Norwich Medics R.F.C. Blog

Norwich Medics 43, Lowestoft & Yarmouth 0

2007-01-14T21:30:00.000+01:00

Our third shut-out of the season, our first two sin-binnings ever in XVs and the interesting challenge of the new scrum laws will just about summarise yesterday's match.

Medics got off to a flying start with some good forwards work and the excellent running we have come to expect from our backs, and were quickly 19 - 0 up. There then followed a slightly surreal period where we failed to get to grips with the new scrum laws, the ref and the L&Y pack, resulting in a long-period of time camped on our own line, conceding penalties, getting involved in handbags but ultimately preventing Lowestoft from scoring. Once we settled down again, the scores came from some excellent teamwork.

Next week, Staff v. Students Touch Rugby..........

Newsletter - 9th January

2007-01-14T21:29:00.001+01:00

Dear All,

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2007. We hope you had a pleasant and enjoyable festive season.

Training
Mens and Ladies training resumes this Thursday evening at Crusaders, starting at 8pm. Lifts from MED are leaving at 7.30. A big turnout would be good, particularly from the men's squad given the importance of our match on Saturday.

Matches 13 January
Men's squad are playing Lowestoft & Yarmouth RFC at home, Crusaders, kick-off at 14.15. Those requiring a lift should be at MED at 12.45 latest. Let us not forget that L&Y are the only team to beat us in MT3 this year, so it is imperative that we get a victory against them. The Captain requests that as many people as possible make themselves available for some socialising afterwards as it is our first match of the New Year.

Ladies squad - unfortunately the match against Diss has been cancelled for this Saturday. It will be rescheduled and Tilly will be in contact with you about that.

Club Social - Tuesday 16th January
Club night out, meeting at the Slug at 7pm. Would be good to see as many people as possible....... If there is to be a theme, Brown will be in touch in advance to let you know. Otherwise just turn-up, drink and be merry.

Men's Tour to Peninsula
This tour has unfortunately been cancelled, despite the hard work of the committee, notably Mr Pruden, to organise it. Once again, there has been insufficient firm commitment from the club and a decision had to be taken now in order to avoid the financial penalties of not fulfilling our accommodation booking.
We understand that those who intended to go will be a tad peeved about this, and also that others were concerned about the cost of the trip. As a committee we are between a rock and a hard place when organising these kinds of event. On the one hand, we wish to cater to the people who are keen to have a tour, yet on the other we are still a relatively small club and cannot raise sufficient numbers to reduce the cost per person. We do not have the financial resources to take a gamble on booking the hotel and hoping for a late surge of interest as we cannot sustain a loss. Nor would it be responsible to use your membership money in that way.

Nottingham Sevens
On a more positive note though, we are able to offer a Nottingham tour on the weekend 4th - 6th May, to compete in the Royal Navy sponsored Nottingham Medics 7s. This is organised by Nottingham Medical School rugby club and costs £50 to enter a team. Therefore the cost to you is £50 divided by however many people come, plus your train fare to Nottingham. Willy B will be in touch to tell you what train you need to get a ticket for, nearer the time, so that we can all travel together. We should manage at least 7 people, the maximum players per squad is 10 and as many supporters as we like. If there is sufficient interest in playing, we could enter two squads. If we get a good turnout, you will almost be paying only for your train fare, (Martin says it's about £12 to Nottingham). Accommodation is in tents at the rugby club.

Ladies Tour
Rumours abound of a Ladies tour to Berlin. More than that I do not know........ When I do, it will be posted here. I believe the Ladies are well on the way with organisation.

Commiserations
Our best wishes go to the club secretary who had a cracking Christmas 'break', apart from the bit where he broke his leg. Unfortunately he will be unable to play for the rest of the season and I am sure you will join me in wishing him all the best and a speedy recovery. The rumour that he tripped over whilst running from his aggressive and out of control terrier are completely without foundation, and simply made up by the rest of the committee ;-).

Looking Ahead
The second half of the season should see us consolidate our position in MT3. NAMS commitments are now finished for the season, and discussions will be held with NAMS to see if we can arrive at more satisfactory arrangements next year. Our group is slightly problematic given the geographical locations of the three clubs. Hopefully next season will see us in a group with clubs who are willing and able to honour their fixtures with us, regardless of the distance.

For those of you with a fixture list from the beginning of the season, please add a game on Saturday 3rd February, at Holt RFC. We have been invited to play their second XV, who are two Merit Table's above us. This should be an interesting opportunity to gauge the standard and style of rugby in the tables above us, should we get promoted next year.

What should I do now?
1. Turn up to training on Thursday evening and have a good time.
2. E-mail the club by clicking reply and telling us if:
a. You can play on Saturday.
b. You want to come to Nottingham 7s on weekend of 4th - 6th May and if you are coming as a supporter, or would like to be considered for the playing squads.
3. Make a note in your diary of next week's social.
4. Men - make a note of the extra match against Holt 2nd XV.
5. Have a great 2007, with success in exams, rugby and life in general.

