Merry Xmas, No training 18th, Xmas Day or New Year's Day

Sorry Guys Underhill and Bishopston Unfit so Game's Off-see you at the Beaufort @ 1.30

Weekend Plans Sat 15 & 16

(LazerZone free for Pirates) On Sunday we have a home game v Cwm Afan on the main pitch, meet 10.15 for 11:00 KO Xmas Party in the Beaufort Pub, NORTON, (not MURTON)together with U14s Former Bishopston Boys, Mumbles , Welsh Schools and OSPREYS Tom Slone and Jo Rees will be there with raffle prizes and to give out Xmas goodies. Pub buffet and curry. Free for kids, adults £5 ticket to include all you can eat buffet and raffle tickets. Prizes to include signed ospreys gear. Any profit to go to LATCH kids cancer charity. 1 pm onwards

Training on 6 pm dress warm!

Loughor v Mumbles Pirates, 9 December

The match on Sunday is at Loughor RFC, kick-off at 10.45.  Meet there at 10.00am.

Training tonight 4 December

At the changing rooms from 6 - 7pm to learn the noble art of tackling someone who knows how to hand off (and other things).

Mumbles Pirates vs Gowerton, 11am kick-off Underhill

Our first chance to play on the main pitch at Underhill on Sunday and the visitors are Gowerton.  Meet at the changing rooms at 10.15 for an 11.00am kick-off.

Training on tonight

Training by the swings at Underhill tonight from 6-7pm.  The ground is a bit boggy, but there is enough space for some training.

Matched postponed, match OFF

The match at Morriston on Sunday is off due to waterlogged pitches.  We just about scratched together a team, you can all have a lie in now.  Enjoy the All Blacks game.

Mumbles Pirates vs Morriston

We need to know how many players we are likely to get because of injuries and other commitments.  Please either respond to the teamer, text, ring or mail us so we can see who's available.  The match is currently scheduled for a 10.15am meeting in Morriston.

Xmas Plans Dec 15 & 16

Trip to LaserZone 6 pm Sat 15th Dec. Can probably arrange lifts from Mumbles. Details to follow. Home match v Resolven Sun 16th. Lunch after with presentation ? mystery guest. Details to follow.

Tues 20th Training 6-7pm at meet changing room

Match is ON

Just checked with Bishopstonand the match is on.

Pirates vs Pontarrdulais, Sunday 11am

The visitors this weekend are Pontarrdulais.  The match is at Bishopston, meet at 10:15 for and 11:00 kick-off.  We will check whether the pitches are playable at 9am.

Curry tonight cancelled and first aid training

Curry tonight is cancelled due to lack of interest from parents - if you have any questions about our approach, the boys' progress or social/tour arrangements, please speak to me or one of the coaches at training.

First aid

Mumbles RFC have arranged a Emergency First Aid course approved by the WRU, to take place on Monday 19 November starting at 6.00pm for 3 hours at the club. This will be run by the St Johns, for course details see http://www.sjaw.co.uk/ .

Please let Guy or I know if you're interested in attending.

Training Sunday 10 November

Training at Underhill at 10.30 on Sunday.  We have a number of players and coaches away so we will tailor the session to suit the numbers we get.  Don't forget to watch the Wales game today!

6 Nations Home Games

All members are eligible to apply for home game tickets (Ireland and England)though numbers may be limited-suggested 2/member for England. E mail Clive Davies clivesdavies@hotmail.co.uk

Training 6 November

Training at the changing rooms Underhill tonight from 6-7pm.

The match is off

Just had word from Swansea Uplands.  The match is off this morning due to a waterlogged pitch.  Given the state of the pitches I don't think we'll rearrange a training session at this short notice.  So get you homework finished and make sure you watch the Ospreys at 4pm.

Swansea Uplands vs Pirates

Pitch inspection at 9.30 am.

Swansea Uplands vs Pirates, Sunday 4 November

Meet at 10.15am at the Bishop Gore Playing field on Sketty Lane (that's just next to the Fire Station further up from Singleton Hospital).  There's not too much parking there, but there is more just to the North.  I'll send out a Teamer for numbers.

Pirates vs Gowerton CANCELLED

Unfortunately we've had to cancel the game on Sunday as we couldn't raise a team, or enough coaches, due to a variety of reasons.  Well done to those that were available, you've earned a lie-in instead.  No training on Tuesday, but we'll aim to play next Sunday's game against Uplands.

