A Brief History of Those with Blue & White Hoops WOSRFC

Shortly after Christmas in the 1980's a motley bunch known as Westbury-on-Severn Young Farmers staggered from the Parish Hall to Chaxhill. They were off to play against Westbury – on – Severn Old Farmers. Some of the skills on show have never been seen at Twickenham before or since.

Following one of the encounters on the late 1980's there was an impromptu discussion at the Junction Inn Northwood Green followed by more meetings to form Westbury-on-Severn RFC. Amongst those attending were Jim Brass (who became the founding Chairman) a former player of the much revered Heriots Former Pupils, Phil Ayland a stalwart of Gloucester Club Rugby, ex. Coney Hill & Gloucester Civil Service, and Ken Boulton a master of post game celebrations.

Westbury-on-Severn RFC

Parish Hall Rodley Road Westbury On Severn Gloucestershire GL14 1PF United Kingdom

Club Email: info.wosrfc@hotmail.com

Club Phone number: +44 7803 040024

So after research it was found there was enough interest  to form a Rugby Club. A committee was formed, Twickenham was contacted and the club came into being for the 1987-88 season. A playing field was secured thanks to Russell Liddington, changing faciites thanks to WOS Cricket Club and after match festivities at the Junction Inn.

September 1987 and the 1st Fixture against Saintbridge Former Pupils 3rd XV ( laterly Old Centralians). A fixture list created (thanks to Phil Ayland) and we were up and running. Tours were arranged  at various locations and as years went on the more adventerous loctions ie. Edinburgh and Isle of Man.

The Club membership grew and at one time we briefly fielded 4 teams. A youth section was formed some of whom later played senior rugby such as our Director of Rugby, Matt Hart. At the end of each season we entered the Combination Cups and in1992 the 1st XV beat Berry Hill 3rd to win the Junior Cup and soon afterwards the 2nd XV beat Drybrok at Lydney RFC to win the Minor Cup. It was over 30 years later that the 1st XV beat Drybrook (played at Westbury) to win the Cup again.

Unfortuneatly we have had our share of tragegdies in the club. We have had recent sad occations as out President and founding Chairman Jim Brass passed away and our Club stalwart and mentor Phil Ayland. In a veterans game at Cinderford RFC Alan Hyett suffered a broken neck in an accident on the field and is a tetraplegic, the club did a national appeal and raised considerable funds for Alan and his family. Alan carried on in the club committee for some years after his accident. The other great tragedy is when our Club Captain our illustrious  skipper Stuart Keene was killed in an car accident on the A48.

On the field we have achieved representative honours, Dan Boulton, Rich Edginton, Nick Tydeman representing the Forest of Dean Combination. Our player Jamie Vivien, as a student working in the middle east was honoured by playing for the Jordan National side. Our long term Vice Chairman's son started playing for the 1stXV when he came out of junior rugby and made an impact. He then went on to represent Wales in 7 a side  rugby, from this he graduated to the full Welsh side  and the British Lions, WOW! Well done Alex Cuthbert, from this he has now represnted the "Lions Legends" in Australia 2025.

Noteable events been achieved, Richard Morgan the President of the RFU the time, came to watch a league game at Westbury, the game was cancelled and rearranged and instead he stayed and saw our 1stXV play Matson 3rdXV  who co-incedentally were one short  so our Chairman Ken Boulton played for them. Before Kick Off we had the rare occasion of the President  of the RFU helping to herd sheep from the field to allow the game to start. Besides gracing us with his presence he agreed to speek at the club dinner, what and accolade for a village rugby club. Then in a game between WOS 3rd XV and Newent 2ndXV a young teenage referee had his 2nd appointed game, we were impressed with this youngsters performance at the time. From this start he progressed eventually refereeing the World Cup Final, well done Wayne Barnes. We made our presence felt locally with one of our members Phil Bleathman becominng the Chairman of the Forest of Dean Combination on its 75 anniversary.

Eventually all our fundraising came together and we were able to purchase our own ground, next to the Parish Grounds. This is a triumph for a small village club, taken in context, where most Forest Clubs own their grounds only 2 or 3 Gloucester do. This was followed by getting funding via Lottery and RFU grants to get new changing rooms at the Parish Hall.

The club put on many events to raise money for fields etc.,the most noteble being the "Pig Racing" where we even had TV coverage before the event. The club also joined in with Village

events with gusto in Summer Show and Carnival where our efforts were noted.

The season always finished with the club Dinner and presentation of awards. Always attended boisterously. We have had many well known speakers address us.

We look forward to many years sport and fun at the club.