Best Wishes,

Mark.

Christmas Newsletter

2006-12-12T17:54:00.000+01:00

Dear Club,

Welcome to the last newsletter from the club before Christmas. This week's edition comes from the desk of your Chair, who can never hope to attain the level of witty prose usually offered by the secretary, but please read on anyway.

1. House Party:
The Legend that is Martin Falkingham, esteemed Club Captain and all-knowing, all-conquering coach, is having a party at his house tomorrow (Weds 13th) evening, 39
Gloucester Street, Norwich. There will be mulled wine, mince pies and the like. Kick off will be around 7.30 onwards! all are invited. This disclosure of his home address is done with full confidence that the members of the club will treat the information with respect and not order pizzas, taxis or ambulances to that address, nor sign the Captain up to receive dubious mailshots from low-budget film companies or lesser-known fashion houses. That would be naughty and is to be discouraged. ;-)

2. Training....
....has now finished for the Christmas & New Year period. We expect to resume on 4th January for those back in Norwich, in order to afford us two training sessions prior to our first fixtures of 2007, against Lowestoft & Yarmouth (Mens) and Diss Vixens (Ladies) on 13th January. For the men, do not forget L&Y are the only team to have beaten us this season in the Merit Table and it is important that we level the score with them and claim the win. Part of the reason for the defeat last time was that we had not had much (any) time to prepare as a squad. Obviously, we are streets ahead of where we were then, but two training sessions would be good if poss.

3. Men's Squad Tour to Peninsula, (boy's tour only I'm afraid).
Planning is ongoing for this. Jamie the Jolly Money Man (copyright Wickham 2006) is aiming to keep the cost of the travel and accommodation down to approx £50. Obviously, the more who come, the cheaper per person. Currently the plan is to stay in a Youth Hostel (commandeered for our exclusive use) and travel either by train or minibus. Date: Friday 9th - Sunday 11th Feb 2007. We will be expecting payment by 12th January at the latest, having confirmed a price prior to that. If we do not have full payment by a sufficient number of people, the trip will be cancelled.
Girls, if you are interested in a tour - let Tilly know at this address.

4. Additional fixtures.
The Online Calendar and the Fixtures card (downloadable from the website) are now updated to reflect the Peninsula tour and a fixture against Holt 2nds (who play in Merit Table 1) in February, which previously was looking quiet fixtures wise.

5. Merit Table Online
Check this website: http://www.norfolkrfu.com/merit3_fixtures.asp to see us enshrined at the top of MT3! :-) Note also the presence of our hosts, Crusaders RFC, in third place - well done to them.

All that remains to say is a big thank you to the membership for the support you have given NMRFC over the course of the first half of the season. It is very satisfying to see such numbers at training, matches and social events, and to hear the very positive feedback from members. The club would not exist without your continued commitment and support and the excellent results so far are testament to your hard work. Here's to remaining unbeaten for the rest of the season and winning the merit table!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all from your committee,

See you in 2007,

Mark.

PS: Oh yeah, the what do I need to do now bit:

1. Resist the temptation, at all costs, to misuse the Captain's address details.
2. Boys: e-mail to tell us if you'd like to come to Peninsula. And keep the weekend free. At all costs. Girls, e-mail Tilly so we can gauge interest in a girls weekend away.
3. Do your damnedest to get back to Norwich in time for training on 4th January, otherwise the week after at the latest. We'd appreciate it.
4. Have a good Christmas and come back full of enthusiasm for the rest of the season.

Holt Rugby 0, Norwich Medics 93

2006-12-02T21:29:00.000+01:00

On a pleasant winter's afternoon, Norwich Medics made their way to Holt RFC in North Norfolk. This must be one of the nicest clubs in Norfolk, with an excellent clubhouse, very well kept pitches and excellent hospitality.

A strong performance from the Medics team today saw us achieve our second shut-out of the season. The first half was one of our better starts this season, picking up the challenge from the off and playing a 15-man game. Holt were awarded an early penalty, and went for goal, but the kicker shaded it just wide. Tries began to flow and apart from a ten minute period of sustained pressure from Holt during the last quarter, the Medics dominated the match.

Notable performances from Rob Spooner, a fresher and newcomer to the sport, who was secure in all aspects of his game and is becoming quite a star. Peter Hartley on the blindside also put in a great show and of course Frodo as ever. Support running was impressive from all players and there was plenty of off-loading in tackles. Mention in Dispatches to Jamie Pruden for his second try in as many matches.

We return to Holt later in the season, due to a pitch clash at Crusaders, and look forward to the friendly atmosphere of the game and the post-match discussion.

