Latest News

Dear Member

In response to feedback from our membership, we are planning to issue a quarterly newsletter to keep you advised of what is happening at the club, both on and off the field.

Grounds

You will probably be aware of the disappointing news that Birkenhead School’s proposal to sell an unused sports field has been refused by H M Planning Inspectorate. This is particularly disappointing to the club as we would have received significant investment from the sale proceeds to allow us to install completely new drainage to the main rugby pitch.

The club recognises the need for drainage works to be carried out, with particular emphasis on some of the worst areas on the main rugby pitch and cricket outfield/other rugby pitches. To this end, we are now liaising with the RFU and ECB/CCB to find out what funding may be available to us. We will keep you updated.

Also, the club decided to invest in a Trimax Striker mower which now enables us to cut the rugby and cricket pitches more regularly and under conditions that are better suited to mowing. We are terminating our previous arrangement with Wirral Borough Council as the cost of this was increasing and the grass was not always cut due to weather and council equipment issues.

Financial Matters

The club, like many, is always looking to generate income to allow us to maintain and improve our facilities. Like any household, we see our costs increasing by hikes in energy costs and inflation in general. We are always looking to shield our membership and have not always passed on increases in alcohol prices or increased the cost of membership. Earlier this year we reluctantly found it necessary to increase the bar prices. At our AGM it was also agreed that the membership discount would be reduced to 15%. Our beer prices are still very competitive though.

Community Matters

The club is always looking at ways to work with and involve the local community.

To this end we recently had a Family Fun Day to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). Despite the abysmal weather on the day, the event was a great success, and the various fundraising efforts saw the club raise more than £5,000 for MNDA. A massive thanks goes to Amy, Millie and Eve Whelan for organising the day and to everyone who took part in events and sponsored people.

Cricket end of season review…

For the seniors, 2024 was a very challenging season due to extreme weather conditions, especially at the start of the year. This not only impacted on pitch preparation but also had the unprecedented bearing of delaying the start of the season. Both the First and Second team enthusiastically led by Danny and Rob had a number of notable victories, both home and away. Although the First team had a disappointing final league position, this season was always going to be one of consolidation and next season we have high hopes for a strong top half campaign. It would be unfair to highlight individual performances this season as so many players have contributed, this is perhaps best evidenced in the fact that in League matches 10 different players scored 50 or more, whilst six players took 5 or more wickets. This very much emphasises the quality in depth we have within the club.
 
Away from League cricket the Midweek and Sunday team have played an equally important role in providing a more social side for players as well as developing both new players and juniors and allowing them to transition into adult cricket.
 
A great season for the juniors saw the U13s and U9s finish 10th and 5th respectively. A brilliant effort all round against well-established clubs. The All Stars and Dynamos programmes continue to thrive and will be producing our next set of U9s to play the great game. Thanks to all the coaches who have helped over 40 children access cricket this season. Next summer we hope to see U9s, U11s and U13s challenging in the leagues. Nets will start April this year at McAllester Field.
 
The women’s team continue to flourish, an incredible season saw them win a league and cup double. These successes will be difficult to emulate next season but under the stewardship of Helen Lindop along with her coaches and helpers’ further success is a real possibility.
 
A special thank you goes out to Richie Beckett and Chris Beckett. Richie is relinquishing a number of his duties after many years overseeing the administration of the club. He was quite rightly recognised with the Dedicated Service award at the recent presentation night. Additionally, Chris is stepping down as club groundsman after many years’ service. This is a role often taken for granted. Going forward the club have decided to establish a grounds team rather than have one responsible individual. A few people have already volunteered but we need more. If you think you could offer an hour or more, please let either Chris Beckett, Danny Berkson or Mark Colebourn know. No prior knowledge is needed and don't worry, you won’t be left to work on your own.
 
Finally, it is the club AGM in a few weeks, please attend if you can, this is your platform to raise with the committee any items you have about our club.

Women’s Touch Rugby

Having successfully completed a third season, the Women’s touch rugby section has continued to attract new players and grow in numbers. Our founder member Emma Westwater has stepped back from the section this year and we are very grateful to her for establishing this new Parkonians section and to Mark Hillan for taking on the coaching role.

29 members are currently registered which has enabled two teams to be entered into the weekly evening tournaments held at different Wirral clubs, running throughout the Touch season from April to July. Throughout the season it has been rewarding to see both individual and team progression and holding our own in many matches against much more established teams. Parkonians hosted a successful tournament in June and were grateful for the support received from the wider club family for catering, bar, organisation, sponsorship, and supporters. The standout moment was for one of the teams to top the table at the last tournament.

Sponsorship has been gratefully received from The Forshaw Group, Core Diagnostics, Dual Fabrication and Geo for playing shirts, Neuro Independence for balls and bibs, Alan Morris for the tournament food.

Several players have recently started playing for the newly launched Wirral Waves women’s touch team, comprising players from throughout Wirral. Jade Kirkham represented the over 40’s northwest team last season.

