MATCH REPORT

Regular Meeting Monday 21st November 2022

There are some fixtures which, on the face of it, can look pretty daunting. On a pretty bleak Monday night in November, you could be forgiven for asking – and to borrow from a quote often used in that lesser sport played with a round ball – “Can they do it on a cold, windy night in Gravesend”? The answer was an emphatic “YES” as the Spirit of Rugby pulled another great performance out of the bag at our meeting on Monday, for the raising of Bro Steve Chandler.

Bleak cold and windy

Our Skipper Tony was clearly focussed on the task in hand and, after a slightly shaky start where he almost forgot to extend the usual pleasantries to the away team, kicked things of in a steady fashion before passing to his fellow front-rower, the JW Matt F, to put the questions to Bro Steve. Despite only a handful of appearances so far, Bro Steve gave another impressive performance, answering everything asked of him with confidence and skill. Despite being drafted in at short notice to fill the slot on the team sheet as SD, WBro Derek Reed then commanded the midfield, taking Steve under his wing and guiding him through the next passage of play, making it look easy.

The skipper then shone as he took control of the next phase – even managing to incorporate some of the playing style learned at his “mother” club (!) – and put in a Captain’s performance in raising Bro Steve. Our player-coach (DC) Terry then put in a great shift delivering the Traditional History before the acting Secretary, Andy, wrapped up the third quarter with the tracing board and signs.

As the match neared its conclusion, the bench was emptied as the Finishers came onto the field of play – Wbros Mitchell, Owens, Collins & Hill who gave us the champagne moment of the day with a dazzling display of teamwork in their delivery of the Working tools – rightly pointed out as a highlight in the after match proceedings by the captain of the away team. Job done!

The after proceedings went off in their usual lively, fun fashion; sadly, from the point of view of our Charity Steward, all members were properly attired on this occasion so there were no fines to dish out. We did, however, manage to raise over £100 for our charity account and £215 for the community account which, as always, will help us to engage with Rugby clubs around the Province.

All I all, it was another hugely entertaining and enjoyable performance all round. We’re all looking forward to our next fixture in February when we’ll be Installing WBro Steve Jones as our WM – please do try to come along if you can to support our new Skipper!

Next fixture: Monday 20th February 2023, Tovil Masonic Centre, Maidstone.

Gravesend’s Delivery of Ale from Tony is Grrrr-eat!

Spirit of Rugby Lodge’s Tony Fish was pleased to present Gravesend RFC with bottles of Spirit of Rugby Ale earlier this year.   The ale brewed by Nelson Brewery was funded by the members of SOR9922 lodge to help support local clubs and to raise awareness of the work freemason do in the community.

Tony presented the beer to Michael Cubitt President, Mark Bruce Chairman and the Man of the Match on the day, scrum half, Ned Warren.   It was a “grrreat” win for the team and they were extremely grateful for the donation.

You find out more about Gravesend RFC www.gravesendrfc.co.uk on Facebook: @GravesendRFC and on Twitter: @gravesendrugby

After a bit of NAGging Hilly gets the job done!

SOR Member Founder Member Ian Hill took the opportunity to both referee and deliver Spirit of Rugby Ale to New Ash Green RFC on Saturday at their Easter fixture versus a Kent Barbarians XV.

W.Bro Ian Hill spent the day in the middle with a whistle and a beer

Ian gave the following report… “I had the pleasure of delivering New Ash Green our Spirit of Rugby beer on Saturday prior to there 1st team playing a barbarian team made up from players from teams across Kent. The beer was received by New Ash Green’s Chairman (Howard Morgan) and 1st XV team captain (Declan Bateman) and President (Nick Warren).
The beer was chilled and warmly received and was auctioned off to the Vice Presidents.
The lot winning member kindly donated the beer to players from both teams who consumed pitch side in the sun after the game”.

You can find out more about New Ash Green’s teams (adult youth and women) on their website: www.newashgreenrfc.com and Facebook page.

