AGM Report - Craig Murray July 2025
AGM Wednesday 16th July 2025
High Wycombe RUFC Annual Chairman’s Report for 2024/25 Season
Craig Murray, Chairman
Dear Members, Players, Supporters and Friends of High Wycombe RFC,
With the first year under my belt as your Chairman, it gives me immense pride to reflect on the remarkable progress our club has made, both on and off the pitch. This has been a year of renewal, growth and collective effort — a season that has reminded us of the strength of our community and the power of rugby to bring people together.
Across this report I will also share some focus areas for the coming season alongside our longer term plans.
When I stood here this time last year, stepping into the role, I mentioned 3 areas that were to be the focus.
- Building a ONE Club environment
- Improve Our Rugby standards across the club
- Building For The Future
I will talk to these as I go through my report and these stay firmly as the focus going forward.
Mens Rugby
Our senior men’s section has delivered a strong season across both 1st and 2nd XVs and even seeing a 3XV get the occasional game.
We had a tough start to the season and the year was in danger of being a real challenge. After a difficult couple of months, with no wins we brought on board our new head coach, Simon Tattersall and we saw a rejuvenation in our men's rugby. The rugby improved, we had more players turning out and we once again were able to get 3 men’s sides out which is something we should be proud of. Alongside our Director of Rugby, Matt Wardle, they have both done a fantastic job this season. Rugby is on the up and the 1stXV finished mid-table as well as the 2nd XV when both sides were promoted into their leagues.
The season also saw a strengthening of our men’s training environment and culture. Squad depth has improved, and the bond between players across the senior teams is stronger than ever. That unity is the foundation for even greater things this coming season.
The ambition is to continue to improve the standard of rugby and push to be in the top 4 this year and I have every confidence this can be achieved. The first few weeks of pre-season already showing good numbers with 50 people turning up and the standard is remarkably higher than this time last year.
I am delighted Matt Wardle continues as our DOR and Matt is building out our coaching structure.
For the coming season we have:
Head Coach - Simon Tattersall
Assistant Coach - Josh Hodgson
Assistant Coach and 2nd Team Coach - Paul Gaster
Assistant Coach - Clinton Woodley
First Team Manager - Mike Cussell
Second Team Manager - Dan Dudley
All showing we are committed to building out the structure across the club and improving our rugby.
Women’s Rugby
The High Wycombe Women’s team has continued to grow and flourish under the leadership of Kayleigh Winslade as Women's Director Of Rugby. The season saw a blend of experienced players and new recruits come together with incredible passion and purpose. The squad produced several memorable performances — not just in terms of results, but in the spirit, teamwork and sportsmanship shown week in and week out. We had several of our women who have been representing Bucks rugby this year as well, which is a testimony to the development of the women's squad and quality of rugby they are playing. They finished 5th in the League with 7 wins and 5 losses.
Our U18 and U16 girls have also had impressive years, winning many of their games. We have also had a dozen girls representing county age groups which has been great to see.
Recruitment efforts across all of women's and girls’ rugby, driven largely through word of mouth and community events, have brought fresh energy to the group. We’ve seen more women than ever pull on the shirt for High Wycombe, and our commitment to developing this section remains a focus for the club.
A big appreciation goes to Ant Farthing who has continued to support as Head Coach and we are looking into how we support Ant and women’s rugby further.
Vets Rugby
We continue to have a strong group of Vets players, eager to relive their younger years and enjoy a good game of rugby. This continues to be a growth area to give those who stop playing in the men's leagues a chance to be part of the club and a reason to stay amongst friends. Many of the games happen on a Friday evening and we welcome more players who would enjoy getting the boots on again.
Mini and Youth Rugby
With over 300 boys and girls training and playing on Sundays, the future of High Wycombe RFC looks bright. The season did not start like this and the heroic effort from our Youth and Mini Chairman, Michael Fradgely alongside his Vice Chairman of the Mini and Youth section, Jim Friel, have transformed this part of our club.
At the start of the season we had a number of age groups struggling and already had a few age groups having folded in prior years. We needed a new plan and a new approach.
Michael and his team brought structure, aspiration and an immense amount of hard work and the section is on the up. Each age group is now thriving, we are 100% up on numbers from 12 months ago and the mini tour had more people on it than we have seen for many years.
