Your Stories and Experiences of playing for Chipping Norton Rugby Club

I would like to add to the comment from Martin Hannant about playing at Long Lartin. Everthing Martin said was true. Entry to the facility was very strictly controlled. Through a locked door into a holding area. The door was locked behind us, heads were counted and we could then move forward together on the journey to the changing rooms.

In the match I played in, we walked to the pitch passing the cell blocks. A voice from inside shouted "Get the bald headed bastard!" We couldn't figure our how our Captain, the follicly challenged Martin Newman, had managed to upset them.

We later found out that one of the warders, without much hair, was in their team. We were being asked to inflict some pain on him on behalf of the prisoners!

Richard Dix

We played one particular game against Henley 7ths.

They did point out they had one person playing for them today just to get match fit. Nearly every time they got the ball they passed to him. He either made enormous ground or he scored. He managed to take out three different players who were unable to continue -one person never played rugby again after that match. Anyway Henley won by a ridiculous amount. I said to the captain afterwards that this chap definitely was not a 7th team player. No the captain said he is first team - first team London Welsh. Without a word of a lie he was on rugby special next week on TV playing for London Welsh. Chipping Norton 2nds one week and London Welsh the next!!

Martin Hannant

Keith Bennett - legend prop. In the early days the two props for the first XV were Trev Evans and Keith Bennett. Keith was not tall but very stocky - the ideal physique for a prop. In spite of this Keith had an amazing turn of speed. He was also very difficult to tackle. So any penalty in their 25 was passed to Keith who invariably scored.

At the end of our first year it was my job as Fixture secretary to arrange a 7 a side tournament. This proved difficult as I had no phone and made frequent trips to the phone box in Walterbush Road. The highlight of this tournament was a fancy dress game - even the ref carried a handbag. Keith wore a negligee. As he burst through with the ball someone grabbed the negligee from his back. The the sight of Keith wearing only a jockstrap, cheeks flapping in the wind was a sight to behold.

Sadly Keith was taken from us far too early having suffered a heart attack - truly a legend!

Martin Hannant

Colin (`Cozy`) Brains first game for the club, as he was walking to the pitch he came up behind me took hold of my hand and said "they told me to stick with you and you'll look after me"..!!!!

Derek Soper

Back in the late 70s we were playing an away game at Witney, probably our second XV. The pitch had quite a few holes. Rod Harding approached one of these holes in the centre of the pitch. He knelt down and put his hand down the hole. He emerged holding a rabbit which then proceeded to make a vey hasty exit.

Martin Hannant

Did you ever play at Long Lartin Maximum security prison?

I remember playing there twice. We had to sign in as we arrived and ignored the bullet hole in the glass. Our bags were searched as went in and a file ( used fir filing down studs) and a bike pump were confiscated. We were taken through various doors which were locked after we went. The referee said we have three rugby balls -once the third one went over the fence the game would be abandoned.

The game went well and the spectators behaved themselves. At half time one chap brought some orange squash for us. Someone said you know he is in for mass poisoning. After the game several of the players thanked us for coming. It was alright for us if the game was called we could go down the pub. They couldn't. Then you think what they are in for and what they might have done to someone's grandma. After the game we were escorted back to the changing rooms but we couldn't leave until everyone was ready. One afternoon without my freedom was enough.

Martin Hannant

I wonder if any legends remember the trip to Twickenham, probably 1976, to watch England v Wales.
A coach was organised, probably by Trevor Evans and we set off. Tickets were allocated on the coach, and I was in the North Stand surrounded by Welshmen. In true rugby spirit, beer and banter flowed and we all enjoyed the occasion. The Welsh more so as they won, as they invariably did back then!
Back on the coach, we headed into London for post match entertainment. The agreement was to meet back at Trafalgar Square for the journey home. As was expected, there were a few late arrivals so we hung about waiting for them.
My recollection is that one of the Legends with a known propensity for public nudity, decided to streak around Trafalgar Square. Unfortunately, the local Plod were on the scene, and a certain Mr Coles ended up being arrested and taken off to the local nick.
The rest of us decided to follow him in, and someone would go in and plea for leniency. Bob Dix, in hindsight, was not a good choice of advocate, and he too was arrested.
A calmer presence was despatched to persuade Plod to release our mates. We would get on the coach and go quietly home. The Met were not helpful, told us that they were not going to be released, and that we should go on our way. We did, there was nothing more we could do.
The police though are not without a sense of humour, released them shortly after we had left, and the boys had to make their own way home via the early morning milk train.
That is how I remember it, but it was a long time ago! Anyone else able to add to or correct any mistakes?
Best regards to all you Legends

