Stange the way this always seems to happen this time of year.
Over the 24 hours I've had approaches for fixtures from Towcester (new club in Northants - just the other side of Milton Keynes) and also an invitation to the Aylesbury Amazons Festival on 13th May.
The latter is the same day as the National 10s final, so would be a problem for the U17s should they win the regional heat three weeks before. But I'll work on the assumption that we will not be at Lichfield that day, not least because the Aylesbury festival includes U14s (I think).
Looks very likely that we'll do the East Mids regional 10s by the way - had a very friendly response from the hosts there - Aylestone St James (or "Jimmies" as the are known). Sounds like it would be a really good day out.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Emerging Schools: well done, and what next?
I have been waiting in hope that I might get or find some "official" notification about what happened at Welwyn on Wednesday. Dream on...
Anyway - sounds as if everyone who went had a great time and that a certain rivalry has begun to develop between two local schools.
So the question therefore is... how can we build on this? Might we have an U17 game between Highfield and Hitchin Girls? Maybe even a best of three involving U14s and perhaps U12 tag as well? Perhaps on a Wednesday afternoon/evening or a non-fixture Sunday?
Obviously we'd host it at the club (neutral ground... but also if we want to "convert" new players we need to get them up here).
What do you think? Would it be feasible? Would you school support such an idea?
Anyway - sounds as if everyone who went had a great time and that a certain rivalry has begun to develop between two local schools.
So the question therefore is... how can we build on this? Might we have an U17 game between Highfield and Hitchin Girls? Maybe even a best of three involving U14s and perhaps U12 tag as well? Perhaps on a Wednesday afternoon/evening or a non-fixture Sunday?
Obviously we'd host it at the club (neutral ground... but also if we want to "convert" new players we need to get them up here).
What do you think? Would it be feasible? Would you school support such an idea?
- Apparently Roysia School from Royston where there as well. As they are on our "patch" maybe we could bring them in as well. What were they like?
Women's Six Nations: how to keep in touch
Those of you who were at OAs on Saturday saw England made a great start to this season's Six Nations with a 60-0 romp over Scotland - who, it is worth remembering, are "officially" the sixth best side in the world (Wales would probably argue with that, but they were not at the World Cup).However, finding any news in the press about the women's six nations is about as easy as stopping Sasha from scoring from 5m out - even if the results are published they are often buried away in such small print that an electronic microscope if required! So the following web-based resources are particilarly useful.
- Biogs etc. about the England squad appear on the RFUW website
- Scores and results appear on the "Official RBS Nations Website". This also includes the previous three campaigns, and the main thing to note is that Italy did much better against France than I think anyone would have predicted.
- England's matches can be watched - live - online at www.247.tv, except for this Saturday's game against Italy which will be on BBC Interactive.
England's final home game is on Sunday 11th March against France at OAs and its likely that we'll be arranging some sort of "team day out" to this instead of training (its a regional day for both juniors and seniors anyway so Mike, and possibly Joe, will be "Otherwise Engaged". And it should be a good game - probably the championship decider!)
New, free, online rugby magazine
This looks rather good (no, I don't mean Mr Farrell - I am not remotely qualified to comment on such things - I mean the document his photograph appears on the front of).DSM Rugby ("Dummy, Scissors, Miss" apparently - so clearly aimed at backs!) is a free online magazine for rugby followers. The first issue (which came out in December) featured all sorts of good stuff - apparently - including the first in a regular series of articles by Danielle Waterman (Clifton Ladies & England). The second issue has just appeared.
I say apparently because try as I might I can't actually log into it at the minute. Which actually means I may have to do some work today. Bother.
Anyway - with those of you in Herts starting your half-term early today it'll give you something to do to fill the yawning gap in your social schedule. And for those of you in Beds it'll help you get over the gnawing injustice of having to go to school while your soft southern colleagues get the day off! Indeed quite what tough northerner Andy makes of his wimpish new home is anyone's guess.
"Call that snow? When I were I lad..."
- Okay - managed to get in now and its brilliant!. The problem seems to be that its presented using Flash so that it looks like a paper journal - when you read through it it "turns" the page in an animated sort of way. So you can't get in on some computers if the connection is a bit dodgy or whatever. But it is worth the effort!!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
This Sunday...
All the U17 coaches - and the manager as well - are required for regional duty this weekend as both the regions senior and junior squads have a match or training on Sunday.
It had been hoped that at least one of the three would have been around but that was not to be. Unfortunately there hasn't been enough time to sort out either an early start to training, or alternative coaching support so ... you've all got the day off! Well, apart from Nim, Fern, Laura, and Hayley who will be either training or battling for a place in the regional squad.
We WILL try to get something in place for the next Regional Day on the 25th. In the meanwhile... relax, enjoy, and get mentally ready for Westcliff on the 18th.
U14s are down to train with Rachel.
It had been hoped that at least one of the three would have been around but that was not to be. Unfortunately there hasn't been enough time to sort out either an early start to training, or alternative coaching support so ... you've all got the day off! Well, apart from Nim, Fern, Laura, and Hayley who will be either training or battling for a place in the regional squad.
We WILL try to get something in place for the next Regional Day on the 25th. In the meanwhile... relax, enjoy, and get mentally ready for Westcliff on the 18th.
U14s are down to train with Rachel.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Canadians confirm their tour details
The Canadians are coming!
I E Weldon will be arriving in Letchworth, by way of Gatwick, on Tuesday 3rd April and will be staying at Wymondley Woods scout centre. Our game with them will now be on Wednesday 4th April (details like start times etc. to be sorted out) and, after a day trip to London, they'll leave for pastures new (including a game against Hertford) on Good Friday.
At the minute I am trying to see if any other clubs might like to join us on the 4th to make a sort of "mini-festival" that afternoon - as we will obviously have the whole ground to play with.
Main thing though is make sure you are around on the 4th. Seriously - its still a couple of months away so there is plenty of time to rearrange visits to grandparents, shopping trips, and GCSE revision. Weldon will have come 5,000 miles for this game - let's make their trip worth it!!
I E Weldon will be arriving in Letchworth, by way of Gatwick, on Tuesday 3rd April and will be staying at Wymondley Woods scout centre. Our game with them will now be on Wednesday 4th April (details like start times etc. to be sorted out) and, after a day trip to London, they'll leave for pastures new (including a game against Hertford) on Good Friday.
At the minute I am trying to see if any other clubs might like to join us on the 4th to make a sort of "mini-festival" that afternoon - as we will obviously have the whole ground to play with.
Main thing though is make sure you are around on the 4th. Seriously - its still a couple of months away so there is plenty of time to rearrange visits to grandparents, shopping trips, and GCSE revision. Weldon will have come 5,000 miles for this game - let's make their trip worth it!!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Fern brings good news from Regional trials
Because its BIG congratulations to Fern who has made the East Midlands regional squad! While everyone else was at Ely, Fern was on her way to Kettering having persuaded East Midlands county to allow her to try for the regional team.
And she must have put in a terrific performance - remember East Midlands U17s beat East both home and away last year. And they'll be meeting again in March - so there will be some divided loyaties around.
Meanwhile some possible good news from East is that Hayley will now be allowed to retrial after all on Sunday. So good luck Hayley - and Laura too who also gets a second go!
And she must have put in a terrific performance - remember East Midlands U17s beat East both home and away last year. And they'll be meeting again in March - so there will be some divided loyaties around.
Meanwhile some possible good news from East is that Hayley will now be allowed to retrial after all on Sunday. So good luck Hayley - and Laura too who also gets a second go!
Regional U17 10s
Looking well ahead this, but worth thinking about - and in particular hearing your views.
On 29th April there is the first ever "official" RFUW Regional U17 10s tournament. In fact there will be ten tournamnets spread around the country and our "local" one (for East Region and North London) will be at Hemel.
However, RFUW have made it very clear that you do not have to enter your local event. In fact they have made a point of suggesting that clubs can enter ANY of the regional competitions.
Given the rumblings about our always playing the same teams one thing we might consider is entering the East Midlands 10s, which are due to be held at Aylestone St James in Leicester. In terms of journey time Hemel is about 40 minutes away, Leicester about twice that - but in practice the latter is normally a pretty clear run up the A1, which is more than can be said for trips to Hemel....
Who might we expect to meet? Well presumably the likes of Kettering, MK and Becket, but also possibly Paviors (from Nottingham - who came to our 7s last year - good team), North Kesteven (Lincs - supposedly very good), Buxton, Kidderminster perhaps (or are they West Mids?) and other teams - most of whom we will never have heard of - but all in all it might be a bit different from the usual round.
So what do people think? No rush to make any decisions yet but worth a bit of discussion perhaps.
On 29th April there is the first ever "official" RFUW Regional U17 10s tournament. In fact there will be ten tournamnets spread around the country and our "local" one (for East Region and North London) will be at Hemel.
However, RFUW have made it very clear that you do not have to enter your local event. In fact they have made a point of suggesting that clubs can enter ANY of the regional competitions.
Given the rumblings about our always playing the same teams one thing we might consider is entering the East Midlands 10s, which are due to be held at Aylestone St James in Leicester. In terms of journey time Hemel is about 40 minutes away, Leicester about twice that - but in practice the latter is normally a pretty clear run up the A1, which is more than can be said for trips to Hemel....
Who might we expect to meet? Well presumably the likes of Kettering, MK and Becket, but also possibly Paviors (from Nottingham - who came to our 7s last year - good team), North Kesteven (Lincs - supposedly very good), Buxton, Kidderminster perhaps (or are they West Mids?) and other teams - most of whom we will never have heard of - but all in all it might be a bit different from the usual round.
So what do people think? No rush to make any decisions yet but worth a bit of discussion perhaps.
A long hard day for little reward
If was not the best of days for the dozen brave souls who travelled to plague ridden Suffolk on Sunday. I will refrain from a detailed technical assessment as Joe and Mike will do that, but there seemed an air of weary resignation (rather than the usual anticipation) at having to play Sudbury again and the cold overcast conditions resulted in a cold overcast performance. Well, that and Sasha playing on her own turf and as a result determinded to raise her game to the maximum! Was it something someone said?
But seriously there was certainly a spark of some sort missing all afternoon. In a way it reminded me of the visit to Ampthill, but there the opposition was weaker and we got away with it. Yesterday it wasn't and we most certainly didn't.
Its the first time we've played the FULL Sudbury team I think - and its a shame that they had lost prop in the earlier draw with Westcliff as it would have been interesting to see how strong their pack is. The main players were well known, and perhaps the main positive was that we seemed to cope with Sasha better than Westcliff had - though at a price. That price included Katie off for the rest of the day, and Rosie unable to push at prop in the game with Westcliff.
Westcliff themselves were a revelation, though. They have improved so much since Beckenham - and for what seems a "small" team have possibly strongest looking pack in the region (difficult to tell with Rosie's shoulder, but in the one contested scrum we managed NO other East side has pushed as effectively as Westcliff did!). As for their backs.... that sub 13-second sprinter that Worthing had was pedestrian compared to Westcliff centres - and as for the scrum-half... wow!
They also remain one of the friendliest teams on the circuit.
And we play them again in two weeks. It's be Randy's last game so let's make its good turnout and see how we do against this team with our full strength side. Should be an interesting game!
Phil's photographic coverage can be found here.
But seriously there was certainly a spark of some sort missing all afternoon. In a way it reminded me of the visit to Ampthill, but there the opposition was weaker and we got away with it. Yesterday it wasn't and we most certainly didn't.
Its the first time we've played the FULL Sudbury team I think - and its a shame that they had lost prop in the earlier draw with Westcliff as it would have been interesting to see how strong their pack is. The main players were well known, and perhaps the main positive was that we seemed to cope with Sasha better than Westcliff had - though at a price. That price included Katie off for the rest of the day, and Rosie unable to push at prop in the game with Westcliff.
Westcliff themselves were a revelation, though. They have improved so much since Beckenham - and for what seems a "small" team have possibly strongest looking pack in the region (difficult to tell with Rosie's shoulder, but in the one contested scrum we managed NO other East side has pushed as effectively as Westcliff did!). As for their backs.... that sub 13-second sprinter that Worthing had was pedestrian compared to Westcliff centres - and as for the scrum-half... wow!
They also remain one of the friendliest teams on the circuit.
And we play them again in two weeks. It's be Randy's last game so let's make its good turnout and see how we do against this team with our full strength side. Should be an interesting game!
Phil's photographic coverage can be found here.
