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Oxford too strong for young Bath Rugby League squad.

Oxford too strong for young Bath Rugby League squad.

Bath Rugby League opened their West of England League campaign with a home defeat to Oxford Cavaliers at Melksham RFC, going down 50-12. It took Bath some time to find their grove with lots of new players, most of them youngsters, playing their first game of Rugby League, and were 22-0 down at half time. The performance did pick up in the second half when Bath got a bit of confidence and cut out errors/penalties. Once Bath found their rhythm, they scored a couple of entertaining tries in the second period. Second row Tom Culshaw made a break centre field then sprinted down the right flank almost out sprinting the winger to score, but was caught just short of the line, and with most of the Oxford defence still getting back on side, Centre Jack Burnett scored in the next play and was able to get close to the posts making an easy conversion for full back Steve Grant. The second Bath try was a sublime play which would not look out of place in a professional game where half back Morgan Lewis stretched over not far from the posts with another successful conversion from the boot of Steve Grant.

It was unfortunate for Bath that exciting young prospect Sean Cole was removed with a suspected concussion early in the game after starting at hooker and winger George Jenkins was removed with a hamstring injury which upset the structure of how Bath were set up to play. No less than 5 players in the starting line up making their competitive debut, and 5 players making their competitive debut off the bench.

Plenty to work on in training this week, but the potential in the squad is huge and they have the opportunity to show improvements on Saturday 18th May when they face Cheltenham Phoenix away. The club train on Monday’s currently at Odd Down Sports Centre in Bath at 7pm. Please contact Chris Chatten on Mob: 07810 552196 or email: chris.chatten@bathrugbyleague.co.uk if you would like to partner/sponsor the club or indeed if you would like to play or get involved with Bath Rugby League in other ways. Further details regarding sponsorship/partnering opportunities can be found on the clubs website: http://bathrugbyleague.co.uk/bath-rugby-league-sponsorship-partnership-packages-2019/

 

To find out more about the club access social media: www.facebook.com/BathRugbyLeague @BathRugbyLeague @bathrugbyleague_

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RICHARD GRIFFIN SPONSORS CALEY ‘CONCRETE’ GRAY FOR 2019

RICHARD GRIFFIN SPONSORS CALEY ‘CONCRETE’ GRAY FOR 2019

Caley grew up in London playing Rugby League starting out with Brentwood Eels playing with his brother. He went through the pathway of playing for North London in the London Junior Origin Series at U13 and U14, then getting selected for London Broncos Scholarship for U15 and U16, he was captain of the scholarship in his second season. Caley got an academy contract at London Broncos and played 2 years there before leaving to go to University of Bath, having gained selection for the South West Universities Rugby League Programme he progressed to the South Origin squad and has also managed to ‘concrete’ a place in the England Universities squad.

The club would like to thank Richard for his generous sponsorship. Richard commented “Despite being born and brought up in the South and living in London, I have loved Rugby League since first watching it on BBC Grandstand in the 1970s. I’m a season ticket holder at London Skolars and have been for the last decade. I’m keen to see Rugby League grow and am excited that there are a growing number of clubs like Bath flying the flag outside the north. I wish the club all the best for the season”

If you would like to sponsor a player please PM or call Chris on: 07810 552196 for further details. We will give your company name and brand exposure on our website, social channels (all in excess of 1,500 followers) and in our online matchday programme.

The club training on Mondays, all abilities and experience welcome 16+, get down to Odd Down Sports Centre, Bath for 7pm.

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AS HOLIDAYS SPONSOR HEAD COACH MATTHEW BODEY FOR 2019

AS HOLIDAYS SPONSOR HEAD COACH MATTHEW BODEY FOR 2019

AS Holidays offers a variety of first class sporting holidays.

Each holiday is uniquely tailored to client’s needs, yet all are equally as exciting and fun! They combine luxury accommodations, world class sporting facilities and beautiful locations meaning you can strike the balance of your holiday perfectly between your sport(s) of choice and relaxing.

Client satisfaction is their priority, endeavouring to not only meet all of your expectations but far exceed them. They are happy to offer our expert guidance and advice during the booking process to ensure you get the most out of your stay.

For further details contact Phil on:

Tel: 07525 749336

Email: Phil@algarvesports.co.uk

Facebook: AS_Holidays
Instagram: @as_holidays
Twitter: @AS_holidays
Website: https://www.algarvesports.co.uk

A club spokesman said, “We would firstly like to thank AS Holidays for their generous sponsorship of Matt, he has been doing a great job with pre season training and as a young coach has already got some representative coaching experience under his belt, coaching on England Universities Programme and as assistant coach with the West of England Region representative squad. Matt hails from Sheffield where he developed an interest in the sport, going onto play Rugby League at Swansea University while studying, and on completion of his studies settled in Bath playing for the club and also featuring for the West of England region, now he focuses on coaching after being unlucky with injuries in the last couple of years”.

