Page 50 - OM Newsletter 2024-2025

Rugby Football Club
The OM Rugby Club has enjoyed a strong and spirited year, marked by impressive performances at two major tournaments.
At the Bromsgrove 7s in July 2024, the club fielded two competitive teams. Facing tough opposition from Bridgnorth RFC, Bromsgrove Old Boys, Malvern RFC, and Bromsgrove RFC, the OMs battled through the group stages with grit and determination. One team advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced a powerful Bridgnorth side. Despite a valiant effort, the OMs were narrowly defeated, bringing their campaign to a close. The tournament was a great display of teamwork, skill and the club’s growing presence on the sevens scene.
Fast forward to July 2025, and the OMs travelled to north Herefordshire for
the Sundog 7s Festival at Luctonians Sports Club. The team kicked off their campaign with a narrow 17-14 loss in a thrilling opener. Tom Hughes (5.16-21) and Cameron Smith (7.18-23) were standout performers, combining for two tries and conversions.
The OMs bounced back in their second match with a 22-19 win, thanks to a resurgent second-half performance led by Frankie Jeffries (SH.18-23), Tom Morison (SH.18-23) and a galloping try from Callum Wigley-Jones (9.19-23).
A hard-fought third game against a determined Welsh side ended in a narrow defeat, denying the OMs a semi-final spot. However, they finished the day with a spirited 19-19 draw against the Knight’s 7s, showcasing strong defence and resilience, particularly from Tom Cavill.
Throughout both tournaments, the OMs demonstrated their trademark camaraderie, flair and fighting spirit.
With eyes now set on future tournaments, the OMRFC continues to grow in strength and unity, both on and off the pitch.
Further information
Members of all ages are warmly invited to join. If you are interested in finding out more about the OM Rugby Football Club, please see page 60 or scan the QR code.
Toby Newman, Cameron Smith, Tom Cavill, AJ Renton No.7
Sailing Club
What a year it has been for the OM Sailing Club. Members enjoyed a memorable campaign at
the 2024 Arrow Trophy, held 5th – 6th October in Cowes. Racing in the Fairview fleet under
the steady hand of veteran skipper Charlie Thompson, the team faced a weekend of shifting conditions, from light airs on Saturday to gusty 20-knot squalls on Sunday.
OMRFC at the Sundogs 7s
T
hey opened with a confident 2nd place in the first race, thanks to a clean start and sharp upwind tactics. A tight mark rounding in the second race
saw Malvern boxed out, finishing 5th. The team bounced back with a 2nd and 4th in the afternoon’s stronger breeze. Sunday brought heavier conditions and choppy seas, but the crew held firm, securing 4th and 5th place finishes. With best-five-race scoring applied, Malvern placed 4th overall out of ten in the Fairview fleet - just one point off the podium and tied with Pangbourne, who edged ahead on countback.
Off the water, the team upheld Malvern traditions in style at the Royal Ocean Racing Club dinner, with lively speeches, spirited toasts, and tales of near-misses and heroic recoveries.
Tom Hughes (5.16-21), Frankie Jeffries (SH.18-23), Tom Morison (SH.18-23),
Toby Newman (2.19-24), Cameron Smith (7.18-23), Callum Wigley-Jones (9.19-23)
THE OM CLUB