Hertford Rugby Club, Highfields, Hoe Lane, Ware (2026)

25/10/2022

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19/10/2022

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03/05/2017

How many coaches does it take to change a 6 year old …........ into an England Counties U20’s squad member?

There have been many messages of congratulations , over the last 24 hours for Matt Bendin on the fantastic news of his deserved inclusion in the England Counties U20’s, 25 man squad.

Both Matt and proud Dad Vince were quick graciously thank and pay tribute to Hertford RFC for its contribution to his success.

It was obvious from an early age that Matt had natural skills and talent that was well above the norm but it got me thinking what it takes to provide the opportunity for those talents to develop.

So who has helped coach Matt along that journey. Well I can think of the following:

Craig Barnes
Chris Learmonth
Mark Hale
Trevor Davis
Hugh Davies
Richard Wing
Richard Mannion
Vince Bendin
Angus Frazer
Steve Ruffles
Simon Pinder
Mike Brownhill (Who’s own son Seb joins Matt with England Counties.)
Jon Patton
Michael Sargent
Martin Bayliss

And that’s before you get to the senior coaching team who have been involved over the last year.

There are probably others that I can’t think of just now and to those I apologies.

But like all thing in life you also need a little bit of luck along the way……………….what is it they say about luck?

“Luck is what happens when talent, hard work and preparation meet opportunity”

Well done Matt and well done and thank you to all those who helped him along the way.

Freddy

09/12/2016

Christmas is coming, The Moose is getting fat. This Saturday sees our last home game of 2016 and it promises to be a belter.

Tonbridge Juddians come to ‘Fortress Pain’ having finish victorious in all their games since 10th September when they lost 17 – 7 to Westcombe Park. That was followed by a 4 point victory over Westcliff before they set out on a run of convincing victories. Recent wins have been solid but a little less convincing and I reckon they will be a tad nervous in the run up to the festivities with games against us and then Westcombe Park again next week.

Off the top of my head I can think of eight players not available for selection who would be challenging starting places, yet the side still looks pretty good to me. The coaches are probably hoping they are never all fit together!

We may not be the biggest side in the world (apologies to the bench) but looking at the forecast it may not be such a good day for the ‘big boys ‘ anyway. So, hopefully we are set for a thriller and if we win it will take us up to the 50point mark which will guarantee we won’t be relegated!

We are also honoured to have the President of the RFU Peter Baines at the game. What’s the odds on getting him doing an Irish jig and a bit of Karaoke in the bar afterwards? ………..and maybe a pernod shaker…….now there’s a challenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2’s are at home and KO at 2.15 against the old foe OA’s. let’s give them some support although I suspect the weather may dissuade some from making the 50mtr trip.

After the games we will be entertained (hopefully) by a live band of Irishmen who come highly recommended by our very own musical impresario Kit Burgess…….. anything can happen.

3’s and 4’s are on shopping leave tomorrow but our basement beauties, ‘The Termites’ will be carrying the flag up the A1 to Biggleswade.

Sunday will start with our embryonic ladies section training between 9 and 10 so any of you young or not so young ladies fancy having a go will be welcomed with open arms.

Also on Sunday the mini’s take on Bedford whilst the 13’s welcome Hammersmith and Datchworth.

15’s hit the road to Stortford and London Irish whilst 16’s host Ealing.

The Academy have an afternoon KO and would welcome support when they take on Worthing in the next round of the Colts National Cup at home with a 1.00pmKO.

30/09/2016

This weekend at The Lane

Four weeks in and 2nd in the table! Can’t complain about that can we. Add to that some very useful players coming into the mix over the next few weeks and the garden is looking quite rosy.

5 try’s in 20 Minutes of goldenballs rugby put paid to any hopes Guildford had of gaining anything from the day but a slight concern surrounds how they came back in the second half. To finish on the podium you have to put sides to the sword in that situation which I’m sure will have been pointed out.