- Some good news about Katie. No bone breaks apparently but a "partial tear of the scapula ligament" - the one that anchors the arm. She will be unable to contact for six weeks - but that means she will be back in time for the National Cup, the Canadian visit AND the tour!
Friday, February 02, 2007
What happens next?
As the dust from the region trials settles we need to look to see what the rest of the season holds.
To begin with we will have virtually full teams on regional training days - as indeed will several clubs by the look of it. Anyway...
U14s
Club fixtures: One problem with the U14s is that both of the fixtures arranged this month are at teams with virtually no U14s at all. We may have to wait a week or two to see how things have panned out for clubs with significant U14 squads - Milton Keynes for example (who are due to visit us) and Hertford (ditto) - so there is some hope, especially if we could get them to come over on the same day...
Eastern Counties: Another route is through Eastern Counties. Twice now (three times?) they have sent girls to us, and we might maybe return the favour and join them one weekend... once they have something in place.
Hertfordshire: This looks less hopeful. Something over half of the Herts U14 team are in the East regional squad - along with Simon, the coach - so there is unlikely to be much organised within the county.
Boys U12s: Training - or even (for some of you) playing - with the boys U12s might be an option. I really want to hear how well the boys treat you both in training and matches because if we get any Year 7s next year they will not be able to play with in the new girls' U15 team. So it is very important to know how viable the idea of having them play with the boys team really is. The boys are also gearing up to a BIG festival in April and - if any of you wanted to join them - you'd really benefit from taking part.
Key thing: Talk to Rachel about what YOU want to do.
U17s
Team building. Joe has plans for some special training events on some Sunday mornings.
Club fixtures. Much the same as for the U14s - except that you do have two weekends of games already lined up. However the likes of MK and Hertford do owe us visits, and Eastern Counties may be carrying on with a county programme and might fancy a game.
Hertfordshire: Obvously around half of Herts team will be at region, and it really depends on how enthusiastic everyone that remains is. However this year almost all of those selected so far are from one club, so it may well be that a county team is not needed because most clubs will be little affected by regional call-ups.
Preparation: There is the "London North 10s" and "Herts/East Region 7s" to plan for, as well as the National Cup, the Canadian visit, and the tour - so some good daylight training sessions on Sunday mornings would not be a bad thing.
To begin with we will have virtually full teams on regional training days - as indeed will several clubs by the look of it. Anyway...
U14s
Club fixtures: One problem with the U14s is that both of the fixtures arranged this month are at teams with virtually no U14s at all. We may have to wait a week or two to see how things have panned out for clubs with significant U14 squads - Milton Keynes for example (who are due to visit us) and Hertford (ditto) - so there is some hope, especially if we could get them to come over on the same day...
Eastern Counties: Another route is through Eastern Counties. Twice now (three times?) they have sent girls to us, and we might maybe return the favour and join them one weekend... once they have something in place.
Hertfordshire: This looks less hopeful. Something over half of the Herts U14 team are in the East regional squad - along with Simon, the coach - so there is unlikely to be much organised within the county.
Boys U12s: Training - or even (for some of you) playing - with the boys U12s might be an option. I really want to hear how well the boys treat you both in training and matches because if we get any Year 7s next year they will not be able to play with in the new girls' U15 team. So it is very important to know how viable the idea of having them play with the boys team really is. The boys are also gearing up to a BIG festival in April and - if any of you wanted to join them - you'd really benefit from taking part.
Key thing: Talk to Rachel about what YOU want to do.
U17s
Team building. Joe has plans for some special training events on some Sunday mornings.
Club fixtures. Much the same as for the U14s - except that you do have two weekends of games already lined up. However the likes of MK and Hertford do owe us visits, and Eastern Counties may be carrying on with a county programme and might fancy a game.
Hertfordshire: Obvously around half of Herts team will be at region, and it really depends on how enthusiastic everyone that remains is. However this year almost all of those selected so far are from one club, so it may well be that a county team is not needed because most clubs will be little affected by regional call-ups.
Preparation: There is the "London North 10s" and "Herts/East Region 7s" to plan for, as well as the National Cup, the Canadian visit, and the tour - so some good daylight training sessions on Sunday mornings would not be a bad thing.
Our blog passes 1,500 hits ... in a month!
Our little club blog has now passed 1,500 hits in a single month - as you see (apart from a gap in the summer) every month has seen more readers than the last. By the end of today we'll have passed 9,000 overall - and presumanly 10,000 by the end of February.While we can take a reasonable guess on who around 30 of the regular readers are, this would mean that each of our team is logging on over 50 times per month... which seems unlikely as my guess is that there are more exciting websites out there. Like Nikki's for starters!
Truth is that there is a very big readership from outside the club necause only about a third of the hits are from locations registered in North Herts. The site has quite a significant "fan base" in the likes of Luton. Oxford, Watford, Abingdon, and Welwyn Garden City- in each case at least one person from these places logs in (on average) once a day!
But there is international interest too. We get at least one "hit" every day from somewhere the USA (a particular hello to Long Beach, California!) - and we've also had significant number of visitors from Canada, New Zealand, France, Japan, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, China, and South Africa.
Which all begs the question.... why? I mean we can guess why there was a sudden spike in readers from Sussex and Milton Keynes at certain times of the season, but why so many people from other towns read about our activities so often is anyone's guess. Maybe they like the writing style. Or the pictures...
Still, I wonder if any other ordinary junior sports team generates this level of interest?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sudbury again - but for the first time AT Sudbury!
Sudbury are familiar opponents now (and occasional team-mates) but this Sunday see our first visit to Suffolk.
The address is of the ground is Moors Field, Rugby Road, Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 0JR. Maps and directions are here.
Journey time is around 70-90 minutes (a bit longer than the first estimate), and the kick-off is due to be 1.45. We are advised not to arrive too early as there may be parking problems due to junior cup fixtures in the morning. So we will be meeting at the club between 11.30/11.45.
The address is of the ground is Moors Field, Rugby Road, Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 0JR. Maps and directions are here.
Journey time is around 70-90 minutes (a bit longer than the first estimate), and the kick-off is due to be 1.45. We are advised not to arrive too early as there may be parking problems due to junior cup fixtures in the morning. So we will be meeting at the club between 11.30/11.45.
Randy's county send-off!
Its only just over a month before Randy leaves us but she'll have a memorable last appearence in a county shirt on Saturday when she, Katie and Natalie take part in an inter-county sevens tournament which will be taking place as a "curtain raiser" before the England/Scotland Six Nations clash at Old Albanians.
They will be playing against Essex, Eastern Counties and Surrey for a place in a final to be played on the main pitch just before the international kicks off.
They will be playing against Essex, Eastern Counties and Surrey for a place in a final to be played on the main pitch just before the international kicks off.
Nim finally gets East call... but less good news elsewhere
For the past two years we have puzzeled and scratched our heads wondering how on earth east could fail to pick Nim for the U17 squad. Well, the good news coming out of the East have trials is that at long last she has been selected for the squad - the only non-Welwyn player from Hertfordshire selected to far!
Unfortunately that was the end of the good news from Ely. Laura has a retrial for prop so fingers crossed there, but for Jess, Emily, Sophie, Katie, Carla and Hayley is was a disappointing outcome.
Carla didn't seem to put a foot wrong - throwing like we've never seen her all season. But she and Emily were up against six or seven other props making it a tough call. Jess seemed to have an off day, but she and Sophie were up against 22 other centres and in the end Sophie's relative inexperience and unfamiliarity with the drills cost her, while Katie played a blinder in the match but was also let down in the drills. But its Hayley's non-selection that is the biggest shock.
This does give us an almost full team for games on regional days, however, so once the dust has cleared some of us will be making phone calls...
Unfortunately that was the end of the good news from Ely. Laura has a retrial for prop so fingers crossed there, but for Jess, Emily, Sophie, Katie, Carla and Hayley is was a disappointing outcome.
Carla didn't seem to put a foot wrong - throwing like we've never seen her all season. But she and Emily were up against six or seven other props making it a tough call. Jess seemed to have an off day, but she and Sophie were up against 22 other centres and in the end Sophie's relative inexperience and unfamiliarity with the drills cost her, while Katie played a blinder in the match but was also let down in the drills. But its Hayley's non-selection that is the biggest shock.
This does give us an almost full team for games on regional days, however, so once the dust has cleared some of us will be making phone calls...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Tour and Fundraising
The final touches and bookings are now being completed and having completed your first fundraising event your first batch of sponsorship money is now due in.
Can all players please give their first £30 of sponsorship to myself or Mike Alcock in the next week please. The deadline is Sunday game at Sudbury as we wish to place the kit order first thing next week.
Little Laura has sent the benchmark with sponsorship moneyas we have allready recieved it in full and it amounts to £110. Well done Laura!!!!
Get that money rolling in.
Can all players please give their first £30 of sponsorship to myself or Mike Alcock in the next week please. The deadline is Sunday game at Sudbury as we wish to place the kit order first thing next week.
Little Laura has sent the benchmark with sponsorship moneyas we have allready recieved it in full and it amounts to £110. Well done Laura!!!!
Get that money rolling in.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Good luck on Sunday
Good luck to everyone going to trials at either Ely or Kettering on Sunday. The weather has turned, fortuantely, so it should be no colder than last weekend.
We haven't got anyone for the U14s this time - in either East or East Midlands - but Nim, Hayley, Laura, Katie, Sophie B, Emily, and Jess are competing for places in the East U17s (Sasha is alreday in the squad!) while Fern flies the flag for Letchworth at East Midlands.
Most of the coaching staff are also involved. John is "running" the day at Ely, where Mike takes up his role as U17 coach, and Joe will be helping to run the adult regional trial - which is being held back at Letchworth.
We haven't got anyone for the U14s this time - in either East or East Midlands - but Nim, Hayley, Laura, Katie, Sophie B, Emily, and Jess are competing for places in the East U17s (Sasha is alreday in the squad!) while Fern flies the flag for Letchworth at East Midlands.
Most of the coaching staff are also involved. John is "running" the day at Ely, where Mike takes up his role as U17 coach, and Joe will be helping to run the adult regional trial - which is being held back at Letchworth.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Joe wins RFU "Young Volunteer" award
Congratulations to Joe who - much to his embarrasment maybe - has been awarded the RFU's "Young Volunteer" Award for his work with the girls' team.Instead of a plaque or cup for the mantlepiece or cabinet what he actually wins is an "exclusive" Nike fleece, which he can be seen proudly modelling here.
The scheme - which was launched last year but without much publicity for some reason - allows the RFU to acknowledge and reward "outstanding young people who have not only made a significant contribution to their rugby community, but have also embarked on a pathway of personal development through their volunteering experience".
The award open to anyone aged 16-24 so it is quite possible that Joe will not be the only person connected with the girls' section to be wearing one of these tops. Indeed if any of you can think of anyone else deserving of similar recognition you can nominate them via an application form on the RFU website.
Meanwhile Joe had better get used to this sort of thing as this as I suspect that this will not be the only award he will ever win.
STOP PRESS: Joe's fame spreads...
Well done U14s, sorry U17s!
A bit of a mixed day today.
The U14s had an excellent afternoon. First they did brilliantly warming up while we waited for their teamates to arrive from all parts of the compass. I was impressed by the really professional and mature way in which they got themselves organised while I chased around getting what was a very complex day going.
It was also great to see how well everyone got on. The eventual "Letchworth" team included girls from five different clubs (Letchworth, Ely, Wymondham, Market Harborough, and Kettering) thrown together - in some cases - barely five minutes before the start. But you would never have thought this from the way everyone played and worked together. You actually made a really good team and it would have been impossible for anyone watching to be able to say who was from which club.
As for the game itself, dodgy referee aside, it was a pretty physical - but quite exciting - match. Thomas Becket perhaps betrayed a lack of match practice - certainly discipline at penalties and set-pieces in general cost them badly - but there was only one score in it for most of the game - in fact if they had not missed a conversion at half-time we'd have gone in at 21-all.
Having the slope helped in the second half, but even despite that with six minutes left there was only seven points between the sides before a final try (again Becket caught napping at a penalty) resulted in a 38-26 win for the "home" side - one highlight being Hayley kicking five conversions from seven despite the strong wind!
The U17s did not have as successful a day, mainly because we could only get six girls from two clubs as "opposition" which was not enough for a game, but too many to be able to run any meaningful training either. Should we have maybe cancelled when Kettering and then Peterborough pulled out? Well, maybe - but then that might have affected the U14s as Market Harborough would maybe not have come at all, perhaps.
