A Big Thanks to all that have supported, funded and taken an interest in The Colts Season, we have had a great year, and would like to thank all at the club, and those individuals,

Thanks Moley

Thanks to all at Bishop's Stortford for a wonderful event over the weekend, and all that preceded and follows. We have been humbled and hopefully inspired!

Well done to the U14s who won the Herts County 10s tournament on Sunday- 203 points scored and only 10 conceded all day. A fantastic end to a great season.

I would just like to place on record the club's thanks to Ros Lennon for yet again trying to encourage the membership to buy Raffle tickets for the RFU draw. I am sure many have been asked to buy tickets as Ros has been trying to push this now for months.

Unfortunately despite all her pressing, pushing and effort we as a club only managed to sell 334 books raising £1,500 for the club. If we bear in mind that 100 books were sold at 1st team lunches this is actually a poor show from the club. In the 4 years Ros has run the raffle on the club's behalf this is the lowest sales we have generated.

This is your club and the RFU gives us this opportunity once a year to raise money. They provide the prizes and we get 90% of the revenue. Any member who has been to an AGM, been to a Club Forum or read our newsletters will know that to enable us to continue to provide the level of facilities we provide the club needs income and, as Ros pointed out in an e-mail to me, it doesn't grow on trees.

As an exec we end up with two choices. We either raise subs substantially, which is very unfair to those who do contribute in many ways, or we cut facilities, which is also very unfair to those who do make those contributions now.

Members of clubs be it the Rugby Club, the Cricket Club or your local Club in the Community have to accept they have a responsibility to help the club progress. Regrettably for a substantial number of members  throughout the club we rarely see that acceptance, purely demand.

The raffle is now over for this year but there will be opportunities for you to help your club in coming months. Please take that opportunity and when the Raffle comes around next year please make sure you buy a book of tickets.

Jim Smith
Chairman

I would still like to get some feed back off of the club membership, as the RFU site will be up and running for the Colts Minis and Youth next season.  Without your help in organising your teams pages now, then the facility to talk may become fractured as others start to use the RFU site.

As well as congratulating the teams for doing so well we need to get the Forums on the other site up and running so you can communicate with your age groups in a more confined way.

There is a meeting on the 8th of May for a small working group to tease out the issues of the RFU website which is at the following address:

http://clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/BishopsStortfordRFC/

This website could provide a huge amount of feedback if used correctly.

Please visit the site and make a valid constructive assessment then post it back to me, all items will be looked at and acted upon.  If you require a logon then please ask and I will get you the full account to the RFU website.

Congratulations to the Under 12's squad in finishing runners up in the Malone International Festival of Rugby Shield competition on Sunday, after a difficult Saturday against much bigger teams they showed their true character and guts on the Sunday scoring 20 tries and conceding just 2. Their performance in the semi against the home side was breathtaking, to win 25-0 and silence a partisan noisy crowd was stunning, well done to each and every one of the 16 squad members.

End of season dinner..... nearly all 150 tickets sold.... thanks for excellent response. There are a few left so book now to avoid disappointment. Guest speaker is ex England International and British Lion Tim Stimpson. Also comedian Mike Cassidy. Tickets £25.

Old Albanians Match Report

OA's continued their woeful away form with another comprehensive defeat, at the hands of local rivals Bishops Stortford. On this form the Woollams' Men, without a win in the league since last September, are a shadow of the side which started the season so full of promise.

Unlike their hosts, OA's had already secured their League One status for another season and, as if resting on this modest achievement, played at times without purpose or urgency in front of a core of long suffering fans who deserve better than 'half- baked' performances such as this.

In contrast, Stortford needed the 2 points on offer to virtually ensure their own survival in the top flight and went about their business, in difficult conditions, with the efficient use of a combative pack which outmuscled' the OA's forwards unit, devoid of some 'big hitters' through injury. With most of their own injury problems behind them, Stortford had a better balance to their side and crucially made fewer errors in critical areas of the pitch. Their cause has been further enhanced by the arrival of their latest signing, one Mr Austin Healy.

The ex Leicester, England and Lions star, hailed by many as the next England backs coach, in his debut for the East Herts. Side, had a quietly efficient game at Outside Centre, where he showed some glimpses of his vintage form, occasionally piercing the gloom of a dreadful afternoons' conditions.

