THERE is another derby fixture on the local rugby calendar to look forward to on Thursday, August 28, when Wiveliscombe RFC will travel to play against Rebels Rugby who, from the start of this coming season, will play their home games at Milverton Recreation Ground.

The Rebels were first established as Huish Tigers six years ago and played their home matches at Ash Meadows, Taunton, where they enjoyed considerable succes,s gaining two promotions.

However, the Tigers situation changed in 2024 and the club, rebranded as Rebels Rugby, will now play at Milverton.

The idea to relocate to Milverton came from a conversation which took place at the wake held after local sportsman Keith Jennings’ funeral .Keith played cricket for Somerset during the Glory Years along with the likes of Botham, Richards and Garner after which he became a stalwart member of Milverton CC.

As well as playing rugby for Wiveliscombe, he earned a living at his locally based carpenter and joinery business. Chris Heal, who is head coach of the Rebels, was a lifelong friend of ‘Jenks’, as Keith was known to his friends, takes up the story. “This all came about as a result of the sad death of Jenks, who I had been friends with for over 35 years. It was at his wake at Milverton Rec, where I played cricket for nearly 20 years with him. I was standing outside the bar of the pavilion looking across the ground and someone said to me if you’re looking for a new ground why not come to Milverton?

“I must admit this was somewhere that I had never even considered to be a place we could make our home. However, knowing of Keith’s love of sport in the local community it seemed like the perfect match.

“I made immediate contact with Chris Saunders, the chairman of Milverton Recreation Ground Field Trustees. Within months we had arranged a lease.

“Our first home league match in Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset is against St Bernadettes on Saturday, 6th September. Some of the other sides we will be playing are Minehead, Burnham on Sea and Clevedon, good established rugby clubs with considerable history.”

Chris went on: “ To date we have between 35 and 40 players signed on and train on Mondays and Wednesdays at Milverton Rec and carry on right the way through until 28th August.“

Rebels will have full use of the Milverton clubhouse facilities and are in the process of extending the showers. There is also a lounge bar and public bar already in situ.”

He added: “Milverton is a community blessed with a sporting feel, and we are very much a charitable community based club, and among other things we will be hosting rugby activities for youngsters organised by SASP.’

Rebels captain for the coming season Vinny Gordon said: “ What a fantastic opportunity to be part of the growing success of Rebels Rugby. It will be a great experience to help the club continue to grow at their new home in Milverton. Team morale is at an all time high; I’m relishing the challenge and very excited for the season ahead.

”Anyone who would like to find out more about Rebels Rugby should contact Dan Morgan on 07796 538748 or Chris Heal on 07549 785147 or just turn up on a training night at 7.00pm.