Oxford RLFC v Workington Town
Sunday 12th March

Referee: Brandon Robinson
Touch Judges: A Haigh C Astbury
Reserve Referee: T Ambler
M Com: D Asquith


Referee: Brandon Robinson (Dewsbury and Batley)
28/02/2016 - Oxford 22 Lock Lane 37 (Challenge Cup) - penalties 10-8 in favour
11/06/2016 - Coventry 48 Oxford 10 - penalties 9-7 against
07/08/2016 - Oxford 46 Hemel 10 (penalties 11-11) - Oxford’s record win
Also was touch judge for a game against Gateshead in 2014. A few months ago he refereed a Fryston Warriors match, which reports described as well-handled, so he must be brilliant.
He is an in-goal judge for Leeds v Catalan on Friday. In this photo from 2013 he’s the one on the right:



Touch Judge: Andy Haigh (Leeds)
Fourth known Oxford game as a touch judge, the last one being the League 1 Shield match against North Wales, which was the last game of last season. Is a glider pilot, planned as a step on the way to the RAF. So he will be excited to know that there is an RAF base next door.

Touch Judge: Connor Astbury (Castleford and Featherstone)
Third known Oxford game, but the previous two were as reserve referee in 2015, so he’s clearly gained a promotion. Was 2015 Senior Referee of the Year in the Castleford referees’ society (that’s senior level of rugby league, not pensioner). Is also a touch judge for Leeds v Catalan U19s on Friday late afternoon.
Believe it or not, I found a photo of him passing his driving test:


Reserve Referee: Thomas Ambler (Castleford and Featherstone)
First known Oxford game. This is him with a legend - you might not recognise the face, but you would know the voice - “I can’t speyk.” “You bottleless git”. And many more.


Match Commissioner: David Asquith (York and Selby)
He was the match commission at the Coventry game that opened this season. May possibly have made a lot of notes, so the club will need to be on their toes this time round. Any fans arriving early who happen to be electricians might find their skills are needed. Or painters. Asquith was also match commissioner at last season’s 2016 Challenge Cup final, and has had other big game appointments. Refereed at the top level for 20 years. Then became a video referee, including the first Super League Grand Final in 1998. Originally from Batley. May be an Ian Rankin fan (see photo)
Interesting fact - former Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, who was from Morley in Yorkshire, is buried in Sutton Courtenay, just a couple of miles away from Abingdon. A relation, perhaps?