Also by giving girls from smaller, newer, clubs like Harborough and Ely any sort of game we at least keep them going - keep them interested. Only two years ago we had barely six or seven U17s (in fact we started that first season with precisely one!) and - if the rules had been as strictly applied then as they are now - we too would have been taking a handful of girls to away games. In a couple of years time Ely and Harborough could have developed bigger, stronger teams able to provide us (and others) with good, competitive games. By giving the sort of support that you did this afternoon you keep their enthusiams going and help them reach the same levels we have.
After all, if Kettering or Peterborough (or Hertford or one or two others I contacted) had only been able to send us four of five more girls between them we could easily have had an afternoon as successful as the U14s had. They couldn't in the end, but that happens sometimes.
Finally the scout tag did not, unfortunately, give us any possible new girls - in fact there was only one girl scout present and I know she is pretty committed to other sports. Other than that disappointment it actually worked quite well as an idea. Are any of you in the Guides - do you think they'd be interested in anything similar?
The U14s had an excellent afternoon. First they did brilliantly warming up while we waited for their teamates to arrive from all parts of the compass. I was impressed by the really professional and mature way in which they got themselves organised while I chased around getting what was a very complex day going.
It was also great to see how well everyone got on. The eventual "Letchworth" team included girls from five different clubs (Letchworth, Ely, Wymondham, Market Harborough, and Kettering) thrown together - in some cases - barely five minutes before the start. But you would never have thought this from the way everyone played and worked together. You actually made a really good team and it would have been impossible for anyone watching to be able to say who was from which club.
As for the game itself, dodgy referee aside, it was a pretty physical - but quite exciting - match. Thomas Becket perhaps betrayed a lack of match practice - certainly discipline at penalties and set-pieces in general cost them badly - but there was only one score in it for most of the game - in fact if they had not missed a conversion at half-time we'd have gone in at 21-all.
Having the slope helped in the second half, but even despite that with six minutes left there was only seven points between the sides before a final try (again Becket caught napping at a penalty) resulted in a 38-26 win for the "home" side - one highlight being Hayley kicking five conversions from seven despite the strong wind!
The U17s did not have as successful a day, mainly because we could only get six girls from two clubs as "opposition" which was not enough for a game, but too many to be able to run any meaningful training either. Should we have maybe cancelled when Kettering and then Peterborough pulled out? Well, maybe - but then that might have affected the U14s as Market Harborough would maybe not have come at all, perhaps.
Also by giving girls from smaller, newer, clubs like Harborough and Ely any sort of game we at least keep them going - keep them interested. Only two years ago we had barely six or seven U17s (in fact we started that first season with precisely one!) and - if the rules had been as strictly applied then as they are now - we too would have been taking a handful of girls to away games. In a couple of years time Ely and Harborough could have developed bigger, stronger teams able to provide us (and others) with good, competitive games. By giving the sort of support that you did this afternoon you keep their enthusiams going and help them reach the same levels we have.
After all, if Kettering or Peterborough (or Hertford or one or two others I contacted) had only been able to send us four of five more girls between them we could easily have had an afternoon as successful as the U14s had. They couldn't in the end, but that happens sometimes.
Finally the scout tag did not, unfortunately, give us any possible new girls - in fact there was only one girl scout present and I know she is pretty committed to other sports. Other than that disappointment it actually worked quite well as an idea. Are any of you in the Guides - do you think they'd be interested in anything similar?
Saturday, January 20, 2007
"Start Rugby" - date set
The "Start Rugby" evening coaching course will now be on the evening of Monday 19th March. This is a bit later than first expected, but on the plus side that also means it should be a bit lighter in the evening. Actual times not set yet, but I'd guess something like 6.30 to 9.30.
This course really is aimed at parents as well - anyone who wants to go slightly beyond just standing on the touchline and would like to help out a bit more.
All feedback on previous courses has been very favourable - and there is plenty of time to add names to the existing nine from the girls section. Let me or Dave Roberts know if you are interested.
This course really is aimed at parents as well - anyone who wants to go slightly beyond just standing on the touchline and would like to help out a bit more.
All feedback on previous courses has been very favourable - and there is plenty of time to add names to the existing nine from the girls section. Let me or Dave Roberts know if you are interested.
Tomorrow - update (slightly better news for U17s)!
Scraping around for opposition but we are getting there...
For the U14s Thomas Becket are bringing about 12. To play against them we will have our girls, plus about three from Market Harborough, one or two from Ely, and one from Wymondham. A BIT of a mixture, but it will be a game!
For the U17s I was hoping that Peterborough would be able to send some girls who could combine with Market Harborough - but now they are not coming. However Ely are now also sendin three - so with the three girls from Leicestershire we're close to at least a 7-a-side game or two, probably following some training which will include the visitors. And you also have your run.
Arrival times - U14s from 12.30, U17s from (I think Joe said) 11.30? The boys have cup games in the morning so parking may be a problem at the start and we'll have to wait until they finish before we get the pitches and changing rooms..
For the U14s Thomas Becket are bringing about 12. To play against them we will have our girls, plus about three from Market Harborough, one or two from Ely, and one from Wymondham. A BIT of a mixture, but it will be a game!
For the U17s I was hoping that Peterborough would be able to send some girls who could combine with Market Harborough - but now they are not coming. However Ely are now also sendin three - so with the three girls from Leicestershire we're close to at least a 7-a-side game or two, probably following some training which will include the visitors. And you also have your run.
Arrival times - U14s from 12.30, U17s from (I think Joe said) 11.30? The boys have cup games in the morning so parking may be a problem at the start and we'll have to wait until they finish before we get the pitches and changing rooms..
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Fern wins place on three-day rugby "camp"
It pays to enter these competitions you sometimes see - as Fern has just discovered.
Fern was called aside at school today ("oh heck what have I done now...") to be told that she won one of only three free places at the "Rugby Evolution camp" to be held at Bedford Athletic RFC over the February half term where she will be coached by US Eagles coach Brett Taylor and Paul Grayson from Northampton Saints. She will also get to work with several players from Northampton Saints - so it sounds a bit like the Saracens training camps some of the you have been to in the past (though at £75 for three days its quite competitively priced).
Thus far she is the only girl going...
Fern was called aside at school today ("oh heck what have I done now...") to be told that she won one of only three free places at the "Rugby Evolution camp" to be held at Bedford Athletic RFC over the February half term where she will be coached by US Eagles coach Brett Taylor and Paul Grayson from Northampton Saints. She will also get to work with several players from Northampton Saints - so it sounds a bit like the Saracens training camps some of the you have been to in the past (though at £75 for three days its quite competitively priced).
Thus far she is the only girl going...
RFUW aim stamp out National Cup "ringers"
Interesting email today from RFUW about the National Cup. Probably needs no comment from me...
Hi Guys
I am dropping you an email to clarify the use of players in the Cup Competition, as currently there are various rumours circulating about clubs hoping to recruit players from Regional Trials for their Cup Matches.
Firstly a player can only play for one club in any competition, so even if a player transfers to your club they are cup tied and cannot play.
At the start of the cup we did allow clubs to cluster and join forces so the girls got to play rugby, i have a full list of which clubs have joined forces to fulfil their fixtures.
I also have a list of players that have so far represented your club in this competition, you are allowed to bring in players that are registered to your individual club for the next round who did not play in the earlier fixture but if you
wish to bring in any player from outside your club then either myself or Kean need to be consulted on the reasons why and we will decide if that player can be added to your squad.
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Many Thanks
Keeley
Fixture amendments
Any number of fixture changes in the last few days - if you thought you knew who we are playing and when over the next few weeks then you are probably wrong!
All amendments are now on the list.
All amendments are now on the list.
National Cup semi-finals postponed!
Shock news!
The National Cup semi finals for both U14s and U17s have now been postponed until 25th March. Regretably (but maybe not surprisingly) the idea of dragging teams from Somerset all the way to Hertfordshire did not win much support!
This means that our little "festival" - at home to Saracens, Ampthill and Milton Keynes - will now not take place, at least not on that date. Instead we'll be off to... who knows where - but maybe not Dorset (or at least not Wimbourne) as RFUW are looking for a neutral venue.
It will also mean at least one change to Joe's squad as unfortunately Randy now will be unable to play.
It also means we probably revert to Plan A for 4th February - a visit to Sudbury!
The National Cup semi finals for both U14s and U17s have now been postponed until 25th March. Regretably (but maybe not surprisingly) the idea of dragging teams from Somerset all the way to Hertfordshire did not win much support!
This means that our little "festival" - at home to Saracens, Ampthill and Milton Keynes - will now not take place, at least not on that date. Instead we'll be off to... who knows where - but maybe not Dorset (or at least not Wimbourne) as RFUW are looking for a neutral venue.
It will also mean at least one change to Joe's squad as unfortunately Randy now will be unable to play.
It also means we probably revert to Plan A for 4th February - a visit to Sudbury!
This coming weekend: usual chaos
If the weather were not enough of a problem, the forthcoming weekend is ina state of flux at the minute.
On the plus side we WILL have plenty to do for the U14s. Potentially hordes of them from Thomas Becket, Oundle/Kettering, and Market Harborough will be coming plus maybe some from Eastern Counties. Obviously this means that we really could do with as many as possible of our own girls being available!
For the U17s its less good as Kettering lost several players at their game last weekend (clearly North Kesteven take no prisoners) and will not be sending a team. And Market Harborough only have four U17s. It is possible that Kettering may send a few walking wounded, and Hertford have been asked if they could send any of their girls (those who are not training at Welwyn for the cup), and again Eastern might have a few so we might be able to get an opposition of sorts. Failing that we train!
In addition there is the cub/scout tag tournament. Fingers crossed that there will be a good selection of girl scouts turning up as we might be able to recruit some. If the U17s have no game a bit of promotional activity here would be a really good idea. Kettering and Thomas Becket will also be bringing tag teams, incidentally.
On the plus side we WILL have plenty to do for the U14s. Potentially hordes of them from Thomas Becket, Oundle/Kettering, and Market Harborough will be coming plus maybe some from Eastern Counties. Obviously this means that we really could do with as many as possible of our own girls being available!
For the U17s its less good as Kettering lost several players at their game last weekend (clearly North Kesteven take no prisoners) and will not be sending a team. And Market Harborough only have four U17s. It is possible that Kettering may send a few walking wounded, and Hertford have been asked if they could send any of their girls (those who are not training at Welwyn for the cup), and again Eastern might have a few so we might be able to get an opposition of sorts. Failing that we train!
In addition there is the cub/scout tag tournament. Fingers crossed that there will be a good selection of girl scouts turning up as we might be able to recruit some. If the U17s have no game a bit of promotional activity here would be a really good idea. Kettering and Thomas Becket will also be bringing tag teams, incidentally.
Monday, January 15, 2007
U17: National Cup Sqaud
Below are the names of the 25 players we would like to take to the National Cup Semi Finals on the 4th Feb.
The following are asked to be on standby in case of injury.
J Ryan
J Rayner
If you are listed above and can't play on the 4th Feb or have any other problems please email me at daddyrandall@hotmail.co.uk.
Thankyou to all that played yesterday, it was a brilliant day of rugby.
Forwards: | H Stammers S Hargrave N Birch N Parnell H Guilder | E Vivian S Acheson |
Backs: | A Marshall R Randfield N Threlfall J Robinson J Maxwell-Tingey | G Alderton H Watson T Thompson |
The following are asked to be on standby in case of injury.
J Ryan
J Rayner
If you are listed above and can't play on the 4th Feb or have any other problems please email me at daddyrandall@hotmail.co.uk.
Thankyou to all that played yesterday, it was a brilliant day of rugby.
U17: Cup squad
A big thankyou to all that participated yesterday from both clubs. It hand't dawned on me exactly how difficult selecting the squad was going to be.
My apologies for the delay in naming the squad but am waiting for confirmation on player names. As soon as I get this information the Squad will be named here.
Watch this space!!!!!!
My apologies for the delay in naming the squad but am waiting for confirmation on player names. As soon as I get this information the Squad will be named here.
Watch this space!!!!!!
Pictures from Saracens
Phil's camera has picked up all the highlights of Sunday's rugby at Saracens, including the U14s who this week had something worth travelling for! And - with the help of some Eastern girls - a win as well!Click here to catch the action.