It was good to see Baz out on the paddock putting in a National 3 performance despite looking like a Vets prop from the 1970’s. If Barnes Wallace had designed a prop…………

2’s overcame their early season hiccups with a good win and they have a very good side out tomorrow. I predict fireworks when they join the 1’s at Colchester this week.

3’s are in a very tough league but are equipping themselves very well under the dream team of Stores and Animal. This week they face OA’s 3’s who’s premier team ply their trade in National 1. OA’s have realised the importance of club cohesion and are working hard to bring the one club ethos to their club. Hopefully this will be positive for them and for local Rugby.

The ‘Termites’ entertain Biggleswade and will include amongst their ranks the Son and Grandson (Mike and George) of our late great ex-President Ant Irwin.

On Sunday there will be lots of games from the mini’s as we welcome 3 way games with Upminster and Chelmsford.
The U14’s will be at home with 2 games against Cambridge and Upminster.

The 15’s take two teas to Fullerians whilst the two Academy side travel to ‘The Smoke’ to play Ealing and Twickenham.
So get up and have a butchers before the weather turns.

Coming up next week we welcome Chichester to ‘The Lane’. There are still places available at the pre match lunch if you fancy a cultural bite and bevvy prior to the game

On another note we have volunteer who is stepping up to start a ‘Friday Club’ The thought behind it is do get some like-minded folk to do a bit of work around the club on a Friday and have a little refreshment after. Doesn’t have to be every Friday or could even be a one off for the individual. More details will be broadcast shortly

16/09/2016

WILL THE WOMBLES WOBBLE?

It all went West for Westcliff a fortnight ago and there was a Chilly reception for Chiltern last week so can we make the Wombles Wobble and make it three on the trot bY beating Wimbledon down in SW19 tomorrow.

The Rugby Dons have made a very impressive start to the season and begin the day as league leaders two places above us courtesy of try bonus pointS in both outings so far. The rugby pundits think it’s a close game to call with Wimbledon probably just starting favourites by virtue of home advantage.

You can bet your bottom dollar they won’t be taking it lightly as a look back of the past few seasons will show all concerned that our lads are no respecters of lofty league standings and unbeaten records!

There were some very pleasing aspects of to last week’s performance particularly the impact of the three subs who all showed they are capable of performing in the starting XV should circumstances dictate and that despite the fact we lost Najee Mundicha pre game to an injury sustained during his Friday night Zumba fitness class!

There was also another M.O.M. performance of Northern Newbie Sean Taylor. Maybe we should hope for a flooded ground down Wimbledon way tomorrow because rumour has it that he can walk on water!

Two’s are playing gooseberry to the 1’s again with another trip to the same venue. A slightly disappointing result last week saw them loose to Chiltern. Several enforced changes and small but vital errors mean that there is no need for panic and we can probably expect a slicker performance tomorrow.

3’s had a superb win over Fullers 2nd XV which included an individual 5 try extravaganza from Brody Issac. Some were hoping to see him climb the ranks over the coming weeks but he has left for a couple of months farming contract in Croatia, something about sowing wild oats! Tomorrow they face Tring 2nd XV who 1’s narrowly lost last seasons London 1 play off at the death which would have resulted in them being in the same league as our 1st XV this season..

4’s have been decimated by a combination of promotion, injuries , retirements, matrimony, childbirth, holidays, anno domini and maybe the odd touch of lethargy at the moment and is of great concern so if you haven’t put your boots on for a while now’s your chance. It’s up to us all to ensure we do what we can make sure we get this side back on the field soon.

The termites opposition (Welwyn 4's) dropped out but Stortford 5’s have come to the rescue and providing the boys can buy some club socks (it’s a very long and painful story) will be away tomorrow.

