ECCLES RFC THE HOME OF HOME GROWN 1897 Official Match Day Programme Season 2019-20 - Price £2 ECCLES v ASPATRIA NORTH TWO WEST K.O. 3.00PM SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER ECCLES SENIOR COLTS V SOUTHPORT SENIOR COLTS LANCASHIRE U18 COLTS CUP KO 2.00PM SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
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 I would like to offer a warm welcome to all the teams playing at Eccles RFC this weekend. The first team are at home to Aspatria and I hope the journey down was OK although there could be a little altitude sickness with the away players. We obviously didn’t play against Aspatria last year but we are now back in North West 2 along with lots of teams we have played in the past. Our games against Aspatria have been very close encounters in the past and we hope this will continue, in our favour, today. The second team are away at Oldham and after a great start to the season we hope that winning streak will continue today. The revived third team have a game at home against the Spartans from Sale and let’s hope that their promising season so far continues. On Sunday all the junior teams are training but the Senior Colts have a Lancashire Cup fixture against Southport at home. Our colts this season are a combined squad of U17 and U18 players still finding their feet as a newly formed team. Last week was a close defeat for the colts 12-16 but a great game to watch and that first victory cannot be far away. Also on Sunday the U18’s Girls are running a pitch up and play event so let’s hope that goes well. This weekend at the club, we have the fundraising Macmillan coffee morning, I can’t wait to try some of those cakes. Also in the clubhouse following the match with Aspatria will be the infamous Annual Eccles Conker Championship where, despite the very best attempts of the officials, I expect to witness cheating of the highest order. For those of you closely following our World Cup Tour of Japan, you can expect to see more of the Eccles RFC flag on your TV screens in the upcoming England games. Sayōnara. Paul Thorpe, Chairman, Eccles RFC
HEAD COACH NOTES Hello and a warm welcome to everyone attending Gorton Street this afternoon, whatever your affiliations I hope your afternoon here is a pleasant one filled with all the core values our great game has to offer. Today the 1XV welcome old friends Aspatria to Eccles. Over the past 10 years these two sides have met numerous times battling it out for valuable league points and for the opportunity to play level 6 rugby. Aspatria had a strong season last year finishing in a playoff spot and scheduled to play Bowden. For reasons unknown to most Aspatria decided to concede that opportunity allowing Bowden to take the place in level 6, this decision angered most in the league with other clubs in the top 5 calling for Aspatria to be kicked out of the league. Whatever Aspatria’s decision was based on for choosing to concede that fixture it clearly hasn’t affected them coming into this new season with a couple of good wins already to their name. Eccles know they will need to be at their very best to defeat any Cumbrian side be it Home or Away. If both sides play to their full ability today this will be a cracking game of rugby. Good luck to our 2XVs today who travel to Oldham hopeful of keeping their winning start to the 2019/20 season going. Oldham will be no push over, they are always blessed with a big set of hard running forwards with some skillful backs behind them. This will be a really good test for the boys at this point of the season to gauge where they are at. Eccles rebuilding 3XVs side play host to Spartans this afternoon in what will be their 3rd fixture of the season. After a couple of disappointing last-minute cry offs from their opposition, I’m sure the lads cannot wait to get a run out together. Go well chaps. Lastly, I’d like to congratulate one of the #Homegrown and an ex-team mate of mine Stuart Greaves and his wife Karen on the birth of their first child, Tobias James aka Toby. Born 5 weeks early and Weighing in at 4lb 10oz he’s got some growing to do before he’ll be putting in the heavy tackling performances of his Dad! But never the less everyone at Eccles RFC is extremely happy for the new parents. Sam Simpson, DoR / 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