An enjoyable afternoon for everyone - a comfortable win for the U17s over Saracens, and a narrow defeat against Sudbury in yet another incredibly close game between our two clubs. Perhaps in the end the difference was that we were missing one or two key attacking players, but overall our defence was superb all day. If we can get the best of both clubs working together on 4th February then we could well surprise a few of our opponents.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Under 14's
Hi,
So as I promised on Wed, here is the link to Anna's web page.
http://pic4.piczo.com/Xxunder14s-LetchworthxX/?g=1
It is nice bright and funky and has pictures of some of your games. Plus shortly the ones taken on wed!
Keep a eye on it for updates and pics and notices from ME!!
x
So as I promised on Wed, here is the link to Anna's web page.
http://pic4.piczo.com/Xxunder14s-LetchworthxX/?g=1
It is nice bright and funky and has pictures of some of your games. Plus shortly the ones taken on wed!
Keep a eye on it for updates and pics and notices from ME!!
x
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Six Nations news
Nothing confirmed one way or another about possible pre-international displays this season (and therefore free tickets) - though the weather might put an end to that anyway (at least for the first game) as the authorities are likely to not want their beautiful turf ploughed up by hordes of juniors just before the international!
The games at OAs are on 3rd February (day before the National Cup) v Scotland (KO 2.30) and 11th March (day before a regional training session) v France and France A (KO 1.45 and 12.00 respectively). Tickets £7.50 (adults) and £2.50 (U16s) - not bad especially for the France game.
The third game at Twickenham on 10th February will be FREE entry - but after the men's international has finished (so from around 4.00). However, if you take travel and car parking into account there's probably not that much difference.
Still we could potentially try to arrange trips to all three. Personally I reckon the French game will be the most interesting.
The games at OAs are on 3rd February (day before the National Cup) v Scotland (KO 2.30) and 11th March (day before a regional training session) v France and France A (KO 1.45 and 12.00 respectively). Tickets £7.50 (adults) and £2.50 (U16s) - not bad especially for the France game.
The third game at Twickenham on 10th February will be FREE entry - but after the men's international has finished (so from around 4.00). However, if you take travel and car parking into account there's probably not that much difference.
Still we could potentially try to arrange trips to all three. Personally I reckon the French game will be the most interesting.
National Cup: U14 and U17 news
For the first time it has been confirmed that the following teams are in the "Southern Finals" in the two age groups:
U14s: "Herts Barbarians" (ie. us, Saracens and Eastern Cos) opponents will be Cranberleigh (Surrey/Hants), Ellingham and Ringwood (Hampshire), and Thornbury (Somerset).
Finding information about U14 teams is hard work but Cranberleigh we know about, Thornbury reached the National Cup final at U17 level last year, and Ellingham had a habit of winning lots of Plate competitions in 2005/6 but no-one has bothered to update their website for 2006/7.
U17s: Confirmed as Welwyn, Ivel Barbarians (aka "Ivy-bridge"), and Wimbourne
Venues: Now this is the interesting bit. No venues have been arranged yet as many of the likely grounds are still waterlogged. A note has been sent to RFUW saying that Letchworth is okay but we can't expect lightning to strike twice. Still, fingers crossed - maybe the more its rains the less likely we are to need to travel anywhere...
U14s: "Herts Barbarians" (ie. us, Saracens and Eastern Cos) opponents will be Cranberleigh (Surrey/Hants), Ellingham and Ringwood (Hampshire), and Thornbury (Somerset).
Finding information about U14 teams is hard work but Cranberleigh we know about, Thornbury reached the National Cup final at U17 level last year, and Ellingham had a habit of winning lots of Plate competitions in 2005/6 but no-one has bothered to update their website for 2006/7.
U17s: Confirmed as Welwyn, Ivel Barbarians (aka "Ivy-bridge"), and Wimbourne
Venues: Now this is the interesting bit. No venues have been arranged yet as many of the likely grounds are still waterlogged. A note has been sent to RFUW saying that Letchworth is okay but we can't expect lightning to strike twice. Still, fingers crossed - maybe the more its rains the less likely we are to need to travel anywhere...
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
U14s on 21st January: making up for last weekend
Just to add for the U14s that there will also definately be opponents for you for the home game on the 21st.
Market Harborough are bringing some U14s, and now Thomas Becket School will also be bringing a full side, plus we may get some girls coming up from OAs.
And we may be able to get some of the scouts who are playing tag to have a go..!
Market Harborough are bringing some U14s, and now Thomas Becket School will also be bringing a full side, plus we may get some girls coming up from OAs.
And we may be able to get some of the scouts who are playing tag to have a go..!
This Sunday @ Saracens
Or the "Bramley Lido" as it briefly became last time we tried to travel down there. And looking out of the window I'm getting a bit concerned again...
Assuming flippers and snorkels are not required this time the kick-off is due to be 1pm. So meet at 11.15 for a departure of 11.30, to arrive c12.15.
The fixture includes both Saracens and Sudbury and for both age groups this will - at least partially - be a trial day for the cup semi finals. So the U14s are guaranteed a fixture!!!!!
For the U17s it is Joe's intention is to select the cup squad after the games. Simon - the Saracens coach - is reponsible for the U14 squad.
Getting there: Bramley Sports Ground, Green Road, Southgate, London N14. M25 west to Junction 24, then A111 south for 2-3 miles. Just after the road crosses the A110, Saracens's ground will be found on the left. See map.
Assuming flippers and snorkels are not required this time the kick-off is due to be 1pm. So meet at 11.15 for a departure of 11.30, to arrive c12.15.
The fixture includes both Saracens and Sudbury and for both age groups this will - at least partially - be a trial day for the cup semi finals. So the U14s are guaranteed a fixture!!!!!
For the U17s it is Joe's intention is to select the cup squad after the games. Simon - the Saracens coach - is reponsible for the U14 squad.
Getting there: Bramley Sports Ground, Green Road, Southgate, London N14. M25 west to Junction 24, then A111 south for 2-3 miles. Just after the road crosses the A110, Saracens's ground will be found on the left. See map.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Advice on training on cold evenings
One of the many rugby coaching website ("Better Rugby Coaching") has just produced some useful advice on training on cold days. Some of the most interesting points are:
Good news about cold weather training
Regular cold weather training reduces likelihood of illness Research from Japan shows that if you train regularly during cold weather periods you are less likely to pick up illnesses, such as colds and flu, than if you train on the odd occasion. This means a gradual introduction to the cold weather is better than huge one-off sessions.
Keep up the water intake
Though you don’t sweat as much in cold weather, you still require rehydration. Cold weather makes people want to pee more and the cold air affects other parts of the
breathing system.
The cold reduces the desire to take on water, causing further dehydration. Therefore it would be good to take on water before training, and then hot drinks afterwards.
This used to be the case in the old days after a game, when a hot cup of tea with plenty of sugar was a staple for the muddied oafs in the changing room.
Dry shoes on hard surfaces
The cold weather often drives training off the pitches if they are frozen. A top tip from the manufacturers (and not surprisingly) is to have two pairs of trainers, since if a pair becomes wet, the absorbency of the sole is significantly reduced. For mere
mortals though, run on hard surfaces in dry trainers.
Don’t overdress –
use hoodies and zippers
Choosing the right clothes to train in can be difficult, use hoodies and tops with zippers, because there needs to be a balance between warmth, sweating and movement. Hoodies are excellent because they can be used at the start of the practice to keep the head warm and then the hood brought down when the players heat up. If there is a break in play, then the hoods can go up. Do not wear them during contact where they could be grabbed, or stuff the hoods inside the neck. Tops with zippers allow you to regulate heat – too hot so undo half the zipper on the jacket to let warm air out from bottom of the jacket.
Avoid getting wet
Wet clothes lose their insulation properties quite significantly. If at all possible avoid contact with the ground with clothing in the early stages of the session.
Keep your cheap shirt on
Cheap rugby shirts can be better rather than cotton/ woollen – more effective at staying dry and even when wet, keeps you warmer than cotton shirts.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
U14 recruitment opportunity: Cub and Scout tournament
On 21st January, when Kettering and Market Harbourogh visit, there is also going to be a cub and scout tag tournament at Letchworth.
If you know any cubs or scouts, especially girls, encourage them to take part. If you are a scout yourself, offer to teach them a few skills. Almost all scouts will be U14s so any girls will be prime targets to recruit into our U14 team - and as scouts are physical, outdoorsy people who don't mind a bit of mud given the chance to sample the game there is a great chance that they will take to it.
If it goes well we might look to maybe run something for Guides - do we have any Guides in the teams already?
If you know any cubs or scouts, especially girls, encourage them to take part. If you are a scout yourself, offer to teach them a few skills. Almost all scouts will be U14s so any girls will be prime targets to recruit into our U14 team - and as scouts are physical, outdoorsy people who don't mind a bit of mud given the chance to sample the game there is a great chance that they will take to it.
If it goes well we might look to maybe run something for Guides - do we have any Guides in the teams already?
The best laid plans...
First we must apologise to our U14s who made the long trip up to Kettering for no game. There is really no excuse for this whatever our hosts may have said - the rugby master from Thomas Becket in Northampton was there, for example, and said he could have brought a U14 team with him if he had known. There were all sorts of alternatives we could have tried if we had known just a day before - as it was we did not know anything until we arrived.
It doesn't help much to say that this was the first time it has happened quite like this. I know you are not having the greatest season - U14 player numbers at many clubs are a problem, not just Letchworth. However we know you will be okay next week at Saracens and we'll be working hard to make sure you have some opponents for the 21st.
As for the U17s - as Joe said you played better than we've seen you for some time, but still lost in a tough game between two sides that were pretty well matched. In fact we were probably ahead of bit in the scrum, maybe less so in the rucks ... but some interesting decisions pushed the balance the wrong way perhaps - though in the end Kettering were the better team on the day, 27-0 exagerates the difference a bit.
However I must say that the great thing was your reaction at the end. You all knew you'd played your hardest and you had enjoyed the game, regardless of the actual result. Sport is about more than just winning but some clubs heads would have been on the floor and who would have been straight in their cars and off home (indeed we've seen it happen). You showed great maturity and sportsmanship - well done!
And you can put things right in two weeks time!
It doesn't help much to say that this was the first time it has happened quite like this. I know you are not having the greatest season - U14 player numbers at many clubs are a problem, not just Letchworth. However we know you will be okay next week at Saracens and we'll be working hard to make sure you have some opponents for the 21st.
As for the U17s - as Joe said you played better than we've seen you for some time, but still lost in a tough game between two sides that were pretty well matched. In fact we were probably ahead of bit in the scrum, maybe less so in the rucks ... but some interesting decisions pushed the balance the wrong way perhaps - though in the end Kettering were the better team on the day, 27-0 exagerates the difference a bit.However I must say that the great thing was your reaction at the end. You all knew you'd played your hardest and you had enjoyed the game, regardless of the actual result. Sport is about more than just winning but some clubs heads would have been on the floor and who would have been straight in their cars and off home (indeed we've seen it happen). You showed great maturity and sportsmanship - well done!
And you can put things right in two weeks time!
Meanwhile pictures from the day are already up on the Threfall Archive.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Women's rugby: a history back to... when???
Probably Joe's fault this, because I'm not entirely sure why I should start thinking about looking back on past women's rugby internationals, but the discussion about the "team outing" to the Six Nations games at OAs perhaps was one reason.
Anyway leaving aside the why for a minute, where do you go to find such things? Well, not the RFU/RFUW website for starters (try to search for, well, anything much on it - you'll soon see why!). No the best source will be the IRB - I thought - for are they not the international body for the women's game as well, and do they not have a massive database of all rugby international result back to 1871 or whenever? And indeed they do - here - and there is an option for women's internationals. Fascinating...
Except that - while the men's database does indeed include ever international ever from the year dot, with every fixture included from England vs Scotland to Japan vs Korea - the women's database isn't quite as extensive. Indeed it may be news to everyone to learn that - according to the IRB - women's international rugby began rather more recently than 1871. Indeed FAR more recently. In fact the first game they acknowledge was on 4th February last year - that cold night some of your will remember when England beat Wales at OAs. Yes indeedy, our international governing body seems to think that THAT was the first ever women's international.
Pathetic isn't it? Also I guess mildly predictable.
I suppose the only positive argument might be that perhaps only men are sufficiently mad enough to want to look up the result of Wales v Scotland from 1925, and there may be something in that, but even so personally I suspect its more an indication of how seriously rugby's Lords and Masters take the women's game.
Ah well, at least the IRB acknowledges the 2006 internationals (well, most of them). Presumably 12 months ago it didn't even do that. So we are getting somewhere. Slowly. Maybe.
See you all tomorrow...