Our much hyped new signing (The Mascot) appeared last Sunday, much to the delight of 600 mini and youth players and will hopefully be making an appearance during future 1XV home games. You still have time to suggest a name and win 4 tickets to see Saracens V Harlequins at Wembley. He has already had a friend request from Hertford Town FC mascot ‘Stan the Stag’ and plans are afoot or is that ahoof! for a meet up .

There is plenty of reason to visit Hoe lane on Sunday.
Firstly Rugby. The 13’s are home to Ampthill, the 15 host Shelford and the Academy will be entertaining Thurrock and hopefully the crowd as well.

The second reason is to smarten your club up! Its Work Party Day. From midday and in some instances before you can help with cleaning , hedge cutting, strimming , lopping, chopping and mopping. Many hands make light work and for a 2 or three hours work there will be some refreshments provided. Please help where you can, it makes a big difference, saves us loads of money and helps keep your subs down. We are hoping to see plenty from all sections of the club.

Here I’m going to give a special shout to a Dad from the U7’s and U15’s Howard Stephens who turned up at the club on Tuesday and said he had to work this weekend (he’s a fireman) so could he spend a few hours cutting hedges back now. Top man and what an effort from someone who had the perfect excuse not turn up on Sunday. What’s your excuse?

Finally, big congrats to Jonny Hollis and his wife to be Nicola on the birth of baby Poppy Jovi Hollis this week. Those of you who know Jonny via social media may just have seen the odd pic or two. In fact I now have more photos of six day old Poppy than I do of my own 3 kids 60 years combined years on this earth. Keep em coming Jonny and guess what?

The good guys don’t always come last!

Freddy
PS Photo is of Man Of the Match and Northern Newbie Sean Taylor

09/09/2016

Normal service has resumed.

Well the 1’s home campaign starts in earnest tomorrow when we welcome old friends from Amersham & Chiltern to Hoe Lane. A bit like London buses, you don’t see Amersham for a couple of years and then 2 sides come along at once! By that I mean there 2nd XV are also coming along for the ride and 80 mins against our 2’s for good measure.

A&C were our bogey side two years ago when they did the double over us and ended up taking the fall. Well they have bounced straight back and judging reports have recruited very well over the break. There result last week indicates that the new blood is taking time to gel but don’t expect an easy game.

By the way 's twittermeister seems a good chap, give him a follow.

Hopefully the 2’s can maintain last week’s form. Over the past couple of years they have evolved into a formidable outfit and it’s great to see so many of our parochial young bloods in the ranks.
The 3’s begin their league action against Fullerians 2’s. This is the 1st time in several years we can say it’s a side selected as a pure meritocracy. It’s certainly the way forward if we want to develop senior section and properly integrate the youngsters with the help of a few shrewd old heads on old knackered bodies. Well done all concerned.

4’s have had to scratch this week due to non-availability. We need to ensure we keep recruiting as a club so all you faithful , get talking to new people and to those clubmen who might need a sq**rt of WD40 to get their season started. If we miss three league games the team gets scrubbed from the league!

But let’s be positive and work to get 5 teams into league action next week. We will see the 5ths take the field re branded in Ant Irwin’s memory as ‘The Termites’ for the first time in a generation and in a few weeks the will include guest appearances from Ant’s son Mike and grandson George. Maybe we can get a few of the ‘old faces’ up for a glass of ‘redex’.

I hear we have a new signing who is going to be revealed to the club on Sunday and has requested, because of his high profile and wish to form a close association with the youngsters to make himself known to the mini and youth sections first. Don’t worry though, just keep watching the twitter feed on Sunday morning and see if you can put a name to the face!

Or better still pop up and watch the youngsters training or the U15 playing Sutton and Epsom or the Academy running out against Barnet.

Many of you will have received your yearbooks by now and I must say what an impressive publication it is. Well done to Dave Basely for his work in putting it together and to Bunter and Chairman Paul Eveleigh who spend half there holidays by the pool proof reading!
Finally, next Sunday (18th) is working party day from 12.00pm for 2-3 hours. Remember, it’s your club so if can spare a couple of hours to do a bit of light or heavy maintenance please try.

