ECCLES RFC THE HOME OF HOME GROWN 1897 Tony Haunschmidt takes it in vs Manchester Official Match Day Programme Season 2019-20 - Price £2 TODAY’S MATCH SPONSORED BY JOHN BRUNT SATURDAY 14TH MARCH 2020 ECCLES v GLOSSOP NORTH TWO WEST - K.O. 3.OOPM ECCLES LADIES v DARLINGTON LADIES ECCLES SNR COLTS v ALDWINIANS SNR COLTS SUNDAY 15TH MARCH 2020 SEMI FINAL LANCS. U18 COLTS TROPHY WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP NORTH 2 KO 2.00 PM
CLUB INFORMATION
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Welcome to Eccles Rugby Football Club A warm welcome to all the teams playing at Eccles RFC this weekend. This is officially our 122nd anniversary and although we’ve only played here at Gorton Street for the last 71 years we’ve always had our home in this community. One of the great things about our club is our inclusivity; teams for Mini’s, Juniors, Girls, Colts, Ladies and Men means you can come down to the club Saturday or Sunday and be entertained. The 1XV gained promotion last year playing attacking rugby with renewed conviction, something which we hope cascades down through the club this season. At Eccles RFC we place great importance on developing youth and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing some of our talented Home-Grown colts stepping up to play in the seniors this coming year alongside our new recruits. For the start of the new season the club has installed a new 3G artificial turf floodlit training area which all teams will benefit and the technical area on the edge of the first team pitch has also been replaced and expanded meaning that some players will not even get mud on their boots ! The club would also like to thank all the volunteers for their dedicated effort. We’d not be able to operate without their contributions. I can’t name all them all as I’m limited to one page, but you all know who you are. The club would also like to thank their sponsors as the financial support you contribute greatly helps with maintaining our facilities and activities. We also now offer ‘Walking Rugby’ on Monday night at 7pm which, for those who’d like to give it a try, has no age, gender, or ability limitations. I would also like to thank our volunteers who operate our DofE section which complements the ethos of rugby and offers so much to young people in their future life. Congratulations to the groups who have achieved their Bronze, Silver or Gold award this year. Once again, welcome to the club and please enjoy your day. Our clubhouse bar is CAMRA award-winning and (for those over the age of 18) I’m informed has a fine selection of match refreshments. Mark Dutton, President, Eccles RFC
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME Welcome to Eccles Rugby Football Club. I would like to offer a warm welcome to Glossop Rugby Union Football Club who currently sit top of the North Two West league. Eccles are second from the bottom but have a game in hand over Bolton, with firm belief that we can still avoid the drop zone. The last time the two teams met was back in November when the game was abandoned just before half time when Matt Parkinson received concussion and a neck injury which required paramedic assistance. The score was 24-0 at the time and the game was awarded to Glossop. On Sunday, the Colts take on Aldwinians in the Semi Final of the Lancashire U18’s Colts Trophy. Kick off is 2pm, so let’s get down to cheer them all the way to the final. The Ladies, who have enjoyed a recent lift in performance with consecutive wins, are also at home to Darlington who are a league position above them in 4th, in their last game of the season. At Eccles, we believe in Rugby for all and we take pride in our Home-Grown principles. Our Junior programme regularly produces talented young