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Biggleswade U16s are East Midlands Sevens champions

Dismissing hosts Kettering 24 - 19 and Wellingborough 50 - 0.

Bedford Blues B were next up, and soundly beaten with another 50 pointer.

Full report on Youth Page

St Ives 29 Biggleswade 0

Friendly - 24/03/07

On a bleak sodden rain swept afternoon Biggleswade sank with hardly a ripple. It was another dismal afternoon when little went right.

Biggleswade travelled in hope but with an altered side to that which played the week before. The back row was completely different. There were several changes ion the three-quarters. But at least there was a proper scrum-half.

Making his debut was Tom Chalk. Tom played through the mini section and has now decided he wants to play again. He had a promising afternoon in a robust style. But he needs to get fitter and more streetwise. Opposition scrum-halves can do all manner of “dirty” tricks if allowed to do so.

Playing down the slope but against the biting wind Biggleswade conceded an early try and another soon after. Realising that St Ives were much sharper and quicker than they were, Biggleswade worked hard to stem the flow.

The pack were under acute pressure in the tight and line-outs were a lottery in the swirling wind with a wet ball..

After the break with the elements at their back Biggleswade expected better things but it just never happened. Andy Burke went close as did Mark Rastrick & Adam Sewell. But the St Ives defence held firm.

Next week-end Biggleswade travel to Luton to play Stockwood Park in the penultimate league match with just pride at stake.

After Easter there is the final league match of the season with the visit of Oadby-Wyggestonians. Before the game there is a Lunch at one for 1.30pm.

Team: J Caulfield, D Rogers, A Burke, M Roberts, T Griffiths, K Marshall, I Jones, L Collet, T Chalk, M Rastrick, G Drew, A Sewell, T O’Connor, M Peace, J Young.

Biggy 3s 7 Letchworth 12 - 24/03/07

Biggleswade thirds took on mighty stags of Letchworth and lost by just one try

The game started well for Biggy with us camped in Letchworths half for much of the first half with Chris mills playing second row winning everything in the line out. Andy Peat ever present at the back of the scrum cleared up all the scrappy ball and powered forward. Sadly it was the stags to score first which they converted.

Second half saw much of the same with great defence work from darly the stick Hassall tackling as he normally does also great play from the new boy Glen Whittle but it was not to be as the stags scored again. With true Biggy sprite (which we have had all season) we never gave up. Then with a glimmer hope Andy picked up from the back of a scrum to score with Dave the bar Tysom converting making us trail by five point. This made the last 8min very interesting but it was not to be.

The stags won the game but the threes can take heart from the game. It was the best game for us for long time special thanks to the Scad missile for driving down form Leeds to play part of the game. Most of all well done everyone who played. next week game at home to stockwood park meet at club 1.30pm first selection is on selection page already!

Best wishes and recover soon from Biggleswade to Neil Turner of Letchworth, who received a broken ankle, requiring pinning, during the game.

See the oppositions view of the match here: Taken from www.letchworthrugby.com

Since last weeks defeat we all wanted a good result!

Fired up we left the changing room with a full team, and key players back in position including Tony Dennis in the second row. From kick off we were in a competitive mood with immediate pressure put on the opposing forwards allowing us to test our scrum. This proved to be significantly more powerful and stood us in good stead throughout the whole match, winning a number of balls against the head in a awesome display of power.

Wayne Marsh, back from injury, worked beautifully in the backs with Martin Talks and Matt Oughton making good yards and providing secure ball for support. The 1st score came from a blinding run and a couple of show and go’s from Ricky Payne, popping the ball down in an ideal position for the well honed boot of Mark Ellis to convert for the extra points.

Another soon followed. Unfortunately this was slightly out of range and against the wind for Ellis to convert but never the less giving us a 12 point advantage going into half time.

