Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Club Message Board

Please please help this good cause!!!! Had this email from a colleague............

You may or may not be aware, I run a small charitable group made up of amateur musicians and music production engineers who have been working together for the last couple of years. Everyone gives their time, effort and considerable skills for nothing and all expenses are paid for by the membersof the group directly. We're raising money for the Make-A-Wish foundation, a fantastic charity that grants wishes for dying children. Each wish costs the charity approximately £3000 and our target is to pay for at least one whole wish. To do this we write and record original music, involving kids as much as we can (many of our tracks have lyrics written by kids) and this latest one has kids singing in it, and then we sell it on our website. Normally we mainly rely on our website to promote the songs we do. But we've recorded a Xmas song and we think it's superb, we're even hoping to get it played on radio if we can. With ten different vocalists including two kids (aged 4 & 5), ten guitartracks, 5 bass tracks, xmas bells a plenty, timpani drums and a near full orchestra track at the end, this is by FAR the most complicated and involved track we've ever taken on and in the shortest time too. Throw in a hugedollop of humour and take a crack at how miserable Xmas can be and you'rebeginning to get the idea. This song is catchy, funny and you will besinging it in your heads for weeks. So, a simple request. Got a spare 99p kicking around? Let's face it that'sless than a litre of petrol costs, everyone can find 99p. We would love you to buy this track and help this amazing cause. A lot of hard work and effort has gone into it and we believe it's worth 99p of anyone's money and every penny of the proceeds goes straight to granting wishes for dying kids.

http://www.gcrpeople.com

Thanks in advance if you do buy this track, you're a wonderful person and are helping an amazing charity.

Shocking News!

EVENING EXPRESS - Bristol

Seven-year-old boy was at the centre of a London courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible.

The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.

After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.

After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to Yatton RFC whom the boy firmly believes are incapable of beating anyone

***** COLTS*******
As Chair of Playing, I felt I needed to write and express how delighted I am with the performance of our newly formed Colts side.
A disappointing defeat to Dings has been followed by superb wins over Cleve and Chew Valley. Sadly the last two fixtures were cancelled through circumstances outside of our control, but there are new and existing fixtures in place from now to the end of the season and these will be fulfilled.
It is also pleasing to see the large numbers of Colts attending training and benefitting from the same drills and rouitines that the 1sts and 2nds are. This has enabled a number of our younger players to seamlessly step up to senior rugby and in some cases make very satisfactory 1st team debuts.
My thanks to Mark, Wayne and a number of other dedicated helpers who are feeding new blood into our senior sides.
And finally thanks to those of you who have played for the Colts this season and made it a reality.
*****Regards*****
*****Barts*****

If anyone requires a replica Nailsea & Backwell 1st Team shirt before Christmas then orders need to be in by THIS Sunday 9th November. Please contact Nick Dowling

El-Presidente

On behalf of the club I would like to thank all those who turned out at the weekend to help put on the firework display. The small band of 'wet' workers worked non stop in horrible conditions to make it a great night.. Geordie masterminded the event well and with his small band of helpers made the event a success.
Well done.
See you next year.

Norman Selwood. President N & B R.F.C.

We would both like to say a huge Thank You to the barbeque team who cooked all night long in gruelling conditions. Without the help of all of you we couldnt of done it and we just want you all to know it is much appreciated. We would also like to say Well Done to Geordie, his family and all his helpers for working so hard all week end to make the event such a success.

Dear All

Helpers are still required for bonfire night, if you can spare a few hours on Saturday night and would like to help then you need to be at the club at 1730hrs (meet in the Backwell bar). We will also be finishing building the bonfire and carrying out other jobs on Friday and Saturday. So if you can help it would be appreciated, the more people we have helping the quicker it will get done (many hands make light work). Remember this event is for your benefit!

Just to let everyone know the final figure riaised for Breast Cancer by the Pink Ladies Day was £1875.40. It was a great day and thanks to everyone who supported us. The balloon that travelled the furthest was bought by Cheryl Goodman and was found in BLASKESLEY, Northamptonshire which is approx 108 miles fromthe club!!! Not bad seeing a couple of the balloons only made it to the hedge around the 1st team pitch!!

**** Membership Fees *********
Gentlemen,
Firstly thanks to those of you who have parted with your hard earned cash and paid your annual membership fees. I will shortly be publishing on both here and the notice board, a list of those names.
I realise it's a pain to part with your cash and I am also fully aware of the current financial constraints caused by our worsening economy. But I also need to remind you that the club does not have a bottomless pit of cash and whilst the bar makes money, there are overheads that need to be met. Add to that, the cost of new kit; new training tops; more tape for strapping and the hire of transport for away games etc and it soon mounts up. Certainly if you have played for the 1sts or 2nds this season, you will have benefitted in some way from the investments the Club has made in the playing side.
If you have not yet paid your membership, then you can do so easily by seeing either myself or Adrian Knighton or just by paying over the bar.
It's not big or clever to avoid paying.
Be responsible and be fair.
Barts

The Club bonfire is on Saturday 1st November, details on front page. We need helpers for a few days leading up to it, loads of people on the night and also for clearing up the day after. If you can help out in any way please put your name up on the notice board at the club or contact Geordie.
Don't be shy.

