MATCH DAY Programme th
26 Sep 2026
Witney v Chinnor III
Witney RFC Sat 26th Sep 2026 KO 3 pm
Witney
VS Chinnor III
KO 2.30 pm
Wallingford
VS
Witney II
KO 3 pm
Didcot II
VS
Witney III
Chairman’s Welcome Welcome all to Hailey Road for a new season of great rugby, great camaraderie and, of course, great ales — other drinks are available! Today we welcome Chinnor IIIs, newcomers to our league after an impressive season in Counties 1. Welcome to you all from Kingsey Road; we hope you enjoy your visit to Witney and, of course, the hospitality of our clubhouse. We also wish to show a warm welcome to today’s team of officials from Oxfordshire Referees Society; Fergus Mackenzie is in the middle supported by Keith Latham and Roger Naish. Welcome gents, we hope you enjoy both the rugby and the hospitality. New season, new coaching set-up. Don’t panic — in true Witney style, we are relying on those with strong connections to the Club. James Lamb will front up the First XV, ably supported by a strong Witney group. More details can be found later in the programme. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those sponsors who have already agreed to support us over the coming season. You have no idea how much we appreciate your support. Sponsorship plays a huge part in keeping the Club moving forward, supporting our players and helping us provide the facilities and opportunities that make Witney RFC what it is. We still have plenty of opportunities to support the Club and its players. More information can be found in our Sponsorship Brochure, or by speaking to a member of the Club. Enjoy today, get behind our boys, remember the Club’s ethos show everyone, players, officials and opposition supporters the utmost respect, so that all remember what a great place Hailey Road is to come and watch rugby. Let’s start 2026/27 with a great home win. Come on you Black and Blues! Andy Merriman Chairman Witney RFC
Dob in Dabber ! Dabber Willis has taken up hiding in the programme. All you have to do is find him and win a pint. Dob in Dabber at the Bar on match day, and if you’re the first to do so, you win a pint of ale or a glass of wine.
Cheers Dabber!
1st XV v Chinnor III Sat 26th Sep 3 PM KO 1 Daniel Wilson* Coaches: 2 Ben Reed (Debut) James Lamb* 3 Dan Webb* Matt Clarke 4 Charlie Bowyer Robbie Richardson 5 Matthew Webb(C)* Team Manager: 6 Gareth Jenkins* Simon Copperwheat 7 Jack Daubeney Physio: 8 Jack Thompson (Debut) Ella Dawkins 9 Ollie Walker* 10 Charlie Dunbar* Officials: 11 Ethan Clarke* Fergus Mackenzie 12 Liam Cook ADV: Keith Latham 13 Callum Jones (Debut) Coach: Roger Nash 14 Ollie Toner* *Denotes WRFC Mini 15 Sam Turberville* & Juniors Player Replacements: 16 Connor Pummery* 17 John Mason 18 Cam Brown (Debut)
Players in Blue on Front cover
1st Things First! Today our fabulous Firsts welcome newly promoted Chinnor IIIs to Hailey Road. Chinnor’s Wildboys gained promotion from Counties 1 in some style, winning 19 of their 22 games, picking up 21 try bonuses and a losing bonus point along the way. That’s 98 points from a possible 110, so it’s fair to say they won’t be coming to Hailey Road just to admire the scenery! Can they make the step up to Regional rugby? I wouldn’t bet against it, but our boys are more than ready for the test and will be looking to make home advantage count. With our new coaching set-up of James Lamb, Robbie Richardson and Matt Clarke, supported by Team Manager Simon Copperwheat, the boys are in excellent hands. We also have a new leadership duo, with Matt Webb retaining the Captain’s armband and Angus Brown joining the club stalwart in the Vice Captain role. With Academy players continuing to come through and add strength and depth to the squad, the future is certainly looking bright. Next week the Firsts are on the road to Matson, on the south side of Gloucester. Matson join us from Regional 1, so while they are new to this league, they are approaching it from the opposite direction to today’s visitors. They were unfortunate to suffer relegation last season, having won seven games but ultimately losing out to Ivybridge after a five-point deduction for failing to fulfil their fixture against Topsham in December. So, two very different routes into the league, but both sides will arrive with plenty to prove. Another good test awaits our Firsts.
