Helsby Rugby Club
Check out the Rugby section`s new website which is now live and contains all match reports http://www.helsbyrugby.com
The new season is now underway for our junior and senior teams. Check out the latest match reports below -
HELSBY 10 – 12 PORT SUNLIGHT SATURDAY 25th OCTOBER
At last Helsby managed to get off to a good start in this League game and were soon 3 points to the good when Kev Ryder converted a penalty after the opposition had been penalised for being off side at a Ruck. Both forwards and backs were combining well and from another penalty they were unlucky not to go further ahead when a tap penalty move ended up with them just being held up on the line. Helsby were really dominant at this stage but failed to put the opposition away.
Half time – Helsby 10 – 0 Port Sunlight
The home side were to rue their missed chances when the visitors crossed the line soon after the second half had started this was due to some very poor Helsby defence on their own line. The try going unconverted. Determined to run the ball back against a strong wind Helsby were to come unstuck again when a pass was intercepted allowing Port Sunlight to score under the posts and get, what would turn out to be, the winning conversion.
Credit must go to the opposition for their stout defence after Helsby tried on several occasions to breach their lines. Helsby did get several penalties but were unable to convert their chances due to the strength of the wind and when they attempted to run they were always held up short.
Best for Helsby were Bruce Rigby, Bob Merrill and Kevin Ryder
HELSBY 8 – 7 NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS (EDF JUNIOR VASE ROUND 3) SATURDAY 18th OCTOBER
Helsby, yet again, had to come from behind against a strong Newton-le-Willows outfit that are in a Division higher, to progress to Round 4 of the EDF Junior Vase competition. The home side gave away an early penalty, in front of the posts, that the visitors decided to run rather than take an easy 3 points and they were rewarded when they managed to crash over the line for a try due to sloppy tackling by the home defence. The try being converted gave them an early 7 point advantage.
As in previous weeks, this seemed to stir Helsby into action and the pack started to get on top, this allowed the home backs more space and freedom to create opportunities. They were soon rewarded when the visitors were penalised for hands in the ruck and Kev Ryder slotted over the penalty to put the home side on the board. They went into the lead for the first time when Bob Merrill played a lovely short pass to flanker Wes Mckibbin for a great run from his own half which resulted in the forwards winning the ensuing ruck and quick ball sent Phil Arkell over for the try.
Half time Helsby 8 – 7 Newton-le-Willows.
The second half saw Helsby completely dominate up front, both in line outs and scrummaging but they couldn’t make the telling pass to create another score. The only highlight of the half was when winger Phil Arkell fielded an opposition kick in his own in-goal area and instead of touching down for a 22 metre drop out he decided to run the ball back and with a clever chip and re-gather he took his team to the half way line when the final pass was dropped with the line beckoning. Up front for Helsby Tom Gregory and flanker McKibbin put in outstanding performances
Helsby are back in League action next week when they entertain Port Sunlight. MERSEYSIDE POLICE 10 - 44 HELSBY (Sat 11th October)
As in previous weeks, Helsby again started this match slowly and allowed the home side to score a try and add a penalty putting them 10 points in front. Helsby could have got themselves back in the game but missed a simple penalty from in front of the sticks. It took Helsby until mid way through the first half before they started to play as a team and were rewarded when the forwards set up some good ball and the backs quickly worked the ball straight down the line for debutant winger Steve Watts to score under the posts. Kev Ryder converted. The same player set up Helsby`s second try when he ran back an opposition kick before passing onto Richie Albel who set up the maul from which Simon Williams went over the score the try. Just before the half time whistle 2 barnstorming runs from Lee Gibson allowed John Williams to go under the sticks. Kev Ryder again converting.
Half time - 10 - 19
Helsby ran away with the second half and scored 3 more unanswered tries with John Williams and Steve Watts adding to their first half efforts and Wes McKibbin also getting on the score sheet. Kev Ryder finishing the game off with a penalty. Helsby thoroughly deserved their win and at last showed how well they can play when forwards and backs combine so effectively. Helsby Man of the Match was John Williams.
Next week Helsby entertain Newton-le- Willows in the EDF Junior Vase.
Helsby 15 - 20 Capenhurst (Sat 4th Oct 2008)
Yet again Helsby were forced to make 4 last minute changes to the team that won the week before at Parkonians and could have justifiably won this game if they had taken their chances. They started brightly with some excellent tackling by their back row keeping the opposition pinned in their own half. On their first sortie into the Helsby half, when the ball wasn`t cleared successfully, the Capenhurst forwards won the ensuing line out and mauled the ball over the line for a try. The home side eventually started to use the elements and played for territory in the visitor`s half of the field, they were rewarded with a Kevin Ryder penalty. This was followed, just before half time, with a fine try by Wes McKibbin after constant pressure by the forwards and backs combined.
