ECCLES RFC THE HOME OF HOME GROWN 1897 Caption: Former Colt Adam Christey breaks from the scrum vs Bolton Official Match Day Programme Season 2019-20 - Price £2 Match Sponsored By Abtech Safety Ltd SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 2020 ECCLES v MANCHESTER NORTH TWO WEST K.O. 3.00PM ECCLES 3XV v BROMYARD KO 12.30PM
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 Manchester Rugby Club and Bromyard Rugby Football Club. Today is our annual Sponsor’s Day event and is an opportunity for the club to show our appreciation for all those who have generously supported us during the 2019/20 season with an afternoon of hospitality and rugby. Without the valuable assistance of our sponsors the club would not be able to sustain its facilities and activities in our community, so we hope all members will play their part in making the day an enjoyable and memorable Eccles experience. Manchester need no introduction, although our fixture last October was the first meeting in many years, our clubs have enjoyed a rich history of contests and were once regular opponents. Manchester are in second place in the league, with Eccles second from the bottom, but Eccles will be keen to put in a good performance, as we are still confident that we can climb out of the drop zone. Ahead of that contest, our 3XV will entertain Bromyard RFC, a touring team from Herefordshire, who play in Midlands 4 West (South). 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. Our Men’s and Ladies sections share the same belief and commitment to player propagation, only last week saw former Eccles player Detysha Harper receive her call up to the Women's England Squad for the 6 Nations game against Ireland, where she helped secured a 27-0 victory in front of a sell-out crowd. We achieve everything we do in, and for, our community, through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the support of sponsors who share our ambition and passion. I thank them for their commitment. And I thank today’s Match Officials, who step onto the field as volunteers to play their part under pressure and I would encourage spectators to 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 A warm welcome to all players, officials, spectators and sponsors to Gorton Street. Today we celebrate the generosity of those who have contributed this season. It is my hope that you enjoy your day and accept our most sincere thanks for your valued and continued support. Today the 1XV welcome Manchester RFC for the return fixture. Back in October at Grove Park it was a close contest for an hour until the hosts secured victory with tries in last 20 mins. The brains of our more seasoned campaigners will need to be picked for the last occasion we welcomed our visitors to Gorton Street, such has been Eccles rise and Manchester’s unfortunate fall in recent seasons. Manchester arrive flying high in the league on good form which will prove to be a real test for us this afternoon. We will be facing this challenge on the back of some positive results in the league with wins in our last two home fixtures. The lads are keen to keep this momentum flowing into the final stages of what has been a difficult season. Best of luck to both teams. We also have the pleasure today of welcoming Bromyard RFC, a touring team from Herefordshire to play our 3XV. It’s always a pleasure to welcome tourists who always bring their own mixture of chaos and fun. It gives our casual and vets a rare opportunity to dust off the box of tricks and the Woolworths boots to run out in the Eccles hoops, something which gives us great pride. I’m sure a game of real quality will be discussed in the bar afterwards and only improve as the night goes on! Best of luck to all players pulling on the Navy and White this weekend, our opponents and match officials. 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
ECCLES PLAYER SPONSORS
ECCLES PLAYER SPONSORS CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
MENS LEAGUE TABLES ECCLES MEN 1XV NORTHERN DIVISION NORTH TWO WEST Glossop Manchester Rochdale Leigh Anselmians Southport Aspatria De la Salle (Salford) Aspull Tarleton Winnington Park Bolton Eccles Sefton GAMES RESULTS P W D L POINTS F TOTALS A DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 19 16 1 2 573 298 275 80 13 1 18 16 0 2 684 223 461 79 14 1 19 16 1 2 536 303 233 77 11 0 19 12 2 5 552 415 137 66 12 2 19 11 0 8 531 460 71 57 7 19 20 18 18 19 19 20 19 20 8 1 10 391 507 -116 43 6 7 0 13 489 476 13 41 5 9 0 9 334 502 -168 39 2 7 0 11 398 516 -118 39 6 6 0 13 378 494 -116 38 8 6 0 13 421 589 -168 36 7 6 1 13 428 541 -113 33 5 6 0 13 386 535 -149 31 5 4 0 16 329 571 -242 26 4 6 3 8 1 5 6 5 2 2 6 ECCLES MEN 2XV County Courier Services Division 2 North Orrell 2XV Leigh 2XV Littleborough 2XV Tarleton 2XV West Park (St. Helens) 2XV Keswick 2XV AldwiniansXV Leyland Warriors 1XV Eccles 2XV Southport 2XV De la Salle (Salford) 2XV Oldham 2XV GAMES P W D L RESULTS POINTS F TOTALS 17 12 1 4 570 308 262 67 0 17 11 0 6 414 240 174 62 0 16 10 0 6 278 291 -13 58 0 15 16 15 15 13 16 17 15 16 8 0 7 262 250 12 51 0 7 0 9 296 321 -25 46 0 7 1 7 335 190 145 45 0 9 0 6 372 281 91 44 0 7 0 6 237 216 21 42 0 6 0 10 313 389 -76 41 0 6 0 10 264 443 -179 41 0 5 2 8 297 358 -61 39 0 4 0 12 218 569 -351 29 0 A DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 0 2 2 4 2 2 0 2 1 1 1 0