Chairman’s Lunches at Hailey Road All lunches start at 11:30 sitting down no later than 12.30. Bar closes 22.30. KO 3pm Dates: Saturday 31st October 2026 Witney v Cleve 3pm Saturday 21st November Witney V Thornbury Saturday 19 December Witney v Marlborough Saturday 06th February 2027 Witney v Newbury Blues Saturday 20th March Witney v Keynsham Saturday 10 April Witney Vipers v Hungerford Typical Menu: Starter : Chunky country style pate, Tangy home made chutney, salad garnish. Main: Slow cooked crispy belly pork, crunchy crackling, caramalised orchard apples, creamy mashed potatoe and seasonal vegetables. To Finish: Local Cheeses, biscuits and chutney. To Book contact Bob via: bob.fisk@witneyrugby.co.uk. All Sponsors are welcome, depending on your package a fee may be required. VPs, members and guests are all welcome, £35 per head.
Player Sponsors Want to do more for your Club? Why not sponsor a player?
Packages start at £235+VAT Get your name in the match programme, but more importantly you are helping develop WRFC players!
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
Player Sponsors
T U O D L O S T U O SOLD
We have secured tickets for all 3 England Home games and both Saturday and Sunday Finals Days. Want to be there? Sponsors, Players and Members contact: ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk
Player Sponsors
Wallingford v Vipers XV Sat 26th Sep 2.30 PM KO 1 Jack Potter (Debut) Coaches: 2 Ryan Harris* Wayne Caffekey* 3Adam Nobbs* Gareth ‘Snaz’ Campbell* Manager : 4 Conrad Holmes (Debut) Seth Scarffe 5Zach Way* Physio: 6Will Phair* Sarah Mead 7 Charlie Gardner* (C) 8Josh Rihan* 9JD Officials: 10Ed Bee* Dominic Smith 11Monty Hinge 12Ollie Dawkins *Denotes WRFC Mini 13Murray Gray (Debut) & Juniors Player 14Ben Dunkley* 15Josh Whitehead* Replacements: 16 Sam Winstone* 17James Merriman* 18Ollie Nicolson*
2 Be or not 2 Be! THE VIPERS The Vipers open their Counties 2 campaign on the road, heading to Wallingford to take on their First XV. With only two other 2nd teams in the league, it’s a great opportunity for our lads to show exactly what they can do and establish themselves in a very competitive division. Coached by Wayne Caffekey, expect plenty of strong carrying, and managed by Seth, expect plenty of gummy bears. Quite simply, they’re in very good hands! Captain Charlie Gardner leads the side this season, following in the footsteps of his Dad, who captained the Seconds some 30 years ago. Of course, quite a lot has changed since then. We have smartphones, www browsing, non-invasive laser and robotic surgery… and, most importantly, captaincy of our Seconds has clearly become a far more sophisticated affair. Sorry Scottie — editor’s privilege! With a blend of experience, youth and plenty of talent coming through, the Vipers have every reason to be looking forward to the season. So, bring on Counties 2 2026/27. The Vipers are ready to strike!
Come & Watch Rugby @Witney RFC! September 2026 26th
Witney v Chinnor III
October 2026 3rd
Witney Vipers v Hadley Witney III v Gosford All Blacks II
10th
Witney v Royal Wootton Bassett II
17th
Witney v Chippenham
24th
Witney Vipers v Abingdon Witney III v Farringdon
31st
Witney v Cleve
Chairman’s Lunch
All KOs 3pm unless otherwise annotated COME ALONG AND SUPPORT THE BLACK AND BLUE!