Half time Helsby 10 - 5 Capenhurst
Capenhurst were soon on level terms, straight after the break, when their powerful forwards drove over for an unconverted try. With a strong wind against them Helsby decided to run the ball back at the opposition and were to score the best try of the game when good quick passing in the backs set Phil Arkell free to go the length of the field and score from his own 22 metre area. Yet again Capenhurst got back into the game with a penalty. They sealed the match when some poor tackling by the home side allowed the Capenhurst backs to break through and score under the posts. Helsby`s man of the match was Captain Jim Gray for his tireless work around the pitch.
Helsby 39 Congelton 14
The rigorous and strenuous pre season training has obviously paid off with two wins to date against both Moore and Parkonians
Helsby Opened their League campaign with a fine, but hard fought win over Congelton.
The Helsby Forwards had the upper hand right from the off, managing to drive the scrums forward on every occasion. Unfortunately the home side fell behind when they pushed their opponents off the ball only to see the No8 pick up and break away creating space for their backs to score.
Helsby were soon back on level terms with a nice one two between Richie Able and Simon Williams with the No10 crossing the line, Kev Ryder levelled the scores with a conversion.
The Home side went in front just before the break when Andy Dean scored from the back of the scrum in a push over drive. The Half time score was 12-7
Shortly into the second half Kev Ryder again squeezed one between the posts from a penalty kick. Excellent combination play between forwards and backs soon saw Helsby stretch the lead in the second half with a try from Tom Gregory following slick handling in the backs. Richie Able added two further tries which were again converted by the consistently fine tuned positioning of Kev Ryder`s boot.
The final score for Helsby came from a break away sprint from `Fast Phil `Arkel. The game finished with a consolation try for Congelton with the final score at 39-14.
Man of the Match was awarded to Phil Arkel.
Next week Helsby fly to Isle Of Man for their second league match against Ramsey .With the Juniors taking on Ellesmere Port at home 10.30 start.
Double Success for Helsby Under Nines - Report by Stuart Wilkinson Helsby U9s Rugby Club was invited to take part in the Whitchurch Rugby Clubs `Minis Festival` last Sunday (April 27th). Other clubs invited included Caldy, Altrincham, Chester, Sandbach and of course Whitchurch. The team were already on a high from the Cheshire Festival hosted by Anselmians two weeks previous, were they won their league, with victories against Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Sefton.
Helsby knew the competition would be tough at this one, as it was played in a league format the victors being the winners of most games with points difference being used to determine winner if required.
Helsby were met with some very strong opposition in their first match but overcame Sandbach and won 4 - 0.
Their second game was against Caldy who put up a good fight but went down 11 - 0 to the now rampaging squad.
The third game was a lot tougher and the boys met their match - it was 2-1 to the up until now victorious side when in the last movement of the game Altrincham managed to squeeze one in making it 2 -2.
It all rested on the final game against the host team whose results had been similar to Helsby`s. The winner of this match would be the winner of the tournament.
Helsby went ahead and finished the first half 2-1 up. The second half saw some very strong tackling from the whole team, preventing the opposition from crossing the line and Helsby sealed it with a full length sprint from Matty Walker scoring in the corner finishing 3-1 up.
It was a fantastic team performance from the whole squad who lifted the trophy and received their winner`s medals amongst jubilant celebrations from parents, coaches and players alike.
Summer coaching for U9s, U10s and U11s will commence on Wednesday June 25th at our Rugby pitches next to Tescos in Helsby.
(The Squad photo shows Back Row, Joe Lamb, Joe Wilkinson, George Houghton, Tom Owen, Will fletcher. Front Row Jonathon Jones, Will White, Matty Walker, Edward Burdett, James Knipe. Missing from the photo was Alex Walker who had to leave early).
Helsby Rugby Juniors receive a little bit extra from The Halifax
Andrew Hayes, Equity Partner, of Halifax Estate Agents in Frodsham presented a cheque to Helsby Rugby Development Officer, Stuart Wilkinson, and Jason Chapman, U7s Team Manager, at Alvanley and Manley Spring Fete last week. The U7s team entertained crowds at the fete with a Tag display game.
Mark Horridge, Secretary of the Junior Rugby section, said `We`ve had another very successful season involving children from 5yrs to 16yrs. Next season we intend to do the same and with financial help from Halifax Estate Agents in Frodsham we can look to further improve our pitches and pitch side shelter to accommodate the ever increasing numbers.`  Andrew Hayes said `We are proud to be associated with Helsby Junior Rugby Club, they have come from nothing only a few short years ago, and now continue to grow from strength to strength. It`s a real local success story` Summer Training commences Wednesday 25th June from 6.00pm to 7.30pm. For Information regarding Helsby Rugby contact Stuart Wilkinson 07891 504 265 or check out the rugby section of this web site.
