VERWOOD RUFC NEWS ARCHIVE
January - December 2003
 

December 2003
Sherry Morning
The Club's annual Sherry Morning was held on Sunday 21st December and was the best attended so far. Our thanks to Ken Banks for making this event such a success.
Max Boyce buys Raffle Ticket

Its Official. Max Boyce was sold one of our raffle tickets at the Angel public house Glyneath by Vice Present Bryan Hoggins who was "amazed that he bought an RFU ticket". See www.maxboyce.co.uk  But fair play (chwarae teg), a number of the welsh locals have been quite happy to buy the tickets. Those of you who are still to sell your tickets, please lead by example. Over £300 has been raised so far the Club.
 

Test the Nation
The BBC TV National Quiz returns to our screens on Monday 22nd December. Remember last year when the Club was well represented on the Rugby Team? See  Test the Nation
Christmas Scrum Down
Our Thanks to Roy for organising the Xmas Disco & Buffet held at the RBL on Friday 19th December.
Ben Stocken
All at Verwood RUFC wish Ben Stocken a speedy recovery after he sustained a dislocated shoulder at training on Thursday 4th December.
Oakmedians Vets
Verwood played Oaks Vets at Home on Sunday 14th December winning 55-5 in a thoroughly entertaining game played in good pre-christmas spirit. Our Visiting Italian Georgio Leyrosso crossed over for three tries. This was an opportunity for Club Stalwarts Roy Hammond, Dave Hockaday & Andy Hoggins to have a run out. Verwood's scorers were:
Tries: Gerogio Leyrosso (3); Dave Hockaday; Marc Kuhne; Andy Hoggins; Nick Beale; Andy Davies; Phil Emery.
Conversions: Georgio Leyrosso (1); Dave Hockaday (1); Marc Kuhne (1); Phil Huckle (1); Andy Hoggins (1)
Chineham
Verwood were back in League action on Saturday 6th December but disappointingly lost at home to Chineham 13-25. See  See Match Report & League Table See also Chineham RFC
Other results from Hampshire 3:
Paxton Pumas   8 - 3    East Dorset
Ventnor   66 - 5    Stoneham Park
November 2003
Portsmouth Nomads
Verwood beat Portsmouth Nomads II 20-19 on Saturday 29th November with tries scored by Simon Banks, Phil Emery & Ben Stocken. See Match Report
Summer  Touch Rugby

Verwood featured on the above programme in August. A copy of the video can be obtained from the Sportnation website at  www.sportnation-tv.com
World Cup Final
Congratulations to England in winning the World Cup. What a final!! Fines will be handed out to all those who failed to attend at the Swans to watch the final - a full house, great atmosphere.
On Thursday 20th November, there was a great turn out for the England v Australia Touch Rugby match. Strangely, this ended in a draw at full time which England also went on to win! Spooky.
On Friday 21st November, Mike Wheatley's Thai evening and wine-tasting was a great success at the RBL. Our thanks to Mike for organising this and those that did all the washing up ( in particular Phil & Chantel)!!
Simon in Oz
Catch up with Simon's diary of events in Oz and his reports of both before and after the England Pool games including pictures - World Exclusive. Simon was at the England Wales game on Sunday 9th November & the England France semi. See Simon Down Under
East Dorset
Verwood's League fixture against East Dorset was been brought forward a week to avoid the World Cup Final. Verwood lost 18-7 in a very close contest with little between the two sides. See Match Report & League Table
Ventnor
Verwood played overseas on Saturday 8th November against top of the Table Ventnor on the Isle of Wight. Verwood came away with little change losing 72-5. See Match Report The oddest thing of all was the strange disappearance of winger Wayne Vaughan who vanished before boarding the mini bus for the outward journey. Alien abduction has been rumoured and the Club are seriously considering insuring against such eventualities. See  Extra-terrestrial Abduction Insurance
Dublin Tour 2004
For full details of the Club's 2004 Tour see Dublin Tour
Oakmedians
Verwood fielded their second XV for the first time this season against Oakmedians III on Saturday 1st November losing 10-31. See Match Report