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 H H A H A H P - P 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 Manchester 1XV 1. Sam Simpson # 2. Ross Eaton # 3. James Cunningham # 4. Dec O’Regan # 5. Steve Lillie 6. Nick Spooner 7. Tony Haunschmidt 8. Adam Christey # 9. Sam Long 10. James Wright # (Capt) 11. Will Parkinson # 12. Reece James # 13. Luke Cullen # 14. Gavin Ackers-Johnson 15. Harry Hutton 16. Simon Rogers # 17. Matt Lambert 18. Tim Cullen # #Home-Grown at Eccles RFC Coach-Sam Simpson # TODAY’S REFEREE: Benjamin Glover (On exchange from Northumberland) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. TBC TEAM SHEETS
Eccles 3XV Bromyard RFC 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. #Home-Grown at Eccles RFC TBC 1. Sam Dudley 2. Tomas Day 3. William Allman 4. Tom Hulburd 5. Luke Zygmuntowski-Watts 6. Will Teece 7. Rhys Cooper 8. Rory Lane 9. Nick Coleman (c) 10. James Hepworth 11. John Pudge 12. John Parker 13. Luke Hadley 14. Josh Hargest 15. TBC 16. Well Matured Supporters 17. Dave Mann 18. Mick Warren TODAY’S REFEREE: Mike Ince (MADREFS) TEAM SHEETS
ECCLES SENIOR COLTS What a difference a full squad makes! Players come and go – it’s one of the facts of all rugby teams but what can’t be underestimated is what these players bring when they join or return. This week we welcomed Callum Fryer back for his first game since U16 and with a full team and two on the bench it was a promising start. In blustery conditions with the rain ever threatening it was touch and go whether we would be able to fulfil the Plate fixture against Rossendale. 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 and a great result for our Senior Colts. 4 tries for Man of the Match Centre Timmo, a try a piece from Tallis, James and Cameron Smollet and Joe and Josh taking on kicking with two 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, a prestigious contest featuring the strongest teams of Lancashire and Cheshire. As the holders of this sliverware this season’s colts are naturally determined to do their best to retain it. The next game will be the Semi Final of the Lancashire U18 Joe McDonough Trophy so let's hope we can bag some of the confidence from this performance and the commitment of a full squad to go one step further. Congratulations also to Tallis Keeler who represented Eccles at county level this week, playing for Lancashire U17s v Yorkshire. Go Tal! John Christey, Coach, Eccles RFC Senior Colts
ECCLES LADIES Skilful Tries Seal Eccles Victory Eccles Ladies travelled to Sunderland hoping for a repeat performance of their last encounter where Eccles won overwhelmingly. An early Sunderland try, created from the quick recycling from their rucks, seemed to indicate that the result may be very different from the last meeting. However, fantastic defending from Eccles and brilliant attack led to a try from Mikayla, with her running half the length of the pitch. Play continued with the ball in no team’s hands for long, with great defence forcing errors and brilliant attack exploiting any small gap left by the opposing defence. However, the opposition’s forwards slowly made their way closer to the try line overpowering the much smaller Eccles players and going over for another try. The start of the 2nd half seemed to favour Sunderland, with a dropped Eccles ball being picked up and one of their forwards sprinting half a pitch length for a try. It seemed as though the coach trip north may have hindered the Eccles performance. However, Eccles responded quickly with a try of their own, coming from hands out wide from the back of a scrum. An attacking Eccles unit became the story of the 2nd half, with skilled phases of play and well-placed kicks from Mikayla and Sheena ensuring play remained well into the Sunderland half. Another Eccles try followed shortly, again from the back of the scrum, with Mikayla going over for her 3rd try of the day. Eccles continued to make big hits in defence and displayed some amazing leg drive and footwork going forward, especially from Leah, Siobhan and Mollie Y. With tired opposition players very apparent, the last two final Eccles tries were scored in quick succession, both utilising the wide-open spaces left by the opposition defence, sealing a victory for Eccles Ladies. Eccles’ displayed some great rugby skill and intelligence, even if it came later in the game than planned, and this will hopefully boost their confidence going into their next game against Birkenhead Park Ladies. FT: Sunderland Ladies 17 – 25 Eccles Ladies