Sale Sharks Rugby Camps Throughout the year Sale hold coaching events around the county. During Easter a few parents took their kids along to Whitchurch.The feedback from kids and parents was that they are well worth attending for enjoyment, fun and the quality of the coaching. www.salesharks.com. Or check cabin. 8-16yrs
HELSBY SENIORS New players req`d for next season, 17 to 70 all welcome.
Dads, dig them boots out, you can still do it. See Coach or Stu Wilkinson.
Web-Site / Scrummage Machine/Summer Training Progress is being made with our dedicated rugby web site (www.helsbyrugby.com), a few people will have access to update info. We have quotes for Scrum Machine repairs, it will be ready for training which will continue on Tuesday evenings through the summer. 6.00 - 7.30.
Summer training starts Tuesday 24th June
Coming Soon...
... a dedicated section for rugby match reports. For now you can find them all here.For more information regarding any of our Rugby teams / training call Mark 07875 436767
Match Reports from 1st / 2nd Dec
Defiant Helsby Pipped at the post. Helsby 11 Marple 15
Third in the league Marple may have come to bottom place Helsby expecting a walkover, but instead they found a defiant Helsby team in no mood to be pushed around.
Helsby rattled Marple early on with some powerful backs and forwards play however the opening score belonged to Marple when an ambitious pass from Terry O`neill was intercepted by the Marple 13 who set up a fine but gifted try to make the score 0 - 5. Things boiled over early in the first half when Helsby found their promising young centre, Phil Arkell, sent to the bin for 10 minutes for reacting to an off the ball incident.
Despite being a man down, Helsby defended well and took the initiative, hitting back with a well worked forwards move, putting Tony Mckibbin over the line just to the left of the posts. Kevin Ryder Converted the score putting Helsby ahead 7 - 5.
Half way through the second half the well drilled Marple backs exploited an overlap and scored another unconverted try putting Marple ahead 7 - 10.
Helsby continued to ask questions of the Marple pack, terrorising the scrummages and driving the stockport side back at will. Things we`re drawn even closer when Kevin Ryder punished Marple with a well taken 3 point penalty, edging Helsby ahead 11 points to 10.
The day however belonged to Marple when late in the second half they capitalised on some indecisive defensive play by Helsby and ran in their third try. Full time score Helsby 11, Marple 15. Marple relieved, Helsby bitterly disappointed but will take away many positives from a great game of Rugby.
Helsby U11s 
The Under 11s won 5-1 against Shotton in a fairly fought contest that was closer than the score line suggests. With a good team performance Helsby`s attacking play and passing won through with tries by Thomas Jones (2), Ben Porter (2) and Charlie Fletcher (1) ably assisted by strong running from Jake McKenna, Will Littlewood and Josh Brookes.
Helsby u13s v Northwich u13s A very determined effort by an under strength Helsby team was not enough to prevent the visitors  securing a deserved 31pts to 17 pts win in a game that was played in excellent spirits. Northwich had the edge in the backs, but the Helsby forwards competed well, especially Hayes, Brookes, Warburton and Garner, who all caused problems with their direct running and tackling. A very tight first half finished with the well organised Northwich side ahead by three tries to two. In the second half with the wind behind them, Northwich scored two more tries, with Helsby getting a consolation try near the end. Helsby try scorers: Hayes (2) and Brookes
Helsby RFU - Match Reports - Nov 25th / 26th Senior Team Merseyside Police 5 Helsby 7 Helsby returned to winning form at the weekend with a narrow win across the water against Merseyside Police . The Helsby pack dominated forward play, supplying good playable ball to the backs which eventually paid off with centre Terry O`Neil charging over for the winning try. The try was converted by Kev Ryder. Man of the Match was awarded to Prop Forward Jason Hocking for his consistent mobility around the park. Next Saturday Helsby are at Home ( Grounds behind Tesco) to Marple. Kick Off 2.30. Júnior Teams U7 - U14 Helsby Tag U7s A + B teams Winnington Park U7s A + B teams. Helsby played a close fought game to come out on top of this local match. The A team won both of their games 6 points to 5 . Strong running produced trys from Harry Wilkinson and Niall Teasdale, with great support play from Sam Long , Morgan Hyde and newcomer Tom Kimpton. Persistent running from Jake Pratt and Patrick Lee displayed some excellent Tagging. The B team gave a respectful performance beating the home B team 5 - 3 and losing to the A team by 7 points to 1.James Houghton, Eathan Olubodun ,Paddy Nolan, Harry Gibson, Andrew Wiggins contributed well to the team with tries from Xavier Doran, Jack Chapman and Edward Harris. Helsby Tag U8s No fixture this week- Trials for the U8s team will take place on 9th December on pitch next to Tesco Helsby. 10.30 - 12.00. Limited places call Stuart 01928 724452 or Turn up. Helsby U9s 3 Maccalsfield U9s 4 An excellent performance from Helsby against a far bigger squad. The team displayed superb second phase ball for the duration of the game which produced all 3 trys. Great running from Caleb Brown, Joe Lamb and Louis Houghton .A sterling performance. Helsby U10s No fixture this week- Trials for the U10s team will take place on 9th December on pitch next to Tesco Helsby. 10.30 - 12.00. Limited places . Helsby U11s ,U12s Trained in readiness for next week`s home fixture against Shotton. Helsby U13s vs Flint U13s Played across the border at Flint, they were met by a strong team who won the fixture on their home turf. A good display from Helsby. Persistent tackling kept the score respectful. Next week they meet local rivals Northwich at home. Helsby U14s Rested this week ready for a full training session next Sunday prior to taking on New Brighton on 9th December.