October 2003
Stoneham Park
Verwood beat Stoneham Park 32-10 at home on Saturday 25th October. See Match Report & League Table
Bournemouth Nomads
Verwood played under floodlights at Chapel Gate on Friday night winning 61-0 in a thoroughly entertaining game. See Match Report
Paxton Pumas
Verwood lost to Paxton Pumas 22-30 in a game where they trailed 0-10 and with 15 minutes to go led 22-10!! See Match Report

Video Clips
See our new Video clips page
The Great Ballon Race
The First prize (£100) was won by Ms Gabrielle Miles, her balloon having been found in the Yeovil area by L Burgess from Long Sutton. The Second prize (a case of wine) was won by Mr Marlow and it was found in the same region but had not travelled as far. It was returned by Colin Shore of Trowbridge. The prizes were presented just prior to kick off at Verwood's home game against Paxton Pumas on Saturday 11th October.
Simon Banks Hatrick
Verwood beat Southampton III 37-29 on Saturday 4th October in a pulsating game of open flowing rugby. See Match Report and Video clips Southampton fielded 3 Fijians in their three quarters who ran the ball at every opportunity with their fly-half "Bim" scoring three tries with another for fellow Fijian "Jerry". See Southampton RFC
But man of the match was Verwood stalwart Simon Banks who scored three tries which was fitting in his last game for Verwood before his adventure "down under" to follow England in the World Cup. See Simon down under

September 2003
That winning kick
Video of Marc's Kick (85k download)

Chineham
Verwood are top of Hampshire 3 following their dramatic win over Chineham 15-14 at Old Basing on Saturday 27th September. It was an injury time penalty, sweetly converted by outside half Marc Huhne, that sealed victory for Verwood in a game which they dominated throughout. See Match Report & League Table See also Chineham RFC
Other results from Hampshire 3:

Powergen Junior Vase First Round
Verwood failed to progress beyond the first round of the Powergen Vase. Although the early exchanges did not suggest there would be such a margin of victory, Verwood were comprehensively beaten by the Hampshire Division 2 side from Portsmouth 48-0.
Verwood’s Captain, Phil Huckle was not too despondent after the game. He said “They were a well drilled side and are likely to progress to the final stages of this national competition. Even so, there were tremendous individual contributions from our forwards in all phases. We must now focus on the League and next week’s game away to Chineham.” See Nomads
Club Handbook 2003-4
This is now available. Please contact Ken Banks for a copy
Verwood beat East Dorset RFC
Verwood beat East Dorset at home 20-17 on Saturday 13th September against East Dorset RFC (formerly Portcastrians RFC) to win their opening League game of the season.
See  Match Report
Other Results from Hampshire 3:
Paxton Pumas   20 - 21    Stoneham Park
Ventnor   22 - 10    Chineham
See  League Table
Annual Dinner
The Annual dinner took place on Saturday 13th September at the Anglo Swiss Hotel Bournemouth. The event was a great success with 55 in attendance on the night. Our thanks to chairman Ken Banks for arranging the event. The club awards for season 2002-3 were as follows: Verwood beat Poole 35-0 in Season opener
A total of six tries were scored in a game where the scoreline belies the contribution which Poole
made to this thoroughly entertaining match. The weather conditions were perfect for open running
rugby on a sunny crisp afternoon and both sides played the game in great spirit.
Verwood’s new captain, Phil Huckle, was full of praise for his team after the match. “We played
15 man rugby throughout which is the style of game we are trying to develop. I was particularly
impressed by the contributions made by our new players Chris Goldsworthy, Tony Cosgrove and
Mark Huhne.”
Verwood are in League action next Saturday, against East Dorset RFC when last season’s Captain
Neil Westerman is expected to make his first appearance.
Scorers:
Darren Kendall (2); Wayne Vaughan; Chris Goldsworthy; Tim Wynn; Martin Hillier;
Conversions: Phil Emery (1);
Penalty: Phil Emery.
Powergen Junior Vase Preliminary Round
Verwood have won a bye through to the First Round as Hamble have cried off. Verwood now play their first game on Saturday 6th September at home to Poole.
Pre-Season Training
This is now in full swing. 7pm Thursday evenings at Potterne Park. New players are welcome
August 2003
Touch Rugby - The "Touchy Feelies"
Verwood Barbarians were pleased to have a re-match on Wednesday 13th August losing narrowly 17-15 in a very entertaining game at Meryck Park. Our thanks to our hosts. We hope to repeat the matches in 2004
Rustic Fayre Balloon Race
The Club organised a Balloon Race as part of its involvement in and support for Verwood's Rustic Fayre held at Potterne Park on the Bank Holiday weekend. The first traunch of balloon tickets were sold outside Safeway's in Verwood. A satisfied customer is seen exiting right in the photo below after his encounter with Shrek. But who's the mysterious guy in the shadows? First Prize is a £100 and some tickets have already been returned. The winner will be announced at the end of September.
Touch Rugby - The "Touchy Feelies"
Verwood Barbarians were pleased to entertain the "Touchy Feelies" from Bournemouth in a friendly match at Potterne on Wednesday 6th August. Great fun was had by all in a closely contested match with the Barbarians winning 13-9 in the end. The next encounter is at Meyrick Park at 7pm on Wednesday 13th August.
Ellingham Show
The Club are pleased to be associated with the Ellingham & Ringwood Agricultural Show and helped with setting up at the Showground.