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MENS LEAGUE TABLES ECCLES MEN 1XV NORTHERN DIVISION NORTH TWO WEST Glossop Rochdale Winnington Park Anselmians Eccles Manchester Leigh Aspatria De La Salle (Salford) Bolton Aspull Tarleton Southport Sefton GAMES RESULTS P W D L 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 POINTS F TOTALS 3 0 0 121 45 76 15 3 3 0 0 97 36 61 14 2 3 0 0 115 57 58 14 2 2 0 1 116 79 37 11 2 2 0 1 126 113 13 11 3 2 0 1 110 44 66 1 1 1 70 75 -5 1 0 2 103 103 0 1 0 2 67 95 -28 1 0 2 96 131 -35 1 0 2 73 151 -78 0 0 3 89 120 -31 0 1 2 61 120 -59 0 0 3 54 129 -75 9 7 7 6 6 6 5 3 1 A DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 1 1 ECCLES MEN 2XV County Courier Services Division 2 North Orrell 2XV Keswick 2XV Eccles 2XV Leigh 2XV Littleborough 2XV Leyland Warriors 1XV Tarleton 2XV Oldham 2XV Aldwinians 2XV De La Salle (Salford) 2XV Southport 2XV West Park (St. Helens) 2XV GAMES P W D L 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 RESULTS POINTS F TOTALS 3 0 0 158 34 124 15 0 2 0 0 43 20 23 10 0 2 0 0 85 65 20 10 0 1 0 2 97 61 36 1 0 2 70 75 -5 1 0 2 75 85 -10 1 0 1 50 51 -1 1 0 2 76 116 -40 1 0 2 51 109 -58 1 0 1 80 62 18 1 0 1 39 80 -41 0 0 2 17 83 -66 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 2 A DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MENS FIXTURES-RESULTS Date Mens 1XV HA Results 31-Aug-19 Aldwinians - CUP A 07-Sep-19 Southport 14-Sep-19 Tarleton 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 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 28-Sep-19 Aspatria H A H A H H A H A H A 11-Jan-20 Winnington Park H 18-Jan-20 Aspatria A H A H A H 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 H A A H A 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 H H A H H A H West Park (St. Helens) A
Eccles 1XV Aspatria 1XV 1. James Cunningham # 2. Jack Robbins 3. Mark Greenhalgh 4. Nick Spooner # 5. Cammy Higginbottom 6. Adam Christey # 7. Lee Brennand # 8. Jordan Bromley # 9. Josh Waring # 10. James Wright (Capt) # 11. Will Parkinson # 12. Chris Fortune 13. Martin Thompson 14. Damola Ayanlaja-lowo # 15. Harry Hutton 16. Tom Egerton 17. Curtis Bates # 18. Tim Cullen # #Home-Grown at Eccles RFC 1. Graham Andrews 2. Adam Cavanagh 3. Jack Gaskell 4. Richard Miller 5. Matthew Atkinson (Capt) 6. Phil Dixon 7. Jaques Rowe 8. Gary Hodgson 9. Jack Clegg 10. Josh Watson 11. Patrick Noutch 12. Heini Jonker 13. Andrew Miller 14. Lee Tinnion 15. Jono Bethwaite 16. Craig Halligan 17. James Ravell 18. Joe Beaty TODAY’S REFEREE: Allen Judge (Madrefs) TEAM SHEETS
Eccles Senior Colts 1. Dan Delaney 2. Max Mulligan 3. Tom Bates 4. Callum Brady 5. Joshua Stafford 6. Cameron Smolett 7. Alex Speakman 8. Kai Sumner 9. Paul Stringer 10. Tallis Keeler 11. John Saunders 12. Ryley Thornton 13. Bradley Greenhalgh 14. James Hooker 15. Cameron MacDonald 16. Joe Molloy 17. Anthony Davies 18. Ellis Blair 19. Peter Adinnu Southport Senior Colts 1. Henry Etheridge 2. Col Leech 3. Christian Saundry 4. Ben Roberson 5. Aodhan Blackburn 6. Pat Crann 7. Sol Palmer 8. Ethan Hart 9. Sam Roberts 10. Dom Weston 11. Elliot Berisha 12. Danny Gavan 13. James O’Keeffe 14. Jacob Thomason 15. Sam McGlincey 16. Jamie Merrills 17. Conor Brown TODAY’S REFEREE: Iwan Williams (Madrefs) TEAM SHEETS
ECCLES SENIOR COLTS Here we are, two games into the season and the stark reality of 2 loses. However, this doesn’t reflect the true picture of our performance as we build our senior colts squad. Combining the U18s with the U17s new to colts rugby, together with a number of rugby league players, our performances are improving and our numbers are rising. One of the great difficulties of rugby in our region is having a finite number of rugby players, playing both codes, league and union. I genuinely believe that both union and league benefit from skills that both codes provide. As the squad begins to work together there is a genuine improvement with each performance and as the season progresses, I look forward to developing a squad who will cement together in the time-honored friendship that rugby union can provide. It is clear that we have some very skilful players