2023
Archive - News 2023
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Well, what a pair of results to end our competitive year on with 1st and 2nd XVs both returning stunning victories over local rivals Oldershaw. The games were played with belief in your abilities and in a great team spirit, running in some brilliant tries through excellent play. This has shown through the season with improvements in all areas of play. Today's results started with great and committed defence and this allowed our runners to score some stunning tries with pace.
I hope you all have a great Christmas with your families and loved ones and come back refreshed, rested and ready to go again from 6th January.
To those who play in our traditional Brothers vs Veterans match on Boxing Day, have fun, play the game in the spirit intended and stay safe and uninjured.
Best wishes,
Steve Barnett
Chairman
Oxton Parkonians Rugby Club
Robbie Knight
6th November 23
It is with deepest regret that I have to report the death of Robbie Knight who passed away peacefully on Tuesday 31st October.
Robbie was the first non-old boy of the school to become Club Captain in seasons 1971-73.
Robbie's funeral will take place at Landican Cemetery at 10am on Thursday 16th November followed by a gathering at The Old Parkonians Clubhouse to celebrate Robbie's life.
Our thoughts are with Robbie's dear wife, Carol, along with the rest of his family at this sad time.
Ken Cooke,
OPAL Chairman
Robbie is pictured below third from the right...
Silverware for cricket
7th September 23
In what was a fabulous weekend for the club, Friday night saw the Women's Softball team finish joint top of their Division and on Sunday the Men's 1st XI tasted T20 glory.
On Sunday 3rd September Old Parkonians won the Cheshire Cricket League T20 Plate
after a one-sided final with Bunbury.
At long last on a gloriously warm, sunny early September day, Bunbury won the toss and elected to field .
It was maybe the wrong decision on what turned out to be a slow, low and unpredictable pitch. Old Parks went on to make 136-7 off their allotted overs with Sam Thomas top scoring with 36 not out
(including four sixes). There were other valuable contributions but no other batter made 20.
In reply Bunbury collapsed to 85 all out off 18.3 overs
with no batter making more than 15. Frankie Hughes was the pick of the bowlers with 3-11
off his four overs, each wicket being cleaned bowled.
Richie Beckett said: "It was a very successful day for Old Parks, but massive thanks also to hosting club Wirral CC
for their excellent organisation of the day and to the standing umpires Shaun Carlton and Anthony Jarvis"
"At the same time Old Parks were hosting a Women's Softball tournament
at Holm Lane, Oxton which also was a massive success. This is in no small way due to the incredible organisation and enthusiasm of the club’s women's lead Helen Lindop. Everything is looking rosy on the horizon for the club."
Richie Beckett
Chairman, OPCC
After the success of hosting the first ever Women’s Cricket Festival seen at Holm Lane back in June, we decided to close out the season by hosting another one to champion and support the development and success of Women’s Cricket across The County. We hosted teams from Wallasey CC, Birkenhead Park CC and Sefton Park CC
for a tournament made up of 6 teams, on a sunny September afternoon. Close to 50 women of all ages got involved
in the tournament, many of whom brought their kids down to enjoy a Family Fun Day, consisting of inflatables & bouncy castles, food and drink for all. Many thanks to Alan Morris & Son Windows for sponsoring the day.
After only starting up a Women’s section in July 2022, we have seen Softball Cricket go from strength to strength, attracting lots of new players who in turn are now enjoying a sport many had never played before. Our Softball team entered their first league in May 2023 and after having what can only be described as an incredible season on and off the pitch, our Ladies have ended the 2023 season as joint top league winners. We are very proud of all you have achieved OPWCC!
Helen Lindop
Old Parkonians Women's Cricket
Rugby season starts with a bang
4th September 23
A fantastic set of results for both our club teams in the opening weekend of the season. The 1st XV returned an excellent 34-5 win away at Wallasey showing real determination and demonstrating some great running rugby, scoring five tries to one in the process. Tries were spread around with Jamie Tavui getting his first Parkonians try followed by Luke Hillan, James Allkins, Jack Bellis (also getting his first Parkonians try) and Andy Smith. Everybody contributed and the team working and supportive attitude was great to see, well done.
Our 2nd XV secured a very creditable 26-26 draw at home against an experienced Wallasey team and again demonstrated determination in coming back to score a late equalising try by Dave Gravett which was converted by 17 year old Ben Whelan. Well done everyone, onwards and upwards. Newton-le-Willows at home is the only game next week so let's all support our team as they build on this first result.
Steve Barnett
Chairman, Oxton Parkonians RUFC
Full photo gallery here
AGM of OPAL
21st August 23
Notice is hereby given that the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Old Parkonians Association Ltd. will be held at the Clubhouse at the HM Curphey Memorial Ground, Holm Lane, Prenton, Wirral CH43 2HU, at 7:00pm Monday 11th September 2023.