 Youngest Recruit Signs On for Helsby Juniors
Helsby RUFC have recruited their youngest ever player. Five year old Morgan Hyde joined the juniors at the registration day on Sunday 2nd September. His proud Mum said, `Morgan has always wanted to play rugby.` Morgan, who attends Hillside Primary School in the village, proudly shows off his club shirt. Following the summer break junior training has now resumed. Anyone interested in playing is more than welcome to come down to the rugby pitches behind Tescos on Sundays 10.30am to 12 noon. More details are available from Mark on 07875 436767.
Helsby U13 and U14s to participate in the National Junior Rugby Festival at Sedgley Park
Helsby Rugby Club`s Under 13 and 14 teams have been invited to compete in the National Junior Rugby Festival at Sedgely Park on Sunday 16th September.
The event sponsored by Lexus, is a nationwide junior rugby tournament helping to promote and support rugby at grass roots level. .
The Festival provides junior rugby teams the opportunity to pit their skills against opposition they may not have encountered before. Lexus firmly believes the creation of the rugby tournament at junior level fits with its vision of `the pursuit of perfection` - encouraging budding rugby players to develop their skills and fulfil their potential.
Cheshire Women`s Rugby
Contact Vicky Muir on 07775 947157 if you are interested in playing rugby at U15 or U18.
Level 2 Coaching Award for Club Coaches
Andy Tunstall and Chris Williams have both recently been awarded their RFU Level 2 coaching awards. Mark Horridge, Junior Rugby Secretary said, `It is great that the club has been able to support these guys in this.`
Helsby Rugby Club
Since it`s formation in 1962 by workers at the village`s BICC factory, Helsby Rugby Club (Seniors) has established a firm reputation as one of the most sociable clubs in the region - and with the 1st XV playing competitive rugby in the South Lancs/Cheshire Leagues this really is a club with something for everyone.
In the 2003/04 season - following England`s World Cup win - the club`s first-ever Junior teams took to the field and by the end of the following season, the club had established teams at every age grade from Under-7 through to Under-14. The club continues to strive to develop local talent and is currently delivering a Rugby Development Programme in local schools, in conjunction with club sponsor`s Concept Kitchens, SportsMatch, the Rugby Football Union and Vale Royal Borough Council.
If you are interested in getting involved in Helsby Rugby Club - either as a player or as an off-the-pitch volunteer then you`ll be made to feel more than welcome! Please contact us or come along to one of our weekly training sessions to find out more.
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New players of all ages and abilities welcome |
What are you waiting for?!? If you live local and used to play, why not pull your boots back on and give us a try! Otherwise, if you`re new to the game, come on down to one of our training sessions and we`ll talk you through the  basics and show you what you`ve been missing! A major part of our training sessions involve non-contact drills and `touch rugby` - so it`s an ideal opportunity to have a go without worrying about the physical side of the game!
In-Season (September - April)
Junior training takes place every Sunday morning at Helsby Rugby Pitches, from 10.30am to 12.00 noon.
Senior training takes place every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm at Helsby Rugby Pitches
Off-season (June - August)
Every Saturday afternoon at 4:00pm and every Tuesday evening at 7:00pm. Adults and juniors welcome - no previous experience necessary!
For more information call 07804 656558
Check out Helsby Rugby Club`s own websitehttp://www.helsbyrugby.com |
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