December’s Grassroots Teams of the Month announced
Congratulations to December’s winning Teams of the Month.
Electronic Match Card allows everything from tries and points scored to best defensive performance and kick percentage record to be viewed for every team from level three to 12.
Guildford Gazelles Ladies
Women’s Level 2&3
Women's Championship South East 2: P2 W2
- 24 – 5 v Hammersmith & Fulham Women
- 0 – 71 v Hove Women
In December, the Gazelles celebrated the 50th Caps of captain Boo Spicer, Zoo Overton and Katie Davies with a crucial bonus point win at home against a strong Hammersmith & Fulham Women.
To make the occasion even more memorable, the Gazelles were presented with the Godalming Sports Team of the Year and Coach of the Year 2024 awards.
Tynedale
Men’s Level 3&4
National League 2 North: P3 W3
- 25 – 26 v Billingham
- 38 – 17 v Hull
- 26 – 41 v Otley
Peter Southern, Director of Rugby, said: “The club has an ethos of offering senior rugby for all and that is not just a throwaway ideal, it is something that is lived out every week as we field four men’s teams and two colts teams.
“Clearly, we have a performance focus with our first team, and the reality is that the group is motivated to finish as high as we can in Nat 2 and in the future, who knows where that takes us. All of this is ultimately made possible by the success and vibrancy ‘on and off the pitch’ by every team, player, coach and alickadoo.”
Kingsbridge Ladies
Women’s Level 4-6
Women's NC 3 South West (West): P2 W2
- 26 – 51 v Teignmouth Ladies
- 5 – 35 v Totnes Ladies
Captain Emma Hemmins said: “December’s festivities hit early for Kingsbridge Ladies, with a handful of impressive wins for this newly promoted team. By far the best Christmas present for the club this year was the transition of several women from U18s to fully fledged, and very accomplished, senior players.
“For a community club like Kingsbridge, nestled away in a small but perfectly formed corner of South Devon, having such a strong, diverse and growing squad is a source of inspiration for young girls picking up the odd shaped ball for the first time, and an exciting new asset for a club that continues to punch above its weight.”
London Welsh
Men’s Level 5
Regional 1 South Central: P3 W3
- 26 – 61 v Maidenhead
- 50 – 14 v Camberley
- 41 – 5 v Wimbledon
Director of Rugby Operations, Jonathan Shankland, said: “December was another brilliant month for London Welsh as we continued our unbeaten run to 18 games and retained our 100% bonus point win record for the 2024/25 season.
“We are committed to sustainable growth and reverting to our history and heritage to drive this huge club back through the league structure in a controlled and sustainable fashion.
“It is fantastic to be recognised again as Team of the Month, twice in as many months. This is testimony to an incredibly talented squad, coaching and management group. Here is to continued success and progress in 2025.”
Middlesbrough
Men’s Level 6
Regional 2 North: P3 W3
- 21 – 55 v Carlisle
- 38 – 35 v Durham City
- 15 – 59 v Consett
Director of Rugby, Steve Todd, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our players, staff, and supporters for earning the Level 6 Team of the Month award.
“This achievement reflects the dedication and resilience we have shown so far this season. The team has shown exceptional character, securing crucial wins in tough conditions and demonstrating true grit when it mattered most.
Phil Tilson, Chairman, added: “We are delighted to have received this accolade for the second time this season. It represents a huge number of senior players, team managers, and colts at MRUFC who are pulling together to put three competitive senior teams out each week.”
Paignton
Men’s Level 7
Counties 1 Tribute Western West: P3 W3
- 7 – 26 v Bude
- 14 – 29 v Redruth II
- 17 – 36 v Plymstock Oaks
Richard Hunt, Director of Rugby, said: “Three away trips in December and three bonus point victories reflect the commitment shown by the senior playing group and the senior coaching and management group.
“Head Coach, Martin Worthington, has worked tirelessly to prepare the team for every match and has been ably supported by Martin Bird and Chris Hallett.
“Co-Captains Mark Palk and Brad McKee have led a group of players who want to play an enjoyable and entertaining brand of rugby. Twenty-six players being used across the three games demonstrates the depth and quality that Martin has developed in the squad.”
Aston Old Edwardians
Men’s Level 8
Counties 2 Midlands West (East): P3 W3
- 3 – 26 v Coalville
- 59 – 33 v Birmingham & Solihull
- 29 – 5 v Harbury
Head Coach Blake Bennett said: “I am delighted that the club has been recognised for this month's work.
“Aston Old Edwardians RFC is a special place at the moment with the club having great camaraderie, commitment, and a group of really good rugby players hungry for success playing attractive attacking rugby!”
Club Captain Ethan Channer added: “Being the first team captain for Aston Old Edwardians has honestly been such an honour and a privilege.
“This is my tenth year playing first-team rugby here, and I can honestly say there’s no other club like ours. We’ve had some really tough times over the years, but sticking together has made us stronger, and now we’re starting to see the rewards.
“It’s been an incredible journey – challenging at times, but our resilience and unity during those tough times are now paying off. I’ve made amazing memories and lifelong friends along the way, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Rugby Welsh
Men’s Level 9-12
Counties 3 Midlands East (South): P3 W3
- 5 – 46 v Stamford College Old Boys
- 50 – 0 v South Leicester
- 5 – 53 v Deepings
Head Coach James McGill said: “I’m very pleased for the players being awarded December’s Team of the Month.
“They all work incredibly hard at training and on the pitch, this recognition for players, club, and supporters is huge and provides plenty more motivation for everyone heading into the new year.
“Watch this space for more of The Rugby Welsh.”
