BackNews & Events
July/August Newsletter
Bentlaigh Bull
July/August Newsletter
Dear Member
As we move towards our centenary year, we are looking to keep our members informed of everything that is going on across all sections of the club. As such we are keen to provide a monthly update about what has occurred and what is coming up.
________________________________________
? Senior Section
The men’s teams have started their pre-season with some new faces alongside the regular stalwarts. A warm Hamilton Rugby Club welcome to all our new players and those returning after a period away.
As well as the usual pre-season the players have been put through their paces by the club’s new Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach, Evan Middleton. The 1st XV go again in National Division 4 and the 2nd XV in Reserve West Division 1 and are both confident of another strong season ahead. All senior fixtures can be seen at the bottom of this email, your support at home and away games is key to our success so please come down when you can.
We will be running our popular supporters lunches and hospitality again this year so keep an eye out for these going on sale soon.
The men’s section has also been strengthened with 9 of last season’s Under 18s joining the ranks. Good luck in senior rugby to all these boys.
Given the rise in numbers the club are assessing the prospect of entering a 3rd XV into a friendlies league, so if you had previously hung-up the boots but still crave some social rugby and are interested in a couple of games, please speak to any of the coaching team or the committee.
Upcoming Fixtures
15th August Dalziel away (1st XV)
22nd August Lasswade home (1st & 2nd XV)
29th August Linlithgow away (1st & 2nd XV) – First league game for the 1st XV
Unfortunately, due to a number of the women’s team leaving, the team has had to withdraw from their league for the forthcoming season. The Club remain committed to women’s rugby and will be implementing several initiatives to increase the number of female players across all age groups with the long-term view of fielding a women’s team again in the future.
________________________________________
? Youth Section
The Under 18s are to continue their partnership with Strathaven Rugby Club this season and this will be extended to the Under 16s. This will ensure that we can continue fielding teams at both age groups and we can continue to provide playing opportunities to all our boys.
Given the record number of players across the U15s, U14s and U13s the future of the midi section is very bright. These numbers coupled with the new Academy system, whereby the midi section will benefit from specialist guest coaches and S&C coaching, the Club are confident we will have a pipeline of talent going into the seniors for many years to come.
Our specially tailored girls’ sessions return this season and will be extended to local primary schools, with Sparky, our Development Officer, set to offer girl only sessions during his regular visits to the schools.
Sparky has also re-established a strong relationship with Holy Cross High School and Hamilton Grammar with a view to forming a Hamilton Schools XV which would undoubtedly bring huge benefits to the Club.
Our Minis and Baby Bulls start back in August and again we have record numbers across all the age groups from P1 to P7. Even more pleasing is the number of ex-players that have got involved in coaching and have children at the minis. This just enhances the Bulls Family feeling.
Upcoming Fixtures
16th August U16 & U13 v Uddingston (home)
29th August U18 v Cartha (away)
30th August Minis v Cambuslang (away)
U15 v Cumnock (home)
U14 v Cambuslang (away)
U13 v Cambuslang (home)
________________________________________
? Club House
Work is nearly completed on the refit and extension of the Club’s gym. This work is being undertaken to create a space that can support the new S&C coaching plans and the development of our youth players. Thank you to Gary McKinven for leading the refit.
We are also delighted that our new Club Manager, Gareth, has started in his role and he is keen to meet all our members. Gareth has extensive experience in the hospitality industry which will be of huge benefit to the Club.
The pitches are looking great with Willie and Jim working their wonders in preparation for the season ahead. Off the pitch the Club House is also looking fantastic. Fiona, Bryan, Neil and Susan have spent the summer tidying and cleaning before organising a ‘Big Club Clean Up’. This turned into a massive clean-up with just short of 100 volunteers coming up to clean out the stores, strim the grass, sweep the steps etc. It really was a team effort and amazing to see so many people give-up a couple of hours to help the club. This is your club and your club house so let’s keep it tidy.
________________________________________
? Events
The club has another packed social calendar for the forthcoming season with the hugely popular Ladies’ Days, Supporters’ Lunches and the return of the Gold Bulls.
? August Events
? Saturday 22 August – Family Festival
Live rugby, live music, kids’ entertainment and so much more. Tickets are still available at the link below for what promises to be a great day.
Family Festival Tickets
________________________________________
? Stay Connected
For details of all the events please see the website or ask at the bar.