players and last year we were delighted to see eight Eccles lads wear the red rose of Lancashire. Boys are not the whole story either, as our Men’s and Ladies sections share the same belief and commitment to player propagation, our latest success story being Detysha Harper receiving her call up to the Women's England Squad for this seasons 6 nations championship. We achieve everything we do in, and for, our community, through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the generous support of sponsors who share our ambition and passion. Thank you to all our referees, who like players, work during the week and then step out onto the field to officiate. They do their jobs under pressure and I would encourage rugby spectators and staff to understand and be more appreciative of their role in rugby. Without them we would not have the games today. Cheers, Thorpey. Paul Thorpe, Chairman, Eccles RFC
HEAD COACH NOTES Hello and a very warm welcome to all our visitors to Gorton Street this weekend. The weekend starts with the First team looking to take much needed points away from a game against the league leaders Glossop. Eccles currently sit on the relegation trapdoor 3 points behind Bolton RUFC but with a game in hand. The lads will be looking to build some pressure on their Lancashire rivals but need a more consistent performance from themselves to do that with opportunities running out. The 2nd team are being hosted by old friends Aldwinians RUFC. Eccles again will looking to obtain points to climb the league table to secure their league position for 2020/21 season. Good luck to all our Men pulling on the Navy n White Hoops today I’m sure they will be leaving nothing in the tank with what’s at stake. Sunday will see our Ladies play host to Darlington Ladies at Gorton Street. Eccles have put together a run of solid performances and victories recently. A continuation of this form from coach James Wright’s team this Sunday would see them leapfrog the visitors from 5th to 4th position in the league which would pretty much cement a mid table finish for the Eccles Ladies this season. Eccles RFC’s Senior Colts host Aldwinians RUFC this Sunday in the Semi Final of the Lancs Trophy. Our guests have been very strong the past couple of seasons at Senior Colts level but Eccles have begun to find an improved level of performance recently that hasn’t been there all season, picking up some good wins in the Cup competitions. If they can raise their game, and a team, they could earn themselves place in a county final. Finally a big thank you must go out to all our sponsors without you non of what we do at Eccles RFC would be possible. I hope those that attended sponsors day last Saturday fully enjoyed themselves and got to see first hand how they support the club on a weekly basis with their generosity. Sam Simpson, Director Of Rugby / Head Coach, Eccles RFC
The Duke of Eccles - Still the best Bates to play at the club. Ultra Welding Equipment Proud to support Eccles RFC
ECCLES PLAYER SPONSORS
ECCLES PLAYER SPONSORS CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
ECCLES MEN 1XV NORTHERN DIVISION NORTH TWO WEST Glossop Manchester Rochdale Leigh Anselmians Aspatria Southport Tarleton De la Salle (Salford) Aspatria Winnington Park Bolton Eccles Sefton GAMES RESULTS P W D L POINTS F TOTALS A DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 20 17 1 2 609 325 284 85 14 1 19 17 0 2 743 228 515 84 15 1 20 17 1 2 569 323 246 82 12 0 20 13 2 5 568 428 140 70 12 2 20 12 0 8 569 479 90 62 8 21 20 20 19 19 20 21 20 21 8 0 13 502 488 14 45 5 8 1 11 403 520 -117 44 6 7 0 13 407 501 -94 43 9 9 0 10 361 538 -177 39 2 7 0 12 418 549 -131 39 6 6 0 14 428 618 -190 36 7 6 1 14 441 557 -116 34 5 6 0 14 391 594 -203 31 5 4 0 17 348 609 -261 26 4 6 8 4 6 1 5 5 3 2 6 ECCLES MEN 2XV County Courier Services Division 2 North Orrell 2XV Leigh 2XV Littleborough 2XV Tarleton 2XV AldwiniansXV Keswick 2XV West Park (St. Helens) 2XV Leyland Warriors 1XV Southport 2XV Eccles 2XV De la Salle (Salford) 2XV Oldham 2XV GAMES P W D L RESULTS POINTS F TOTALS 18 12 2 4 575 313 262 70 0 18 11 0 7 429 259 170 64 0 17 11 0 6 307 313 -9 16 8 0 8 284 276 8 63 0 53 0 16 10 0 6 372 281 91 49 0 16 16 14 18 16 16 17 8 1 7 354 205 149 47 0 7 0 9 296 321 -25 46 0 7 0 6 242 221 21 45 0 6 0 12 278 465 -187 42 0 6 0 10 313 389 -76 41 0 5 2 9 297 358 -61 39 0 5 0 12 240 583 -343 34 0 A DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 0 3 2 5 0 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 ECCLES MENS TABLES
MENS FIXTURES-RESULTS Date Mens 1XV HA Results 31-Aug-19 Aldwinians - CUP A 07-Sep-19 Southport 14-Sep-19 Tarleton 28-Sep-19 Aspatria 05-Oct-19 Anselmians 12-Oct-19 Aspull 19-Oct-19 Bolton 26-Oct-19 De La Salle 02-Nov-19 09-Nov-19 Manchester 16-Nov-19 Glossop 23-Nov-19 Leigh 30-Nov-19 07-Dec-19 Rochdale 14-Dec-19 Sefton 21-Dec-19 28-Dec-18 04-Jan-20 Tarleton 18-Jan-20 Aspatria 25-Jan-20 01-Feb-20 Anselmians 08-Feb-20 Aspull 15-Feb-20 Bolton 22-Feb-20 29-Feb-20 De La Salle 07-Mar-20 Manchester 14-Mar-20 Glossop 21-Mar-20 Leigh 28-Mar-20 Rochdale 04-Apr-20 Sefton 11-Apr-20 18-Apr-20 Southport 25-Apr-20 A 29 - 64W H 37 - 35W 21-Sep-19 Winnington Park A 49 - 25L H 16 - 10W A 29 - 12L H 46 - 22W A 28 - 20L H 15 - 17L H 52 - 22L A 24 - 00L H 22 - 33L A 22 - 10L H 10 - 22L A 17 - 10L 11-Jan-20 Winnington Park H 12 - 37L A 41 - 5L H 24 - 22W A 37 - 26L H 10 - 9W A P - P H 5 - 59L H A H A H Littleborough 2XV Oldham 2XV De La Salle Orrell 2XV Keswick 2XV Leigh 2XV Aldwinians 2XV Southport 2XV Tarleton 2XV A 15 - 19W H 7 - 38W A P - P A 43 - 0L H 33 - 7W A 5 - 0L A H A West Park (St. Helens) H Leyland Warriors 1XV A Mens 2XV HA Results Leyland Warriors 1XV H Post Littleborough 2XV Oldham 2XV De La Salle 2XV Orrell 2XV Keswick 2XV Leigh 2XV Aldwinians Southport 2XV Tarleton 2XV H 35 - 29W A 17 - 00L H 12 - 29L H 12 - 38L A 52 - 07L H 6 - 21L H 7 - 17L A 17 - 58W H 26 - 35L West Park (St. Helens) A 21 - 10L
Eccles 1XV Glossop 1XV 1. Sam Simpson # 2. Tom Egerton 3. Mark Greenhalgh 4. James Cunningham # 5. Michael Holland 6. Adam Christey # 7. Nick Spooner 8. Glen Cahill # 9. Tim Cullen # 10. Harry Hutton 11. Gavin Ackers-Johnson 12. James Wright # (Capt) 13. Reece James # 14. Damola Ayanlaja-Lowo # 15. Cameron Oates 16. Cameron Higginbottom # 17. Kieron Reed # 18. Lee Morris # #Home-Grown at Eccles RFC Coach-Sam Simpson # 1. Joe Dearnaley 2. Adam Mallinson 3. Ben Chadwick 4. Sam Wilkinson 5. Mikey Lancaster 6. Damian Chabas (Capt) 7. Sam Gibson 8. Dan Clark 9. Jonny Tennant 10. Tom Dearnaley 11. Max Horsfall 12. Zak Round 13. Lewis Winterbottom 14. Jake Gibson 15. Rob Sonczak 16. Jack Bailey 17. Paddy Rose 18. Matt Sonczak TODAY’S REFEREE: Stephen Ralston (Madrefs) TEAM SHEETS
Eccles Senior Colts 1. Jahn Saunders 2. Cameron Smollet 3. Callum Fryer 4. Paul Stringer 5. James Hooker 6. Callum Brady 7. Max Mulligan 8. Riley Thornton 9. Tom Bates 10. Joseph Molloy 11. Cameron MacDonald 12. Alex Speakman 13. Daniel Delaney 14. Tallis Keeler 15. Joshua Stafford 16. William Timmins 17. Ollie White 18. Jay Christey 19. Joshua Masters #Home-Grown at Eccles RFC Aldwinians Senior Colts 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. TBC TODAY’S REFEREE: Alan Blackburn (Madrefs) TEAM SHEETS