Mumbles Pirates v Gowerton 28 October

Currently it's looking very tight as to whether we will have a team this week.  I know we had a show of hands on Tuesday, but could we have a teamer response or a text if you can play.  Currently we have:

Definite no (as away, or injured)

Rhyddian
Harley
Tom T
Tommy

Matthew G

Matt S

Cian

Liam

All others are possibles which includes:

Luke
Will M
Josh
Connor - Yes
Will L
Sean A
Jake S - Yes
Jon
Sean M
Jake C
Tom B
Owen - Yes
Rory
Joe
Max

Casualties, though possibles
Morgan (recovering ill)
Tal (injured arm)

Training Tuesday 23 October

At the changing rooms Underhill, ready to go for 6-7pm.

Team Policy

Dear Pirates and parents

In the wake of a few recent conversations it would be helpful to touch base on match day selection policy. As background we have always given all players an equal minimum game time. This aspires to keep all the children enthusiastic about rugby and sport and give the whole squad opportunity to fulfil their potential. The WRU has increasingly recognised that selection can result in losing young children to the sport and correlates poorly with future performance, hence the disbanding of District teams below U15 last year.

Equally, given that our children are pre-growth spurt, they are encouraged to experiment with different positions and discouraged from pigeon-holing too early.

Whilst sometimes this puts the team at a disadvantage, against opponents who just play their best team, it has kept the whole squad together. This year we started the year with the same 24 players that started last year, which has not been the case for some of our contemporaries and turned away 3 more whilst they remain unfilled.

Not unreasonably many of the team did other things over the summer rather than attend our pre-season training leading a slow start into the season with many new scrum and lineout skills to learn. We have made some progress in the last few weeks which culminated in a very good team victory against Penclawdd, where all the players rightly felt that they were part of the victory. Clearly we didn't have the best week-end on Sunday, particularly against a team we beat two weeks ago. There have been lots of opinions aired as to why we had this performance and what direction the team should take from here. Without going into too much detail there were lots of small mistakes, in skills, decisions, application and tactics on the week-end, that weren't present in previous weeks, which collectively hampered our performance as a team.

Clearly with some notable exceptions we still need to ignite that 'switch-on from the kick-off focus and will to win' attitude that has eluded us.

Moving forward we need to decide if we continue to focus on teamwork, fun and developing potential, inline with WRU guidance, or focus purely on winning more matches. With the former we will have a strong happy squad for the coming years. With the latter we risk losing some of the fun and some of the players along the way.

At the end of the day the team belongs to us all collectively and input and suggestion is welcome from all, especially the boys. We would be grateful if each family could reflect on this as we go forward in the Season so we can prioritise and achieve consensus on our goals. We will be arranging a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss this.  Finally any parent who would like to contribute in any capacity is most welcome in the volunteer coaching team, the necessary WRU training courses are funded by the club. The coaching team.

Mumbles Pirates vs Resolven, Sunday 21 October

This Sunday sees a hastily arranged trip over the M4 and into the Neath valley for a match against Resolven.  The kick-off is 11:30 so we plan to meet at 10:45 so that we can pick a team and get organised.

Resolven RFC can be found at the Vaughan Field off Perth-Y-Dion (the red dot below).

Training Tuesday 16 October 2012

Training at the changing rooms Underhill, 6-7pm this evening.

Festival results

Not the best of results on Sunday losing 20-0 to Penclawdd and 15-7 to Pontarrdulais.  Both our opponents were generally a bit more committed and it showed in the final results. Another good effort from Matt Straw (who I think was Player of the Week) and Will, with a good defensive display at flanker by Liam.

Ospreys Festival at South Gower on Sunday 14th

Here are the details for the festival on Sunday, straight from the email from South Gower:

The plans for the day (as concisely as possible).

Getting to 

South Gower RFC

Pwll Du Lane

Bishopston

Swansea

SA3 3HA

Parking

• The other South Gower mini and junior Teams have all arranged to be away elsewhere, however you have all been to South Gower and seen that Car Parking can be a problem so if the full sign is on the corner by the Post Office please park considerately for the locals along the local roads. 
• If you do get into the car park please park closely together - there should be some car park marshals on hand to direct. 

