Thursday, 24 April 2008

Training this Sunday, Worthing 4 May & other IMPORTANT stuff

Hi all

Sunday 27 April
We will hold training at Hove Rec this w/e. Please come along as our plan is to have some fun. Parents please bring your trainers!!!

Sunday 4 May
There is a tournament at Worthing which we can enter if we have enough players. We are aware that the cricket season will have begun and so we may not be able to raise a team. If your child is available please email me to confirm this at jay@teamvoyage.com . If there are not enough names then we will withdraw from the tournament.

Sunday 11 May
This is the MINIS AWARDS DAY. It would have been the 27th April but because of the late running of the Sussex tournament and the involvement of some Hove teams in the finals the date has been put back to 11 May. There will be more details on this next week but apparently BBQs and bouncy castles are planned! Please note that Nicola Steele has been collecting £5 for trophies for children in our age group and they will be handed out on this day. If you have not given Nicola £5 then your child will not get a trophy. If this is the case please find Nicola this weekend and give her the money so your boy can join in. If you cannot make this date please let us know ASAP.

Tour shirts.... time to pay!!!
The tour shirt cost is £22.78. If you have not paid please bring along cash or a cheque book on Sunday so that Neale can balance the books. If you want to pay £23 the balance will go in to the U10s fund.

West Sussex Festival results
If you're still reading at this point well done :)

Last Sunday 14 players went to Chichester to represent the U10s in the West Sussex Festival. Despite a valiant effort from all the players we did not progress from our group to the semi-finals. It was clear that some of the other teams were better organised and mentally prepared than we were. Our boys displayed some excellent individual skills and great courage in the tackle but ultimately were beaten. Winning is not everything, but we (the coaches) suspect that with a few changes to the way we do things next season we have the players to win a few trophies. To achieve this we will need support from the boys and you, the parents. Therefore, we plan to hold a meeting to agree team priorities at the beginning of next season.

Cheers

Jay

P.S. Dan did break his finger last Sunday, so tell your sons he will be available this Sunday for finger inspection! ..... Not much to see.

Wednesday, 16 April 2008

Sunday 20th April - Rescheduled Sussex Festival

This coming Sunday sees the re-scheduled Sussex Festival at Chichester.

On the back of great successes on Tour we should have a great chance.

The team selection for Sunday is as follows;

F James Cull
F James Hadfield
F Lawrence Wright
F Harry Thibaut
F Freddie Packham
SH Sam Pfeiffer
FH Luke Griffiths
IC Freddie Garth
OC Rafaele Milne
C/W Max Karous
C/W George Karous
W George Oliver
W Zac Downey

Please let me know ASAP if you are unable to make it.

Please aim to be on the pitch by 9.45am so we can warm up - getting the right frame of mind is critical, and having only half the team there for warm up does not allow this.

Richard will be running training back at home for everyone else - usual time.

See you there.

Amanda also asked me to repeat the link to all the Tour Photo's
http://picasaweb.google.com/HoveRugbyUnderTens/RUGBYTOURUNDER10S2008?authkey=x5TjFkjv4vo


If you want any, please just let me know!

Sunday, 6 April 2008

A little snow does not stop the U10s

Staines was cancelled, but 12 of the U10s braved training in the snow!

Warm up!

Speed up!

Hold your head in dispair because...

It's press-up time with Adie. Note Steph, in red, urging everyone on.

Just enough time left for 50 minutes of touch rugby.

The U10s were the only team training this morning. Well done guys.

Jay

Thursday, 3 April 2008

Team for Sunday at Staines

Hi all

The team for the Staines tournament on Sunday is given below. For all others there will be training at Hove Rec as usual run by Jay & Adie.

In the future we are going to ask you to let us know your child's availability to play on a Sunday by the previous Monday night. If we don't hear from you we'll assume he is not available. This will help us with selection. Don't worry we'll remind you.

Staines team - If you cannot play please let us know immediately by clicking here

1. F Henry Bovey
2. F Henry Wallis
3. F Lawrence Wright
4. F James Hadfield
5. F Jacob Knight
6. F James Cull
7. B Zac Downey
8. B George Oliver
9. B Max Karous
10. B George Karous
11. B Oisin Harris
12. B Sam Pfeiffer
13. B Davis West
14. Freddie Garth


Timetable of Events at Staines

09:45 Hove players in kits ready for warm-up (please!)
10:00 Register teams with Control Caravan
10:30 First Pool Matches Start
11:45 Last Pool Match finishes
12:00 Semi Finals Start
12:30 Finals Start
1300 Presentations

Parking at Staines
Parking will be at Staines RFC. Please make sure you turn up in plenty of time as we are expecting some a large number of cars to attend. As there is limited car parking and as Staines RFC is an environmentally Friendly Club can Car sharing be encouraged amongst your teams.


Directions
"The Reeves", Snakey Lane, (formerly Feltham Hill Road) Hanworth, Middlesex, TW13 7NB.
(T) 020 8890 3051


Location map - Click
here to view a map showing the location.

By Road:

From M.3, M.4 or M.25:Take M3 to end (towards London). Continue on A316 and turn off at slip road to Lower Feltham. Turn immediately left into Snakey Lane. Turn left just past Dairy Crest dairy. SRFC is on the left.

I hope you all have fun.

Jay

Saturday, 29 March 2008

Sunday 30th - Horsham and Heathfield

Tomorrow there are two tournaments, at Heathfield and at Horsham.

Please arrive at both by 9.45am.

Teams are as follows;

HEATHFIELD
James Hadfield F
Lawrence F
Jacob F
Harry F
Henry Bovey F
Luke B
Lewis B
Oisin B
Zac B
George K B
Max K B
Dan B
Raf B
Matt B B

To be played at;
The College (Old Heathfield)
Program “TN21 8RJ” into your sat nav.


HORSHAM
James Cull F
Louie P F
Henry Wallis F
Mikey F
Freddie G B
Sam B
Davis B
Yoann B
Solly B
Cameron B
Cal B
George Oliver B
Freddie N B

At Horsham RFC.

Friday, 21 March 2008

Sunday 23rd and 30th

There will be no training this Sunday (23rd) as the Clubhouse will be closed for Easter.

Next Sunday (30th) we have two tournaments, one at Horsham, and one at Heathfield. Can you please let me know ASAP if you WILL NOT be available for either of these two away fixtures.

Thanks – and have a great Easter!!

Friday, 14 March 2008

Chichester Sussex Festival information

2008 Festival - Location

Map is here

Club Address
Chichester Rugby Football Club,
Oaklands Park,
Wellington Road,
Chichester,
PO19 6BB,
West Sussex

Parking
Parking at Chichester RFC is limited, so we ask that all teams use the Northgate Car Park, see the map below. On Sundays there is no fee for parking and all guest need to do is walk up Oaklands Park to the rugby club. When entering Chichester head for signs to the Hospital and Festival Theatre.