Anyway leaving aside the why for a minute, where do you go to find such things? Well, not the RFU/RFUW website for starters (try to search for, well, anything much on it - you'll soon see why!). No the best source will be the IRB - I thought - for are they not the international body for the women's game as well, and do they not have a massive database of all rugby international result back to 1871 or whenever? And indeed they do - here - and there is an option for women's internationals. Fascinating...
Except that - while the men's database does indeed include ever international ever from the year dot, with every fixture included from England vs Scotland to Japan vs Korea - the women's database isn't quite as extensive. Indeed it may be news to everyone to learn that - according to the IRB - women's international rugby began rather more recently than 1871. Indeed FAR more recently. In fact the first game they acknowledge was on 4th February last year - that cold night some of your will remember when England beat Wales at OAs. Yes indeedy, our international governing body seems to think that THAT was the first ever women's international.
Pathetic isn't it? Also I guess mildly predictable.
I suppose the only positive argument might be that perhaps only men are sufficiently mad enough to want to look up the result of Wales v Scotland from 1925, and there may be something in that, but even so personally I suspect its more an indication of how seriously rugby's Lords and Masters take the women's game.
Ah well, at least the IRB acknowledges the 2006 internationals (well, most of them). Presumably 12 months ago it didn't even do that. So we are getting somewhere. Slowly. Maybe.
See you all tomorrow...
Sophie leads the way
Another reminder that those of you who have been invited to regional trials must still register! To date East region have recieved some 23 forms, including eight from one club in Hertfordshire but only ONE to date from Letchworth (step forward and take a bow Sophie Boorman!)
Download RFUW's registration form and send it off as soon as you can. If you already have then great - there will be a delay before Region gets them from RFUW so no need to worry - but if you haven't get on with it! You have until the 19th January to get your form to Twickenham.
Details of forms received by the region to date will appear as they arrive on the East website.
Download RFUW's registration form and send it off as soon as you can. If you already have then great - there will be a delay before Region gets them from RFUW so no need to worry - but if you haven't get on with it! You have until the 19th January to get your form to Twickenham.
Details of forms received by the region to date will appear as they arrive on the East website.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
First fixture of the New Year (REVISED)
After a short break its back on the field again with four fixtures in five weekends, the fifth weekend being regional trials.
We begin with our first ever visit to Kettering - a well established team in Northamptonshire which Fern may be able to fill us in on being as she has played alongside some of them with her county. They will be visiting us two weeks later. We will also play Buxton (a "very keen" team from Derbyshire, and reputedly one of the best sides in the North West of England), and possibly Oundle (also Northants).
The address of the ground is Waverley Road Kettering NN15 6NT and a map etc can be found at http://www.ketteringrugbyclub.co.uk/map1.htm. Distance 54 miles, travel time c60-90 minutes depending on which site you look at, and the state of the A14 .
Kick-off 2pm, so meeting 11.15 for an 11.30 departure with the aim of arriving at the ground by 12.45/1.00pm. Please let us know if you need a lift or if you are travelling direct.
We begin with our first ever visit to Kettering - a well established team in Northamptonshire which Fern may be able to fill us in on being as she has played alongside some of them with her county. They will be visiting us two weeks later. We will also play Buxton (a "very keen" team from Derbyshire, and reputedly one of the best sides in the North West of England), and possibly Oundle (also Northants).
The address of the ground is Waverley Road Kettering NN15 6NT and a map etc can be found at http://www.ketteringrugbyclub.co.uk/map1.htm. Distance 54 miles, travel time c60-90 minutes depending on which site you look at, and the state of the A14 .
Kick-off 2pm, so meeting 11.15 for an 11.30 departure with the aim of arriving at the ground by 12.45/1.00pm. Please let us know if you need a lift or if you are travelling direct.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
U17 - The New Year
Thanks to those of you that turned out last night was a really good hour. The next session will be Wed 3rd Jan. 6:50 - 8:15.
Reminders that I need tour program player profiles to go alongside your mug shots in the tour program. I've had some but I need one from everyone so please get them to me. It doest have to be by email can be by hand at training.
Tour deposits are needed as soon as possible as we need to start confirming accomodation. £10 to be returned with the parental permission slip to me ASAP.
And finally lets get the new year off to a good start and find the form that we had at the begining of the season!!!!!!
Reminders that I need tour program player profiles to go alongside your mug shots in the tour program. I've had some but I need one from everyone so please get them to me. It doest have to be by email can be by hand at training.
Tour deposits are needed as soon as possible as we need to start confirming accomodation. £10 to be returned with the parental permission slip to me ASAP.
And finally lets get the new year off to a good start and find the form that we had at the begining of the season!!!!!!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Happy Christmas
Hope you all had a brilliant Christmas Day and didn't eat too much!!!!
For the U17s there will be a get together this Wednesday 27th Dec to for a bit of a game and hopefully to meet your coach for next season. 5pm meet to finish approx 6pm. Please bring both trainers and boots.
Would be great if we could get a good turnout but I know some of you have family commitments. Please let me know if you can't make it.
Also that night Saracens are at Home to Northampton 7pm KO.
For the U17s there will be a get together this Wednesday 27th Dec to for a bit of a game and hopefully to meet your coach for next season. 5pm meet to finish approx 6pm. Please bring both trainers and boots.
Would be great if we could get a good turnout but I know some of you have family commitments. Please let me know if you can't make it.
Also that night Saracens are at Home to Northampton 7pm KO.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Officials to tighten up on bad language and sportsmanship
With remarkably apposite timing considering recent events new instructions for referees have been issued which apply to ALL levels of the game.
The full statement appears in Touchline and on the Herts blog but basically referees are being encouraged to clamp down on foul language or abusive gestures by players or match officials. The statement also underlines that this applies to "acts contrary to good sportsmanship" which, in the light of recent events, is interesting. The jury is currently out on exactly what "good sportmanship" is, though I am hoping for a statement fairly soon on this and confirmation on whether the definition is stiffer for coaches at a junior level.
Note that disciplinary code also say that "Referees must also always report any unacceptable abuse or offensive language by coaches, spectators or others from the touchline" - so its NOT just players!!.
The full statement appears in Touchline and on the Herts blog but basically referees are being encouraged to clamp down on foul language or abusive gestures by players or match officials. The statement also underlines that this applies to "acts contrary to good sportsmanship" which, in the light of recent events, is interesting. The jury is currently out on exactly what "good sportmanship" is, though I am hoping for a statement fairly soon on this and confirmation on whether the definition is stiffer for coaches at a junior level.
Note that disciplinary code also say that "Referees must also always report any unacceptable abuse or offensive language by coaches, spectators or others from the touchline" - so its NOT just players!!.
Tour
Can we please have tour deposits for all those players and parents wishing to come on tour, returned by the end of the month. As many as possible to be returned on Wednesday please.
We have changed our accomodation and need to confirm as early as possible, with the Holiday Inn, how many rooms we need.
We have changed our accomodation and need to confirm as early as possible, with the Holiday Inn, how many rooms we need.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Canadians to stay at Wymondley Woods
The tour of I E Weldon College, Ontario took a step forward today when they confirmed that they would like to stay at Wymondley Woods scout camp (just outside Willian for non-scout people) from 3rd to 5th April.
It therefore seems more than likely that our U17s will be playing the Canadians on the afternoon of 4th or 5th April, so the date hs been added to the fixture list.
So if you are likley to be away the week before Easter and would therefore be unavilable for a game then please say so NOW. We do not want a team to travel 5,000 miles to play us if we end up being less than full strength!
We also want to entertain the girls while they are here - so maybe if a small group of you could get together to come up with some ideas?
It therefore seems more than likely that our U17s will be playing the Canadians on the afternoon of 4th or 5th April, so the date hs been added to the fixture list.
So if you are likley to be away the week before Easter and would therefore be unavilable for a game then please say so NOW. We do not want a team to travel 5,000 miles to play us if we end up being less than full strength!
We also want to entertain the girls while they are here - so maybe if a small group of you could get together to come up with some ideas?
Rugby over the holiday
A reminder of events between now and the next match on Sunday 7th January:
- Weds. 20th December:
U14: Rachel to advise.
U17 training - seasonal "fun" session. 6.45-8.00pm. - Weds. 27th December:
U17 training - looking back, and looking forward. 5.00-6.00pm - Thur. 28th December:
"Glitter Day".
Club charity fundraiser. See here for details.
Members of girls teams invited - but please let organisers know you are coming! - Weds. 4th January:
U14 and U17. First full training session of New Year.
Departing head of rugby in Herts appeals for high standards
On her last day in her role as Hertfordshire's Women's Rugby Development Officer Amanda Bate has called on clubs to "promote the highest standards of behaviour".
In particular she asks clubs to...
1. Check that everyone working with girls has an up-to-date CRB check.
2. Ensure girls are coached in good sportsmanship. In particular she asks coaches and players to ensure that they..
4. Reminded coaches and parents that girls rugby is also about developing the girls as people, and enjoying the game. Coaches need to lead by example. Bad feelings between clubs and coaches will rub off on the players, and that is not a positive.
Amanda concludes by saying that Herts has got really good girls rugby going on and it would be a pity to get a bad reputation for poor behaviour from parents, coaches or players. She will be writing to clubs to ask club refs to remember that girls play to the same laws as reagards discipline as boys.
In particular she asks clubs to...
1. Check that everyone working with girls has an up-to-date CRB check.
2. Ensure girls are coached in good sportsmanship. In particular she asks coaches and players to ensure that they..
- take care to tone down their language,
- try and win through having good rugby skills, not through intimidating the opposition!
4. Reminded coaches and parents that girls rugby is also about developing the girls as people, and enjoying the game. Coaches need to lead by example. Bad feelings between clubs and coaches will rub off on the players, and that is not a positive.
Amanda concludes by saying that Herts has got really good girls rugby going on and it would be a pity to get a bad reputation for poor behaviour from parents, coaches or players. She will be writing to clubs to ask club refs to remember that girls play to the same laws as reagards discipline as boys.
Don't I know you from somewhere...?
Its a 24-hour job this, team management. You can't get away from it - even on a visit to Morrison's you find players lurking in the fizzy drinks aisle.
So where do you go to escape and get away from it all? Why not the theatre - a pre-Christmas entertainment. This looks good - James and the Giant Peach at the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin.
Hmmm - whose that sat right at the back... seem to recognise them. Ah but the lights are going down...
The play begins. After a while there is a crowd scene - a scrummage of villagers attempting to see the aforementioned peach. And who is that driving through the centre... Samantha Theobold Roe from the U14s. I try to look inconspicuous, which is a shade difficult is you are sitting two feet away in the front row.
Samantha - who later shrugged off the inconvience of possibly being squashed to death by the peach (whether she was on not depends on your interpretation) to come back later and eat the thing before finishing off in a dance routine as the end - didn't have any lines (excited squeals aside) but looked a shoe-in for the role of Alice Liddell if they ever did a proper Alice in Wonderland.
The short run at the QMT has now finished and seems to have been a virtual sell-out. News on a transfer to the West End is awaited.
So where do you go to escape and get away from it all? Why not the theatre - a pre-Christmas entertainment. This looks good - James and the Giant Peach at the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin.
Hmmm - whose that sat right at the back... seem to recognise them. Ah but the lights are going down...
The play begins. After a while there is a crowd scene - a scrummage of villagers attempting to see the aforementioned peach. And who is that driving through the centre... Samantha Theobold Roe from the U14s. I try to look inconspicuous, which is a shade difficult is you are sitting two feet away in the front row.
Samantha - who later shrugged off the inconvience of possibly being squashed to death by the peach (whether she was on not depends on your interpretation) to come back later and eat the thing before finishing off in a dance routine as the end - didn't have any lines (excited squeals aside) but looked a shoe-in for the role of Alice Liddell if they ever did a proper Alice in Wonderland.
The short run at the QMT has now finished and seems to have been a virtual sell-out. News on a transfer to the West End is awaited.
Win a few, lose a few...
First - well done to the U14s who performed really well in their game with the Hertford girls - Vikki in particular was (I thought) one of the best players on the field, especially with the ball in her hands when she repeatedly crashed through the Hertford girls. In addition Anna, Hayley and Laura also performed well - Hayley looking very good with the responsibility of captain. If only we could find three or four more girls (and above all one BIG girl!) the U14s would have a very good team.
As for the U17s a tale of what might have been perhaps. In fact - with almost the entire team being changed at half time - to a great extent they played two games, the "First Half Team" winning comfortably 15-7, the "Second Half Team" losing 20-0.
Why the big difference? And why are we "winning comfortably" by actually narrow scores?