Food/Drink/Amenities

• Bacon sarnies/coffee and tea will be available from 10ish
• Bar will be open all day serving drinks/crisps etc..
• BBQ will be going with Hot Dogs and Burgers available
• There should be 6 useable changing rooms so if it is wet we might have to share

The Rugby

Timings:

• Register with Andrew Wiliams (Ospreys) before 10:30
• 10:30 - Run through for main coaches by Andrew
• 1st KO at 11

The teams are:

• South Gower
• Bridgend
• Byncoch
• Dunvant
• Penclawdd
• Gowerton
• Mumbles
• Swansea Uplands

The format

• The 8 will be split by Andrew into two pools so that each team will play 3 games during the day

• Games will be 20 minutes playing one way, no half time.

• There are two full size pitches so the two pools will run concurrently with games back to back with 5 -10 minutes in between.

• Rules will be communicated by Andrew but will largely be the current pathway.

• Andrew will ref on one pitch but good if each team can nominate a ref in case required.

Training tonight 9 October

Training is tonight from 6-7 at the changing rooms at Underhill.  We are down to play in a festival at South Gower on Sunday which will be longer than a single match, but we are still awaiting details on the teams and the exact format.

Vardre v Pirates, 7 October 2012

The match this week-end is away at Vardre.  Meet at 10.30 am to pick the team, the match will kick-off at 11:00am.  The clubhouse is in the heart of Clydach here.

Penclawdd vs Pirates 14-17

A late result coming through from last week-end....

The Pirates won their first victory of the season in a classic account away at Penclawdd.  Both teams lined up on a large pitch with a neutral referee who helped set the tone for a cracking encounter.  The whole team stepped up to the mark to deliver a first victory over Penclawdd for many a year.  Key to the victory was a lot more organised defence and a combative pack. The Pirates pushed out to a 7-17 lead with a few minutes to go thanks to a brace of tries from Matt Gully and Will finishing off a great team try; Owen popping over the conversion into the wind.  The hosts struck back with a consolation try in the last minute, but it was too little, too late.  The match even featured a yellow card for each side!

Player of the Week for his two tries.  It was nice to see the team celebrating like they'd won the grand slam after each try.  Let's see if we can have a few more weeks like this.

Penclawdd vs Mumbles Pirates 30 September

Kick-off on Sunday is at 10.30am, so meet at 10.00am (let's see if we can all start warming up then).  The match is on the rec (main pitch next to Penclawdd clubhouse and you can find directions http://www.penclawddrfc.org.uk/location/location.html).  Starting team for Sunday:

1  Josh    2  Matt S  3  Connor
  4  Matt G    5 Tom T
6 Tal     8  Luke   7 Jake C
9 Liam   10 Rhydd
12   Tommy  13 Rory
11 Will L   15  Will M   14  Owen

It was a good effort at training on Tuesday, particularly in the committed mini-games at the end of the session. This week we are trying to spread around the starts and we will rotate the players on to get everyone as much game time as possible.  So anyone not listed above turn up ready to play, as last week.  There are a few players who haven't started a game yet and you'll be first in the pecking order for the next game.   It's difficult to spread out the playing time as we have more backs than forwards so if anyone wants to play some games in the forwards you're likely to get some more game time.  For the game we will need to stop their no. 10 who has scored a lot against us in previous years, so 7, 10, 12, 13 in particular will really have to work hard closing down his space from the start, but we can talk about that during warm up on Sunday.  Warm up starts at 10am.

Training Tuesday 6pm

As it's forecast to be raining heavily tonight we will meet at the changing rooms at Underhill so we can do our  team talks inside.  Ready to start at 6pm, see you there.

Mumbles Pirates v South Gower

The visitors to Underhill Park this Sunday were the ever combative team from South Gower.  Another hard fought local derby was fought out in the rain on the slopes of the junior pitch.  The Pirates fought hard, but a few lapses in concentration allowed the visitors some easy tries to gain a lead of 21-0 with a few minutes to play.  At that's where it finished. There was an animated conversation with the South Gower coaching team and the match finished with a few minutes to play [let me know if the official record is something different to this].

Anyway after being on the wrong end of 8 and 10 try thrashings last year this match was a huge step up by the team, including a very committed physical performance. It bodes well for the return fixture and the rest of the season.  Player of the week was Connor with a very committed performance.

