MELKSHAM (C.A.T’s) RFC
e-Newsletter issue 3/2010
Welcome to the third addition to the Clubs e-newsletter which is intended to keep all members in touch with all of the issues in the club and forth coming events. The plan is to have an e-newsletter once a month and so if any one has anything to put into the e-newsletter i.e. achievements in the club, publicises an event or write an article e-mail me at melkshamrfc@gmail.com .
February saw the Gile’s jail break evening with the club welcoming its former treasurer back into society in style as a reformed character. He thought Texas would have been the last time he was going to wear a orange jump suit. Cheers to everyone for making it a good night.
Also the Race night went well with Simo as the master of ceremonies, with evening rising over £600. It just shows you what we can do to raise money for the club. Well done to everyone.
For anyone thinking of insulating your home, you can do so and raise money for our club through the Mark Group “RFU Scheme”. All you have to do is visit their website www.markgroup.co.uk/rugby and quote “RFU Scheme” and you will receive a free quote and the club will be given £25 if you take up the quote. The club will also be entered into a draw to have a training section with Leicester Tigers. If you are interested there are leaflets behind the bar.
The club has had 2 invitations to enter teams in to charity events. The first is RUH charity holding a full scale table football tournament further the details can be found on the notice board if you are interested to enter.
The second is the Rotary Club of Chippenham Wiltshire is holding the Vale's Dragon Boat Racing event to be held on July 10th [On the river Avon at Chippenham]. Organisations can sponsor a team or at least make members aware of the event so they can participate as a group or individuals. It's an opportunity to have some fun, raise the profile of the organisation and raise money for charity. Sports clubs could raise sponsorship money for themselves. Information and photos of last year's event can also be accessed if you follow the link: www.rotary-chippenham-wv.org.uk/events/current/db2010.html
The main points are:
A fun event which raised over £10,000 for charities last year.
Each team consists of 16 paddlers 1 drummer and most teams bring 2-3 reserves.
If a full team can't be raised we can put teams together [pot luck application].
Each team member has to raise at least £20 in sponsorship money
Two thirds of sponsorship money goes to the team's nominated charity-one third to the Rotary club's charity [this year it is water survival boxes-sent to disaster relief areas]
It costs £399 to enter a team and a non refundable deposit of £100 secures a boat.5 boats are already booked leaving 10 available at the present time
Food is available on site an a beer tent licence applied for
Just a little moan it has been noted that some players are habitually missing their match tax payment. Match taxes are put into place to cover the running costs of the team paying for such things as laundrette bills, after match meals and match balls. The tax is set at the AGM at non profit level and so if you choose not to pay it, funds have to be found from other sources. Let alone making it unfair on your fellow players who do pay. It has been decided that if a player does not pay their match tax when playing at home then they would not be entitled to the after match meal.
Training.
Senior Training.
Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00 Senior Section training all abilities welcome
Wednesday 6:00 – 8:00 Under 18’s Training.
Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 Senior Section training all abilities welcome
Players under the age of 18 are welcome to train in the senior sections provided their parent or guardian have returned a parental consent form (copy attach at the end of this newsletter).
Off the Field Training.
The club is eager to boost the numbers of members with First Aid experience and qualified referees in the club.
Referee Course.
The course will take place over 2 days on 15th & 16th May during the off season for 10 members. if you are interested please contact Paul Satchell. The club is happy to pay for members to become qualified referees as it will benefit the club.
Everybody knows how disappointing it is to loose a game because a referee could not be arranged, which has happened to the second team twice this year.
You do not have to be a member of a refereeing society to referee a game of rugby which can put people off, you are only required to be qualified to the required level. Some people can also be put off by the travelling but you do not have to travel the length and breadth of the country, you could choose to only referee home games or the club could set a reciprocal arrangement with a local club where each club supplies referee for each other. The RFU is concerned about the lack of qualified referees in the country and are making it a priority. The number of qualified referee in the club will count towards the clubs international ticket allocation.
First Aid Course.
The course will take place on 21st March (this could quite possibly clash with a first team cup game).
Following a successful first aid course ran in September the club would like to know of any one who would like to attend a first aid course to be able to administer basic first aid. The club would like to have at least one person at every game that has basic first aid knowledge to ensure player welfare. If you are interested please contact Paul Satchell.
Games.
Saturdays Senior section field 3 teams on Saturday afternoon for all abilities, with all 3 teams in the Dorset and Wilts leagues. New players are always welcome.