So there's this man with a parrot. And his parrot swears like a sailor, I mean he's a pistol. He can swear for five minutes straight without repeating himself.
The trouble is that the guy who owns the parrot is a quiet, conservative type, and this bird's foul mouth is driving him crazy.
One day, it gets to be too much, so the guy grabs the bird by the throat, shakes him really hard, and yells, "QUIT IT!" But this just makes the bird mad and he swears more than ever.
Then the guy gets mad and says, "That's it. I'll get you." and locks the bird in a kitchen cabinet.
This really aggravates the bird and he claws and scratches, and when the guy finally lets him out, the bird cuts loose with a stream of invective that would make a veteran sailor blush.
At that point, the guy is so mad that he throws the bird into the freezer.
For the first few seconds, there is a terrible din. The bird kicks and claws and thrashes. Then it suddenly goes very quiet.
At first the guy just waits, but then he starts to think that the bird may be hurt. After a couple of minutes of silence, he's so worried that he opens up the freezer door.
The bird calmly climbs onto the man's outstretched arm and says, "Awfully sorry about the trouble I gave you. I'll do my best to improve my vocabulary from now on."
The man is astounded. He can't understand the transformation that has come over the parrot.
Then the parrot says, "By the way, what did the chicken do?"

Good stuff from the Colt's last Sunday against a South West 1 club in Cleeve. Thats 2 wins from 3. Keep the momentum going boy's against Thornbury a week on Sunday. I know i'm playing over the moor's but i'm still keeping an eye on you bunch of morons! x Tone

Hi all, just a quick note to say that I have set up a sponsorship link with the club through my company Future Financial. We are Independent Financial Advisors and cover areas such as Mortgages, Pensions, Protection & Investment. For any business that is carried out where the client mentions Nailsea & Backwell, I will donate 10% of any commission generated back to the club. So if anybody needs help with remortgaging, pension reviews, or wants to look at protection (including accident & sickness for those worried about getting injured...) please feel free to grab me at the club, e mail me or call me on 07737 346309.

Any business transacted also means a free 4 ball round of golf at The Players Club at Codrington for the client...

Hi Greg,
It is usually Pete David's U13's squad that trains early on a Tuesday. Hope this helps. Regards Barts

Could anyone tell me the age group and coach for the lads that trained up at the club last tuesday (7th) at around 6 - 8 please? I think either one of the kiddies/coaches has picked up my scrum hat by mistake. Cheers, Greg

Just like to say how lovely it was to see so many people supporting Pink Ladies day including the ladies from Gordano. I am sure this continue to be be a regular event for years to come.

Wedding ring has been found at Avon RFC where our 2nds played on the 4th Oct. If you have lost this ring please call Rachel at the club as i have a contact number.

*******Somerset Vase Fixture*********
The game against Spaxton on Sunday is off. I was informed yesterday that the Club had folded and were unable to field a side. I have informed Somerset RFU and assume we progress to the next round which has to be completed by the 23rd November. You will be told of our 2nd round opponents as soon as we know.

Dear Supporter
Hopefully if I can get through training this week you will see the better looking Geordie brother back playing as for the fatter one I am not to sure when he will be back.

Just to say, had a fab day yesterday, at Pink Ladies Day, I think it went fantastically well, raised loads, and the sun was shinning. ;o)
Well done all :o)
Gail

CRACKING PERFORMANCE AND RESULT TODAY LADS,GUTTED I WAS NT PART OF IT.

When are we going to see the GEORDIE brothers back playing in the 1,s ? Can anyone help

Just to let everyone know that all the tickets for tomorrows pink ladies day have been sold. Thanks to all the Nailsea and Gordano ladies for their fantastic support and I know the day will be great and raise loads of money for Breast Cancer Research. Unfortunately as all the tickets have gone and numbers are restricted we will not be able to allow people to "pay on the day" unless they have already reserved a ticket.
See all of you with tickets tomorrow

Just thought I would post a comment as one of our former junior captains Yann Thomas made an appearance on the Bench for Gloucester First Team last weekend still only aged 19 - Yann captained Ali Davies 14's and 15's and recently played for England U18's in their 6 nations championship earlier this year.

Hoops was the forwards coach for this team so it shows that if you don't listen to Hoops you can succeed!!!! only joking fat lad! (hoops if you read this, send me a contact number for you - scottgoodall@gmail.com)

anyway, well done Yann, when you make it big, don't forget to mention your good looking backs coach who looked after you on tour!!!!

With Bonfire Night 3 weeks away, and the preparation well under way, it is time to ask for volunteers. We require people to help on the night whether it's on the gates, helping with car parking, being a safety steward, helping behind the bar or helping with the BBQ. Also we will require people to help in the building of the Bonfire the week leading up to the event. If you can spare a few hours and would like to put something back into the club then please place your name, contact number and if there is a particular job you would prefer to do, please confirm the job against your name on the list on the notice board in the club house.