The second half started with Biggleswade showing some great defence, which held our pressure at bay. Then, 10 minutes in, a loud squeal was heard from a crash ball tackle. Either some fighting cats had been caught under bodies or someone had seriously injured themselves and, upon closer inspection, Niel Turner (squealer - Editors note: A touch harsh Mark, me thinks!!!) was found to have had his leg trapped in a tackle, resulting a serious break of his ankle. The proceedings halted until an ambulance arrived, whilst at the same time efforts were made to set up the 3rd team pitch to move the game to. Typically, as a brave loose head prop and business man, his last words uttered to Michelle as he was loaded in the ambulance was “the chicken’s in the oven!”

With the match somewhat disrupted, play moved to the top pitch and carried on with another superb scrum. Tony Mansfield moved into the 2nd row position previously occupied by Mark Adams who now moved in to replace Neil.

Biggleswade’s defence carried on as before giving Letchworth little opportunity to push home their advantage and a very courageous Lawrence Mansfield almost made a tackle to save the visitors getting a well deserved try!!! (Editor’s note: Can’t quite get my head around what Lol did do, but well done anyway!)

A very satisfactory result showing all that’s best about 3’s rugby at Letchworth in stark contrast to the previous weeks difficulties.

There was still plenty of food after the match and once again our thanks go to Michelle for standing steady by the cooker while her husband was dispatched to have his ankle pinned, ably assisted by Shaun Green’s Mother (Fi).


	Presentation day for the MINI SECTION THIS YEAR will be held on SUNDAY 15TH APRIL. A Parent from Ampthill lost his wedding ring on Sunday 18th March at the MINI Festival, if anyone finds this please pass to the committee or Dave to return.

Biggleswade 10 Brackley 41

Midlands 4 East (South) - 17/03/07

Biggleswade once again weakened by late drop outs slumped to another league defeat. They did manage two tries but the visitors ran in six on an afternoon ideal for rugby.

The BBC Look East cameras were present at the game but not to record the match. Their focus of attention was the female referee set to make her international debut later in the season.

The players were not over impressed with her performance. They refused to be interviewed for fear of suffering the same fate as Peterborough Lions. Who had to attend a Disciplinary Tribunal for comments to the media about an official.

The shortage of three-quarters was so acute that hooker Darryl Rogers had to play at scrum-half. He had to throw in at the lineout and then run round and take the tap down.

Prop James Caulfield replaced Darryl in the front row. These changes did not help the pack that was under constant pressure in the scrums.

Biggleswade were under pressure right from the start and forced to make one tackle after another. It was no surprise when just one missed attempt led to an opening score for the visitors.

But Biggleswade immediately hit back. The ball was re-cycled several times before Mark Rastrick scythed in under the posts.

Brackley stretched their lead with a couple of tries including one on the stroke of half-time.

After the break Biggleswade continued to compete for much of the time, adding a second try when the old war-horse Peter Shea went over from three yards after a forward drive. Peter refused to comment on his try saying, “You put things I never say and never put what I do say!”

Stephen Gallagher made his debut on the wing and looked very sharp. He almost pulled off a try-saving tackle in the corner. In doing so he wrenched ankle and wrist forcing his retirement. His place was taken by the ever youthful Mick Showell (45) playing his first game at the top level this millennium!

Next week it is due to be a friendly. Then there are the final two league matches on Saturdays either side of Easter. Stockwood Park away and Oadby-Wyggestonians at home are the two remaining fixtures. Then there is just the Chairman’s game to finish off the season.

BIGGY TAKE THE STING OUT OF THORNEY !

Biggleswade 2nd XV 66 Thorney 2nd XV 10

On a beautiful, sunny spring afternoon, Biggleswade welcomed Thorney for the third time they had played them this season. The previous two encounters had been close affairs and Biggy looked forward to another close fought match, especially as once again there could only be two Biggy sides put out this week.