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Date
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First Team
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Second Team
|
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Third Team
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06 March 2010
|
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A
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Chippenham 2
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H
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bradford on A 2
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A
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supermarine 2
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13 March 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
H
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Aldbourne/hungerford
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20 March 2010
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L
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H
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Corsham 2
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A
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bath saracens
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H
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calne 2
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27 March 2010
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03 April 2010
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H
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Frome 2
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10 April 2010
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L
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A
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cricklade
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H
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chippenham 3
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A
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devizes 3
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17 April 2010
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L
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H
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marlborough
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A
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fairford
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H
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swindon 3
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24 April 2010
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01 May 2010
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Sundays The under 18’s are in the Dorset & Wilts Merit Table Division 2 (North) and have the following fixtures in February.
28th March Wells v Melksham
Date to be set for Melksham’s home game against Frome any updates will be passed on via emails and Facebook.
Minis fixtures for February 2010
photo of the under 8's at the Rec, I think all of them had a fantastic day!
March fixtures for minis etc as follows:
minis 7th March Corsham at home apart from u11's and 12's who are entered into this years Landrover Cup, organised by Bath rugby and being held at Chippenham RFC.
14th March under 11's away at Salisbury for Wiltshire Festival, rest of minis are training.
21st March under 12's are away at Wiltshire Festival, remainder of minis have Minety at home.
28th March all away at Supermarine.
Junior fixtures are organised by Nicola Evans so for further info you can contact her at evansfamily4a@aol.com
Senior Section.
First Team.
The first team represent the top tear of the clubs playing sections, which all the clubs players are striving to play for. Dorset & Wilts 1 North is a hotly contested league giving the winners the opportunity to test their strength in the Southern Counties League.
The February saw the first teams off to great start with 2 wins over Avonvale and Supermarine, however their new year 100% record ended with defeats to Avonvale at home and Chippenham 2nds away. These defeats have given the undefeated Marlborough an almost unassailable lead at the top of the league with a game in hand. With only 3 more league games left against Corsham, Cricklade and league leaders Marlborough to ensure a creditable 2nd place in the league March will be another tough month.
The first team also has to fit in 2 cup games, giving them a chance of securing some silver wear for the season.
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Team
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P
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W
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D
|
L
|
F
|
A
|
Diff
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Pts
|
Adjust
|
|
Marlborough
|
17
|
17
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0
|
0
|
805
|
65
|
740
|
34
|
0
|
|
Melksham
|
18
|
13
|
1
|
4
|
576
|
187
|
389
|
27
|
0
|
|
Chippenham II
|
18
|
13
|
1
|
4
|
530
|
286
|
244
|
27
|
0
|
|
Calne
|
17
|
11
|
1
|
5
|
324
|
235
|
89
|
23
|
0
|
|
Avonvale
|
16
|
9
|
0
|
7
|
302
|
254
|
48
|
18
|
0
|
|
Cricklade
|
19
|
9
|
0
|
10
|
336
|
385
|
-49
|
18
|
0
|
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Sutton Benger
|
19
|
8
|
1
|
10
|
425
|
353
|
72
|
17
|
0
|
|
Supermarine
|
18
|
7
|
2
|
9
|
266
|
282
|
-16
|
16
|
0
|
|
Trowbridge II
|
18
|
8
|
0
|
10
|
333
|
454
|
-121
|
16
|
0
|
|
Swindon II
|
19
|
3
|
0
|
16
|
266
|
774
|
-508
|
6
|
0
|
|
Wootton Bassett II
|
18
|
3
|
0
|
15
|
141
|
676
|
-535
|
6
|
0
|
|
Corsham II
|
17
|
3
|
0
|
14
|
183
|
536
|
-353
|
4
|
-2
|
|
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Last Updated: Mar 6 2010 4:38PM
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Second Team.
February saw the seconds securing 6 valuable points in their three league games, all against teams above them in the league. These points have moved them into a mid table position away from the relegation fight. The seconds position has been helped by Combe Down 2nds going into free fall following their game at Devizes being abandoned through indiscipline and not being able to raise a side for their away fixture at Swindon College.
The seconds have three league games left again two team below them Bath Saracens and Chippenham 3rds giving them a chance to extend their unbeaten run. With the final game against the unbeaten Fairford, it could be the title decider if results go against Pewsey Vale. Could Melksham spoil the party?
