Last chance to see Under 11s play this season.  They are the only Vandals mini team invited to the 17th Esher Floodlit Mini Festival.  The festival is being held at Esher RFC on Friday 30th April from 6.30 pm to 9 pm.

Come and give them your support!  See the future first team stars in action.

Two tries, each side of half-time, three of which were converted, gave Vandals their second win in succession. They’re now building up a head of steam for their remaining league matches and have good reason to feel they can achieve a positive result in each. Vandals were without several regular first team members but their replacements, notably JAMES LAUBSTER at prop and JAKE SINES playing out of position at scrum half performed admirably. Coach BUSTER WHITE forced into action at no8, added bulk and experience to the pack while fullback JONNY HOWE played with verve and dash and enjoyed his best game to date.  The game was played on a very heavy pitch, but this did not prevent Vandals from playing an expansive game when the chance arose and the two tries scored wide out were just reward for their ambition. For their part Winchester, going through a bad season by their standards, battled away with spirit and endeavour but while holding their own upfront were rarely able to penetrate when in possession in the backline.

After HOWE had demonstated his attacking flair early on, it was Winchester with their forwards driving from a lineout who came close to opening the scoring. The visitors persisted with their driving game and after missing a penalty, camped in Vandals 22 and although crossing the game line were once again thwarted by solid defence and gradually the home side gained the territory from which they were able to penetrate the Winchester defence and score a fine try and the left-hand corner. After good build-up, centre DARREN LIVETT drew two defenders before passing to CASSIUM BRAMHAM-LAW who powered over for the score. The winger converted his own try with a superb kick. Vandals were gaining ascendancy in the set pieces and forced Winchester to infringe three times in quick succession and it was no surprise when they drove over from a five metre scrum, BUSTER WHITE getting the touch-down. Another superlative kick from BRAMHAM-LAW took Vandals into a half-time lead.

Winchester came out of the blocks in the second half, determined to get back in the game, and they brought the best out of Vandals defence in this third quarter and only a great tackle by NEIL RANDALL prevented them scoring. As in the first-half, vandals soaked up all the pressure from their opponents before breaking out with a penetrating counter-attack which eventually led to the try of the match. JONNY HOWE was at the centre of this score, involved in the initial counter-attack and then giving the scoring pass to NEIL RANDALL after contributions from DARREN LIVETT and skipper JON COTTAM. Scrum-half JAKE SINES then made a great break and when BRAHMHAW-LAW slotted over a penalty to take his side’s lead to 24 points, Vandals were very firmly in control. Another darting break by SINES took play into the Winchester 22, their constant pounding of the line finally saw JON COTTAM, who had another swash-buckling game, drive over for Vandal’s 4th try.

Next week, Vandals face Twickenham in another hugely important game.

Scorers:

Tries: Bramham-Law, White, Randall, Cottam
Conversions; Bramhaw-Law 3
Pens: Bramham-Law 1

This was a massive game for Vandals and they responded with tremendous spirit and commitment to thoroughly deserve this long over due victory. Having lost their last 7 league games they could be forgiven for losing confidence and self-belief, but they approached this game in positive fashion, determined to get back on the winning track. In previous fixtures, they had been unable to consolidate their leads, but having gained a 10 point lead over Cornish, they played the rest of the match as if their lives depended on it, and demonstrated such terrific passion in the defensive work, that whatever Cornish threw at them there was no way they were going to leak any more points. Great credit must go to skipper Jon Cottam who led by example with his thundering tackles, and who scored the vital second half try, but this was a superb team effort and all the players can be justly proud to be part of the win. They will be the first to commend their coaches, Ian Bargett and Buster White, who have shown tremendous endeavour and dedication every Tuesday and Thursday, and their whole-hearted efforts had brought just rewards.

Early possession went to London Cornish, but the first of several handling errors prevented any scoring opportunity. A great steal by Vandals flanker Fred Hedger caught Cornish off-side, and the reliable boot of Cass Bramham-Law gave Vandals an early lead. It did not take long for Cornish to overtake this score as their right wing sprtnted away to touch-down for a fine individual try which was easily converted. Cornish endeavoured to consolidate their lead, but Vandals defence held firm repeatedly and they stormed back to score a brilliant try. A break by Jake Sines in mid-field was supported by brother Oli. He found Jon Cottam with an inside pass who then offloaded to full-back Jonny Howe who scored wide out. Simple rugby, running hard and straight, two off-loads and the score came. The conversion attempt was just wide, but with their tails up, Vandals soon went further ahead. Fly half Dai Hammond, who had a very positive game, regained possession from his kick ahead and number 8 Darren Livett regathered his own deft chip ahead to set the backs in motion and Bramham-Law took advantage of the space in front of him to power over for another fine try. Cornish reduced Vandals lead to 3 points when they kicked a penalty but the home side won the territorial battle for the rest of the half and looked more likely to score again.