Captain Simon Rutt as tradition is now having it, once again lost the toss. Biggy kicked off into a very gusty wind and immediately took the game to Thorney - who had a very robust and large pack. However what the lads from Cambridgeshire could offer, Biggy's front three of Stubby, Stan and young Scaddy were well up to the task. Biggy's side was buoyed with some very late returnees, Twinkle Toes from Vegas, Jules from a 'club foot' injury from December and Benny Boy from work and study commitments, these three players were instrumental in the side's success. Twinkle opened the proceedings with a typical jinking run under the posts, swiftly followed by an excellent robust Chris Mills try. Boy band member Chris improves every game and is a must for the first team next season. Biggy upped their intensity for the game and there was an excellent passage of play with some sweet inter-passing, led by Marky Mark Roberts linking well with that wily scrum half Justin Maddocks. Big burly Jade Goody (Peaty) led the way with a typical barn storming run making it number three, Captaino Rutt then ran the next one in from his twenty-two as Biggy moved up a gear. This was swiftly followed by a swift tap penalty where Just Maddocks scrambled in in the corner and then from a lovely move, Jules Davis grabbed another under the posts. Throughout all this superb Biggy play, Thorney stuck to their guns and tackled manfully throughout - they were rewarded through an interception try which they converted. Biggy went to sleep in the closing quarter of the first half and just kept Thorney out from scoring a deserved second try. Biggy turned around at half time in total command.

With the wind at their backs, Biggy relished the opportunity to seal the match. Once again Twinkle scored another trademark excellent try deftly defying the Thorney defence, Rutty scored his brace after excellent support work from Benny Caulfield. Jade continued where he had left off in the first half and almost in slow motion grabbed his hat trick, by single handed dismantling the Thorney backs. A thoroughly deserved jug for Mr Peat ! Tom Chalk came on for Glen Jarvis and got in on the act after some impressive hassling of Thorney's scrum half. Biggy concluded their try scoring with a Stan Matthews trade mark stylee wink ball and there were a few conversions, one from Twinks and two from Stevie Bish. Captain Rutt also had the luxury of bringing on a few colts, all of them acquitted themselves well and were a credit to Warren Churms. Great credit must go to Thorney, who never gave up and tackled and stuck to the task at hand right to the end.

Captain Simon Rutt, said afterwards " We were right up to the mark and I hope everyone enjoyed their afternoon. There were inspirational performances from Jules and Benny. But the front three dominated and especially young Adam Scad who like Millsy improves every match. This was excellent preparation for the Cup match against Newmarket in two weeks ".

Biggy 2nd XV : Stubby, Stan, Scaddy, Marky Mark, Jules, Boy Band Member Mills, Benny Boy, Jade Goody, Maddocks (Chalky), Twinkle Toes, Shov, Captaino Rutty, Bish, Jarvis, Harty.

Congratulations to Andrew and Sally on the birth of Harry James. 8lb 12oz born on 14th March 2007. Mother and Baby doing Well.

All the best for the future

Congratulations to Russ and Steph on the birth of Robyn Monica. 5lb 15oz born on 13th March 2007. Mother and Baby doing Well.

All the best for the future

Under 15s bask in East Midlands Cup Victory

Biggleswade Under 15s duly won the the East Midlands Cup (South) 2007 on what was a great day at Langford Road Ground.

They now go through to the Regional Finals in April, where they will play some of the best teams from the North of England.

This day has been threatening for some time now and at last the undoubted skill of this team was put together with passion, desire and determination to succeed. It was fantastic at last to see it all come to fruition.

It must be remembered that some players didn’t get a lot of time on the pitch, but the support given by those guys during the day was just as important and showed that another strength of this team is they are a squad, who ever is on that pitch.

Biggy opened up against Dunstable and beat them comfortably 17-0 , however it was the final game in the group to decide the finalist that really showed Biggy’s desire. It was against local rivals Buzzard. An early try calmed the nerves and from then on the Biggy forwards, who might not be the most mobile were the best on the day. Buzzard were constantly pegged back . The forwards dominance allowed the backs the freedom to run and it was them who scored all the tries on the day When Buzzard did threaten , as we knew they would, the defensive play of the whole team was inspiring.

Biggy, took this attitude into the final against Ampthill, and although the game was tight right until the end, they always looked in control and the late try and conversion was enough to win and send the crowd into raptures.

There were many great performances on the day, but it was as a team they won, so they were all Starmen.

