Click to go to messages from coaches for the 2007/8 season:
FALMOUTH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB - A SHORT HISTORY.
Falmouth Rugby Football Club was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest Rugby Clubs in Cornwall and indeed in England. This year the club will celebrate 134 years of continually promoting the game of rugby football in our town and the surrounding area.
In the early years the Club owed much to John Genn, who was not only the Captain and later President but also Town Clerk of Falmouth. John was the first of many Rugby Club members to serve the town either as an official or as a councillor. The Club therefore has a long tradition of service to the town of Falmouth.
In the very early years the club played at several sites - Seafront Gyllyngvase, Belmont and Quarter-Mile Lane, which has now become Tregenver Road. However, around the turn of the nineteenth century a group of Falmouth businessmen and sportsmen formed The Falmouth Recreation Ground Company and built The Recreation Ground on its prominent position overlooking our expanding harbour town. It was then that the rugby club occupied its “new” base as a tenant and where it has remained throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. During this time the ground has hosted many County Championship matches and also two England Trials.
In 1933 the Club had the opportunity to purchase the ground but, because the necessary finance could not be raised, it was then purchased by Falmouth Borough Council who continued to rent it to the Rugby Club. When local government was reorganised in 1974 Carrick District became the owners and continued to rent the ground to the Club before finally granting to the Rugby Club a 50 year lease.
Over the past 132 years Falmouth Rugby Club has been a force in rugby not only in Cornwall but also nationally. During that period Falmouth has produced many fine players including two Internationals, John Jackett and Jim George, one “B” International, Roger Pellow, one England Reserve. Rodney Carne and two who had International Trials, Dick Jackett and Arthur Thomas. In addition many have been capped for Cornwall perhaps the most noteworthy being Dick Jackett who won 71 caps and whose county playing career spanned 22 years from 1901 to 1922. Historically the major source of players has been Falmouth Grammar School and more latterly Falmouth School while “The Docks” has also played its part as both an employer and source of players.
Falmouth Rugby Club first won the championship of Cornwall around 1900 and since the end of the Second World War the players were champions again in 1956 when Bill Bishop captained the side [see photograph]. The 1970s were perhaps the best years with the “Chiefs” winning a unique treble of Championship of Cornwall, The Cornwall Cup and the County Sevens in its centenary year of 1973-74 [see photograph] and the “Double” was achieved in 1976-77 with the team winning the C.R.F.U. Official Merit Table and The Cornwall Cup. During that time the Club played some of the best sides in England and Wales and came out with much credit under the leadership of Graham Bate and the coaching of David “Benji” Thomas.
Since those highly successful days of the 7Os the playing fortunes of the club showed a steady decline and this resulted in a down turn in the support for the club both on and off the field. However, the mini section of the club was successfully maintained due to the efforts of a few dedicated coaches and parents and so provided a good sporting outlet for the youngsters of the town and also possible senior players for the future.
The l98Os and early 9Os were pretty bleak with only a few and occasional successes recorded. During this period the efforts of Steve Lightfoot as player, captain and club coach stood out. He refused to abandon his local club and worked valiantly to keep the club in touch with the rapid changes taking place in the world of rugby union football. The fact that he also gained several Cornwall caps during this time when playing in a weak side is another measure of his remarkable achievements. As player-coach and then as coach Steve organised the senior sides well with the arrival of league rugby and there was a welcome upturn in the playing standards of the club. In Cornwall League 1 the team performed with credit and gained promotion to the Cornwall and Devon League where results were good and we more than held our own. Kevin Hughes, who was skipper for five consecutive years, led by example during that time and this improved performance resulted in an increase in support both by spectators and also local sponsors who have brought much needed financial help. However, this level could not be sustained when the team loss a number of influential players all at the same time and the club returned to Cornwall League 1 where it operated just above the relegation zone until 2002-03.
Four seasons ago under the guidance of Darren Chapman, the first coach to be recruited from outside the club, and with the arrival of talented new players the standard of rugby soared and the outcome was the “Double” again – this time League Championship and winners of the Skinner’s Brewery Clubs’ Cup [see photograph]. Since then the club has fought hard to stay in the Cornwall and Devon League under the direction of both Darren Chapman and Barry Trevaskis. Now, in 2007, a new era begins with Tim Gay taking over the coaching mantle and the club will be hoping to improve on last year’s mid-table position.
Top of Page
FALMOUTH RFC MINIS AND JUNIORS – By PETER TREDGET
Falmouth RFC Minis and Juniors Section comprises of girls and boys from the age of 6 to 16 with teams divided into school years. Each age group has fully trained and CRB checked coaching staff with many years playing experience between them.
The coaching is carried out in accordance with the RFU’s training recommendations, which start off with the Under 7s and 8s playing tag rugby as an introduction to the art of passing and running with the ball. For the Under 9s, contact is introduced with tackling and three man scrums. This is then developed up to the full game at the age of 14.
There are many resources available at the club including scrum machines, weight training facilities and an endless wealth of experience from the senior side of the club with first team players coming along to the Sunday morning training sessions to help with game specifics.
Training for minis and juniors occurs on Sunday mornings at the Recreation Ground from 9.45am until 11am. On match days these times are subject to change.