Teams entered for the West Sussex Final
  • Haywards Heath
  • Horsham
  • Hove
  • Crawley
  • Midhurst
  • Shoreham
  • Worthing
  • Bognor
  • Pulborough
  • Chichester
Registration
A registration form is attached; this must be completed by each
club for each age group and submitted to the control desk which
will be open from 9.30am. At Chichester RFC we enforce a
strict registration policy and have the support of the Sussex
RFU for a “NO REGISTRATION CARD NO PLAY” so please
ensure all players are registered with Sussex and that Sussex
registration cards are brought on the day. Please leave
yourself sufficient time to get to the Coaches/Referees briefing that
starts at 10.00am in the clubhouse.
Coaches/Referees Briefing
There will be a brief meeting for coaches and referees in front of
the clubhouse at 10.00am, where the rules, procedures and outline
of playing order will be discussed. However we would ask all
teams to encourage all involved with their teams to follow the RFU
code of conduct for parents, supporters and coaches.
Start of Play and Points System
The first matches will start at 10.30am and the tournament will take
the form two pools. Each team will play every team within their
respective pool; timings of the games are listed below. At U11 and
U12 conversions will “NOT” be permitted. No extra time will be
allowed at any age group and in the event that one team is leading
another by a clear 25 points (5 clear tries) then the game will be
stopped.
The points system will be as follows:-
2 points for a Win
1 point for a Draw
0 points for a loss

Timings of matches
U9/ 10 6 Minutes each way

The winner of each pool will then go on to contest the final. In the
event of a tie at the end of the pool stage the team scoring the
most tries will be declared the winner, if both teams have scored
the same number of tries then the team that has conceded least
tries will be awarded the winner, if the teams have conceded the
same number of tries then the winner will be decided on the toss of
a coin.
The final will be played to the time listed above, no extra time will
be allowed and in the event of a draw both teams will be declared
“winners” and the honour shared. A toss of a coin will be used to
decide which team will contest the Regional Final.

Festival Rules of Play
We will adhere to the 2007/8 RFU continuum for rules of play. In
addition, please check the studs of the players prior to the match
and encourage all players to wear a gum shield. Anyone using
illegal studs will not be allowed to play.
In the event that one team has insufficient numbers to field a full
team in any game the opposition shall reduce its playing numbers
to match (up to a maximum of two players e.g. U12 may play with
ten per side).
Similarly in the event of an injury where a player can no longer
continue in that game and there is no suitable substitute available
the opposition shall reduce its numbers to match.
Where either a side cannot field a suitably trained front row player
in U10, U11 or U12 games, or a front row player is injured and can
no longer continue in that match and there is no suitable
replacement the referee shall order that uncontested scrummages
shall take place.
If the match sides are reduced by more than two players the game,
if started, shall be abandoned and the result awarded to the side
which did not cause the abandonment. The result shall be
recorded as a ‘win’ with a result of five tries to nil; other tries
scored, or conceded shall not be recorded.
Fair Play Award
The referee shall mark the score card in respect of fair play shown
by the players, coaches and spectators of each team refereed on a
scale 1 to 4 with 1 being poor and 4 being excellent. The
tournament administrator shall divide the total points awarded by
the number of games marked. The ‘Fair Play’ trophy shall be
awarded to the club with the highest average points across all age
groups.
Referees and Linesman
Each team entered MUST provide a qualified referee who will be
required to ref at least two matches. Each referee will be asked to
complete a score card which will be handed to them before the
match by the Pitch Marshall and should then be returned to the
Pitch Marshall once completed. When playing each team must
also provide a linesman.
First Aid
Please can each coach ensure that they have a qualified first aider
present when their team is playing. Chichester RFC will provide
Doctors and Paramedics on the day in the case of a serious injury,
however for all minor injuries we do ask that each team has a
qualified person to deal with the incident. In the unlikely event of a
serious injury I have attached CRFC’s incident and accident report
form which will need to be completed.

Running Order
Please help us make the day run smoothly by having teams ready
to move onto their pitch as soon as the preceding match has
finished.
Control Desk
A running result board will be kept at the Control Desk. The
Registration Desk will be open from 9.30am.
Refreshments
• A children’s mini bar serving sweets, cakes and cold drinks
will operate in the clubhouse all day.
• Tea and coffee will be on sale upstairs in the clubhouse.
• Bacon Rolls, Sausages, Chips etc will be on sale upstairs
from 10.00am.
• Weather permitting a Bar BQ will also be available for
lunches.
• The club bar will open from 12.00 noon.
Presentation of Medals to Winners and Runners-Up
This will take place in front of the clubhouse. A certificate to
commemorate every player’s participation will be given to each
coach at the time of registration.
The tournament co-ordinator is Ben Bulpett 07765 996947 and will
be the main point of contact. – Please do not hesitate to call prior
to the event or on the day for clarification.

Map is here


Sussex Festival - 16th March

This Sunday is the Sussex Festival - to be held at Chichester.

Please ensure that you are there by 9.45am in order that we can get the team together and focussed, and to warm up. Looks like wet weather gear will also be needed... :o(

Parking is easiest in the Theatre car park - then walk up the hill.

The team for Sunday is as follows;

Harry Thibaut
Henry Bovey
James Cull
Lawrence Wright
Mikey Howell
Daniel Foulds-Holt
Freddie Garth
George Oliver
Rafaele Milne
Samson Pfeiffer
Yoann Steque
Zac Downey

Please let me know ASAP if you are unable to attend as we will need to enter a replacement.

Due to a large number of kids being away this week, there will not be enough left over to run a training session for those not in the team back at Hove.

Friday, 7 March 2008

Sunday 9th March - Wasps Day!

Itinerary is as below;

Coach DEPARTS at 8.00am, so please ensure that you are there by 7.45am.

08.00 - Depart Shirley Drive, Hove

09.45 - Arrive at Royal Grammar School (High Wycombe), Amersham Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 6QT (RAC Website suggests that this 81.9 miles, and should take 1hr 33mins)

12.30 - Depart Royal Grammar School Amersham Road for Adams Park, Hillbottom Road, Sands, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 4HJ

12.45 - Arrive Adams Park, Hillbottom Road, Sands, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 4HJ

3.00 - Kick off

17.30 - Depart Adams Park, Hillbottom Road, Sands, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 4HJ

19.15 - Arrive Shirley Drive, Hove

Friday, 29 February 2008

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday 2nd March
Training at Home - please note we are NOT at Shoreham as it appears in the fixtures book.


Sunday 9th March
Wasps vs Harlequins - CoachClass and match.
I will send a full itinerary separately, but the coach will DEPART Shirley Drive at 8.00am. We are scheduled to be back at 7.15pm.


Sunday 16th March
West Sussex Festival - this year being held at Chichester again.

Friday, 22 February 2008

Sunday 24th February

On Sunday we are ALL away to Eastbourne and East Grinstead at Eastbourne.

