Pearl's Corner - 16/02/24

A WARM WELCOME TO TONBRIDGE JUDDIAN RFC

It’s Local Derby Day at The Paddock again.  Some famous confrontations are specifically named – for instance football’s El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and every time Kent play county cricket against Essex it is called The Battle of the Bridge.  Some are even identified by road numbers, like the M23 derby between Brighton and Crystal Palace.  It doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, but maybe today’s fixture could be known as the B245 Matchup; other more imaginative ideas will be welcome!

However, we can certainly stand alongside other well-known fixtures in playing for a real trophy.  The Ashes come readily to mind, and also the Calcutta Cup which will be contested at Murrayfield next Saturday.  This afternoon all rugby eyes should be focussed on The Paddock as the ownership of the Gordon Mann Trophy comes up for offer once again.

In the 1950s our President Gordon Mann presented the trophy for annual competition between the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Rugby Clubs.  When the leagues were reformed for 2001/02 with participants now playing both home and away, it was agreed that the aggregate scores of the two matches would decide which club would prevail.  By this time Tonbridge had merged with Old Juddian, to become TJs. They now play in a patriotic red, white and blue strip, replacing Tonbridge’s late lamented chocolate and old gold, but more of that later.

I am reliably informed (from a TJs comment last season) that Tonbridge/TJs have their name engraved on the Gordon Mann Trophy 26 times to Sevenoaks 25.  If that sounds tight, then this season’s showdown is even more intriguing with our October clash at The Slade ending in a 29-29 draw.  There are no calculators needed this time - just a basic case of winner takes all. 

So with bragging rights on the line, we extend the warmest welcome to everyone involved with Tonbridge Juddian RFC.

The history of Tonbridge RFC goes back to 1904, while Old Juddian were formed in 1928.  The merger between these two clubs, thus becoming Tonbridge Juddian RFC, was achieved in 1999. Before the unification, their own local friendly rivalry was intense, compounded by the fact that they both played side by side on the Tonbridge Recreation Ground, or “over the hedge” as they put it. 

When Leagues began in 1987, OJs were placed in a higher division than Tonbridge, but the town club had its Clubhouse in Avebury Avenue and immediate access to the Recreation Ground. OJs moved from the school to The Slade in 1995, by which time the Tonbridge Clubhouse was looking decidedly rickety, to say the least.  When the two clubs merged the proceeds from the sale of the Clubhouse were used to develop The Slade and town rugby in general.

While congratulating TJs on their successes over the last 25 seasons, there are still some of us around from both camps who remember those pre-merger days with plunge baths, oranges at halftime, and even the odd song or three afterwards.

However, nostalgia takes second place from 2.30 for the next 80 plus minutes today as the destination of that trophy is decided for this season.

 Howard Pearl

Other National League 2 East Division matches being played today:

Bury St Edmunds v  Wimbledon                  Canterbury v Barnes

Guernsey v Dorking                                    Henley v Esher

Old Albanian v  Worthing                       Westcombe Park v North Walsham 

We've lost another Might Oak

It is with great sadness and regret that we have to announce the loss of another stalwart of Sevenoaks Rugby Club, ‘Muchy’. Jon Muchmore was another giant and one of the greats who played a large part in shaping the club in to what it is today and for that we will all be eternally grateful.

Some words on behalf of Sevenoaks Rugby Club:

We are all so saddened by the loss of our dear friend Muchy. He epitomised everything that is positive about our sport, our Club and life in general. He was famous for taking a genuine interest in the wellbeing of the people - especially coaches and players - around the Club and was always there to offer support and encouragement when it was needed most. Everyone around Muchy will remember his acts of kindness given in a selfless way and with a smile on his face. We will all look back with so much fondness for the times we shared together and he would be the first one to say to remember him with a smile as we reflect on all that he did for Sevenoaks Rugby Club.

A true gent, a class act and a decent bloke. Travel well our friend.

Details for Jon's Memorial service: Saturday 10th February @ 1400hrs

St Mary's church, Denbury TQ12 6DH

The church is in the centre of Denbury and easy to find. Park wherever you can in the village as the church does not have a car park.

After the memorial, there will be 'a bit of a do' at The Union Inn, which is within 2 minutes walk of the church.