Ladies close to first win

2006-11-29T22:35:00.000+01:00

Norwich Medics Ladies took on the UEA WRFC freshers this afternoon at Colney Lane in an informal friendly. The 12 players, plus borrowed girls from UEA, came close to their first victory, but were pipped by 2 points. Final score 17 - 15 to UEA.

Well done to the Ladies, whose confidence is growing and who are certainly well on their way to a win.

If any ladies have photos or would like to do a match report, e-mail them/it to the club and it will be posted on here.

Newsletter, 23rd November

2006-11-21T22:25:00.000+01:00

Dear all,

Here follows this weeks newsletter. Please read to the bottom as there are number of important things in this weeks letter. Apologies about the formatting - it goes 'all funny' when I copy it from word to g-mail.

THIS WEEKS TRAINING

Will be held at the usual time of 8pm at Crus or 7.30pm at MED. Please come to training this week so we get a good idea of who can play this weekend. Also please come to MED if you have a car as last week one person had enough people to make up half of a scrum in his Yaris. Toyota Yarises are small weedy cars which can't handle such exertion – please come & pick people up.

THIS WEEKS FIXTURES – DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND

Saturday 25th November – NMRFC Mens 1st XV vs Diss IV XV. KO 2.30pm. Merit League match. Post match attire – shirt & tie. Please meet at MED at 12.15.

Sunday 26th November – NMRFC Mens 1st XV vs Brighton Medics 1st XV. KO 2.30pm . NAMS match. Post match attire – shirt & tie. Please meet at MED at 12.15.

NMRFC MENS 1ST XV vs LEICESTER MEDCIS 1 ST XV REPORT (a recap of a previous e-mail by Mark)

The Men's squad have achieved their first victory over medical school opposition. A spirited performance from Norwich Medics saw the team overturn a 14 - 0 halftime deficit to run out 26 - 14 winners against Leicester Medics in an away match last Saturday.

Scorers were Jamie 'Stumpy' Pruden, using all his forward power to crash through the defence and score, Tom 'Frodo' Robinson in an excellent individual break, Tom 'Hulk' Lewis and Hugh Simpson.

This marks Norwich Medics' first victory against medical school opposition since our formation in 2005 and will give the team great confidence ahead of our match against Brighton & Sussex Medics next Sunday. Well done to all who played.

COMMENTS E-MAILED TO NMRFC FROM VICE PRESIDENTS & THE PRESIDENT RE: VICTORY OVER LEICESTER MEDICS

Professor Sam Leinster – 'Well done everybody. Now that you have set a precedent I expect more of the same'.

Mr Terry Jones – 'Thank you for the news of the teams fantastic performance against Leicester yesterday. I was very sorry I was not there to see it. Please pass on my congratulations to all the team'.

Mr Mike Lambert – 'Congratulations – Good result and hopefully the first of many'.

REPORT OF NMRFC WOMENS 1ST XV vs BIRMINGHAM WOMENS 1 ST XV (by Tilly)

Well done to all who played on Saturday! It was an awesome first game, Alan said he thought we were all fantastic and was really pleased with how much we improved throughout the match!

Official score – NMWRFC 5 – 39 B'ham (unofficial score NMWRFC 10 – 39 B'ham).

Special mentions for Claire Smith (try scorer and rugby birds choice for man of the match), Liz Wood (unofficial try scorer – we all know it should've been given!) and also Iona, our choice for man of the match. Thanks also to Gee for driving there and back and also to Alan for getting us a mini bus and offering to drive as well

Match fees (for fuel etc.) are £6 each to be paid to Jamie at training. Some photos from the day are already up on the website but keep sending them in to medicsrugby@gmail.com so we can get more up on the blog

FUTURE WOMENS FIXTURES (from Tilly)

Tilly is currently trying to sort out another match to keep the momentum going, possibly another fixture with the UEA freshers. For various reasons this isn't likely to happen on a Saturday – could I possibly have availability for wed 29th November? Most of our fixtures will be happening next term however; have recently been in contact with a few teams who are keen to play us, so to fill you in on a rough idea of future matches:

Saturday Jan 13th NMRFC vs Diss Vixens at Crus

Saturday Jan 20th NMRFC vs Warwick medics away

Feb – Southampton Medics and Hull York Medics Derby!, Birmingham rugby birds (return fixture at Crus), Bristol Medics?

WOMENS KIT (from Tilly)

Ladies, we really need to sort out what we're doing about our playing kit cos we're gonna need it for all those matches next term! Please discuss it amongst yourselves at training and then let Jamie know any ideas you come up with – I'm not really bothered about whether it's pink or not, as long as we get it ordered soon!