Player Sponsors
Player Sponsors
Didcot II v 3rd XV Sat 26th Sep 3 PM KO 1 Alex Bellenie 2 Lee Taylor Coaches: 3Ben Clarke* Ben McPherson 4 Lewis Tinsley Chris Cope 5 Luke Jackson* Adam Copperwheat 6 Cal Cope* (C) Manager: 7 Dan Tyrell* Pete Holiday Physio: 8 Si Morris Hannah McGympsey 9 Luke Manning* Officials: 10 Leigh Manning* Alex BOND 11 Declan Duffy 12Arthur Whitehead* *Denotes WRFC Mini & Juniors Player 13Chris Cope Players in Blue on 14Kieran Flack Front cover 15Sean Murray Replacements: 16 Blaine Eason 17 Ian Burton 18 Dave Jackson 19 Sam Palmer 20 George Smith*
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? The wait is over! The 3rds kick off their new campaign with two tough fixtures that will see the Barmy Army on the road before returning to Hailey Road. First up is a trip to Boundary Park to face newly promoted Didcot II, followed the following week by a home clash with Gosford All Blacks II. Coaches Christopher Cope and Ben McPherson, along with Team Manager Peter Holliday, will be looking to build on last season’s performances and get the campaign off to a flying start. With a strong squad, plenty of ambition and, of course, the passion of the Barmy Army, there’s plenty to be excited about. Unfinished Business at Boundary Park? The 3rds haven’t visited Didcot since February 2023, when the hosts edged a thrilling contest 26–24. With just two points separating the sides at the final whistle, there’s certainly unfinished business for the Barmy Army.
Who Shall We 3s Beat Again? Didcot come into the new season with plenty of confidence after an impressive campaign last year, winning eight of their ten fixtures to earn promotion to Counties 3. They’ll be keen to make their mark at the higher level — but the Barmy Army will have other ideas. The target is simple: an away win, a marker laid down and the campaign underway in proper Barmy Army fashion. All Blacks Await Then it’s back to Hailey Road, where Gosford All Blacks II will provide the opposition. The Barmy Army completed the double over Gosford last season, so the visitors will arrive with revenge firmly in mind. Expect another competitive encounter as the 3rds look to make home advantage count and continue their strong start to the campaign. Two games. Two challenges. One Barmy Army. Bring on the season!
It takes roughly 2,500 litres of water to produce a car, either electric or petrol. The difference comes in the production of the batteries. It takes roughly 15,000 litres of water, to mine the minerals and 10,000 litres to produce the copper required for an EV. That’s an additional 25,000 litres of water per EV. The next time someone has a go at you for driving your environmentally unfriendly petrol engine car, please feel free to use this fact. You’re welcome! The first ever Porsche was an EV, the 1898 Porsche P1. 3 Bhp, a top speed of 21 mph and a range of 50 miles. Amazingly the car was fitted with a controller that redirected energy whilst braking back into the battery, don’t let Toyota tell you differently.
Where Angels Fly! Witney Angels 22 : 32 Royal wootton Bassett Well after what sems like Biblical level precipitation, our Angles managed to a. get a substitute opposition in the form Royal Wootton Bassett bravely stepping in after Didcot withdrew, b. Banbury Belles offered up a playable pitch after Hailey Road sadly failed the inspection. So the Angels rescued their match Sunday afternoon despite all that came before. Witney Angels and the Banbury Belles played a fantastic game, a real nail bitter! Leading for most of the game, but with Bassett dabbing down twice right at the end grabbing the points and the bragging rights leaving us wondering what could have been. Final score 22 : 32, somewhat better than the last time out 66 : 0. It was a great game to watch with 3 tries coming from our Cherubs, 2 for Izzie Pereira and 1 for Ruby Bishop, her first for the Angels. A huge thank you to Luke Jackson who came with us to referee the match - everyone commented on how calm, collected and professional he was. Hard to believe that he is only 17.