Spirit of Rugby Lodge offers the opportunity for gentlemen rugby players, supporters and enthusiasts to discover freemasonry and help make a difference to the local rugby community. If interested drop us an email: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com

Spirit of Rugby IPA has been brewed by our friends at Nelson Brewery at the Historic Dockyard at Chatham. We have gifted free beer to over 20 rugby clubs in East Kent over the past 6 months.

Warrior Jimjam steals the day and welcomes our #GiftOfBeer

On the biggest day in the club’s chronicled history representatives of Spirit of Rugby Lodge had the privilege of presenting our #GiftOfBeer to Weavering Warriors RFC.

President and Head Coach James Oakley

For the very first time the club were, on this memorable day, able to field two full teams The Warriors 1stXV and The Samurai 2ndXV. To make the day even more exciting both teams were able to play back to back games at their home ground in Park Wood, Maidstone.

The matches proved to be very close, both culminating in victories for the home teams. The rugby on display included some fine running rugby and low number (John Earls style) kicking to win the 1stXV game. The front row Warrior known as “Jim” entrusted with the kicking duties soon became known to spectators as Jimjam Brooke on account of his Zinzan-like accuracy and versatility.

After a treat of rugby, washed down with pitch side refreshment, we retired to the fantastic pavilion clubhouse to present our gift of beer to the club. The beer was received with great enthusiasm by all Weavering Warrior’s players and officials.

Representing the lodge Matt Mitchell commented, “it’s a tremendous club oozing with character and good will. This is thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers who love rugby and all it stands for. Just one example of this the club’s budding superstar 14 year old celebrity chef who each week prepares and serves the match teas – buy his cook-book!“.

To cap a fantastic afternoon, and by way of a thank you to Spirit of Rugby, the club members sang a rousing tour version of Erasure’s “A Little Respect”. Thankfully: the welcome, the rugby, match tea, camaraderie and beer were all better than the singing (check out the short video on our Facebook page).

Since being founded in 2003 Weavering Warriors have warmly welcomed all new members. They are now launching mini and youth rugby and offer a clubhouse atmosphere to rival any local club. To get involved contact Head Coach and Club President, James Oakley on: 07734900866

Spirit of Rugby Lodge offers the opportunity for gentlemen rugby players, supporters and enthusiasts to discover freemasonry and help make a difference to the local rugby community. If interested drop us an email: spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com

Spirit of Rugby IPA has been brewed by our friends at Nelson Brewery based on the Historic Dockyard at Chatham.


Ash RFC Appreciate IPA

Andy Stevens and Steve Jones made the journey to Ash RFC just outside of Canterbury to hand over crates of Spirit of Rugby IPA to the village club punching above well their weight. Neil Parfitt Chairman accepted the #GiftOfBeer on behalf of the club and thanked the lodge saying…

“Thank you once again for coming down to see us with your generous gift to to the club . As you can imagine fund raising is very hard at the moment and every opportunity to bolster the funds is much appreciated. As you see we provide a safe and fun environment  for children and adults to enjoy rugby which all comes at a cost. We are run solely by  volunteers who give up so much of their time so people can play”.

Neil Parfitt (Club Chairman)
Pictured from left to right: James Osbourne (ARFC Club Captain), Steve Jones (SOR), Andy Stevens (SOR), Neil Parfitt (ARFC Club Chairman) and Matt Evans (ARFC Committee Member)

Spirit Of Rugby Lodge members all enjoy a love of rugby and combine the shared values of freemasonry and rugby in their aim to support and enhance the rugby community. To find out more about the lodge, how to join and about freemasonry in general, email: SpiritOfRugby9922@gmail.com

Ash Rugby Club are a friendly, rural rugby club based since 1996 in the village of Ash between Canterbury and Sandwich. They have a growing senior squad and a thriving mini / youth section. If you or your children are interested in playing, supporting or getting involved in the club, contact Kieran Hopper on kieran.hopper@aol.co.uk

Whitstable’s #GiftOfBeer

Four members of Spirit Of Rugby Lodge attended the Vice Presidents’ Lunch and Christmas Party at Whitstable RFC and took the opportunity to present the club with our #GiftOfBeer which has been brewed, funded and distributed by the lodge to help support the rugby community.

