GRFU Issue 1 2018
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
CLUB NEWS<br />
BT Sports Night at Clifton RFC Injured Players Foundation -<br />
Social Sevens @ St Mary’s Old Boys RFC<br />
Nigel O’Faircheallaigh of St Nicks Gaelic<br />
At the very end of August, Wyn Tingley, Clifton’s Chairman, read that BT<br />
Sport Tonight were looking for venues for their flagship rugby programme,<br />
Rugby Tonight on Tour.Armed with his iPhone, he spent the first Sunday<br />
morning of the new season convincing members from all parts of the Club<br />
to shout “You should come to Clifton!” 24 hours later BT Sport were<br />
indeed coming to Clifton.<br />
Just 10 days later the main function room at Station Road was converted<br />
into a TV studio and they were away! From the ‘Smashometer’ to special<br />
coaching from Steven Luatua and Ian Madigan (Bristol Bears) it was a very<br />
special day.<br />
Many thanks to the amazing volunteers who made the day so enjoyab;e<br />
and to all the young players who showed off the wonderful rugby family that<br />
is Clifton RFC.<br />
St. Mary’s OBs held their first Sevens tournament to raise money and<br />
awareness for the Injured Players Foundation. The IPF is a charity that looks<br />
after injured rugby players that have suffered catastrophic injuries at all levels<br />
of rugby. A team of volunteers (and players), led by injured player, Liam<br />
O’Keeffe, managed to get ten men’s teams and six women’s teams to enter<br />
this first competition. Teams entered from all over the south of England<br />
giving a cosmopolitan feel to the occasion.<br />
The men’s competition started as two leagues, followed by knockout<br />
rugby. Although the tournament was social, the rugby played was highly<br />
competitive and eventually won by Connolly’s Sevens who beat North<br />
Bristol in the final. Connolly Sevens was established to raise awareness for<br />
the Brain Tumour Charity, following the death of their former coach James<br />
Connolly.<br />
BT Sport filming live<br />
at Clifton RFC - <strong>GRFU</strong><br />
Treasurer featured!<br />
Tammy Howells of St Mary’s Ladies<br />
Wyn Tingley, Clifton<br />
Chairman (right)<br />
Clifton Accreditation Renewed<br />
Congratulations to Clifton RFC on having its RFU Accreditation renewed this<br />
season.<br />
stripes.indd 1<br />
The women’s competition took on a round-robin format. Just like the men’s<br />
rugby, it was highly competitive and played in the great spirit of rugby. When<br />
teams were short of players or depleted as a result of injuries, each team<br />
would generously lend players to balance things out. Eventually Sheffield<br />
Ladies came out on top with an undefeated afternoon, closely followed by<br />
St Mary’s Ladies.<br />
The event ended in high spirits with a very social evening involving a<br />
live band and a disco. With a raffle and all other proceeds going to the IPF<br />
charity, the final total just exceeded £3,000.<br />
Many thanks to all the volunteers who donated their time and energy and<br />
to St Mary’s OBs for hosting the event.<br />
Pictured above is Neil Loader presenting to Wyn Tingley<br />
Editor’s comment - “Well done Liam, what a great contribution<br />
and let’s hope that it does continue as an annual event.”<br />
Gloucestershire Rugby News <strong>Issue</strong> 1 – November <strong>2018</strong> – 13
Change language