Biggy 17 - Dunstable 0	Biggy 10 - Buzzard 0	Final: Biggy 7 - Ampthill 0
Hughes (p) Hughes T Hutchinson T Hughes 2 C	Hutchinson T Lee T	Hughes T Hughes C

Northampton BBOB 46 Biggleswade 0

Midlands 4 East (South) - 10/3/07

The gulf between top and bottom in the league was clear in this game. Forty points down by half-time Biggleswade rallied in the second half but were still way behind.

Once again Biggleswade were forced to re-shuffle their side. But the selection of South African Albert Pretorius and fireman James Buttigieg in the back row made a big difference to the pack’s mobility. Martin “Potton” Peace played prop. It shows his versatility as he has also played flanker and on the wing for the side.

It did not take long for BBOB who are second in the league to get into their stride. They were three tries up within a quarter of an hour. The support play in attack was reminiscent of Biggleswade in their heyday. Passes were flipped out to right or left and there be always someone there to take them.

Biggleswade’s international Peter Shea admitted to being shell-shocked. “It was one tackle after another. There were still hordes of them!” he said after the game.

But in the second half the torrent of tries slowed to just a trickle. Seven tries became just one as BBOB rested players for their Sunday match. Biggleswade played with even more guts and resolve with the tackle count even higher.

Biggleswade’s only chances of a score were a long range penalty kick that went wide and break from the “22” by Tom O’Connor. Tom worked hard at scrum-half to replace the injured Ross Taylor. He was like an extra back-row driving hard at the contact. But asking him to run seventy metres after a break out from near his own posts was just too much.

In the forwards the back-row impressed until late in the game when Albert collapsed with cramp. He got no sympathy from his team-mates. One suggested “cramp was something footballers got”.

Iain Jones was a towering colossus in the lineout winning massive amounts of ball. And fly-half Matt Keen gave 110% throwing himself with abandon into making some unlikely tackles.

Next week Biggleswade entertain Oadby-Wyggestonians. Oadby are third from bottom and struggling. A good result is possible with pride now the only thing to play for. Oadby are friendly crowd off the pitch and it will be a real sorrow not to be playing them for a couple of years. The match at Langford Road kicks off at 3pm.

Team: M Peace, D Rogers, J Caulfield, I Jones, T Griffiths, A Pretorius, J Buttigieg, P Shea, T O’Connor, M Keen, I Beckitt (J Young), M Rastrick, A Sewell, S Churms, D White

Cambourne Exiles vs Biggleswade 3's - 10/03/07

Cambourne Exiles 48 : 17 Biggleswade 3's In the final weekend of the Green King XX Deuxieme Merit League Nord, Cambourne Exiles kicked off with a steely determination. Taking great advatnge of the prevailing winds in the first half, the Exiles kept the visitors under the kosh. The majority of play was in Biggleswade territory as the Exiles displayed a dominating attacking game. Ian Manley was first to break through the defences with a characteristic solo break for the first of his hatrick of tries. Paul Greaves followed this with a break from the base of a 5m scrum to drive over the try line. Dom Anthony fielded loose ball exceptionally well and made good penetrating runs from the wing, which earned him Man-of-the-Match. After one run, excellent presentation from Dom allowed Ben Yeats, in close support, to pick up the ball, drive 4 Biggleswade players backwards and crash over the line to score. A few changes were made to the Exiles lineup at the break, with Andy Nichols generously donning the Biggleswade jersey. Playing against the wind seemed to upset the Exiles momentum and Biggleswade saw much more ball in the second half. Often playing a kick and chase game, the visitors started to make an impression on the scoresheet. However, the Exiles bounced back. Will Charter charged down a kick from Biggleswade allowing newbie Neil Fraser to break through and ground the ball for his first try for the Exiles. A nice phase of play then saw the ball in Darren Maceys hands on the right wing. A well-timed inside pass to his captain thwarted Andy Nichols tackling efforts and allowed Will Charter to run in a try. Later, a strong break from Howard Smith saw the lock forward showing the opposition a clean pair of heels as he raced around the defences to score under the posts. The Exiles have impressed in their debut season in the Merit League. A probable mid-table finish is a remarkable achievement for the new club and a reflection of the committment shown by all, on and off the field. Exiles squad: S. Fletcher (G. Fleming), D. Hatrick, M. Griffiths, H. Smith, B. Yeats, D. Warwick, B. Cox, P. Greaves (P. Simpson), I. Manley, W. Charter (capt), N. Fraser, C. Lees, L. Morton, (D. Macey), D. Anthony (O. o'Dea), C. Harlow, A. Nichols Tries: I. Manley 3, P. Greaves, B. Yeats, N. Fraser, W. Charter, H. Smith Conversions: W. Charter 4. Write-up - Neil Ingham - www.cambourneexiles.com/report_10_3_07.html

