Christmas Newsletter

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

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

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

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

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

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 25th 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