometimes thought it was not wise to play them together as they seemed to wind each other up so much!! However, Will still retains the ability to turn a match whilst at the same time giving us all heart stopping moments whilst Jimi comes off the back of a scrum better than anybody I have seen at Witney for a long time. I wish him well with his farm in Dorset next year.

There were others of course who stood up when asked. One thinks of Rollo, Goz, Tom Harper, Phil Gouldie who all had parts to play. Latterly, of course we had Rory Cookson who came in & played in such an uncompromising style. I hope he sticks around as we could see a lot more of him.

What have we learned from the year?? Mainly that we have got to take the game more to the opposition, and do it EARLY. There were times when we let the opposition play and get into their stride. Having said that we had the third best defensive record in the League. So it is not all doom and gloom, but it needs working on. Secondly, we have a tendancy to take our foot of the gas when we have a lead. We need to learn how to put teams away.

The best part was to watch the younger players come on. The second being working with J. C, Phil & Sarah. The players do not see the anguish John goes through before a match. All three of them have the passion in their own different ways & we should all give thanks for the work they put in.

What of next year?? We are still an amateur Club so we do not know who might walk through the door. Whatever, we have a nucleus of good honest players to work with, to mould & to bring on. We will go for the League again. What is the point of being in it if we do not want to win it??, but at the same time let us preserve our Club character we are so proud of.

It has given me a few more grey hairs if that is possible but I would not miss it for the world.
Dave Martingale

Nick’s “Wise Words”
Where do I start, it has to be with Harry, coz he is brilliant what he does for the team is fantastic. Next, I’d like to thank all the players who turned out for the two’s, to play in this league is a big ask,with most teams who we play having 1st XV’s that are two leagues above ours, which gives their players a lot more experience than we have.
I started the season not really knowing what I was taking on but soon realised it was quite a step up from doing the 3rds las year. Our opening match saw us on the road to Gloucester with with a very young side and Fish talk about throwing people in at deep end. I asked for Witney “dog” and did I get it ?, yes is the answer and more, and won 5-0. With that sort of effort I knew we could achieve quite a bit this season. We lost some lads to uni and to injury, which meant we had to take lads like Briggsy, Paddy, Damion and others from 3rds and these lads gave so much and all improved to became good 2nd team players.
I can’t pick out specific games to talk about coz there so many that we worked so hard to scrap a win but to finish the season beating ‘Quins after playing poorly at Oxford was the icing on the cake. From 17-0 down, 21-17 up, 24-21 down, final winners at 26-24 what a script!.
Not sure what else to say apart from many thanks to Andy Merriman for coming on board and helping me so well, to Fish who is a realy good captain, leading from the front (and we missed him when injured), to Chats as pack leaderand vice captain who did a great job when steping in for Fish, to Tim Hands who also captained side really well.
A pleasure to coach a group of players who work so hard – cheers boys.
Nick

2nd XV
Most Games - Danny Godfrey (27)
Most Tries - Aaron Lambourne (10)

Most Points - Simon Copperwheat (183)

2^nd XV Report Of the Season

All in All a good season, started out very well with some great wins over Chinnor III and Maidenhead II. Then the injuries started, throughout the whole club, which effected all the teams, either directly or with a knock on effect (No pun intended!) We then lost a few that possibly we should have won, a few slip up's also - Bloody Henley Wanderers again - Home and Away....Bugger!

Then slowly as injuries subsided, and on occasions a few of the university lads returned to help out, we got back to some really good wins. Stuffing Banbury II at home was a particular favourite, to return the favour for the pre-xmas game when we played almost their 1st IX. Bletchley was another good one....has nothing to do with the 2 tries I scored. Buckingham was hard work, but the character of the side came through in the end, and then finally to beat Quins II at home, last game of the season, coming from 17 nil down at half time - with all the other sides winning also.....Wow - what a day, and night!

Some BIG thank you's to, my coaches Nicko, and latterly Andy. As always to unsung man, Harry G, the best coffee and insults you'll find anywhere, it does make me laugh! To Laura(and Sarah), for keeping us patched up, and most of the season running on to help me (I'm starting to feel like Aldo), and also to my mate Chatts, for standing in for me when I was either injured, or away working.....F*****g work!

So I think we can all be proud of ourselves in the 2nds (as can all the teams) with a bloody good effort, considering.