Many Thanks
Geordie

When approached about being seen smiling on Saturday Mark "The Roller" Hawkes strongly denied the rumuor saying that he had indigestion and wind all day and this could have been mistaken as a smile

I hear a rumour that Mark Hawkes smiled MORE THAN ONCE at yesterday's game!!!! Can anyone confirm this please? Evidence is required i.e. photographs

I am looking for volenteers for tomorrow morning, we are having a delivery of pallets to the club for bonfire night and need some help in the unloading of them, the delivery will be at the club between 0900hrs 0930hrs. If your about please come along and give us a hand.

Geordie

Well here we are again 4 games into the 2nd's season and now are next 5 fixtures are all against the 5 teams above us. So if you want to let me know now if your unavailable or now available please let me know. The more players i have to pick from the easier and better it should be and if we can all train together then nothing is impossible as last season showed. Thanks for all of my players support and performance but come mid November we will know exactly how far we've come and how far we need to go. So lets keep up the good work and I'll see you all at training on Thursday and in the coming weeks! Hawksy will only be too happy to help us Iron out those little faults and everyone who has played for me so far is putting pressure on those players in the firsts so come on lets have it!!!!!

Just a reminder that Pink ladies Day is on 11th October. Tickets are still available from the bar. It promises to be a great day and we will be raising lots of money for Breast Cancer, so please buy a ticket and come along. Just to remind the players and coach you will be asked to wear a pink sock during the game and also it would be nice if you could wear something pink after the game to show your support for this worthwhile charity.

Third team game at home this Saturday 4th Oct. Old uns and young uns If you fancy a run out then contact Adi or Phil Quin whose numbers are on the key people page of the website.

back by popular demand the Quinnstars have their first home game of the season to Kingswood this coming Saturday. Anyone interested please either contact me on 07809720343 or phil on his number. So lets break out the boots and lets get those thirsty thirds back playing!

Has anyone got contact details for Hooper please?

Just like to say a very well done to all the under 14s.( and coaches ) for today's great victory at cotham park!!!! Bring on next week! Well done lads

Congratulations on a good start to the season.
Always good to hear that we beat Yatton

Can someone get Norm & Aidy K to email me

thanks

Colsey
mobile 001 647 244 3889
email info@theenglishcarpenter.com

Thanks for your kind words Scott!! Much appreciated!!
However, I'm off on holiday Sunday for a week so sorry for delays until I get home!!
Do any juniors who met Kyran Bracken want to send in any of their pictures to put on the website plus any comments would be good.
Good luck 1st's and 2nd's for their games tomorrow!!

can I just say what a brill job Rugby Nut is doing with the website, looks brill, more colourful.

I know first hand how time consuming managing the website can be so full credit to Nut as it looks like she has spent allot of time and effort improving it.

Good skills nut, looks wicked!!

x

Good Luck to the first and second teams who are both playing at home tomorrow Kick Off 3:00 pm. Its the 1sts first league game of the season and the 2nds are looking to build on their excellent start to the season last week. So come on we need as many supporters as possible whether seniors juniors it doesnt matter to get off your backsides and get up to the club to support our teams.

Hoops, didn't catch you before you went. How can I contact you?

Re: 2nd Team Photo
You men are so impatient!! Yes it is possible to get the picture on the website at a size bigger than your mobile phone screen but after having problems with the site yesterday, I thought it better to post it at that size than not at all!
If you'd like a larger size emailed to you, then please just ask!

Would it be possible to get the 2nd team photo posted next to match report in a format bigger than the screen of my mobile phone !

i see Bristol got off to a good start to the season against the mighty Bath, hahahahahahaha Chidz/Der i was waiting for your text after the game

I don't care what's on his feet, as long as he's in shorts!!

Will Bracken be wearing rugby boots, football boots or ice skates ?

Kyran Bracken coaching session is half 6, not 6

cool how did we land hsbc sponsorship deal?
......and who is the new player?

Thursday 11th September, we have former England Rugby player and Dancing on Ice Star Kyran Bracken, coming to coach our U13 & 14 for about an hour, from 6.30pm, people are welcome to come and watch him coach and he will then be in the club house afterwards to sign autographs and have photos taken with him. See Junior Pages!!

Hey all, yes im alive and well, good luck for the season and remember NOT to antagonize Hawksey!!!

Saturday 6th September

Full Senior & Colts training session (that is those not selected for 2nds game away to Stothert)

Saturday 4pm - 6pm

followed by Players & Family/Colts Barbecue

A guy is sitting in the bar in departures at a busy airport.

A beautiful woman walks in and sits down at the table next to him.

He decides because she's got a uniform on, she's probably an off-duty flight attendant.

So he decides to have a go at picking her up by identifying the airline she flies for,

thereby impressing her greatly.