ECCLES SENIOR COLTS The season has seen the Eccles Senior Colts struggle for numbers often playing with a man down and, as a mixed squad of U17’s and U18s, the team has been up against it but always remaining positive and committed to the last blow of the whistle. The last game was no exception. In blustery conditions with the rain ever threatening it was touch and go whether we would be able to fulfil the fixture against Rossendale in the Senior Colts Plate. As holders of that Silverware, the team were determined to make a good start and with a full front row we were able to play contested scrums for one of the first times this season and good performances across the board saw confidence levels increasing as the game progressed. 4 tries for Man of the match Timmo, a try a piece from Tallis, James and Cameron Smollet and Joe and Josh taking on kicking with 2 conversions each resulted in a convincing win of 43 to 7. This was the most dominant performance of the season and takes the lads to the Quarter Final of the Senior Colts Plate vs Makos, Sunday 22nd March. Let’s hope we can bag some of the confidence and commitment from that game for this Sunday’s Semi Final of the Lancashire Colts U18 Joe McDonough Trophy vs Aldwinians who play their rugby in a higher division and will no doubt arrive with a full squad and provide a tough test for the lads. Last season Eccles were beaten finalists in this competition so as we aim to go one better this year your support will be much appreciated. Congratulations to Tallis Keeler who represented Eccles at county level recently, playing for Lancashire U17s vs Yorkshire. Lancashire U18 Colts Trophy Semi-Final Eccles v Aldwinians - Sunday 15th March Kick Off 2.00pm at Eccles RFC
ECCLES LADIES Eccles Ladies Victorious Again! After a great victory last week away at Sunderland, Eccles Ladies were hoping to build on that performance and come away with another win against Birkenhead Park to strengthen their position in the League. The game started well, with Eccles moving quickly through the phases, getting the ball out wide to Jess, who with great footwork scored the first try of the game. Birkenhead followed swiftly with a try of their own. The attacking pressure from Eccles didn’t ease off and most of the play occurred deep in the opposition’s half. Great handling kept Birkenhead on their toes, and it wasn’t long before Eccles scored their 2nd try. Another try came swiftly from the restart, with a great run from Jess and offload to Mikayla who ran half the length of the pitch to score. Eccles continued to attack, and with play in the opposition’s 22, short balls were adopted until Siobhan went over the line. Multiple conceded penalties awarded Birkenhead the opportunity to score and they took it, going over the line for their 2nd. The penalties against Eccles continued to mount up and 3 yellow cards were given in quick succession, bringing Eccles down to 12 going into half time. (HT: 24-10) Eccles managed to hold on but being outnumbered it was only a matter of time until Birkenhead went over the line for their 3rd try of the game. There was great line speed in defence and kicking and ball possession from Eccles, but just as Eccles were back to 13 another yellow card was issued. Another Birkenhead try followed scored out wide. Eccles responded with a great turnover by Kathy, followed by a great run by Siobhan using her footwork to find the gaps to go over the line for her 2nd try. More penalties against Eccles continued, and with that Birkenhead were able to slowly move up the field and score another try. Eccles back to 15 were able to see out the game with great attack and defence, even if it was disjointed due to constant penalty stoppages. A difficult game for Eccles, but they showed their strength and depth as a team being able to emerge victorious even after going down to 12 at a crucial time. FT: 31-25 A lot of positives to take into our last game of the season against Darlington Ladies on Sunday, where win would take us above them into 4th place in the championship.