As to be expected, Cornish piled on the pressure in the opening minutes of the second half and should have drawn level when awarded a very kickable penalty, but they chose to run the ball and were bundled into touch. This was the story of much of the second half: Cornish throwing everything into attack but being repelled by some superlative Vandals defence which caused all manner of problems for Cornish. After more great defensive work, Vandals worked their way upfield and at the line-out Jon Cottam took a long throw and raced away to score a crucial try. Bramham-Law converted to give Vandals a 10 point cushion.

Having watched their team throw away similar advantages in previous games, Vandals supported could be forgiven for not feeling too optimistic. Cornish had plenty of possession and a very strong driving maul but could not find a way through a resolute and stout-hearted Vandals defence and had to admit they were beaten by a better side on the day.

This victory was just the tonic Vandals needed and they can look forward with renewed confidence and optimism to their remaining five league matches, beginning with the visit of Winchester next Saturday.

Tries: Cottam, J Howe, Bramham-Law
Pens: Bramham-Law x1
Conversion: Bramham-Law x1

Weybridge Vandals are pleased to announce that they have been chosen from all the local rugby clubs to host the Elmbridge Schools Tag Tournament for 2010.

The event will be held at Vandals on 10th March between 1200 and 1500.  Elmbridge Council are inviting entries from Year 4/5 at 15 schools.  The event will lead to an elite squad of players being selected and trained with a view for them to represent Elmbridge Borough Schools at the Surrey Youth Games competition to take place in June and July this year.  All the players from the schools will not come from other rugby clubs but will be new to rugby.

The Vandals Under 16s are providing qualified Rugby Youth Leaders to referee the games, to talent spot and to help with the overall training of the selected players.

Hopefully, rugby will benefit from children being introduced to the game, Vandals hope to get some new players joining and the Under 16s will get a qualification which will benefit them their future rugby involvement.

Andy Burtenshaw
Head Coach
Mini & Junior Section

The Club has recently found itself in the extremely regrettable situation of having to investigate allegations of verbal abuse of the referee at a home game in December.

Our investigations have not enabled us to identify any individual responsible but, as a club, we may face a charge under RFU rule 5.12 “…conduct which is prejudicial to the interest of the Union or the Game”. Sanctions may include financial penalties and/or points deduction.

Everyone should be aware of our Code of Conduct, which can be found in the Fixture Card and on our website (click on Club, then Membership) which states that all members and supporters of the Club are expected to play and support the game of Rugby Football Union in accordance with the spirit of the game.

We all share a great passion for both the Game and our Club, and sometimes we get frustrated, but we must ensure that this is kept within the bounds of decency and respect, and without making offensive remarks to the referee, touch judges or the opposition players or supporters.

We ask that everyone discourages such negative behaviour. Any member or supporter deemed to have made an offensive remark may be asked to leave the pitchside. The Committee may also hold an inquiry and suspend or expel anyone found guilty of breaching the Code of Conduct.

Rugby is to be enjoyed by all who take part, whether you are a player, supporter or match official and we ask that everyone plays their part in ensuring this. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please speak to me or any Committee member.

Gareth Owen
Senior Rugby Chairman
07734 748995
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Dear Vandal,

Welcome to the 2009/10 season! I hope you have all had a good break since the end of last season and are all looking forward to what I hope will be a very exciting season on and off the field for all Vandals. I would like to highlight a few things that have been happening over the summer and to give some notice of what is in store this season.