There will not be a formal dress code....it's up to the individuals as to what they want to wear.

We've lost a Mighty Oak

As a community club we are built on the shoulders of giants, people who tirelessly give of themselves for the betterment of others. Whilst we are fortunate to have many giants amongst us, we occasionally are blessed with individuals who present as a ‘brick’ in the very fabric of the club. Steve Rolfe was one of those Giants.

Some words from Paul ‘Viz’ Vizard:

It is with much sadness that regrettably I have to inform you that Steve Rolfe has suddenly passed away last week. Steve had been associated with our club for many years, starting his playing career in the 5th Team in 1993. He was also part of the 4th Team which went undefeated for two years in the 1990’s as a No.8. He enjoyed many club senior tours including Copenhagen, Milan and Newquay to name a few.

He met his wife Amanda whilst coaching Sevenoaks Ladies team with Lee Adamson in 1999. When their son William came along, it wasn’t long before Steve became one of his Coaches which he followed all the way through the age groups. He struck up great friendships with his fellow Coaches and went on many a ‘Chilly Willy Tour’ continuing after age group rugby had finished.

Steve was a larger than life character, always willing to help anyone and had a laugh that could be heard across many pitches. Our thoughts go to Amanda, William and his family at this sad time.

Funeral arrangements to follow.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce a partnership with Beaux Bagel!

Beaux Bagel has been trading since 1992 and in the heart of Sevenoaks since 2005, they serve delicious and genuine Brick Lane bagels!

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are delighted to be partnering with Beaux Bagel and supporting a local independent business. I am also pleased to share that members will be able to benefit from a 10% discount when visiting Beaux Bagel in Sevenoaks on presentation of your membership card. 

Christmas came early at The Paddock as one of our favourite sponsors Aztech Group South East Ltd delivered a Mighty Acorn!

Christmas came early at The Paddock as one of our favourite sponsors Aztech Group South East Ltd delivered a Mighty Acorn superbly carved by @lorcanobyrnesculpture which now takes pride of place at the 1st XV pitch entrance! 🌳

The Mighty Acorn is carved from solid wood and yes, it’s as heavy as it looks…. Some reasonable telehandler skills by Oaks second row Ian Burmeister too….

We anticipate seeing these popping up in gardens across Sevenoaks soon! 👀

#woodcarving #luckyacorn #aztechtrees #oak #centerstage#christmascameearly #ohwhentheoaks #mightyoaks

💙💛💙💛💙💛

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to welcome A25 Cars LTD to the Sevenoaks Rugby Club family!

Dear Members,

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to welcome A25 Cars LTD to the Sevenoaks Rugby Club family!

A25 Cars LTD is a leading Airport Taxi Service operating from Sevenoaks to Oxted and is dedicated to supplying a refreshing, reliable and courteous service for business travellers and family holiday makers.  For more information, please visit - https://a25cars.co.uk

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are absolutely delighted to partner with A25 Cars LTD and excited for our members to benefit from the excellent airport transfer services on offer!

Stephen Greenfield, Director of A25 Cars LTD, said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the "Mighty Oaks" for the first time and it is a pleasure to play a part in supporting a great community club.  We wish everyone associated with Sevenoaks Rugby Club all the very best for the year ahead. COYO!"

Yours in rugby,

Sevenoaks Rugby

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce a partnership with Design in Stone LTD!

Design in Stone LTD is a leading Bespoke Cabinetry Maker and specialist in Stone Fabrication. Working with Interior Designers, Architects, Property Developers & Builders on large scale projects as well as with Retail clients. Design in Stone provide bespoke cabinetry such as Kitchens, TV Media Walls, Bedroom Furniture, Utility & Boot Rooms. Experts at sourcing the perfect Stone from all over the world for projects including Kitchen Countertops, Bathrooms, Feature Walls & Flooring. Outdoor Kitchens are also a forte!

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Commercial Director Adam Bowman commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Design in Stone LTD to the Sevenoaks Rugby Club family and are excited for our members to benefit from the excellent high-quality products produced by the Design in Stone Team with their incredible attention to detail and fabulous customer service!