Biggleswade Rugby Update March 2007

First XV

The first XV see out the remainder of the season with home games against Brackley on 17th March, Oadby Wyggestonions on April 14th and the Chairman's Game on 28th April.

Long time club member Pete Biernis has decided to step down from the First XV coaching position from the end of this season. Pete is also retiring from the Vets teams although will continue to referee. A huge thanks from the club for Pete's work during this difficult season.

Watch Charlie on Sky TV. Former Biggy Mini/Youth player Charlie Beech is on the bench for the England U20s clash with France U21s on Friday 8th March. at Franklins Gardens. Tickets are still available and the game is live on one of the Sky TV channels from 7.30pm

Club step in to rescue EMRU/Mobbs tournaments.

With the very real possibility that the EMRU U15s tournament would be cancelled, Biggy have stepped in to host the day on Sunday 11th March.

The Mobbs U11s Tournament was a certainty to be cancelled as Dunstablians had pitch problems, we have also agreed to host this ..........on the same day!

Ambitious or what!

The U15s will start at 10am with the Mobbs U11s at 2pm. Club Chairman John Thoday (01767 682780) is coordinating the day and would appreciate any help.

The Mini section also need help on the day of the Festival, please see the website.

The next few weeks see Biggleswade hosting an unprecedented number of finals, all adding to the club finances and reputation.

Help wanted please

Sunday 11th March EMRU U15s and Mobbs U11s

Sunday 18th March Bedfordshire Festival for U7/8/9s

Sunday 25th March Bedfordshire County Cup Finals U14s and U16s between Ampthill & Bedford

Tuesday 27th March Bedfordshire Schools Cup Final for Year 7 & 8

Running Biggleswade Rugby. A number of key people are retiring from their posts this year. The club is looking to recruit a Treasurer, Equipment Officer, Press Secretary, and Fixture Secretary. All of these are key positions . If you are interested in moving the club forward, please speak to Mr John Thoday, Club Chairman.

The Youth section is also looking for volunteers to become Chairman, Secretary and the vital role of Fixtures Secretary. Fixtures are largely in place for the 2007/8 season thanks to hard work by Richard Phipps.

French side to visit over Easter. The French side Salles U16s are to play Biggy on Saturday 14th April as part of their England Tour. While in England they will also play Bedford and visit Twickenham for the EDF Finals.

U14s County Coach. Gerallt Hughes, currently U13s coach has been appointed as the U14s Bedfordshire County coach for the 2007/8 season.

Improvements to the clubhouse. A number of projects are underway, including the club rewire which is awaiting a decision on the Rugby Football Foundation loan. You may have noticed new tiling and plumbing in the loos,on top of this, various bits of maintainace has been carried out by Mick, our Saturday worker.

The bar and cellar are being refurbished and improved by Wells & Young, our new beer supplier.

Clubhouse Hire. The clubhouse is available to hire for parties, functions etc. Also..........

Having a party? speak to Dave The Bar (01767 312463) for your drinks supply. Full range of Wells & Young beers, wines and spirits.

Sandy Sports Centre. Some of the Youth players from the U14s and U16s have been making use of the Gym facilities at Sandy. Hopefully, Sandy Sports Centre shortly come up with a corporate deal for all Biggleswade RUFC members, this will include Youth, Colts and Senior members and possibly something for the older Mini age groups. This is a great facility and the rates negotiated for the Youth players are very good......more to follow.

