Clifton on Sunday

The sun will be shining on Sunday so it should be a cracking day out at Clifton.  The revised squad, following late fitness tests for injuries, is currently confirmed as:

Forwards
Cian, Sean M, Josh, Luke, Tom T, Tal,

Backs
Liam, Harley, Jake C, Rory, Jon, Sean A, Will

As before a team of potential champions ready for the off.  It's still not too late to join this select band for a day in the sun, just let me know.  I have posted the RFU rules on the teamer site, in our team documents, as a pdf.

Thanks for everyone letting us know on the teamer, it should make things easier going forwards.  To those coming on Sunday GO TO BED EARLY and get a good night's rest.  Up early, watch some of the Wales game then off to England.  To everyone else, take it easy and have fun in the sun.

Teamer

Ceri has added in all the details to teamer and sent you invites.  If we use this Clifton's tournament as a practice can you respond so we can see how well it works.

Squad for Clifton

The squad who have so far confirmed they are coming to the Clifton tournament are:

Forwards
Cian, Sean M, Josh, Luke, Tom T, Tal,

Backs
Liam, Jake S, Harley, Jake C, Jon, Sean A, Will

So we have a cracking looking team, but we are a little short of players (no not little short players, read it again).  We can take 18 so if anyone else is coming or would like to come and needs a lift then let us know and we can update the squad list.  It will be an opportunity to try some of the things we don't currently do, such as contested lineouts/scrums, mauling and such like, though still NO HAND-OFFS.  I'll post up the rules when I can, they run to about 9 pages.

Clifton mini tournament

So here is the rest of the information sent through.  I plan to get there at around 9.00am to register the team (and miss the parking fiasco) so if you plan to come can you let me know so that I register you.  Play starts promptly at 10.30, so we need to be ready to go by around 10.00 am and it will take a while to get throguh the car park and find the team. 

Anyway here's what they said.

We look forward to seeing you at the Clifton Tournament on October the 2^nd 2011. Full details for the tournament are as follows. Please read these carefully. These details may be freely distributed to your parents and coaches.

1.      Registration

• Registration will take place in the clubhouse, and will commence at 9.00am and must be completed by 10.00am (to enable play to start promptly at 10.30am).

• If for any reason a team has been delayed and is likely to be late in arriving, a representative of that team is responsible for notifying the Tournament Coordinator as soon as possible and under no circumstances later than 9.45am otherwise that team may be assumed to have withdrawn and their place will be forfeited. No refunds of tournament fees in that case will be made.

• A registration form is attached. Complete a form for each age group, and bring these along on the day. (Let me know if you're coming so I can fill this out, we are a little light on numbers at the moment - PL)

• Players’ registration cards must be shown at registration. Any player without one will not be allowed to participate in the Tournament. In exceptional circumstances alternative evidence of age and identity MAY be accepted. The decision to allow participation rests with the Tournament Coordinator in case of dispute. (I have all the cards, so we're good to go there - PL)

2. Rules

• The Tournament will be played under the set of Continuum Rules (I have a set and will post the key bits later - PL) that are current on the date of the Tournament; a copy will be available on the day for reference.

• For the avoidance of doubt all games will be of the following duration assuming a minimum of five teams per pool:-

U7s	U8s	U9s	U10s	U11s	U12s
5 mins each way	5 mins each way	6 mins each way	6 mins each way	7 mins each way	7 mins each way

In the finals, if the score is level at full time the following will occur:-

U7s, U8s & U9s Each team will receive a trophy

U10s, U11 s, & U12s – In the event or a tie the “Silver Try” rule will apply, (the first team to have scored in normal time will be the winners).

In the event of a nil, nil draw both teams will receive a trophy*.

*The Teams managers with the referee will toss a coin to determine who will take the trophy on the day. Arrangements will be made for a duplicate trophy to be sent to them.

(* Teams will toss a coin to determine who will take the trophy on the day.)

Arrangements will be made for a duplicate trophy to be sent to the other team following the tournament

• Maximum squad sizes for the tournament are as follows:

U7s	U8s	U9s	U10s	U11s	U12s
12 players	12 players	14 players	14 players	18 players	18 players

3. Referees

• Each club shall supply one nominated suitably qualified referee for each age group.  (I've tolod them we aren't bringing a referee and they said no problem - PL)

• There will be a briefing meeting for referees of each age group on the relevant pitches at 10.15 am.

• Each team is to nominate a touch judge for each game in which they play who must make themselves known to the referee officiating that game.