CHRISTMAS CURRY NIGHT (from the socials bint)

7:30pm start for 8pm sit down at Crusaders RFC bar

The Menu for the up and coming Beer & Curry Night is as follows –

1) Poppadums, Onion Bhaji & Red Sauce, Mixed salad, plain naan, Pilau rice & Chicken Korma

2) Poppadums, Onion Bhaji & Red Sauce, Mixed salad, plain naan, Pilau rice & Chicken Tikka Masala

3) Poppadums, Onion Bhaji & Red Sauce, Mixed salad, plan naan, Pilau rice & Lamb Rogan Josh

4) Poppadums, Onion Bhaji & Red Sauce, Mixed salad, plain naan, Pilau rice & Chicken Balti

5) Poppadums, Onion Bhaji & Red Sauce, Mixed salad, plain naan, Pilau rice & Vegetable Balti

Please reply with which number you want – see the 'what do I need to do now?' section

The following people are thus far coming (if you haven't replied – let us know – see what do I have to do now?)

Kelly, Will, Mark, John Lynch, Rumbles, ?Tilly, James Fisher, Ferris, Batesey, Seth, Adrian +1, Emma M, Claire, Mrs. Ferris, Dave F, Rupes Stumpy & Zoe, Alex & Katy, Martin, Faye Smith, Duncan Watt

NOTICES FROM JAMIE THE JOLLY MONEY MAN

If you are intedning to come to the curry night please bring a cheque for £10 on Thursday evening. If you can't make training – leave it in his pigeon hole or pay at the match(es)

If you play in both matches this weekend then you will only be charged match a single match fee of £4. if you only play in 1 game match fees are as usual.

SEAT COVERS FROM LEICESTER

If you have 'inadvertently acquired' a seat cover missing from the bus on the way back from the Leicester fixture can you please return it to us a.s.a.f.p. or we will have to fork out £5 for each one missing – there are apparently ten in our members possession. They're not really the best beer trophy you can get, so please ensure they get back to us soon – it's your club funds that will be used otherwise.

IRB CHANGES TO THE SCRUM LAW (e-mailed by Dad-to-be & all round star prop
Adrian)

Please follow the link and take note of the changes –

Click here for new rules from the IRB

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?

Click the reply button & tell us the following stuff –

1. Let us know if you're coming to the curry night. Let us know if you're bringing anyone. Let us know what you want from the above choices (1-5). Tell us by 12 midnight on Thursday 23rd so we can arrange this. Last minute arrangements are tedious for all concerned.

2. Put your arse in gear & reply to last weeks socials stuff so we can work out how many people to cater for.

3. Tell us if you've scored any tries for the club.

4. Are you a woman? Tell us your answers for questions 1-3. Tell us whether you are available for a fixture on Wednesday 29th November. Think about the colour & style of your kit, discuss this amongst yourselves & tell the Jolly money man Jamie on Thursday.

5. Return the seat covers to us.

When you are replying to us please just hit the reply button so all the responses are in one place – it's easier for things to go missing if you send an individual e-mail. Cheers.

That is all,

Alex

Secretary

Norwich Medics 26, Leicester Medics 14

2006-11-18T17:47:00.000+01:00

A strong. committed and spirited performance from Norwich Medics saw them overturn a 14 - 0 halftime deficit to run out 26 - 14 winners against Leicester Medics in an away match this afternoon.

Scorers were Jamie 'Stumpy' Pruden, using all his forward power to crash through the defence and score, Tom 'Frodo' Robinson in an excellent individual break, Tom 'Hulk' Lewis and Hugh Simpson.

This marks Norwich Medics' first victory against medical school opposition since our formation in 2005 and will give the team great confidence ahead of our match against Brighton & Sussex Medics next Sunday.

Newsletter - 15 November 2006

2006-11-15T21:26:00.000+01:00

Hello all,

Did you feel something amiss in your lives this morning? Apologies for the newsletter being late – I am currently stationed at Ice Station Yarmouth for Obs & Gynae where computer access is limited by extreme workload. Anyway, it's newsletter time again, so here is all the NMRFC related stuff you need to know for the next little while.

TRAINING

This Thursday training will be at 1930 at MED or 2000 at Crus as usual. The bar will be open afterwards.

MATCH REPORTS

NMRFC Mens 1^st XV vs Broadland RFC 2^nd XV – We won 37-22 taking us to top of the merit league (see www.norfolkfrfu.com for confirmation) which is awesome considering our clubs youthful status on the Norfolk rugby scene. Players of note – Phil Dobbs who played his first match in the 'blue and blue' and scored a try, Hugh Powell for a good try, Dave Fearnley for excellent captaining in the absence of Martin and Hulk for a number of good runs and at least one try. Paul Ferris did not start a fight or bite anyone. Koala did, before realising the man he picked on is a bouncer, when he apologised. All in all the forwards and backs worked well together and the team can be pleased with themselves though work is still needed on reducing the number of penalties we give away.

NMRFC women's 1^st XV vs Birmingham Medics Womens 1^st XV – The girls started out their season with a 39-10 loss against a competitive Birmingham side. However reports suggest everyone played well and enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Pictures are on the blog. I will include a fuller match report next week as and when I receive it.

