November's Grassroots Teams of the Month announced
Congratulations to Novembers’s winning Teams of the Month.
Ivybridge Women
Women’s Level 2&3
Women's Championship South West 2: P3 W3
- 0 – 36 v Dings Crusaders Mavericks
- 13 – 7 v Cheltenham Ladies II
- 5 – 35 v Drybrook Ladies
Georgina Gulliver said: "The Ivybridge group has really started to gel both on and off the field. We are fully aware that we are not the finished article, but we are striving to get better each week.
"As coaches, we are really proud of the group this year. The standard of rugby in Championship South West 2 gets better each year, and there are no easy games. We know we need to be fully focused for each encounter, and credit must be given to all the other coaches and players in the league. It's great to be part of such a strong area of women's rugby."
Lymm
Men’s Level 3&4
National League 2 North: P3 W3
- 26 – 0 v Wharfedale
- 26 – 36 v Billingham
- 30 – 26 v Leeds Tykes
Head Coach Andy Davies said: "The whole squad deserves all the plaudits they are getting, as they have completely bought in to whatever we as a coaching team have thrown at them. The club is a great place to be at the moment, which was most evident after the Leeds game. The clubhouse was bouncing afterwards! We know there is a lot more work to be done this season but it is a brilliant start for everybody involved."
Forwards Coach Mark Williams added: "Winning Team of the Month twice in three months is remarkable, but it is reflective of the effort that the players have put in over the past 11 games, where we have picked up a bonus point win every week. We were ambitious about our chances of competing at the top end of the table this season and I’m pleased to see that we have collectively made that a reality at Lymm."
Burton Ladies
Women’s Level 4-6
Women's NC 2 Midlands (West): P3 W3
- 41 – 19 v Telford Hornets Women
- 17 – 20 v Stourbridge Panthers Ladies
- 19 – 24 v Old Halesonians Women
Coach Niamh Lewis said: “Burton Ladies are an incredible group of ladies with a wonderful team spirit. No matter how bad things get or what goes wrong, they never get angry with each other. They never take it out on each other.
“If one player has a bad game, misses a tackle, or drops the ball, the other players don’t complain or have a go, they support and encourage. We have had some players graduate to us from our U18s this season as well as some players who are new to rugby, and some who have been away for a while.
“The spirit and unity of this group has meant that they have all felt welcome and really enjoyed being part of this side. So much so, that some of last year's U18s have gone on to be a key part in this team's success. That is all down to the culture, spirit and togetherness of this amazing group of women that I am very proud to coach and be a part of.”
Barnstaple
Men’s Level 5
Regional 1 Tribute South West: P3 W3
- 7 – 47 v Royal Wootton Bassett
- 47 – 3 v Sidmouth
- 19 – 40 v Matson
Director of Rugby Phil Gordon-Oke said: “Our systems are clicking into place, and squad morale is incredibly high.
“A highlight of the month was the away game against Matson—a tough fixture against a club known for their physicality, especially with their heavy recruitment in the forward pack this season. We stood up to the challenge and let our rugby do the talking.
“We are very much looking forward to what the rest of the season brings us. It’s a privilege to be part of such a positive environment. The commitment and camaraderie within this group of players and support staff make it a joy to be involved.”
Firwood Waterloo
Men’s Level 6
Regional 2 North West: P4 W4
- 16 – 14 v Bowdon
- 36 – 17 v Vale of Lune
- 22 – 30 v Northwich
- 46 – 26 v Burnage
Backs Coach, Ben Mousley said: “At the start of the year we circled November as a very tough month of fixtures! To come out of it with 3 league wins, a cup semi-final win, and to win Team of the Month again, is a great testament to all the players.
Team of the Month is a great reward for the lads; it’s rewarding how hard they work at training, and how committed to the club and each other they are as a group.”
Sunderland
Men’s Level 7
Counties 1 Durham & Northumberland: P4 W4
- 19 – 35 v Hartlepool
- 57 – 21 v Peterlee and Horden
- 10 – 40 v Darlington
- 35 – 6 v Acklam
Senior coaching team, Martin Watt, John Gregson, and Clive Fish said: “We've had a great start to the season, but we recognise it’s only a start. We had a similar start last year but ended up disappointed to tie the league and only miss out due to number of wins.
“The players have reacted fantastically this year and the root of our success thus far has been the ability to get three teams out every Saturday, with players having the ability to move between those teams.
“We won the first 10 games of last season and then hit a bit of a stumbling block so hopefully getting an 11th win on the bounce last Saturday will give the players that extra confidence they need to continue to go on and get results this season.
“It's a competitive league and we know we have some tough games to come, so hopefully we can continue this good form and push on in the second half of the season.”
Dinnington
Men’s Level 8
Counties 2 Yorkshire: P4 W4
- 95 – 7 v Northallerton
- 24 – 27 v Ripon
- 29 – 27 v Bramley Phoenix
- 30 – 31 v Roundhegians
Head Coach Matt Challinor said: “This run of results showcases the hard work and dedication the players have demonstrated consistently since my arrival; they deserve all the plaudits given. The group are a pleasure to work with; there are some seriously talented individuals who get the team ethos and their role within it.
“The most pleasing aspect is that we have managed to win well and ugly. The team poses threats across the park both in the pack and our exciting backs” The team have a good blend of experience and youth, our performance levels are high currently but nowhere near our ceiling.
“The team are for the most part made up of homegrown talent who have graduated the junior section, the future looks bright and exciting for all involved at the club.”
Steve Hawley, Club Chairman, added: “We’re so very proud of our players, coaches and volunteers here at DRUFC. Our young players, who helped keep us Yorkshire 2, for the past two seasons, have really come of age this year.
“The teams’ winning ways, positive attitude and dedication are infectious qualities, driving the longest winning streak in living memory. Our supporters are energised and crowd numbers have increased as a result. The clubhouse has its mojo back as well… what a time to be chair of our wonderful club!”
Old Otliensians
Men’s Level 9-12
Counties 3 Yorkshire: P4 W4
- 80 – 0 v Barnsley
- 19 – 39 v Wheatley Hills
- 10 – 40 v Thirsk
- 40 – 12 v Castleford
Their coaching team said: “All within the squad have been singularly focused on our game plan. This has truly been a collective approach that has strengthened our club bond, and ultimately, achieved the results we wanted.
“Our committee, volunteers, DOR, senior players and supporters have all helped create an environment where coaches can concentrate on coaching and players on personal and team development.
“Our committee focuses on the future and sustainability of the club as more important than short-term results, but also helps us achieve wins thanks to that vision and support.”