Richard Dix

I've got a terrible memory at the best of times so will bullet point flash backs from some years ago

Pulling the car up at Chippy school opening the boot and donning last weeks damp cold unwashed kit, that used to grow a weekly fungal Forrest between washes, it always had its own unique aroma that can only come from a combination of sweat and not having the chance to dry out properly in the boot of the car. It was driving snow (of course chippy school must be one the highest parts of the town) Chippy were in white kit, the ref inspected the pitch and decided we'll see how it goes, you could hardly see into the oppositions 25 yard line. The call was kick it high and let it hang they cant see us in this kit, then hit em hard all you could hear was the stampede of the forwards boots hitting the rock hard ground as we on mass headed towards this weeks enemy.

Meeting at the school for the away fixtures and trying to convince those who were in the Kings Arms that its time to go, the message would always be the same pick us up on the way back from the school and the last man out would always be the one playing the fruit machine, saying just hang on a minute something about three lemons.

Some clubs had those big old baths to get in, which resulted in people pissing on each other, pissing in it and worse, but it was a welcome sight on a cold day despite the colour of the water once it was finished with.

Using a posh Timotei shampoo bottle filled with cheap Co-ops own shampoo and keep pouring onto the heads of the other lads heads in the shower whilst they were trying to rinse the stuff off with there eyes shut and telling what good stuff that Timotei was and how long a bottle of it could last.

Stopping at pubs on the way home or if it looks like we're going to arrive early stopping at pubs on the way out.

Listening to that big ginger lad who played for Witney (I'm not sure but I think he may have passed away but hopefully could be wrong) shouting to his team mates, get chimp head, I thought whose our chimp head next thing Stan is out cold with a deep cut on his forehead. It made a change from seeing Whinny spark out for the umpteenth time

One week it was, a not to bad fixture like Harwell the following week it could be Dunlop's of Coventry, Matson, Cinderford or Upton on Severn after heavy rain to find the pitch totally submerged and the game was cancelled which they told us upon our arrival so you can guess where we ended up

The sound of the clanking of boots and shouting as we warmed up in the changing room that left the changing room floor covered in mud from the previous weeks game, only to go out a reload the boots for next weeks changing room

The post match meal sitting having a drink with your opposite number, playing draughts with half pints and the sing song, being financially broke by Sunday, Tony Cripps mid week ring round trying to get players ready for the weekend, the smell of Ralgex, the pain of having Ralgex squirted on your bollox, the words from the Brockworth captain who said we fucking love it when you lot turn up we've had teams fuck off at half time and not come back again.

Today its still a game of 15 men but for some that smell of booze, fags, damp kit, old cars that had wooden dashboards, the post match shenanigans and meal/chat with your opposite number on a Saturday afternoon will always be fondly remembered

Some times in my minds eye, I see you and I together clad in Dennis the Menis shirts. First job being, clear the school pitch of cutlery I.e. knifes, forks and spoons that apparently that grow wild on Cotswold fields green.

We, smile of things that pass between us. But our friendship bond remain in tacked. Unspoken words between friends. You young fresh excited at the buzz this game gives us both.

Today's game is a little different. Its a pub side up from the smoke ( London )

They've come to show us Country bumpkins how to play......like that is going to happen. Personal pride our common brotherhood.

We will not give one inch, we came to win not play second fiddle to any Cockney Gangsters.