Off the field the first awards dinner took place in August and a social mini tour is planned to Dublin in October. Fundraising was supported through combining with the Women’s cricket section to organise a successful sections fun day in April and the Women’s and Men’s section fielded a touch team for the Wirral Headway charity fundraising day in May, achieving runners up placing in the shield.

At the end of October weekly training at the club moved to Birkenhead School’s all-weather pitch on Thursdays from 6.30pm, until the lighter nights return and the start of the official season in April 2025.

All contact details for the section are available on the club website. All welcome!

Junior Rugby

The Oxton Parkonians Junior section continues to go from strength to strength. 

Under the guidance of Rob Rawson, our U8s numbers continue to grow each week. Rob has done a fantastic job in a very short space of time, building a very good foundation for the coming season.

Our under 10s, 11s 13s and 15s have started well this season, carrying on from the great performances of last season. Additional coaches have joined us this year adding more experience and knowledge to our ranks. Our numbers continue to grow each week meaning we have great strength in depth for all active teams. 

We are always looking for more players so if anyone wants to bring their kids along to give it a try, you’re more than welcome to come and join in. We are also looking to grow our volunteer numbers to help in the kitchen on a Sunday, and with social events so if any parents or guardians fancy getting involved, let one of your coaches know and they will point you in the right direction. 

In the coming weeks we have matches against Caldy, Capenhurst and Helsby. If you’re at a loose end on a Sunday morning, check our Facebook page to see who’s at home and come along and show your support.

Finally, thank you to our newest sponsors BHP Services Ltd for supplying new shirts for the Under 11s, and Barry Fogg Electrical Services for our Under 10s shirts and for sponsoring coaches for this season. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Also, please remember all members get a 10% discount at Wirral Sports if the players need boots, gumshields etc.

Senior Rugby

The summer saw a fruitful recruitment drive and we would like to extend a welcome to all new players.

The recruitment means we are fielding two strong teams each week. The 1^st team are having mixed results but are lying comfortably mid table. The 2^nd team are having an excellent season and currently sit top of the table.

It is fair to say both teams have been hampered by a terrible run of injuries including some carried over from last season. We wish a speedy recovery to Sean Ingram, Adam Mansell, Luke Hillan, Tom Price and Ash Sheridan.

Training continues at Birkenhead School’s all-weather pitch at McAllester Field, 7.00pm to 8.00pm, until further notice.

We are looking forward to more strong performances from both teams moving forward.

The Oxton Parkonians U15s have continued a great start their 2024 campaign. Last weekend (27th October) they triumphed 31-5 against an organised Ellesmere Port outfit.

Below is a picture of the winning squad.

It is with the deepest regret I have to report the death of Jimmy Verbaan who passed away in hospital on Friday 27th September. Jimmy had recently returned home after major surgery but had to return to hospital due to complications. Doreen, his wife, was at his side when he passed.

Both Jimmy and Doreen had been associated with The Club for many years with Jimmy being a stalwart of the darts team during the 70's and 80's as well as assisting with the running of the Club over many years.

Living adjacent to The Club, both Jimmy and Doreen enjoyed access to the grounds and would often be seen walking the boundaries.

Our thoughts and best wishes go to Doreen at this sad time.

The Funeral will be held at the centre chapel at Landican Cemetery on Tuesday 22nd October at 12noon, followed by a reception Old Parkonians Clubhouse to celebrate Jimmy's life.

Ken Cooke

Chairman

OPAL

After some really positive and excellent recruitment to both the playing and coaching team, it has been great to watch the team's performance delivering wins on the pitch.

After a long and productive pre-season, the benefits are being demonstrated through individual and team performances with contributions across the squad.

Posting 5 from 5 wins against some tricky oppositions, culminating in a close run 43-42 win today over the Gentlemen of Moore, has been marvellous to watch.

It was sad to lose one of our young players to a shoulder injury during the warm up today and our best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Adam Mansell today.

The commitment of all players to regular training and for the coming season is vital and I'm sure that everyone is looking forward to starting with a bang in our opening fixtures. Support is vital and the atmosphere generated on the sideline and in the clubhouse is infectious, let's keep it up and have an enjoyable and memorable season.

It was also great to see our U15s take on Crosby in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. You'll see the below photo of the team wearing their new kit. A huge thanks to Phil Stevens for providing the sponsorship.

Best wishes and good luck to everyone for a safe and successful season.

Steve Barnett

Chairman

Oxton Parkonians RUFC

You will no doubt be aware that for a few years the club has been working with Birkenhead School and the Rugby Football Union regarding possible investment that would have allowed the club to have new drainage installed to our main rugby pitch. This investment was subject to the school being able to sell an unused sports field (Noctorum Field) for housing development. Due to the refusal of outline planning permission by Wirral Borough Council, the School appealed that decision with H M Planning Inspectorate.

The club are devastated to hear that HM Planning Inspectorate have dismissed the School's appeal and as a result no investment will be forthcoming, as the School will no longer be selling the land for housing development purposes.

The club directors and management team will now explore what options are available to us to secure alternative funding. We will provide an update as soon as possible.

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Old Parkonians Association Ltd. will be held in the Clubhouse at the HM Curphey Memorial Ground, Holm Lane, Prenton, Wirral CH43 2HU, at 7:00pm on Monday 9th September 2024. 