Founding member of the Lodge and former chairman of the club Peter Hudson presented the unique bottles of IPA to Club Chairman Calvin Smith and it was gratefully received.

Peter said, “Nearly all the beer sold that day, the chairman was over the moon and he asked me personally to thank the Spirit of Rugby Lodge for their generosity”.

L – R Calvin Smith (chairman), Peter Hudson (member SOR & WRFC)

Whitstable RFC are currently top of Kent Division 2 and this year are celebrating their 40 year anniversary. They are a friendly rugby club based in Chestfield, less than 2 miles from Whitstable town centre.

Spirit of Rugby Lodge was founded in 2016 to help support the rugby community. The lodge welcomes interest from both new members and existing freemasons with a love of rugby. The Lodge meets officially 4 times a year but also holds lodge and social gatherings throughout the year. Interested in becoming a freemason and joining the Spirit Of Rugby Lodge #JustAskOne or email: SpiritOfRugby9922@gmail.com

Lords and Masons Enjoy Spirit of Rugby IPA

Mark Lawson delivered our specially brewed beer to Lordswood Rugby Club earlier this week. It was received on behalf of the club by their chairman Tony McMonies. Tony thanked the lodge for its generous donation and was amazed how the lodge was doing the same for nearly 30 clubs in East Kent.

Tony also thought the beer tasted Grrrrrr great!

As the beer was being delivered the club was holding its first VP lunch for two years although sadly their game, scheduled against local rivals Sittingbourne, was postponed owing to Covid cases. As the club don’t own the clubhouse or bar where they play they were unable to sell the #GiftOfBeer over the bar to members but planned to turn the beer into cash to support the club through a series of raffle prizes and to gifting to well deserving players and the essential and valued volunteers who run the club.

Lordswood RFC is one of Kent’s newer rugby clubs in Kent (founded in 1983) and currently plays in Shepherd Neame Kent League 2 and Women’s NC South East League 2.   The club prides themselves on having great team spirit and welcoming family atmosphere. The club offer league, cup, touch and social men’s and women’s senior rugby, as well as a boys & girls mini rugby. Young players of all abilities are welcome at the club including those who have never played the game before. www.lordswoodrfc.co.uk

Spirit of Rugby Lodge also welcomes new members. Becoming a Freemason means you’ll be joining about 200,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas.

Membership of freemasons lodges is open to people from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society. If you also have an interest in rugby either as a player coach referee spectator or fan Spirit of Rugby Lodge would love to hear from you.
Email us: SpiritOfRugby9922@gmail.com

Wise Brethren from Spirit Of Rugby Lodge Travelled to the East to Deliver Gifts

Though not bearing gold, frankincense or myrrh, three wise members of Spirit of Rugby Lodge 9922: Peter Hudson, Bill Higgins and Matt Jury (master of the Lodge) did bear our special #GiftOfBeer to the chairman of Thanet Wanderers RFC, Chris Panteli.

L – R: Peter Hudson, Chris Panteli, Matt Jury, Bill Higgins

With the clubhouse adorned in festive tinsel Chris insisted the visiting team joined him for some yuletide cheer and cracked open a bottle or two of Spirit Of Rugby IPA donated. The Spirit Of Rugby IPA beer has been created and funded by the rugby lodge members to gift to East Kent rugby clubs over the Christmas period and into 2022 to help the them raise funds to support their various and excellent community rugby programmes.

After tasting the beer Chris instantly asked how, where and when the club could get another delivery; a testimony of the flavour and taste of the beer produced at the Nelson Brewery based at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham.