PS. The medication that caused last week’s rambling’s has worn off and so hopefully normal service has resumed!

….and by the way ( for those who hadn’t worked it out) the answer was 19 and the question was ‘How many S*x Pistol singles titles can you spot in the posting?

Nanu Nanu!
Freddy

02/09/2016

The answer is 19 but what is the question?

So, I hope you’ve all enjoyed your holidays in the sun but now September has arrived we can all get back to our winter regimes.

Firstly a quick note of farewell to Ant Irwin, Eddie Smith, Peter Tagg and Paul Robinson , all great Hertford men for whom last season was there final one. In their own way they all contributed much to our great club and in the case of Peter Tagg the phrase ‘Will always be a part of the club” is very true as his ashes will scattered in the corner of the main pitch before the 1’s first home game on the 10th. RIP Gentlemen.

I’ve been watching summer training with interest and at the start there were Bodies everywhere with Coach Baz at the front of every run screaming C’mon everybody . He reminded me of Road runner.

Those from Seventeen to thirty seven were putting in the graft and whilst some looked Pretty vacant there is no Substitute for hard graft and the boys were giving it in buckets.

There are quite a few new bits to tell you about as the grounds staff ( Martin and his Merry Men) have nurtured the pitches. Despite almost no rain the training pitch with its new carpet is ready a month early. The new land has a usable section ( although a tad crispy) and another that has now been prepared and sown. (So please pray for rain soon).
We have some new lights on the training pitch and the last training are lights will be upgraded soon.

We have a newly painted balcony thanks to Dave Creasey.

There are some very impressive new recruits to both the playing and coaching arenas.

There are a couple of Problems to tell you about. We have a couple of collapsed drains in the road behind the clubhouse. With one of the busiest days of the year on Sunday the cry went up “Watcha gonna do about it” There is a temporary fix in what looks like a couple of large yellow Stepping stones but please observe the 5MPH limit for everybody’s safety.

Now, you may think it’s No fun but we need your help for working party on the 18th Sept. I’m a lazy sod by nature but would hate to feel like a lonely boy that afternoon so if you can spare a couple of hours we would be grateful. ….and Something else, Silly thing I know but please make sure you give No lip to Bunter or there will be Anarchy in the UK. On the plus side helpers will get some refreshments later while Bunter gives his rendition of My way.

So please forgive this week’s ramblings and lets all enjoy the new season.

And …………The answers 19 but what is the question. ( There are some pretty big clues in there)

God save the Queen.

27/05/2016

Vive ‘Les Termites!’

So, in the last two days we have said our last farewells to two great clubmen. I was unable to make Peter Tagg’s this morning (Fri) but I was there yesterday to say ‘Bon voyage’ to ‘The Leader’ Ant Irwin. It somehow feels right and not at all disrespectful to say we had a bloody good day!

This isn’t going to be one of Freddy’s long missives because those that were there heard all about ‘The Life and Loves’ of Ant and for those that weren’t , I could not do justice to the memories, thoughts, feelings and even a bit of psychoanalysis that was so brilliantly delivered by his son Mike and great friends Barry Young and Mike Mazlinski. As Ant himself would say, “Bloody well done blokes”.

It was a who’s who of the HRFC over 50’s most of whom know what he has done for the club as a player, captain and ex-President but it’s important for all to know , as was said in the eulogies, that his efforts in setting up the mini and youth sections have influenced the lives of literally thousands of young boys and girls in our locality. What a legacy!

As some of you will know Ant skippered the 5th XV for 17 years during which time the team adopted the name ‘The Termites’. When Ant retired the name was retired as well. The current skipper ‘Chippy’ has many of the qualities of ‘The Leader’ ………………………….. well actually one of the qualities, he likes a drink or two,…………… and it has been suggested that in honour and memory of Ant, the 5th XV, next season, once again take to the field as ‘The Termites’.

