Training off - not enough coaches

Sorry about that, I think work commitments have laid us low.

Bluestone weekend - final payment due

Just been told that we need to pay the outstanding balance for the Bluestone weekend. Please contact Nicky Harris on 07919 627581 or email Nicola.Harris@ntlworld.com to check how much you owe. I'll need cheques made out to N Harris or cash this Sunday.

Training tonight, Tuesday 21 February 5.30pm

Mumbles Pirates vs Dunvant 10.30 Kick-off

Slightly earlier kick-off this week at 10.30 (unfortunately there is another match on after ours), So meet at Bishopston at 10.00am. Can you let Ceri know whether you will be coming back to the club for food afterwards.

Vardre vs Mumbles Pirates

The Pirates crossed the M4 on Sunday for a visit to Vardre RFC.  Once parking was secured in the busy heart of Clydach and the raging torrent crossed, on the rickety bridge, rugby could commence, or it least it should have.  The home team only had 9 players so a 13 a-side game was arranged with 4 Pirates at a time playing for Vardre (well done for that).

The Pirates started well, putting to good use the work practiced on Tuesday night.  In the first quarter 4 quick tries were posted by Matt G, Will, Jon and Matt S.  The second quarter saw a change of the 4 players playing for Vardre and they stiffened the home sides resolve with a try by Tom T and someone else (let me know) to show from it (and Will scored for Vardre).  So there was a healthy lead going into the second half.

The next 4 players for Vardre made a significant impact bringing the scores back level at six apiece (nice tries from Matt S).  The final quarter saw some fine work in the tight from the forwards and slick handling down the line for Will to score a hat trick of tries and let the Pirates close out the game 9-6 (I think).  There were two Players of the Week on Sunday, Matt Straw and Tom Truscott, though this week there were a lot of other contenders.

Well done to everyone for playing for Vardre and for playing hard; it certainly made for a more even game and it was enjoyable to watch.  A good victory this week-end gives us a good base to test ourselves against Dunvant when they come to visit on Sunday 19 February.  We plan for a 10.15 meet to build towards an 11.00am kick-off. 

NO training tonight, Tuesday 14

Match is ON this morning

Just had the word from Vardre, the match is ON after a pitch inspection. So we are planning to meet at 10.30 for a kick-off at 11.00.

Vardre vs Mumbles Pirates, Sunday 12 February 11.00am

Off to Vardre RFC in Clydach on Sunday. This one is over the rickety bridge and definitely weather dependant. They are carrying out a pitch inspection at 9.00am so watch this space and the Teamer for news. Meet at 10.30am for the 11.00am kick-off.

training on outside, 5.30ish

RUGBY CANCELLED-SUNDAY 5th PITCHES UNPLAYABLE

see u Tuesday

SUNDAY 5th BISHOPSTON 9.45-1100

Weather permitting, check blog 9.15. Please reply to teamer text with availability

The match is ON

Hendy have texted after checking the pitches.

Hendy v Mumbles Pirates, 29 January kick-off 11.00.

The game tomorrow is aginst Hendy meet 10.30 for11.00. Their address is:

HENDY RUGBY CLUB
Club House
3-7 Iscoed Rd
Hendy
Swansea
SA4 0TP
Tel: 01792 882779

Help with planning new club facilities at Underhill Park

Mumbles RFC hopes to be in a position (with Mumbles Rangers) to take the Underhill Park project forward which will culminate in a new clubhouse, etc.

For this to happen the club needs people with skills and commitment to be part of the project team, so if you have have any expertise or interest in finance, design, planning, legal, fund raising etc, please let Ceri (or any of the coaches) know.

A meeting wil be held in March to discuss the way forward, for a chance that might not occur again, so please let us know if you want to involved - this could also include friends, grandparents, retired business people, etc.

Training 17.30 Clubhouse

3 tough matches on the trot have highlighted many strengths and areas for development. Top of the list for today are counter-rucking for forwards and line position for backs together with tackling and taking the ball at pace for everyone!
please text /teamer if you are unable to make training.

Mumbles Pirates vs South Gower, Sunday 22 January 11am

I've just checked with South Gower and they are coming to play on Sunday, so we will need to be on top form.  Kick-off at 11am so if we meet at the Bishopston pitch at 10.15am we can get ourselves sorted and practice again before we play.  Second half of training on Tuesday, when everyone got a little more focussed, had some excellent running and pace and passing down the line.  Lets see if we can hit the ball at  speed on Sunday and cause South Gower some problems.

Training tonight next to Mumbles Clubhouse, Underhill Park 17:30

We'll train outside today, but dress up warm. Meet at the Mumbles Clubhouse at Underhill Park, that's next to the larger of the two rugby pitches. We'll go for a 17:30 meet.

Gowerton vs Mumbles Pirates 15 January 2012

Meet at Gowerton RFC 10.15am for an 11.00am kick-off.

TUES 10 Jan Training Indoors 17.45-18.45 Oystermouth Gym

Dunvant vs Mumbles Pirates

A first run out after the Christmas break saw the Pirates make the short journey to face local rivals Dunvant. In recent years Dunvant have proved to be tough opponents and Sunday was no exception. The squad for the match comprised:

Forwards: Connor, Sean M, Luke, Tom T, Tal, Cian, Josh and Matt S
Backs: Liam, Jake C, Rory, Harley, Joe, Jon, Will, Rhyddian, Jake S, Owen, Tommy Max and Sean A

The Pirates started well, on the wide open spaces of Dunvant's very large pitch, recycling possession and made space for Jon to score out wide (converted by Liam). This was followed by further good work resulting in Jake C taking the direct route through the Dunvant pack to score another good try (converted by Liam). However, some lax tackling allowed Dunvant to break back and score a converted try. The hosts then stepped up their rucking and began to dominate the break down area, creating further opportunities and an equalising try (again converted). So the score at the half was 14-14.

After the restart the Pirates again started strongly, contesting the breakdown and moving the ball up the pitch for Liam to work Sean A free on the blindside to score a third try, this time in the corner. More good team play moved the ball through the backs for Will to use the width of the pitch and run in another converted try. A late surge by the Dunvant pack saw them batter another try from close range, but when the referee blew for time the Pirates emerged as 26-21 victors.

A good start to the season against a strong opposition team. Key to this victory were periods of good tackling and strong rucking. We now need more of the same for longer periods. The Player of the Week was Connor.