This season(as most it has to be said) has reminded me, of the comments in most of my school reports - Good worker at times, lots of potential, But - and there's always a but - could do, and should do better..........

Bring on next season..........after I've stop hurting from this one!

Cheers,
Mickey the Fish

The 2nd's.
”A VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE”
It’s finished as another good year for the seconds, considering the changes in the team and on the touchline. September saw new coach Nick Godfrey step up, a new captain in Mickey Dunbar, both backed up by that trusty manager Michael Godfrey. On the field the teams start to the season was impressive, winning their first seven matches, with “Fish” leading by example, only to then get injured and miss plenty of games before Christmas. There were many pluses as young players found their feet in what has always been a very tough league. Two lads really stood out, as Charlie B made the
number 8 position his own, while Aaron side stepped and glided his way through the season, firstly at scrum half then from full back. Another real find has been talented new boy Rory Cookson, who has fitted in well, even if he is a Kiwi. His ability to win ball on the floor and carry well, gave the team momentum and he was always the first to start the pick and drive. This we think was because he prefers not to go charging around the field, running every ball as the seconds have done in previous years. Talking of forwards running with the ball in hand, Wayne has had one of his quieter seasons, this has been because of working away and injury, but he still performed well when available. “Chatts” in the engine room was as reliable as ever and the regular front row of Danny, Mark and Goz never had to take a backward step. Also in the pack, Tim Hands was always in the thick of things, which is not bad for a veteran and “Copper’s” try scoring and conversions kept the points total ticking over.
When Nick went into hospital for his Christmas holidays, we were lucky enough to have Andy Merriman join the coaching team. His vast playing experience and verbal skills have added much to the second half of the season, and now “Calf” and his son James are very much part of the seconds set up. As the season progressed, our back line always seemed to change, as injuries and unavailability meant that young fly half George
Bibby in his first senior season, was never sure who would be outside him. Even so he played each week with commitment and a smile and can only get better for the experience. On the wings, the “mighty Taafe” and “Briggsy” were always willing to defend and then run the ball back, plus rent- a- back Remy was prepared to play in what ever position the team needed him in.
Also in the far too few games they played, we saw the odd moment of magic from both the “Murray Monster” and Nathan, who it should be mentioned received our only red card!
The most memorable matches were both home wins, against league runners up Maidenhead and the final game of the season, when we beat local rivals Harlequins with a late try, to end the season in fourth position.

Nick. Andy, Mickey and “Harry” have proved to be a good team and have kept the second team spirit going. All four should be given a “rubber chicken”, at least for the evening of the club dinner, they all deserve it. Paul

“Ran’s Ramblings” - the 3rds Season
Its that time of year that I dread the most - the end of season report!! Its the end of my second season as captain; a role which has been as up and down as our performances! Unfortunately for both myself and Steve Harris our jobs as third and fourth team captains respectively were made significantly harder with the loss of Witney's fifth team - a great shame as that sort of social rugby is where a lot of our players cut their teeth. Getting back to our season which in short had a good start followed by a long period of losses ending positively on another good run of wins.

I'm not certain of the number of players that actually played for the 3rds this year but it was many. Our tight five was the most settled part of the team which provided a good platform to build on. With this in mind my first round of thanks must go to Pete Holliday, Terry Hickman, Shaun Rowlands and Steve Godfrey, all of whom had an excellent season and their unstinting availability and reliability made my job undoubtedly easier.

Next, the back row, proving what a luxury of quality back row players Witney have when the third team can field players like Damien Brown; Charles Bennet; Taff Davies; Danny Pulford; Wayne Caffecky; Rory Cookson; Clive Manning; Jon Williams; Gareth Williams; Mo Dewing and Glynne Davies - my thanks go to all for their valuable contribution at different stages of the season. Backs who have, when they've played, put in a lot of effort and have my gratitude are Dave Knight; Russ Gurney; Paddy Carveth; Pete Madden; Brillo ( who also played up front) and Tom Briggs. With the inevitable loss of Josh Wilsker to University it took a couple of months to find a regular replacement which eventually came with the introduction of Joe Laughlan. Joe is a good young player and has come on unbelievably for his first season - his effort have been greatly appreciated and it'll be great to see him playing next season.