Map to Eastbourne is Here

Usual start time of 10.00am

See you there!

Wednesday, 13 February 2008

Sunday 17th February

This Sunday we have two fixtures, so please check the teams below carefully!

Due to half-term, numbers are low, and therefore it is ESSENTIAL that you let me know ASAP if you will NOT be able to make it on Sunday. If you dont reply to neale.thibaut@citytech.co.uk it will be assumed you will be there.

The TORNADOS will be at HOME for training with, and then matches against Crowborough.
Team as follows;
Forwards
1. Freddie Packham
2. James Hadfield
3. James Cull
4. Mikey Howell
Backs
5. Sam Pfeiffer
6. Davis West
7. Freddie Garth
8. Max Karous
9. George Karous
10. George Oliver
11. Zac Downey

10.00am start as usual.


The HURRICANES are playing in an exciting fixture at Brighton. This will be against teams from Brighton, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Crawley and Crowborough. So that is six teams including us! This started of as just a few, and has grown into a larger event. Not a tournament as such, but should provide a fantastic opportunity to play against lots of different teams - some of which we haven't seen yet this year!
Team as follows;
Forwards
1. Henry Wallis
2. Harry Thibaut
3. Louie Pattenden
4. Lawrence Wright
5. Jacob Knight
Backs
6. Yoann Steque
7. Raffaele Milne
8. Solomon Ross
9. Freddie Nehls
10. Oisin Harris
11. Ellis Cooper
12. Cameron Nesbitt

This needs to start at 10.00am sharp - so please ensure that you are there and ready by 9.45am - remember parking is always a problem at Brighton, and with this many teams it will be worse than usual!

Wednesday, 6 February 2008

'H' Trophy - Sunday 10th February

This Sunday is the annual 'H' Trophy, contested between Hove, Heathfield, Haywards Heath and Hastings. Unfortunately, Hastings have pulled out - so it will be a little smaller than normal. As there will be less games, the plan is to make each one a little longer in order to get in the same amount of rugby!

This year it is our turn to host, and so the main tournament will be played at Hove. A smaller tournament will also be played at Horsham (excluding Heathfield). The teams for each are detailed below;

Tornado's playing at Hove;
James Cull
Mikey Howell
Freddie Packham
Henry Bovey
James Hadfield
Harry Thibaut
Lawrence Wright
Samson Pfeiffer
Freddie Garth
George Oliver
Zac Downey
Rafaele Milne
Davis West
Max Karous
George Karous

With 3 visiting teams, parking around the park will be particularly difficult - please arrive to be warming up by 10.00am. Last year 4 cars were towed away for being on the grass - be careful!


Hurricanes playing at Horsham;
Cameron Nesbitt
Cal Hope-Maginn
Daniel Foulds-Holt
Oisin Harris
Freddie Nehls
Matthew Brookes
Henry Wallis
Yoann Steque
Luke Griffiths
Lewis Steele
Louie Pattenden
Solomon Ross
Jacob Knight
Ellis Cooper

Map to Horsham RFC is HERE.

Please also arrive by 10.00am

Monday, 21 January 2008

WASPS DAY - 9th March 2008

We have organised another Wasps day like the one last year!!

Sunday 9th March, Wasps vs Harlequins in the Guinness Premiership.

The format of the day is as last year. Early coach depart (or drive independently) up to training ground, followed by a 2 hour coaching session run by representatives from the Wasps Coaching academy.

Then, coach to the ground where we watch the game against Harlequins from the stand, before heading back to Brighton after the match.

All those that attended last year agreed that this was a fantastic day for both kids and adults alike despite the abysmal weather!!

We now need to give numbers to Wasps - which must be sent by next Monday.

Prices are as follows;
£20 per participant child - including training and ticket (also a Certificate and London Wasps gift - remember those horns??)
£19 per adult.
£10 per concession (OAP, Students & U18's).

I have looked into coach prices, and a full 49 seater will work out around £11 per head return, and a full 70 seater around £9.50.

If you want to come along, then please either e-mail Neale at neale.thibaut@citytech.com, or let me know on Sunday. After that it will be too late. So if you aren't there on Sunday, you had better mail!

In addition to the participating child, I need to know how many adult tickets you require, and how many concessions, together with how many seats on the coach you require. If you intend to drive instead, can you confirm this too.

Friday, 11 January 2008

Sunday 13th - Burgess Hill

This Sunday, the Hurricanes are at Burgess Hill, where Hellingly and Rye are also visiting.

Please arrive by 10.00am.

Those going to Burgess Hill are as follows, for all others, there will be training at Hove.

1. Henry Wallis
2. Freddie Nehls
3. Matthew Brooks
4. Harry Thibaut
5. Daniel Foulds-Holt
6. Oisin Harris
7. Cameron Nesbitt
8. Cal Hope Maginn
9. Yoann Steque
10. Solly Ross
11. Zac Downey
12. Lewis Steele
13. Jacob Knight
14. Rafaele Milne
15. Louie Pattenden
16. Henry Bovey
17. Ellis Cooper

Directions to Burgess Hill are HERE - parking can be a pain!

Friday, 14 December 2007

Sunday 16th - Brighton & Xmas Party!

BRIGHTON

This Sunday we are all away to Brighton - always one of the highlights of the season!!

Matches will start at 10.00am prompt, so please arrive at 9.45am, allowing time for the difficult parking down at Waterhall.

Everyone should come, and teams will be selected on the morning.


CHRISTMAS PARTY

This Sunday is the Christmas party at the club.

To try and accommodate everyone and prevent tears we've split it with the U6's - U9's from 3 - 5, and 10's - 12's at 5.30 - 7.30.

There will be unspecified entertainment (beat the Junior Chairman pianata style seems a popular suggestion) inc' a Santa (for the young ones anyway, not Bill btw), food, disco, games, prizes etc.

People with tickets will be going round at Brighton in the morning (a pound cheaper than later) so come laden with money.

A huge amount of organisation has gone into this event all for the love of your children so please support it. For parents fancy dress is optional!

Wednesday, 5 December 2007

2008 Tour - Update


There was a meeting at the club this week to discuss the 2008 Tour to Breen Sands.

Further information regarding the tour will be passed on as we get it, but a couple of things have been decided already as follows.

Firstly, regarding the initial understanding that the club would pay for all the transport. Unfortunately, this offer never had approval of all of the club exec, and as a result, this is now not available.

Therefore, we now need to finance our own transport. It has been estimated that this is likely to be approx. £25-£30 per head.

Typically each year, sides that are touring hold various events to raise money for their tour funds (ideas welcome - sponsored walk / silence / boot clean). We will do some things as an age group, but the entire club will also be organising the following in order to try and meet some of this additional cost;

Sunday 17th February 2008 - Kids Fun Day - ideas welcome!

