Bicester
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3rd in Berk/Bucks & Oxon 3. There is
a great culture around the club at the
moment and everyone is buying into the
bigger picture of what we are trying to do.
This is also helped by the amazing support
base we have from the local community
and local businesses.
“We have had a great influx of players
moving to the local area over the past 3
years including players from the local
army barracks, players from the local
Christians in sports academy, players
returning from other clubs and coming
through the junior ranks and stepping up
into the senior sides, 4 players have made
that step this season into the 1st XV all
making great contributions, Lewis Foy,
George Upton, Dan Walker and Christian
Mann all making statements with their
performances.
“Dan has recently moved to New
Zealand on a 6 month contract to play
for Athletic Marist where he has already
made a scoring Debut. The whole club
wish him every success while he is out
there flying the flag for Bicester RUFC.
“We also have a couple of old heads
still around and fully involved within
the 3 teams, Granville Williams leading
from the front as 2nd XV captain, Michael
Hutchinson as 3rd XV Captain, Tony
Shaw, Robert Thurlow and Richard
Walsh to name a few more. This season
the 1st XV have been led by both Mathew
Dye and Dave Hampton, both have been
stand out performers this year, along with
prop forward Tom Horwood, back row
forwards Ryan Gallacher and Andrew
Faulkner, centre Tom Miles and Winger
Pete Tarrega.
“Special thanks needs to go to 1st
XV coach Paul Sullivan (ex-player) and
Manager Paul Jaggers for their constant
hard work in organising the lads, same
goes to Granville and Tim Corton for the
2nd team set up and Mike Hutchinson for
the 3rds, a lot of work goes on behind the
scenes that not everyone sees. Without
them we wouldn’t be in the great position
the club is in today.
“Going forward the club will be
trying to secure our current ground and
to ensure that we can continue to offer
and provide options to participate in
Rugby to the people of Bicester in their
home town and to continue to grow the
club on all fronts, on the field and in the
club house, at the end of the day we are
still a social side playing for enjoyment
and everyone involved with the club are
volunteers. Without these people the club
wouldn’t be where it is today, and it’s that
togetherness and camaraderie that makes
this club special and keeps myself and
other players coming back season after
season.”
Paul Sullivan is the 1st team coach of Bicester Rugby Club, as an ex front row player and father of
U15s full back and winger Reece Sullivan he has had a long and positive association with the club.
He recently took some time out from running his busy catering business PRP Event Catering Ltd, to
speak with Rugby Club Magazine, saying, “A neck injury put an end to my playing days, however
I did continue to help out with the clubs mini section. My son Reece started playing as an 8 year old
and still plays for the club in their U15s team.
“This is my 4th season as Head Coach. Having completed my level 2 in coaching, my first season saw
us drop only 2 defeats in our 16 game fixture list with a 9 game unbeaten run.
“The 1st XV have had an excellent season and it is our ambition to aim for a 1st or 2nd place slot
next season. As a club we can be very proud of our history and achievements over the years and
this is down to many key members all pushing in the same direction. Andy Gomarsall , ex-England
international, is a product of our mini and junior section which shows the level of player we are able
to help produce.
“My business, PRP Event Catering Ltd, sponsor the club and we like to help out where we can with
catering for functions or even just to make sure the players get a good meal after the game.
“ I would like to wish everyone associated with the club, past and present, continued success!”
68 Issue 63