The Show took place place at Somerley Park on Saturday 9th August. The soaring record temperatures saw the crowds flock in. For full details see: www.ellinghamshow.co.uk
Mudeford Raft Race
Just about returning in one piece following Ramsey's stag weekend, the "team" competed in the Mudeford Raft Race on Sunday 3rd August can came second out of a field of 20+ craft. Once again, well done to Roy, his crew & "the Phoenix"
July 2003
Curry Night
A successful Curry Night out on Friday 26th July @ the Indian Cottage Ringwood. Our thanks to Mike Wheatley for organising this. He did well.
Swanage Raft Race
Verwood RUFC successfully defended the RNLI Shield on Saturday 19th July in the annual RNLI Swanage Raft Race. Having won the race in 2002, the Club saw off some fierce nautical opposition, (not least the Swanage Sailing & Boating Club). BP finishing second and the RNLI in third place.

Roy Hammond (picture top left) lead the Verwood entry, having put his team through a strict training regime over the last 12 months helped by a potent brew which Simon Banks had brought back from Crete (Haki??). Verwood's theme this year was "Harry Potter"(picture top right). Roy's unique raft design skills saw the craft glide through the water at a considerable rate of knots. The team finished the course a good 5 minutes ahead of BP. There are now moves afoot to rename the Club "Verwood Rugby Sailing & Boating Club"
Fixtures 2003/4
These are now pretty much settled thanks to the efficiency of Neil Scarisbrick. See  Fixtures 2003/4

Sportnation 2003
The programme on which the Club's Touch Rugby will feature is sportnation 2003 which goes out on Sky Sports 2 on Friday evenings (times vary), repeated Sky Sports Extra and again on Saturday. See  Programme Details
Touch Rugby Disco & Presentations
The final round of matches in the touch Rugby saw wins for the Fayrewood and Barbarians. Congratulations to The Albion for winning the Tournament and the Hookway Cup. See Pictures
Thanks to everyone who took part. See Results and Table

The Disco and Touch Rugby Presentation Evening on Friday 4th July was a great success with 70+ attending. Our thanks to Roy Hammond for organising this and those who supported it. The following presentations were made:


