D.G.Bray - Deceased

The Club is sad to record the death of a notable former player and ex 1st XV Captain, Doug Bray who left the field for the last time in the early hours of Sunday morning 1st June 2003, after a long illness. Doug was a formidable No. 8 who played for many seasons in the 1st XV and for the Hampshire County XV and ranks among the leading scorers to have crossed the line regularly for Basingstoke RFC - Doug was not one to improve his points total by kicking the ball between the sticks. His determined powerful running and lethal knee action will be remembered by many players of Doug's era, not only those in his own team who were mighty glad to have him 'on our side', but also many opposition back rows and centres who probably still feel the dents left by Doug as he attempted to pass through rather than round another obstacle on his route to the line. Doug's funeral took place on Wednesday 11th June 2003 at 12 noon, at All Saints Church, Upper Clatford, near Andover (just off the A303) - (map ).

BJ Champion Group's New Sponsorship Agreement with Basingstoke RFC

Basingstoke Rugby Club are delighted to announce that the B J Champion Group have signed to a new sponsorship deal with the club. The Group are becoming both a club business partner and are the sponsors of the club's Under 14 age group. The club formed the link through two members of the first team squad, Steve Buttle and Simon Apppleby who both work for BJ Champion Scaffolding Ltd. Basingstoke RFC's Chairman Steve Tristram said: "We are delighted that B J Champion are supporting both our senior section as well as investing in our future through the Under 14 team. These are exciting times for both Basingstoke RFC back in the National Leagues and for B J Champion with their own move to their new premises. We look forward to building on the partnership in the future."

From the early days of 1982 they concentrated on working as a Bricklaying Sub-Contractor and as a sole proprietor their main aim was to expand our Brickwork services. Business grew substantially and it was in 1990, that they decided to become incorporated as a private limited company and B J Champion Contractors Ltd. was formed. Continuing their main activity in providing Bricklaying services, they expanded further to include Scaffolding and Contracting contracts to their clients. Until May 1999 when the Group structure was formed, establishing three separate companies with their own customer base with their own management teams. On 30th September 2002, they moved to newly designed offices, workshop and yards in Roentgen Road, Daneshill from small numerous premises in Oakley. The move to these prestigious new premises was a large step forward for all three companies and also for the expansion of the B J Champion Group.

31st October 2002

General Manager Appointed

The Club are pleased to announce the appointment of David Crabbe as part-time General Manager of the Club. The board see this appointment as another move to ensure the club is structured to make best use of the club's facilities.

1st July 2002

Trial Games

Two warm up games have been arranged prior to the season :-

Saturday August 17th Trial game at Bracknell with Wasps U21s

Saturday August 24th Trial game Home to Marlow

30th July 2002

Powergen Cup 1st Round

Drawn away to Lydney 21st September 2002

30th July 2002

Director of Rugby, Ian Calder signed a two year contract with the club which will keep him at the club until the end of 2003-2004

16 July 2002

Club Awards!

At the Annual Dinner held at the club on Saturday 20th May 2002, the playing awards for the club were made. Richard Baker, 1st XV Captain gave a speech praising the efforts of the first team squad and special mention was made of the Director of Rugby, Ian Calder. The awards were as follows :-

Player of the Year - Neal Taylor
Most Improved Player - Jason Rees
Best Trainer - Matt Evans
Top Try Scorer - Chris Norton
Top Points Scorer - Ian Calder
and the Martin Green "Man of Steel" Award
Gareth Jones

20th May 2002

Successful Tag Tournament

Teams from local companies competed against Basingstoke Rugby Club's junior coaches and womens teams in a charity tag tournament at Down Grange on Saturday 13th May 2002. In a competition where half of each team's entrance fees went to the ARK Appeal, the club coaches soon became one of the favourites, along with local company Scott Wilson.
After pool matches, these two teams met in the final with the coaches winning by a single try.
The Plate was won by the Women's B-team, who beat their A-side in the final. Barclays carried off the bowl competition.

Jon Cant, Basingstoke's Community Development Officer said : "This is the first time we have run an event like this and I think it was a great success."
"I hope it will become an annual event with even more taking part next year."

Pictures ( Anybody requiring a printable picture please e-mail )
13th May 2002

Basingstoke promoted!!!!!!

In a tense game B'stoke showed their class by winning 29-13 against Dings Crusaders and gaining promotion to the National leagues. Well Done to skipper Richard Baker and Director of Rugby Ian Calder.

Match report and Pictures

27th April 2002

Basingstoke win thrilling Hampshire Cup Final at Havant 16-15.

A Neal Taylor try followed by three penalties and a conversion by "man of the match" Ian Calder, seal a win that made it three in a row in the Caffrey's sponsored Hampshire Cup.

24th March 2002