Hughie Beauchamp three years my senior has a game plan the changing rooms quiet, he holds us in the palm of his hands with his words. Stood like Martin Johnson on a Lions Tour, Firstly Shandy ( looking like Jimmy Hendricks twin brother )stay bound on don't break away from the scrum. Second row bind tight. Looking up at Buzzer and Stan listen do what you always do don't hook you'll terrify them enough, just push them off of the ball. Tommy Keen playing at 9 no problem'o. Our backs are electric looking like greyhounds at the starting gate, lean ready for anything that is thrown at them. Young guns hunting nothing better.

Prime Cotswold Beef on the hoff following young warriors in to the affray.

First Down we drove them back.

Buzzer and Stan slamming into them like Orcs from Lord of the rings .

Wonderful to see, but frightening the first time it happens.

They shocked dazed utterly confused. Beaten bruised in the first minutes. Buzzer grinning like a Cheshire Cat, Stan winking we did good Hughie. He nodding, I think that they counted their men off of the field just incase they had left anyone dead behind.

We treated them well. The score, more like Cricket than Rugby.

Here's Hoping that this jogs memories of those happy days.

Unsung heroes

Much has already been said about the front five in the engine room of the pack.

Those who bind this together are the flankers and the lock ( Number 8 shirt ) their stewardship of controlled ball.

Often overlooked their efforts.

Strong, fast, nimble, quick on both feet thinking play maker.

Players like the legendary Martin Clifton the Crazy antics of Paul ( Grill ) Coles forever remain in my thoughts.

Martin Clifton on top form outstanding, like being tackled with the speed of an Express train, delivery like a brick through a plate glass window.

Leaving many a player rocking in his boots.

Paul or should Grill Coles strong enough to send players backwards yards folding them in half from the tackle, his builders arms around their waste body folded over his back like a rag doll.

We mustn't forget the number 8 shirt worn by the unshakable Shandy Shepherd ball at his feet. Waiting for the Scrum half to take or to pick it up then make valuable yards. Looked very much like Mervyn Davies mop of Tights black curls bobbing weaving in the thickest part of the contact amidst the battle always maximum effort.

Made for a great addition to any Scrum

Thanks guys you are not forgotten

Your are the wriiten into the pages of the Legends Hall of Fame.

Thanks Mark listening to the rambling of an old man.

The Sun has disappeared. So must I.

Speak on the phone again soon

Rugby has been a huge part of my life since I was a young boy. From playing on the Chipping Norton School and County boys’ team, the first club I started with was Stow-on-the-Wold at 15 years old. Trevor Evans used to pick me up and take me most weeks.

After playing at Stow for a number of years, it occurred to a few of us travelling from Chippy every weekend that we could probably just about get a team together ourselves. After a fixture one week, having our post-match pints sat in the Blue Boar, conversations got going about making the vision a reality. Jo Walsh was the landlord of the Blue back then. Me, Trevor Evans, Paul Coles, Martin Newman and some others started making plans- we got some other blokes interested and so Chippy Rugby Club was reformed. Len Howie and Arthur Knockles were a big part of it all. Back then Chippy school field was our home pitch and the Blue Boar was the club house.

The first ever fixture was Claverdon away. All the lads had the afternoon off work for the midweek fixture. We drove over in convoy and a supporters coach was laid on. Mick Widdows played and Bob Dix was on the touch line. Needless to say the beer was flowing on the bus on the way back, so I got the coach home! As some others have said, the social was as much part of it as the match itself.

In the early days, lots of people from the town started raising money to build the Club House and enough was raised to get started. The footings were dug and filled with pre-mix in the lashing rain. Due to cash flow problems the work came to a halt there. Those footings could be found underneath the car park of the Club now. After that, lots of people from the Town worked long and lard, raising money determined to get the Club House built. Chippy carnival was restarted. It was a real community effort- too many people involved to mention. Russel Smith and others did the brick work. Gary Lodge, Tavvy Goodway and me put the roof on. The main Club that stands today was built by playing members and friends, giving their time to contribute.