I would also like to highlight a fantastic initiative that Jim Friel, our Vice Chairman of the Mini and Youth section led. This was to organise rugby taster sessions with local beaver, cubes, brownie, scout groups. This has never been done before but was well received by the groups and we saw around 350 kids come through these sessions, many of whom had never played rugby. Its initiatives such as these and the work we are doing through our Community Coach which is making a difference in our community and is an important part of our role in the area.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our army of volunteers, coaches, team managers and parents who make the youth and minis experience so rich and rewarding. Their energy and commitment are the lifeblood of the club.
Community Coach
One of the most significant and successful developments this season was the appointment of a dedicated Community Rugby Coach. This role has transformed our outreach into local schools and community groups.
Scott Winslade, joined us at the start of the season as the only full time employee of the club. Over the past 12 months, Scott has delivered rugby sessions to nearly 1,000 young people across schools in our area. These sessions not only introduced the sport to many for the first time but also strengthened our identity as a community hub — a place where rugby can thrive at every age and ability.
Importantly, the work has had a measurable impact on our junior membership, with a marked increase as previously mentioned. It has also deepened our ties with local teachers, sports coordinators, and youth leaders — relationships we aim to build on in the coming year.
Club Health
The Club is the heartbeat of what we do. However the club is at an age that it needs maintenance and improvement. Over the summer we have given upstairs an uplift. I am delighted to also announce our new and improved snug bar with new furniture and a new look. We have a couple finishing touches to still make and we will be naming this the ‘Dickerson Lounge’ in honour of Don and Min for all many years of commitment they have given to the club.
The Club needs to be improved. Costs to maintain the building are going up and we are seeing more issues arise on a more regular basis. The financial health of the club is always something we need to stay close to. The club sponsors and the money we raise through events, such as the club dinner are vital for us to run the club but also to enable us to make investments in areas we need to .
The Future Goals and Looking Ahead
In the months ahead, we will continue focusing on the ONE Club theme and ensure we bring the club together.
We are already building out the coaching teams and investing in ensuring all coaches across the club, from mini’s up, are going through coaching courses.
With regards to our facilities, we are already in the process of looking at adding a second lot of floodlights. We have an increased number of teams looking to train during the week and we can not cater for this with only 1 pitch having floodlights. This will be a significant cost which we will need support with but we hope we can make this a reality.
We are also having conversations about improving the facility, particularly the changing rooms and there are a couple options being looked at. The aim is to ensure we have a facility that is modern and fit for the next 15+ years. We can’t stand still and we must be looking ahead to what we need to be doing to be thriving in the years to come. As we progress with this, as it doesn’t happen quickly I will share more in due course.
Committee Roles Update
People that put themselves forward to take on roles in the club put in a huge shift and often do the unseen work.
We have some committee members who are stepping down and I would like to give a huge appreciation from the club.
Natalie Lacon for her service to our club as secretary over the last 5 years. We are eternally grateful for all the work you have done.
Neil Weston for his services to the club as our commercial manager over the last few years. A hugely important position working with current and new club sponsors as well as running a number of different initiatives such as the 200 Club.
Kayleigh Winslade for all the work across Women’s and Girls’ rugby, steps down as Director of Rugby for Women.
With the above folk stepping down, I now have the privilege outlining our Committee Structure with some new additions:
Our Executive Committee will coincide of:
- Chairman - Craig Murray
- Youth and Mini Chairman - Michael Fradgely
- Our Club Secretary will welcome Jacqui Boyle. Jacqui has been working closely with Nat and the team for a number of months now and I am looking forward to working together.
- Treasurer - Mike Banton
Part of our wider committee has some new members as well:
- Director of Rugby - Matt Wardle
- Clubhouse and Bar Manager - Dave Morley
- Women’s Director of Rugby - We welcome Sam Akerman into role
- Commercial Manager - We welcome Mark Peasley into role
I have created 2 new positions that we are looking to fill:
- Marketing and Social Director
- Facilities Manager
If you would be interested in one of those roles or know someone who may be suitable please do let me know.
- Club President - Martin Good
We have also decided to invite someone to be our acting Club President. Don Dickerson will continue as Honorary President and I have invited Martin Good to be our Club President who was very appreciative of the offer and honoured to take on the role.
And finally from me and all the committee; thank you for all your continued
support and I look forward to another amazing season at our great Rugby Club.