John Blacker had a great season, spending some time with the 2nd's, whilst with the 3rds he stood in at scrum half when needed and was versatile and played any position that was needed, he has 100% commitment to his rugby and on occasion to the post-game liquid refreshments too!! Another player with fantastic versatility is Tim Walker - taking up the gauntlet wherever needed. Thanks a lot to both for always rising to whatever the occasion required. An important part of the third team is to bring on younger players and I like to say thanks to the growing talents of Leigh Manning; Matt Calley; Nick Rumbles; Tim Madden; Ben Quayle; Carl Brewer and Andy Taylor who have all done well and I hope they've enjoyed their season and that they will all continue with their rugby.

Another factor to our team is the cameos played by players who for various different reasons are away from the game for a lot of the time but can and do make a difference when they are available. Hopefully I remember to thank them when they do play but thanks again to Tom Harper; Paul White; Josh Wilsker;Olly Smith; Andy Moriarty; Kenna; Matt Brocklebank;Tom Whelan; Will Bibby;Dan Parks;Craig Avon; Shotgun and Boz. This season also saw the end of Russell Wadsley's ( Wogga) playing career after he injured himself whist walking his dog (you couldn't make it up!) he will be missed as he was a strong solid player. Towards the end of our season Franny Grant came back to play and our results improved immediately. His composure and class settled the team and pushed us forward, so a big thanks from me Franny. Jamie Burke and Gareth Williams also started playing again for the last few games, both of them making a huge impact and hopefully they'll be back for a full term next season. Thanks lads. Last but not least to Dave Moriarty a big thank you. His contribution on the pitch was as always massive and his help and support to me as my manager greatly appreciated. Being a team captain can be a tough and at times a frustrating job and having David's help was invaluable.

If I've missed anyone you have my sincere apologies - my memory is rubbish. If there are any budding captains out there who'd like to stand in my stead they will get my full support. If not I'll see you all next season.

As a footnote I'd just like to say that the club now has great coaching staff and - as the loss of the fifth shows - we are not getting enough players at the lower levels joining the club so , over the summer, if you have any friends or colleagues who might enjoy a run out on a Saturday, bring them up to training or give them the captains number's and get them involved.

Cheers Ran

3rd XV
Most Games - Pete Holliday (22)

Most Tries - Damian Brown, Paul White (4)

Most Points - Lee Manning (37)

4ths end of season report.

The season didn’t start well, as the 4^th’s were unable to field a side for the first league game. A couple of more weeks in, one win under our belt and again we could not get a side together and with no 5^th’s to borrow from we were stung another 2 points. Although Joe Perry was making arrangements to move house Etc, he was still managing to sort the team for Saturdays as well,
until his departure up north at the end of October. Well done Joe and hope you enjoy the north of the country! Give us a shout when you’re back down and come and have a run out with us.

My first game as captain after taking over from Joe was against the old foe, the 3^rdsand as usual it was a hard fought and very even match that finished 5-5.
A 48-6 thumping of Milton Keynes at home in November looked like the start of better things, but again no side could be raised for the following week. So our 2 points gained were now lost and we were sitting near the bottom of the table on -2 points.
Sometimes a loss can be a huge victory and the following week was, Witney travelled to Winslow with 12 players. We explained to Winslow on arrival that this was going to be lopsided and requested to borrow a few players from their bench but quite sportingly, they only agreed if we agreed to default/concede and hand them the 2 points and lose 2 ourselves. In Witney dog tradition, this was refused and we took to the field more wound up than ever and determined to give them a game. Witney always lends players but not all clubs appear to have this same sporting tradition. Many thanks to Bicester for lending us three players a couple of weeks later.

The 12 men dug deep and were superb for 40mins and we were only 10-7 down at half time. We lost Malachy at half time, which was a huge blow as his tackling is second to none. No fear!!! The second half was more of the ‘Witney Dog’ until eventually the legs gave as darkness descended and Winslow ran a couple of tries in. It was a heroic effort by all.

After that ‘moral’ win over Winslow, Stow was on the receiving end of a 46-0 hammering by the rejuvenated 4ths and we finished 2007 on zero points. We lost the next couple of games but came back strong again, beating Chippy 34-5 at home.

The next three weeks were loses. Another two Points gained when Bletchley 3’s cancelled and with Stow losing left us clear of the bottom two with one game to play,

the long awaited return match V Winslow!

