St Bernadettes News...

     
 

 

 

    
Malta tour 2008

Tour meeting on Tuesday the 19th August 8:30 after training, for tour information,
we will need passport details of all boys & dad's that will be going on tour in October as the tour has been paid for and coach to airport has been sorted.
for more details pleas call in for the meeting. 

 Martin Davis (martin.davis29@btinternet.com)

13/08/2008
   St Bernadettes Un 14s Tour

What a great bunch of boys and guardians! thanks for coming to Bognor RFC it was a pleasure to have  you and real good fun.  If you visit this neck of the woods again, come back and see us. No need to bring the cider though!!!!!  Wish more  touring sides had your sense of fun.
All the best
Lisa Molyneaux (Mini Chairman Bognor RFC)
19/02/2008

St Bernadettes Old Boys R.F.C.

 05/02/2008

Quarterly Club Review 

From the Chairman

As most of you are aware the season is not going well for the club. The committee is only too aware of the need for a coach, but unfortunately no one wants to take up the position, therefore we are turning to those that turn up to sort it out. We have 8 league games left and we need to win at least 5 of these games if we want to avoid relegation. Therefore the committee would ask that all members come to training, turn up and play on a Saturday and if anyone knows of someone who can offer some coaching to the club, then please let one of the committee know.

Thanks once again to Kevin Milkins for arranging to get the roof repaired following an attempted break in. 

If anyone has ideas/suggestions regarding how the club is going, then please speak to a committee member. All comments will be listened to and not just dismissed out of hand

 Rugby Account

The account is currently in credit and all major bills have been paid for this season. Our biggest increase in out goings is the shirt cleaning that currently stands at about £60 per month.

There we only a few memberships that were not paid by the October deadline.

Associate memberships are on the up thanks to Giorgio’s persistence but still less than expected.

Some players are not paying their weekly match subs. Please make the effort to pay these after the game in the same way as you remember to bring money for a beer!

Club Account 

The club account is starting to look better. We have recouped some of the money that was lost due to the break but need to tighten up on all expenditure to keep things progressing.

Thanks to Martin Hagan for looking reviewing the bar expenses and identifying a few places where we could improve our ways of working. 

Sponsorship 

Unfortunately the sponsorship committee have stumbled a bit in the last 3 months and we have seen little income from this area. Mat Taylor has started to contact possible sponsors for the next 18 months so if you know of anyone who may be interested then pass on the information to Mat 

Discipline 

We want the club to a safe place for families and friends to enjoy themselves.  In order for this to be achieved the club now operates a zero tolerance policy.  Any misconduct/unacceptable behavior will received an automatic 6-week ban until it is reviewed by the committee and extended if necessary.  Any damages will be charged at the cost of material plus labour at £25 per hour. 

Drugs 

The club operates a zero tolerance policy with regards to drugs.  Anyone found bringing/dealing/taking drugs in the club will be banned for life. If at anytime anyone believes that there are drugs/users in the club, then please report this to Giorgio/Phil or a committee member straightaway.  We are unable to do take any action if we are not made aware.

Junior Chairman’s report 

Welcome to the latest news letter from your junior section.
Every team from the U7's to the U16's continue to get excellent results. Congratulations to the U7's who so far this season haven't lost a game.
Recently, the U7's represented the club at the Bristol Memorial Ground. They took part in a lap of honor and formed a tunnel for the Bristol and Saracen players to run through. Reports from the coaches confirmed everyone had a great time, a day to remember.
The U16's are organising a tour to Malta in October 2008. Please give them your support in their fund raising whenever you can.

Why not come along and support the junior teams on a Sunday morning.

St Bernadettes junior’s, building the future.  

Senior Tour 

Barry O’Driscoll is taking names for this year’s tour to Liverpool. Dates are 25th  - 28th  April. The cost is approximately £200 for the 3 nights and travel. Any money left over will be used for the kitty on match days. Nearly all the places have been taken but if you want to be first on the reserves list see Barry ASAP.