He leans across to her and says the Delta Airlines motto 'We love to fly and it shows'.

The woman looks at him blankly. He sits back and thinks up another line. He leans forward again and delivers the Air France motto 'Winning the hearts of the world'.

Again she just stares at him with a slightly puzzled look on her face.

Undeterred, he tries again, this time by saying the Malaysian Airlines motto 'Going beyond expectations'.

The woman looks at him sternly and says 'What the f**k do you want?'

'Ah!' he says, sitting back with a smile on his face. 'Ryanair'.

monkey, is alive and well.!

Monkeys Quote : F*** that running thing

MATT STONE' S QUOTE

'Coaching is nothing more then eliminating mistakes before you get fired'.

I would like to echo Mark's comments about the Keynsham trials. Nice to see so many supporters on a beautiful August evening ! Also delighted at the performance guys. Well disciplined, good defence and some great open running. And Mark - I will get a decent watch in time for the season.

Thank you very much to the players and supporters who went to keynsham.
Really positive performance. Great turnout. Well done.

Was leaving keynsham earlier and one of their lads reckons someone has taken the wrong kit home.its a canterbury kitbag and obviously will contain some keynsham gear in it.if anyone has it give me a ring on 07966006851 and i can give you his number to get it sorted.
cheers, kewy

19th Aug Keysham - Away

All players who wish to play this season old and young to be at Nailsea for 6.30pm Tuesday or 7pm at Keynsham for a 7.30ish kick off (three sessions V Keynsham).

If not available please let Mark Hawkes know.

****ATTENTION PLAYERS ****
For those of you who hope to make Senior League appearances this season, you will need to be registered with the league. Some of you will have already received your form from Hawksy or myself. If so then please complete it and return it straight away as you cannot play league or cup rugby otherwise. If you are unsure if you are registered or not, then phone me or talk to me before training.
****** Kind regards BARTS *********

Hey All,
Just a quick note to say that i'll be down the club on the 17th of august from 2 onwards to have a few fairwell drinks. Everyones invited to say goodbye or f%@k off, Im expecting both!!!

Please take note of updated fixture list including pre-season friendly on Thursday 28th August 7.30pm against Burnham-on-Sea

**ATTENTION ALL PLAYERS***
Your annual playing membership is now due. Details of prices along with early payment discounts are on the front page. The whole club supports the playing of rugby but your membership and match fees pay an important part in helping to meet the costs. Please pay asap. See Aidey or myself or pay behind the bar.
PS - Don't forget this evening's Players Meeting !!!
Regards
Barts
********************************

***ALL PLAYERS****
*** PLAYERS MEETING*****

Gentlemen - there will be a meeting for all players (including Colts) next Thursday the 31st July at the Club. The meeting will be chaired and run by our esteemed coach Mr Hawkes and will take place upstairs in the bar as I understand he may wish to use some visual aids. Please be there for 6.30 if possible so the meeting can start at 6.45. This will enable you all to also have a full training session afterwards. Mark will be talking about the coming season; the trials; training and fitness; commitment; some up and coming social events and many more matters of interest. Anyone from 17 to 70 who plans to pull on a Ravens shirt this season, with the intent to play some serious rugby, should attend.
Regards Barts

**** IMPORTANT *************

Senior/Colts 2008/2009 Fixture List now available on Website

As many of you may know Chantelle and I are moving back to Canada next month.

As part of our leaving party Im planning a game of Rugby for this saturday afternoon (26th).

If your interested in a run out in a fair (reffed by gypo!!) entertaining game of rugby, Then turn up on saturday with your boots for 1230.

Be good to have a game of rugby with seniors from across the board for one last time.

Training has commenced on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm start. There has been a fantastic turn out from the colts and a variety of last season's first team.
We have some new players who look very good. It would be good to see the second team players that played so well having trained towards the end of last season.
Competition will be tough for places in the first and second team so please make the effort to come and join us.
We have a trial match (3 x 20min sessions) against Keynsham (a) on the 19/8/08 we then play a first and second team against Winscombe (a) on the 23/8/08.

From the President

Well, we've done it again! Another cracking weekend at the Beer Festival. I would think all targets werre broken and it was the best weather to date. This is just a short note to thank all those on the committee for their hard work and effort and for all those volunteers who rallied round over the weekend to help make it a success. There are too many to name but without them it wouldn't happen.

Thanks again and once more NBRFC have come up trumps!
(nothing but praise from the public)

Well done

N Selwood President

The BEER FESTIVAL is only in a few weeks time and we are looking for volunteers. Would be nice to see some Mini's and Junior parents on board! The marquee will be errected on the 7/8th - Monday/Tuesday July 6 Oclockish. Many hands make light work coz it's a bloody big tent! Also looking for help with cooking, bar staff, car parking, general running around keeping an eye on under age drinkers etc. Let me know 07866 725402. gadge@blueyonder.co.uk or speak to any of the clubs committee's. Please don't 'um an ah' we need your help and yes it is for the clubs future.
Thanks Glenn (Gadge)

A ladies watch has been found in the car park following the Chees and Wine on Friday 20/6. If anyone has lost one please contact me via the club.

