Rugby Club

Address: Old Millhillians Rugby Club, Headstone Lane, Pinner HA2 6NF

Remarkable OMRFC Victory against Ruislip on 18th April......

OMRFC triumphed 21 -17 in an extraordinary match against Ruislip II, played at Ruislip, to lift the North West Middlesex Floodlit Cup for the first time in over 15 years. Some lively and attractive back play saw the OMs rack up 21 points in as many minutes with 3 converted trys. After that, the much bigger home pack exerted muscular control and made possession very difficult particularly in the set pieces.

Turning round 21-3 ahead at the break, the OMs had to play their socks off defensively to hold Ruislip at bay. Inevitably, the forwards sinned as they fought to contain their lumpy opponents and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try against the OMs. After a general warning, one OM was sin binned and bit by bit Ruislip chewed away at the deficit. With 10 minutes to go, it was 21-17 with Ruislip exerting territorial control but unable to breach some very determined tackling. In the last 5 minutes OMs were reduced to 13 men with 2 more binnings but with seconds to go were awarded a relieving penalty which was whacked into touch to signal the final whistle and much rejoicing. Good way to end the season.

OMRFC Vice Presidents' Reunion and Pre-match luncheon
Saturday 31 March 2012

Some 50 OMs and their guests gathered at Headstone Lane for this popular annual bash. It was particularly good to see John Elliott, Jim Roberts and Murray Holmes (with their wives) all of whom had travelled from well outside London. I can’t leave out Gerry Westoby and Peter Huston, particularly the latter, who had come from Italy!

Everybody was able to see the significant improvements made by our long term tenants Harrow and St Mary’s Cricket Club, including the recently installed and much needed new windows. The place looks very smart.

Nic Leon did the catering which was, as always, excellent. Ray Hubbard was once again the official vintner whilst David Webster who, at the earlier AGM, had been re-elected Chairman had a few words to say; not too many though as he himself observed.

Although it has been known to go wrong, it is customary for the 1^st XV to put on a blistering display of rugby to entertain the biggest crowd of the season. They did not let us down. Up against Hackney, several places above us in the league, the OMs started at great pace and were quickly 10 points up. They maintained an excellent standard until tiring towards the end but ran out winners 37-8. Their philosophy this season has been to play open rugby and not be put off counter-attacking and they put this into practice to great effect.

A good day.

Andy Mortimer

Old Millhillians Rugby Club Biennial Dinner on 27th April

OMRFC cordially invites all members to the Biennial Rugby Club Dinner 2011. Join us for an evening of first class entertainment with surprise guest speakers. View the invitation here.

Old Millhillians 2nd XV vs Hitchin at Headstone Lane
29th January 2011

Hitchin visited Headstone Lane on the back of a string of victories expecting another win. Their dominant pack put a huge amount of pressure on our relatively small set of forwards which included a fresh batch of gap students from Belmont and Mill Hill and Adam Boxer (Weymouth) who was awarded the OM’s goblet at the schools rugby dinner at the end of the autumn term.

The OM’s backs were able to exert some early pressure and two early scores one from try machine Philippe Hadjisymeou (Murray) put us in the driving seat. The Hitchin forwards who had a much larger average weight and age and who were relishing the challenge of our younger and smaller forwards scored three tries using the rolling maul and the scrum. The young Gap Students battled bravely in the scrum but spent much of the time going backwards which put a huge amount of pressure on the scrum halves David Cohen(Murray) and then in the second half Marc Montague (Ridgeway).

The game see sawed with tries being traded throughout the game. The OM’s backs taking their chances when they came and the Hitchin forwards rolling menacingly towards the OM’s try line. With fifteen to go and the referee playing what seemed to be an eternity Hitchin’s forwards gave one last big push and enabled them to go two scores and 8 points clear. Charlie Vicary (Weymouth) at inside centre scored a fantastic solo try from a great pass from Monaghan putting us back in the game and finally the older and much larger Hitchin side seemed to be tiring.

With five minutes to go we were one point down with Vicary’s try successfully converted. Fly half and Captain Jamie Monaghan (Housemaster of School House) had sensed Hitchin were tiring and having suddenly noticed that Hitchin’s full back had been replaced with a reserve second row forward consulted the backs and issued a long kick game plan for the last five minutes. With youth and fitness on our side it was surely our only hope with the Hitchin forwards rumbling towards our try line again.

Marc Montague under enormous pressure got the ball out of the scrum, one of only three scrums won in the entire game, and passed to Monaghan who from inside our 22 kicked very long. The second row come full back was woefully out of position and the ball sailed over his head with our backs and back row in full pursuit. The bounce of the ball was kind and rolled kindly into the Hitchin 22 where the second row full back was beaten to the ball but managed to put in a tackle on the chasing pack. The ball was laid back and Jonathan Harris (Weymouth) picked up the ball and scored to make it a four point lead at 45-41 with only a few minutes to go.

