Welcome to Old Ashmolean RFC's web page
In the mid 1950's the game of rugby was introduced to the hitherto soccer stronghold of Ashmole Secondary School then in the south eastern corner of Hertfordshire. It made no immediate impact on the sporting life of the school, but in 1961, when the first group of boys left the school, sufficient interest in the game had been instilled in ten of them. These ten decided to investigate the possibility of continuing with their rugby, and in 1962 the OLD ASHMOLEAN RFC was formed with 12 members playing matches mainly against the lower sides of the neighbouring clubs, Barnet and Old Elizabethans.
The first two seasons were a struggle, but with the increase membership and the use of Ashmole School facilities, a regular fixture card was attained. 2 years later a second XV was established. Recruitment from the school was still slow, which meant it was a further 5 years before a 3rd XV came to be.
Clubhouse facilities were impossible to come by. Enquiries throughout the London Boroughs of Enfield and Barnet proved fruitless. Many local hostelries (pubs) became the home of the OARFC until the early 80's when Woodlands Lawn Tennis Club agreed to share their clubhouse in the grounds of Priory Hospital.
Bar catering facilities were greatly improved during the 85/6 season and a secure future seemed assured.
As a young club, fixtures with older established clubs in Hertfordshire were difficult to acquire and the OA's had to travel far and wide for their games. The introduction of the merit tables brought the club fixtures closer to home and with the hard work of the late Ken Redding (then the fixture secretary) the club's playing situation was greatly improved.
Over the next few years the club enjoyed success on and off the pitch. In 1981 and 1984 the club won the Barnet 7's. In 1985 the OA's reached Twickenham unfortunately ending up as runners up in the final of the preliminary competition of the Middlesex 7s.
In the 94/5 season we had our most successful year to date reaching the quarter finals of the Pilkington shield. We lost 27 - 24 to Helston who went on to lose to the Medics in the Final, again played at Twickenham.
With the success the club was enjoying it was felt that the facilities were no longer suitable. This led to the club moving out of its relatively small hideaway to a much larger clubhouse, still in the familiar grounds of the hospital. The new location boasted greater improved floodlit training grounds and has had substantial structural improvements made which has improved further still our facilities, recently replacing completely the clubhouse showers, creating a much better shower room.
We're still trying to attain (for the first time in the club's history) our own playing pitch, adjacent to our clubhouse. This will obviously enhance further the fabulous facilities our members already enjoy.
2005/6 not only saw us win the Herts President Trophy competition, beating Hemel Hempstead in a hard fought out battle but also witnessed our league promotion for the THIRD YEAR in succession, propelling us into Herts/Middx 1.
The cup win proved extremely rewarding as we were a close runner up in the 2004/5 season losing "just" to Tring.
2006/7 MORE SUCCESS gaining promotion into London NW4 the highest position the club has been in in it's 45 year history. That's FOUR consecutive years we've been promoted. That has to be a record.
2007/8 was another successful season, coming 4th in London NW4, our 2nd XV promoted to Herts/Midx Merit League 1 and our 3rd XV playing in Herts/Middx Merit 6.
AND WINNING BOTH THE HENDON AND HERTFORDSHIRE 7S!!!
We run three sides plus the occasional Vets side and enjoy playing good rugby with a lively post-match social life.
We are fortunate enough to have had numerous South African players join our club and we enjoy "teaching them how to play". We have enjoyed their input and welcome players from all countries and of any ability.
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