Please see here
for the agenda.
Nick Byrne
OPAL Secretary
6 Nations International Tickets
15th July 23
The following games are available:
• Saturday 10 February 2024 – England v Wales – KO 16:45
• Saturday 9 March 2024 – England v Ireland – KO 16:45
FOR THOSE MEMBERS WISHING TO APPLY FOR TICKETS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
i) The RFU have not yet informed clubs of details concerning the sale of tickets for 6 Nations season 2024. As such and in order to avoid last seasons debacle when they released details on the 25/8/22 and tickets went on sale from 30/8/22, I am jumping the gun in order to give more time for members to apply for tickets.
As a guide, last season ticket prices were: Premium Category £153, Category 1 £137, Category 2 £122, Category 3 £106, Category 4 £80 and Juniors £33. As soon as ticket prices are released for season 2024 I will be in touch.
ii) P. Mullen must be notified by email of game, number of tickets and CATEGORY
of tickets, additionally mobile numbers also need to be given. P. Mullen's email address is mullen55@btinternet.com. Applications to be made no later than 21st Aug 2023.
iii) Please do not send monies with applications. P. Mullen will secure the tickets from the RFU GMS as soon as it opens and an automatically generated email will then be sent to the applying member asking them to visit the GMS website to pay for their allocated tickets. Prior to receiving their tickets the member will need to of downloaded the Twickenham Stadium app to their mobile phone. The member's E-Tickets will then be sent to the app a few days before the game.
iv) The club are allocated a specific number of tickets for each game as such if any game is oversubscribed by members then the Rugby Club Committee will decide who is successful or not.
Cricket Sponsor
27th May 23
We are pleased to announce Reflex Labels
as our Cricket Ball Sponsor for the 2023 season.
Chairman Richie Beckett commented: ‘I am delighted to announce our partnership with Reflex Labels as Ball Sponsors for the 2023 season.
Amateur sport has always been costly to run, but cricket especially has an ever increasing number of outgoings. Sponsorship is essential to the running of our club and allows us to keep running all of our teams, whether that be Men’s, Women’s or Juniors.
This sponsorship also provides us with an opportunity to invest some of our own funds back into the club’s facility so we can continue to allow the local community to enjoy grassroots cricket at Holm Lane. On behalf of all our members, I would like to thank Ian and everyone at Reflex Labels for their very generous support this season.’
Melissa Wilson from Reflex Labels commented: ‘Founded in 2002, Reflex is one of the largest label and packaging companies of its kind in the UK and now operates across 25 sites globally.
We believe that corporate social responsibility isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbours, friends, and community members. Our employees are passionate about making a positive change in their local communities and are excited to have the opportunity to support local sports teams.
We’re delighted to sponsor Old Parkonians Cricket Club as Ball Sponsors for the 2023 season’.
The below photo is Chris Beckett (right), our Club Captain receiving our first box of ball from Ian Bates, Reflex Labels (left).
Birkenhead School Update
17th May 23
You may recall that in 2022 Birkenhead School made a planning application involving the sale of an unused sports field at Noctorum Lane.
To allow any sale of the land, the school were required to provide mitigation for the loss of the sports field. This mitigation is to come in the form of a new pitch at Prenton RUFC and pitch improvements at Holm Lane.
The original application was refused by Wirral Borough Council and a subsequent appeal to The Planning Inspectorate was also refused but left the door open for a new application subject to certain criteria being met. We now believe that the criteria have been met so a new application has been submitted.
The new application has been reported in the Wirral Globe, but this report has led a number of people to raise concerns to me as it only refers to a partnership with Prenton RUFC. Please be assured that our club has been working with Birkenhead School for a number of years to deliver pitch improvements at Holm Lane. This is still very much the case, and we are in regular dialogue with the school and their team.. I have seen the full press release the school made which clearly referred to the Old Parkonians.
We will provide a further update once the application has been considered. In the meantime, if you have not already added your name to the petition supporting the school’s application, please speak to me or any member of the bar team.
Kind Regards,
Stephen Williams
OPAL Director
Women's Touch Rugby
27th April 23
We are delighted to announce that Women’s Touch Rugby has returned to the Old Parkonians again for its spring/summer season.
The first event took place at Birkenhead Park RUFC on Wednesday 19th April with the club fielding two teams in the tournament. Further events take place as shown below. Any support at these events will be greatly appreciated by squad.
If any women fancy giving it a go, contact Emma Westwater at ewestwater@outlook.com, or come along to training at the club on Thursday evenings from 6pm-7pm . No experience needed as a lot of the current squad were absolute beginners last year.
Also, a massive thank you to Liam Hanlon and The Forshaw Group for their sponsorship. It is greatly appreciated.