Mini Section and Youth Section meeting, both on Monday 12th March at 8pm at the club

St Patrick's Day Party! Saturday March 17th. With Irish band and disco. This is always a good night, tickets are £5 from Dave Tysom.

Biggy Club Race Night. Friday 13th April, more details to follow, this will be for all of the club and run along the same lines as the hugely successful minis race night.

St Georges Day Lunch Sunday 22nd April. Don't let Paddy and Jock have it all their own way! Last years lunch was a great success see Tony Munns for details.

compiled by DTB, MH, DC

Sunday 11th March 2007

East Midlands u15 starting at 10:15 and Mobbs u11 starting at 14:30.

This is to help out for the Finals on March 14 at Goldington road

This ought to be enough time to clear many of the under 15 cars and changing rooms before the others start arriving.
I think that I have most of the pre planning sorted.
What we need most of is physical help from about 9am onwards on Sunday. Please get any help we can pull in.
Tasks that need to be carried out in order for us to
a) Put on a bloody good days rugby
b) earn a significant sum for the club

Car parking, (this is potentially the biggest problem), folk to guide cars on to Jordans field and get as many as possible parked sensibly in there, having charged them for a programme on the way.
manning The BBQ,
Dave the bar will need help, he is doing tea, coffee, rolls and beer. (England v France on the big screen at 15:00)
Clearing up afterwards
putting out and taking in post protectors and flags
Marking pitches prior to play
Someone to assist Nigel with score boards
During the day monitoring the state of the loos and changing rooms and cleaning up/restocking as necessary
Selling raffle tickets,
FIRST AID cover,
Referee's. The east midlands think that there may be another society ref to help Beano.

See you soon

John Thoday

Biggleswade 12 Rushden & Higham 29

Midlands 4 East (South) - 3/3/07

A late try by the visitors served just to rub salt in the wound. Biggleswade were already dead and buried. They competed hard for much of the match. But when things slipped they looked very vulnerable.

After soaking up early pressure Biggleswade took the lead at the other end of the pitch. Matt Keen the sharpest & best fly half in the Club made a super break. He threaded his way through the Rushden defence until stopped just short of the line. Winger Ian Beckitt was in close support to take the pass and dive over the line for his debut try at the top rank.

Matt Keen was lively all game and a constant thorn in Rusden’s side. His performance for both effort in attack and defence won him the Biggleswade “Man of the Match” award.

Rushden hit back to draw level with a try in the corner when the Biggleswade defence was finally stretched to breaking point. Biggleswade then suffered another blow as their talisman Ross Taylor was forced to retire with a strained back. Tom O’Connor took over at scrum-half a position he was not unfamiliar with.

Rushden took the lead with a try seconds before the half-time whistle went and they never looked back. It came as a couple of first up tackles were missed.

More tries followed in the second half with just one in reply from Biggleswade. The tries again exposed fragile defence out wide. The arrival on the wing of Damian White, injured for most of the season made a difference,

Biggleswade’s try came after good work by the forwards. The last man to handle was by Martin Peace more usually known as “Potton”. It was a debut league try but his second for the club. The first came in the romp against Albanians when his name was missed off the lengthy list of scorers.

On Saturday Biggleswade travel to Northampton to take on BBOB in the twice postponed league fixture. The first time it was postponed it was blown down posts. Then it was a flooded pitch. Providing there is not a plague of locusts or an outbreak of bird flu the game should go ahead. Who knows what time the match will start? It should be 3pm in March but with internationals now kicking off at all hours of the day the match may be brought forward so players can watch England play.

Team: J Caulfield, D Rogers, A Burke, T Griffiths, I Jones, M Peace, K Marshall, P Shea (F Thoday), R Taylor, (T O’Connor), M Keen, I Beckitt, (D White), M Cray, A Sewall, S Churms, M Rastrick.

Biggleswade U16s are to play Salles Rugby Club U16s as part of the French club's England tour which will see them play Bedford Blues and visit Twickenham for the EDF Cup final.

