Club history 3 of 3

3. Plymstock Albion oaks


The club formed back in 2007, where OPO's and Plymstock Albion RFC emerged, and formed the team "Plymstock Albion oaks". Horsham fields continued to be the home of the club, with the edition of OPO's who moved up from King George V fields where they where sharing the facilities with OPM RFC. They added a new senior section to Plymstock, and the team could field two senior teams and teams from under 7's running up to under 16's. The team formed the first ever colts team in the history of Plymstock Albion Oaks in their second season (2008/2009). In their first season, the first team won promotion from Devon 1, to the Devon and Cornwall league.

In 2008, the club started a new project and goal, and that was to completely revamp Horsham fields and it's facilities. The first step became a reality in early 2009, a grant was given to the club of £ 24,841.00 thanks to Matt Collier who raised the money and the YOF (Youth opportunity and capital fund) who provided the grant to the club. The changing room communal area was completely refurbished. A meeting room, lounge area, a kitchen, new showers/toilets, new outside seating area was added, and a general make over of the whole building took place. In addition two new storage crates where added containing new equipment and new mobile flood lights. A new womens team was also formed in 2009.

In 2010 the first team where relegated from the Devon and Cornwall league back into Devon 1, after spending two seasons in the league. A new goal was set out for the club, and that was to get the youth from the colts team coming up and strengthening the senior sides to reach new heights. A new coaching staff was added for the first team, Adam Nicholas who spent two seasons coaching and developing a successful colts team was appointed as new Head coach, and former team captain Ash Parsons became the new assistant coach. One of the first team props Simon Austin decided to take a backwards step from playing rugby, and took over the colt's team as head coach.

With the new look teams as well as keeping many of the older players the future looks bright for Oaks rugby. The club has recently received planning permission for a new clubhouse to be built at Horsham, as well as a revamped car park, and drained pitches. Both the senior sides and junior teams remain committed to winning rugby games, as well as enjoying the friendly atmosphere the club has to offer, being part of one of the fastest growing rugby clubs in Plymouth, and enjoying a pint or two down Tavy Lodge!