ECCLES LADIES & COLTS TABLES ECCLES LADIES WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP NORTH TWO Sefton Ladies Crewe & Nantwich Ladies Manchester Ladies Darlington Ladies Eccles Ladies Didsbury TOC H Ladies Birkenhead Park Ladies Sunderland Ladies GAMES P 13 13 11 9 13 9 10 12 RESULTS W D 11 9 6 5 5 4 2 1 L 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 3 4 8 5 8 10 POINTS F A 473 159 314 368 160 208 299 175 124 182 181 1 -59 57 44 25 24 20 9 TOTALS 258 429 -171 24 146 205 193 353 -160 12 151 408 -257 DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 11 8 7 4 4 4 4 3 ECCLES SENIOR COLTS Conference League-Senior D GAMES Senior Colts Senior D (U18's) Birkenhead Park Colts Kendal Colts P Bury Colts Makos Colts Wigan Colts Eccles Colts Preston G/Hoppers Colts 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 RESULTS W D 1 0 2 1 1 1 0 9 9 7 6 4 3 1 L 2 3 3 5 7 8 11 POINTS F A 275 132 143 373 143 230 212 207 228 208 187 188 5 20 -1 TOTALS DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 52 50 44 40 28 176 316 -140 27 166 423 -257 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 1 2 2 -1
ECCLES LADIES & COLTS FIXTURES Date Eccles Ladies 1XV HA Results 31-Aug-19 08-Sep-19 Darlington 15-Sep-19 Didsbury TOC H 22-Sep-19 29-Sep-19 06-Oct-19 Manchester 27-Oct-19 03-Nov-19 Sefton 10-Nov-19 17-Nov-19 Birkenhead Park 24-Nov-19 Sunderland 01-Dec-19 08-Dec-19 Didsbury TOC H 15-Dec-19 22-Dec-19 29-Dec-18 05-Jan-20 Manchester H 12 - 47L 12-Jan-20 Crewe & Nantwich H 5 - 24L 19-Jan-20 26-Jan-20 02-Feb-20 Sefton 09-Feb-20 16-Feb-20 23-Feb-20 Birkenhead Park 30-Feb-20 01-Mar-20 Sunderland 08-Mar-20 Birkenhead Park 15-Mar-20 Darlington 22-Mar-20 29-Mar-20 05-Apr-20 12-Apr-20 19-Apr-20 A 66 - 0L H P - P A 17 - 25W H 31 - 25W H Makos Kendal Tarleton Preston Grasshoppers H A A 34 - 26L A 39 - 17L WO P - P 34 - 26L 39 - 17L A Post H 20 - 19W A 43 - 14L 13-Oct-19 Crewe & Nantwich A 86 - 10L 20-Oct-19 H 26 - 36W A 5 - 31W H 79 - 10W A 17 - 0L Preston Grasshoppers A 22 - 29W H Wigan Birkenhead Park Bury HW A 26 - 11L H 5 - 15L Senior Colts Tarleton Wigan Birkenhead Park Colts Cup - Southport Bury Makos Kendal HA Results H Post A 53 - 26L H 12 - 16L H A 28 - 28D H 17 - 22L H 5 - 61L
ECCLES JUNIORS Welcome to this week’s Mini and Junior ‘Rugby Soap Box View’! There’s plenty to ponder over with the corona virus developments affecting international fixtures down to grass roots games. (For those who saw the England v Wales battle, it appears COVID-19 effects prop forwards in a different way! Cheeky Joe!) Last Saturday, the club hosted our sponsors with hospitality on the balcony, as the U7s braved the cold on the pitch as mascots! The previous Sunday saw the club open its doors to over 300 juniors and their supporting parents/carers who at last overcame the recent weather to enjoy some rugby! The kitchen was stretched to the max, but, Marie and her band of volunteers did it without any self-isolation! My point is this - we rallied as a collective to provide players young and old with an opportunity to enjoy the sport we love. Junior rugby now underpins many established clubs who have, sadly, suffered the loss of several of their senior teams and are now reliant on their youth and ladies sections with Sunday sessions propping up clubs across the country. To see at first-hand how this relates to the future of Eccles provides mixed emotions as an ex-first team player but, with such a vibrant junior section the emphasis to continue to nurture our future senior players remains more important than ever. Our U14s who are set to Tour Worcester in April have just secured a new team sponsor, and are also in the quarter final of the Lancs Plate this Sunday away at Littleborough - Good Luck lads. The U16s have two Lancashire representatives and are also set to compete in their own Lancs Cup quarter final this Sunday. Our other age groups are growing in numbers and strength and are fortunate to have some wonderful coaches and managers with some amazing support from our administrative staff. So, can a rugby club survive on a successful junior section alone? Some say of course it can. Enjoy your rugby this weekend! Paul Fleming, M&J Chairman, Eccles RFC
ECCLES PLAYER SPONSORS
ECCLES PLAYER SPONSORS