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Team
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P
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W
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D
|
L
|
F
|
A
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Diff
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Pts
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Adjust
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Pewsey Vale
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16
|
15
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0
|
1
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629
|
117
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512
|
30
|
0
|
|
Fairford
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16
|
15
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0
|
1
|
568
|
135
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433
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30
|
0
|
|
Devizes II
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15
|
10
|
0
|
5
|
400
|
202
|
198
|
18
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-2
|
|
Swindon College Old Boys II
|
16
|
9
|
0
|
7
|
420
|
377
|
43
|
18
|
0
|
|
Colerne
|
17
|
8
|
0
|
9
|
305
|
390
|
-85
|
16
|
0
|
|
Bradford-on-Avon II
|
17
|
7
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0
|
10
|
242
|
358
|
-116
|
14
|
0
|
|
Melksham II
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15
|
6
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0
|
9
|
229
|
488
|
-259
|
12
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0
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Bath Saracens
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16
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6
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0
|
10
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256
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426
|
-170
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10
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-2
|
|
Combe Down II
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15
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4
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0
|
11
|
196
|
304
|
-108
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8
|
0
|
|
Minety II
|
14
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3
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0
|
11
|
122
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325
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-203
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4
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-2
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|
Chippenham III
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15
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3
|
0
|
12
|
129
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374
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-245
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4
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-2
|
|
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Last Updated: Mar 6 2010 4:47PM
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Third Team.
The third team show the true sprit of rugby with every game they play. Third team provide a proving ground for all young talent as well as give the older player a chance to relive their formal glories.
February saw the third team taste the sweet fruit of victory twice with wins away at Trowbridge and at home against Midsomer Norton IV, giving them a solid 10 points. I have to say that my contribution to the side was not much as I managed to end the winning streak in the game against Supermarine 2nds. But the side gave a great performance against a team who are second in the league and managed to celebrate Chris’s birthday in style. Happy Birthday Captain.
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Team
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P
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W
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D
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L
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F
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A
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Diff
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Pts
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Adjust
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|
Corsham III
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16
|
14
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0
|
2
|
590
|
149
|
441
|
28
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0
|
|
Supermarine II
|
18
|
11
|
0
|
7
|
497
|
229
|
268
|
22
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0
|
|
Marlborough II
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16
|
11
|
0
|
5
|
625
|
178
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447
|
20
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-2
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Midsomer Norton IV
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16
|
10
|
0
|
6
|
331
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254
|
77
|
20
|
0
|
|
Trowbridge III
|
17
|
9
|
1
|
7
|
369
|
278
|
91
|
19
|
0
|
|
Devizes III
|
17
|
8
|
1
|
8
|
309
|
419
|
-110
|
17
|
0
|
|
Calne II
|
17
|
10
|
0
|
7
|
321
|
271
|
50
|
16
|
-4
|
|
Westbury II
|
17
|
8
|
0
|
9
|
243
|
425
|
-182
|
16
|
0
|
|
Swindon III
|
18
|
7
|
0
|
11
|
368
|
377
|
-9
|
10
|
-4
|
|
Melksham III
|
17
|
5
|
0
|
12
|
174
|
588
|
-414
|
10
|
0
|
|
Pewsey Vale II
|
16
|
3
|
0
|
13
|
141
|
461
|
-320
|
4
|
-2
|
|
Aldbourne/Hungerford
|
15
|
3
|
0
|
12
|
140
|
479
|
-339
|
4
|
-2
|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Mar 6 2010 5:35PM
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Under 18’s
Training continues to be well attended.
7th Feb 2010 Supermarine (Home)
The under 18,s entertained Supermarine, This was an interesting fixture. Supermarine have struggled to put out teams this season and travelled to Melksham with only 11 men. It was credit to our large squad that we were able to mix and match during the game to enable the fixture to be fulfilled. There was not shortage and passion and aggression whichever side the guys were on. Melksham won comfortably 43 nil. Man of the match Ben brown scored two tries, further tries from Nick Suter, Callum Hurn, Sam Miller, Ben Weatherburn and the try scoring machine Mike Coll followed. The reliable boot of Ben Stagg, completed the scoring.
14th February 2010 Warminster (Away)
With most of the front row discovering romance over rugby on the morning of the game, we travelled to Warminster with a reduced squad. With so many players playing in unfamiliar positions it was credit that we were only 5 nil down at half time. Very little was given our way during the game and some indifferent decisions really did not help our cause. A 15 nil defeat was a credit to team that for long periods faced not 15 but 16 men.
21st February 2010 Swindon Away
The start of a run of games against the top three did not go well, as we were on the receiving end of a 45 – 0 defeat. It was just one of those days.
We have two games to play against the first and second placed teams. We will play away at Wells on 28th March. We are still trying to finalise our home game with Frome. It would be good to see as many people at the club when the game is scheduled for our final home game of this season. Watch this space……..
Vets.