There’s many a story from matches through the years- I wouldn’t really know where to start in recalling some. One that sticks out has got to be Roger Dix stumbling in to the George and Dragon in Long Hanborough, pissed as a fart aged 15. He took one look at the Land Lady as he lent on the bar and said ‘Where’s George then?’ (suggesting she was the Dragon). That’s got to be one of the funniest things I’ve seen- the look on her face! I don’t think Tony Cripps was too impressed when Roger’s sick stripped all the paint off the side of his car as we pulled up outside the Blue on our return to Chippy. Tony always seemed to get lumbered with driving the most pissed lads home somehow! I think most of us would agree without Tony, the club wouldn’t have survived until today.

For a lot of us, we grew up playing Rugby. We had our first real session post-match. We lived and breathed the game and the club into our adult lives. I’ve got many a memory that will stay with me for life.

I’m proud to have been part of reforming Chippy Club alongside all of the others, and its brilliant to see where the hard work and dedication of others has taken the club to in the present day’.

A memoir from

John Tomalin aka Tonka!!!!!

Can you guys remember these days

History. Geography, Maths

For more years than I care too remember. When I first put the shirt of Black and of Red.

Changing in Cars. Sheds and even a once a Caravan.

The Blue Boar, before it was a YUPPIE wine bar. A Spit sawdust on the floor type oldie world, the lounge had straw on the floor.

We changed upstairs, Joe, Moreen the landlord, landlady Joe saw trouble coming he would disavanish ( disappear and vanish said at the same time ) leaving the likes of Glen Thornton and others to throw out the riff raff. Dope smoking. wasters junkies weirdos.

General loosers.

Just for some peace and quiet, a pint a fleur de lisc steak and onion pie ( best pies ever )

So rough was the Blue Boar then Alsatians walked around in pairs. Locals said tomcats taste like Hares.

Seriously not a good pub.

It was a least cheep the players made it home for some years.

For all of the money we put behind the bar Joe was reluctant to put his hand in his pocket to help buy a new strip for the next season. I think Martin Newman, Tony Cripps being diplomats might have got some or very little out of him.

The rest of us, just thought he was a tight git.

So we moved to the White Heart across the road to see Hazel my favorite bar maid, A big girl didn't have a bra just two buckets and Yard rope.

Giving Joe the Royal two fingers salute.

( more to follow )

What Have I turned up to?

Sept 1986 1pm having just put the last of my belongings into my new house in Chippy, a knock at the door from a chap called Greg Sumners.

Hello matey do you remember a gang of us from Chippy visiting Marilyn Nightclub Evesham last month and talking to you about your move to Chippy?

I vaguely nodded and he informed me that today I was playing for Chippy and we needed to get a move on as were all meeting in the pub for pre-match drinks.

My first introduction to the Chippy Rugby Club which at first I thought was a squatters refuge, climbed the stairs to be greeted by many of the legends that have already written posts or have been previously mentioned.

Jump into that car matey we are playing away, as Tony Cripps ran out of the club screaming who has taken my car bet its that B***ard Stan King!!

I had previously played in Worcester and then Evesham which was hard rugby, however the first scrum was set and you probably don’t need me to tell you who was in the front row but we folded the opposition in half our hooker getting the ball against the head and then I looked around to see all the opposition front row on the ground behind us with a bucket and sponge at the ready holding various twisted body parts.

I soon realised that the rugby game in this part of the world was going to be hard and gruesome and I loved every game, met some fantastic characters and built some real, long lasting friendships. I also learnt to mime along to all the songs I didn’t know, had drinks trays smashed over my head went up some mystical sunshine mountain in the bunch before the mountain ( 2 seater table collapsed with 10 rugby players falling to the ground) and never again during the rugby season did I wake up Sunday morning sober. I witnessed many poor souls being duped into the Tim Busby 3 man lift scam, Charlies long nipple scam and never seen so many naked bodies in one pub at one time.

I loved every minute of playing with a fantastic crowd of true gents and had the pleasure of being second team captain for a few seasons backed by loyal players week in week out turning up with the previous weeks battle scars and injuries still evident. I am pretty sure we even went one season without losing!

Thanks also to all the wives, girlfriends, mistresses who put up with us all and mainly just joined in!!

Thank you to Chippy Rugby Club for adding a chapter of my life I will never forget.

Priceless memories are never forgotten.

Tony Horsepole ..Aka `Yuppie`