THIS WEEKEND

This weekend's trip away to 
Leicester Medical 
School is ON. You will be travelling with the kissballers, hockey
team and netballers and assorted hangers-on. The bus leaves at
8am therefore could you anyone going meet in MED at 7:45am please.
Please also bring a £1 for the driver to keep him sweet for the
monumental piss-up that should ensue on the return journey.
Dress code – shirt and tie please

 
EARLY WARNING FOR THE WEEKEND AFTER NEXT – DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND


Saturday 25^th November sees us playing Diss RFC IV XV and then on Sunday
26th November we play Brighton Medics RFC. We will need players for both
fixtures – clear your diary now.

 
VICE PRESIDENTS

Adrian Hendrick has been appointed as a Vice President. For those of you who don't know Adrian,

on the pitch he is an Athletic Adonis of a prop (with aspirations of playing fly half) whose awe-inspiring

intercepting abilities have dazzled many a player; off the pitch he is a friendly chap and imminent dad-to-be.

Adrian has been a committed member of the club ever since I met him in the Eaton park car-park

(near the loos) one summer evening many moons ago. Adrian was very keen for the women's

team to be developed and to that end he has donated a much appreciated sum of cash to NMRFC

which has allowed the purchase of a women's kit and training balls. Adrian's company logo (A&T Computers)

will be advertised on the women's kit. Of note to players – Vice President roles are non-executive

i.e. you don't have to what Adrian says.

Final note – Thank you very much Adrian and good luck to yourself and Lisa with the

imminent arrival to the Hendrick household.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Our President Terry Jones intends for his dental practice to sponsor the men's team shirts – more news

to follow as it happens. More information to follow soon. Terry also said that everyone played extremely

well last weekend and that NMRFC were as exciting to watch as ever.

CONGRATULATIONS

Dr Lee Shepstone, our valiant winger and lecturer on the exciting world of stats, has just received a grant

from the Medical Research Council to conduct a large (12000 patients) Randomised Control Trial (the gold

standard of research don't you know) into osteoporosis screening. The Sun says - Congratulations to Lee.

We look forward to potentially having a 'Prof' in the side in the future.


NOTE FROM THE SOCIALS BINT

Dates for your diary for the up & coming months:

 1) Tuesday 28th November - Crimbo curry night - this is our
Christmas Dinner, comprising an excellent take-away curry with all the trimmings,
held at Crusaders, with some drinking games afterwards. Great success last year.
Menu will be e-mailed to you with choice of 5 curries. Continuing onto
town if demand for it. A small donation of £10 gets you a curry,
choice of drink (singles if spirits) on arrival, and some drinks
for drinking games. And, importantly, 2 party poppers each. Bargain.

 2) Sat 9th December – post-St. Georges match. Christmas theme
3-legged pub crawl through Golden Triangle (10 pubs) ending at club
retro LCR. NOTE: this is technically in the first years holiday time
(24 hours after you finish) – come out for one last lash with your boys
& ho's before going off to celebrate the festivities and do your analytical
reviews. We are travelling to London by cars, so the bulk of the drinking
will start once we're back in Norwich. There is the option to change
into Christmas attire after the game...to be decided. Cost – FREE.
There will be accommodation (Wills bed if tasty, sofa if not)
available for any first years kicked out of halls.

 3) Tuesday 16th January - Slug! Free food as normal - then Rubix
Cube pub crawl (people will be nominated a certain colour to wear
beforehand (including underwear) - aim: to have 1 item of clothing
of each colour by end of crawl. Cost – FREE

 4) Saturday 20th January - curry night with staff players after
staff vs. students game. To be held at Crusaders. £TBA.

 
NOTE FROM JAMIE THE JOLLY MONEY MAN

Any kit you've ordered should be available this Thursday, or perhaps
next Thursday. Soon anyway. If you owe the club any money (scally-wags)
you will not be able to collect your new kit until you have paid your debts.

 
VIDEOS

The videos I shot of us recording an 87-0 dismantling of Norwich RFC are
now on youtube. Apologies for their being so late to go up – we had
problems with our youtube account. To save further delay, Mark has put
them on his youtube account. Links below –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqqc5rxSXtw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HS0Wp_nUlY

 
PHOTOS

Could anyone with pics of the men winning last weekend please send
them to medicsrugby@gmail.com. This goes for any match or social
photos so we can share the wealth on the forum.


TRY SCORERS


We need to set-up some sort of try-scoring record in order to
award a 'leading try-scorer' award at the end of the season. This
will have to rely on honest self-reporting (take note Koala), and
the best medium for that is the forum. Try-scorers should e-mail the
club after the match with number of tries scored, which will then
be placed on a section of the forum. Those with many tries under
their belts should ensure they give us their tally a.s.a.p.