Biggy will face the formidable French, at Langford Road on Saturday 14th April at a time to be confirmed.

Salles played Bedford Blues in the French clubs home ground last year and by all accounts were easy winners.

Biggy are planning to tour the same region in France, close to Agen in the Pyrenees

Friendly Match : Deepings 2nd XV 25 Biggleswade 2nd XV 31.

On a beautiful, crisp Saturday afternoon Biggy travelled to flat earth country and played Market Deepings. After the fifty mile trip had been safely negotiated, Biggy's side was a real intrepid mixture of twos, threes and vets. They had also to contend with a very flat and short pitch, that rapidly developed into bog like proportions.

As usual Captain, Simon Rutt lost the toss and Biggy kicked off into the prevailing Lincolnshire wind. After unusual excellent warm up, Biggy did their normal thing and gifted the opposition with a soft try, unconverted. Waking up, the forwards led by inspirational James Buttigeg as pack leader linked well with scrum half, Tom Chalk. Tom has been out of the game after a lay off of a few years, but even though in his own words his fitness is lacking - he had an excellent game, finding breaks and his pass to hand was just what the Doctor ordered ! A definite tonic for next season ! From a evergreen Roy Greer kick, Captain, Rutt followed up at speed and kicked on through and grounded for a try with the Deepings backs cursing. With Greer converting, Biggy stepped up the pace and there was tremendous interplay between Marky Roberts (breaching the Deepings defence like the parting of the Red Sea), boy band member Chris Mills and young twenty-four year old Jade Goody (Monsieur Peat). With the back row breaking through at will, the backs got in on the act and a sweet passage of play, led to young Jimmy Hart sweeping through to score, with evergreen Greer converting once more. With Deepings grabbing a penalty, Biggy now led 14 - 8. The best however was left to the end of the half, when from the restart, where with the Deepings forwards deliberating who would take possession of the ball, Stubby pounced like a cat on hot bricks and caught it as it bounced one foot off the ground (no lie !) and he gave a perfect pop to Butty - who powered in his typical dynamic manner to score an excellent try, unconverted. With the arrival of half time, Biggy led 19 - 8 and it was a case of old for new as Shov left the pitch for young Scaddy.

What a second half it was ! If Biggy thought the hard work had been done, they were wrong ! With the wind behind them and with evergreen kicking well, it should have been a formality - but it wasn't. Deepings grabbed an early try after Biggy dallied and grabbed another where the ref was clearly unsighted. But we won't complain now ! With their tails up, Biggy's reposte was the renowned wink ball, where experienced Stan ploughed over after excellent work from young Scad. With Roy converting, Biggy remained just in the lead, however Deepings - whose kicking, too, was excellent linked well and ran round Biggy's backs and after an excellent conversion, they led 25 - 24. With minutes remaining, Biggy showed a tremendous spirit - which really typified a really enjoyable match. With big Sean Barker linking well with Papa Smurf Col Abrahams, Biggy won a penalty. Captain Rutt, opted for a quick tap and he was rewarded with Barker taking it on and for Scad after a rolling maul, grounded the ball for a sweet try greeted by howls of derision by the Deeping's pack. Evergreen Greer converted and Biggy led 31 - 25. In the last few minutes, Biggy were unlucky to increase their lead and secured a enjoyable victory for all.

There were many positive moments in the game, Jim Horsey Young's power play at Centre and Richard Cooper's speedy direct running on the wing, the dynamic, positive play of young Chris Mills and all the side for their 100% commitment to what was just a friendly game of rugby !

Biggy 2nd XV : Fireman Stubby, Stan, Papa Smurf, Big Sean, Marky Mark, Boy Band Member Mills, Jade Goody, Butty, Chalky, Evergreen Greer, Shov, (Scad),Captaino Rutty, Horsey Young, Speedy Rich, Harty.

Biggy to host U14s County Cup Final

This season’s Green King Finals Day (Saturday April 21^st 2007) will be hosted at Hitchin RFC

On Sunday 25th March, Biggleswade have been asked to host the U14s County Cup Final between Ampthill and Bedford. K.O will be at 11am.