Is the club open on saturday morning for the rugby and are they raising money by doing breakfast.

If so we should let people know.

mark at portishead sports shop has some wicked deals on new boots ,pro boots for half price also 3 for 2 offers. oh and one cant open pre season thing,so see you all in september!,

*** ALL SENIOR PLAYERS ***

I hope you are all enjoying your summer break. Now the good news. Pre-season training commences on Wednesday 25th June at 7.00pm sharp. Mr Hawkes has devised new and ingenious methods of torture to undo all the hard drinking since the end of the season.
Make sure you don't miss out and get there early.
You know it makes sense.

Vets tour to Berlin!
Well guys sorry but due to the recent poor financial climate the costing for the vets tour has risen sharply due to Airport taxes fuel, fee etc, etc
So we are going to delay it 12 months in which to help raise tour funds and to gain a couple of fixtures in which to build up team spirit. So anyone interested in touring or playing please contact me or Gypo!

Any chance we can have the proposed fixtures for next year posted so I can organise my life again around the rugby?!!!!

Right come on you budding rambo's we are doing a paintballing day on june the 28th in aid of Ben jackson's birthday at fountain forrestry. Any one interested please contact either Ben or myself by the end otf the week. Deposit of £10 required also with the cost expected to be about £40 in all!

Dear AIC = Anonymity Is Cowardly.
Many thanks for your comment, If you believe that I as Chairman or the club in general lack ambition then please come along to the AGM and openly say so, alternatively if you feel you have more ambition for the club then please feel free to stand up and be counted and put youself forward as Chairman. Ambition will become eroded by constant moaning and bitching (something that some people at the club are very good at) but can be boosted by individuals who are prepared to join in with the hard work that so many people put in trying to ensure our club becomes the best it can.
I do not intend to become involved in a long debate on the website but felt that I couldn't let your comment go unanswered and look forward to seeing you at the AGM.

Sounds like a tougher league next year. And to think the chairman said it would be a good thing not to get promoted last year!
Q. When is not getting promoted a good thing?
A. When you lack Ambition

Are you showing the Bristol City Game on Saturday?
A. Yes- we are. I will put something on the home-page too. Thanks for reminding us. See you there.

Just thought I'd let you all know that I received the league fixtures for next season today.
The 1st XV have 4 new opponents. Relegated in are both St Bernadettes and old rivals Gordano. While promoted in are Taunton 2's and Old Reds 2's. Next season will certainly not be easier than last !
Our opening fixture is home to Imperial on the 13th September and the last away to Broad Plain on 18th April.

Just to say thank you to everybody who organized and helped out at the players dinner the other week.
What a great night the food was lovely the speaker Andy was very entertaining and winning the award of players player was a great honor.
will done everybody

hi thanks to everyone last night at the junior presentation eve, hope you all enjoyed it, if your son won any of the awards last night then you can e mail me at petereakes@blueyonder.co.uk plus let me know what he won so it will be easier 4 me to find them...regards
pete reakes jnr chairman

Would someone care to publish the names of the prize winners from the Club dinner.....PoY, top try scorer....etc?

The pictures of last Friday's mini presentation with Mark Regan have now been printed on 12x8's Unfortunately there were too many to put on my web site for download as it clogged it up! They are now behind the bar in a folder and are £3 ea This covers printing and P+P my normal price is £12. There are also team pics of the U17's and the 1st team if you want a better copy. Gadge

Just to say thanks to all the girls who helped cook and dish out the food on Friday nights senior players dinner. Where would we be without them!.
Some pics of the night sent to the web admin guy's
Gadge

The draw for the Bristol Rugby signed shirt was made by Mark Reagan on friday night 2nd May at the Mini`s Midi`s presentation Evening, the shirt was won by Elliot Cheeseright, all proceeds from the raffle will go towards next years u12`s Tour of Hampshire.
We thank all those who took part in the raffle.

Fab night at the Minis/Midis presentation last night, good compere from the Chairman !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and the Bristol Rugby Shirt signed by the Bristol players raised £375 for the Under 11`s tour next season, thanks to everyone who bought tickets

Gail

Players/Members.
Club Dinner only a week away and to date only 10 tickets have been purchased. Can you please try to buy your tickets by the 8th May latest so it gives the girls in the kitchen an ideal of numbers to cater for. Do not turn up on the night hoping to buy a ticket as you may be out of luck !!! Tickets available behind the bar. Guest speaker booked and coach to Nailsea at 11.00 pm.

Don't forget Club Dinner Friday 9th May 6:30 for 7.Tickets on sale at club price £20, £15 for u20s and students incl 3 course meal and coach to village at 11:00.
To plan for catering we need final numbers by next Thursday at latest so no tickets will be on sale on the day of the dinner so go and get yours soon.