Another £100 needs to be paid in February in order to confirm the travel arrangements.

Social Events 

The club Halloween Party went well. Lots of kids turned up and the younger ones put a lot of effort into their outfits. We had a fancy dress competition for the children with three winners. The kids seemed to like the messy games. A good time was had by all. 

Social Events 

The New Years Eve Party was organized by Matt & Angie Taylor and Moose and Zoe. It was thrown together at quite short notice and it was looking very touch and go whether it worth even having the party. Fortunately for the club, things turned around over the weekend to New Year and also on New Years Eve, with lots of enquiry’s being made about if there will still tickets available. By 8.30 p.m. on New Years Eve there were about 120 people in the club, dancing, singing karaoke and tucking in the food.

Thanks to Rich Pearce & Jordan Alfarej for keeping the night going with a good mix of music and entertainment.

Everyone had a good time and some comments that have come back to the Committee that it was fantastic night, good entertainment and food, a thoroughly good night.

Hopefully there will be this level of support at future events helping to bring back a family atmosphere. 

On Saturday the 19th April there will be live music and disco featuring one of the entrants of “Star’s in your eyes”, MR Errol Brown.

Please help to support this event.

Annual Dinner 

Originally it was planned to erect a marquee on the training area and have a 3-day event. This would have included a partner’s dinner on the Friday, Senior Dinner on Saturday and junior dinner on Sunday. Unfortunately the cost would have been to high and we can not afford to loose money on this type of event.

This year’s dinner will now be held at in the clubhouse. The cost will be around £25 per person and it will be held on Friday 9th May.

If anyone is able to recommend a “guest speaker” for the evening please pass on the details to Sean Fraser. 

05/02/2008

 

Quarterly Club Review 

From the Chairman 

The chairman would like to thank all those that have taken up positions on the committee.  Thanks also to Kevin Milkins for helping to get the roof fixed for insurance purposes and Chris Lloyd for help/advising on the outstanding insurance issues.  A big thank you to everyone that helped on the workdays during the summer.

Rugby Account 

This account is currently in credit.  To ensure that it stays this way, please ensure you pay your annual subs by 1st October 2007 and that you pay your weekly match subs, every week.

Associate memberships also need to be renewed.  

Club Account 

Bob Coombs has taken up the position as treasurer along with Eddie Quirke as assistant.  The accounts were handed over with a lot of outstanding bills/paperwork.  The outstanding issues are being dealt with and a new and more efficient systems are being put into place.  The account holds a deficit balance. 

We are still awaiting the insurance payout from last November’s break-in.  We have also been unable to claim for the all the subsequent break-ins and therefore these losses and all damaged caused have had to be funded from the club account. 

Sponsorship 

The sponsorship committee has put together a pack to send out to sponsors showing what they will receive.

If you know of anyone who would be willing to sponsor the club please let Adam or Pip know.

Discipline 

We want the club to a safe place for families and friends to enjoy themselves.  In order for this to be achieved the club now operates a zero tolerance policy.  Any misconduct/unacceptable behavior will received an automatic 6-week ban until it is reviewed by the committee and extended if necessary.  Any damages will be charged at the cost of material plus labour at £25 per hour.   

Drugs 

The club operates a zero tolerance policy with regards to drugs.  Anyone found bringing/dealing/taking drugs in the club will be banned for life.  A social member has already had there membership terminated for a drug related issue.  If at anytime anyone believes that there are drugs/users in the club, then please report this to Giorgio/Phil or a committee member straightaway.  We are unable to do take any action if we are not made aware. 

Junior Chairman’s report 

The 2007/8 season has started well with the under 12’s, 14’s & 16’s having played and won games during the last month.

Congratulations and keep it up!

Wednesday training for the 14’s and 16’s is also going well.

Nick Marshall has joined as the coach for the new team of under 7’s.