Dan Minnis, Director and Owner of Design Stone LTD, said: "Having been a proud member of Sevenoaks Rugby Club, along with my family over the past few years, I have experienced first hand the true commitment that the club reciprocates with its members at every level, from juniors up!  As a dedicated sponsor of the club we look to support the incredibly positive, inclusive ethos at Sevenoaks and the continued development of the club"

Pearl's Corner - 03/11/2023

A WARM WELCOME TO ESHER RFC

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ESHER RUGBY CLUB!

It is with great pleasure we welcome everyone involved with Esher Rugby Club to Knole Paddock for the first time.  Also, together with that welcome, we can say congratulations on your 100th Anniversary.

In 1923 four rugby enthusiasts met in the inevitable pub and decided that their part of North Surrey should include a rugby club.  There were many such initiatives in those days, bringing together communities after the ravages of WWI and the Spanish flu and also with increasing mobility as the number of cars and coaches increased.  Our own club was formed in similar circumstances two years later.

One of the four initial members of Esher hailed from Newport, and he suggested that the new club colours should be black and amber, the same as Newport Rugby Club.  At the end of this August an Esher v Newport pre-season match was played to start the centenary celebrations.

I couldn’t find much in the way of Esher RFC history before the 1970s, but the club must have been progressing well as they became serial winners of the revived Surrey Cup in that decade.

They were placed in London 1 when leagues rugby began in 1987, but relegated after that first season.  They bounced back five terms later and were promoted to the National Leagues in 1997.  A prolonged stay in Level 4 ended with promotion in 2007 and then again up to The Championship for two seasons starting in 2010.  From then on Esher have been regular participants in Level 3 for all but two seasons before this.  As with Blackheath, their recent relegation was a close-run thing, with a final match reversal combined with a win elsewhere which dumped them into the last relegation spot for the only time that season.

Some well known faces have been, and in some cases still are, associated with today’s guests.  Peter Winterbottom, one of the standout England caps in the 1980s and a model for all open sides to copy, is now Esher’s Director of Rugby.  His face is instantly recognisable on their website as is the more exposed visage of Past President John Inverdale.  John’s BBC career covered many sports and every rugby enthusiast will instantly recognise him and his voice.  John played his rugby at Esher for many seasons in various teams up and down the club.  It is understood that he only retired comparatively early because he was continuously targeted by all the opposition hard men who wanted to boast to their girlfriend (or even her mother?!) that he was the one who had tackled John into the mud and/or given him a black eye.

Esher can boast an extended grandstand seating a good 400 and a bank opposite, both of which form raised areas for viewing on both sides.  Our facilities are slightly more modest, but the noisy encouragement emanating from the Knole Paddock faithful has yet to be exceeded by any opponent’s supporters on their home ground. 

In light of Esher’s recent elevated status, we shall need everyone to be in full voice as we tackle for the first time another club with a rich recent history.

Howard Pearl

Other National 2 East matches being played today:

Bury St Edmunds v Worthing                                Canterbury v Westcombe Park

Guernsey v Barnes                                               Henley v Wimbledon

Old Albanian v Dorking                                        Tonbridge Juddian v North Walsham

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Welcomes New Sponsors: The Rock Inn Chiddingstone

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is thrilled to announce a new partnership with The Rock Inn Chiddingstone, a beloved local pub in the Chiddingstone community, renowned for its warm ambiance, delicious food, and a wide selection of beverages. This historic establishment has been at the heart of the Chiddingstone village for generations, making it the perfect partner for Sevenoaks Rugby Club.

"We are extremely excited to welcome The Rock Inn Chiddingstone as our newest sponsor," said Adam Bowman, Commercial Director of Sevenoaks Rugby Club. "Their commitment to the local community mirrors our own, and we look forward to supporting and working with each other. Adam continues "As part of the partnership, our members will be able to benefit from a 10% discount Monday to Friday when visiting The Rock Inn Chiddingstone on presentation of your membership card.

Laurence Bowes, owner of The Rock Inn Chiddingstone said "The Rock Inn Chiddingstone is a proud supporter of the Mighty Oaks and looks forward to a long supportive relationship. As a community pub representing rural Kent it is our shared love of sport that keeps communities like ours together and no better a partnership in my mind than Sevenoaks Rugby Club and the Mighty Rock".