and a committed team, it remains the great challenges of coaches everywhere to take individuals from different teams and codes and transform them into a functioning winning team. As ever we continue to welcome any new players who wish to join us and incorporate them into the squad. As the world cup progresses, let’s hope we will benefit in the renewed interest and enthusiasm in rugby at the grass roots. This weekend we will face Southport in the first round of the Lancashire U18 Colts Cup. It’s a challenge we’re looking forward to and a great opportunity measure our developing team against an opponent from a League division above us. John Christey, U18 Senior Colts Coach, Eccles RFC
ECCLES LADIES & COLTS TABLES ECCLES LADIES WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP NORTH TWO Sefton Ladies Crewe & Nantwich Ladies Birkenhead Park Ladies Didsbury TOC H Ladies Eccles Ladies Manchester Ladies Darlington Ladies Sunderland Ladies GAMES RESULTS P W D L 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 F 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 65 20 50 43 20 22 0 27 POINTS A 17 11 30 42 19 24 29 75 20 1 1 -2 -29 -48 10 9 5 5 4 1 0 0 TOTALS DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 48 9 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 ECCLES SENIOR COLTS - CHAMPIONS RESULTS Conference League-Senior D GAMES Senior Colts Senior D (U18's) Birkenhead Park Colts Makos Colts Bury Colts Kendal Colts Wigan Colts Eccles Colts Preston G/Hoppers Colts 3 3 3 2 3 2 2 POINTS P W D L 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 F 68 84 63 76 80 38 19 A 46 55 49 17 69 92 22 29 14 59 TOTALS 100 -20 -31 -73 DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 12 11 11 10 7 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0
ECCLES LADIES 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-Jan-20 Crewe & Nantwich H 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 15-Mar-20 Darlington 22-Mar-20 29-Mar-20 05-Apr-20 12-Apr-20 19-Apr-20 A H A H Makos Kendal Tarleton A A Preston Grasshoppers H A A Post H 20 - 19W A 13-Oct-19 Crewe & Nantwich A 20-Oct-19 H A H A Birkenhead Park Bury A H Preston Grasshoppers A H Wigan Senior Colts Tarleton Wigan Birkenhead Park Colts Cup - Southport Bury Makos Kendal HA Results H Post A 53 - 26L H 12 - 16L H A H H
ECCLES LADIES Over the last 21 seasons Eccles RFC Ladies have worked tirelessly to develop the women’s game in the Manchester area. We have been rewarded over the years with promotions, cup runs and country representation. As we enter our 22nd season we are proud offer rugby for women and girls of all ages and abilities. With a club and team ethos of rugby for everyone our qualified and skilled coaches offer a high-quality rugby experience for all whether complete amateur or an old pro. After a difficult 2018/19 season we are extremely optimistic about the coming season with a new 1XV captain, multiple academy players graduating to the senior side and a strong preseason recruitment drive big things are expected. With the retention of our strong core squad and coaching team it is an exciting time to be an Eccles lady. Eccles ladies opened their account in their first fixture at Gorton street, giving debuts to academy graduates promoting our #homegrown talent and some talented new recruits. We entered the day in great spirits brimming with excitement. This excitement translated into a whirlwind of a game with some quality rugby played by both sides and enjoyed by the Eccles balcony faithful. After a nail biting finale, an Eccles win was secured with some standout performances, Eccles roll on to our next fixture against Manchester Ladies at Gorton Street we hope to see you there. Any enquiries should be directed to james.g.wright@hotmail.com James Wright, Ladies Head Coach, Eccles RFC
