Ormskirk RUFC

Dear Member,

Since the last mail mail chimp, a team of players from Ormskirk - some current, some former (including a cameo by our Club Secretary, Derek Ward, in his 66th year on this planet) - competed with Oxton Parkonians at Green Lane on 29th July, in memory of an ex-player and Captain of Ormskirk Lions (4th team), Richie "Taff" Gibbon - with Ormskirk winning 31-28 in a close, well fought out game. Everyone had a great day, including Taff's widow Dolores, his granddaughter Abi, his daughters Laura and Emma, and a large support from the Oxton Parkonians' officials and spectators.

The following weekend, on the 5th and 6th August, the Club held a 2nd successful volunteer event with some fantastic work performed in the Club. The Club is now in better shape both inside and outside, and a massive thanks to all the volunteers who turned up and played their part.

On Saturday 12th August, a successful Social Sport's day was held, organised by our Social Committee, and involving outdoor games; including touch rugby & tug of war, followed by a game of indoor bingo. The proceeds from the day, £275, have been donated to Cork University Hospital in Ireland, who were pivotal in treating Mark Lang, our 2nd XV coach, when he had his heart scare earlier this year. The event was supported by players and members alike, who watched the England v Wales RWC warm up game, with an excellent half time curry, cooked and served by our fantastic catering staff, Wendy and Terri. 

We look forward to seeing the 1st XV men's team, starting the season, taking on Chorley in the Lancashire Bowl cup competition on Saturday 26th August, KO 1500.

The 2nd XV men's team season starts the following week on 2nd September with a fixture against Burnley away, KO 1500.

The newly promoted ladies team perform in NC2 against Bury Ladies on Sunday 17th September, KO 1400.

The Junior colts begin their campaign in the league against Whitchurch away on 3rd September, KO 140, whilst the rest of the mini and Junior section start their campaigns on the 17th September.

The final RWC warm up home nation games will be shown on 19th and 26th August, with New Zealand v South Africa on 25th August, KO 1930.

Of course the Rugby World Cup starts properly on 8th September, KO 2015, when France play New Zealand. The Club will be open for all games involving the home nations  and other popular nations like Australia, France, New Zealand and South Africa.

We look forward to our very own Oktoberfest on 30th September , with German beers and food organised again by our Social Committee, so keep the date in your diary.

Some of the popular Premier league soccer games will also be televised at the Clubhouse.

We still have some old Ormskirk kits left over after we changed to the new style hooped kit. People have already taken some of the shirts at £5 per shirt. Anyone fancying a shirt to perhaps remember their playing days by or to simply wear socially, then please let me know, or contact the Club Steward Mike Wilson, or Board member Mark Slater, where the adult shirts are being sold at £5 per adult shirt and £3 per child's shirt.

Three non badged kits of yesteryear have been passed to a charity to help rugby players in Africa.

A big thanks to former player and 1st XV coach Paul Brookwell for providing that contact, with a further thanks to Gareth Dowling, former 1st XV player, who donated one of the kits from his former university's Hurling side.

The RFU coaching coordinator, Delta Williams, is running a kid's First tag course at our Club on Thursday 24th August 0930-11.30. Any questions contact Colin Clark on coaching@ormskirkrugby.co.uk

A quick note from our Club Steward , Mike Wilson:

"We have recently installed new card machines in the club. We had connectivity problems with the old Ingenico ones so at no cost we changed to the latest Dojo machines with excellent results so far. As part of the package we receive a generous referral fee as a result of anyone making a similar change. So if you or a friend/relative has a business that is thinking of changing their card machines please contact me or Mike (Club Steward – 07702 564654)".

The July 200 Club was won by Mike Jones, a former Senior 1st XV player, former Mini & Junior Section Chair and current Club Referees co-ordinator. 

If you have any questions regarding anything in the newsletter please contact me on 07976896722 or chair@ormskirkrugby.co.uk

Yours in rugby,

Brian Stevenson (Ormskirk RUFC Chair).