• The referee will be the sole judge of time and is responsible for reporting the scores to the relevant pitch marshal. The pitch marshal is responsible for filing the scores to the Tournament Coordinator, and for ensuring ground control.

• Should there be any dispute regarding the refereeing decision then the Tournament

Coordinator will support and uphold the decision of the referee.

• Any complaint made by a referee to the Tournament Coordinator concerning abuse (let's keep cool out there folks - PL) in any form from players, coaches, or spectators could result in disqualification of the team concerned.

4. Tournament Play

• Each age group will be divided into two pools and play will take place on two pitches for each age group. Details of the pitch layout will be available in the tournament programme together with the times of each game. All supporters must remain behind the ropes at all times.

• All teams must report to the correct pitch and be ready to play at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start. If teams are late the pitch marshal has the authority to award the game with a score of 2 points to 0 to the team waiting following a wait of a minimum of 5 minutes from scheduled start. This is in the best interests of all concerned.

• Each team will play against every other team in its pool, 3 points will be awarded for a win and 1 for a draw. In the event of a tie the order of teams will be decided by count back of tries scored. If teams are still equal then a try difference count (tries for minus tries against). If the teams are still level then the result will be decided on the toss of a coin.

• The pitch marshals are responsible for the smooth running of the pitches and will ensure that the timetable is adhered to as far as practical. No game will start before the scheduled start.

• There will be no conversions at any age group

• Finals will be played as follows:

Cup Final: Winner Pool A v Winner Pool B

Winner receives the Cup and the Runner-up the Plate

Shield Final: Runner-up Pool A v Runner-up Pool B

The winner receives the Shield.

In this way the top two teams in each pool will be competing for three pieces of silver ware. All participants in the Cup and Shield Finals will receive a medal. (So folks if you want a medal, and I no some do enjoy the silverware, then you have to finish in the top two in the pool - PL).

• All trophies and medals will be presented at the conclusion of the Tournament.

Travel directions for Clifton RFC's mini tournament 2 October 2011

Ok, here is the first of a number of posts about the tournament on Sunday.  First up is parking and travel and I would get there early to avoid as much hassle as possible.

5. Ground Arrangements / Parking

• The tournament will take place at Clifton Rugby Club, Station Road, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol BS10 7TT. Directions included below

• Parking at the ground is always a challenge on tournament days and you should advise all managers/ coaches / parents to arrive early. Car sharing is positively encouraged. Clifton Rugby Club does not guarantee any parking at the ground, and parking is solely on a first come first served basis. This applies to Clifton participants and visitors.

• If you intend to arrive by coach please notify us as soon as possible. You will be directed where to park by marshals. This may or may not be within the Club’s grounds.

• Generally the early arrivals will be parked the furthest distance away to ensure an efficient car parking operation.

Please do not park on the road as any cars may be liable to be booked / towed away by the Police.

• ADMISSION TO THE GROUND WILL BE BY PROGRAMME ON SALE AT THE GATE. ADMISSION IS FREE FOR CHILDREN, AND £3 PER ADULT. ADMISSION APPLIES TO ALL MODES OF ARRIVAL.

• In the interests of hygiene and safety NO DOGS are permitted on any part of the Club’s grounds. Please make parents aware of this rule.

• Parents are welcome to bring picnics but NO INDEPENDENT BARBECUES, OPEN FIRES OR COOKING APPLIANCES are permitted on any part of the Club’s grounds.

I would ask you to make all your coaches aware of the above arrangements and would ask that if anyone wishes to make comment or has a concern with any of the arrangements to please contact me. I look forward to welcoming you to the 2011 Tournament and wish you all a successful and enjoyable day.

Directions to Clifton RFC:

The address for those that have Sat Nov is

Station Road
Cribbs Causeway
Bristol  BS10 7TT

Take junction 17 off the M5 follow signs for A4018 Cribbs Causeway.

Follow the A4018 toward Bristol. Go straight over the first roundabout with Harvester on the right.

Travel a half-mile downhill (you will see a Shell garage on the right and Dick Lovett on the left).

Veer left at the next roundabout following signs for Bristol. A right turn at this roundabout is NOT PERMITTED and you will not be allowed into the club by the Car Park staff.

Travel about 3/4 of a mile to the next roundabout (

Crow Lane

public house is on the right corner), U-turn back onto the dual carriageway you were on.