Important Announcement. Unfortunately I have had to postpone the Vets Night away this weekend due to the dwindling numbers. We are down to 17 not all players from a total of 35 at one point. Although disappointing it is encouraging to see so many of the younger Vets up for the cause. Steve Gillard and I will get together to plan a few get togethers over the summer to raise some money for Berlin
Gypo.

Raffle for Signed Bistol Rugby Shirt.

Over the next 10 days we will be selling raffle tickets at £1 each to raise money for next years U12`s tour of Hampshire, the winner will get the Bristol Shirt which has been signed by all the Bristol players. Either ask at the bar to buy a ticket or look out for Gail who will be wearing the shirt around the club.

The draw will be made by Mark Reagan at the Mini, Midi`s presentation evening on May 2nd,

Good luck to everyone.

Steve ( u11`s)

Your chance to 'vote' on the new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) here - www.rfusurvey.co.uk

I would like to echo the coaches words in his match write up and give my conratulations to the players & staff for a very good season. I have not seen many games this season and unfortunately the ones I have seen were the losses, however I did see some excellent performances also, enough to make me think that we will manage teams like the Tauntons & Old Reds IIs next season. The difference between success & failure is very narrow, just the loss of one game this season and in that game probably just one tackle/penalty. Like the Ospreys we have missed an opportunity this year, but hey, onward & upward next season guys!

Clause 40 rocking the Rugby club this Saturday night from 8pm onwards. Hope you all can be there, £5 ticket all for a good clause (oh, see what I did there?! So funny)

Great game and great day yesterday. Food excellent. Well done to Ali and shag for raising money for their charities-Breast cancer and the Children's Hospice. The FIRST XV team photo is now uploaded to my site under rugby pictures at www.fineimages.co.uk It has been saved as a large file so please feel free to download it. There are also the N&B U17's and the N&B U13's Tour pics. Because of the file size they will be deleted end of May.

If anyone wants to play for the gladiators then you must train Thursday. The Quinnstars will also have a team so everyone will get a game. We intend to have a few beers afterwards and meet in town so come on bring your boots and lets have a crack!

Thank you for your kind words Ruby but your praise is not earned. Credit is due alone to Hoops and 17 players who motivated themselves to a superb win. We played some excellent open rugby; scored some great tries; retained our discipline and dogged it out when we needed too. Sadly we could have done better in the second half ....but as Pidge said 'Some people are never satisfied'.
I would also like to thank Jason Patch and Rob Lee who had limited game time and Tom Crossman who didn't get on. My apologies boys.
Final thanks to the old farts and other faithful supporters.
They all did you proud this week Hawksy.

Martock won a game!!!!

Can all players that won awards at last years dinner please hand them in behind the bar asap. Thanks

Congratulations to the U'16's on Sunday who secured a 40-17 win over Dings. Fantastic result lads against good opposition and a credit to the club.

As many of you will know, Mr Hawkes is away this week. He has however sorted out a guest coach and I would appreciate a show of commitment from all senior players. If you are unable to train then please advise either Hoops or myself - mobile number under key contacts.

Just to sort out what appears to be confusion in some peoples mind, always good to have something to moan about! This Saturday 5/4 the Nailsea bar is booked for for a private function all day and evening. The Backwell bar is being used for a reception till 3 and will then be open to everyone. Hope this clarifies things for everyone that needed them clarifying?

Kewy, if you check the newsdesk you will see that the report is on there now.

Vets game sunday kick off 2pm meet 1 pm. If you have a Vets
shirt please bring along

Im eagerly awaiting the weekends match reports...I can understand that it takes a little longer when we have lost but surely someone wants to write a couple of words about a good win???Sadly due to my where abouts it is not possible to watch games so a match report would be very much appreciated...

Hello lads I have arranged a game against Weston Hornets III's for saturday at their place so anyone interested please give me a call although second team squad members will have first shout! Oh and yes I'm taking a minibus, lol!

Many thanks to the "supporter/comedian" who felt it was so funny to give incorrect names of the try scorers to the Independant. Lets hope it doesn't come back and bite us because that would be so hilarious wouldn't it?

** Calling all 1st Team Players **
Hawksy has arranged for a 1st Team photograph to be taken at 1.00 on Saturday prior to the Imperial game. If you have played or benched for the 1sts this season and want to be in the photo, then be at the Club by 12.45 ready for your photo call.
Barts

Many thanks to everyone who helped out with our visitors from Canada, without the support of so many people the weekend would not have been such a great success. For the many of you who came along and watched the games I am sure you will agree the commitment and skill level from both sides was of the highest level, shame about the ref!
So thanks again for making sure our visitors went away with such a positive impression of our club having had a fantastic time here.