Friday 7th March 2008 - this will be an adults evening - band / music etc - entrance fee will go towards tour fund.

Please put both dates in your diaries

For both, it is hoped that we can get some prizes donated and have a good raffle / silent auction, so if you have any contacts who can donate anything or can donate anything yourselves, please let me know - anything that could be raffled / silent auctioned would be excellent. Last time there was a TV, a DVD player, a stereo etc. Do any of you know anyone who have a restaurant / beauty salons / hotel etc who might be willing to donate a meal, a treatment, a stay etc.... Publicity will be provided...!!

Secondly, it is intended that all children going on tour will have a tour shirt. Designs are being considered, and will be the same for every age group on tour. Initially, these shirts will be priced at cost - around £20. However, we are actively seeking sponsorship, which will be printed on ALL the shirts across every age group. Once the cost of this printing is covered, then any remaining sponsorship monies will go towards reducing the cost of each shirt, hopefully to zero. If there is any left over after that, it will be used towards the cost of the coaches as above, to reduce the cost of them.

DO ANY OF YOU KNOW ANYONE OR A BUSINESS WHO MAY WISH TO SPONSOR THE TOUR SHIRTS - IF SO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW

This order for the tour shirts needs to be placed before Christmas, and so I will need to collect everyone's shirt sizes again on Sunday.

What next?
Both these items have potentially pushed up the price of the tour for everyone from the prices originally quoted. If it is now too much, please let me know, and we can take you off the list.

Similarly, there have been a few new players that have joined since the tour was announced. There are still some places available for any who wish to go - scroll down on the blog for the details or speak to me on Sunday.

Friday, 30 November 2007

Sunday 2nd - Lewes Festival

Lewes Festival

The team for the Lewes Festival is as follows;
F Freddie Packham
F Lawrence Wright
F James Hadfield
F Mikey Howell
F James Cull
B Freddie Garth
B Max Karous
B George Oliver
B Davis West
B Samson Pfeiffer
B Luke Griffiths
B Zac Downey

10.00 am start - please arrive for 9.45 latest, allow time for the problem parking.


For everyone else, there will be a traing session at Hove - 10.00am

Tuesday, 6 November 2007

All players at Chichester Sunday 11 November

Hi all

This Sunday, 11 November, we have a triangular training session and matches at Chichester RFC. As usual please be there for a prompt start at 10.00 am.

Subs & Registration
Almost everyone has sorted out Club subscriptions and RFU registration, but please note that if you have not paid your subs and registered with the RFU via the club then you will not be allowed to play this week or in the future until you have sorted it out.

Directions to Chichester Rugby Football Club,Oaklands Park,Wellington Road,Chichester, PO19 6BB can be found here

Have fun until Sunday.

Jay


Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Crowborough and Pulborough - 4th November

This coming Sunday, we have two fixtures - a tournament at Crowborough, and a triangular at Pulborough.

Please note, there are a number of people who have not yet paid their club membership, and have not yet registered with the RFU.

THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND THAT PLAYERS WHO ARE NOT REGISTERED WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE - Neale will contact those not registered individually.

Additionally, as set out in the letter handed out to all parents last week we will shortly start to apply the selection criteria strictly - a key part of which is attendance at training.

The Tornado's who will be going to Crowborough are as follows;

F Freddie Packham
F Lawrence Wright
F James Hadfield
F James Cull
F Mikey Howell
B Freddie Garth
B George Karous
B Max Karous
B Davis West
B Samson Pfeiffer
B Rafaele Milne
B Luke Griffiths
B George Oliver

Please let Neale know ASAP if you are unable to attend.


Please arrive no later than 9.45am.

There will be a £5 per player entrance fee - Stephan will collect this.

There will be 2 pools of 5 teams, with the Winners and Runners up of each pool then playing each other for the Cup and Plate respectively.

Click HERE for directions to Crowborough RFC.
(Steel Cross (Boars Head Roundabout)
Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2XB)



The Hurricanes heading for Pulborough are made up of everyone else;

F Henry Wallis
F Henry Bovey
F Louie Pattenden
F Freddie Nehls
F Matthew Brooks
F Harry Thibaut
B Daniel Foulds-Holt
B Oisin Harris
B Cameron
B Cal Hope Maginn
B Yoann Steque
B Alfie Shaw
B Solly Ross
B Zac Downey
B Ellis Cooper
B Jacob Knight
B Jake Dilliston

Please ensure you arrive by 9.45am.

Click HERE for directions to Pulborough RFC
(Pulborough RFC, Freelands, Pulborough Road, Cootham, Pulborough, W.Sussex, RH20 4HP)

Tuesday, 16 October 2007

Hastings Festival and Lewes Triangular !

Hastings....

A fantastic day was had by all who made the long and foggy trip into the sun at Hastings last Sunday.

Hove U10's won all their group games, thus topping their pool. This set them up for a final with Heathfield, which Hove went on to win 2-1 thus winning the tournament and picking up their first Silverware of the season!

The team spirit and discipline was at a level that has not been seen before - everone looking out for each other, and at times stringing several passes together to craft some fantastic tries. The forwards were immense, winning around 80% of all scrums, and beasting all the rucks and mauls. Two of the opposition teams hardly got out of their halves for the entire games.

The team worked harder than ever to earn their victory, with every one of them putting in their best performances so far. With this spirit, discipline and support for each other they will be a very hard team to beat.

The final table looked as follows;
Hove were the only team to win 100% of their games.

Hove scored more tries than anyone else, and had a vastly superior try difference.

Hove scored more tries in their Pool, than the other 3 teams combined.




Hove vs Sevenoaks - final score 20-5
Sevenoaks won the toss, and advanced just 5 metres into Hove's half before a crunching tackle spilled the ball forward. The first scrum of the day and the Hove pack drove Sevenoaks back with ease, and soon the ball was back into the Sevenoaks half, where it stayed for the entire first half.
A long pass from the base of the next scrum - which was won against the head - was followed by 3 swift passes out to the wing and a an effortless try in the corner. Hove then scored two more to no reply in the first half following total dominance of the play. 3-0 up at half time.
The second half saw more of the same, but the eagerness for all to be involved at the breakdown saw a gap left open, and a break through for a score from Sevenoaks against the run of play. Hove then scored a fantastic try following a long maul to seal the victory. Fantastic teamwork from all!

Tries: Sam 2, James H 2.
Crunching Tackles: George K, Sam, James H and Freddie P
Scrums 7, won 5, 3 against head


Hove vs Thurrock - final score 15-5
Fresh players were put on from the start against a totally unknown Thurrock. Hove were quick to dominate, keeping them penned in their own half for much of the first 6 mins, and not allowing any offensive play from Thurrock. A quick try from Hove following a fantastic string of drives opened the account. Following the restart, a massive tackle from Mikey saw the possession return to Hove, with Sam stealing the ball. A long run was tracked all the way by George K, who took the pass from Sam at great pace to find the corner with ease. This was for sure the best try of the day.
The second half saw more impressive play from the forwards, and intelligent play from Scrum and Fly Half combinations. The ball was well distributed, and possession was again mainly Hove's. A trademark Tiger baffled Thurrock, creating a gap leading to Hove's third try.
Thurrock replied following an unusual lapse in the defence, but this was to little too late, and the result was never in doubt.
Everyone played the ball in this match, and the support play for every team member was the best we have ever seen.