Travel north for about ¼ mile where beyond the railway bridge (roughly half way between the railway bridge and roundabout) there is a slip road (one way) on the left signposted Clifton Rugby Club. If you miss this road go to the next roundabout U turn and retrace your steps. A left turn at the roundabout is NOT PERMITTED.

Take this road until it ends, and take a right. Station Road is one way towards the roundabout BUT with a contra flow bus lane.

Clifton RFC is 100m on the left. Please have your admission fee of £3.00 per adult ready.

Please park in the Club car park as directed by the marshals. Please respect the aisles which are needed for free circulation, and in case of emergency access.

Station Road has parking restrictions so do not park on the road as any cars may be

liable to be booked / towed away by the Police.

Training 530 junior pitch, please confirm if going To Clifton or not

Please text if coming or not to Llantwit 07814717334

I

Sunday 25th September, mini-festival at Llantwit Fardre

We have been invited to a festival at Llantwit Fardre on Sunday, which should give everyone a bit more game time, as we are scheduled for 4 games (rather like the Gower Cup format).  We can discuss this tomorrow after training, but the details provided so far are:

Location - festival will be on our Cae Fardre pitch. From Swansea leave M4 at Llantrisant junction. Drive about 1 1/2 miles to Talbot Green roundabout. Take 3rd exit for Pontypridd. At first roundabout go straight on. At next roundabout go straight on (this will take you onto new bypass and may confuse any sat navvers!). Straight on at next roundabout. At next roundabout take 1st exit . Travel up hill to traffic lights. Go straight over the junction and the pitch will be on the right after 200 yards. There will be parking available at the local schools and parking marshalls will hopefully be able to assist. It shouldn't take more than an hour from Mumbles. If you look on our website http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/llantwitfardrerfc there's a google map which might help.

Registration - from 10.00am. First games will be on at 11.00am and we would expect to finish by 2.30pm - 3.00pm.

Playing rules - Pathway rules to apply save that games will be 10 a side. No conversions. At coaches meeting before 1st games we'll decide on whether we'll allow kicking. It will be round robin (no semi finals / finals). Programme will contain details of how winners will be decided in event of a tie etc. The other teams coming are Abercwmboi, Ystrad Rhondda and Pontyclun.

General - food and drink will be available throughout the day.

Mumbles Pirates vs Bridgend Athletic

A good challenge on Sunday for the Pirates and although Bridgend ran out 31-44 victors there were some heartening signs from the Pirates.  After a traditional slow start gifting the visitors a good lead, the second period of three saw the Pirates roar back with tries from Tal, Jake C (2) and Luke; conversions from Jake and Joe.  Going into the last third it was 24-29, but Bridgend again upped the pressure to score three more tries.  A fine final try from Sean A (which he converted), rounded off the scoring.  Hugely impressive fight back from the team and a very good final try.

Jake C and Sean A were the joint players of the match; they both delivered perfect passes for each other to score on the overlap.  Glorious rugby, not just because the sun was briefly shining between the downpours.  Good performances all round and very entertaining to watch.

Lots of good tackling and rucking all round, but utlimately let down by being too passive in defence at key stages in the game.  We need to get up together quicker to put pressure on our opponents and make the tackles on our terms, not wait for them to build up a head of steam.  When we did that we won the second period 24-0 against a good team; something to think about for training tomorrow.

Game is ON today

Just checked with Bishopston and the pitches are fine, so see you at 10.

Sunday 18 September 2011 vs Bridgend Athletic, Bishopston 10am

Meet at Bishopston at 10am for a 10.45 game, again this will give us a little time to get organised and focussed.  Our opponents will be Bridgend Athletic so we will have to tackle well and contest at the break down; it should be another good early season test.  The pitch will not be our normal one, but a different one behind the school, though we park in the normal car park.

Don't forget set your recorders for the Wales vs Samoa game (4.30am kick-off).

Pirates training, Tuesday 13 September

More good work tonight keeping the ball alive in the tackle.  Another game, to get our match practice up to speed before Sunday, featuring the Skulls and Crossbones:

Conor’s Skulls

Front row: Matt G, Matt S, Conor

Second row: Tal

Scrum half: Tommy

Fly half: Rhyddian

Centre: Jake C, Owen

Wing: Sean A, Joe

Rory’s Crossbones

Front row: Luke, Sean M, Josh

Second row: Tom T, Tom

Scrum half: Morgan

Fly half: Jake S

Centre: Harley, Rory

Wing: Jon, Will

A much closer game this one finishing with the Crossbones on top 5 tries to 3 (some good converting all round).  Good strong running all round, but some weaker tackling at times.  Recycling improving and the Trainer of the Week was Sean M for his good recycling of the ball, popping up for the support runners (there were many contenders this week).  Also some good clearing-out this week, from Josh and Luke.  All in all, very entertaining to watch.