Firstly, thank you to everyone who attended the Rugby AGM in June. One of the best attended meetings for a good few years, which resulted in all committee positions being filled by (I think) willing volunteers! In case you are not aware of who’s who, I have detailed the Rugby Committee below:

Chairman                                    Gareth Owen
Club Captain                              Paul Hollingshead
Secretary                                     Max English (retiring – see below)
Treasurer                                    Sue Owen
Team Secretary                          Tom Heppleston
Membership Secretary              Tom Heppleston
Fixture Secretary                        Paul Bryant
1st XV Captain                            Jon Cottam
2nd XV Captain                           Olly Sell
3rd XV Captain                            Dan Dubery
Owls Captain                              Neil ‘Spud’ Allen
Junior Chairman                         Peter Wellden
Junior Representative               Craig Sheppard
Social Secretary                         Guy Holvey-Clark
Player Development Mgr            Ken Sewell
Elected Members                        Sara Hollingshead (sponsorship & fundraising)
Banjo Patterson (international affairs)

Unfortunately for us, work relocation means that Max is standing down as Secretary. I would like to thank Max for managing to stay awake during most committee meetings over the past couple of seasons and wish him, Daniela and Brooke all the very best in Aberdeen.
This of course leaves a vacant position and I would ask all of you to consider fulfilling this important role. Please let me know if you would like further information.

Training for Seniors and Juniors is in full swing, with the first games imminent for the Seniors. This season we have invested in the coaching structure for the Seniors to build on the success of the 1st XV last season. I am delighted that Bardge is continuing as Head Coach and that Buster White has joined us from Richmond as Forwards/Assistant Coach. Bardge’s success as a coach must not be underestimated, turning round Vandals’ relegation in 2006 to league-winning promotion in 2009. The experience that Buster brings from his 113 Wasps league appearances, England ‘A’ and Barbarians caps, and his coaching success at Barnes and Richmond will compliment this. With the 1st XV under the new captaincy of Jon Cottam, the combined package will hopefully enable us to achieve great things again this season. Olly has also been putting the guys through their paces in the early sessions and everyone should be ready for their pre season encounters, which are as follows:

Friday 14th August, ko 7.15pm v Kenfig Hill (Welsh National 3 SW)
Tuesday 18th August, ko 7.30pm    – Club Trial
Saturday 22nd August – Hammersmith Triangular Tournament (away)
Thursday 27th August, ko 7.30pm v Chobham (venue tbc)
Saturday 5th September, ko 3pm v Grasshoppers (home)

In addition to these games, the Tom Sewell Challenge Match, between Vandals and Gordon’s School, will take place on Sunday 23rd August, kick off 2.30pm. This annual fixture is held in memory of our great friend Tom who was sadly lost to us last year. Prior to this year’s game there will be a curry buffet lunch from around 12.15pm, at just £5 per head, with all proceeds going to charity. Let me know if you can come to the lunch.

Please come and support the players in all these games.

The 1st XV kick off their London South West 2 league campaign on the 12th September away at Tottonians, followed by a home game against London Irish Amateurs on the 19th.  As always, every league matches will be preceded by a lunch to which everyone is welcome. Watch for details in The Vandal.

I am extremely grateful to all our very generous sponsors, advertisers and donors. Through their commitment to Vandals, we are able to continue to
enjoy rugby at all levels and invest in our future. We are currently putting together this season’s fixture card and are always seeking new adverts. Please contact Sara if you would like to advertise, or know someone who would.

This season, we will also benefit directly from bar revenue, with 5% of everything you spend over the bar being passed directly to the Rugby Section during the season. Another great reason to get drinking at Vandals (responsibly of course)!

Subscriptions are the lifeblood of our club and essential to ensure we all enjoy the fantastic facilities at Vandals. If you have not paid your subs you will not be considered for selection or entitled to use the facilities. If are unsure of what you should be paying, please check the website or speak to Tom, Peter or me. Membership forms/standing orders can be obtained from Tom, behind the bar, or downloaded from the website. Please act now!!

A quick note about Tour, for which Vandals prides itself in being the best. This year, I shall be organising the Senior Tour to Cyprus (Paphos Tigers). Further details will follow in the next few weeks as we need to secure deposits and flights. If you would like to help in any way to make this another memorable tour please let me know.

I am sorry for the length of this communication but felt it necessary to pass on what I believe is very important information. There is much I have not mentioned but watch out for further messages in The Vandal. Please also continue to use the website for the latest Club information, match/team details, social events......and general gossip!

Finally I would like to wish all players, coaches, managers, parents and supporters a very successful and enjoyable season 2009/10, and hope to see you in the bar soon.

Iechyd da!

Gareth Owen
Rugby Chairman
07734 748995
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Summer training for the Under 11’s will start Wednesday 22/07/09 at 1830 until 1945.
Emphasis is on fun, fitness, stamina and speed.
Each Wednesday until the start of the season.
Bring a friend along or even parents/brothers/sisters welcome!