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Hosts Local Primary School Tag Rugby Festival

Sevenoaks Rugby Club hosted the annual Local Primary School Tag Rugby Festival yesterday, an event which showcased the talents and enthusiasm of budding young rugby players from local primary schools, promoting the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

The festival, held on Monday 9th October, brought together primary school students from the Sevenoaks area for an afternoon of friendly competition and sportsmanship. The event featured teams from various local primary schools, including Chevening, Otford, Ide Hill, St Johns, St Georges, St Katharines, Kemsing, Lady Boswells, Seal, Weald, Anthony Roper, Shoreham, Amherst, St Lawrence, Ightham, Churchill, Chiddingstone, Leigh, all of whom displayed impressive skills.

The festival was not just about winning; it was a platform for young local athletes to learn and grow while fostering a love for rugby. It also aimed to promote the values of teamwork, respect, and fair play that rugby instills in its participants.

Adam Bowman, Director of Rugby of Sevenoaks Rugby Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, "We are thrilled to have hosted this wonderful festival for the local primary schools. It's fantastic to see so many young children enjoying rugby and learning valuable life skills through the sport. We are proud to be a part of their rugby journey".

The festival was made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of Clare Strange (the tournament organiser), Sevenoaks Rugby Club, Sevenoaks School, the participating schools, Aztech Group for providing the festival trophy, and Sevenoaks Town Council who kindly provided the pitches at no cost. The club would like to extend its gratitude to all volunteers, coaches, teachers, parents, and spectators who contributed to the success of the event.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club remains committed to fostering a love for rugby at all levels and ages within the community. The Local Primary School Tag Rugby Festival serves as a testament to this commitment.

September's Wagamama Player of the Month - BARNEY STONE

 PLAYER OF THE MONTH 

Congratulations to Barney Stone ho has been voted as September's @wagamama_uk Sevenoaks Player of the Month after some outstanding displays throughout the first block of the season.

Enjoy Barney!

A reminder, all Sevenoaks Rugby Club members can benefit from a 20% discount when dining at Wagamama Sevenoaks on presentation of your membership card!

Pearl's Corner - 06/10/23

A WARM WELCOME TO NORTH WALSHAM RFC

We welcome back everyone involved with North Walsham Rugby Club, one of our fellow basement dwellers from last season. We both survived the cut last April and it looks like it might just be a case of dejas vu come Spring 2024.  

Our opponents will have travelled 150 miles to get here, but they will be used to extended coach journeys as they are the northernmost club in our division.  Knowing what is at stake no doubt the coach party from Norfolk will have set off early to avoid delays en route.  

Nicknamed The Vikings, presumably due to overseas visitors coming ashore many centuries ago, our guests started life as late as 1962 under the guidance of a local headmaster, Ken Marshall and the resident policeman John Mansfield.  The plan was to tickle the interest of the Walsham youth in rugby.  History relates that several families were somewhat daunted by John, in full uniform, knocking on doors on a Friday night asking if any lads were at home.

Starting off on school pitches, presumably courtesy of Ken, the club soon moved to Scottow their present home.  The early fixture lists comprised all the local Norfolk teams and the club thrived.  Pre leagues success was capped in 1984 by lifting both the Norfolk and Eastern Counties Cups.  

The advent of leagues in 87/88 gave The Vikings the impetus to move rapidly skywards, eventually involving 18 consecutive seasons in the National Leagues. That run came to an end in 10/11 and for the next eight terms they oscillated mainly between Levels 5 and 6.  However, a stellar but Covid induced and abbreviated 19/20 campaign saw the Vikings gallop away with London 1 North.  The 21/22 London & South East Premier promotion contest was epic and both our clubs prevailed, so for 22/23 it was inevitable that they would be finding their feet in elevated surroundings.    

Both of us have had difficult starts to this season so the points on offer today will be keenly contested and most welcome for whoever prevails.  No matter the outcome today our two clubs will continue to serve the community and retain our integrity by operating within our own defined financial and moral guidelines. 

Howard Pearl

Other National 2 East matches being played today:

Bury St Edmunds v Esher                                     Canterbury v Dorking

Guernsey v Worthing                                            Henley v Tonbridge Juddian

Old Albanian v Wimbledon                                    Westcombe Park v Barnes