Playing with the wind and slope in their favour OA's had survived a hard time in the set pieces to grind out a narrow half time lead of 10 points to 7, courtesy of Richard Gregg who had intercepted an attempted clearance and put over the conversion and a further penalty. The Home sides try also came from a mistake when Darragh O'Mahoney knocked on fielding a penalty attempt on his own line after seven minutes.

Within 5 minutes of the restart Stortford were ahead and thereafter never looked back. Both scores resulted from poor defending as OA's back line struggled to find any accuracy with their passing and defenders repeatedly found themselves, unnecessarily, caught in possession. Whilst the backs continued to spurn the simple option, their colleagues up front were being pushed around in the scrum and hopelessly overwhelmed in the line out, surrendering the possession which their opponents required to prosper.

Once again the Woollams' men buckled under pressure and conceded their customary yellow card when Simon Williams was punished for handling on the ground.

Marcus Cattells' brace of tries moved Stortford onto a 10 points cushion before his prop sealed the victory, and the rewards that went with it, with a try from close range in the last quarter.

Jeremy Edwards, after battling hard, at blindside flanker was replaced by Harry Knighton making his first team debut and James Steventon and Phil Friel came off the bench.

OA's next action is on Saturday 12th April when they entertain Civil Service in their last home match of the season. Barring some freak results in the remaining 2 matches, Service look already destined for the 'big drop', their impressive revival in form having come too late in the season. Nevertheless they will be out to make a point by completing 'the double' against OA's who have yet to beat the Chiswick based outfit. After Saturday's latest failure at Bishops Stortford, should OA's still need any motivation, they will do well to recall the way they capitulated at Chiswick in December before crashing to a humiliating defeat.

Excellent performance today lads, 1xv, forwards were so awesome, and backs played with such spirit and enjoyment, did all the club proud.

The Mighty 5ths would like to offer there sincerest condolences to Tubby, Gareth, Sonny and Family on the sad loss of Dad/Granddad.

Peter was a 'brick' and played a large part of the lives of all at BSRFC and we all miss him as we know he will be by his family.

Our sincerest condolenses.

Some things just get better and better.  Well done the Colts, and the Notts Festival winners. What is the focus of the Exec in the less successful areas? But when I say that, I take nothing away from the senior sides, including the 1sts, and what they have achieved so far.  Good luck to all this weekend.

Come on you Beauties !!!!! Massive congratulations to the U11 and U13 teams who won at Nottingham this weekend to secure their place in the finals at Twickenham !!!!!! "We love you stortford ..we do" Thank you to all the coaches for all their hard work and commitment and to all the players for making us all so proud !

Twickenham awaits the Minis and Youths; Congratulations to the U11's and U13's, both attended the Nottingham Festival last Easter weekend and won their pool stages of the event. The Finals will be played at Twickenham on the 31st May 2008 (as part of the pre match build-up to the Guinness Premiership final).

End of season dinner Saturday 26th of April. 3 course meal, guest after dinner speakers, playing awards auction. Tickets £25. (Tables of 10 £200)... to book a ticket or reserve a table contact me on 07967 608 237.

Moley, you have just watched the whole nine yards have you?

Excellent, Hertford in the Cup! Three seasons in a row, our destiny is boring!

An awesome performance yesterday from the Colts, out played and out powered a bigger team to win 36-0 away in Bristol, inch by inch boys.

Phil and Conrad, your comments reflect the passion shown in the game. Barking come from a different league and finally lost to our a/b team. We need to be dignified in victory and reflect on the discipline and skill shown by our guys. This was a challenging game we won and we, as always look forward. Great conduct, hard work and a great team effort... wins pretty much every time.

Diddy - Chairman of Players

Hi All,

I have been slowly trying to develop the BSRFC Rugby First website which is an initiative of the RFU. The home page is the following link -

http://clubs.rfu.com/Clubs/portals/BishopsStortfordRFC/

I hope with your help and feedback to encourage players and families alike to use the website which also boasts an extensive forum. During the summer I am hoping to conduct some teach ins from how to login through to posting to the forum and other facilities open to the club membership.

Please send your constructive feedback to my email address; if you require a login now for the site please ask and I will send it by return, if possible.