Tries: George K, Sam, Luke
Crunching Tackles: Freddie P
Try Saving Tackle: Mikey
Scrums 4, won 4, 3 against head


Hove vs Uckfiled - final score 15-5

This was the final game of the group, and the previous results had all gone our way, so the pressure was off. The first try came from a huge drive after a line out, and the second from a audaciously stolen ball from the back of their scrum.
Once again great support in both attacking play and defence, saw Hove strolling this game. The score could easily have been more, but energy was being conserved for the final.
Tries: George K, James H, Davis
Great Tackles: Mikey, Freddie G, George O
Scrums 6, won 4, 2 against head

FINAL - Hove vs Heathfiled - final score 10-5

Hove took an early lead after penetrating deep into Heathfield territory. Then came under great pressure. Everyone defended superbly, with huge tackles coming from everyone. Eventually, the brave defence was broken, and Heathfield leveled the score just before half time.
Coming out for the second half, it looked as if Heathfield had changed their entire team for their U12's - some big lads had been brought on, and their tactics were clearly to try and batter their way to out try line. Cue the Hove defensive machine - with some of the smallest lads putting in Huge tackles against the Heathfield giants. Fearless defending kept Heathfield at bay for 4 minutes until George O latched onto a ball at pace, perfectly spun out by Luke. George focused on the corner, and the try was his. He then hobbled off having been splatted in the process!
Hove then locked the doors, and when the Ref called last play, Sam cheekily plucked the ball from the back of the scrum and ran straight into touch - Heathfield looked on bemused as the Ref blew his whistle for full time!

Hove were the deserved Winners!!

Well Done to all!


Lewes Triangular
...

The Hurricanes travelled to Lewes to play full strength teams from both Lewes and Burgess Hill. This was our first outing of the season as a team, and we found ourselves playing against tough opposition in two matches.

The first match was against Lewes - their best team. We struggled to cope with the pace in the first half, missing a number of tackles, and conceding 3 tries in quick succession. But as the half progressed we began to play a little harder, and started to win some ball. The second half was far better as we fought hard in the forwards and made some telling tackles in the backs. the final score was 5-0 to Lewes.
In the second match against Burgess Hill, we again started slowly, conceding a try quickly after losing possession following missing a couple of tackles. this seemed to be the wake up call the team needed as slowly but surely we began our fight back. After a few minutes of sustained pressure and excellent forward work we scored our first try. Working together in an excellent example of mauling our 3 forwards drove about 6 Burgess hill players back over their line for a try. Driving in low and flat gave the power that was needed. that try boosted confidence and the forwards began to dominate.
In the second half, another excellent forward drive gave us the ball which was quickly passed along the line for an almost unopposed try in the corner. A few minutes later and we were in again when a loose ball was swooped upon by our winger who side-stepped a couple of defenders for our third try. Final score 3-1 to Hove.

Well played to everyone. This was the first time we had played together, and some players were experimenting with positions that were new to them. We showed real potential.

Thursday, 11 October 2007

Tour Information - Action Required...



HOVE RFC ARE GOING ON TOUR!!


All age groups from 8+ are going on tour this year, with 8-12's going to the West Coast International Festival, and 13+ to the East Coast International Festival!

Tour Dates have been confirmed as Friday 11th to Monday 14th April 2008.

There will be a 2 day International Festival of Rugby on the Saturday and Sunday, and plenty of activities other than Rugby at other times including Quad Biking, Archery, Crazy Golf, Abseiling, Snorkelling, Swimming, and a fantastic beach just a walk away. Live entertainment is also provided for both adults and kids with show bars and pubs on site!

Accommodation will be at Pontins, Brean Sands at Weston-Super-Mare in Somerset (Click here for details), and will be Friday to Sunday night inclusive.

Price is confirmed at £65 per person, to include all accommodation, all tournament entry fees, and an entertainment pass per person.

Accommodation is self catering - and so food costs will be on top of this.

EVERY CHILD must be accompanied by an adult, or you can arrange a guardian, but an adult should not be responsible for more than 2 children. Written consent for guardians will be asked for.

The club has kindly agreed to pay for all coaches to get us there and back and to ferry us around once there - this represents a substantial contribution towards the club tour!

A number of you have mentioned that coming back on the 14th may well be a problem - due to children returning to school on that day. I have enquired and there is no problem with leaving after the tournament has finished on Sunday - around 4pm. Indeed, if there are sufficient numbers across the age groups combined, it is likely that a whole coach can be arranged to take care of the early departures.

WE NOW NEED TO COMMIT to numbers - and so I need confirmation from each of you as to how many of you are going. Can you please send me a mail to neale@thethibauts.com in order to confirm your attendance and numbers. Please indicate whether you will require a place on the coach, and whether you will be staying until the Monday, or wishing to leave early on the Sunday.

WE NEED TO CONFIRM FINAL NUMBERS ASAP - so please mail me as soon as possible.

Deposits of £25 per person should be paid no later than Sunday October 21st.

Wednesday, 10 October 2007

Teams for Sunday

The teams for Sunday 14th October are as follows;

Hastings Festival at Hastings
F Freddie Packham
F Lawrence Wright
F James Hadfield
F James Cull
F Mikey Howell
F Harry Thibaut
B Freddie Garth
B George Karous
B Max Karous
B Davis West
B Samson Pfeiffer
B Rafaele Milne
B Luke Griffiths
B George Oliver
(Total 14)


This assumes we can take 14, which has not yet been confirmed. If only 12 are allowed, then Harry Thibaut and Rafaele Milne will join the team below. (I will advise if there is any change).

This is a 6 club tournament with Cranbrook, Heathfield, Sevenoaks, Thurrock, Uckfield and Hove attending.

Please arrive before the 10.00am START. Location is to be advised, but at the moment please assume it is at Hastings RFC - CLICK HERE FOR MAP. I will advise if there is any change to this.


Lewes / Burgess Hill at Lewes

F Henry Wallis
F Henry Bovey
F Louie Pattenden
F Freddie Nehls
F Matthew Brooks
B Daniel Foulds-Holt
B Oisin Harris
B Cameron
B Cal Hope Maginn
B Yoann Steque
B Lewis Steele
B Alfie Shaw
(Total 12)

Location is Lewes RFC - CLICK HERE FOR MAP. 10.00am START


PLEASE CONTACT NEALE ON 07921 880308 IF YOU HAVE QUERIES REGARDING THE ABOVE.