One factor is that substitutions disrupt teams - as we saw when we played Sudbury - it takes a few minutes to adjust to even the best players coming on. However, as we have a policy of giving everyone as much game time as we can (which did not work entirely well for Nikki yesterday - best laid plans and all that - sorry, Nikki!) with a big squad its kind of inevitable.
At one level that doesn't matter because the result in any game comes second to the interests of the players. A club or a team is best judged by how they treat the least of their players and I'd MUCH rather lose a game than have anyone standing on the touchline for the whole match - because in the end results are forgotten within days, but the experience of playing can be rememered forever.
Beyond that though why such a turnaround?
Well, no doubt Joe and Mike will have things to say but from my less technical viewpoint I'd suggest two things:
First, the "First Half Team" made it look too easy. Aside from the start of the game, they were never seriously troubled and should have scored more. This may have even lulled those that came on next into thinking it was easy - in practice Hertford are not a bad side by any means and by the time they'd realised that the first half lead had been lost. And then some. Bringing back on Haley and Nim stabalised things, but it was too late to turn it round.
Secondly, I think we forget or easily overlook how good some of our forwards are. Rosie, Robyn, Charley and Nichola don't make headlines, rarely feature on the scoreboard, and do not get into county or regional teams, but they are now an experienced bunch who do an astonishing amount of work winning and retaining the ball. Which is not be belittle the pack that came on in the second half - on paper they are just as talented (indeed in theory more so) and did include Sasha - but as a unit they were not half as effective as the first half group. I haven't seen the video, but the calls from the touchline in the second half indicated that things were not going as well.
As for the U17s a tale of what might have been perhaps. In fact - with almost the entire team being changed at half time - to a great extent they played two games, the "First Half Team" winning comfortably 15-7, the "Second Half Team" losing 20-0.
Why the big difference? And why are we "winning comfortably" by actually narrow scores?
One factor is that substitutions disrupt teams - as we saw when we played Sudbury - it takes a few minutes to adjust to even the best players coming on. However, as we have a policy of giving everyone as much game time as we can (which did not work entirely well for Nikki yesterday - best laid plans and all that - sorry, Nikki!) with a big squad its kind of inevitable.
At one level that doesn't matter because the result in any game comes second to the interests of the players. A club or a team is best judged by how they treat the least of their players and I'd MUCH rather lose a game than have anyone standing on the touchline for the whole match - because in the end results are forgotten within days, but the experience of playing can be rememered forever.
Beyond that though why such a turnaround?
Well, no doubt Joe and Mike will have things to say but from my less technical viewpoint I'd suggest two things:
First, the "First Half Team" made it look too easy. Aside from the start of the game, they were never seriously troubled and should have scored more. This may have even lulled those that came on next into thinking it was easy - in practice Hertford are not a bad side by any means and by the time they'd realised that the first half lead had been lost. And then some. Bringing back on Haley and Nim stabalised things, but it was too late to turn it round.
Secondly, I think we forget or easily overlook how good some of our forwards are. Rosie, Robyn, Charley and Nichola don't make headlines, rarely feature on the scoreboard, and do not get into county or regional teams, but they are now an experienced bunch who do an astonishing amount of work winning and retaining the ball. Which is not be belittle the pack that came on in the second half - on paper they are just as talented (indeed in theory more so) and did include Sasha - but as a unit they were not half as effective as the first half group. I haven't seen the video, but the calls from the touchline in the second half indicated that things were not going as well.
First-half forwards in action
Was there too much reliance on Sahsa? Was Sasha too worked up having missed the first half (a sort of "reverse Hayley" - some coaches seem to have noticed that leaving H off at the start 
And one final thing. We do seem to relax on a lead too easily. Worthing, Saracens, and now at Hertford we have dominated play, scored a couple of tries and then not killed the opposition off. With Worthing there was never a problem, but Saracens nearly sneaked a game they should have been well beaten in and now we did - over the two halves - lose a game that was already won.
Photos from both the U14s and U17s games are now available on Phil's archive
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Photo illustrates a coaching point
Take a look at this photo of the a scrum in the game against Worthing last week. We dominated this phase of play throughout most of the match, and as a result also won the match. And looking at this photo you can see why.Look at the Worthing girls' legs. Katie has barely put the ball in, but almost all their legs are straight - they cannot push, and can only dig in. Now look at their feet - especially the No.8. They are all pushing from their toes and have hardly any of the soles of their feet on the ground at all, which means on damp ground they are going to slide. Notice that the No.8 is barely touching the ground at all!
You can't see much about our teams positions but from what you can see - while not perfect -there seems significantly more chance for our girls to push far further and stronger because their legs and bodies are not yet fully extended, and the feet are firmly planted on the ground.
And if you think that was a fluke its the same story here as well. Our girls - with their feet firmly planted - can push simply by staightening their legs. Worthing - with legs already extended - will have to actually step forward to push - will actually have to take their feet off the ground. So who will win this scrum?:
So there you have it - thats why the forwards are generally doing so well. Keep it up!
Friday, December 15, 2006
"Glitter Day" - charity rugby day at Letchworth. Everyone invited
28th December is again "Glitter Day" at Letchworth. This is a day of charity rugby at the club, designed to raise money for the Marie Curie Nurses. The idea basically is to have fun, and play a bit of rugby dressed in something mildly outlandish (and glittery).
"Mars" (Pete Marsden - behind the bar - who runs this) is particuarly inviting juniors and girls to get involved this year (in the past its been restricted to adult branches of the club), so is anyone up for burning off a bit of Chistmas excess and benefiting a good cause at the same time?
Obviously its betteer is we know that a reasonable number of your are likely to be able to come down for the afternoon (it all "kicks off" at midday) so if you can please let me or Joe or Mike know asap.
"Mars" (Pete Marsden - behind the bar - who runs this) is particuarly inviting juniors and girls to get involved this year (in the past its been restricted to adult branches of the club), so is anyone up for burning off a bit of Chistmas excess and benefiting a good cause at the same time?
Obviously its betteer is we know that a reasonable number of your are likely to be able to come down for the afternoon (it all "kicks off" at midday) so if you can please let me or Joe or Mike know asap.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Jess makes it seven for the regionals
At the request of two of the three regional U17 coaches Jess Robinson will now also be at the regional trials on the 28th January - making seven Letchworth trialists in all.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
National Cup: news on the next round...
... is hard to come by.
There is a link to a page of results on the RFUW website, but when you click on it you find that its LAST YEAR's results. There is only news about this year's competition on the website features the performance of, well, us - there is nothing else at all, not even a list of the competing teams.
I've therefore been trawling around the wesbites other likely entrants and the main thing I have discovered is that many, even most, clubs - even those with big, strong girls teams that anyone in their right mind would be proud of - seem strangely embarrased to admit they exist. Exeter Saracens have the link to their female pages in a smaller font than the other main links, Worcester admit the team exists but give no news as to their activities, and Plymouth seem to have a very small photo but no links to any information at all that I could find.
I could find nothing on the U14s, by dint of much careful detective work I discover that the U17 south-west qualifier took place at Ivel Barbarians in Somerset and featureed six teams - Wimborne, Hucclecote, Taunton, Ivy-bridge [a combined Ivel/Bridgewater team from Somerset that has no connection with "Ivybridge" from Devon], Thornbury, and Reading.
The results (that I have) traced were:
Pool A:
Wimborne (Dorset) 19, Hucclecote (Gloucestershire) 0
Wimborne 36, Taunton (Somerset) 0
Hucclecote 12, Taunton 0
Wimborne qualify
Pool B:
Ivy-bridge (Somerset) 17, Reading (Berkshire) 10
Thornbury (Gloucestershire) 29, Reading 10
Ivy-bridge beat Thornbury
Ivy-bridge qualify
So that gives four qualifers - two from Herts, one from Dorset, and one from Somerset. As one qualifier was played in Somerset (at Ivel Barbarians) and one in Hertfordshire (at our place), my guess is that its unlikely that the semi final will be in either county. In addition Dorset is kind-off in in-between Herts and Somserset - so I suspect that the U17s will be on a trip to Thomas Hardy country on 4th February.
Journey time - two and a half to three hours, or about 134 miles.
What are they like?
Wimborne we know, sort of, as we played them in the National Sevens Plate semi-final last season - see March in the calendar. Yes - the game that took place in a monsoon! Typical southerners - quick backs, forwards of lesser reputation. They are in the same league as Worthing... but a division BELOW.
Ivy-bridge are a combination of Ivel Barbarians and Bridgewater. They did beat Thornbury, who were last year's finalists, but other than that - being a combined team - its anyone's guess. Ivel on their own have won three out of five in the "Somerset and Gloucester Friendly League" (this is presumably one down from the "Somerset and Gloucester Deadly Enemies Conference").
They do have the England U19 No. 8 - 17 year old Marley Packer - in their line up, so may well have a pack better than the average for the south. Sasha will relish this game I suspect.
There is a link to a page of results on the RFUW website, but when you click on it you find that its LAST YEAR's results. There is only news about this year's competition on the website features the performance of, well, us - there is nothing else at all, not even a list of the competing teams.
I've therefore been trawling around the wesbites other likely entrants and the main thing I have discovered is that many, even most, clubs - even those with big, strong girls teams that anyone in their right mind would be proud of - seem strangely embarrased to admit they exist. Exeter Saracens have the link to their female pages in a smaller font than the other main links, Worcester admit the team exists but give no news as to their activities, and Plymouth seem to have a very small photo but no links to any information at all that I could find.
I could find nothing on the U14s, by dint of much careful detective work I discover that the U17 south-west qualifier took place at Ivel Barbarians in Somerset and featureed six teams - Wimborne, Hucclecote, Taunton, Ivy-bridge [a combined Ivel/Bridgewater team from Somerset that has no connection with "Ivybridge" from Devon], Thornbury, and Reading.
The results (that I have) traced were:
Pool A:
Wimborne (Dorset) 19, Hucclecote (Gloucestershire) 0
Wimborne 36, Taunton (Somerset) 0
Hucclecote 12, Taunton 0
Wimborne qualify
Pool B:
Ivy-bridge (Somerset) 17, Reading (Berkshire) 10
Thornbury (Gloucestershire) 29, Reading 10
Ivy-bridge beat Thornbury
Ivy-bridge qualify
So that gives four qualifers - two from Herts, one from Dorset, and one from Somerset. As one qualifier was played in Somerset (at Ivel Barbarians) and one in Hertfordshire (at our place), my guess is that its unlikely that the semi final will be in either county. In addition Dorset is kind-off in in-between Herts and Somserset - so I suspect that the U17s will be on a trip to Thomas Hardy country on 4th February.
Journey time - two and a half to three hours, or about 134 miles.
What are they like?
Wimborne we know, sort of, as we played them in the National Sevens Plate semi-final last season - see March in the calendar. Yes - the game that took place in a monsoon! Typical southerners - quick backs, forwards of lesser reputation. They are in the same league as Worthing... but a division BELOW.
Ivy-bridge are a combination of Ivel Barbarians and Bridgewater. They did beat Thornbury, who were last year's finalists, but other than that - being a combined team - its anyone's guess. Ivel on their own have won three out of five in the "Somerset and Gloucester Friendly League" (this is presumably one down from the "Somerset and Gloucester Deadly Enemies Conference").
They do have the England U19 No. 8 - 17 year old Marley Packer - in their line up, so may well have a pack better than the average for the south. Sasha will relish this game I suspect.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
This Sunday: Away to Hertford
... though there is a rumour that at U17 they will include some familiar "guests"!
Anyway c12.15/12.30 start, so I suspect arrive by 11.15. If you need a lift ASK NOW so we can sort things out ideally at training tomorrow, including the time of any meet at the club that may be needed. Journey time from Letchworth is only about 30 minutes.
Anyway c12.15/12.30 start, so I suspect arrive by 11.15. If you need a lift ASK NOW so we can sort things out ideally at training tomorrow, including the time of any meet at the club that may be needed. Journey time from Letchworth is only about 30 minutes.
Directions - very simple this one. Basically make your way to the A10 and at the Rush Green roundabout (signposted for Hertford) take the B1502 towards Great Amwell. Take the first left (Hoe Lane) and the ground is approx 300m on the left.
Last game before you get two weeks off to stuff yourselves and become obscenely unfit, so let's have a good turnout - especially as the U17s at least have something to "put right"!
Celebrate girls rugby on the 14th...
DECEMBER 14th...
... ie. this Thursday.