Thank You
Craig Murray
Chairman, High Wycombe RFC
Before I set the date, this first committee meeting will be slightly different to the norm. This first meeting will be about sharing the plans and ambitions for the year ahead from each of our sections: Womens, Mens, Mini/Junior, Events and the overall club direction. We will be encouraging people to join who have a role, are open to helping more or just interested in what we are aiming for. The idea is to get everyone behind the goals and have the opportunity to ask for any additional support we need.
This will be on Tuesday 26th August, starting 7:30pm.
Thank You
Craig Murray
Chairman, High Wycombe RFC
Awards
High Wycombe Rugby Club 2023-2024 Season Awards
- The Paul Russell Memorial Cup: Stephen Rudolf Wenhold
- Stephen, also fondly known as Rudi to many, is often someone who helps in the background. From supporting coaching in the minis to also building a club BBQ and putting on a number of ‘Braii's’ Rudi is a great clubman.
- The Derek Stubbs Award for best Clubman: Matt Wardle
- Matt is truly committed to making our teams successful. Outside of the teams, Matt has also helped with sourcing a car and insurance for our community coach among many other things, his can-do positivity makes him a key figure at the club.
- Don and Min Dickerson Volunteer awards: Matt Williams
- Our mini and youth section is a complex, large group and needs more help. Matt, has been a burst of energy and enthusiasm across the minis helping with initiatives, problems or simply getting things done. The mini section would not have fared as well as it has without his support and we thank him.
- Services to the Club (Tankard) : Gareth Richardson
- Our Tech, marketing and Website have needed improved for sometime now and Gareth has put a huge effort in helping bring these up to date. Gareth, through his company, marketlinx has built a marketing system pulling all the sections of the club together to make our club voice more integrated and powerful.
- Honorary Life VP’s: Jerome Bartlett
- An honorary life VP award is given to thank someone for many years of service at the club and I am delighted to name Jerome as a worthy recipient. Jerome was a formidable forward on the pitch for the 1st XV for many years and when he joined as treasurer, he approached the club accounts with the same vigour. He put in many hours to keep our club accounts healthy over a number of years and we would like to take this time to formally thank Jerome for his service.
- Best Nunn brace of Ales (best result v Marlow): Vets
- Top Team : Mens 1st XV
Men's Awards:
- Club Player of the Year:
- Club Trainer of the Year - Dan Grilli
- Club Leading Try Scorer Forwards:
- Leading Try Scorer Backs - James Shuck (12)
- Club Kicking Cup - Jack Adania (65)
- Young player - Monty Dorling
- 1xv Players Player - Ollie Knightley
- 1st XV Coaches Player - Josh Phillips
- Young player - Monty Dorling
- 2nd XV Players Player - Harry Windsor
- 2nd XV Coaches Player - Josh Bromage
- Most Improved - Aaron Nuthall
- Clubman - Dan Keir
- Barry Nunn brace of Ales (best result v Marlow) - Vets
- Club top Team: 1st XV
CAPS:
- 100 - Matt Wardle, Tom Boardman, Ayrton Hooker and Joe Openshaw
- 200 - Michael Fradgley and Craig Murray
Women’s Awards:
- Top forwards try scorer - Alice Byron
- Top backs try scorer - Melody Czakan
- Most consistent - Izzy Amatt
- Newcomer - Dana Issa
- Player player - Sara Scott
- Most improved - Shania Kaur
- Club person - Jessica Tapping
Mini and Junior Chairman - Michael Fradgely
Thank you to Jim & Matt for all of your support this season.
On taking over, the section was in a difficult place - No colts, no U16s and the u14s and u12s talking of folding
The U14s were touch and go all season training with the u13s to make sessions viable. Making the semi-finals of the Bucks Plate playing a man down and with help from the age group below only 2 points down when MK scored to end their hope. At that point we decided it was not fair to carry on so the boys either went up to the u15s or stayed with the u13s – County advised to send to other clubs!
In the coming season we still have no Colts or 15s.
On a more positive note, the U12s – counted 6 guaranteed returners at the end of 2023/4 season and through a push to all schools ended the season with 20!
Numbers registered in the youth section went from 110 to 235 this season and we aim for 300+ next season. We have achieved this with several initiatives but a key one is proactively being in contact with all our local schools – email campaigns for their newsletter/year groups.