I would like to thank all the families that hosted our Canadian boys and our coaches when visiting your school. We appreciate your generousity. Maybe one day we can return the favor if you ever come to Canada

1 Alfie Hill Alfies Six 18 10 363
2 Tony Hill Bones' Crunchers 17 7 358
3 jamie pritchard Will's Marvelous Team 17 9 337
4 steven bunce buncyboys 10 11 317
5 Laz Trinick SSK 15 8 316
6 Rugby Nut Nuts Galore 12 6 285
7 scott goodall Onebrow RFC 9 7 276
8 nick williams Allsorts 12 7 275
9 gavin turnbull Ruckin' Ravens 8 6 272
10 Matt Thorn Stitch's Legends 12 7 271
11 Sean Marks Team Failure! 14 4 259
12 Mark Hooper Hoops doggs 2 10 182
13 Steven Gillard Gladiators 2 4 173

Alfie (Bob) Hill wins the NBRFC League & beats the winner of Lambs League - Wales wins again!!

*** SATURDAY FIXTURES ***
There will be training tonight at the usual time. We have arranged two fixtures for this Saturday the 22nd at 2.30. Both will be at home and are against Weston Hornets 2's & 3's and against Old Reds 2's, 3's and 4's. Our teams will be Captained by Gilly and Quinny. Mark Hawkes will be involved in Selection this evening so if you want to play, then it is recommended that you train.
Many thanks, Barts

The 154 year old will probably be playing on Sunday !! However he defintely needs to be kept warm at his age so do his slightly younger mates so thats why we need some roll mats, sleeping bags, camp beds etc!

Does the 154 year old have all their own teeth and are they still playing?

** HELP NEEDED **
This weekend 32 Canadian students and their 4 coaches complete their visit to Britain and finish their stay at our Cub, arriving on Friday and departing on Monday. They are visiting Cardiff for Saturday's double header and playing against our own 16/17/18's on Sunday.
Despite generous offers of help we are still looking for some volunteers to accomodate some really nice 154/16/17 year olds. If you can take in a couple or more then please let us know. We are also looking for camp beds, sleeping bags and bedding to help out.
Visits from the Canadians are now established over many years. Experience tells us that these are always great kids who are warm friendly and great guests.
If you can help, then please contact either Norman, or your age group coach or the club direct.
All numbers are on the site.
Please let's show some good West Country hospitality.

just to let the club know that yann thomas was presented with his first international top for englnad under 18 in italy last week

Rats

A tourist walked into a Brighton curio/antique shop. After looking around for a while, he noticed a very life-like bronze statue of a rat. It had no price tag, but it was so striking that he decided to buy it anyway.

He took it to the owner and said: 'How much is this bronze rat?' The owner replied: 'It's £12 for the rat, and £100 for the story.' The tourist gave the owner his £12 and said: 'I'll just take the rat, you can keep the story.'

As he walked off down the street, he noticed that a few real rats had crawled out of the sewers and begun following him. This was a little disconcerting, so he started to walk a little faster, but within a couple of blocks the swarm of rats had grown to hundreds, and they were all squealing
and screeching in a very menacing way.

He increased his speed & ran on towards the beach, and as he ran, he Looked behind him and saw the rats now numbered in their MILLIONS, and they were
running faster & faster. By now very concerned, he ran to down the pier and threw the Bronze Rat far out into the water.

Amazingly, the millions of real rats jumped into the water after it and were all drowned.

The man walked back to relate all this to the shop owner, who said: 'Ah, you've come back for the story then?'

'No,' said the tourist, 'I came back to see if you've got a bronze Muslim Fundamentalist Cleric, a couple of illegal immigrants, a poof, a Chelsea supporter and anything French!'

Just like to say congratulations to all off Gillards Gladiators (2nds) on their victory against Winscombe away from home,tremendous result. Old Culverhaysians home this week im lookin forward to the game aswell, hope we can all keep up the good results and head higher up the table before the end of season. Congratulations again, Davey B.

Many thnaks to those people who have already agreed to host some of the Canadian U15/16/17 tourists but we still require more hosts for some of the boys and 2 of the coaches. So if you can help or know someone who would be prepared to host some of our visitors please contact Norman or leave your details at the club. Thanks

hi everyone,
A big request and favour is needed please.
We are still looking for people to host the canadians when they come over on the 21st so please, if you can put some of them up please contact the club or norman ta
Regards Pete

Four people in the carriage of a train - an Englishman, a pretty young blonde girl, an ugly old woman and a Frenchman.

It all goes dark when the train goes through a tunnel.

In the dark there's the sound of an almighty slap, and when the train emerges from the tunnel the Frenchman is rubbing his face, and there's a huge red mark on his cheek.

The old lady thinks 'I bet that Frenchman fondled the blonde in the dark and she slapped him'

The pretty young blonde thinks ' I bet the Frenchman tried to fondle me in the dark, got the old lady by mistake, and she hit him'.

The Frenchman thinks 'I bet that Englishman fondled the blonde in the dark, but the blonde thought it was me and hit me'

The Englishman thinks 'I hope there's another tunnel coming up soon so I can slap that French tw*t again'

Hopur, I fink it wos eever a spooling Mistak or a tipin orror

Jules, wer'nt you ment to say annual clean or is it anal, you confuse me!!

Web Censor

Can you please look at the the Six nations fixtures. Sunday the ninth has been missed out and wales are playing twice on the 15th

Our performance aside.

