Round 6 of The National League Rugby Review Show will be premiering at 6pm tonight on this link:
https://twitter.com/Natleague_rugby/status/1579850062544670724
Aztech Group, based in Sevenoaks, are a professional arboriculture and forestry contractor covering the Home Counties and London.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "Aztech Group have played a significant role in supporting the club in recent years, we are delighted to be extending the partnership and for all members to continue to be able to benefit from the 15% discount.
Adam Ashworth, Owner of Aztech Group, said: "“It’s a real pleasure to extend our partnership with Sevenoaks Rugby Club. Having sponsored the club for the past few seasons, it has been amazing to see the club go from strength to strength as they work their way up the rugby pyramid. We’re excited to continue our strong relationship with the members at Sevenoaks RFC and also to support the team this season as they take on a new challenge in National 2. Up the Oaks!”
MDM Timber, was established in 1989 as an independent Forest Products Importer and has grown from a "start up" business to today as a major player within the UK Timber industry.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are very pleased to be welcoming MDM Timber to the Sevenoaks Rugby Club family and are incredibly grateful for their support as we continue to grow our playing and support services.
Peter Holmes, Sales Director of MDM Timber said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the "Mighty Oaks" for the first time and it is a pleasure to play a small part in such a successful and well run community club. We wish Adam his team and all the players throughout the club the very best for the season ahead. COYO!"
CHS Networks is an established and expanding IT support services company, providing corporate strength IT managed services to a vast array of businesses in London and the South East. Services include:
A fully managed helpdesk for remote and onsite support
Cloud consultancy and Microsoft solutions
Cyber security solutions and Consultancy, such as Cyber Essentials certifications
Connectivity and Cloud Telephony solutions
CHS Networks are offering all members of Sevenoaks Rugby club the chance to become Cyber Essentials certified for free when taking up a support contract. Whether self-employed or a 50-user business, this is a universally recognised commitment to a good standard of cyber security for your business.
For more information on the Cyber Essentials scheme and what it means for your business, please click on the logo:
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are delighted CHS Networks have extended the partnership for Season 2022/23. We are incredibly grateful for the significant IT upgrade this summer and the ongoing IT support CHS Networks continue to provide the club.”
Neil Schwemm, Managing Director of CHS Networks, said: "We are really excited to be partnering and supporting the club again this year. We always support our local community as much as we can, and as part of our commitment we hope that the planned upgrades, IT services and facilities we are providing to Sevenoaks Rugby Club will go some way to help in their continued success.”
Sevenoaks Medical Centre, part of KIMS Hospital, offers patients fast and convenient appointments with expert consultants and access to a range of facilities for scans, tests and outpatient treatments all within a short distance from their home.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are delighted Sevenoaks Medical Centre have recommitted for Season 2022/23. Sevenoaks Medical Centre has played a significant role in supporting the club in recent years and we are delighted to be extending the partnership.”
Debbie Anderson, General Manager of Sevenoaks Medical Centre, said: "Sevenoaks Rugby Club is an important community partner for Sevenoaks Medical Centre, and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with them for another season. We are looking forward to supporting them and all the players throughout the successful season ahead."
To find out more or book an appointment at Sevenoaks Medical Centre, please call 01732 775 800 or email enquiries@kims.org.uk.
Chris Potter Country Sports, based in Tunbridge Wells, are a leading retailer in shotguns, rifles, airguns, country clothing and accessories.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "Chris Potter Country Sports have played a significant role in supporting the club over the last 5 years, we are delighted to be extending the partnership and for all members to continue to be able to benefit from the 15% discount on all clothing, footwear and accessories."
Charles Harris, Owner of Chris Potter Country Sports, said: "We are delighted to continue to support Sevenoaks Rugby football club. Over the last five years we have seen a great improvement in the development of the players, boys and girls, from 5 years old and upwards. A great community club. Good luck to all the teams for the 2022/23 season."