 
GET WELL SOON

Rupert has bust his ribs and John Lynch his ankle. Please wish
them a speedy recovery.

 
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?

Please reply with the following information NOW – not later.
Put 'yes' or 'no' next to each of following & tell us whether
you are bringing a partner. Please reply NOW so we can get
organising.

1) Crimbo Curry Night at Crusaders -


2) 3-legged pub crawl after St. Georges -

3) Slug! & rubix cube pub crawl -

4) Staff & student curry post-match –


5) I have scored …. Tries for NMRFC.

6) Send us any pics you have


That is all,

Alex

Secretary

Norwich Medics Ladies v. Birmingham Medics Ladies

2006-11-12T16:51:00.000+01:00

Some pics from the first match, if anyone has anymore please send them a.s.a.p.

An eventful weekend for Norwich Medics

2006-11-12T01:58:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to the Men for a winning performance against Broadland at Little Melton on Saturday afternoon, excellent work winning 34 - 21 and bringing the club to the top of the table. More details to follow regarding the match and scorers.

The Ladies travelled to Birmingham for their first XV a side match and put in a commendable perfomance, scoring 2 tries in a 39 - 10 defeat. To conceede only 39 points is considerably better than the men in their first perfomances last season and bodes well for the continued development of Norwich Medics Ladies Rugby. Well done Girls! More fixtures will hopefully be announced soon and the new kit is on order.

This week's Newsletter

2006-11-08T13:45:00.000+01:00

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the second newsletter, hot off the press, from your glorious-all-beating-
medics-rugby-club.

Training 
– usual time of 7.30 at MED for 8pm start at Crus. Please pick up people at med
if you have room in your cars. The bar will be open afterwards.

Congratulations – to those players who played last Saturday against Southwold,
28 - 3 is a fine result. Conceding no tries is also something to be proud of.
Particular mention goes to Paul Ferris, playing hooker for the first time in a
while and not starting any major fights, and Martin Falkingham (for he is a Legend)
for playing openside flanker after the first choice was enjoying warmer climes
inside the M25.  Another excellent result, which sets us up well for this weekends
top of the table clash against Broadland.

Fixture this Saturday 11^th November –

NMRFC Men's 1^st XV vs. Broadland 2^nd XV at home (Crus).
KO 2.30pm. Please by ready to leave MED at 12.45pm. Post match dress code –
Club ties please. Social to be decided – the socials gimp will not be present
as he has to watch babies being delivered.

NMRFC Women's 1^st XV vs. Birmingham Medics Girls (Away) at 
Metchley Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15. KO 2.30pm. Meet time at MED
is to be decided with Alan at training. Travel will be in a luxurious mini-bus
with ensuite spa, but anyone that has a car and doesn't mind driving to
Burrrmingham (either to play or support!) please offer your services as it only
has 14 seats!! Supporters are very welcome but space may be limited as players
will be given priority. Post-match social with Birmingham girls initially before
heading back to UEA for the one and only'Club Retro LCR' Woo Yay!
Post-match attire – smart jeans & shoes, with our NMRFC blue polo shirts if you
have one, or if not any smart polo shirt/fitted shirt will do! Don't forget
to bring: rugby shorts and socks, GUMSHIELD, boots with proper studs, water,
money for beer fund! Any questions/problems: my number is 07732 854 291,
or speak to Liz Wood (07725 581 749) who's taking over from Tilly while i'm
away on placement!

Fixture against Leicester Medical School the following weekend
– 18^th November. Could all players who can definitely make this trip
e-mail us by 18.00 on Thursday 9^th Nov – we will need at least 15 positive replies
to go ahead. Following the difficulties re: Brighton match and getting
a team together, we want to make sure that sufficient numbers are available.
We would urge you to only say you are coming if you know that, barring injury
you will definitely be available to travel and play on 18th.  The trip is being
organised by the Medics Footballers and they have set the fee at £12. If there is
insufficient interest we will have to consider cancelling the fixture and if that
is the case it is only polite to do so sooner rather than later – your quick
response is appreciated.

Outstanding membership fees – A number of mischievous players have yet to pay this
years subs, leaving the club £££ short - rascals. Please contact our jolly money-handler
Jamie a.s.a.f.p. to discuss payment. We are not naming & shaming on this occasion –
as the author of this fine document is one of the aforementioned scally-wags.

Borat – the 1^st NMRFC cinema trip was a success. We filled an entire row at
'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan'.
Following the trip it was confirmed by the National Geologic Survey that our chairman's
laughs were recorded a 1.2 on the Richter scale, a feat only previously equalled by
Brain Blessed.

Minutes– the minutes from last weeks committee meeting are posted on the forum under the
'Committee Minutes & questions' thread. They contain information regarding next February's
eagerly anticipated elections.