Did any other third team players suffer serious illness after Saturdays game at Weston or was it just me!

Maybe its time the water bottles had their anual clean.

Very well done to the Under 8s - for as long as I can remember (which is getting shorter as I grow older!) not many sides beat Bath at ANY age group. Well done & keep it up!

A big thank you to everyone that helped and participated at the club on Saturday. The food at the VP's lunch was once again top notch. Well done to Nick Williams for his lifetine award. Well deserved. Great to see the 2nds pull off another win. Their 2nd half performance was an outstanding team effort and at long last my son, Scott, got his 1st try for the seniors. Post match festivities were kicked off by Mark and Glenn and this led on to a fantastic 'rugby' evening bolstered by the Petherton boys and some N&B players. A very spirited evening, so lets have more.

Hey GOOD LUCK for the big game tomorrow! The live music sounds good afterwards so go and support and enjoy!!

Good luck to all our 3 teams in their games tomorrow.
A special mention to the first team squad - everyone knows how big a game tomorrow is but I also know that everyone that pulls on that N+B shirt and takes the field will go out there to give their best for the club. As long as the whole squad play to their potential and give it 100% then irrespective of the result nobody can ask for any more. So I would urge as many people as possible to get to the club and support our team in a positive way, moaning about every mistake is easy and negative, cheering them on is much more usefull and motivational to the players.
Come on the Ravens and the Ravens supporters!

Combination Select XV.

27/2/08 Well done to Club captain Mark Hooper, Scott Goodall and former club player and Yatton full back Tony Hill who last night all represented the Bristol Combination select XV for the first time in their 36 - 17 victory at a packed Bristol Harlequins. All three players played a full game and done themselves and their clubs proud. After the match they were presented with a tie for making a debut appearance for the combination. Well done lads.

5 league games to go lads! C'mon!! In the run in to the line we need plenty of training & plenty of thought & effort on the park. Home game Saturday, lets take the park with the mindset that this is OUR patch - if Pethy want the points then they are bloody well going to have to work for them! C'mon - you can do it!!

Thanks lads for the good attendance on thursday I was most impressed with the effort and work rate and I honestly believe that this really showed yesterday in what I considered to be our best performance of the season.
So please chaps lets keep this up as our standards have been raised and I'll look forward to seeing you all training this week.

Hey All,
Just to say that alot of people missed a good, fun training session on tuesday, more fool you!!! Get your lazy ass' training on thursday and see what your missing.
Hoops.
P.s a big hello to andy who showed up on tuesday and put alot of players to shame.

Come on lads, get to training the lot of you! The more you train as a team, the better you will play as a team!

SENIOR TRAINING - TUESDAY NIGHT
There will be Senior Training as usual this week on Tuesday evening at 7.00pm.
It is vital that we get as many players (1sts, 2nds, 3rds and 17's) as possible to give Mark the numbers necessary to make training meaningful.
There is a 2nd Team league fixture away at Sulians and Phil will be trying to get the Quinn Stars out as well.
Commitment is not only on the pitch on a match day, but on the training paddock as well.

If you read Steve G's comments whilst humming the national anthem its extremely moving.

Thanks guys for another fantastic effort on saturday. We played them off the park for 60 mins but only had a return of 5 points. My fault on some concerns but we all know that with a couple of extra strings to our bow we won't suffer like that again. We do seem sometimes to become a bit of a one trick pony but with the ability we are fielding that was another example of a game that we threw away. So this week for the first time this season on thursday we will have enought 2nd team players to have a proper session. If you think you want to play for the Gladiators whether young or old everyone is welcome. I want to finnish the season as we started and that means i need us to have that edge that we are lacking, If you are interested and are unable to make it please phone me on 07809720343 and I'm more than willing to discuss my and hopefully our dream for Nailsea and Backwell. Lets turn it into a reality and rid ourselvees of this poor run. I love the club and if you do I need to see it NOW! Stand and be counted and we will stand together and prove to everyone that this really is a golden generation and N & B have massively under achived for far to long.

VETS
Unfortunately this weekends game has been postponed until the 26th April. Same details and cost will apply.

Gypo

Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker.

*** STILL LOOKING FOR THAT IDEAL VALENTINE'S GIFT***
Well look no further. Give your wife or girlfriend a real quality experience. A candle lit bath in perfumed oils; a phone call from a close friend; that romantic DVD; a nice box of chocolates. She'll love it.
And she'll love it all even more if she can do it on her own for a few hours while you are down the Club training !!!

I apologise for the delay in posting this, but I would just like to add my congratulations to those of Julian's last week.
Well done to Spence, Mark, Julian and any other coaches and helpers of the U14's. Also of course, a very big well done to the U14's squad for delivering a trophy to the club this season. They are a well drilled but exciting side to watch. Well done guys.

Well done to all the Under 14's for the magnificent win at Chew today , thanks to the coaches and players who have brought the first piece of silverware to the club for the Junior section.