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way of playing the game , being an exponent of an inclusive and expansive style . The main individual benefactor of this was undoubtedly the club ’ s illusive and fleet footed winger Ali Gibb , a product of the club ’ s successful Mini and Junior Section , who scored a total of 37 tries in league and cup rugby . He couldn ’ t have done that by himself and would be the first to recognise the huge team effort that made it possible !
Another success story has been that of the reformed Colts team under the leadership of Coach Peter Bello . The boys finished in second place in their league and have already forged a reputation which has attracted fixtures and teams from France , Holland and Argentina . It was a team young in the age group having moved up from Junior Rugby so they will have another season together but already the boys train alongside the senior players as the club realises how important a well organised Colts Section is to the future of the club . It does seem that the club ’ s future , with Transition Manager Mick Chambers in place , looks to be in good hands with the progression the boys have made and their potential .
All this has been achieved in the comparatively short time of four seasons since the failed merger with Oxford Harlequins . All the club ’ s senior players either left or were sucked into the Harlequins system and Oxford RFC , who own the clubhouse and a thirteen acre ground , was left without a senior team and even suffered the ignominy of having its voting rights withdrawn by the RFU . Club members Simon Bagnall and Martin Walsh got together a team to play friendlies in the 2014-2015 season which got the voting rights reinstated , the experienced John Brodley came on board and the club now looks to consolidate in the Premiership while the dream would be to go through to the Southern Counties Division .
Since 2015 a volunteer work force , led by Junior Section parents Phil and Julie Kelly , has transformed the clubhouse into a modern and welcoming facility . Through active fundraising and an RFU grant , the club is now unrecognisable from its previously neglected state . So far , around £ 50k has been spent on club improvements . As the building is almost 70 years old , the behind the scenes infrastructure sorely needed updating . The team have now completed the first phase of improvements that included extensive rewiring , new fire safety systems and replacing rotten windows and doors . Following extensive reflooring , decoration throughout and a complete refit of the bar , members now enjoy a comfortable and welcoming club ; themed as a vintage sports bar to reflect the club ’ s Edwardian heritage . The hard work is paying off for the club as bar sales have increased dramatically and the club is now a popular venue for external events .
The club is grateful to its several sponsors who are always invited to the frequent Vice President pre-match lunches and realises that greater challenges lay ahead . It is striving to retain all its current players and hopes to maintain the momentum by attracting new players while including beginners or those new to the game who will always receive a warm welcome . The aim is to consistently field three senior sides and have a team from Under 6 years through to Veterans with a fully trained coaching staff .
Oxford Rugby Football Club , once on the verge of first class rugby , has always aimed high . It will be a long way back but if enthusiasm has anything to do with it the dream could become a reality !
Article provided by Richard Tyrrell , President , Oxford RFC
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