Widden Old Boys RFC
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Widden Old Boys R.F.C is a rugby union club based in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England. They currently play in the Western Counties North division.
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[edit] History
Established in 1922, Widden are one of the oldest rugby clubs in Gloucester. It is affectionately known to its members as "The Don."
Widden was originally formed as a club for ex pupils of Widden School, the school closed many years ago but Widden continue to use the Old Boys tag to this day and no longer rely on ex pupils to boost the playing numbers but a thriving and successful youth section.
Widden moved to their current home at the Memorial Ground on Tuffley Avenue in 1958 and they share this ground with fierce rivals Old Cryptians RFC.
Widden are renowned as not only one of Gloucester's most successful rugby clubs, but also as one of its friendliest, making a point of striving for success on the field as well as off it on the social side.
Its club motto, "facta non verba" means "Deeds not Words."
[edit] Coaching Team
Widden are currently coached by current Gloucestershire county and former Gloucester United and Pertemps Bees coach David "Spanner" Spencer, who has led them to a fine first season in Western Counties North as well as an appearance in the Gloucestershire County Plate Final.
Spencer is assisted in his duties as head coach by defence coach and former Gloucester player Mark "Dinner" Nicholson.
[edit] Resurection
In 1999 Widden were forced out of the league structure and were very close to closure. However thanks to tremendous efforts from club stalwarts and the clubs superb youth system closure was avoided. Subsequently Widden were led to 4 promotions in 7 seasons by club captains Stuart Dobson, Nick Taylor, Dave Connors, James Cooke, Gareth Evans and current captain Stuart Carroll.
This marked a tremendous turnaround in fortunes with Widden currently riding high in Western Counties North and no matter how successful the club becomes great efforts are still made to continue the huge character and team spirit that epitomised Widden during their fight toward the top of the leagues.
[edit] Competition History
Gloucestershire Premier:
2006/07 - Runners-Up, Playoff Champions
Gloucestershire One:
2004/05 - Champions
Gloucestershire Two:
2003/04 - Champions
Gloucestershire Three North:
2000/01- Champions
Gloucestershire County Cup
Runners-Up: 1976/77
Gloucestershire County Plate
Runners-Up: 2007/08
North Gloucester Combination Senior Cup
Winners: 1928/29, 1930/31, 1931/32, 1958/59
Runners-Up: 1956/57, 1987/88, 2006/07
North Gloucester Combination Junior Cup
Winners: 1929/30, 1938/39
Runners-Up: 1933/34, 1936/37, 1938/39
North Gloucester Combination Glanville Cup
Winners: 2004/05
Runners-Up: 2005/06
[edit] Famous Players
Widden has over the years developed many prominent players of the game, notable current and former professionals to have played for the club include:
Ryan Lamb (Gloucester, England Saxons, England U-21)
Adam Eustace (Gloucester, Llanelli Scarlets, England A)
Marcel Garvey (Gloucester, Worcester, England)
Brad Davies (Gloucester, Plymouth, England U-21s)
Nathan Carter (Gloucester, Worcester, Barbarians, England).
Chris Fortey (Gloucester, England A)
David Spencer (Gloucester)
Paul Webb (Gloucester, England Colts)
Widden has also produced many players to have represented at high levels, chief amongst these players are:
Reuben Haile - County U16's, SW England U16's & England U16's
Michael Wilcox - County U16's, SW England U16's & England U16's
Andrew Clegg - County U16's, SW England U16's & England U16's
Thomas Miklausic - Gloucester, County, SW, England Schools, Glos 7's
Joseph Goatley - Gloucester, County, SW Schools, Gloucester United & Glos 7's
Andrew Brown - Army U21's & Northern Ireland Combined Servcies
David Connors - Glos Schools U15/ U16, County Schools U16/ U18 & Gloucester Colts
James Cooke - Gloucester Colts
James Coopey - County, SW Schools & Welsh Exiles
J Craven - Glos Colts
M Craven - Glos Colts & County Colts
Americo D'Amico - Glos Colts
C Dyke - Glos Colts & County Colts
Richard Gough - England TA
M Grey - Army
Simon Lane - Gloucester Academy
Phillip Middlemiss - Scottish Exiles, County & SW Schools
G Moore - County & SW Schools
Andrew Murphy - Scottish Exiles, County & SW Schools
Dominic Murphy - Scottish Exiles, County & SW Schools
Kevin O'Connor - County & Gloucester
Graham Penter - Ireland students rugby league
J Pritchard - Gloucestershire U15/16, Army U19/20, Rotherham U21
M Powell - Gloucester Colts & County Colts.
S Smith - British Army Germany
T Smith - Glos Colts
Thomas Spencer - Gloucester U15/ U17
James Stevenson - County & SW Schools, Welsh Exiles
A Tanner - County & SW Schools
Nicholas Taylor - Glos Colts
P Taylor - Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Iain Vanes - Gloucester Colts & Glos/ County U21
Andy Wadley - England Schools U16
Ben Walsh - County & SW Schools
Gary Walsh - Gloucester Colts
L Weaver - County U15's, U16, Colts and South West Colts
B Whitard - Scottish Exiles
Craig Smith - Irish Exiles
Stuart Carroll - Gloucester Combination
Gareth Evans - Gloucester Combination
Wayne Thomas - Gloucester Combination
Matthew Folley - Gloucester Combination
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