The vets have had 2 challenges of games, the first is a rematch against Corsham and Sutton Benger has offered us a game. Because of the congested fixture list we are looking to pay a vets game on 24th April to run off all of toughs Easter eggs. So if you are available let Pat know.
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Points Leaders
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Tries
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Conversions
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Penalties
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Drop Goals
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Total Points
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|
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1
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Scott Simmons
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6
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44
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5
|
1
|
136
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|
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2
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Nick Tuckett
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20
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
100
|
|
|
3
|
David Dyke
|
15
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
75
|
|
|
4
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Carl Wilkins
|
11
|
5
|
2
|
0
|
71
|
|
|
5
|
Luke Brailey
|
5
|
15
|
1
|
0
|
58
|
|
|
6
|
Lee Heath
|
5
|
10
|
2
|
0
|
51
|
|
|
7
|
James Ponsford
|
6
|
8
|
0
|
0
|
46
|
|
|
8
|
Josh Partridge
|
9
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
45
|
|
|
9
|
Elliott Taylor
|
9
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
45
|
|
|
10
|
Ben Duddridge
|
6
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
30
|
|
|
11
|
Stuart Moore
|
3
|
6
|
1
|
0
|
30
|
|
|
12
|
Mike Hurn
|
6
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
30
|
|
|
13
|
Charlie Grant
|
6
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
30
|
|
|
14
|
Mark Bowsher
|
5
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
29
|
|
|
15
|
Jamie Shipman
|
4
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
22
|
|
|
16
|
Matt Trueman
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
20
|
|
|
17
|
Paul Simmons
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
20
|
|
|
18
|
Tom Culshaw
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
20
|
|
|
19
|
Mike Coll
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
20
|
|
|
20
|
Ben Stagg
|
1
|
4
|
2
|
0
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Scott simmons reached 100 points in 9 games. 5 tries 33 cons 2 penalties 1 drop goal
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Nick reach 50 points in 6 games and has gone on to be the second player to reach 100 points in 18 games
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David reached 50 points in 10 games for the club
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Lee reached 50 points in 15 games for the club
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Carl reached 50 points in 17 games for the Club
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Luke reached 50 points in 17 games
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Calum is still leading the appearance charts with 23 senior appearances.
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With the guest appearance by Alan Davis the total number of players putting on a Melksham shirt is 138
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News from the Boardroom.
The clubs mobile flood light that was vandalised should have its repairs completed this week. A lock has been attached to the winch mechanism to ensure it can not be messed with by idol hands. The club is also gaining a quote to construct a secure compound adjacent to the pavilion to store the flood lights in. we also understand that with the help of the clubs former mini’s chairman Bruce Sanders we have been awarded a grant from the Rotary Club towards the purchase of new flood lights.
The future development committee which is working on securing a permanent home for the club has met again. With the Council indecision over the redevelopment of the old school site because of the low cost of development land and the lack of an interested developer the club is working to secure use of facilities at the new school for next season. There are 2 main groups working to address the recognised lack of sports facilities in the Melksham area. The first is the Community Area Partnership which is strongly linked to the Councils Community Area Board and the second is Melksham Sports Facilities Group which was set up by committed volunteers to push the Council to provide facilities for Melksham. The club is working with both groups to push our case. The Melksham sports facilities group is next meeting on 16th March and so I will report back on progress. There has been a lot of talk about the astro pitch flood lights at the old school and what will happen to them. It is our understanding that there has been a lot of interest in the lights and so the Council are looking into running a sealed bid auction for them. (Actually purchasing them may be the easy bit, the big problem will be taking them down, storing them and re erecting them).
We are also looking to secure the services of a former president to carry out redecorating and maintenance in the club make the clubhouse more present able to members. If any one would like to volunteer your services or can help in any way please let us know. One major item required it hard wear bar stalls.
The senior committee’s next meeting is on Monday 12th April and so if you have something you wish to have raised please contact me at Melkshamrfc@gmail.com
Entertainment.
Saturday Evenings. Letssssss Play Dartssssss!!! The clubs Darts League is playing each week until the clubs ultimate champion of hand and eye coordination is found. If you have entered good luck, if you haven’t and would like to take my place please let me know. All the information of the league can be obtained from the Master of ceremonies Matt Trueman. I will be practicing hitting that double 1!!!
Saturday 5th June. Senior section annual Awards evening. Get your best bib and tucker on because the band has been booked. Tickets are on sale with Sandra and Lorraine in the kitchen.
Saturday 12th June. Although traditionally supporters of the round ball game don’t come into the club it is the World Cup and so we will be showing all of the England games at the club.