Why not come along and support the junior teams on a Sunday morning.

St Bernadettes junior’s, building the future.  

Social Events 

In September we held a Start of Season Party. This was the first of our family orientated events. Thanks to all those who attended.  

The next event is in Saturday 27th October. It is a Halloween Disco with Children's Fancy Dress & Games.

Bring along your little horrors and have an enjoyable evening. The dressing up is not limited to the kids, so join in the fun by dressing up and get into the party “spirit”.

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Response from MS research fund raising (click on PDF document)
Ashley Down 2007

After last years performance, where we came away victorious we entered into the competition with high hopes.
As normal we arrived with 5 minutes before kick-off. Drawn in the same pool as Dings, Thornbury and St Mary's that task was going to be tough. With a squad of around 28 players we may have been the strongest in numbers but that was not going to help on the field. There were a few new players that had moved up from last years junior team all of which were welcomed into the squad.
The first game, against St Mary's, ended in a 0-3 defeat. Both sides were even with the wet ball causing a lot of handling errors. Mary's were a better drilled tram in defence and despite having slightly more possession Bernadettes never looked like breaking through.
In game 2 we field a less experienced team against Thornbury. We took an early lead with a forward push being grounded by Rob Fisher. Sam Moore made his come back after injury but his opposite number appeared to be half man half gazelle and ran in 2 trys. Unfortunately we were unable to capitalize on the good start, eventually loosing,  18-5.
Game 3 was against Dings, a win here would take us into the next round. The forwards dominated in the loose but the line out and scrums were very scrappy. Our backs had some quick ball but the Dings defence cut down our mid-field charges. We conceded a penalty late in the second half and lost 0-3.
Over all it was a disappointing day and with the constant rain there we were glad to get back to the warm of the bar.
On the plus side we had a good squad of players which should hold us in good stead for making 3 teams for our first game of the season.
Thanks to all the players and supports who attended and like we keep saying..... may-be next time......

Sean Fraser

August 28th 2007

Luke Fraser represents Navy Un 23s.

Luke on tour representing the Royal Navy Un 23s rugby team click here for tour report.
MORRISON AND LEYSHON LEAD GRASSROOTS RUGBY CAMPAIGN
Former Premiership referees Ed Morrison and Steve Leyshon are leading the Bristol section of a national campaign aimed at enticing ex-players back to the sport.Grassroots adult rugby has suffered since England won the World Cup in 2003 with second and third-team players preferring to spend their time on the terraces at Bristol or Bath rather than play.

Only half the number of scheduled third-team matches were played last season and clubs that used to boast up to five teams a few years ago are struggling to field two sides now.

But the Rugby Football Union are stepping in now to bolster playing numbers in the grassroots game.

A campaign, called Go Play, will be launched nationwide later this year to coincide with the World Cup in France in September.

Morrison was a fly-half at Bristol Harlequins - and club secretary at the Brislington-based club for several years - before enjoying stardom as an international referee.

He is now urging those 18 to 30-year-olds who have hung up their boots to give rugby another go.

Morrison, who works as a referee development officer for the RFU, said: "The reality is that people are leaving adult rugby more than ever.

"There's more youngsters playing the game but the problems start when they turn 16 or 17 and they turn their back on the sport. My club and every other Combination club are trying to find ways to keep them in the game."

Morrison believes Bristol is a special place for rugby. There are 44 clubs in the Bristol & District Combination, which includes Chippenham, Leyhill Prison and Glastonbury-based Tor among their members.

The former official added: "There is an unique rugby community in Bristol. I don't think many people in the city believe how unique they are.

"Bristol is a rugby city. We have a great senior club in Bristol and it is good to see Dings Crusaders and Clifton doing so well. But there's also clubs down to the bottom of the spectrum who give opportunities for players week-in, week-out."

The Bristol & District Combination have arranged a special celebratory dinner at the Portway Development Centre aimed at bringing all 44 clubs from the district under one roof.