If you would like to sponsor a player please PM or call Chris on: 07810 552196 for further details. We will give your company name and brand exposure on our website, social channels (all in excess of 1,500 followers) and in our online matchday programme.

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Cold Feet Creator supports Bath Rugby League

Mike Bullen is the creator of the Bafta-winning TV comedy drama, Cold Feet, the eighth series of which has just been broadcast on ITV to rave reviews, which also included former Rugby League player turned actor Keith Mason. While working on the show in Manchester many years ago, Mike attended a Wigan Warriors match and fell in love with the game of rugby league, a thrilling mix of athleticism and brute force. Mike divides his time between Sydney, Australia where he claims “the best rugby league in the world is played” and Bath. Mike Bullen said, “I’d love to see rugby league gain further support locally (in Bath), so I’m happy to lend my support to the local team by sponsoring club stalwart Matt Warnock.”
This is the second year Mike Bullen has sponsored a player at Bath Rugby League, last year he sponsored prolific try scorer and goal kicker Steven Grant, but in summer 2019 Steve Grant has decided to try his luck at Rugby Union in Sweden but hoping to be back at Bath for 2020. Therefore, Bullen has switched his player sponsorship to Matt Warnock who supports the club in anyway he can, also taking on an Assistant Coaching role ahead of 2019.
Matt Warnock said “I would like to thank Mike Bullen for his continued support and investment in Bath Rugby League, and myself. Like the rest of the squad I’m looking forward to the 2019 season on the field as well as my new role as Assistant Coach.
The backing of our sponsors is invaluable in ensuring the sustainability and growth of our club and there are many ways to get involved, from player sponsorship to kit sponsors.”
Bath Rugby League Club Coordinator, Chris Chatten said, “With the appropriate level of sustainable investment there is plenty of ‘untapped’ potential for Rugby League which could easily be realised in the local area as Bath is very much a ‘Rugby’ city, but we must grow in a sustainable way building on the core of good people we have to take the club forward. However, we are currently at the beginning of a journey and must not get carried away, partners and sponsors for 2019 are our current priority.”
Please contact Chatten on Mob: 07810 552196 or email: chris.chatten@bathrugbyleague.co.uk if you would like to partner/sponsor the club or indeed if you would like to play or get involved with Bath Rugby League in other ways. Further details regarding sponsorship/partnering opportunities can be found on via this web link: http://bathrugbyleague.co.uk/bath-rugby-league-sponsorship-partnership-packages-2019/
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Welsh legend supports Bath Rugby League Club

The family of the late Trevor Foster MBE sponsored a player at Bath Rugby League Club last season through their family connections with the city.

Trevor Foster captained Wales RL on many occasions during an illustrious career after moving North to Bradford Northern from Newport RU in 1938. He toured Australia and New Zealand with the British Lions on the famous “Indomitables” tour in 1946.

Trevor was a spectacular ball running forward scoring over 140 career tries and 6 in one game v Wakefield Trinity, a quite remarkable record for a back row forward.

He was well known for his long (67 years) service at Odsal the home of the the Bradford Bulls and after his retirement as a player he devoted much of his life to developing young players at the club.

In the 1980`s Trevor`s son Simon a qualified RL coach, was employed as a teacher near Bath and became heavily involved in the formation of a rugby league team in the city.

Simon recalls “To have a rugby league team playing competitively in Bath was quite an achievement in those days and my dad travelled down from Bradford a few times to lend his support. He loved the city, having played there several times for Newport and for the legendary Captain Crawshaw`s “All Stars RU XV” West country touring team. He often recalled the very warm welcome the players had received from the people of Bath. it meant a great deal to him”.

Simon continued “The recruitment of players in the 80`s was our biggest challenge and I know some of the lads found it difficult to find the cash for subs and travel and the like. The same applies today for the fledgling Bath RL team who are making great strides forward and so I am pleased we are able to maintain a family link with the club and to give some support in a small way to enable a young player to enjoy his rugby league”.

The club have developed a sponsorship/partnership brochure for 2019, if you or your business are interested in developing a partnership with a club please have a look and contact Chris for further details on Mob: 07810 552196 or email: info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk

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Bath Rugby League Sponsorship & Partnership Packages 2019

Bath Rugby League are currently competing in the West of England League and travel all over the South West of the country to play fixtures. The club is highly ambitious and aim to progress up the Rugby league structure in the medium term.

The club would also like to establish an additional open age team in the near future to give more people the opportunity to play the sport along with youth development and a ladies squad.