Saturday 30th October. Past and Present Players evening. This will be an evening for past greats to meet Melksham’s players of the future. A great guest speaker has been book so it looks like it will a great night. Further details to follow.
Rugby Union live on Sky Sports
The club has sky sports which is paid for out of the clubs bar account and so we should take advantage of it and use it to raise money for the club. With the amount of live rugby on sky the club could be opened more to encourage people to come down and watch live rugby. Friday nights could easily be game night making the club the place to be to watch live rugby. If any one is interested in running such events please contact the committee.
Rugby Union live on Sky Sports
Details of our domestic and international coverage
Last updated: Monday 08th March 2010 ...
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Date
|
Game
|
Channel & Time
|
Competition
|
|
March
|
|
Sun 14
|
Cardiff Blues v Gloucester (12.05pm)
|
12.00pm
|
Anglo-Welsh Cup
|
|
Sun 14
|
Northampton Saints v Saracens (4.15pm)
|
4.00pm
|
Anglo-Welsh Cup
|
|
Sun 21
|
Anglo-Welsh Cup Final (TBA)
|
3.00pm
|
Anglo-Welsh Cup
|
|
Sat 27
|
Northampton Saints v Wasps (5.30pm)
|
5.15pm
|
Guinness Premiership
|
|
Sun 28
|
!RB Sevens - Hong Kong
|
4.30am
|
IRB Sevens
|
|
April
|
|
Sat 3
|
Gloucester v Saracens (5.30pm)
|
5.00pm
|
Guinness Premiership
|
|
Sun 4
|
Wasps v London Irish (TBC)
|
1.00pm
|
Guinness Premiership
|
|
Fri 9
|
Leinster v Clermont (8.00pm)
|
7.30pm
|
Heineken Cup
|
|
Sat 10
|
Connacht v Bourgoin (1.00pm)
|
12.45pm*
|
Amlin Challenge Cup
|
|
Sat 10
|
Biarritz v Ospreys (3.00pm)
|
2.00pm
|
Heineken Cup
|
|
Sat 10
|
Munster v Northampton Saints (5.30pm)
|
5.15pm
|
Heineken Cup
|
|
Sat 10
|
Toulon v Scarlets (8.00pm)
|
7.45pm
|
Amlin Challenge Cup
|
|
Sun 11
|
Wasps v Gloucester (2.00pm)
|
1.30pm
|
Amlin Challenge Cup
|
|
Sun 11
|
Toulouse v Stade Francais (4.30pm)
|
4.00pm
|
Heineken Cup
|
|
Sat 17
|
Saracens v Harlequins (5.30pm)
|
5.15pm
|
Guinness Premiership
|
|
Sat 17
|
Wasps v Bath (5.30pm)**
|
5.15pm
|
Guinness Premiership
|
|
Fri 30
|
Amlin Challenge Cup Semi-Final (TBC)
|
7.30pm
|
Amlin Challenge Cup
|
|
* Interactive - Press red button. Times are subject to change.
|
**everyone can play where (Wally) Scratch in the Twickenham crowd!!!
Just for fun.
Ball Identity
“The rugby club were throwing a big party one Saturday night at the clubhouse, and all the players and officials were there with their wives and girlfriends. The club chairman turned up late and found a boisterous game in full swing.
'Come on, boss,' urged the team captain.
'This is fun! We've blindfolded all the girls and now they're trying to identify the men by feeling their private parts!'
'Disgusting!' said the chairman. 'I'm not taking part in a game like that!'
'You might as well,' said the skipper. 'Your name's been guessed three times already!”
I have still had no entries can anyone name all of the team who were at the Rec? Also is star hiding at the back 4th from the right available for games on Saturday?
All of the clubs old pictures are being put onto the clubs website and so if you have any please let us know at -www.melkshamrfc.com or e-mail melkshamrfc@gmail.com
MELKSHAM (C.A.T’s) RFC
PARENTAL CONSENT
(To be signed by the parent or guardian of the person or persons under the age of 18)
I (name and address) ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
being the parent (or guardian) of _______________________________________
Date of Birth _______________________________________
1. HEREBY AGREE to his / her taking part in the activities of the MELKSHAM (C.A.T’s) RFC senior section including training with senior players and playing in senior sides and acknowledge that I have been advised as to the nature of the club’s activities.
SIGNED ________________________________DATE____________________
WITNESS
NAME ________________________________SIGNED__________________
ADDRESS ________________________________________________________
APPROVED
(NAME AND POSITION IN CLUB)
Please return this form to your coach.
RFU.com 
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