ECCLES LADIES & COLTS TABLES ECCLES LADIES WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP NORTH TWO Sefton Ladies Crewe & Nantwich Ladies Manchester Ladies Darlington Ladies Didsbury TOC H Ladies Eccles Ladies Birkenhead Park Ladies Sunderland Ladies GAMES P 12 12 11 9 7 11 8 10 W D 10 8 6 5 3 3 2 1 L 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 3 4 4 8 6 8 F A 423 147 276 305 160 145 299 175 124 182 181 119 137 1 -18 202 387 -185 15 156 272 -116 10 129 356 -227 8 DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 10 8 7 4 3 3 2 2 52 40 35 24 15 ECCLES SENIOR COLTS Conference League-Senior D GAMES Senior Colts Senior D (U18's) Birkenhead Park Colts Kendal Colts P Bury Colts Makos Colts Eccles Colts Wigan Colts Preston G/Hoppers Colts 12 12 11 12 12 11 12 RESULTS W D 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 9 9 7 6 3 4 1 L 2 3 3 5 8 7 11 POINTS F A 275 132 143 373 143 230 212 207 228 208 5 20 -1 TOTALS DIFF PTS TBP LBP ADJ 52 50 41 40 176 316 -140 27 187 188 25 166 423 -257 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 2 1 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 15-Mar-20 Darlington 22-Mar-20 29-Mar-20 05-Apr-20 12-Apr-20 19-Apr-20 A 66 - 0L H A H P - P P - P 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 all our sponsors, spectators and visitors from Eccles RFC Mini’s and Junior Section and my regular view from the rugby soap box! Last Sunday saw over 300 minis and juniors of all age groups, U6s - U16s, finally get a game, and all hosted by Eccles! A wonderful achievement after a few bad weeks of weather saw numerous cancelled fixtures! Well done Leeann and Marie and everybody else! A recently published article in the Guardian on junior rugby and its league system set-up prompted mixed opinions. My own due to participation with the coaching fraternity of our U14s and the Mini and junior section as a whole. The level of competitiveness is amplified on those league or cup fixtures where the influence of a different ‘type’ of game can be felt and despite the RFU directive of ‘non-competitive games’ it’s all-to-play-for performances from most teams! So the suggestion of clubs breaking away from any league structure, although completely understandable, can have the adverse effect down at grass roots. I don’t imagine the Kiwis or South Africans defer their competitive junior rugby until their players are of an age where they understand what is needed when required to lift their performance levels. Are we really ‘institutionalising the idea of ambition?’ I understand the need for junior clubs to regulate their traveling arrangements so they may retain players at a senior level, thereby fulfilling fixtures. Andy Northey’s views on junior rugby may ring true to a lot of you, but at what point do we introduce our young players to competition rugby? If, as he says, there are lads who would rather be in Benidorm within 2.5 hours than play rugby against a club a similar journey time away, is that not what the closed season is for? I’ll conclude with a proud announcement of a new team sponsor for our U14s and hope they enjoy being a part of Eccles RFC. Supporters of youth will always receive a warm welcome at a club that thrives on the development ‘Home Grown’ Talent. Paul Fleming, Mini and Juniors 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 will be posted on our website in due course.
GORTON STREET GAZETTE Great Scott! Sixty-Five years ago, 26th February 1955, Fullback Harry Scott of Manchester Rugby Club became England's 856th capped-player when he pulled on the white shirt to represent his country against France at Twickenham. The pride of his selection was also felt across the city at Eccles Rugby Football Club where Harry had spent his formative years. Harry was was born in Batley on 7th November 1927 and aged 8 moved with his family to Eccles. Following his attendance at Stretford and Salford Royal Technical Colleges he qualified as an engineering draftsman. His father, Bob, played rugby league for Swinton Lions and Cumberland and Harry evidently inherited his athletic ability. In the early 1950s Harry became a stalwart of the Lancashire team considered one of the strongest in the county championship. In 1954 he played for North West Counties against New Zealand at Manchester City’s Maine Road ground, where his pen portrait in the match programme described him as “an enterprising fullback with safe hands and quick to turn defence into attack”. In later years, Harry returned back to Eccles, enjoying both the playing and social aspects of the Rugby Union game. He was an active member of EGOR (Evergreens of Rugby), becoming a well-known figure at Lancashire and England matches and in 1987 he was made a Hon. Life Member of Eccles RFC. Harry, passed away in January 2012 aged 85, with his memorial service held at Peel Green crematorium and his ashes spread on the Eccles pitch by his family 4 years later. Harry will no doubt be fondly remembered by many members of both Eccles and Manchester clubs when they meet to play this Saturday at Gorton Street. (photo: England v France, 1955. H. Scott, front row right, seated on ground)
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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