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ECCLES JUNIORS A warm welcome to Eccles RFC! The Rugby World Cup AND our season is finally underway! Most age groups within the Mini and Junior Section have, by now, played their first games either in the early season Cup comps or friendly games in preparation for forthcoming fixtures. I was fortunate enough to watch our U16s last Sunday versus Bolton in their Lancs Cup game in which they came out victorious following some fine rugby from both sides without any quarters given or taken! My point here is, the majority of the U16s are made up of boys who I’ve watched come up through the age groups to develop into the young men they are now, on the brink of adult rugby… how old does this make feel! This is indicative of the club ethos of nurturing our ‘Home grown Talent’ in producing and retaining players to make the club the thriving and popular set-up you see today. The analogy of ‘Grass Roots’ sports has never been more imperative than it is today as we have seen recently, as established clubs are having to resort to amalgamating age groups or worse still, folding a particular age group due to a lack of players/members. At Eccles, we take an enormous amount of pride when we witness the kids from ‘yesterday’ turning out for the seniors or Colts, yet as I write, we too are also experiencing the curse of limited player numbers down the lower age ranges, and particularly the U7’s – U9’s. Having just opened our fully refurbished artificial training area (please feel free to take a good look!), we offer facilities most clubs can only aspire to. No muddy kit for the mums (or Dads!) to wash now, and a safe enclosed playing area for the kids to run around in! To compliment this, the club house is also looking magnificent to offer further creature comforts during the long winter months, where the kids can enjoy their free hot dogs and chips after their games! So, come on down… you may even enjoy it! Paul Fleming Eccles RFC Mini and Junior Chair 1897
DUKE OF EDINBURGHS AWARD In 2011 Eccles became the first rugby club to offers their junior members an opportunity to do the DofE and this has grown year on year. Our participants have achieved very close to 250 medals including 48 Gold awards. Last year we became a direct Licensing Authority, which means we no longer report to Salford City Council, but govern ourselves reporting to the DofE directly. This means we have more autonomy but all participants still need to be associated with the club as we cannot take external participants. There has been a fairly even split between lads and girls. At the end of May 2019, 12 more participants received their Gold Award at Buckingham Palace, a year since the last 10 Golds received their awards and two years since the one’s before. This will be our fourth group of participants we have sent for their Gold awards, three of which have been presented at Buckingham Palace. We have over 92% pass rate, we well above the national average, which a fantastic achievement and has been recognised by the DofE Governing body which lead to us becoming a direct Licensing Authority. Please carry on supporting this great cause and encourage your kids to get involved, it’s not for all so don’t force them but we have had many who have seen what fun and rewards that can be gained and have joined at a later stage. The same is said that some start and don’t progress to different levels and there are lots of reasons for this but they do have until they are 24 years old to complete so it is never an issue with coming back at a later stage. Those that do, create friends and memories for life and nothing can replace these. We also have a few volunteers who help out when required on expeditions, but we always welcome people to help out in any way you can. If you know anyone or wish to volunteer, please come forward. First Gold Group At St James Palace 2nd Gold Group At Buckingham Palace 3rd Group At Buckingham Palace 4th Group At Buckingham Palace
WALKING RUGBY Eccles Walking Rugby started after an email from Sale Sharks Community Trust inviting the club to participate in their initiative. Well we all know our club. It took less than two weeks for us to get organised and have our first session, that was back in May 2018 and we're still walking strong now. Walking Rugby is a new inclusive sport and an enjoyable way to get some exercise. It’s a much simpler and less physical version of the traditional game which brings ex-players of a certain age and those who are completely new to rugby together. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Say “Walking” to a bloke and he says “not for me”. Say “Rugby” to a woman and she says “not for me”, but I say give it a go. We encourage both men and women, young and not so young, skilled and not so skilled to get involved. Ladies with experience in netball will see it involves similar handling skills and agility. Guys, well you never lose it do you, but if you never had it the slower pace gives you more time to think about it. I've developed a sidestep I never knew I had! Playing on the AstroTurf allows us to play in any weather no special equipment required, although waterproofs and footwear with grip is a bonus. Our sessions are well supported and we regularly get 20+ players. On more than one occasion the ladies have outnumbered the men. The game is based on touch rugby. The attacking side are allowed 6 tackles (double handed touch) in which to score. After each tackle the attacking side has 3 seconds to pass the ball and the defending side must get back onside (3 metres). If after 6 tackles a try has not been scored the ball is handed over and it starts again. You soon get the hang of it. The whole idea is to have fun and enjoy the banter, reconnect with old friends and make new ones. The session is open to all regardless of skill level. Monday evenings 19.00 - 20.00 with a bragging session in the bar after if you fancy. It's great fun and easy. It must be if I can play it. Turn up and give it a try. Yours in Rugby, Benty Alan Bent, Walker, Eccles RFC
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GORTON STREET GAZETTE THE HOME OF HOME GROWN Last Friday night, at a presentation dinner event held at the Lowry Hotel, Eccles RFC brought home the big prize as 2019 “CLUB OF THE YEAR” at the 19th Annual SALFORD SPORTS AWARDS. The award, presented to Eccles RFC by Everest Mountaineer Kenton Cool, was achieved for our club's impact in the last 12 months and our commitment to community, development and inclusivity. This prestigious recognition was made possible by the hard work and dedicated efforts of our club's volunteers last season, so a big pat on the back to all involved in keeping our mens, ladies, colts, girls, junior and mini teams playing and enjoying rugby, both on and off the pitch. Our double League and Plate winning U18 Senior Colts were also nominated for “Junior Team of The Year” but lost out on the night to the Salford Harriers U17 Girls team. "Senior Team of The Year" was awarded to Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC and "Volunteer" and "Coach of the Year" awards went to Winton Wanderers FC. Eccles RFC will now move forward to represent Salford at the Greater Manchester Sports Awards to be held at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford, on 15th November. And that's not all the surprising praise we've received this month. The 2019 MANCHESTER PRESTIGE AWARDS have also awarded Eccles RFC 'RUGBY CLUB OF THE YEAR'! Corportate LiveWire, sponsors of the National Presitige Awards, believed our club's approach to marketing, branding and growth deserved recognition. We don't do what we do at Eccles RFC to win awards, but do we appreciate the accolades when they come. A club so good they dubbed us twice! Chris Gaffey, Communications Officer, Eccles RFC
CHARITY SUPPORT 1897 September 2009, marked a tragic event in the club’s history when Christopher TIckle, whilst playing for Eccles RFC, suffered a severe neck injury and sadly died in hospital three weeks later. Chris was a popular 23 year old with a great love of life and sports, an infectious sense of humour, a willingness to help others and was about to begin studying at Salford University. In March 2010 he was posthumously awarded The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award by HRH Prince Phillip. As a tribute to Christopher, Eccles RFC was to become the first rugby club in the country to establish its own DofE awards programme in 2011 and continues honour his memory each year with its Club Person of the Year Award and fundraising activities in aid of spinal injuries research. This season, in recognition of the 10th Anniversary, the annual Christmas Christopher Tickle Memorial Cup match will take on a special significance. More details on this event to follow later in the year.
SPONSORSHIP AND FUNDING
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