We knew the last few minutes were to be torrid and a clean catch was vital. Max Coupe King (Priestley) caught the kick off but sliced his clearance to give Hitchin a line out in our 22 with one minute to go. Some great tackling by the forwards forced Hitchin to send the ball wide where the backs tackled well and forced an error. The ball came to Philippe H who thumped it into touch and the final whistle blew.

It had been one of those awesome afternoons at Headstone Lane the weekend would be complete with a bath and a beer awaiting in the clubhouse!

Jamie Monaghan (Capt.)

OMRFC VP Reunion Pre-match Luncheon Saturday 12th March 2011 at Headstone Lane.

Watch the Ist XV play Ickenham. See attached for details of the luncheon.

Old Millhillians 2nd XV vs. Hitchin at Headstone Lane
29th January 2011

It had been one of those awesome afternoons at Headstone Lane the weekend would be complete with a bath and a beer awaiting in the clubhouse!

Jamie Monaghan (Capt.)

OMRFC vs UCS Old Boys Rugby Match Saturday 5th June

After a lapse of many years OMRFC and UCS Old Boys are to renew battle, not on the rugby field but in the boxing ring. Make sure you attend the 6th of these 'friendly' Grudge matches on Saturday June 5th at UCS Playing fields. See attached flyer for further details.

If you or your company would like to sponsor or support the event through advertising please see attached flyer with sponsorship details.

OMs 2010 table 7 plate winners over Harpenden

Old Millhillians 2nd XV vs. Harpenden

Merit Table 7 Plate final

Played at Tring RFC 24^th April 2010

After an extremely successful first season in the merit table for the 2^nd’s where we ended up 3^rd; we had glided our way to the plate final of our merit table. It was a hot day, arguably the hottest of the year so far and the ground was lacking moisture and grass in many places.

We had played and beaten Harpenden twice in the league. The away game had ended up being comfortable after a tight first half. The home game had seen the debuts of Sam Rosenkranz and Kachi Nwokenna who had too much pace and freedom on the outside running out comfortable winners. Harpenden had anticipated a similar side but got a side boasting many of the season’s regular faces. The Harpenden side were a big unit and carried a lot of experience and muscle.

1) Ben “Nashy” Nash

2) Panni Theodorou

3) Philippe Hadjisymeou

4) Jonno Harris

5) Martin Coupe-King

6) Paul Wylie

7) David “Woody” Wood

8) Phil “Grunty” Smith

9) Rob Seger

10) Jamie “Monners” Monaghan (Capt)

11) David Cohen

12) Greg Walsh

13) Ollie Wetzig

14) Jes Graves

15) Max Coupe-King

16) Seb Jacobs

17) Ralph Murdock

18) Gideon “Gidders” Felton (Team Manager)

The game started brightly with Jes Graves scoring in the corner following good work at the break down. The conversion was missed by Monners for a 5-0 lead. The half remained tight and the Harpenden forwards worked their way up the pitch to score and also convert their try for a 7-5 lead. With what proved to be the slope the OM’s worked their way back up the pitch and put themselves back in a good position with a line out on the 22. With what has become the backs trademark X ball Monners ghosted through the defence and with a trademark step was in under the posts. The OM’s were playing the better rugby and Monners set Panni up with what surely should have been a try but his desire to get closer to the posts saw him held up when he was clean over the line. Fortunately we had another chance and the backs again worked the ball wide and used simple hands to allow Max to score under the posts and with the conversion over a 19-7 lead was looking promising. Just before half time the OM’s took their foot off the gas slightly and allowed Harpenden to score a similar try to their first with their big back row muscling over in the corner. The OM’s had a few more chances to extend their lead further but the Harpenden defence stood firm and we couldn’t quite break through. At half time it stood 19-12.

The second half saw Harpenden use their size and the slight slope advantage to good effect and there was much hard defending to be done by the OM’s who looked like they were going to hold out until only five minutes from the end of normal time they again used their weight advantage in certain areas to score and the conversion was good. The score 19 – 19. There were a few nervy moments in the last few minutes but the final whistle went and it was a draw.

The organiser came to the pitch and it was agreed following a consultation of the rules of the tournament that two ten minute periods of extra time would be played. This was not being relished by some on the OM’s side but most were chomping at the bit ready to put the older Harpenden side to the sword or so they thought. By this time the banter on the touchline was increasing and some of the supporters were feeling left out and started to have their own beef with each other while the game started for the extra 20 minutes.

In the first period and with the slope the OM’s looked to dominate and there were a number of chances squandered before Ollie Wetzig burst through the defence and ran clean through and under the posts from the half way line. Monners slotted the conversion and the 7 point advantage was theirs again. 26 – 19. The second period of extra time started and again Harpenden looked to use the slope the pattern of normal time seemed to be repeating itself. The forwards were having to work extremely hard and there were some immense performances from all of them during the final period of extra time. Despite the heroic efforts to clear ground Harpenden again scored and the conversion was good to bring the scores level once more 26 – 26. The OM’s held on until the end of extra time and by this time the touchline had been witness to some genuinely funny moments with Rob Seger keen to make some comments to those in the Harpenden supporters group including a suggestion that they had not attended school to a Harpenden supporter who was in fact a headmaster!