Thanet Wanderers is based in Broadstairs with the 1st XV playing in London League South East 2. The club run three senior sides, a veterans XV and a thriving junior section for boys and girls aged 6-18. For more information visit the club website:
www.ThanetWanderers.co.uk

All Spirit Of Rugby Lodge members all enjoy a love of rugby and combine the shared values of freemasonry and rugby in their aim to support and enhance the rugby community. To find out more about the lodge, how to join and about freemasonry in general, email: SpiritOfRugby9922@gmail.com

Spirit of Rugby IPA Welcomed by Old Wills.

Chairman of Old Williamsonians RFC, Ian Pettman, took delivery of Spirit of Rugby Lodge’s #GiftOfBeer this week. He was a little down in the dumps but the donation of six crates of Sprit Of Rugby IPA from the Lodge soon cheered him up.
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On behalf of the club, based at their clubhouse on the grounds of Sir Joseph Williams Maths School in Rochester, Ian welcomed the IPA which was brewed by The Nelson Brewery not far from the club. Thanking the lodge for generous donation the chairman said,

If there’s one thing rugby players know, it’s how to drink beer

Founding member of the Spirit of Rugby Lodge, Mark Lawson who presented the beer, reported, “Ian and the club members were a little disappointed as their game against Cliffe Crusaders had just been called off owing to opposition players testing positive for Covid-19. But Our #GiftOfBeer soon brought a smile back to their faces.

Ian said the club would use the beer to raise funds which would be used to help purchase new training tops for the players. The club run two senior men’s teams with the first team currently the highest placed East Kent team (3rd) in Kent Rugby Division One. The club welcomes new members of all abilities to play competitive and social rugby. To contact the club email:
oldwillsrugby@gmail.com

Spirit of Rugby Lodge was founded in 2016 by a group of rugby enthusiast who recognised the shared values between Freemasonry and Rugby of: integrity, respect and benevolence. To find out more about becoming a Freemason and joining Spirit of Rugby Lodge please get in touch by email:
spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com

Spirit of Rugby Straight to the Heart of the Matter

WBros Bob Mitchell and Steve Jones were pilgrims to Canterbury RFC on Saturday to deliver Spirit of Rugby IPA to the Club ahead of their 8 try victory over Westcliff. Production of the beer has been funded by members of the East Kent Lodge and is being gifted to local clubs to help support their rugby programmes. Rugby and freemasonry share so many common values and these are often realised over a beer.

L-R: Bob Mitchell, Giles Hilton and Steve Jones

Lodge member since its consecration back in 2016 Stephen Jones said,

“we are delighted to be able to support the rugby community – for members at Spirit of Rugby it’s what freemasonry is all about”

The club play their rugby at the Merton Lane Ground just outside the walls of the City and provide the wider community with a full range of opportunities to get involved in rugby. Men’s and Women’s teams are complimented by a full mini junior and youth section for boys and girls as well as touch and wheelchair rugby teams.

Club Chairman Giles Hilton, unusually on the receiving end of a #GiftOfBeer, said,

…a big thank you from Canterbury RFC.   We are going to sell each bottle and put the proceeds to our Defibrillator Project”.

The club have recently set out to raise funds to provide every team and age group in the Club with a portable defibrillator machine and committed to a player screening programme to start next season.

The club have already had good reason to invest in defibrillators.   Back in 2013 a player (Mark Jones) collapse on the pitch and was thankfully revived by the prompt use of the club’s defibrillator.   Ensuring every team has access to a portable device is clearly very important to the club and Spirit of Rugby Lodge is delighted to be supporting such a great cause.

Spirit of Rugby Lodge is gifting Spirit of Rugby IPA beer brewed in partnership with Nelson Brewery to all rugby clubs in the Province of East Kent. To find out more about the Spirit of Rugby Lodge, membership and Freemasonry in general email:  spiritofrugby9922@gmail.com
To find out more about Canterbury RFC visit: https://cantrugby.co.uk/