BILL LOWE - OBITUARY Bill Lowe 1931-2020 It is with great sadness that we announce that our long serving, loyal member Bill Lowe passed away suddenly at home last Wednesday morning. He was 88. Bill joined Eccles RFC in 1948 as a local 18 year old, the year the club moved to Gorton Street and the same year Harry Broomhead and Ken Faulkner joined. Bill was our oldest past player and one of the last of the old players who were affectionally first labelled “ the fossils” when they grouped together on Saturdays and Mondays in the corner area of the club and then at the side of the bar. Between his playing career and taking on his many administrative positions, Bill was often away from the Club in the seventies and eighties pursuing business opportunities both in the UK and abroad. On Bill and Pauline’s permanent return to Manchester, Bill’s final venture Metremix Concrete appears in the 1993 club handbook and stayed there until he sold the business upon his retirement. Bill’s entrepreneurship and humour shine through with marketing gems such as “Willmix” and “William the Concretor” a title he took great pleasure answering the phone with. From being a regular first team second rower, Bill went on to serve on the Committee over three decades from 1993 until 2019. Bill was our club’s Lancashire representative for two decades from 2000 until 2019 and also served on the Lancashire Cup Committee. Bill was regular member of the Eccles balcony support and attended our recent home fixture v Bolton. He will be missed. Funeral details: 12noon, Wednesday 18th March at Altrincham Crematorium WA14 5RH
GORTON STREET GAZETTE Dear Members, We appreciate many of you will have concerns regarding the evolving COVID-19 situation and its influence on public gatherings and sporting events. We understand the trust you place in the club every time you and your family visit our facilities. Until we are advised otherwise, fixtures for Minis, Juniors, Colts and Seniors will continue. Our annual end of season presentations and our fund-raising marquee events in May are still planned to go ahead. Our social media and website will be updated with any change. You can also help us to communicate quickly and easily with you by ensuring your contact details are up-to-date on the GMS system. Please be assured the cleanliness of our clubhouse is of utmost importance. All volunteers willing lend a hand to help share the burden of maintaining our already rigorous cleaning standards will be welcomed. Thank you for your continued support during these uncertain and unprecedented times. The latest information and advice is available via the Government website and updated daily https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public Eccles RFC Committee.
SPONSORSHIP AND FUNDING Eccles RFC is run by dedicated volunteers. With over 120 years behind us we are a resilient, ambitious, progressive, inclusive, community rugby club and welcome support from businesses who share our ambition and passion. Sponsorship opportunities 2019/20 Community Coaching sponsorship - £15k Platinum Club Sponsorship - £10k Duke of Edinburgh Award Sponsorship - £10k Senior Team Sponsorship - £5k Junior Team Sponsorship - £3k Pitch-side Advertising boards - £500 Programme advertisement - £250 Senior Player Sponsorship - £150 Our sponsorship packages are flexible. For more information please email us at sponsorship@ecclesrfc.org.uk 1897 You can raise money for Eccles RFC every time you shop online by using EasyFundraising.co.uk Just register on the website, name us as your cause and shop as normal. The club receives a donation for the purchases you make. Easy.
CODE OF CONDUCT Eccles Rugby Football Club encourage Spectators to: • Act as a positive role model to all. • Behave with dignity and generosity. • Support your club’s efforts to uphold its reputation. • Respect Rugby’s values. Discipline and Sportsmanship define our game. • Respect the match officials' decisions, even if they appear to make a mistake. Remember, they are volunteers and without them there would be no game. • Encourage all players irrespective of their ability. Never ridicule a player, regardless of the shirt they wear. • Appreciate good performance and achievement from all players, irrespective of their team. • Acknowledge effort and endeavour rather than the desire to 'win at all cost'. • Support the players. Shout ‘for’ them not ‘at’ them. • Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators; such negative behaviour affects the players and referee’s performance and attitude. • Remain behind the barriers. The field is for the competitors. Remember children play rugby for their own enjoyment, not for that of the spectators. 1897
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