History of Phoenix RFC Taplow 

TRAINING - TUESDAY'S 7pm - 9pm


 



Schoolboy Rugby Union was introduced to Slough in 1948 by W J McLoughlin (a Welshman!) one time of Pontypridd and Cambourne and the Deputy Headmaster of The Technical School Slough. In 1961, the Old Students of the Technical School played against Slough RFC when Derek Lyon, later to captain Cambridge University in the Varsity Match of 1968 and 1969, first played for Phoenix.

The first Committee Meeting of Phoenix RFC took place on January 11th 1963 and the club played its first match against Old Windsorians (later to merge with Windsor) on November 9th of that year. Enthusiastic Club Secretary Bob Cobb arranged further fixtures and the Phoenix began to rise. During that embryonic year, Phoenix played against the then Old Pennanians, Thames Valley who became Maidenhead, Shire Hall, Beaconsfield and Slough.

Phoenix obtained their name as the result of a remark made by the then Head Master of Slough Technical School, A S Humpheryes, concerning the move of the school from the fire damaged ruins in William Street to the brand new school buildings in Northampton Avenue. In the early days, fixtures were played on the Godolphin field, using the nearby School for changing facilities and its Domestic Science room for tea. Players during those early years who made things happen included Norman Garrard (treasurer), Ron Jones (the first), Pete Kelso(scrum-half), Dave Tottingham(second row who always managed to injure someone), Dave Ward (Club Captain for some years, now in Canada), Garry Martin(Captain), Chris Mitchell, Lionel Buckman, Alan Bunting, Jim Pecover, Ian Lumley, Brian Miles, John Lewer, Ray Castle, Mick Brench, Malcolm Wells and Steve Rafferty.

The sevens captain of 1977 Steve Rafferty receiving the winning shield from, then president of Buckinghamshire RFU, Peter Trunkfield. The magnificent sevens side included Steve Rafferty (capt.), Paddy Southern, Mark Attride, Taffy Pryce, Howerd Lewer, Robbie Brown and Roger Pell

The Club Headquarters moved to The George Hotel in Burnham High Street in 1967 and by this time, the club fielded two teams regularly. The Landlord Ray Thuilliez played on at least one occasion and his son Steve played for many years taking over as captain of the Second XV in the late 90's. A third XV was soon born with the intitial enthusiasm coming from Noel Harford. The first third XV result was a 64 points to nil victory.

The search for a permanent home started seriously in 1970 and continued for 14 years, until appropriately in the Club's 21st year, the lease of the present ground at Taplow was signed in conjunction with Claires Court School. The people who worked to make this possible included Geoff Mould, Simon Porter and Alistaire Crawford. The clubhouse was built shortly after the lease was signed and was largely due to the initiative of Ron Jones (the second).

Club Stalwart
Ron Jones
strutting his
stuff on tour.

It was some time in coming but the club obtained its first trophy during 1977, winning the plate competition in the Bucks 7-a-side competition. The magnificent seven comprised Steve Rafferty (Captain), Robbie Brown ,Taffy (Colin) Pryce, Paddy Southern, Roger Pell, Howerd Lewer and Mark Attride. They beat Chiltern (now Amersham & Chiltern) in the final by lots.

The first of many successful
club tours. Here Brickley,
Flegg and Jenner pose
for the camera in Bournemouth

It was during 1977 that Steve Turner an "Old Boy" of the school came on the scene, to take up the position of prop on the field and in various positions as prop off the field. The club stabilised in its new premises, developing the capacity to run its own bar and generally to provide all that a modern Rugby Club required before securing its second significant title, the League Championship in 1993 under the captaincy of Danny Shaw. During the late 90's, Phoenix struck up a link with youngsters from Desborough School that has provided many excellent players including the Wardle brothers Duncan and John. The club drivers during this period included Steve Turner, Steve Marsden, Al Smiter, Ron and Alan Jones, Billy Duncan and the committee in general.

As Rugby has moved towards and into the professional era, Phoenix have retained their ethos and continue to field three sides on a regular basis. As the new millenium has begun Phoenix has evolved into one of the most successful sides in the area. With three sides competing in respective leagues, the club finds itself playing some of the most competitive rugby to date.