The full AGM notice and Agenda can be downloaded here.

Coaches Corner

Ryan Evans, Oxton Parkonians Club Coach commented...

'Yes, pre-season is starting early. After a much improved season, we really want to push on with our player development and I see an early pre-season as the key that will unlock that progression with the players. We know we can progress on last season’s performances.

We are entering our third year of our four year plan, which is proving very lucrative at the moment on the basis that we have accomplished our previous objectives. Myself, James Allkins (Club Captain) and the other coaching staff have set our objectives for the new season. It’s up to us to deliver that to the players and for the players to play attractive, progressive and well structured rugby.

I also have pleasure in confirming new player coaches Shaun Ingram (Backs Coach) and James Tavui (Forwards Coach) who will assist myself and Mark Hillan (Assistant Head Coach). Both Shaun and James have spent half of the season on the side lines due to injuries, they will provide a wealth of rugby knowledge, experience and leadership, especially when it comes to in play game management. Mark's passion for Oxton Parkonians is infectious and his desire for us to succeed and progress prospers all others. Mark is a stalwart of the club and the help he has provided to me has not been overlooked.

We have already sealed 8 new players from local Wirral based clubs which will further progress us in our development at Oxton Parkonians.

Anyone can join Oxton Parkonians no matter ability, age, sexual orientation, or race. We just want people who enjoy rugby to join and to be part of what is going to be a very, very prosperous future for the club.

I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 29th of May 2024. Training will start at 6.45pm and will conclude at 8.15pm'

Ryan Evans

Club Coach 

Oxton Parkonians RUFC

GAMES ARE:

• 2/11/24 – England v New Zealand KO 15:10
• 9/11/24 – England v Australia KO 15:10
• 16/11/24 – England v South Africa KO 17:40
• 24/11/24 – England v Japan KO 16:10

FOR THOSE MEMBERS WISHING TO APPLY FOR TICKETS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

i) The RFU have now notified clubs of the dates for the above games only. Regarding ticket prices, the RFU have not yet issued them. 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. 

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 email address is mullen55@btinternet.com. Applications to be made no later than 20th April 2024.

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 have downloaded the Twickenham Stadium app to their mobile phone.  The members 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.

It was another outstanding performance from the U14s this week, doing the double over a quality Crosby side (who last season taught us a rugby lesson). Running out 12-0 winners, the lads have really turned a corner since 2023 and are playing brilliant rugby and today was exceptional.

There were man of the match PERFORMANCES right throughout the side, but this week it went to Cillian for some of the greatest tackling we've ever seen and preventing at least 3 tries . Well done and well deserved Cillian. 

Roll on the Caldy festival next Sunday.

Vs Crosby St Mary’s  (H) – 3^rd February  24 – WIN

Score: Oxton Parkonians 27 – 26 Crosby St Mary’s

Tries:  B. Foran (2), A. Palmer, S. Ingram, L. Hillan

Conversions: B. Sadler

Oxton Parkonians are at it again. Another sensational win at home, leaves Parks unbeaten in 2024 and on a roll of three wins on the bounce. 

A strong Parkonians side took the lead early on with a fabulous try from the recently turned 18 year old Ben Foran to make the score 7-0 after a conversion from Ben Sadler. St Mary’s equalised shortly after to make the game 7-7. Crosby soon took the lead against the run of play to make it 7-14, before Ben Foran doubled his tally to make it 12-14 at half time. 

Alex Palmer got the second half off to a flyer with his first try for the club to make it 17-14. St Marys took the lead with a quick fire double to make it 17-26, but the deficit was soon to be shortened by Shaun Ingram who continued his fine run of scoring to make the score 22-26 with 10 minutes to go. 

Parks then took the lead with 5 to go, with home grown hero Luke Hilan scoring over the line to make the score 27-26. Parks held the game out with some good time management to record yet another strong home win. 

Man of the match was awarded to Ben Foran, who showed his quality throughout the game, through both his attacking and defending masterclasses. 

Next week, we host Wallasey, hoping to do the season double on them, and further rise up the table. We currently sit in 5th, with games in hand over the teams above us. 

MOM: Ben Foran

Words: James Allkins

Click Here to see all 1st XV match reports from the 23/24 season

The Annual Past Players Reunion event will take place on Saturday 10th February 2024 from 12.30pm onwards.

The day will include a buffet lunch, the 1st team at home to Wallasey (2.15pm KO) along with plenty of memories and tales of long ago.

Everyone is very welcome, see you there!

Richie Beckett

President

Old Parkonians

Words from Dave Westwater....

Our paths first crossed in the 50s when we met as pupils at Birkenhead Park High School and now in 2024 we record the passing of Peter Johnson.  He was not a keen rugby player or cricketer, he played with less than enthusiasm!

He always claimed that he could not play for the Old Boys as he was too busy delivering pies on Saturdays from the family butchers business, including a supply to our club.  A very successful businessman, he has been a great benefactor to Old Parkonians and to the Wirral community at large.

We send our condolences to Melanie and the family from all at Holm Lane.