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are delighted to announce Knocker & Foskett as a key sponsor. Sevenoaks Rugby Club and K&F both sit at the heart of the local community and this partnership allows us both to closely support each other’s businesses. Located on Sevenoaks High Street they have a team of solicitors who are proud to provide a personal, high quality and efficient service to both commercial and personal clients.”
Barry Landa, Practice Manager of Knocker & Foskett, said: " The work Sevenoaks Rugby Club carry out in the Sevenoaks and surrounding community is exceptional. When the opportunity arose for Knocker & Foskett to be sponsors of such a well run club we jumped at the chance. We would like to wish all the teams great success for this and the coming seasons."
Dear Members,
Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce a long term partnership with Berkeley.
Berkeley builds homes and neighbourhoods in London, Birmingham and the South of England and are hugely passionate about building quality homes, strengthening local communities and making a positive difference to people's lives.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Berkeley, with their new development Oakhill in Hildenborough soon to be unveiled.
It is an excellent fit and we are really looking forward to working closely together over the next few years."
Yours in rugby,
Sevenoaks Rugby
Henry has completed six epic challenges over the last six months in aid of Meningitis Now - click here to help him hit his target of £5,000 for this worthy cause.
🌊 80-mile, 4-day hike and wild camp in Cornwall
🏴 125km, 2-day Scottish Highlands Ultra-marathon
⛰ 100km, 1-day Ultra-marathon in the Peak District
> Dartmouth Sprint Triathlon in Devon
> 24-hour Ultra-Running Relay at Endure24
🚴🏼♂️ 930 mile Ride Across Britain (Lands End to John O’Groats)
National League Rugby is producing a series of articles designed to explore the different elements which come together to make levels three and four the heartbeat of quality rugby.
In our first article, we highlight why the blend of clubs - from an historic perspective - adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue to National One and Two.
To say the start of the 2022-23 National League Rugby season has ‘exploded into life’ might actually be an understatement.
Teams have flown out of the blocks, produced some dazzling performances and most of all, put on a show for the masses who flock to all corners of the country to absorb rugby at levels three and four.
From Tyndale down to Plymouth Albion, from Preston Grasshoppers across to North Walsham, National League Rugby is already entertaining us and the campaign has barely begun.
What is also noticeable about this year in particular is the concoction of clubs all competing across National One and Two, not just from a geographical point of view, but from an historic perspective.
Teams such as Fylde and Clifton are some of the most established clubs woven into the fabric of National League Rugby. Wharfedale and Stourbridge have been at this level for over two decades whilst many sides have provided the springboard for some of the most successful players in the game.
Arguably though, Blackheath encompass all of these elements. Relegated from National One last term, which ended their 18-year stay in the third tier, they remain one of the cornerstones of National League Rugby and as managing director Russ Ticehurst proudly says, they are the oldest ‘open’ rugby club who were formed in 1858.
He rattles off some notable names who have represented the South-East London side including Fred Stokes, who attended the meeting where the RFU was created, William P Carpmael, the founder, first president and captain of the Barbarians, ex-New Zealand player John Gallagher and Jacquie Edwards - Blackheath Women’s Captain – who played in the Women’s World Cup in 1994.
When professionalism arrived in 1995, Blackheath were a level two side but the loss of financial support and various opportunities meant any newly signed players all departed and the club had to fall back on the safety blanket of the National Leagues.
Since then, Ticehurst has seen it all at ‘Club’. He had two spells as a player, and coached the mini and junior section for eight years before taking on the role of chairman and now managing director.
Striving to be the best has never been lost on one of the most historic clubs in the sport but since the Covid-19 pandemic, the bigger picture and stability has been a major focus of Ticehurst’s and Blackheath’s.
“The post-Covid review made us look at the “risk and reward’ on offer with 1st XV promotion from National One,” says Ticehurst. “We could see the risk but we were struggling to match that up with the reward.