Pirates training match, Sunday 11 September

The Pirates played a training match against themselves on Sunday and it turned into a full blooded affair.  The teams were:

Skulls

Front row: Luke, Sean M, Tom

Second row: Matt S

Scrum half: Liam

Fly half: Jake S

Centre: Jake C

Wing: Tommy, Joe

Crossbones

Front row: Matt G, Tom T, Josh

Second row: Tal

Scrum half: Morgan

Fly half: Rhyddian

Centre: Harley

Wing: Jon, Owen

After a close opening with one converted try a piece the Skulls pulled away to score a good victory.  Key to this was good work at the breakdown and direct running.  The Crossbones had many good phases of play, but lost the ball at key times.  Try scorers for the Skulls were Luke, Matt S, Liam, Jake S and Joe to the solitary try from Matt G.  Player of the week was Liam who fell well a popped the ball up to keep it alive, plus a good all round game.

Training, Tuesday 13 September 5.30pm.

Training on tonight on the pitch by the car park.  See you at 5.30pm.

Sunday 11 September, training at Underhill 12-1pm

After the Welsh victory against South Africa (fingers crossed) a chance for a run out to emulate our heroes.

Training this week

Trainer of the week was Owen for some more committed tackling and direct running.  Lots of other good work in the rain focussing on attacking straight with pace and moving the ball along the back line.  Also defending by pushing up quickly in a line and putting on pressure.  Good to see some committed rucking and good handling even with the rain tipping down.

Training 5.30

South Gower v Mumbles Pirates

The Pirates arrived at South Gower for the first match of the season to continue the rivalry against a well drilled opposition. Taking to the wide open spaces of the South Gower pitch the Pirates started well recycling possession and moving the ball well. However, the hosts soon began to exert some pressure and, despite some fierce tacking from the Pirates, they moved the ball wide to score a couple of tries.

After the break there was more of the same with some static play and lack of penetration letting the Pirates down after good passages of play. Two further tries followed for South Gower and they led at this stage 20-0. The Pirates then moved the ball wide releasing Will to score from distance, lifting the heads of the flagging Pirates. With the bit between their teeth they exerted pressure on South Gower with some aggressive defence. This created two tries for Sean A, one after a period of pressure on the host's line and one fine try from distance when Sean straightened the line and cut right through the defence; one converted by Jake C. A final rousing effort left Jon and Rhyddian just short in the corner (a better marked out pitch and the Pirates may of snatched a late winner).

Although it finished as a 20-17 loss it was a hugely impressive fight back and South Gower were glad to hear the final whistle. A great effort from everyone, particularly with lots of players slotting into less familiar positions. A lot to look forward to for the season.

The team on Saturday started with:

Props Josh B, Luke
Hooker Sean M
Second Row Tal, Conor
Scrum Half Morgan
Fly Half Rhyddian
Centres Jake S, Harley
Wings Sean A, Jon
Full Back Jake C

..and rotated on Tom T, Tom, Matt G, Owen, Will and Matt S at the quarters. This weeks Player of the Week was Luke, though there were a lot of contenders with Sean A, Jake C and Will having good games and every player tackling well. A good all round team performance.

Training on Tuesday at Underhill and Next week-end there's no game so it we're looking to train after the Wales v South Africa match (9.30am kick-off).

South Gower v Mumbles Pirates, 4th September

We have our first match of the season this Sunday at South Gower.  They have requested a 10.30am kick-off so if we could be at their ground by 9.45am that will give us a chance to get organised.  We will look to pick the starting team from the trainers from Saturday and Tuesday, but we will endeavour to get everyone the same game time.  It may take a little juggling with 12 aside and some different postions to fill. See you Sunday.

Training feedback

A good session on Tuesday with Jon being our Trainer of the Week, though there were a lot of contenders.  So nice passages of play from Jon, Matt S, Tom, Will, Sean M, Morgan, Conor, Josh B, Tal, Harley, Tom T, Sean A, Rhydian, Luke, Matt G and Jake C (if I have missed anyone let me know).  Key elements this week learning how to fall when tackled, tackling below the waist, base pass and taking a pass. With more work we could be the best knee rugby team in Swansea (if you missed it you'll get another chance to play).