Revenge is sweet.

A great finish to the 2007/2008 season saw the 4^th’s sign off with a comfortable league win over rivals Winslow 28-5. I think the visitors summed it up well with their analysis that 'Witney just wanted this one a lot more than we did'.

None of the above would have been possible but for the players. The 4^ths had a great core of players this season and were there every week if possible. Thanks to, Karl Anders, Andy Shaw, Bill Q, Dave Smith, Chris Birks, Rob Smith, Nick Mason, Pete Moriarty, Jakob Soulac, Rick Toase, Chris Baker, Malachy Caldicott, Ed and Will Drake, Tim Madden and not forgetting the unforgettable Alan Cotton. Also Steve Radband, Ian Binnian, John Williams, Tim Hook, Mike West and Jason Kilcoine and Lee Manning. And everyone else who played for the 4ths.

It was great to see new players as well, like Malachy, Dan, Tim and Will who are keen to learn and enthusiastic and they train every week!!!

Thanks to Karl for the amusing match reports, Ran for leaving me with 15 players most weeks!!!! And the rest of the club for the support they have given me as Captain and the 4^th team as a whole this year.

Top points scorers for the 4^ths this season - Lee Manning (52) Steve Harris (39) Alan Cotton (32) Clive Manning (16) And Pete Moriarty (16)

Hopefully next season we will have greater numbers and with the influx of this years U17’s in to the senior sides, will be able to field a 4^th’s every week and run a 5^th’s again.

Steve Harris

4th XV
Most Games - Karl Anders (15)

Most Tries - Steve Harris (7)

Most Points - Lee Manning (53)

Club Records

Pete Holliday (right) increased his career games record to 654

Francis Grant increased his career points record to 3651

Team Records

Andy Gosling increased his 1st XV career games record to 477
Pete Holliday increased his 2nd XV career games record to 240
Clive Manning increased his 3rd XV career games record to 276
Clive Manning increased his 3rd XV career try record to 108
Chris Delaney increased his 4th XV career games record to 189
Clive Manning increased his 4th XV career points record to 296
Clive Manning increased his 4th XV career try record to 63

Career Milestones

Mike Dunbar and Steve Godfrey became the fifth and sixth players to play 500 games for the club

Wayne Caffakey, Simon Copperwheat and Ricky Dore all passed 200 games for the club

Clive Manning passed 900 points for the club
Henry Lamb and Nathan Phillips became the sixth and seventh players to pass 700 points for the club
James Monks passed 500 points for the club
James Monks became the tenth player (and in the least number of games) to score 100 tries for club.
Henry Lamb and Wayne Caffakey are poised to do the same next season as they stand on 95 and 93 tries respectively.

Henry Lamb became the fifth player to score 50 penalties for the club

Team Milestones

Jez Hicks passed 200 games for the 1st XV

Henry Lamb passed 500 points for the 1st XV

Henry Lamb moved into second place in the all-time 1st XV try scorers with 65

Steve Aldridge, Danny Godfrey and James Taafe all played their 100th game for 2nds this season

Wayne Caffakey moved into fourth place in the all-time 2nd XV points scorers with 387

Simon Copperwheat and Nathan Phillips passed 300 points for the 2nd XV

Mike Dunbar became the sixth player to score 50 tries for the 2nd XV

Wayne Caffakey (77 tries) is now the second highest try scorer for the 2nd XV - and is chasing down Mark Godfrey's

93-try 2nd XV record. James Monks moves into third place with 63.

Steve Godfrey, Terry Hickman and Pete Holliday all passed 100 games for the 3rd XV

Alan Cotton, Steve Harris and Pete Moriarty all passed 100 points for the 4th XV

Alan Cotton moves into joint-second place with 19 in the all-time 4th XV try scorers - Steve Harris moves into fourth

Catherine Forteath became the first player to play 100 games for the Angels. Heidi Mills is currently on 99

Louise Gray extended her points record to 355 for the Angels

Sarah Morley extended her try scoring record to 69 and also passed 300 points for the Angels

Retirement Again.....