Big "do" at Saracens RFC, Bramley Road - drills, chance to meet, train, and talk to Saracens & England women players, food, photos, fun stuff. Everyone invited. Completely free. The event "kicks of" and 7.30 with the drills and training activities, which go on until around 9 o'clock, and the evening itself is due to finish around 10pm.
JANUARY 14th...
Saracens v Narbonne at Vicarage Road, Watford.
As last year a game as been dedicated to girls rugby, and girls from the county will make up the Guard of Honour. Last year we made up at least half of the girls who went - certainly we were the largest contingent from any club. This year we should do even better as the U17s at least have a game at Saracens (Bramley Road) in the morning (U14s its still up in the air a bit, but probably you'll be at Bramley Road now as well).
Tickets will be "discounted" to £14 for adults and £9 for juniors - but if you order online its actually £3 cheaper than this for juniors!
... ie. this Thursday.
Big "do" at Saracens RFC, Bramley Road - drills, chance to meet, train, and talk to Saracens & England women players, food, photos, fun stuff. Everyone invited. Completely free. The event "kicks of" and 7.30 with the drills and training activities, which go on until around 9 o'clock, and the evening itself is due to finish around 10pm.
JANUARY 14th...
Saracens v Narbonne at Vicarage Road, Watford.
As last year a game as been dedicated to girls rugby, and girls from the county will make up the Guard of Honour. Last year we made up at least half of the girls who went - certainly we were the largest contingent from any club. This year we should do even better as the U17s at least have a game at Saracens (Bramley Road) in the morning (U14s its still up in the air a bit, but probably you'll be at Bramley Road now as well).
Tickets will be "discounted" to £14 for adults and £9 for juniors - but if you order online its actually £3 cheaper than this for juniors!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Photos from the county tournament in Westcliff
A commercial event photography company took dozens of pictures at Westcliff last week - some good, some rather amusing.
Go here and then click on Rugby > Westcliff RFC > 2006 > Essex Girls Rugby Festival
I know Nikki is likely to be particularly impressed of her picture in the Herts B v Essex game, and Hayley is going to love her Michelin Man look as water-carrier in Herts v Yorkshire!
And you can have them printed three feet high!!
Go here and then click on Rugby > Westcliff RFC > 2006 > Essex Girls Rugby Festival
I know Nikki is likely to be particularly impressed of her picture in the Herts B v Essex game, and Hayley is going to love her Michelin Man look as water-carrier in Herts v Yorkshire!
And you can have them printed three feet high!!
Six girls to go to East trials
The nominations for the East Region U14 and U17 trials have now been published. The full lists can be seen here
There are no Letchworth girls in the U14 list, but we have six in the U17s. These include three county nominations (Laura, Hayley, and Nim), one from the Barbarians (Emily), and two "wildcards" (Sophie Boorman and Katie).
These six will attend trials at Ely RFC on 28th January.
There are no Letchworth girls in the U14 list, but we have six in the U17s. These include three county nominations (Laura, Hayley, and Nim), one from the Barbarians (Emily), and two "wildcards" (Sophie Boorman and Katie).
These six will attend trials at Ely RFC on 28th January.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Cup success for U17s
Well done everyone today - two superb performances in the first two games with Worthing (the South east League champions, no less!) and Saracens, and then giving Welwyn a real scare too in what was without doubt our best ever performance against them.A last minute withdrawl from Surrey side Cramberley left four teams in the contest - us, Welwyn, Saracens/Fullerians and last year's South-East League champions Worthing.
Worthing's back line was as fast as we'd expected - but out forwards dominated the game so m
uch that their backs were starved of useful ball amd in the end we were far more comfortable winners than the 10-7 scoreline suggests.It was much the same story with Saracens/Fullerians - 10-5 this time, and despite losing Nichola and playing with only 14 in the second half. So we were through!
Just the small matter of Welwyn left though, and we did superbly almost holding them to 5-5 until a try just before the break. The second half went less well, but still our best performance yet.
Results:
Letchworth 10, Worthing 7;
Welwyn 48, Worthing 0;
Letchworth 10, Saracens/Fullerians 5;
Saracens/Fullerians 10, Worthing 19;
Letchworth 5, Welwyn 34;
Saracens/Fullerians 0, Welwyn 17.
**********************
But where was everyone else? Some absences we knew of but others.... We NEEDED all of you. The second half of both the Saracens and Welwyn games were played with only 14 players (due to injury and illness) - if we'd had another Ampthill or Sudbury we could have lost! Letchworth is not elitist - anyone who turns up plays at this club.If you cannot make a game PLEASE let us know.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
U17 National Cup: More changes
At the last possible moment Cramberleigh have withdrawn from tomorrow's tournament. This means we revert to a single four team group, with the top two sides going through.
Taking into account arrival times, distances teams are travellig, and trying to keep to the previous timetable as much as possible, matches will now be as follows:
Taking into account arrival times, distances teams are travellig, and trying to keep to the previous timetable as much as possible, matches will now be as follows:
| Bottom pitch | Middle pitch | |
| 12.45 | Letchworth v Worthing | No game |
| 1.30 | Letchworth v Saracens/Fullerians | Welwyn v Worthing |
| 2.15 | Letchworth v Welwyn | Saracens/Fullerians v Worthing |
| 3.00 | No game | Saracens/Fullerians v Welwyn |
This blog ... and other stuff
First this blog may behave oddly over the next few days - bits may appear and disappear and such.
Basically this is because the software has been upgraded. Blogger are rolling out some new clever XML-based stuff and now its our turn. In the long run it'll do neat things - its already enabled me to ditch the bar at the top of the screen,and you'll notice that posts now have "labels" so you can see - say - all the U14 news on a single page. In the short run though its a flaming nightmare - just when you thought you'd worked out how it all works EVERYTHING changes! Agghh!!
Still, its getting a lot of use - 1,000 hits per month now, regularly 50 per day - 100 per day sometimes. And in recent days there's been a lot of interest from URLs based in the Sussex. Odd that, I wonder why? So, let's just say a big "hi there" to Worthing, and I hope you're enjoying the videos! Oh and hi there USA" as well - glad you like the calendar.
Finally - Nikki has added some stuff to her site, including a questionnaire about county and regional matters. Cannot imagine where she got the idea from, but seriously your views on this really would be appreciated and will help to make a difference (assuming a difference needs to be made - you may all be happy with things as they are).
Basically this is because the software has been upgraded. Blogger are rolling out some new clever XML-based stuff and now its our turn. In the long run it'll do neat things - its already enabled me to ditch the bar at the top of the screen,and you'll notice that posts now have "labels" so you can see - say - all the U14 news on a single page. In the short run though its a flaming nightmare - just when you thought you'd worked out how it all works EVERYTHING changes! Agghh!!
Still, its getting a lot of use - 1,000 hits per month now, regularly 50 per day - 100 per day sometimes. And in recent days there's been a lot of interest from URLs based in the Sussex. Odd that, I wonder why? So, let's just say a big "hi there" to Worthing, and I hope you're enjoying the videos! Oh and hi there USA" as well - glad you like the calendar.
Finally - Nikki has added some stuff to her site, including a questionnaire about county and regional matters. Cannot imagine where she got the idea from, but seriously your views on this really would be appreciated and will help to make a difference (assuming a difference needs to be made - you may all be happy with things as they are).
Friday, December 08, 2006
U17 National Cup: The draw.
The draw has just been made - and Joe wants you on the ground in the proper white shirts etc. by 11.45.
As there are five teams, three will play in a round robin "pool" with games of up to 20 minutes each way (depending on start time - more on the below). The other two teams play in a single knock-out game of 35 minute each way.
And the draw is...
POOL (bottom pitch)
Worthing have confirmed that they aim to be at Letchworth by 12.00 and are happy with a 12.45 start. As RFUW have given us permisson make any changes to timngs and match order that in the interests of the team travelling furthest the timing of games will now be:
As there are five teams, three will play in a round robin "pool" with games of up to 20 minutes each way (depending on start time - more on the below). The other two teams play in a single knock-out game of 35 minute each way.
And the draw is...
POOL (bottom pitch)
Worthing have confirmed that they aim to be at Letchworth by 12.00 and are happy with a 12.45 start. As RFUW have given us permisson make any changes to timngs and match order that in the interests of the team travelling furthest the timing of games will now be:
- 12.45: Letchworth v Worthing
- 1.40: Welwyn v Worthing
- 2.35: Letchworth v Welwyn
KNOCK-OUT (middle pitch)
- 1.30 Saracens/Fullerians vs Cramberleigh
WEATHER
Current forecast - light rain, 29mph ("near gale" force) southerly (ie. cross-field, downhill) winds. Sounds ideal!
U17s opponents on Sunday
1. WorthingFirst it might be useful to clear up "where is Worthing"?
Answer: Miles away. In Sussex. Head towards Brighton, then turn right.
Who are they? The "biggest club in Sussex" apparently - six rugby pitches, home of the Worthing 10s the seriously big (by also very expensive) festival in the spring.
As far as their girls are concerned they appear to run two U17 teams - the "Stingers" and the "Wasps", the former being the 1st XV. They are the SE League champions and have had four recorded games this season, all wins over Esher (47-5), 3H (69-15), Mitchum (22-0), and Havant (24-19).
Clearly that is all impressive but somewhat meaningless - except for their closest game against Havant... who we played and beat fairly comfortably at Beckenham.
Individually their main threat seems to be a player called Amy Wilson-Hardy, a Year 10 sub-14 second 100m sprinter who plays generally outside centre (and occasionally full back) and has scored 17 tries in four games. However they have a very strong backline in general that moves the ball very quickly (according to Havant) - in other words pretty typical for a South East team (remember Petersfield?). And they have at least two kickers who seems to be able to kick conversions.
So... no mugs this lot.
2. Welwyn
I think we are kinda familiar with this lot...
Under 14's this sunday
Ok, so after a bit of confusion there are 5 of you who are going to OA's this sunday, so yes Laura is comming!
Below are the directions that are on the club website.
http://www.oarugby.com/club_directions.php
The club is just on the outskirts of St Albans, as you come in via Harpenden, on the left, as my memory recalls its just after a bend in the road.
Remember girls this is where the england women play their home games, so its a very nice club.
The coach for the day is Clive Cramphorn.
Please look after each other, Anna knows the club well, so ask her if you are looking for anything.
Enjoy it.
Let me know how it goes.
Rachel
PS good luck to the under 17's
Below are the directions that are on the club website.
http://www.oarugby.com/club_directions.php
The club is just on the outskirts of St Albans, as you come in via Harpenden, on the left, as my memory recalls its just after a bend in the road.
Remember girls this is where the england women play their home games, so its a very nice club.
The coach for the day is Clive Cramphorn.
Please look after each other, Anna knows the club well, so ask her if you are looking for anything.
Enjoy it.
Let me know how it goes.
Rachel
PS good luck to the under 17's
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Start Rugby course
A quick note to say that Dave Roberts is now asking for the names of any parents or U17 girls who would like to take part in the "Start Rugby" course which was discussed here a week or so ago and generated some interest.
If you've got Level One then you "need not apply", but anyone else with any interest in developing the knowledge of the game, helping out with coaching (especially of beginners), and generally doing more than just play or stand on the touchline, please put your name forward.
The evening when the course takes place could be flexible so please also let me know what days of the week you cannot do.
If you've got Level One then you "need not apply", but anyone else with any interest in developing the knowledge of the game, helping out with coaching (especially of beginners), and generally doing more than just play or stand on the touchline, please put your name forward.
The evening when the course takes place could be flexible so please also let me know what days of the week you cannot do.
Introducing the Canadians
Mentioned this yesterday evening - and here is the school website.Now there is no guarantee that this will all go ahead, but if it does we would hopefully play them on the afternoon of possibly 4th April (that is a Thursday - but you are on holiday then so no worries/ And our tour isn't until the following week, so no worries there either).
But to fill in on a few details, apparently...
- The school is about 35 years old and named after a local lawyer who gave $1 million to the local education board. Its about the size of Highfield.
- Its sports teams are nicknamned the "Wildcats"
- They are quite useful - there is a report on the girls rugby team's season last year here
- Apparently they play best when its cold, if the reports are to be believed. Quite how they cope with the mud we normally have in early April I'm not sure...
- One of their leading players seems to be called Hailey (ok - different spelling)
- The school is in Lindsay - a town of 20,000 people (so about two thirds the size of Letchworth) in Ontario an hour and a half east of Toronto (the biggest city). It actually all sounds a bit like East Anglia, and quite a few of the place names seem to be from East Anglia too.
