haverhill
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Haverhill
H
averhill Rugby Club has been playing a vital role in their local community for many years and are able to
celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Vice Chairman David Halsey took the time to tell us more.
Involvement
He told us, “On moving to Haverhill 14 years ago I joined the club. I
have played rugby from the age of 11 and had no excuse as I could
see the rugby club from my house. I wandered over to the club
one Saturday lunchtime to enquire about joining.
I was immediately greeted by the Captain Paul Bergin, who
asked if I had any kit as I was playing that afternoon. At
that time I didn’t have any kit, which didn’t stop them
finding me some. In 2012 I took on the role of Chair of
Senior playing, and I became responsible for the senior
playing teams. Later, in 2013 I was voted in as Vice
Chairman.”
The Role
“I am extremely passionate for rugby and want to see
the club succeed, having the privilege of being Vice
Chairman I can put the club first. It is rewarding to
see the club grow and become successful following a
down period. In 2014 we were awarded £1,500 from
RFU Natwest Rugby force. This was used to re-decorate
the changing room area following a £26,000 overhaul of
the showers. We ran a maintenance weekend in June and
over 50 people attended to help do work, and we were lucky
that we had a RFU representative come down to help as well.”
Atmosphere
“With the club celebrating their 50th Anniversary the atmosphere
is really positive. With the league structure we have had 30 plus
supporters travelling to fixtures to support the team. This year has
seen the supporters create a Supporters club and raise money to pay
for players functions. They also paid for the junior section Christmas
party.”
Anniversary
“On the 11th April we will be playing Harwich which is the first team the club played
50 years ago, this will be followed by a BBQ and karaoke for both teams. A 50th
anniversary website was setup (http://www.haverhillrugbyclub50th.com/) to allow
players and members to find out what is happening. In May 2015 the club is having
a Dinner to celebrate the 50th. During the dinner we will have speeches from playing
members from the past and present. There will be a raffle to win a signed 2015 6 Nations
England shirt and many other prizes.”
This Season
“The Eastern Counties re-structured the leagues for 2014; this has benefitted the club
massively allowing us to play more local clubs. The longest journey is only one hour
and most fixtures within 30 minutes. Haverhill 1st XV have had a good season fulfilling
every fixture and the hard work has allowed us to finish 4th in the League.
Four years ago the club was struggling to put a team out on a Saturday and decided to
pull out of the league, since then there has been focus to develop and regroup. Now the
1st XV have a core group of players which has helped form a cohesive unit.”
Quality
“This year we have seen a number of players step up and perform; a couple stand out
for many reasons. Adam Hunt this year finished top try scorer with 29 tries, this backed
up by Kieron Ewens who has kicked for the team, getting 29 conversions and 10 penalty
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