Training on Tuesday at 6pm at Underhill park.  Let's have some focus and see if we can build on the week-end's performance.

Team for Sunday

The starting team for Sunday will be:

1 Josh     2 Sean M    3 Cian
4  Connor    5  Tom B
6  Matt S   8 Tom T  7 Tal
9  Morgan  10 Jake S
12 Jake C  13 Tommy
11 Jon  15 Will  14 Sean A

Everyone else will be subbed on as normal so everyone gets a game.

Pirates vs South Gower, Underhill Park, Sunday 23 September 10.30am

The match on Sunday (23 September 2012) is against South Gower.  We are at home at Underhill Park on the junior pitch.  Meet at 10.00am for a 10.30am kick-off (remember the car park gets busy with all the tiny footballers).

Switch pass

Here's a note on the switch pass we practiced at training.

Base (or scrum half) pass

Here's what we did on Sunday with the base (or scrum half) pass.  A few more key points to practice and check the body shape from the photos.

Training tonight, Tuesday starting at 6

Training tonight, starting at 6, finishing at 7.  Junior pitch (nearest car park) Underhill Park.  The match on Sunday will be versus South Gower and will be at home at Underhill Park.

Training Sunday and practice match, Underhill Park 10.30

No opponents for Sunday so we will train at Underhill at 10.30am, same pitch as Tuesday training.  Start at 10.30, work through some techniques and finish with a practice match on the full pitch.

Training Tuesday 11 September, 6pm

The Pirates lost a close contest against Dunvant on Sunday, losing by 17-10 after a very entertaining encounter.  The team showed a much improved performance.

Training on Tuesday is a 6pm start with the first team coach, so be ready to start at 6.  Training finishes at 7pm, but after training we will have a short kicking contest 15-20 minutes for anyone who wants to take part.

Dunvant vs Mumbles Pirates, Sunday 10.30am

The match on Sunday is at Dunvant.  Kick-off is 10:30 so we meet at 10:00.  We beat them twice last year and we'll need to start well if we are to beat them again.

Training tonight at 6pm

Try and get there before to get your boots on so we can make a quick start.

Pirates v Loughor

A quick start to the season for the Pirates with a visit from Loughor.  It was a case of in at the deep end with limited practice before the season.  Some good sections of play undermined by the usual culprit of poor tackling gifting simple tries to the visitors.  A better second half saw the Pirates in the Loughor half for much of the time culminating in the final try fromWill and a scoreline of 7-27.  Much to work on against a physically similar Loughor team who were more focussed.

Training on Tuesday at 6pm.

Match vs Loughor is on

Sunday 2nd September, home against Loughor 10am meet

The proposed plan is to meet at 10am at Bishopston for a little light training, scrummaging and positional work, then warming up for a game with aloughor at 11:00am.  As we haven't practiced enough scrummaging we will have to go with uncontested scrums to keep it safe and agree that with Loughor before we start.   The match will be 15 a side, but everyone will get a good run out.  Please respond to the Teamer so we can see who is available.

Training Tues 28th August 6 til 7 Underhill carpark/junior pitch

Rugby fun day cancelled due to weather

Rugby Fun Day - Monday 27 Aug - training session with Ospreys at 13:00

Training 6-7pm Tues 21st August Underhill Junior Pitch

Ospreys Skills Event - Wed 29 Aug

Ospreys are running a skills event at Llandarcy Academy of Sport on Wed 29 August - with 10:00-12:00 set aside for U12 (12:00-14:00 for U13 and 14:00-16:00 for U14).

Free admission - book by Friday 24 August.

Contact: Andy Williams ADWilliams@wru.co.uk

Summer training

Training starts up at the end of July through August, just for some fun and to blow off the cobwebs. It will be on Tuesdays from 18:00-19:00 Junior Pitch, Underhill Park. 31 July: JB/PL 7 Aug: JB/AC 14 Aug: JB/GF 21 Aug: AC 28 Aug: AC/GF It is the holiday season, but if you want a run-around the coaches will be there. Focus will be on learning the rules for the 15 aside game. We'll send out a Teamer for each date, just to get a feel for the numbers. We do have space for new players so bring them along to summer training if you know of anyone. Funday There is also the Mumbles RFC fun day on Saturday 25 August. There is an opportunity for the U12 (that's us) to play 10:00-10:30. So we'll send a teamer out to see who is available. Fixtures First scheduled game of season is on Sunday 2 September vs Lougher at home. Depending on how training goes over summer, we may consider shifting if the coaches are not happy with preparation, particularly with the 8 man scrums.