Regards

Geoff Pedersen

I would also like to say a big well done to all those that were involved in a Barking side that call themselves THE essex team, I'm sure none of you will be surprised that NONE of them are in the Essex County team, we didn't sink to their level, we were not intimidated by their language or aggression, but only one other boy, Sam lueng, joined me in song after the game, we had our best attempts at drowing out the obscene songs about our club, that had just beaten them, well done boys, I wonder what would have happened to them if we had a few more of our aggressive boys on the park. Well done to Tom and Geoff, the two try scorers, and had both played in thew B team the week before, all players that came up took a big step up and should be looking for some more A team rugby. Well done

Just wanted to say a big well done to the u14's for a great win over a very 'vicious' and 'under disciplined' Barking side who are Essex champions and haven't lost their past 48 games, well done boys.

Congratulations to the mixed Under 14s A & B squad side that beat Barking, the self-appointed 'Essex County side' 12-10 on Sunday. You were a credit to the club and to the game in both your play and conduct. Well done!!

Please support the Colts this Sunday at Westcombe Park, 1pm ko National Cup.

Well done to the small working party who helped blast the showers of limescale, generally do some extra tidy-up jobs around the place on Monday night.

There will be another in a couple of weeks so anybody interested in fixing some screws, cleaning some windows or scraping/scrubbing generally then drop me a line.

... with our very lowest point of the season being the minor heart attack sustained by Ian (Cairnsy) Cairns.

Ian, every now and again I check out the message board. A few months ago I had a wonderful day with Pete Scarlet here in Melbourne. Ian, desperately shocked to here about your heart attack especially as we are about the same age. We had a lot of fun playing first and seconds 20 odd years ago. Seeing your name remined me that in 2001, you were working in New York and I was still in UK. We agreed to meet in Melbourne for the second Lions test. I made it and you were a no show! See if you can make it some time and if the stent holds up you can join me in a game with the Unquenchanables (www.unquenchables.com)

TBSHS v BSC the Stortford Derby this Saturday @ Jobers Wood TBSHS. KO 2:30 All Welcome

Congratulations to Matt Chambers and Jack Knowles, both Colts, who have made it through the the London and South East Festival in December and lets hope they can make to the Full England Team, well done guys.

Great to see the clubhouse humming last Saturday especially at lunch. Over 100 sat down for an excellent meal, well done the caterers and also Jan Z. for organising it all. Shame about the result but at least we know how to look after our guests.

BS V Hertford this saturday who wins? Money is on hertford by 5

Thanks for a good game (we won) and a good night at the club! Hope we see you on Tour to Sweden!

The Captain of Pingvin Rugby Club's 1st XV

Ted

Hi All,

Italy v England 10 February 2008.

On the way home from Rome in 2006 we met up with some Stortford RFC folk who'd been to the match and mentioned that they'd found a very 'conducive' hotel.

A small group of us are going from Cheshunt again and would like to know the name of the hotel your folk stayed in.

Does anybody know who went or what the name of the hotel is please?

Regards.
Mo Phillips Cheshunt RFC

BIG THANKS for a wonderful reception and well taken care of us during our tour. We have all returned safe and sound to Sweden. We will keep in touch for the return meeting and youth festival in 2009. Nice to met you all!

Pingvin Rugby Club
Trelleborg - Sweden
www.pingvin.nu

Race Night - this Saturday 10th November. Tickets £5,
available from Paddy, Tom Macraith and behind the bar. First race 7.30. Race card will also be published on the website this week - if you wish to buy a horse please contact me directly.

Where do I start, there is so many of you to thank help BSRFC yet again put on a fireworks display for everyone to be proud of, and its THANKS to all of you...

To Lloyd and his team for such excellent banners in and around the town, and the signs at the grounds.

To Neil and his staff for the excellent posters all around the town and the club.

To M & J electrics for all their help and assistance and electrical goods.

and not to mention all of the generosity shown to the club in the above invoices :)

To Bishops Stortford High School for the loan of the BBQ equipment.

To Green King for the provision of 2 outside bars.

To Mark Davy and his team for an excellent and fortunately not needed first aid cover.

To Dave the Excellent DJ for the marvellous entertainment and supporting Ric.

To Hertfordshire Police for the excellent support and presence - thankfully they could enjoy the evening as much as everyone else with no problems reported.

To Ric for flying in from Oslo to provide as usual lst class entertainment both inside and out and getting the crowd Rocking and Rolling!!