NMRFC End of season dinner – will be held in April 2007. Further details are to be confirmed
as and when the (all-seeing visionary that is our) Chairman pulls his finger out, but keep it in
mind. Last year's event was successful and enjoyable. With the increased membership this
year we hope to have a 'traditional rugby club dinner' with fun and frolics aplenty.

A note from the socials bint –

The 'medics sports dinner' will be held on Saturday 3^rd March (after Diss IV match). This bash is organised by our good friends in the medics kissball team. There will be 3 course meal, disco, entertainment, guest speaker (a 'sleb' of some sort) & unofficial NMRFC awards – the main ones will be presented at the End of Season Dinner. If you are interested please reply so we can let the kissballers know whether to count us in or not. Some of us went last year.

A note from our inspiring captain Martin Falkingham (he may have been at the Kia-Ora when he sent this - to many E-numbers...) - Martin is awesome. Koala is gay! (with Duncan). Beer session at Suffolk terrace on wednesday night - ring Tom or Duncan. PS - Koala is gay!

What do I need to do now? E-mail us soon if you want to play at Leicester. E-mail us if you are interested in the 'medics sports dinner' being organised by the kissballers. Turn up to training this week. Ring Tom or Duncan if you want to get smashed in Suffolk terrace tonight.

That is all,

Alex

---
Norwich Medics Rugby Football Club Committee

Providing High Class Rugby Services to the People of Norfolk

Southwold 3, Norwich Medics 28

2006-11-05T10:35:00.000+01:00

A good result down by the seaside, which will boost confidence going into the top of the table match against Broadland next Saturday.

Scores (if I recalll correctly) were from Duncan, Hulk, Porno Pete..... probably some others, but I've forgotten who and wasn't there to get an up to date report. I'll amend it later when I find out.

Newsletter - 1st November 2006

2006-11-02T00:06:00.000+01:00

Dear all,

Welcome to the new format of NMRFC e-mails. To prevent you recieving multiple e-mails from ourselves daily we will now be sending all relevant items in one easily digested 'newsletter'.

Training this week - at the usual time of 8pm at Crus. If you require a lift or can give one please meet at MED at 7.30pm.

This weeks fixtures -

Mens - Saturday 4th. Southwold II XV Away. Merit league. KO 2.30pm. Cars leaving from MED 1215 promptly. The Match aftermath - to be decided on the day but Martin has suggested the Earlham park fireworks & funfair might be a good idea - thoughts? Clothing after the match - shirt & club tie. Cost - the club wallet holder says £3 assuming 17-18 players go - this may therefore change if less or more people go.

Ladies - Saturday 4th. UEA Womens 2nd XV at Colney lane. KO ~2pm. Meet 12.30. Referee to be announced.

A note from the socials bint -

Boys & Girls,

The Annual Medics Sports Dinner his year is being held on Saturday 3rd of March at Dunston Hall. I am in discussion with the football & netball committees, and want to gauge a rough idea of how many people would be interested. Thus far, it is a charity event with a 3 course dinner, silverware from the club (main awards at seperate end of season dinner), dj, dancers, guest speaker etc, at an approx cost of 30 notes. There are up to 250 seats available for all clubs. Obviously WAGs (& boyfriends & husbands) all welcome.

Please reply & disclose whether you are interested or not.

Merit league position - the table can be found on www.norfolkrfu.com/merit3_fixtures.asp . this hasn't been updated since we played Norwich.

Borat cinema social - Tuesday evening. Norwich Odeon. 7.15pm showing - NB this has been changed from the original time of 8.30pm so that people can go to the MedSoc 'Boobs & Balls' party afterwards if they want.

Some piccies from the Halloween social are attached.

See you all tomorrow at training.

Alex

Secretary

Halloween Party

Medics return to winning ways

2006-10-21T22:35:00.000+02:00

After the disappointment of last weekend's performance against Brighton, Norwich Medics returned to winning ways with a 37 - 22 victory over our host club, Crusaders RFC. Crusaders were particularly strong in the scrum for the first half, and used their pack to very good effect to establish an early lead. A late flurry of tries flatter the Medics in the final scoreline, and I think we are all aware of the areas that we can improve on. The team spirit was excellent though, and the willingness to dig deep in that final quarter and secure the win. There were notable performances from players in unfamiliar positions, such as Chris Bates at scrum-half.

NAMS match against Brighton

2006-10-21T22:34:00.000+02:00

Well, I still don't know the score of that match, but suffice to say it was not in our favour and I think the whole squad were disappointed with the performance and the outcome. The next NAMS match is 28th October, at home to St George's medical school.

NAMS Rugby 2006/7 kicks off this Saturday

2006-10-13T01:06:00.000+02:00

Norwich Medics travel to the seaside to take on Brighton Medics in the first of our group matches for this season's NAMS tournament. It would be fair to say that NAMS last year did not go as well as we would have hoped, but this year we have a strong squad and high hopes.