Tables of 10 at the dinner on September 7 are selling for £130 and will be the first official gathering of the Combination clubs for over six years.

Leyshon, who now is a referee development officer in the National Leagues and Avonmouth chairman, is spearheading the campaign to get every Combination club to the dinner.

He added: "Having been brought up on Bristol rugby at Avonmouth and St Bernadette's, I think there's a huge tradition with the Combination."

Tickets for the dinner can be bought by contacting Leyshon on Steveleyshon@rfu.com, or Farndon at Jamesfarndon@rfu.com or 07809 199944.
 

Evening Post 13 June 2007

 
St Bernadette's claimed their fourth straight victory to remain fourth in Somerset Premier.

Coach Leo Costello's side beat Nailsea & Backwell 20-0, with James Stiley touching down against his former club, while Chris Holley and Sam Alfarage also crossed. Matt Taylor landed a conversion and a penalty.

Evening Post 24 October 2006

St Bernadette's are fourth despite conceding a try right from the kick-off. They went on to win 32-24 at Gordano.

Winger Scott King (2), No 8 Rich Sheppard and fly-half Chris Holly touched down, full-back Matt Taylor adding three conversions, as Saints hit back to lead 26-7.

Gordano recovered thanks to their forward drives to reduce the Bernadette's lead to two points but two Taylor penalties sealed the points.
Evening Post 17 October 2006

Veterans Gavin Hickey and Steve Bush crossed twice each as Whitehall knocked St Bernadette's out of the EDF Energy Senior Vase first 1st round.A week before his 40th birthday, Whitehall chairman Hickey proved he is still going strong. Further tries followed for Dan Ireland, Mike Allen and man-of-the-match Rob Ford in the 49-15 win. Fly-half Sam Pearcey added four conversions and two penalties.

Saints, who had to recover from five first-team regulars pulling out of the match on Saturday morning, touched down twice in the second half through Chris Holly and Jake Morse. Bob Hacker landed two penalties and a conversion.

Evening Post 10 October 2006

St Mary's, winners in 2003/04, must play a preliminary match against St Bernadette's in this season's Charles Saunders Combination Cup. Saints are one of 19 teams entered in the competition. Charles Saunders Bristol & District Combination
Cup preliminary round (ties to be played on or before November 19):St Mary's v St Bernadette's,
Clevedon v Thornbury, Yatton v Bristol Harlequins.
Combination Vase first round (ties to be played on
or before December 9): Bristol Barbarians v
Imperial, Cotham Park v Bristol Telephones, Ashley
Down v Chipping Sodbury, BAC v Old Elizabethans,
Pilning v Southmead, Bishopston v Bristol Saracens.
Old Bristolians v Kingswood. Broad Plain

Evening Post 26 September :2006

Somerset Vase first round (ties to be played on November 19):

Blake Bears v Avon, Chew Valley v
Gordano. Blagdon v Morganians. Nailsea & Backwell
v St Bernadette's, Imperial v Old Bristolians,
Winscombe v Coombe Down, Martock v Wellington,
Castle Cary v Bath Old Edwardians. Chard v
Crewkerne. Burnham-on-Sea v North Petherton,
Wells v Midsomer Norton, North Wootten v Somerton,
Old Sulians v Butleight Amateur, Bristol Barbarians v
Wiveliscombe, St Brendan's Old Boys v Wincaton,
Old Culverhaysians v Bath Saracens

Evening Post 26 September :2006

 
St Bernadettes Win Ashley down tournament beating Old Reds in the final... "Any body at the tournament report on the day scores etc.. photo's please send as an attachment through the web site..."
 
 

St Bernadette's RFC click on the link below.

29 Jul 2006
Start: 12:00 PM

Relay for life

 
 
COSTELLO RETURNS TO ST BERNADETTE'S

 

Leo Costello has returned to St Bernadette's Old Boys as first XV head coach and has made developing the club's young players a priority. Costello coached St Bernadette's before spells with Nailsea & Backwell and more recently Clifton, and is back at the helm after six years away.