“Every club, and particularly Blackheath, has aspirations and a desire to play rugby at the highest possible level but we must settle where our finances put us for the time being.
“Sadly, we could not avoid relegation last season, but in the meantime, what has come from our decisions is a thriving mini and junior section, girls section, a reinvigorated Women's and Men’s section and we are all looking forward to playing for ‘Club’ this season and beyond.”
That sense of community and growing from within is reinforced time and time again across the National Leagues and newcomers Newport (Salop) can relate to Blackheath when it comes to this mantra.
Despite there being 89 years between the two clubs, they share similar values and are now playing at the same level, albeit in different leagues. This just highlights how diverse and unique the National Leagues truly are.
On their way to promotion in 2021-22, Newport’s squad included 15 players who have played in the club’s junior or Colts’ teams or who are longstanding players. Six of the squad have accumulated 100 games or more for the 1st XV.
During their rise to National Two West, Newport have never veered away from their ethos; ‘Community, Pride, Passion’ and the Shropshire outfit have their pens at the ready to write the latest chapter in their history.
“Everyone is absolutely buzzing”, says chairman Peter Maher. “I always think with a rugby club that the first team sets the tone. We always felt we were part of an important rugby club, but now our name is on the map. We are travelling nationally and it is just brilliant to see us on this stage.
“It is also often being said to me that having a first team playing at National League level would be a diversion from our values. I think it is quite the opposite.
“I think it brings everyone together in the club and brings a focus. It gives people an aspirational target and it is just raising the bar for everybody at the club in terms of performance, and giving us a real identity. We are excited for the journey.”
Maher says Newport is still a growing town of around 15 to 16,000 people. With the rugby club at the heart of its community, many residents will be excited by the adventures which lie ahead this season and that emotional attachment can apply to all 56 teams who have their own stories to tell up and down the land.
Thanks as ever to Gerry Diebel of Direct Design for pulling together the match day programme as we take on Dorking for the first home game of the season.
We are playing at Sevenoaks School on Saturday 24 September at 3.00pm.
A WARM WELCOME TO DORKING RFC
It’s another warm welcome to everyone involved with Dorking RFC, our feisty opponents from along the A25. Even those of us with short memories will surely be able to hark back to last season’s two epic struggles between the boys with the cockerel badge and The Oaks. Scores of 8-6 and 35-29 to SRFC indicate the closeness of the matches with both results hinging on vital actions and decisions right at the very end of each game.
The fact that both teams fully earned their eventual promotion is a testament to the quality of rugby served up in both matches last term. We look forward to another chapter that is developing into a keen rivalry between two ambitious and committed clubs.
Dorking RFC was formed four years before us in 1921 and played good social rugby until 1940. They re-established themselves in 1946 and grew rapidly from then on, now playing in the nearby village of Brockham under a long lease tenancy from The National Trust.
The really ancient Oaks alickadoos will remember that the Dorking fixture was for many years our first of the season and of course we played down the club with at least five sides from each club always involved. The advent of the leagues eventually put paid to that tradition; the last of those “pipe openers” was in 1996.
Before our promotion to Level 5 leagues matches had been few, in fact just seven such occasions. We came together in Level 6 (Named London 2 South then) three times from 1997/98 when clubs played each other just once a season. In fact, the 99/00 season was the last of that type, with the home and away system taking over in 00/01. We met up again in 07/08; this was a poor season for us as we were relegated, and our paths did not cross again as Dorking moved on up and eventually scaled the heights of Level 4 with some successful seasons there. However, the pendulum swings for all clubs and we met again in 19/20, having progressed to Level 5.
Another close encounter is on the cards with both clubs looking to consolidate their positions in the National Leagues. That being so we look forward to more friendly rivalry in ensuing seasons.