Presentation Night Wed 30 May

Just a reminder that our presentation night is in the rugby club this Wednesday starting at 18:30. Today is the Pirates' last chance to vote for their player of the year, text me before the end of the day on Monday. Don't forget that I also need two passport sized photos for the new registration forms. thanks

Ospreys Semi Final Playoff, Friday 11th May

The Ospreys have been guaranteed a home tie in the end of season play-offs following the draw between the Scarlets and Munster in Llanelli on Saturday night, so let's pack out the Liberty Stadium and have a fantastic night.


As is the case with all knockout fixtures in both the Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12, these matches are not covered by the season-ticket as the fixtures are tournament hosted outside of the regular season, and not Ospreys hosted fixtures.

Adults £10 – U16s FREE.

K.O. 7.35pm

Grant Broad (U9s) has kindly offered to get hold of tickets for the junior teams, so please let me know by Tuesday 8 May if you want any. To collect tickets meet @ 6.45pm Friday in porch/foyer of Harvester bar/restaurant.

Have A Good Summer

Many thanks from all the coaches to the players and parents. Text will follow about an end of season event.

Game Off Today Sun 29th April

we'll be in touch about a replacement end of season event

Last Game of Season v New Dock Stars Away

We have been fortunate in finding a replacement fixture to get our last piece of action before the Summer break. Please reply to teamer if available or not. meet 10.30, NDS, Llanelli Trostre Rd, Llanelli, Dyfed SA15 1JY Tel: 01554 773369

Club News

The Contenders...
... are playing at the rugby club this Saturday (28th April) - free entry, music starts about 8:30. The under 14s are hosting a touring side from Telford, so it promises to be quite a lively night. The match against Telford kicks off at 11:00 at underhill on the Sunday.

Junior AGM
The next junior meeting will take place on Monday 30th April at the clubhouse at 7.15,agenda to follow. Apart from the normal business we will discuss the progress of the future of Underhill Park and the Jimmy Cracker 7s. All members of your team support are welcome to attend.

No training Tues24th but match Sunday 29th v New Dock Stars

Pembroke&Bluestone 2012

Given the different size and ages of family groups the itinery is ultra flexible and minimalist!

No set plans for Friday pm, lodges will be near each other so easy to meet up, I expect many will want to sample the wave pool, slides and magic river of Blue Lagoon (free entry, shuts 9pm)
And some may want to investigate the onsite pub facilities after.

Saturday

A large group mostly U 13 s is setting off to Oakwood @ 1130 (group discount kids £11, adults 16), everyone welcome, do not need to have pre-booked

15.30 Big group of u11s doing WOODLAND WARRIORS (laser zone meets outdoor paintball), space available everyone welcome, contact Ceri for more details

Sunday: Meet 10.30 at Pembroke RFC (about a 20 minute drive away from Bluestone) for 11am kick off, then free for rest of day, stay until Monday if you can!

Directions to Pembroke RFC, Crickmarren Field, Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke SA71 4AY
from Bluestone turn right onto the A4075 then right where it meets the A477, then left on the A4075 again all signposted to Pembroke. On arriving in Pembroke take the first exit off the first roundabout onto Upper Lamphey Rd and Crickmarren Field is on the left within a few hundred metres.

Training 1730 junior pitch

Bluestone update

Check out the Mumbles 99ers blog for details of the Bluestone trip.
http://www.mumbles99ers.blogspot.co.uk/

Pirates v Pontarddulais Bishopston Meet 10.15

I hope everyone enjoyed Easter break and is keen to get back in action for the last couple of weeks. We have a home match against Bont this Sunday and an away match against Pembroke +/- another next Sunday 22nd with 9 Pirates staying at Bluestone and others coming down on the day. On Saturday 21st we will go to Oakwood for the day and of couse everyone is welcome to join us whether staying down or not.

One disappointment is Clifton have cancelled for the 29th April so the plans for an end of Season event that day are on hold unless another fixture can be found (Mumbles minis had pulled out of the Penclawdd festival to accomodate the touring team and this is also now full). Remember to order Autumn international tickets!