Norwich Medics: 87, Norwich III XV: 0

2006-09-30T18:29:00.000+02:00

Norwich Medics achieved our first shut-out today, beating Norwich thirds 87 nil. Due to front-row issues for Norwich, the game featured uncontested scrums throughout, denying Norwich a platform to work with and Medics an opportunity to refine our scrummaging. The Medics lineout was strong, and there was excellent running from ball carriers and support runners throughout.

A pleasing performance from the Medics in front of a good number of supporters, including the President & one of the Vice-Presidents.

Norwich Medics v. Norwich III XV - 13.00 today

2006-09-30T11:11:00.000+02:00

About this time last year, Norwich Medics played our first competitive XVs match against Norwich at their ground. We were thrashed, despite some promising performances. A year on there is excitement and expectation within the club of a strong performance and victory against them this afternoon at Little Melton, kicking off at 13.00. Coach Martin Falkingham has selected a strong side, and with all players considerably more experienced than last year a good performance should follow.

Lowestoft & Yarmouth 34, Norwich Medics 10

2006-09-23T19:13:00.000+02:00

The result belies the excellent performance, particularly as this was the first match for many of our players since March. There were notable excellent individual displays, but overall the team spirit and commitment was impressive and a first victory of the season is not far away.

To see pictures or download a Quicktime slideshow, visit the club homepage here.

Welcome to season 2006/7

2006-09-23T12:53:00.000+02:00

Norwich Medics RFC travel to Lowestoft and Yarmouth today for the opening Merit Table match of 2006/7. The nature of the University start date has not permitted any warm-up matches, but the team will hope to hit the ground running and notch up a decent win.

The club held a recruiting afternoon last Wednesday and were encouraged by 44 potential players signing up. Training on Thursday saw an excellent turn-out which was great. It is heartening to see such an interest in Medics Rugby at the UEA Faculty of Health and there is much excitement and optimism about the forthcoming season.

We will endevaour to keep this site updated on a weekly basis with pictures and match reports.

Mark.

Southwold Beach Rugby

2006-07-31T15:11:00.000+02:00

Here are some pics from the beach rugby this weekend.

The Ladies of NMRFC

Ladies Squad Team Captain

Girls in Action

Tilly

The Treasurer in the Tour T-shirt

Captain Pugwash

Operations Centre

The Irish Ambassador

Player Awards

2006-06-04T21:19:00.000+02:00

A good time was had by all at the Norwich Medics RFC end-of-season dinner yesterday evening at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Norwich.

The following players were presented with awards in recognition of their contributions to the club over the past season.

Player of the Season: (Ladies): Kelly Holden

Player of the Season: (Mens): Rupert Tallboys

Most Improved Player: Seth Makin

Congratulations to all those players, and thanks to those who have supported the club in training, playing or supporting on match days throughout the season.

Here's to wining the Merit Table next season.

(Photos to follow soon).

After the meal, onto the LCR

2006-06-04T11:28:00.000+02:00

At the conclusion of a very successful End of Season Dinner, stalwarts of the club made their way to the LCR to continue their celebrations.

Men’s Player of the Season, Mr Rupert Tallboys

Almost a month after Munster’s Heineken Cup victory, Ferris and Lynch are still celebrating.

Nice ladies currently romantically attached to members of the club

No idea who took this:

Some of the assembled

A young Irishman being persuaded to strip, against his better judgement…

The Social secretary performing his role – socialising

Backs stuff….

Lynch strutting his stuff..

Oh, get this tune… Lynch likes this one….

Matt's Pictures from the Oxfam Pub Crawl

2006-05-27T12:14:00.000+02:00

Here are more pics from Matt. If you don't like them, take it up with him.....

Miller moves in for an attempt to sway the Captains vote for player of the season....

Fine upstanding gentlemen of the rugby club.

An assortment of our members.

Matt and Hugh.

Matt performing a courageous and amazing feat of strength, with no regard for the safety of his back:

An impromptu lineout session. The first is understandably crap cos a footballer's lifting...

As long as the ref doesn't see the chair, we're ok....

Will acts manly (excepting his attire of course), drinking his coke while the grown-ups drink their beers:

A crowd applaud the pole dancer as (s)he arrives:

Warms up with a little tune:

and receives bemused looks of disinterest at the end of the routine:

Nice hat guv'nor:

Football/Netball karaoke

Kat trying to influence the women's award outcome:

This one requires some sort of age warning:

A rose between two thorns:

A footballer. Of course.

A footballer lucky enough to stand next to a rugby legend.

Recently arrived refugees from the anti-war protests in the 60s.

Gentlemen of the rugby club:

Oxfam Pubcrawl

2006-05-26T12:52:00.000+02:00

Pics from the pubcrawl with then footballers and netballers. Rules were that you could only wear stuff from charity shops...... (or Primark :-))

El Kapitan...

The Secretary

An ensemble

Curious people those front-rowers.....