The suggestion has been wholeheartedly endorsed by the family and the club.

During the evening Ant’s son Mike and grandson George agreed, nay demanded, to pull on the Termite shirt at least once during the season. Maybe, just maybe, they could wear the shirt more than once if maybe, just maybe, ‘The Termites’ play an away fixture against Ant’s great friends at Soissons!

I think he’d like that……………

Freddy

13/05/2016

A note of thanks from Mike Irwin and details of arrangements for Ants send off.

"We have been overwhelmed by the number of wonderful messages and moving tributes that have been made. Thank you all so much for taking the time to contact us either by putting pen to paper, or picking up the phone. All of your heartfelt words have been a pleasure to receive.
Dad will be cremated at the West Herts Crematorium in Garston on Thursday 26th May with the service starting at 12.00. There may be a lot of people there and we cannot guarantee that seats will be available for everyone. That said, the facilities are equipped to handle large numbers and we will all be able to pay our final respects to him, even if we are standing.
No flowers please, but for those wanting to donate something on the day, please make contributions via cheque to ‘The Wooden Spoon Society’.
We will, of course, see him off at Hertford Rugby Club straight after the service. I look forward to raising a Guinness or two with you all in his memory."

Mike Irwin.

10/05/2016

RIP Ant Irwin.

I didn't think I would be posting on here for a few weeks but the sad news below requires that I do. Whilst this is not really the official club page 'Ant' told me on several occasions he enjoyed being kept up to date by 'Freddy' so it is only fitting. I can also take joy from having encouraged 'Ant' into the 21st Century world of social media. (However briefly).

Below is the Announcement posted on the Club website from Ged Murphy.

Freddy

"It is with great sadness that I share the news that ‘The Leader’, Anthony ‘Ant’ Irwin passed away this morning after suffering a heart attack last Thursday.

There are many more qualified than I who can articulate what a great servant, supporter and member of our club he was. For my part I can only go back as far as 1976-7 when Ant was a big part of my early days at HRFC and influential in teaching me Rugby and life's core values.

Ant, as well as being a Past President of the club ,was ‘The Leader’ of the Vets team known as ‘The Termites’. I say ‘Vets’ team but as well as a Vets side it was also a very important ‘Rights of Passage’ team where every year a few ‘youngsters’ cut their teeth in senior club Rugby. I had the privilege of being one of those 17 year olds back in the 70’s and spent most of my first season being educated in what it meant to be a member of Hertford RFC both on the field and off of it.

His, and the teams paternal instincts meant that your 50p match fee got you copious amounts of beer and red wine (Redex) and meant you were even taken home and propped up against your front door before the bell was rung. When a parent answered the door and caught you, the ‘taxi driver’ had always mysteriously disappeared!

It was Ant that cemented links with our great friends at Soissons Rugby club in France and he led many tours there over the years, with many stories that will live on. (Don’t mention the sheepskin coat!)

Ant was what I call a proper club man. He was not only interested in the 1st XV but he would always be asking how other sides were doing and had a genuine interest in the youth set up and how we could develop that. In fact, Ant was one of those responsible for setting up the mini section of the club, so every player who has ever come through that system owes a debt to him.

As a youngster, Ant’s encouragement meant a lot to me, as a player, his advice meant a lot to me. When I hung up my boots , his friendship meant a lot to me and as an officer of the club his counsel and respect will always mean a lot to me. For this I shall forever be grateful.

I am sure you will join me in sending condolences to Sue and his Sons, Mike and Andrew and all the family.

We are going to miss those gravelly tones but their legacy will resonate around Hoe Lane for many years to come.

Rest well my friend.

Ged Murphy
Chair of Playing Committee

PS. I wonder if Heaven still sell Capstan Full Strength?

PPS Mike has asked for a couple of days of privacy and we will communicate further details as they become available."

Hertford Rugby Club

25/10/2022

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03/05/2017

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