| Full name | Winscombe Rugby Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1962 | ||
| Location | Winscombe, England | ||
| Region | South West | ||
| Ground(s) | Winscombe Recreation Ground (Capacity: 1200ish) | ||
| Chairman | Geoffrey George | ||
| Coach(es) | Nick Walrond, Andrew Gunningham | ||
| Captain(s) | Louis Hooper, Owen Howell | ||
| League(s) | Tribute Somerset Premier | ||
| 2009-2010 Somerset Premier | 11th | ||
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| Official website | |||
| www.winscomberfc.co.uk | |||
Winscombe RFC is an English amateur rugby club that is based in the village of Winscombe. They play in the Tribute Somerset Premier league. For a small Somerset village the club is large, with three senior teams and over 300 children registered to play at mini and junior level.
Founded in 1962, Winscombe Rugby Football Club is one of the newest clubs in the south-west of England. They play at the Winscombe War Memorial Recreation Ground, also known as the Rec.
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The club was founded in 1962 by Dai Davies, Taff Watham, Pete Smart, J.A. Jacobs and C.W. Reid,[1] initially with only one team. Originally the club played on Home Field, Woodborough Farm, now known as the Lynch Field, and would change up the road in a lean-to building constructed behind what was then called the Woodborough Hotel (now the Woodborough Inn). Only one wall of that building now remains, from the showers, and forms the lower wall of the car park behind the pub. The first game took place on 10 November 1963 against a representative XV from Clifton Rugby Football Club, with Winscombe winning by 26 to 12.[1] The club's first try-scorer, Steve Bridges, eventually went on to become a long serving president, only retiring in 2010. A 2nd XV was added in 1963, and the 3rd XV played its first match in 1967.[1]
In 1968 the club moved to Winscombe War Memorial Ground (), using a field leased from Sidcot School, now known as the Longfield pitches. They share the clubhouse with Winscombe cricket, hockey and football clubs.[2] In 2000 the club bought land for two additional pitches, and in 2007 these were named the Blomfield Pitches, in memory of the club's late treasurer, George Blomfield, who had campaigned tirelessly to raise money for the purchase. Further development of the club's facilities continues, with the latest stage being the floodlighting of the main Longfield pitch.[3]
The Club Motto is Friendship through Rugby, reflecting an ethos that is committed to inclusion and friendship rather than winning at all costs.
The 3rd XV have adopted a number of secondary mottos, initially Usque ad Mortem Bibendum, then Deorsum Undique, and most recently, Every week I spend 80 minutes with a 57 year-old hooker.
When founded the team played in an all-black strip, and was known as the Somerset All-Blacks, at least by their own players.[1]
The number of teams fielded by the club at senior level has fluctuated between two and four, although most recently there have been consistent 1st, 2nd and 3rd XVs. In season 2007-8 the club's 2nd XV entered the Somerset league system, followed by the 3rd XV in 2008-9.[4] For the 2010-11 season, the club will field a 1st XV in Somerset Premier, and a 2nd XV in Somerset 2 North. Due to the advancing age profile of the 3rd XV they have been reconstituted as a Veterans XV and now only play friendly matches, on request.
The Mini and Junior section of the club was formed in 1981 and is now one of the largest Mini and Junior rugby sections in the south-west of England, with over 300 players registered.[5] Players can start from Under 6, where although they are not permitted to play matches by RFU regulations, they are taught the basics of the game in a fun and friendly environment. The club fields teams at every age group from Under 7 to Under 17, and Colts (Under 19).
Winscombe RFC hosts three annual rugby festivals.
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