Have a great day on Sunday, and best of luck to both teams!

Monday, 8 October 2007

2007-08 Season Blogging!

We are all back up and running - and will be re-cranking the blog spot.
This is a test message, but there will be more in the next couple of days.

Thursday, 7 June 2007

Beach Party - 24th June 1pm onwards

The club has organised a beach party with fun, games and a BBQ for players of all ages!!

The format is yet to be finalised, but there is likely to be mixed age group teams - including parents - playing Tag Rugby.

In addition, 8 tons of sand are being laid down to create a huge sandpit for beach volleyball, sandcastles and general messing about!

The entry for this is free, and the bar will be open and there will be a BBQ, a raffle, various competitions, stocks, and other fun attractions. If the numbers are good, then more entertainments will also be laid on - e.g. Bouncy Castle!

Please try and bring as many people along as possible to support the club and the Mini's - if your children have any school friends, older or younger brothers or sisters who don't yet play rugby, then bring them along to this fun day for a frinedly taster!!

Can you please let me know if you will be coming and if so how many you expect - so we have some ideas of numbers for catering.

Neale

Saturday, 21 April 2007

Uckfield tournament on sunday

Hi we have one last tournament on Sunday for the A team
B team will train at Hov.
The team going to Uckfield is:
James Cull
Lawrence Wright
James Hadfield
Sam Pfeiffer
Freddie Garth
Mikey Howell
George Oliver
Yoann Steque
Harry Thibaud
Luke Stacey
Freddie Packham
Max Karous
Raffaelle Milne

we will meet at Uckfield RFC at 09h45

Tuesday, 10 April 2007

Training - Weds 11th

There will be training at Hove on Wednesday 11th - usual time 6.15 to 7.30pm.

Fixtures for the remainder of the Season

We still have a few weeks to go until the end of the season, and the remaining fixtures look quite different from those published in the book - so here is a summary of what there is remaining;

A's
14/04/07 "Teddington on Tour" - A Team Festival (at Brighton - althought B'ton are not in it?)
15/04/07 Training at Hove
22/04/07 Uckfield Festival (away)


B's
15/04/07 Rescheduled "H Trophy" - B Team Festival (Home)
22/04/07 Training at Hove


ALL
29/04/07 Hove RFC Awards Day (End of Season)

During the morning on 29th, we are also hoping to get as many parents together in the clubhouse to discuss our plans for next year and give some feedback on this year. Your input to this would be greatly appreciated.


Friday, 30 March 2007

Heathfield Cup - Sunday 1st April

This Sunday we are entered into the Heathfield Cup competition.

First Game is at 10.15, and so can everyone please arrive by 9.45 at the very latest in order that we can get the kids prepared. In the last few tournaments, the kids have sufferred for not being awake in the first game - so we really need to ready!

The team for Sunday is as Follows;

1. Freddie Packham
2. James Cull
3. Lawrence Wright
4. James Hadfield
5. Cameron Simpson
6. Max Karous
7. Mikey Howell
8. George Oliver
9. Luke Stacey
10. Rafaele Milne
11. Yoann Steque
12. Freddie Garth

Can you please let me know ASAP if you are unable to attend.

The Tournamant is being played at Heathfield College - a map to which can be found here

The address of the College for your SatNav is;
Heathfield College
Cade St
Heathfield
TN21 8RJ

Training will be held at Hove for everyone else.

Neale

Sunday, 25 March 2007

Hove B - Runners-up at Crowborough Festival

Congratulations once again to the B team. After winning the Plate at last week's Worthing B Festival, this week they were runners-up in the Crowborough B Festival.



The pool stages were tightly fought with Hove playing in the same pool as East Grinstead, Cranbrook and the hosts Crowborough. We drew with both Cranbrook and Crowborough and beat EG 5 to 1. Then there was an anxious wait whilst Cranbrook played Crowborough before we heard that we were winners in our group.


The semi-final was played against our old rivals Haywards Heath in what was again a very tight game. The scores stood at 2-2 at full-time and we moved into extra-time with the Golden Try rule. Coaches and parents watched nervously - would our heroes rise to the challenge? We needn't have worried as we scored straight from the restart in a move built on a brilliant run, two driving mauls, 2 off-loads and a long stretch to score for victory.


And I think it is true that for the first time in Hove's long history a First Team prop was seen to wipe a tear from his eye at the end of a game. The tackling, driving, passing, will-to-win and teamwork impressed all who saw it and won justified praise from the other team's coaches.


So to the final against Brighton. The boys didn't know it, but Brighton, fresh from their Cup victory at the Worthing B festival had swept all before them - their semi was stopped because they had scored 7 tries with no reply! The game began and neither team had a clear advantage - Hove had the possession, Brighton the territory - until from nowhere a break away try by a Brighton player who must have been a relation of Linford Christie (apart from his blond hair) put us one down. Try as we might we couldn't breach the Brighton line and another breakaway from Brighton put the game beyond reach. Final score Brighton 2 - Hove 0.


This was a fabulous day on which each and every player contributed in their own way.


Congratulations Hove B - you showed real pride!


Jay

Thursday, 22 March 2007

Interested in a trip to Twickenham to see England Saxons?

Hi all

On Bank Holiday Monday, 28th May, England Saxons play Scotland A at Twickenham Stadium in the Barclays Churchill Cup and U16s are able to watch the game for just £1. Adult tickets are priced at either £10 or £20.

I think this might be a great end of season day out for the kids and at least as much fun as the Wasps trip. Other age groups are considering going too. More details are below.

Is anybody prepared to volunteer to organise this trip? If you are happy to help please let me know by emailing me at jay@teamvoyage.com .

Barclays Churchill Cup
For the first time ever young England fans are being given a fantastic opportunity to watch their heroes play at the Home of England Rugby for just one pound. On Bank Holiday Monday (28th May) the England Saxons squad take on Scotland A in the Barclays Churchill Cup and under 16s are able to watch the game for just £1.

This is the first time the Barclays Churchill Cup has been staged in England and England Saxons against Scotland A is likely to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament. A strong Scotland A side beat the Saxons in Toronto last summer (13 - 7) and reached the final of the Barclays Churchill Cup where they lost to the New Zealand Maori.


England Saxons v. Scotland A at Twickenham Stadium on Monday 28th May (15.00 kick off) www.ticketmaster.co.uk Ticketmaster: 0870 902 0000Tickets priced £20/10 and £1 for juniors (under 15s).

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

B Team Tournament at Crowborough 25 March

Firstly, congratulations to the B team who won the Plate Competition at the Worthing Festival on Sunday. Excellent teamwork and passing helped the team win all but one game. This achievement is even more remarkable as there were only 9 players and so every player played every minute of every game.

The A team at Chichester had a more difficult time, drawing one game and losing the other and therefore not qualifying for the knock-out stages. Despite some great individual performances teamwork let us down in the end and there is clearly more work to be done in training.