Bath Rugby League are looking for partners and sponsors for the 2019 season, and would like your business to be part of the team. Take a look at some of the highlights from the past seasons, events and awards, and our involvement in local business and media.

How can you get involved and be part of this exciting, ever growing sport -click below to find out….

Bath Rugby League Sponsorship & Partnership Packages 2019

 

 

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Coaching Staff announced for 2019 season

The club are happy to reveal their coaching and backroom staffing structure for 2019.
The Rugby side of the club will be headed up by Director of Rugby Alex Burns who is promoted from Head Coach in 2018 after leading the club to winning the West of England Championship. Alex will focus on shaping a wider vision for the club and its continued growth on and off the pitch.
On his appointment Alex Burns, said “Achieving success as a club on and off the pitch last season will act as a springboard towards the ambitions of Bath Rugby League. Our coaching restructure will allow us to get the best out of everyone at the club. Matt Bodey has shown excellent potential as a young coach, and taking on the Head Coach role will give him further opportunities to develop. As DoR, I will be able to work closely with Club Coordinator Chris Chatten to establish and implement a wider vision for the club and align our on pitch performance with our strong club culture.”
Matthew Bodey steps up to Head Coach in 2019 after a successful stint as assistant to Alex in 2018, a year in which he also gained his Rugby League Level 2 coaching qualification and finished off the year being appointed by the Rugby Football League as Assistant Coach for the South West Universities Rugby League squad who had a successful win against their counterparts in the South East at Maidenhead on 2nd December, Matt also assisted coaches as part of the West of England regional squad this year. Matt was brought up with Rugby League in Sheffield, then played for the University of Swansea team while studying there and even gained honours playing for the West of England Representative squad playing against a Wales Presidents select 13.
Matthew Bodey, Head Coach, commented on his appointment, “It’s really exciting to see the club develop over the last year, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it moving forward. I’m really looking forward to improving further as a coach under Alex as DoR, and I for one will be looking forward to working with the squad towards the improvement that will come from last year’s solid season”
Matt Warnock takes on the role of Assistant Coach and was the Club Captain for the 2018 campaign and has played Rugby League for 4 seasons, a ‘dual-coder’ who also plays for Frome RFC where he won Clubman of the year in 2017 and also won the Bath Rugby League Clubman of the year award for 2018. Matt also does a lot of work behind the scenes promoting the club on social media channels, designing graphics as well as a number of other key tasks which ensures the club operates smoothly.
Matt Warnock, commented, regarding his new Assistant Coach appointment “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for me and I can’t wait to start coaching alongside Matt & Alex with Bath Rugby League.
Rugby League is such a fast growing sport in the South, and I’m looking forward to working with a group of players who are keen to develop alongside this. I think my previous experience in playing and knowledge from being such a long term fan of the game will add another dimension to the coaching team at Bath RL and the Coaching Staff are already keen to start planning pre-season and the months ahead as we look forward to a successful 2019 campaign.”
Clare Avenell has been appointed Lead Therapist again for the 3rd year running and has been with the club since it was launched prior to the 2017 West of England season. Clare also works for Bath Rugby and performs a similar role for Chippenham RFC during the winter season with their first team squad.
Clare Avenell, commented on her reappointment, “With Chris’s ambition it is exciting to see where the club could go in the future. There is a friendly atmosphere with a good bunch of lads and I’m looking forward to working with them next season”
Chris Chatten, Club Coordinator, said “Alex was fantastic for the club in 2018 establishing an inclusive and engaging environment/culture around the group, making training sessions fun. With Alex the club also get the benefit of his experience as an RFU Level 3 qualified coach working with Bath Rugby’s Developing Player Programme and his full-time role with Lewis Moody’s (former England RU international forward) Maddog Sports as Director of Rugby, Alex will be moving to a new full-time role in 2019 as Head of Rugby Development, Downside School, which is part of the rational behind him taking a more strategic role in the club with Matthew Bodey stepping up to take a more hands on coaching role.
As a club we want consistency with our culture and both Matt’s stepping up in the coaching structure with Matt Warnock having played since the club began will ensure this. Clare is the longest serving member of the team, her commitment is second to none and she also gives helpful hints and tips to improve other areas of the club which is exactly what we want as we strive and drive improvements in all areas. This is a solid structure to move forward with for 2019, but we are always looking for good people to join the club so won’t rule out further appointments if appropriate personnel can be identified, and they are willing to buy into and commit to the club vision and objectives.”
The clubs partnership with York City Knights will continue in 2019 after their successful promotion to the Championship. The club are always on the look out for good people who are keen to learn the sport and work hard to be better, the club aim to develop on and off the field building towards the 2019 campaign. If you are interested in playing for the club please get in touch.
For further information and details regarding the club, please contact Chris on Mob: 07810 552196 or email info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk
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BATH RUGBY LEAGUE CELEBRATE WINNING THE WEST OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL WITH THE MAYOR OF BATH