Other notable news from the season:
Our U15s Bucks Cup Final against Amersham and Chiltern – 27-27 Losing on try count back. They look forward to getting their revenge next season so watch this space!
All of our junior age groups went on Tour with the highlight being 180+ on the mini tour, an increase of 50% on the previous year
The key to long term health & success of the club is our Community Coach – Scott who has done a fantastic Job:
o Delivered in school sessions to 829 children (338 Boys & 491 Girls) across 10 different schools (8 Primary, 2 Secondary)
o Scouting Intro to Rugby – Total 342 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides and Brownies 235 Boys 107 Girls
o In the run up to Women's world Cup – we held a girls only tournament – more events to come.
Ealing – Partnership
o What Ealing want - Club takeover of an Ealing fixture – we chose the Chinnor game and they prevailed!
o What we get – Joint half term camps, help mentoring coaches, player appearances on a Sunday – Kate Zachery the Ealing & US Captain came to do a Q&A at Wycombe High School.
We have put a massive focus on Upskilling coaches – Proactively getting coaches on Coaching Courses, Coach Dev Evenings looking at areas such as the power of language & questioning whilst coaching, central bank of coaching plans.
We have Integrated the Girls section into the youth section and whilst we have a strong group at U16, but poor numbers at 14s and 12s. We are creating girls U10s with hybrid training with girls and boys and we hope that this will kickstart the U12s
Director Of Rugby - Matt Wardle :
It’s been a highly encouraging and positive season for the Men’s Senior Section. Despite two early-season void games putting us on the back foot, both the 1st and 2nd XVs secured solid mid-table finishes. The 1st XV showed great potential and were certainly capable of pushing higher up the league, while the 2nd XV were in a tightly contested table, with a possible finish anywhere between 3rd and 7th heading into the final weekend.
A particular highlight was seeing our 3rd XV take to the field again—a fantastic step forward, and one we’re excited to build on in the upcoming season.
It was brilliant to welcome new faces into the senior squad, a healthy mix of experienced players and those either returning to the game or trying it for the first time. The fact that players continue to be drawn to and retained by the club speaks volumes about the positive environment and culture we’re creating.
We were also proud to integrate several U17s/Colts into the senior set-up—a plan shared at last year’s AGM that has truly paid off. These young players have been outstanding, with three earning their 1st XV debuts. Notably, Monty Dorling was named Young Player of the Season, Daniel Grilli took home Top Trainer, Jack Adania earned the Kicking Cup, and Harry Windsor was voted 2XV Players’ Player. Their contributions have been a massive asset to the club.
The Vets League continued to provide some great rugby and camaraderie. Although we experienced a drop in availability post-Christmas, we're optimistic that a few scheduling tweaks will help revive momentum and ensure a strong return next season.
This year also brought fresh energy to our coaching team. Following Ty Sherry’s departure in October, we were thrilled to welcome Simon Tattersall as Head Coach in November. He hit the ground running, bringing clear vision and structure. In February, we added former Chinnor 1XV player Josh Hodson as player/coach, and together they’ve already had a significant impact. We’re excited about the continued growth under their leadership.
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this season a success—players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters alike. Your commitment and passion are what make this club special. We look forward to kicking off the new season at home against Bracknell in September—see you there!
Women’s Director Of Rugby - Sam Akerman
The women’s team had a challenging start to the season, but quickly found their rhythm, finishing the league with an impressive 7 wins out of 12 games. One of the losses was due to an unavoidable forfeit after the original fixture was postponed because of frozen conditions.
This season, we were thrilled to welcome several new players who had never played rugby before. Watching them take to the pitch and fall in love with the game has been truly inspiring! We also saw fantastic collaboration between our Women’s and U18s squads. Having the U18s train alongside the senior team has been a huge success, with several players making outstanding senior debuts and seamlessly becoming part of the team. While we're sad to see some of them head off to university, we're excited to follow their journeys and look forward to welcoming them back whenever they visit.
A real highlight at the end of the season was seeing five of our players selected for the newly formed Bucks Presidents County squad. All five played in both matches, performing brilliantly and showing exactly why they earned their places – a proud moment for the club!
Overall, the season was a testament to the dedication, resilience, and team spirit that defines this squad. The turnaround in results reflects the hard work and commitment shown at training, and this team continues to go from strength to strength.