He admits the Whitchurch-based Somerset Premier side would benefit from signing a few players in key positions, but is excited about developing those youngsters already with the club.

"The priority this season is development and there will be a personal development plan for each player," said Costello.

"There are a lot of young, fit lads but they need a bit of direction. They need developing as players."

Costello will be assisted by Martin Hagan - the pair worked together during Costello's initial spell at Saints - while Matthew Taylor will take over the captaincy.

Costello is on the lookout for players, and the club train on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm at Bamfield Road, Whitchurch. Anyone wishing to play for the club should contact Costello on 07900 468742, skipper Taylor on 07989 432536 or the club on 01275 891500

 

Evening Post 22 Jul :2006
 
 

MERIT TABLE SHAKE-UP

 

The Evening Post Merit Tables will undergo a major reshuffle next season after 10 clubs decided to pull out. The tables, which have been running for seven years in their current format, are likely to consist of just two divisions next term at second and third-team level.

Chippenham, crowned winners of the top second-team division at last week's presentations at Clifton, and Weston Hornets will join the reserves from Dings Crusaders, Cleve and Clifton in competing in the higher-profile South West Merit Tables.

Meanwhile, Clevedon, Oldfield, Bristol Harlequins - winners of the 2nd XV Second Division - Walcot, Chew Valley, Gordano, Nailsea & Backwell and possibly Keynsham are all set to play league rugby next season following the Somerset RFU's decision to include second and third teams in their leagues,

Other Somerset affiliated clubs, Old Redcliffians, Imperial, St Bernadette's and Tor will continue to compete in the Evening Post Merit Tables next season.

Bristol & District Combination chairman Sandy Mitchell said: "Hopefully these clubs will find reasonable fixtures. Whether that is in the leagues or merit tables is immaterial.

"The Somerset RFU have made their decision and we have to respect it."

 Somerset's decision comes after the Bath Combination scrapped merit tables at the end of last season.

There will be a six division set-up in Somerset next season with the Premier Division and Division One consisting of 12 teams each, while Somerset Two and Somerset Three will be split into north and south divisions.

Mismatches are expected with the reserves from Gordano and Nailsea & Backwell coming up against the vastly superior Clevedon 2nds.

Somerset RFU official Steve Croot said: "We had a problem that the Somerset Two division only had six teams involved. We then tried to get a few second and third teams into the division, but more and more teams became interested.

"We have had a massive response from clubs wanting to be involved.

"If we can supply more rugby then all the better. It will take maybe one or two seasons to bed in.

"It is a bit sad to be leaving the Bristol merit tables, but there is still room for the traditional fixtures on non-league weekends."

 

Evening post 17 May 2006
 
Somerset Vase 2005/2006

St Bernadette's Win their first ever cup final (winning team below)

St Bernadette's 12  v  Minehead Barbarians 8

 

 

 
http://www.somersetrfu.co.uk/ruleshome.php

 

 

  

 
Somerset Vase

St Bernadette's have reached their first ever cup final after Matt Taylor's penalty secured a 3-0 win over Wellington in the Somerset Vase semi-finals.

Bernadettes will now face Minehead Barbarians in the final, venue Yatton RFC Sunday 16th April 3pm KO

 St Brendans RFC Peter Pullin Mini Rugby Tournament

Sunday 2nd April 2006 

St. Bernadette’s under 12’s the current champions of the Peter Pullin Tournament set out to defend the trophy that they deservedly won in 2005.Click Here For Report

 

Long awaited news letter has arrived again, almost 3 year's to the day and looking as good as before "well done Rich Pearce".

 

 
 

 
Copyright © 2002 ST BERNADETTE'S OLD BOYS R.F.C.  All rights reserved.
 Revised: 13-08-08.