Best Lady player: Ali Howell
Clubman of the Year: Mike Cockram
 More Awards Night Pictures
June 2003
Touch Rugby Week 5 June 26th
This week saw another excellent turnout. Thanks to the Swans their hospitality.  Last week's results saw a change at the top of the table with the Albion assuming top position. The Albion have now secured the Hookway Cup despite the final week of touch rugby next Thursday.
26th June 2003 Results:

The Albion 19 Verwood Barbarians 14
The Fayrewood 7 The Swans 14
 
The Banks Challenge Cup
Thanks to all who took part in the above Touch Rugby event on Saturday 14th July. Congratulations to the Albion in winning the Cup beating the Fayrewood narrowly in the final 4-3.
The Production Company making the programme for Sky Sports were happy with the action footage taken as well as all the interviews. Details of the screening of the programme will follow once known. Verwood RUFC will be featured as part of a series of programmes entitled "Grass Roots to Grand Slam" See  Programme Details
Simon Banks was severely punished for failing to record the NZ v England game.
Rugby Posts
The final sections of the Club's new posts were finally erected on 12th June. Our thanks to Simon Banks for this. The Club now boasts International Standard Rugby Posts at its Potterne Park Ground
Summer Touch Rugby
The tournament is now in full swing. There are still places available for anyone who wishes to play. Just tun up on Thursday evenings at 7pm at Potterne. The latest round of matches see The Fayrewood now top the table ending the Albion's unbeaten run.
12th June 2003 Results:

Verwood Barbarians 12 The Swans 14
The Albion 11 The Fayrewood 14

Please see Touch Rugby and the Team Lists See  Results and Table

Ben Stocken
Ben is taking another "year out" and has committed himself to the Club next season.
Team Captain
At the Club's recent AGM, Phil Huckle was elected Team Captain & Mike Wheatley as Vice-Captain. Congratulations to them both.
Club Handbook 2003/4
This is in the course of preparation. The Chairman requires "copy" -  e-mail the Chairman
League Fixtures 2003/4
These have just been released. There will be no change to the format of Hampshire Division 3 next Season. Portcastrians and Ventnor were relegated from Hampshire 2 last season. Would all players please ensure their Passports are up to date for the overseas visit to the Isle of Wight.

13th Sept    Ports                home
27th           Chineham         away
11th Oct      Pax Pumas      home
25th            Stoneham Pk    home
8th Nov       Ventnor           away
22nd           Ports                away
6th Dec       Chineham         home
24th Jan      Pax Pumas       away
14th Feb     Stoneham Pk     away
13th Mar    Ventnor             home
See  2003/4 Fixtures

May 2003
Junior Section Sponsorship
The junior section were pleased to formally accept a cheque from Harlees on Sunday 1st June of a cheque in the sum of £600 representing very gerous sponsorship of the Club's shirts.
Summer Touch Rugby

This is now in its fourth year and started on 29th May. Congratulations to the Albion and The Fayrewood on their wins in the first round of Matches
Please make an effort to come on Thursday for a 7pm prompt start.The Fayrewood will be the after match hosts on Thursday 5th June.
The weather is looking good!

April 2003
The Nick Carlyon Memorial Match  - Saturday 26th April
Verwood Past 52 Verwood Present 25

The last game of the season was another fitting tribute the to the late Nick Carlyon who died in 2001. He was a young man and a friend to all at Verwood RUFC. As a founder member of our Club, he played in the front row and later in the backs at centre. His happy and generous disposition was always apparent.
Sadly, he took his own life.
This year's match again produced open and flowing rugby with the Past winning 52-25.

Final League Position
The final League games in Hampshire Division 3 were played on 12th April. Congratulations to both Kingsclere (League winners) and Overton who are both promoted to Division 2. See League Table

Lychett Minster
Verwood lost 17-31 to Lychett on Saturday 5th April in an ill tempered Match. Phil Emery went over for two tries for Verwood.

Old News
See our Club News from:
January to March 2003
August to December 2002
January to July 2002
August to December 2001
January to July 2001

For Club News from 2000 click on  Archive

Verwood RUFC