To Denis who worked so hard the week of the fireworks preparing the fencing and god only knows what else.

To Tubby and Gareth for their hard work, dedication and undivided support.

To the entire 5th Team for their unprecedented support both before and during and for giving up their Rugby game to help prepare for this big event.

To my magnificent Team, Tracy, Julia, Mike M, Perry, Molly, Graham, Colin, Jo, Tubby, and Scott who have worked so hard for many many months putting this all together without them I could not have done it.

and of course to ALL OF YOU for the marvellous work on and before the display itself.

We cannot do it without you all and look forward to seeing you all at the club real soon.

Kind Regards and Many Thanks once again.

Ros Lennon
Special events coordinator

Colts National Cup 18th November at Home, please support, it is likely to be a tough affair and Colchester will bring a crowd so please as many supporters as possible

Down here in beautiful SW France the news of the recent reversal to Aussie fortunes was greeted in much the same way as it would appear the return to NZ of 'Les Blacks' was greeted in the UK. This burst of Anglo French friendship and 'amitie' will of course only last until late Saturday afternoon but it's heart-warming anyway. I can well remember various antipodean acquaintances over the years giving me the benefit of their sparkling wit, 'aboriginal world view' and other home spun wisdom, especially on the subject of 'whinging Poms.'

Now I'm certain that I'm not the only one of you to to have benefited from this experience and it was therefore with some interest that I read that some two days before the match that the Australian coach was complaining that the English coach had put some of those 'nasty wuff wugga playing types' into the England scrum. Perish the thought, it's not for me to put the boot in, that's for that nice Mr Wilkinson to do (four times I believe). Next time could we have some nice girls from the Bolshoi Ballet please and then maybe there won't be any whinging Aussies?

I have a strong sense of foreboding about this coming Saturday. I hope I am wrong but I'm afraid that I will be sitting in 'Peio's bar' surrounded by happy and oh so solicitous Froggies who will, just out of sympathy and the goodness of their hearts you understand, want to buy me a drink. Bless their little garlic and snail eating souls will I whinge? Never, if it should just so happen that England's valiant hearts and the efforts of the aforesaid 'nasty wuff wugga types' can't hold the fort and we come second I'll keep my head up high and try to drink the Froggies under the table. Remember 'England expects' it worked at Trafalgar and it'll damn well work in Le Pays Basque.

To finish off I attach a bottle of Aussie Whine contributed by my good friend Mr Murray Kent. Here's looking at ya mate. Click here to view Aussie Whine.

Regards,
Tim

Ha, there was a gothic po*n theif on tour! Obviously someone in the 1st team has a ponchant for f*sting gothic gingers...Wardy???

Wardy - where's the peg ?
Elton - where's the wig ?
Cooper - where are the minutes ?
Miles - where's the gothic po*n ?
Coleman  - where are my 3 pints ?
Rosie - where is the SFC ?

Excellent captain's corner Paddy. Good luck guys for this season.

Hi Guys,

There will be around 1,400,000 anglophones coming to France during the period of the World Cup. For these supporters, we have created a website called Sheer Beer. Our site indicates where the best bars are all over France. We are importing all beers associated with your national rugby teams.

Our beers are - STEINLAGER, TOOHEYS, CASTLE LAGER, PEDIGREE, BRAINS, DEUCHARS, AND MAGNERS CIDER.

We are working with selected bars in each town where the National teams are playing and staying. The bars we are working with offer facilities for group bookings, private functions and food. All of the bars will be showing the games on big screens. Check us out at www.sheerbeer.fr

We are hoping to spread the word, and help your clubs find the best places in France while visiting for the world cup. We would be greatful if you could pass on the details of our site to your members. At the same time we are offering a free link to our site, in an exchange of a link to yours. Please send us your hyperlink and we will put you on our site.

Our hyperlink is - http://www.sheerbeer.fr/ We will be linking to around 200 sites in 20 different countries. Some our links already include the breweries listed above and the National Supporters clubs. After the world cup we are hoping to organise Rugby exchange weekends. We have already several clubs in France and England, willing to exchange matches.

Don't miss out in this chance to offer your members this unique gift for free. Hope everyone enjoys the excitement France has to offer this World Cup, and good luck to all.

On behalf of the Sheer Beer team

Kind regards.

Email - sheerbeerfrance@gmail.com