This promises to be a hard fought game and all spectators are welcome

The following Tuesday 27th we have also been asked to play host to the County Schools Cup Final for Year 8 & 9. This will be from 2pm and is to be confirmed.

This will be the final for all of Bedfordshire, Biggy were asked to host after two seasons of successfully hosting the Tag finals.

TEAM FOR MOBBS MEMORIAL MATCH

Eight new Club members and half-a-dozen nationalities are represented in the Barbarians’ team to play East Midlands in the 80th Mobbs Memorial Match at Bedford on 14 March.
Behind the scrum the debutants include try scoring wings Ben Cairns of Scotland A and former Wales under-21 cap Richard Fussell. Cairns, who signed a new contract with Edinburgh Rugby this week, has extensive experience in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup competitions while Fussell has scored five tries in his last nine outings for Newport Gwent Dragons.
Both Varsity captains have been invited, with Oxford’s Kevin Brennan making his second appearance for the Club and New Zealander John Blaikie of Cambridge one of four newcomers among the forwards.
Barbarians’ honorary secretary Geoffrey Windsor-Lewis said, “The annual Mobbs Memorial Match is always an important part of our Club’s calendar and this selection does justice to the occasion. As well as inviting eight new Barbarians we have recognised the contribution of others in recent seasons and are delighted to welcome them back.”
Three of the forwards, Newbury hooker Andy Dalgleish (as captain), Pertemps Bees captain Mark Cornwell, and Aberavon’s long-serving number 8 Richard Morris, played in the Club’s victory over Combined Services last November.
So too did Esher points machine Neil Hallett who made a big impression in the tour match in Georgia last June and is now scheduled to play his third consecutive game for the Barbarians.
Chris Malherbe, in his fourth game for the Barbarians, forms an interesting centre partnership with fellow England Counties representative and Wharfedale club member, Mark Bedworth.
The debutants up front are Dragons and former Wales under-21 prop David Maddocks, Coventry open-sider Tom Johnson, and another Scottish prospect from Edinburgh Rugby, Alan MacDonald.
Geoffrey Windsor-Lewis added, “The other encouraging aspect of this squad is that it has a good balance of players from the Magners League, English club rugby and the Welsh Premiership.”
The game at Bedford marks the start of a busy period for the Barbarians. In April they play a centenary match against the Army and then in May travel overseas to play against the national sides of Tunisia and Spain in another groundbreaking tour that will feature several familiar names.

Barbarians v East Midlands
15 Neil Hallett (Esher)
14 *Ben Cairns (Edinburgh Rugby)
13 Chris Malherbe (Wharfedale)
12 *Mark Bedworth (Wharfedale)
11 *Richard Fussell (Newport Gwent Dragons)
10 Jonny Ufton (Cambridge University)
9 Kevin Brennan (Oxford University)
1 *David Maddocks (Newport Gwent Dragons)
2 Andy Dalgleish (Newbury)
3 Wayne Reed (Launceston)
4 *John Blaikie (Cambridge University)
5 Mark Cornwell (Pertemps Bees)
6 *Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh Rugby)
7 *Tom Johnson (Coventry)
8 Richard Morris (Aberavon)
Replacements:
16 Chris Ritchie (London Welsh)
17 *Moray Law (Glasgow Warriors)
18 Brett Luxton (Launceston)
19 Danny Thomas (Plymouth Albion)
20 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby)
21 Dafydd Lewis (Cambridge City)
* - denotes new Barbarian

Club Tour 25-27 May 2007

France

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Mobbs Wednesday 14th March 2007

The eightieth annual Mobbs Memorial Match will be held at Goldington Road, home to Bedford Blues on Wednesday 14th March KO 7pm.

EAST MIDLANDS XV verses BARBARIANS Team members for both sides TBA, but will include both local and international players! This is preceded by the Mobbs Memorial finals for the U10, U11 and U12s starting at 5.15pm. Tickets news nearer the date