Next Sunday there is another B tournament, but no A tournament. The 9 players who were so successful at Worthing have all been selected for next weekend's B team and we have added 3 more players to make a squad of 12. The team for Crowborough is:

Cameron Simpson (f)
James Hadfield (f)
Sam Pfieffer (sh)
Dylan Broe (fh)
Lewis Steele (c)
Davis Badcock (c)
Freddie Nehls (c)
Rafaele Milne (w)
Osin (w)
Yoann Steque (w)
Daniel Foulds-Holt (c)
Louie Pattenden (f)

Please email jay@teamvoyage.com to confirm you can play asap.

Start time at Crowborough is 10.00 so please get there 10 or 15 minutes early. Directions to Crowborough RFC can be found at http://www.crowboroughrugby.com/directions.html

For all other players training at Hove is from 10.00 until 12.00 as usual.

Cheers

Jay

Wednesday, 14 March 2007

Sunday 18th March - Two Tournaments - please read

On Sunday we have two tournaments taking place.

The first is the Sussex Festival - which is at Chichester Rugby Club. First match is at 10.30, but can everyone please be there by 10.00 am at the very latest. Parking will be a challenge, and we are advised to park in the Northgate Car Park, and to then walk up through Oaklands Park. If you get there early enough there should be street parking a little closer. Jay or Neale will need to collect an Entry fee of £5 per child for each child.

Team for Chichester.
James Cull (f)
Lawrence Wright (f)
Harry Thibaut (f)
Daniel Foulds-Holt (f)
Freddie Packham (sh) (Captain)
Luke Griffiths
(fh)
Mikey Howell (c)
George Oliver (c)
Freddie Garth (c)
Max Karous
(w)
George Karous
(w)
Luke Stacey
(w)

Map to Chichester RFC - Northgate car park is just North of Oaklands Way - when entering Chichester, follow signs for "Festival Theatre", and then for "Northgate car park"

The other tournamant is the Worthing Festival - which is at Worthing Rugby Club. Again the first game will commence at 10.30, so can
everyone please be there by 10.00 am at the very latest. There are a total of 16 visiting teams per age group, and so this will be a very large and prestigous tournament. Parking will be very difficult, so again, early arrival is well advised. Aide or Badders will need to collect an Entry fee of £5 per child for each child.

Team for Worthing
Cameron Simpson (f)
Louie Pattenden (f)
James Hadfield (f) (Captain)
Henry Wallis (f)
Sam Pfieffer (sh)
Dylan Broe (fh)
Lewis Steele (c)
Davis Badcock (c)
Freddie Nehls (c)
Matt Brookes
(w)
Cal Hope-Magin
(w)
Rafaele Milne (w)

Map to Worthing RFC
- We have been advised that parking in Roundstone Lane will NOT be allowed this year - and there will be tow squads in operation!

CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU CANNOT TAKE UP THESE TEAM PLACES AND WE WILL FIND REPLACEMENTS.

If I do not hear from you, I will assume that you can make the tournament.

TRAINING TOMORROW NIGHT AT HOVE - USUAL TIME 6.15pm to 7.30pm.

Neale

Thursday, 1 March 2007

Staines Festival - Sunday 4th March

Provisional Team for the Staines Festival this Sunday is as follows. Please call me immediately if any of you are unable to attend on Sunday.

Freddie Packham - Forward
Lawrence Wright - Forward
Harry Thibaut - Forward
James Cull - Forward

James Hadfield - Scrum Half
Sam Pfieffer - Fly Half

Mikey Howell - Centre
George Oliver - Centre
Freddie Garth - Centre

Max Karous - Wing
George Karous - Wing
Luke Stacey - Wing

I need to confirm timings, but if you don't hear any more from me, then please ensure that you are at Staines by 10.00am ready to warm up.

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS TO STIANES RFC


There will be training at Hove for everyone else - usual time 10.00am at Hove.

Friday, 23 February 2007

Training Sunday 25th February

Training as usual on Sunday at Hove - usual time 10.00am

Brighton College Open Day - Saturday 24th Feb

The team to play against Brighton RFC tomorrow at the Brighton College Open day is made up of those who were at training on Wednesday night;

1. Freddie Packham
2. Freddie Garth
3. Mikey Howell
4. Lawrence Wright
5. Henry Wallis
6. Luke Griffiths
7. James Hadfield
8. Max Karous
9. George Karous
10 Harry Thibaut
11. George Oliver

We will be playing on the "Home Ground" which is the pitch behind the main College buildings.

Parking is always difficult around the College, but you can usuaully find a space on one of the roads behind the college.

The side gate onto the field on the East side will be open - any problems getting in please ring me on my mobile.

Please aim to be on the pitch at 10.00am absolute latest for warm up.

Everything should be over by 11.30, and the school have arranged food for the kids and refreshments for the parents after the game in the main dining room.

Please call me today if you have any questions.

Monday, 12 February 2007

Sunday 18th - Lewes & Hastings - AWAY

I got the details wrong in my previous posting - the triangular against Lewes & Hastings this coming Sunday is AWAY at Lewes - starting at 10.00 am.

I have told them that we will take everyone that is available, so teams will be selected on the day based on who is there at 10.00.

Jay, Francois and I will still be away, so best of luck agian!

Neale

Thursday, 8 February 2007

H Trophy - Sunday 11th February

Please read the following carefully.

There are TWO "H" Trophy fixtures being held this weekend - one at Horsham, and one at Hove.

Below are the team lists for both, and the order of play for both.

Jay, Francois and I will NOT be there on Sunday, so instead Lester and Stephan Pfeiffer will be looking after the team at Horsham, and Adie and Badders will be looking after the team at Hove.

I previously asked for two pitch Marshalls to help out at Hove - can you please make yourself know to Chris Betts - who will apparently be in a tent, in fancy dress. He should give you directions, and will already have laid out a pitch. He may have also prepared a running order - which he will give you, but as I haven't seen anything yet - So I have done one just in case!

Teams are as follows;
Horsham
1 Freddie Packham
2 Lawrence Wright
3 James Hadfield
4 Luke Griffiths
5 Mikey Howell
6 Freddie Garth
7 Max Karous
8 George Karous
9 Samson Pfeiffer
10 Henry Wallis

Hove
1 James Cull
2 Louie Pattenden
3 Lewis Steele
4 Gus Upton
5 Rafaele Milne
6 Freddie Nehls
7 Davis Badcock
8 Oisin Harris
9 Cal Hope-Magin
10 Luke Stacey (Probably)

I have not had any confirmation from Tom Healy, but if you can make it Tom, please go to Hove. Same for you Cameron if you become free.


Please arrive by 9.45am for both tournaments - preferably well before to give time to warm up. Both first games are at 10.30am. parking at Hove will be difficult with 3 visiting teams at every age group, so please bear this in mind allowing plenty of time.