Once more the discussions with the ref and the two captains were heated as it was decided after some rude interruptions from a Harpenden coach who had also quietly suggested to Monners that we call it a draw and get to the bar. At this suggestion Monners realised that perhaps they were suffering more than us although with some walking wounded we were not looking too sprightly ourselves after 100 minutes of rugby on a concrete pitch in 24 degree heat. He turned down the offer and thought this is our chance. One final team talk and we were into two ten minute periods of sudden death! First score wins any method.

The first period saw the OM’s going down hill surely this was our chance to clinch a famous victory. Despite the pressure on their line we could not break them down. A series of penalties just out of range for a penalty shot were used to get us close and to have a few line outs to perhaps clinch the game. The scrum were tiring and the line outs were lost and they cleared their lines. Following a good attack from the base of the scrum with Paul Wylie and Seb Jacobs involved Philippe went over to score with Mr Jacobs running onto the pitch screaming with joy but alas it was a knock on!

The second period of sudden death began, following a brief attempt by Gidders to get back on the pitch when water was brought on, and Harpenden were quick to get down to the OM’s 22. After some resilient defence the refs whistle blew for a penalty. Definitely in range and not too hard a kick. With heads down the OM’s returned to under their posts. It was like the dark days of Italia 90 penalties England vs. Germany; many of us couldn’t bear to watch it was surely over. The young Harpenden fly half struck the ball but had he sliced it ……..yes it was wide! Thank the rugby gods!

From the drop out the Harpenden side came back again. With 2 minutes to go the forwards stole a line and Monners cleared up field and the bounce took the ball a long way into their 22. An awesome chase from Seb Jacobs and Greg Walsh saw the full back slice the ball into touch. Was this the opportunity we needed. The lineout was won and a couple of phases played out before the ball came to Max there was a glimpse of space and as he had done all season he knew what he needed to do sprint for the corner. The defence was absent and the victory was ours. Never had a victory felt so good after 118 minutes of rugby we had won.

This was a fitting finale to a great season; to win in such a way typified everything that has been great about the squad this year. Everyone played their hearts out and the victory and the manner of the win was indicative of the friendships and camaraderie that had formed over the season. Thanks to all the supporters who came to the games throughout the season and particularly our 1^st XV captain Kieran Walsh and Doc Webster who came and watched the final and a number of other games.

Well done boys – Mabulla!

Summer 2009

This season the OMRFC worked hard to return to its roots as a community rugby club. After an absence of many years we returned to training at Headstone Lane on Thursday evenings, in addition to the training we did on Mondays at the H.A.C. ground in the city. Scott Orrit, our new coach who joined us this season worked very hard to improve the players’ fitness.

We attracted a steady trickle of second team players to the club, and one of the newcomers, Gideon Felton took over the management of the second team : and Jamie Monaghan is also committed to helping with the team, and this should improve continuity of players from the School.

The first team found the going in Herts/Middlesex 1 very tough. The biggest problem for the team was a lack of consistent availability from key players, and we did not start with the same back line on one occasion this season. Although we nearly toppled one of the high flying teams in the league, Harlequin Amateurs, we missed good opportunities to register wins against some of the lower placed teams.

Incidentally, the game against Harlequins saw the retirement of David Kelly, OMs rugby legend. DK has been an inspiration to generations of OM rugby players, and has achieved and maintained an extraordinary level of form. At one stage this season he was the only player in the Club to have scored and was always one of the first names to be written on the team sheet. Over 60 players turned out in April to celebrate his departure.

Many thanks to the Thorntons who have done so much in preparing the ground and providing teas and we wish them a happy retirement in Cornwall.

Ben Nash, 1stxv skipper.

OMRFC Vice Presidents' Reunion and Luncheon

The Rugby Club Vice Presidents' Reunion and luncheon was held before the 1st XV league match against Old Actonians on 7 March 2009. This was not the original plan as the Reunion had been proposed for January when a friendly had been scheduled against one of our oldest rivals, Old Merchant Taylors'. Unfortunately OMTs' had to back out due to an unexpectedly good run in the Middlesex Cup.

Perhaps this disappointment affected the numbers attending, but in any event 42 OM's and their guests sat down to a most enjoyable luncheon provided by OM caterer, Nic Leon. Amongst those present was our current President, Alan Toulson and his wife Sarah, and 4 former Presidents.

On the pitch, it was not the OMs day when a late try by Actonians settled the result. Final score, 36 - 49. Once again it was remarkable how the XV raised their game to match the support on the touchline.

John King

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