Howard Pearl
Other National League 2 East Division matches being played today:
Bury St Edmunds v Westcliff Canterbury v Blackheath
Guernsey v North Walsham Henley v Barnes
Old Albanian v Tonbridge Juddian Rochford Hundred v Worthing
This week has been a week of recovery for the senior squad, after bruising encounters that brought mixed results. The First XV travelled to Worthing and came away with two losing bonus points, ending up on the wrong side of a tight match with the home team winning 32-27. The Second XV faced Gillingham Anchorians at the Paddock, running out comfortable 35-0 victors. The Thirds won 52-14 against Aylesford Bulls.
Even at this early stage of the season we are seeing how the attritional and competitive nature of the leagues we are in, will test our strength in depth. Injuries are part of the game, and we will need to accept them and draw on the wide group of players we have.
This weekend sees the reverse to last, with the Firsts at home and the Seconds and Thirds away. The 2s travel to Hastings and Bexhill for their Counties 2 Kent match, whilst the 3s make the trip to local rivals Medway for their Invicta fixture.
The Paddock faithful will, I am sure, extend a warm welcome to our opponents this Saturday, Dorking. Last season saw two epic London and SE matches between Oaks and our visitors; the home match was a slug in the mud whilst the game at The Big field was by many accounts the best match of the season in the that league. Whilst we were delighted to win both games by narrow margins, we know they could have gone either way. Dorking has made a good start to the season, beating our last opponents Worthing at home, Barnes (our next away fixture) but losing to National 2 East favourites Blackheath. We know Dorking have a powerful pack and move the ball quickly at every opportunity, so we will need to be at our best to secure a positive result.
At this early stage in the season, it is pleasing to have 7 points from two games, but we know it is vital to keep picking up points in every match. The league results are showing how the teams in the league are pretty evenly matched, so concentration and a low error count in games will often be the deciding factor.
We are all very excited to be hosting our first ever National 2 East game at the Paddock this weekend. The pitch has been treated so we are very hopeful the game will go ahead. We are fully booked for lunches and are expecting a noisy crowd for what should be a great contest. We look forward to seeing you there or at the away games.
COYO
Adam
The Athlete Media Group is a leading sports marketing agency representing elite British & international athletes with a current portfolio of 48 athletes in 30 sports, who are a unique blend of Olympic medallists, world champions, World Cup winners, world record holders, rising stars & retired sports people. AMG works with these athletes to help them build their personal brands, enhance their media profiles and establish strong business partnerships to support their careers in sport & beyond.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Athlete Media Group and believe this partnership is an ideal fit, playing a significant role in supporting our aspiring and rising athletes.
Mark Middlemas, CEO & Founder of The Athlete Media Group, said: "“I am delighted to partner AMG with the Mighty Oaks. Sevenoaks RFC is a thriving rugby club with brilliant players at all levels, strong values & a hugely loyal fan base & I look forward to working with Adam Bowman & his formidable team.”
5PA, based in London, are a leading Chartered Architectural Practice specialising in large scale, high-rise residential & mixed use development projects across London & the home counties.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are absolutely delighted to be partnering and welcoming 5PA Architects to the Sevenoaks Rugby Club family. The partnership will play a key role in supporting the growth of our rugby playing and support services across all playing sections of the club.”
Sid Satrettin, Founder and Owner of 5PA Architects, said: "It’s great to be associated with the club and we wish you luck for the forthcoming season. Come On You Oaks!"
Sevenoaks Rugby Club are very pleased to announce a new partnership with Vine Meats Ltd.
Vine Meats Ltd is a leading meat importer, based in Sevenoaks, supplying meat across the UK.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are thrilled to be partnering with Vine Meats, and hugely appreciate their support as we embark on our new challenges at National 2. Vine Meats Ltd joins our growing portfolio of sponsors to play a vital part in the club's current and future financing."
Alan Burke, co-owner of Vine Meats, said: "Vine Meats Ltd are proud to be associated with SRFC in their first season at National 2 level. We wish them much success and will be supporting from the sidelines."
All at Sevenoaks Rugby Club are very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
On behalf of the rugby union community in Sevenoaks and further afield, we offer our condolences to the whole Royal Family at this difficult time.