As we move towards our centenary year, we are looking to keep our members informed of everything that is going on across all sections of the club. As such we are keen to provide a monthly update about what has occurred and what is coming up.
________________________________________
? Senior Section
The men’s teams have started their pre-season with some new faces alongside the regular stalwarts. A warm Hamilton Rugby Club welcome to all our new players and those returning after a period away.
As well as the usual pre-season the players have been put through their paces by the club’s new Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach, Evan Middleton. The 1st XV go again in National Division 4 and the 2nd XV in Reserve West Division 1 and are both confident of another strong season ahead. All senior fixtures can be seen at the bottom of this email, your support at home and away games is key to our success so please come down when you can.
We will be running our popular supporters lunches and hospitality again this year so keep an eye out for these going on sale soon.
The men’s section has also been strengthened with 9 of last season’s Under 18s joining the ranks. Good luck in senior rugby to all these boys.
Given the rise in numbers the club are assessing the prospect of entering a 3rd XV into a friendlies league, so if you had previously hung-up the boots but still crave some social rugby and are interested in a couple of games, please speak to any of the coaching team or the committee.
Upcoming Fixtures
15th August Dalziel away (1st XV)
22nd August Lasswade home (1st & 2nd XV)
29th August Linlithgow away (1st & 2nd XV) – First league game for the 1st XV
Unfortunately, due to a number of the women’s team leaving, the team has had to withdraw from their league for the forthcoming season. The Club remain committed to women’s rugby and will be implementing several initiatives to increase the number of female players across all age groups with the long-term view of fielding a women’s team again in the future.
________________________________________
? Youth Section
The Under 18s are to continue their partnership with Strathaven Rugby Club this season and this will be extended to the Under 16s. This will ensure that we can continue fielding teams at both age groups and we can continue to provide playing opportunities to all our boys.
Given the record number of players across the U15s, U14s and U13s the future of the midi section is very bright. These numbers coupled with the new Academy system, whereby the midi section will benefit from specialist guest coaches and S&C coaching, the Club are confident we will have a pipeline of talent going into the seniors for many years to come.
Our specially tailored girls’ sessions return this season and will be extended to local primary schools, with Sparky, our Development Officer, set to offer girl only sessions during his regular visits to the schools.
Sparky has also re-established a strong relationship with Holy Cross High School and Hamilton Grammar with a view to forming a Hamilton Schools XV which would undoubtedly bring huge benefits to the Club.
Our Minis and Baby Bulls start back in August and again we have record numbers across all the age groups from P1 to P7. Even more pleasing is the number of ex-players that have got involved in coaching and have children at the minis. This just enhances the Bulls Family feeling.
Upcoming Fixtures
16th August U16 & U13 v Uddingston (home)
29th August U18 v Cartha (away)
30th August Minis v Cambuslang (away)
U15 v Cumnock (home)
U14 v Cambuslang (away)
U13 v Cambuslang (home)
________________________________________
? Club House
Work is nearly completed on the refit and extension of the Club’s gym. This work is being undertaken to create a space that can support the new S&C coaching plans and the development of our youth players. Thank you to Gary McKinven for leading the refit.
We are also delighted that our new Club Manager, Gareth, has started in his role and he is keen to meet all our members. Gareth has extensive experience in the hospitality industry which will be of huge benefit to the Club.
The pitches are looking great with Willie and Jim working their wonders in preparation for the season ahead. Off the pitch the Club House is also looking fantastic. Fiona, Bryan, Neil and Susan have spent the summer tidying and cleaning before organising a ‘Big Club Clean Up’. This turned into a massive clean-up with just short of 100 volunteers coming up to clean out the stores, strim the grass, sweep the steps etc. It really was a team effort and amazing to see so many people give-up a couple of hours to help the club. This is your club and your club house so let’s keep it tidy.
________________________________________
? Events
The club has another packed social calendar for the forthcoming season with the hugely popular Ladies’ Days, Supporters’ Lunches and the return of the Gold Bulls.
? August Events
? Saturday 22 August – Family Festival
Live rugby, live music, kids’ entertainment and so much more. Tickets are still available at the link below for what promises to be a great day.
Family Festival Tickets
________________________________________
? Stay Connected
For details of all the events please see the website or ask at the bar.
Further reading