M & Js Investing in the Future For those wondering how we create players with asterisks against their name on matchday, why not pop along to the Club and see what goes on in all age groups. Sunday’s activities are crucial to the ongoing success of the Club at senior levels, fielding 3 men’s teams week in week out and building our cohort of Angels ready to compete in future seasons. This weekend the following is planned: Minis (Home Training) Under 4s: 9:15–9:45am Under 5s: 9:15–10:00am Under 6s: 10:00–11:00am Under 7s: 10:00–11:00am Under 8s: 10:00–11:00am Under 9s: 10:00–11:00am Under 10s: 10:00–11:00am Under 11s: 10:00–11:30am Under 12s: 10:00–11:30am Juniors Under 13s: Home Training Under 14s: Home match vs Banbury, Pitch 4, 10:00–12:00 (10:30 KO) Under 15s: Home Match vs Stow, Pitch 3, 10:00–12:00 (10.45 KO) Under 16s: Home match vs Wallingford, Pitch 1, 10:00–12:00 (11:00 KO) Academy training
12:00–1:30pm
Witney Can Do Magic! Join The Witney Wizards Witney RFC Walking Rugby. The Witney Wizards is a group of older players, some with no previous rugby playing experience, all with one aim, to enjoy some fitness in a happy, social environment. We train once a week on Thursday evenings. Skills sessions, tactics, and competitive games, followed by a Supper Club and a social drink in our Hailey Road Clubhouse. The Wizards welcome people of all ages and backgrounds; we do have female players but could always do with more. The Wizards have played competitive matches at home and away, always draws a big crowd and above all else, is always fun. Think this is for you? Why not come along and give it a Try! Contact: Derrick Fox on 07922 626332 Email: derrick.fox@witneyrugby.co.uk
6 NATIONS Coming Soon! Twickenham tickets available for England’s home fixtures in the 2027 6 Nations with the England welcoming ‘The Blues” to Twickenham . If you are a sponsor, player or Club Member then you can obtain tickets for the Home of rugby at face value by contacting Ian @ ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk Sunday 14th February England v FranceWales 3.10 pm £155 th Saturday 20 February England v Italy 4.40 pm £124 th Saturday 13 March England v Scotland 4.40 pm £155 Limited availability so get your Bid in now. Tickets will be allocated once all of the sponsors have submitted their requirements.
Lawn Mowing Driveways & Patios Fencing Turfing Pergolas Garden Walls
What’s On @ Hailey Road! CHAIRMAN’S LUNCHES: 31st October
Witney v Cleve
21st November
Witney v Thornbury
19th December
Witney v Marlborough
TRAINING: Senior Men Tuesday and Thursday nights 7-8pm. Angels
Tuesday 7-8.30pm
Touch
Thursday 6-7pm
Walking
Thursday 7-8pm
Cherubs.
Tuesday 6-7.30pm
M&Js
Sunday Mornings 10-12
Academy
Sunday 1pm
SUMMER BALL 2027 5th June The Big Ball. Hollywood comes to Hailey Road. Tickets £85 pp.
Calling all Golden Oldies? Veterans @ Hailey Road Contrary to poular belief, you do not have to have: Served in the Trenches of WWI Be over 60 with a pacemaker! Although being either of those does not preclude you from playing,
The Reality is:
we do ask for a letter from your parent.
You have to be over 35 years old and have been a member of Witney RFC for at least 4 weeks before match day. Sound like this could be for you? Why not come along to Club training night; Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you need to ease back in gently, we have Walking and Touch Rugby on Thursday evenings. Contact Simon Copperwheat on: 07904 360561
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Witney Calling All Savers! How would you like 10% off everything you buy over the bar? With a WRFC Members Discount Card that’s exactly what you get. 10% off all your beers, teas, coffees, sandwiches etc. For a small anual fee, currently £27.50, you get a year’s worth of discounted products. That’s approximately 50p a week, so one pint of lager a week and you have made your money back, 2 pints and your saving at a level appreciated by Yorkshiremen. To qualify for the card you need to be a signed up member of the Club. Interested? email me or speak to any of the marvellous bar staff. ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk
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Phone: 01993 771043 Email: admin@witneyrugby.co.uk Website: www.witneyrugby.co.uk Address: Hailey Road, OX29 9UH