For further information contact:
Peter Tredget (Chairman) - (01326) 318526
Jon Sheer (Fixtures Secretary)- (01209) 314299
During the 2006/07 season, more modern training techniques were introduced to the training regime – mainly as a result of ensuring that all coaches achieved at least an RFU Level 1 training qualification. It is hoped to further develop this during the upcoming season in order to maintain our commitment to develop both coaches and players to achieve their full potential.
The teams and individual performances are greatly aided by the many willing and able parents of players whose weekly commitment has involved providing help in the clubhouse to maintaining the grounds. Without these, the mini and junior sections would not be able to produce the teams and players we currently have. If you feel you could help out further, then please do not hesitate to make contact.
Top of Page
FRFC COLTS by Jeff Maddern
This will be my first full season coaching the Colts section of the club, as last season I spent most of it abroad. I would like to express my thanks to Arthur Williams (who is now standing down from coaching the colts) for organizing the colts for the last four years. This has been no easy task, but I am sure he has found it rewarding with many young players representing the 1 st XV. Last year Garth Lever and Jacob Stephens made several appearances for the seniors and we hope that many more of last year’s Colts will be filtering into the 2 nd & 1 st XVs this season. As one of the boys said last year Arthur is a “Legend”. He will be missed, but I am sure that he will still be around to ask the lads to have an after match drink from his legendary “chamber pot “. Many thanks, Arthur.
Last season over thirty fixtures were fulfilled and, although few games were won, the end of season saw a more settled side put together some fine performances. We still have the services of Toby Mears, Luke Allen, Matt Bevans, Ben Wilson, and Ben Warwicker, to name just a few, and we look forward to them taking on more senior roles in the Colts’ set up.
Progressing into the U17/U18 age group of the Colts this season is a group of lads who show great potential. They have been coached by Neville Curnow, Paul Stephens and Richard Warwicker over the past years and enjoyed great success as an under16 team, with their season culminating in a tour “up country”, which was enjoyed by all. Richard will still be heavily involved with the coaching as will the ever reliable Elliot Nicolson. All players have shown great enthusiasm and a positive attitude at pre-season training this summer and I am looking forward to our first fixture against Helston in late August. Some names to look out for this year will be Ashley Searle (2 nd Row), Phillip Warwicker (Fly Half), Tom Reeves (Hooker) Matthew Stephens (No 8) and Paul Stephens (Centre), who have shown tremendous potential in training.
As with all rugby clubs many people work very hard behind the scenes, and I would like to thank the following in advance: Paul and Jill Stephens, Bob Mears, Simon Miles, all parents who provide transport and Arthur, who will beg, borrow, but not steal, “Cottage Pie” for our after match meals.
The coming season holds a lot of promise. I hope players, coaches and helpers enjoy it and that this time next year I am reporting back with some good results.
ENJOY YOUR RUGBY, LADS!!!
Top of Page
Rugby Second XV – By Barry Pollard
Welcome to the 2007-2008 season after a damp summer break.
As sad as it is to see Barry Trevaskis go, I feel sure that Timmy Gay will bring a fresh team spirit within the club. So let’s back Tim, get up to training and it could make the difference this season.
Last season, despite cancellations by others, the seconds put out a team on 24 occasions (8 cancelled), losing 16, winning 7 and drawing 1. The addition of strong junior clubs, such as Veor, Stithians, Illogan and St Agnes, to our Merit Table played a large part these disappointing statistics.
Peter Wellington, Olly Wyatt, James Dobson and Matt (Captain) Biggins all played over 20 games each, with Matt making up 93 of the 482 points for (556 against). Player of the year Chris McColl had a fine season and Ben Woodman was the most improved player after stepping up from the Colts.
Much praise must go to others, such as Lee Head, Olly Wyatt, Chris Pollard and Daryl Roper to name a few, who turned out regularly and got stuck in.
So, to finish, it was a fair season which lacked a few key players, and greater continuity and more training could well have seen better progress.
Well done lads for a spirited effort week in and week out. I’ll be seeing you all soon for the start of the next season.
Barry!
Top of Page
THE COACH’S VIEW – TIM GAY
Above: Tim Gay and Skitopia sponsor Charlie Ardah
The 2007/08 season not only holds a challenge for me as a player, but also in my new role as Coach at Falmouth Rugby Club. Although my appointment was unexpected – due to losing Barry through personal circumstances – it is a challenge that I shall rise to. My passion for rugby alongside my yearning to do well, will, I hope, motivate all those around me.
We were very fortunate that over the course of the summer Barry achieved some great signings and these new faces alongside our established players will bolster our overall team, both in attack and defence. Pre season training has been a key time to see the two combine and, with numbers at training being pleasing, the early signs look very promising. Commitment and a fighting spirit are already apparent, and, if this state of mind can remain THROUGHOUT the season then hopefully it shall bring us the rewards that we so richly deserve.
Naturally, it goes with holding such a responsible position, that at some point I am going to come under criticism. However, I feel that in a way I also am at an advantage as I know many of the frustrations that niggled the team last year, and this year I aim to iron out as many of those as I can, and finish higher than the 7 th place we gained last year. Players will also be told directly by me of any changes to the starting line up, and reasons for my decisions in doing so will be given to the whole team as well as to the individuals that may be involved.
To sum up, I want to be part of a Club where everybody both on and off the pitch feels valued, where commitment, reliability, and a team spirit are paramount. This along with all our members from the Minis through to the Chiefs, from the committee through to our loyal supporters should make for an enviable Rugby Club, one where each and every individual is aiming for the same goal.
Top of Page