- For those who know their geography, Ontario in between Hudson's Bay and the Great Lakes
- For those more geographically challenged Canada is a country in North America. On most maps its the big (often pink) bit above the USA but before you get to the North Pole.
- And they do speak English!!!
Hertford replace Welwyn on 17th... and other news
On the 17th December bot the U14s and U17s will now be visiting Hertford, who have kindly offered to host both sides. This may revive some memories of a certain recent semi-final...
Talking of which its National Cup on Sunday. If it is confirmed that Uttlesford have withdrawn then three teams will play off in a round robin for one semi-final place (c15 minute halves), and the remaining two will play off for the other place (c35 minute halves). The draw to decide who does what will be at 12.45, and we start at 1.30 - or sooner if possible.
Meanwhile we hear that Sasha is unwell. Remember to send her appropriate messages such as "get well soon", "get well REALLY soon", "get up, you're needed", and maybe "come in no. 8..."
Talking of which its National Cup on Sunday. If it is confirmed that Uttlesford have withdrawn then three teams will play off in a round robin for one semi-final place (c15 minute halves), and the remaining two will play off for the other place (c35 minute halves). The draw to decide who does what will be at 12.45, and we start at 1.30 - or sooner if possible.
Meanwhile we hear that Sasha is unwell. Remember to send her appropriate messages such as "get well soon", "get well REALLY soon", "get up, you're needed", and maybe "come in no. 8..."
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Welwyn cancel game on 17th December
The U17 county coaches are attempting to set up an extra game on 17th December (see here for details). As a result Welwyn have now cancelled our game on that date - after all without Welwyn any county fixture would be impossible.
However at Letchworth - as this was originally a club date - we will be attempting to organise something at club level for that weekend as otherwise most players would have only had one weekend of rugby in three weeks (or four if you include the cancellation of the National Cup ten days ago).
More details as we get them.
However at Letchworth - as this was originally a club date - we will be attempting to organise something at club level for that weekend as otherwise most players would have only had one weekend of rugby in three weeks (or four if you include the cancellation of the National Cup ten days ago).
More details as we get them.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
U17: Calendars
I've had a few questions about ordering these so just to confirm.
No you don't have to order them yourselves over the internet. Mike Alcock is ordering batched of 10 to keep the P+P costs down.
So if you would like your copy of the calender before Christmas then your order needs to be with Mike Alcock by Sunday along with the £11.50.
A reminder that all the profit on these calendars is going towards the tour so get the word out, get selling to your familes, relatives, friends and lets get some money in!!!!!
No you don't have to order them yourselves over the internet. Mike Alcock is ordering batched of 10 to keep the P+P costs down.
So if you would like your copy of the calender before Christmas then your order needs to be with Mike Alcock by Sunday along with the £11.50.
A reminder that all the profit on these calendars is going towards the tour so get the word out, get selling to your familes, relatives, friends and lets get some money in!!!!!
U17: County and club training
I know that tomorrow night there is a talented athlete something or other at the sports village. I have no problem with those on the scheme attending this and understand you wanting to complete your fitness tests and therefore as this has been on the calendar since the start of the season you missing training will not affect your game time on Sunday.
However I have also been informed that at the last minute the county squad have been invited to attend the nutrition talk. This will now be the 3rd week in a row, 2 of which that were unscheduled and with late notice.
Welwyn have asked their players within the county squad NOT to attend the talk and attend club training instead, due to the cup matches this weekend, and I am now doing the same thing. If you are in the county squad please do NOT go to the nutrition tlak tomorrow and come to club training instead, especially with the way some of you were treated by county on Sunday which I think was totally unacceptable and have complained about.
Training tomorrow is hugely important as we will be preparing for the cup matches this weekend, and the main session will take place from 6:50 till 8:15.
The following are being asked to arrive at the club for 6:00 for a kicking session:
However I have also been informed that at the last minute the county squad have been invited to attend the nutrition talk. This will now be the 3rd week in a row, 2 of which that were unscheduled and with late notice.
Welwyn have asked their players within the county squad NOT to attend the talk and attend club training instead, due to the cup matches this weekend, and I am now doing the same thing. If you are in the county squad please do NOT go to the nutrition tlak tomorrow and come to club training instead, especially with the way some of you were treated by county on Sunday which I think was totally unacceptable and have complained about.
Training tomorrow is hugely important as we will be preparing for the cup matches this weekend, and the main session will take place from 6:50 till 8:15.
The following are being asked to arrive at the club for 6:00 for a kicking session:
- Hayley
- Nim
- Steph
- Katy
- Nikki
- JessI
f you are listed above and are not coming to training because of the talented athlete thing please let me know. Can all other girls refrain from turning up early to join in with the kicking session. It is a specialised session for those we feel will be required to kick on Sunday and we will not be able to cope with more than 6 players in this session.
If you have any problems, comments or feelings about the last month regarding county or are not attending tomorrow night please let me know
Regards
Joe
Monday, December 04, 2006
Your views wanted!
The county blog has a long article on it asking for your views on the county programme. Please could you have a look and post your comments, either on the what is in the article or on your views and experience of county rugby generally. You can even post anonymously if your prefer.
Its important that we get the views of players and parents, rather than just coaches and administrators. This is YOUR programme, its there to develop you as players and also give you more challenging rugby - but you do not have to accept it they way it is. If you'd like to see things organised differently (or come to that see things stay as they now are) now if the chance to be heard!
While you are thinking abut such things have a look at goplayrugby.com/survey where the RFU are collecting views on what attracts people to play rugby - and what puts them off. There are prizes to be won here!
And while you are there maybe you can think of a club or team worthy of ther RFU's new "Presidents XV Awards". Far be it for me to suggest which club or team that might be... but there's money to be had here too.
Its important that we get the views of players and parents, rather than just coaches and administrators. This is YOUR programme, its there to develop you as players and also give you more challenging rugby - but you do not have to accept it they way it is. If you'd like to see things organised differently (or come to that see things stay as they now are) now if the chance to be heard!
While you are thinking abut such things have a look at goplayrugby.com/survey where the RFU are collecting views on what attracts people to play rugby - and what puts them off. There are prizes to be won here!
And while you are there maybe you can think of a club or team worthy of ther RFU's new "Presidents XV Awards". Far be it for me to suggest which club or team that might be... but there's money to be had here too.
Mixed experiences on County Sunday
Eleven of our U17s and one U14 appeared for their counties on Sunday and had some mixed experiences, though they were turning out for four different sides at two different locations that is maybe not too surprising.
From what I have heard so far gale force winds were the highlight of the day at Newark where Samantha appeared for East Midlands U14s and Fern for the U17s. Not sure about the results yet, but the games - against Leicestershire and "NLD" (Notts, Lincs & Derby) - were only about six minutes each way, and mainly seen as a trial for the East Mids regional team.
Its a pity that East Mids County pulled out of the Westcliff tournament to go to Newark as it would have been much more interesting to see everyone together. The wind was also a factor here as well as our girls turned out for Herts, Herts Barbarians, and Eastern Counties. Herts got to the final but - after controling the first half against Essex - unaccountably fell to bits in the second. Hayley played in the first half but came off at half time. Some watching felt that these two factors might have been connected, but in practice - though H had had a damn good first period - clearly there must have been other reasons.
Nim played two full games, missing out only against Yorkshire as she needed to get her shoulder strapped, and Laura play right through the whole event at prop - if there is one player who has developed hugely through her county experience it is Laura.
Unfortunately Katie and Rosie barely got on the field - and Natalie did not play at all - at least not for the County team. Luckily she did get two games for the Barbarians.
And in many respects it was Emily's Barbarians team (which also included Jess and Nikki) that were the highlight of the day. They may not have won any games, but they pushed both Bucks and Essex very close. However the most noticable thing was that - of all the teams present - they seemed to enjoy their day most. While other sides were fixated on winning, the Barbars were there to play hard but have fun. And it showed.
Sasha was our "rep" in Eastern Counties - and what a useful side they are going to be. They may have lost of Herts and Yorkshire (the latter only just) before beating the Barbarians, but these were their first games. It won't be a stroll on the park for the "big two" (Herts and Essex) next year...
From what I have heard so far gale force winds were the highlight of the day at Newark where Samantha appeared for East Midlands U14s and Fern for the U17s. Not sure about the results yet, but the games - against Leicestershire and "NLD" (Notts, Lincs & Derby) - were only about six minutes each way, and mainly seen as a trial for the East Mids regional team.
Its a pity that East Mids County pulled out of the Westcliff tournament to go to Newark as it would have been much more interesting to see everyone together. The wind was also a factor here as well as our girls turned out for Herts, Herts Barbarians, and Eastern Counties. Herts got to the final but - after controling the first half against Essex - unaccountably fell to bits in the second. Hayley played in the first half but came off at half time. Some watching felt that these two factors might have been connected, but in practice - though H had had a damn good first period - clearly there must have been other reasons.
Nim played two full games, missing out only against Yorkshire as she needed to get her shoulder strapped, and Laura play right through the whole event at prop - if there is one player who has developed hugely through her county experience it is Laura.
Unfortunately Katie and Rosie barely got on the field - and Natalie did not play at all - at least not for the County team. Luckily she did get two games for the Barbarians.
And in many respects it was Emily's Barbarians team (which also included Jess and Nikki) that were the highlight of the day. They may not have won any games, but they pushed both Bucks and Essex very close. However the most noticable thing was that - of all the teams present - they seemed to enjoy their day most. While other sides were fixated on winning, the Barbars were there to play hard but have fun. And it showed.
Sasha was our "rep" in Eastern Counties - and what a useful side they are going to be. They may have lost of Herts and Yorkshire (the latter only just) before beating the Barbarians, but these were their first games. It won't be a stroll on the park for the "big two" (Herts and Essex) next year...
Saturday, December 02, 2006
The ultimate Christmas gift - Letchworth Girls: The Calendar!
Are you struggling to work out what gift to get for the grandma-thats-got-everything? Still looking for that special something for your Aunt/ Uncle/ Parent/ Boyfriend?Then look no further - for today sees the launch of Letchworth U17s: The Calendar!
Thanks to the photographic skills and design efforts of Mike Alcock and Phil Threlfall - plus a "Print on Demand" publishing service called Lulu - a full colour calendar packed with action photos of North Herts' finest is now available, just in time for Christmas. And its a proper, quality production - as good as any commercial calendar you'd find in the shops. The only main difference being that YOU are in it!
Copies can be ordered online at http://www.lulu.com/content/551194 for £10 + £2.34 p&p - or direct from Mike Alcock for £11.50 - saving you 84p per calendar, providing more money for the team, AND your calendar before Christmas because all orders placed with Mike before 11th December should be supplied before the 25th!
So don't delay - order today!
U17:This week
County tournament at Westcliff tomorrow.
This wednesday's training session will be 1 of the most important this year. We will be preparing for the cup round on the 10th and the welwyn game the week after, which I know you all want to do well in, so there is a hell of a lot to get through. To fully cover all the stuff we need to get through we need a virtually full turn out.
A reminder that we are combining with Sudbury in the cup and that we can only put 16 of you into this combined side. So needless to say attendance at this wednesdays training might sway the 'selectors'.
I know there is a county something or other so can all girls please email me back to let me know whether you will be attending.
Regards
Joe
This wednesday's training session will be 1 of the most important this year. We will be preparing for the cup round on the 10th and the welwyn game the week after, which I know you all want to do well in, so there is a hell of a lot to get through. To fully cover all the stuff we need to get through we need a virtually full turn out.
A reminder that we are combining with Sudbury in the cup and that we can only put 16 of you into this combined side. So needless to say attendance at this wednesdays training might sway the 'selectors'.
I know there is a county something or other so can all girls please email me back to let me know whether you will be attending.
Regards
Joe
Friday, December 01, 2006
County tournament this weekend
Directions etc. to Hertfordshire's tournament now on the county blog.
The county squad have been asked to be there by 9am for a 10am start - so suggest you leave no later than 7.30. As things stand its all still on!
For Fern and Samantha playing for East Midlands in Newark you have a slightly more civilised start, but you have to be up there by 1pm for a 2pm start. Best of luck to both of you - and let us know how you get on!
The county squad have been asked to be there by 9am for a 10am start - so suggest you leave no later than 7.30. As things stand its all still on!
For Fern and Samantha playing for East Midlands in Newark you have a slightly more civilised start, but you have to be up there by 1pm for a 2pm start. Best of luck to both of you - and let us know how you get on!
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