We are deeply grateful for Her Majesty’s support of our sport over many years, including serving as the RFU’s Patron for 64 years, helping the Union to celebrate its centenary in 1971, her reception at Buckingham Palace after England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, and honours bestowed on many of those who have served the game.
Her Majesty earned the respect and affection of generations of rugby players and supporters here in England and around the world.
Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.
Moore Kingston Smith is a dynamic, leading UK firm of accountants and business advisers who have pledged their support of the club through their sponsorship from 2022/23 season in a three-year agreement. The firm’s logo will appear proudly on the teams’ match-shirts.
As trusted advisers to businesses, private individuals and NonProfit organisations, Moore Kingston Smith is passionate about helping their clients achieve their ambitions and like their support of Sevenoaks Rugby Club, is committed to supporting them through good and tough times. Their highly experienced people have the strategic insight, drive and dedication to deliver results.
Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are absolutely delighted to partner with Moore Kingston Smith, this is a fantastic partnership with an excellent firm of accountants and we hope to develop a strong relationship over the coming season and beyond."
Nick Thompson, Partner at Moore Kingston Smith, said: “Sponsoring Sevenoaks RFC is a natural collaboration, not only because we’re huge fans of the game - both our organisations put our people first, nurture personal and professional development, and place high value on commitment to community”.
I am delighted to be welcoming all our members back to the club for the start of the 2022/23 Season. It is set to be a very exciting year ahead for every age group and playing section in the club. The rugby management team has been working very hard over the summer to continue to improve and provide the very best rugby experience for all our members, in line with our five year rugby playing strategic objectives which we set in September 2020. With this in mind we have some exciting new initiatives for the season ahead as we continue to grow and improve our rugby playing & support services.
MIXED ADULT TOUCH RUGBY LAUNCH
Firstly, I am very pleased to announce the club are now providing an official Mixed Adult Touch Rugby offering, led by James Mitchell & James Bavin. Sessions will take place every Wednesday evening between September and April, either at the club or a local floodlit facility. We invite all members regardless of gender, age, ability or fitness level to come along and enjoy playing Touch Rugby.
If you are interested in joining our Mixed Adult Touch Rugby section please visit the club website for more details. https://sevenoaksrugby.com/mixed-adult-touch-rugby
SENIOR WOMEN’S RUGBY HAS ARRIVED AT SEVENOAKS
Secondly, our new Senior Women's section is up and running, managed by Catherine Hurst and coached by Grant Scandling! We have over twenty women who have signed up and we are really excited to see how this grows.
Training takes place every Thursday evening at the club between September and April and the objective for the season (set by the group) is to enjoy playing the game, to learn and understand the game, build fitness levels, and of course socialise! If you are interested in joining our Senior Women's section please visit the club website for further details. https://sevenoaksrugby.com/womens-rugby
MINIS & YOUTH - INVESTMENT IN PITCH SPACE, EQUIPMENT AND COACHES
Our superb Mini & Youth section, led by Hendo, returns this Sunday and we are very much looking forward to seeing everyone back out on the pitch, enjoying playing the game, spending time with their friends and making memories.
We are very pleased to say we have secured priority booking for the new rugby artificial pitch that is currently being built at the Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar school (Sevenoaks site), and from the 2nd of November (when the build finishes) we will have exclusive access to the full pitch every Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. This is a huge addition for the club and significantly supports our drive to improve the facilities we have on offer to ensure we do not have to cancel any rugby playing services due to bad weather or pitch space.
Do also watch out for the addition of two new communal Veo cameras and subscriptions, which the Youth Girls & Boys will have access to, where appropriate. These have been donated by a family within our Sevenoaks Rugby Club - we thank you greatly for your generosity.