3rd May – Hoylake RUFC – 7.00pm
17th May – Caldy RUFC – 7.00pm
7th June – Wirral RUFC – 7.00pm
21st June – Old Parkonians – 7.00pm
5th July – Oldershaw RUFC – 7.00pm
Cricket Chairman's Message
20th April 23
It is exciting, as always, to anticipate the start of a new cricket season and I am impressed by your enthusiasm for it! A big welcome to all our new players, I am sure you will enjoy being a part of our wonderful club.
The 1st XI have a great challenge, which I know we are looking forward to, following our promotion to Division One whilst the 2nd XI will be looking forward to building on last season’s progress in Division B West. We also have a good list of friendly fixtures on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, thanks to Chris Beckett.
Wishing all of you an enjoyable and successful season. Play competitively but also in the spirit of cricket too. A big request! Please could you help out your respective captains, especially on match days, in whatever way possible whether you are asked or not. They would really appreciate this and it helps to make gameday run so much more smoothly.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!.
Richie Beckett, Chairman
Old Parkonians Cricket Club
Annual Rugby Club Dinner
11th March 23
The Annual Rugby Club Dinner will take place in the clubhouse on Saturday 1st April (6.45pm for 7.30pm). Tickets are £20 and available from Ken Owen or from behind the bar. Please make every effort to attend this prestigious event.
Richie Beckett, President
Oxton Parkonians RUFC
Annual Golf Dinner
6th February 23
For our Spring meeting there will be a change to the format this year. I have arranged for the Annual Dinner of the Society to be held at The Old Parkonians Clubhouse, Holm Lane on Friday 14th April 2023, with the golf played at Wirral Golf Club.
For more information please see this
form.
Many thanks,
Paul Corvers
Annual Past Players Reunion
21st January 23
I am pleased to announce that this fantastic event returns on Saturday 18th February
when both our 1st and 2nd teams play host to our closest neighbours, Prenton.
We would dearly love to see as many former/retired Parkonians players as possible on the day. The invite is also extended to our good friends at Prenton
and hope that their committee members and former players will join us.
The meet is 12.30pm onwards
and a buffet lunch will be provided. Hope to see you all on the 18th to share wonderful memories and enjoy good banter along with two competitive games!
Richie Beckett, President
Oxton Parkonians RUFC
Boxing Day Report
6th January 23
I am delighted to report that after a three year break this legendary game was able to return on Boxing Day 2022 with its usual 1.30pm KO. There was a real enthusiasm for this Annual Brothers v Veterans game for the Beckett Hillan Shields to take place.
Thirty six players registered with me and a fair and autocratic selection by yours truly took place. There were no complaints! This ensured that a fantastic, highly competitive and very close encounter ensued. The Brothers won (just) 12-7. Scoring first for the Brothers was guest Sam Morris (grandson of former President, the late Norman Morris) with a try which he converted himself. Replying, to even the score at 7-7 for the Veterans, was a try through Matthew Burton converted by Ashley Sheridan. Late on in this feisty but fair contest, Paul Hillan went over for the Brothers in order for them to claim the game.
Highlights included:
- Tony Owens at 68 becoming the second oldest participant ever to take place in this fixture; only one year behind the legendary Donny Hawker. See you next year Tony!
- Three Hillan brothers playing the full game. Pete(60), Mark(55) and Paul(48).
- Five 17 year olds welcomed to this fixture and adult rugby. Well done to Ashley Sheridan, Ed Taylor, Ben Foran, Adam Mansell and Ben Stanton.
- Three father and son combinations playing for the Veterans; Tony and Barry Owens, Mark and Jay Barham, Jonathan and Ashley Sheridan.
Many thanks must go to our excellent referee on the day, Mike Hayward, for overseeing this brilliant match in a firm but friendly manner. It was a joy to watch and I know everyone enjoyed themselves both on and off the field. So very well supported and such a success for the club. Here’s to next year. A very happy 2023 to you all.
Thanks also to Bob Shaw for providing the brilliant photographs below.
Richie Beckett
Club President
Walking Rugby Returns
4th January 23
Happy New Year all! Walking Rugby resumes on Wednesday 11th January starting at 7.00pm. For the time being we will continue to use the external floodlit netball courts at Birkenhead school situated on Bidston Road. There is parking on site or alternatively on Bidston Road itself.
All are welcome. It is suitable for all genders and all abilities regardless of whether you have played rugby before. Contact is limited as a tackle is simply a two-handed touch. We have a good core group now who enjoy taking part so why not come and join us. If, like me, you have overindulged at Christmas it’s a good chance to burn off that excess. Hope to see you.
If any questions, contact Steve Williams on 07896 589725.
Interested in playing? Click for membership details
Where to Find Us
Business Details
The Old Parkonians Association Limited