As you can see, numbers are very tight, we literally have one reserve for each team - so if you have any problems whatsoever please let me know ASAP.

Horsham Order of Play
1 10:30 Horsham v Hove
2 10:50 Haywards Heath v Heathfield
3 11:10 Haywards Heath v Hove
4 11:30 Horsham v Heathfield
5 11:50 Hove v Heathfield
6 12:10 Horsham v Haywards Heath

Hove Order of Play
1 10:30 Horsham v Hove
2 10:50 Haywards Heath v Heathfield
3 11:10 Haywards Heath v Hove
4 11:30 Horsham v Heathfield
5 11:50 Hove v Heathfield
6 12:10 Horsham v Haywards Heath

All this leaves is to wish everyone the VERY BEST OF LUCK. Play hard like you have been training and we should have some good results!

I am really disappointed to be missing out on everything, and hope to hear via text message progress from both Horsham and Hove how everything is going.


P.S. The following Sunday - 18th is Home to Lewes & Hastings in a triangular fixture. Please all try and turn up again for this - as it should be another great opportunity to put all we have learnt so far into practice!

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Training back on - Weds 31st

Had confirmation from Chris Betts tonight that we can train again on Wednesday nights starting tonight!!

So 6.15 to 7.30pm in the usual place - see you there!!

Neale

Thursday, 25 January 2007

Fixture Update - Lewes This Sunday!!

As mentioned in an earlier post, following the cancellation of our anticipated trip to Teddington for their Tri-Counties tournament I was going to look for some other more local opposition.

I have managed to arrange that the U9's (only) go to Lewes on Sunday for some games against their teams.

They are keen to concentrate on a few areas themselves, and so have suggested that we spend the first 45mins to an Hour on our own training, before then going into games against their teams.

Usual start time of 10.00am - All are welcome, and everyone will get a game!

For those of you who don't know where their ground is please follow the link below.

Lewes RFC Map

Regards

Neale

Brighton College - Exhibition of Local Rugby!


I have been approached by Brighton College asking whether we would like to participate in an "Exhibition of Local Rugby" at their Senior School Open Day on Saturday 24th February.

This will be just two teams, us and Brighton, playing against each other in one game.

Their facilities are great there , so there should be no trouble with waterlogged pitches - so I am pretty sure this will go ahead! They will provide all the players with food afterwards too.

We are looking at a 10.00am start, probably about a 20-30mins game, and then food after - I would imagine finished by 11.30 absolute latest.

We need to select team a team for this additional fixture, and so can you please tell me by return if you WILL NOT be available. If I do not hear from you, I will assume that you are available and you will be considered for selection.

Thanks!

Neale

Monday, 22 January 2007

Training Cancelled - Weds 24th

Up until 8.15 Monday night, training was back on for Wednesday, but then I recieved a mail from the club cancelling it again!? I am sorry for the total confusion that seems to come out of the club - I can't quite understand why the decision couldn't be made yesterday to avoid this on-off-on-off comedy show! Hopefully we should soon be able to introduce the Wednesday night slot - watch this space for further info!

Following last weeks 11th hour cancelation, I need some help in establishing a way in making such "emergency" communications more effectively.

I am looking for 5 people, who will be willing to make 5 calls each in order to quickly spread the word. I will provide all the names and numbers, but I just need the commitment from those 5 so I know that everyone gets the message as quickly as possible.

Can you please mail me, or use the "comments" option on this blog if you are a willing volunteer and I can give you a list.

Thanks!

Fixtures and Training Update

As many of you heard yesterday, the Tri-County fixture at Teddington we had scheduled for this coming Sunday has unfortunately been cancelled, due to their pitches being heavily waterlogged.

This is a real shame, as everyone has been making real progress over the last couple of weeks, and it would have been great to be able to put what we have been training into practice against some stiff opposition.

We are going to try and arrange for either a local team to visit us, or for us to go to them, but as yet, have not got anyone lined up - so watch this space! We will let you know either way later in the week!

Sunday, 21 January 2007

"H" Help Required!!

The H Festival is on the 11th February with an A team heading to Horsham to play in the tournament against Horsham, Haywards Heath and Heathfield.

This year, for the first time, we have managed to also arrange a "B" H Festival, which will be played at Hove.

We will be entering a team into both!

What we need however is to arrange for a couple of volunteer Pitch Marshalls for the U9's. The responsibility on the day is to ensure that the correct teams are on the correct pitch at the correct time with the right referee, and that the games keep as close to time as possible. It isn't a huge tournament, with just four teams, so it shouldn't be too complicated.

Can anyone who is willing to help out back at Hove on this day please let me know ASAP.

Thanks

Neale

Tuesday, 16 January 2007

Fixtures information and maps are in the blog

Fixtures
All fixtures have been entered in the blog calendar (right hand column); click on a date to see what is happening. Alternatively click "agenda" at the top of the calendar and see all the fixtures listed.

Maps
If you click on a clandar entry you will get a window with more details including a link to a map. Click the word map and it will take you to a google map of where we are playing.

Monday, 15 January 2007

Upcoming Fixtures

Just to give you an update of what is coming in the next few weeks;
Wed 17th Jan - Floodlit training 6.15-7.30 - front pitch
Sun 21st Jan - training at Hove 10.00-12.00
Wed 24th Jan - Floodlit training 6.15-7.30 - front pitch
Sun 28th Jan - TEDDINGTON TRI-COUNTIES FESTIVAL - this is not on the fixture list, but an extra competition we have managed to squeeze in instead of the away fixture to Eastbourne! We will be able to take two teams to this. More details to follow!
Wed 31st Jan - Floodlit training 6.15-7.30 - front pitch
Sun 04th Feb - training at Hove 10.00-12.00

Bognor Success!!

Well done to all those who played at Bognor yesterday!!

We had a couple of games against a Bognor team who never worried us at any time. Both games were won 7-0 - the first time we have ever played against any opposition without conceeding a single try.

We mixed the teams considerably, giving some the opportunity to play in different positions. What impressed us yesterday is how this seemed to improve the level of team-play throughout both games.

A couple of areas we have been concentrating hard on in recent training sessions also seem to also be more visible in games now - these are driving over loose balls, and positional play, although there is still some way to go in both!! A number of times we saw players running towards a loose ball to pick it up and hesitating in doing so remembering that they ought to be driving over instead!!

There is still too much running with the ball at times, and not enough use of passing and the spaces that can open up as a result. We now need to be building upon the rucking and mauling training of the last few weeks and looking at creating more space through frequent and accurate passing.

We will also be picking up on set peice play - as at times there is quite a lot of confusion at line outs and scrums!!

Well done again for a great day yesterday!

Training - Wednesday 17th

Wednesday night training will be starting up again from this Wednesday.

Training times will be from 6.15 to 7.30 on the front (floodlit) pitch.

See you there!