OK so after retiring every year for the past 6 nobody really believes me, so there really is no point in saying this was my last season. But recovery from a game is now taking around 2 weeks, and the injection of pace that could once have gone the length of the pitch is now down to about 5 yards.So here is my thinking! It is a sad situation that as I have got older I have moved closer to the pack and lower down the teams. At this stage there really is only prop for the 5^th’s to go, and if it takes 2 weeks to recover now, how long would it take to recover then...

In some ways it has been a disappointing season. The one great advantage I now have is the 100 years (actually about 35, but it seems like more) of experience that I egotistically think newer players to the game might benefit from, even if only a little. Witney has always been a great place for this as there has always been a steady stream of younger players in the lower teams, still playing youth rugby, but bridging the gap to senior rugby.
In the many clubs I have played for over the years, most have made the mistake of keeping the two separate so the younger players see themselves as playing for a Sunday version of the Saturday club. When they reach the changeover point they are lost to the club, and often the game forever. The last couple of years Witney has started to make the same mistake as all those other clubs, and it is frustrating to watch.

I know many people believe that young players go off to university, etc. and will be lost to the club whatever happens, but the majority of the 1^st team (back line in particular) counters that argument completely. We have to make young players feel part of the senior set-up as soon as we practically can, and then let them go off and do their thing with our best wishes. From experience, a significant number will come back. The youth part of the club is not an end in itself and unless the bridge is there the fantastic work that is done is largely wasted.

Having struck a pessimistic note to start with, I am greatly encouraged by the progress at the top end of the club. This seems a strange thing to say, considering the disappointing league position, I am sure promotion was a reasonable ambition at the start. However, Witney is in a remarkably similar position to Henley, when I joined them about 18 years ago. The head coach for them at the time was one Clive Woodward, so does that mean that JC is a future world cup winning coach?

Surprisingly the first season of playing more open attacking rugby, flat back line, etc. was a big step backwards. The players tried to play open rugby but it would work in one game and then there would be no space in the next. Henley found that they needed another ingredient to change the pattern of those games and go hard and straight to commit players when the open running was not working. Just as Witney is not blessed with loads of such players, nor was Henley. In their case they started to bus them in from Didcot (largely killing off Didcot rugby club). In Wintey’s case there happens to be a large RAF base just up the road (just a clue).

The following season was spectacular with both 1^st and 2^nd team scoring over 1,000 points and promotion 2 seasons running. Incidentally the records show I scored 25 tries from full-back that season and snuck the top try scorer to everyone’s surprise. I was a greedy bastard then as well!

I am not suggesting that this is the panacea to Witney’s issues, but with 1 more ingredient I think it may be. The other essential ingredient is a reliable kicker. Witney has been spoiled over the years by having the best kicking Fly half I have ever played with. But the gap left is proving difficult to fill.

When I started out on my rugby career, I was told by an experienced older player (my dad as it happens), that if I learnt to kick it would be worth an average of playing at least one level higher for my whole career. Faced with a good kicker already in the side I happened to be playing for, and preferring to just do counter attacking from full back I ignored him. He was wrong, it would have been worth an average of 2 levels higher, and would have proved crucial in so many of the games I have played in I couldn’t count.

There is an opportunity for someone to fill the gap, but it takes the dedication that I never had. I see absolutely no reason why that has to be a 10 or 15 (a bizarre old tradition), but if I had my chance again I would put the extra hours in after training regardless of who was kicking for the team at the time.

So encouraged by the progress at the top of the club it is tempting to go and watch the current crop in their 1,000 point plus seasons. But then I look at Norm, who is six years older than me and still playing most league games for the 1^st team at prop, and I think, stop being such a wimp! Surely I can manage the occasional game for the 4ths in the backs. The last thing Steve needs is to have to captain (incidentally what a great job he did stepping up to the plate) and play fly half?

Maybe, I will just do a few games next season....

Alan

View from the Touchline

Expectations were high this season but perhaps a shade optimistically so. The coaching team was a new one with JC and Phil moving up but that was probably a good thing with fresh ideas and two ex-players that had the respect of everyone both on and off the field. The problem was that we had lost too many experienced players in one hit which affected the 1sts and 2nds and when the injuries hit the depth of previous seasons was not quite there. We also had no “younguns” coming up as the Under 17’s were staying as a unit and while their achievements were superb (well done to all involved) there was a definite knock on effect at senior level and the 5^th team was the major loss partly as a result.