The squad had the fantastic opportunity of meeting Mayor of Bath – Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones at the Guildhall yesterday evening, the club also presented the following awards:

Clubman – Matt Warnock
Coaches Player – Rob Sully
Most Improved Player – Joe Wildman
Players Player & Man of Steel – Brandon Ball

The players put in a great shift this season working together as a cohesive unit. Thanks to the coaching staff Alex Burns and Matt Bodey for shaping a strong culture and environment within the group.

Thank you to Melksham Rugby Club for hosting us matchdays and Avonvale RFC for hosting our training sessions. Thanks also to partner club York City Knights RLFC for their advice and guidance.

Thanks to Strategic Partner Salters Garage who are now in the second year of supporting the club. Thanks also to the following player sponsors:

Oldland Electrical Services Ltd- Alex Dare M’Connell
Richard Griffin – Leigh Wheatley
Searle (Painting & Decorating) – Geoff Taylor
C2C Fitness – Luc Thomas
Dragonfly Education Trust – James Noott
Elite Tyre & Autocare Ltd – Brandon Ball
The Trevor Foster Award – Huw Parks
JD Services Ltd – Jordon Talbot
Lawes Steel Fabrication – Connor Breen
Lawes Steel Fabrication – Shai Bonnick
Suave Owl – Kieran Harvey
Auto Air Con – Rob Sully
Mike Bullen – Steven Grant
NKS Contracts Limited – Ben Thyer

Planning for 2019 season has started and we are looking for more good people to join the club as players, off field personnel, and sponsors/partners. We are really happy to discuss bespoke packages.

For more information contact Chris by email:
info@bathrugbyleague.co.uk or PM

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Bath crowned Championship Fives Grand Final winners

WEST OF ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP FIVES GRAND FINAL 

Cheltenham Phoenix 30 

T: Alex Ratcliffe (5), Zack Taylor (15), George Jewell (43), Munro Third (77), Joe Hart (79) 

G: Sam Hughes 5 

Bath Rugby League 42 

T: Ali Frost (10), Connor Breen 2 (12, 49), Luke Cador (27), Ben Thyer 2 (40, 74), Jordan Talbot (54), Jack Burnett (71) 

G: Leigh Wheatley 2, Connor Breen 3 

(report by Matt Anniss)

Bath RLFC produced an entertaining display of expansive, attacking rugby to beat Cheltenham Phoenix 42-30 in a memorable West of England Championship Fives Grand Final at Shaftsbury Park, Bristol. 

The Melksham-based side scored eight tries in total, which was more than enough to secure the club’s first ever silverware. 

It was Cheltenham who started the brighter, though, opening the scoring on five minutes when Alex Ratcliffe crossed following a fine break by Hugh Howes. Sam Hughes slotted the extras. 

Bath hit back hard, taking the lead thanks to two tries in as many minutes. First, Ali Frost crossed unopposed, before man-of-the-match Connor Breen dived over following a thrilling break by impressive second-rower Ben Thyer. Leigh Wheatley converted both to give Bath a 6-12 lead. 

Less than three minutes later Cheltenham were once again level, Sam Hughes converting a fine solo score from Zack Taylor. An even period of forward-dominated play followed, before Bath once again edged ahead with two scores in the closing 13 minutes of the first half, both converted by the nerveless Breen. First, winger Luke Cador finished off an exhilarating team move, before Thyer barged his way over from 10 metres out on the stroke of half time. 

Cheltenham raised hopes of a brilliant second-half fight back when George Jewell dived over in the right corner just three minutes into the second half, with Sam Hughes adding a brilliant touchline conversion. 

However, Bath quickly reasserted their authority via the first of four consecutive tries that all but secured the game. First Breen scythed through the Cheltenham defence, before another unconverted score from Jordan Talbot stretched their lead to 32-18. Then, with valiant Cheltenham fading fast, scores from Jack Burnett – who received a superb inside pass from Breen – and Ben Thyer secured victory. 

There was still time for Cheltenham to pull two tries back – both converted by Hughes – with Munro Third and Joe Hart crossing the whitewash in the final three minutes. They were more than deserved on the balance of play, but sadly little more than consolation scores. 

The victory secured the Melksham-based side’s first trophy since their formation in January 2017. 

Man of the Match: Connor Breen (Bath, scrum half)

Referee: Ian Waters (Southern RS)

(report by Matt Anniss)