Trio to start league programmes this week – but Combe must wait

Three local rugby clubs will commence their league programmes on Saturday 6th September, with Walcot leading the charge in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South.

Oldfield Old Boys will go here to South Bristol club Imperial for their league opener | Photo © Richard Briggs

The side from Albert Field in Lansdown finished fourth in the table last season but are set for bigger and better things after adding a big name to their coaching team.

Walcot will get the new campaign under way by visiting Marlborough 2nd XV, who have moved up from Counties 2 Tribute Dorset & Wilts North where they won 17 of their 18 matches en route to the 2024-25 championship.

The experienced Matti Williams, 34, has joined Walcot’s coaching set-up.

A statement from the club said: “Born in South Africa, Matt’s rugby journey has seen him excel across the forward pack, starting out as an openside flanker before transitioning to hooker and later into the back row – a true testament to his adaptability and deep understanding of the game.

“After developing through the Sharks academy and training with South Africa Sevens, Matt made the move to England in 2013, joining Northampton Saints and becoming part of their historic 2013-14 Premiership-winning squad.

“He later signed with Worcester Warriors, where he made his debut in 2016 and went on to be a key and reliable squad member until 2021.

“With a wealth of professional experience at the very highest level, both in the Premiership and abroad, Matt brings not only technical expertise but also a passion for developing players and sharing his knowledge of the game.

“We’re excited to welcome Matt to Walcot and look forward to the huge impact he’ll have on our club both on and off the field.”

Walcot’s club captain for 2025-26 is Ed Harris – his third time in the role. Harris is an integral part of the club, having come through the juniors and now being in his 12th season.

Batheaston-based Avon are celebrating their centenary this season – and they will be looking to make a positive start to their Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset programme when they host Chew Valley 2nd XV on Saturday 6th September (3pm).

The Hicks Field outfit finished third last time around, whereas Chew ended up ninth.

Avon will take the pitch in their specially designed centenary shirts. These are all black, as in the club’s inaugural season, and bear the centenary logo.

There will be an official presentation of the shirts, which are sponsored by the Elizabethan Lodge of the Bath Freemasons, before kick-off against Chew.

To further mark Avon’s centenary, there may be a match against the Bath & District Combination or Old Sulians. The latter, formed in 1926, will be celebrating their 100th birthday in the new year.

Oldfield Old Boys will make the trip to South Bristol on Saturday 6th September to take on Imperial in their Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset opener.

The teams could hardly be separated last season, Oldfield finishing in seventh spot and Imperial one place – and three points – behind.

The men from Shaft Road will go into the match at West Town Lane in good spirits after winning the Korev Bath & District Combination 7s Plate last month.

Combe Down, under new head coach Jimmy Rees, were due to begin their Counties 2 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts North season at home to Amesbury on Saturday 6th September but the match has been postponed.

This is down to ground conditions affecting the Wiltshire club’s pre-season training. The game will be played on Saturday 27th September.

The Down’s league campaign will now get under way on Saturday 13th September, at Westbury.

Combe have signed prop Tristan Whippy from Warminster. He also has experience of Army Rugby set-up.

Another forward to join the Holly’s Corner outfit this summer is Ollie Docherty, who can play in the second row and back row. Most recently he turned out in the Richmond set-up and worked with University of Bath RFC as a physio.

Scrum-half Toby Gooding has switched to Combe after coming through the academy system at Trowbridge.

And Gareth Williams, who can play on the wing or at full-back, has joined the Down after coming through the ranks at North Devon side Bideford.

Meanwhile, Combe will be hosting three schools matches at Holly’s Corner on Friday 5th September: Monkton Under-16s versus Warminster Under-16s (4.30pm), Prior Park Under-16s versus Downside Under-16s (6pm) and Monkton Under-18s versus Warminster Under-18s (7.30pm).