Anyway, on with the season and a great pre-season saw us with hopes high and a few games into the campaign and we were pressing at the top of the League. Ed from the Oxford Mail asked JC of his feelings and he said “if we’re good enough, we’ll win it, if we aren’t we won’t” – it turned out, we weren’t. We were soon brought down to size by Wallingford who only narrowly won at their place but were the better side and looked far sharper, fitter and hungrier. The unlucky loss at Grove really turned the season and we then got thumped by Old Richians (great backline) and hit a rut which took an age to recover from. During the first half of the season there were many plus’s though with Henry Lamb developing into the no 10 shirt, Charlie and Adam battling it out for the hookers berth and raising their games as a result, Snaz getting better with every match and runners like Phil Gouldie, Louie Collins and Johnny Wheater all looking lively. Jimi Collis was having some great games from no 8 too and was a real threat to all the defences as well as being atowering influence in the lineouts. The “elder” statesmen such as Jez, Rikki and Strutty were holding things together but I felt there was something missing even when we were winning. Some great rugby was being played but we had the tendancy to only play in spells and that simply wasn’t good enough on a number of occasions.

While stuttering in attack, the defence (forgetting Wallingford at home and Richians away) was as good as ever and flankers Will, Tim and Carl were always in the thick of it, alongside Snaz, who has to make far too many tackles for a scrum half. Kicking was also an issue and Henry showed in practice and on occasions what a good boot he has potentially but we didn’t take the valuable points often on offer and with a 80% kicker we could have won a few of the many narrow losses and possibly even really challenged the top two.

The second half of the season was far more enjoyable for me as the boys really showed some big heart to turn things around. I remember seeing Owe’s after the Stags defeat and the frustration and disappointment etched all over his face showed how much the players still wanted to get back on track and eventually they did. James Lamb came back into midfield and offered a different power option in the threequarters alongside Rollo and Monksy (well done for getting to the “100 Club” to the Barrell). Will came back from injury and the subtle touches of Joe Collins and James Elwood offered different options in the backs.
The front five were usually the match of most even though they were generally outweighed and the likes of Big Al and the legend that is Norm did their normal gritty no nonsense type jobs. Lineouts were usually good with Adams throwing getting better as the season progressed and jumpers Jez, Jimi and Carl all showing great hands, In the end a top half finish was about right and with a bit of new blood hopefully coming along next season and some of the not so young “youngsters” stepping up, we can hope for a good one. Although not getting down to training myself, I heard nothing but good things and I think we are very lucky to have so many coaches with true Witney passion passing on their knowledge to the lads. JC is a “one off” and its been a pleasure to see him live and breath every tackle, pass, kick and hard yard made each Saturday – I’m sure Phil does too but in a very different way.

Elsewhere, I didn’t see many games as I was always with the 1sts but Fish is doing a great job in the 2nds and Ran and Steve worked wonders too with the loss of the 5ths really making life hard for them in particular. Some youngsters coming through in the lower sides too and the likes of Nick and Calf are making sure they learn the “Witney Way”. The Angels enjoyed a good season and with so many newer players, they did really well to gel into so well as a team as they did – all down to good coaching, eh Goz! (remember, an Angels backs coach still wanted guys – give it a go!)
The M&J’s never cease to amaze me with the numbers out on a Sunday morning and the new pitches will be much needed by them. All the youngsters are coming through with ex-players now helping to show them how to approach and play the game. This means the Witney spirit, passion of the club and enjoyment of the game can be read in the reports and seen in the photos documented in the booklet.

A few final thanks and one person in particular – Fin for providing superb photos of the players in action all season come rain or shine …. well mainly rain. It makes my life a lot easier each week to see the Saturday photos waiting first thing on a Monday and I can get them on the web and keep all the players happy (apart from the ones that I take the mick out of). Thanks also to Jason Wheeler from the M&J’s for his design of the web site. Also thanks to Ted and Mike for their superb efforts every week in printing the programmes as well as this bumper edition – these thing don’t just magically appear each week you know! Also to “Bob” (Skip) who is always around and supporting the club home and often away too. And finally to the unsung committee members, volunteers and bar staff who all put so much in to making the club what it is. All of us are proud to be part of Witney RFC and hopefully more people will start putting something back into the club this season whether on or off the field.

Scottie