In addition, we are pleased to be developing our coach education programme with the inclusion of "The Art of Coaching Programme'' initiative, where we have an external specialist coaching consultancy providing ten hours of practical and theoretical "how to coach" material to over sixty Mini & Youth coaches during September. We will also shortly be circulating our SRFC Coaching Academy CPD Programme for the season ahead along with access to The Rugby Site, a good tool to support coaches with session design.
We’re extremely lucky to have so many fantastic, dedicated volunteer coaches, parents and age group leads at the Club - they really are the heart and soul for Sunday mornings! We’re really pleased to be adding to those ranks with our youngest crop, the Under 5s (Reception) who train on Saturday mornings and will be led by Aidan Brennan, who has played for the Club for a number of years and has lots of experience working with young children.
This year also sees us expanding Youth Girls rugby - with the countrywide change to U12, U14, U16 and U18 girls rugby - we’re pleased that James Bavin has agreed to coach the new Under 12s!
There is change in the Under 10s, too; where Iain Aitken is standing down as the age group lead after a couple of seasons at the helm. He’s done a great job and deserves an enormous thank you. We’re excited that Alex McLennan has agreed to lead U10s moving forwards - he brings a wealth of rugby playing experience which will stand him in good stead and he has a really good group of coaches in support, too.
ACADEMY RUGBY CONTINUES TO GROW
Our Academy Boys squad have been working hard during pre-season, as they prepare for the season ahead. With over 120 players in the squad, four regular sides playing, it is set to be an exciting season ahead and I know there are some good away days planned for the group.
We are also really excited to build on the growing momentum within our Academy Girls Squad, and are planning some coaching visits from our very own Tori Sellors, now of Worcester Warriors.
And yes of course we cannot forget the stash, this will be arriving soon for both the Academy Girls & Boys!
SENIOR SQUAD
To the Senior Squad and our performance offering, it has been a busy summer preparing for life in National 2 (Level 4) & Counties Kent (Level 8) and the players & staff we are all very excited for the challenges we face this season. The club and its members have had a vote on the payment of players this summer and our model has evolved where we are now providing a benefits package to our players, which has been carefully thought through, budgeted, and we are confident will benefit the club & every playing section overall. The whole squad are very much looking forward to your support on the sidelines and we will do our very best to put on a show for you. Our Senior Squad players will also be coming down throughout the season on Sundays to share some wisdom with our Mini & Youth players and to support the coaches throughout the club.
Our Senior Social offering kicks off on Saturday 10th September with a friendly against Old Williamsonians, and we are delighted our social side will be competing in a new local Kent League, where we do not need to travel further than 45 minutes!
A tremendous thank you to club stalwarts Dave Paton and Miles Hayward who have stepped up to manage the side at the weekends, and Pete Wilson who will be captain.I wish everyone a great season and I look forward to watching all rugby playing sections in action throughout the season. Please feel free at any point to get in contact if you need anything.
Up the Oaks!
To One and All,
The new season approaches with alarming rapidity, so I thought it was an opportune moment to trust that everyone has summered well, and is looking forward with a cocktail of anticipation and trepidation to the next eight months.
Team sport in this country is under huge pressure at the moment in terms , not just of participation numbers, but also the whole ethos of what ‘team’ sport is and its merits. It’s a bigger issue than the everyday matter of running a National League Club, but it forms the background of all the challenges we are facing across the sport. So this is just a message to wish everyone well in the battles ahead, playing, administering, supporting, sponsoring, mowing and pouring pints. To be part of ‘National League Rugby’ is something we should all be proud of, and rest assured we are doing everything we can as an executive group, to gain greater respect for levels 3 and 4 across the sport as a whole, while encouraging all of you, to take the responsibility of promoting the game to the widest possible community.
‘One and all’ may be a proud motto from Cornwall, but I hope Redruth won’t mind if in this case, we can roll it out to Tynedale, North Walsham, Guernsey and all our 56 member clubs. With a collective will to work together in celebrating and driving forward the semi-professional game, let’s hope this will be a vintage year for National League Rugby.
Best wishes to you all
John