Matches OFF

Caswell beach 1100 for some beach touch

2 Matches Bishopston Meet 10.30

A new Penlan/Waunarlwydd combo and Bryn Coch are both coming to Bish tomorrow for 2 matches weather permitting. If iced off, touch on Caswell beach 10.30. blog will confirm at 9.15 tomorrow after pitch inspection.

Training In the Gym 1800-1900 Tues 25 Jan

Oystermouth Gym tonight given the rain

Pirates v South Gower

A proud and gutsy performance against our old enemy who fielded a physically bigger side. Tackling was strong especially before the tiring third 'extra half'and rucking technically improved. Best of all were some try scoring opportunities created by passing even when the final pass itself let us down. We lead for a period in the second half but ultimately the score was 8-6 to Gower after the third. Well done to all 13 who played with man of the match shared by Tal and Jon

Training game

Some good training today with the focus on the contact zone. All the players put in some positive work and the Man of the (mini) Match was Jake. Still more work to do for some players on tackling, but a lot of good passing a running, well done.

Both Pitches Playable -Match and Training On

Crossbones to meet at 10.30!

Slight change of plan for the Crossbones.  As it's training at Bishopston we're going to start at 10.30, when the sun should be shining, the pitch a bit softer and everyone a bit more awake.  Probably some skills and drills, before a game.

Sunday 23 Jan Weather Permitting

We only have managed to get one fixture for this week. Given the very cold weather and the difficulties of running two sides in the cold with everyone playing too little rugby to keep warm (or dry in the case of last week) we have decided to split squads and send half to South Gower and half to train at Bishopston. Smaller training groups might also help maximise everyone's potential with more individual attention possible. The group that doesnt play the match this time will play next time so match exposure is equally shared and the groups will mix and match over time.


Pirates v South Gower SKULLS MEET South Gower 9.45

FORWARDS
Kian, Sean M (Captain), Connor, Tal, Tom T, Matt S

BACKS
Liam, Rhydian, Jake C, Will, Freddie, Jon, Jo


Pirates @ Bishopston CROSSBONES meet Bishopston 10:30am

FORWARDS
Josh B, Tomasz, Luke, Matthew G, Tomas, Josh H
BACKS
Morgan (SH) , Jake S, Rory, Sean A, Owen, Tommy H, Harley

Training 17.30 under lights Tues18th Jan

Dunvant game on

Game is on !

Sunday 16 Dunvant Away meet 10am

The weather is against us I suspect - Skewen have already cancelled so just Dunvant left to decide.Meet 10.00 @ Dunvant Broadacre for 10.30ko.everybody welcome.
Keen to try new the combinations from Tues training if available:

Luke, Connor, Tom T
Matthew G (capt), Tal

Liam (SH), rhydian(FH), Jake C(Cen), Will(W), Jo(W) with Tommy H, Owen & Tomasz rolling subs

Kian, Sean M, Josh B

Matt, Tomos

Sean A, Jake S, Rory, Jon, Harley with Morgan, Josh H, Freddie rolling subs

A game (or games) of two halves

This weekend saw the return to rugby for the Pirates after the christmas break and it was a Sunday to get the old grey matter stirring.  Two teams of Pirates, the Skulls and the Crossbones, against the local visitors from Dunvant and the valley boys from Tonna.  Each Pirate team got a crack at each of the visitors for a half in a kind of multi-match challenge.

So the teams (and if I've got them wrong feel free to moan):

Skulls

Props: Josh B, Luke,
Hooker: Tomasz
Back Row: Tal (Captain), Freddie (Pack Leader)

Scrum Half: Liam
Fly Half:  Rhydian (Vice-captain)

Centres: Harley, Tommy
Wings: Jon, Sean A

Crossbones

Props: Kian, Connor
Hooker: Sean
Backrow: Tom T , Matthew S
Scrum Half: Jake C
Fly Half: Jake S
Centres: Rory, Jo, Josh
Wings: Will, Owen

Tonna came down to play after running up a score when they played the Pirates at home, with some interesting variations on the WRU's rules.  Back at Bishopston the core of the Skulls team put on a very spirited effort.  Going behind very early they came back well, tackled bravely and equalized just before the half time whistle, with the team creating space for Sean to finish in the corner.  One conversion from Liam and seven all at half time.  Tag, on came the Crossbones for a very close fought second half.  Will provided both the tries with some elusive running, Jake C popped over a conversion and that was enough for the draw (19-19) against 10 good Tonna players and a very supportive on field coach.

Meanwhile on the other pitch the Crossbones put Dunvant under pressure and got to the break two tries to the good (no posts, so no conversions), with scores from Will and Jake C.  Tag, on roll the Skulls after their marathon first half against Tonna, and immediately put Dunvant under the cosh.  Liam scores, but with no TMO and two Dunvant players underneath him the five yard scrum is given.  Dunvant then came back into the game and weary legs couldn't prevent them from crossing for a couple of scores late in the half to bring the game to a 10 - 10 draw at the end.

So, a promising start back, some good team play and very entertaining to watch.  Good wing play from Sean and Will saw them being awarded the Players of the Week.  There will be a postscript as a number of energetic heroes stayed on for a final match against Dunvant ..... but I don't know the score yet, a touch of satellite delay.

Training 5.30 outside Underhill floodlights

Well done to everyone against Tonna and Dunvant, two quality matches. Team play was impressive and reached a new level. On Tuesday we will work on forwards aggression and backs going forward with pace.match reports to follow

Sunday 9 Jan BISHOPSTON 10.30

All the local teams are keen to get into action so we have both Tonna and Dunvant coming down, 11 and 11.30 ko, so meet 1030 to organise teams. Send me a text if you know you're unavailable 07814714334. Some coaxes will be watching Ospreys Friday 7th in Beaufort in Norton 7pm, all welcome.

Training Underhill Floodlights 17.30

Happy 2011 Pirates
Time to get muddy.
Coaches please bring kit bags etc