HRFC September Newletter

Waterloo Fields saw pre-season training and cricket matches continuing over the summer months.

A complete refurbishment of the kitchen was completed courtesy of Leamington Builders Merchant under the guidance and support of club sponsor Euan Bennett from the village.
The showers were re-sealed and the hedge cut back adjacent to the clubhouse.
A recruitment drive was undertaken around the surrounding towns and villages which brought both new and old players to the Club in such numbers that the Club has entered a 2ndXV team in Warwickshire league 3 under the captaincy of Adrian Exton.

The services of a new Physiotherapist has been secured by the Club and we welcome Joanne into the fold. We are also pleased to announce that the Club has retained the services of Head Coach Ben.

The first pre-season match was held at Princethorpe College on a bright and sunny Saturday 1st September. Four 20 minute session were played with Harbury scoring a total of seven tries against three.

The first four Sundays of September recorded some 170 players arriving at the Club to sign up and play for the U6/7s and each age group through to the U14s.
Harbury opened up their league season with a home game against Greyhound (travelling almost 80miles from Hereford) on Saturday 8 September. Taking their opportunities when they came together with good support play and some stout defence saw Harbury winning 49-0. A bright start to the season.

The following week, the 2ndXV opened up their league season with a home game against Alcester’s 2ndXV. The visitors started the game at pace and after five minutes ran in a converted try. Harbury gathered themselves and soon took command of the game and went on to a convincing win 57-7.

On Saturday 22nd September, the 2ndXV travelled the short distance to Rugby to face Old Laurentians 3rdXV. Following the morning rain the ground had at least softened to some degree making the tackles a little easier to make/take. Whilst the opposition included a few beefy opponents that liked to go on some bullocking runs, the visitors took to their task and tackled with impunity. As in earlier games, the players took their opportunities when they came and ran out deserved winners 0-36. With two wins under their belt sees them top of the table at this very early stage.

Forthcoming fixtures –

29 September – 1stXV away to Kings Norton. 2ndXV – Home against Atherstone 2ndXV Cup game.
30 September – 28th Annual Mini Festival. Welcomes teams from Alcester, Leamington and Balsall & Berkswell. U13s will host the event. U14s away to Old Silhillians.
6 October – 1stXV home to Old Wheatleyans. 2ndXV – Away against Atherstone 2ndXV League game.
7 October – U13s & U14s home to Old Coventrians
13 October – 1stXV away to Newbold 2ndXV friendly.
20 October – 1stXV away to Pershore. 2ndXV – home to Coventry Welsh 2ndXV friendly.
21 October – All Mini age groups home to Barkers Butts. U13s away to Leamington.
27 October – 1stXV home to Redditch – VPs day.

Updated 11:35 - 30 Aug 2019 by Tom Kittendorf