No training today Tue 10th as most away, match on Sun 15th@ Bish v

Sun ko time to follow

No Training Tuesday

No training on Tuesday. Also Porthcawl have scratched the game on Sunday as they can't raise a team.

Pembroke Tour

plans to spend Saturday in Oakwood, everyone welcome, whether staying in Bluestone or not. Group ticket discounts available, let me know by end of Tuesday if you would like tickets and how many.

Team check for Sunday

If you are planning on coming on Sunday can you respond to the Teamer, or text me on 07767 408369.

Bridgend Athletic v Mumbles Pirates, 1 April 10:30 kick-off

Away at Bridgend Athletic on Sunday morning, 10:00 am meeting. Below are directions:

Address for the club:
Bridgend Athletic RFC
12 Ewenny Road
Bridgend
CF313HP
01656 652263

But their playing fields are near:

Bridgend recreation centre
Angel Street
Bridgend
CF314AH

You can park in the recreation centre. The playing grounds are situated behind the recreation centre, on the other side off the river, over the bridge to Newbridge fields.

We only have 9 yes for the Teamer and 3 no sp please can you confirm so we know that we're taking a full team.

530 junior carpark pich tues 27 TRAINING

Next two weeks.

Our next two weeks are:

Away at Bridgend Athletic on Sunday 1st April and
Home against Portcawl on 8th April (Easter Sunday).

We've sent out a Teamer text to check numbers. Le me know f you don't get it as a few have been going awry.

Clocks go forward

10.30 kick-off clocks go forward tonight!

Mumbles Pirates vs Morriston, Sunday 25 10.30 Bishopston

Morriston are the visitors on Sunday. Meet at 10.00am for a 10.30 kick-off. Back to the club afterwards for food; let Ceri know numbers if you can.

Ospreys News

Two messages from the Ospreys:

1. The Ospreys would like to invite ALL kids, up to the age of 16, to attend the following match ABSOLUTELY FREE. At least one adult (£10) must accompany every four (4) juniors.
OSPREYS V BENETTON TREVISO
6.30 P.M. SATURDAY, 31ST MARCH
THE LIBERTY STADIUM

Steve is going as the Mumbles U8s are playing tag at half time - so go along and support the big boys and the little ones! If you're interested, get in touch with him and he'll co-ordinate tickets with the club.

2. There are new WRU/Ospreys kids camps starting in the easter holidays and they are now available for booking:

Ages 8-12: 3-5th of April; 10-12th April

Both camps start at 8.30 - 3.30 every child will recieve a goody bag and will get to me welsh players fresh from the 6 nations!

To book please visit www.wru.co.uk/rugbystars

Training 530 tues 20th clubhouse

Wales Autumn Internationals 2012

The WRU have arranged the following games this Autumn:

Sat 10 November: Argentina - ko 2.30 - tickets £40 & £30
Fri 16 November: Samoa - ko 7.30 - tickets £25
Sat 24 November: New Zealand - ko 5.15 - tickets £80 & £70
Sat 1 December: Australia - ko 2.30 - tickets £70 & £60

He is limited as to the number of tickets for the New Zealand game but can order as many tickets as needed for the other games.

If you want any tickets please let Clive Davies know which game and the price before 25 April.

Mumbles Pirates vs Uplands, 10.30 on Sunday 18 March

Uplands are the visitors on Sunday.  Meet at 10.00am at Bishopston, for a 10.30 kick-off and back for lunch on Mothers day.

Training 5.15-6.45 at Underhill by Clubhouse

Training Tuesday night 5.15 by the clubhouse.

Pitch change, back to our normal pitch

We are playing this morning on our normal pitch at Bishopston.

Mumbles Pirates vs Bryncoch, Sunday 11 March 9.30am

An early start on Sunday, the only way to get a pitch.  The visitors will be Bryncoch.  9.00am meet on the pitch by the tennis court at Bishopston.

Training 5.15 til 6.45 Tues 6th March by Clubhouse

Match is on, but meet next to Sports Centre entrance, pitch change

The U15s are playing their cup semi-final on our normal pitch so we will most likely be on the pitch we played on last year, the nearest to the tennis courts. Meet on the grass next to the Sports centre entrance and we'll go from there.

Mumbles Pirates vs Penclawdd, 10:30 Sunday 4 March

So a chance to gain some revenge against Penclawdd. When we played the, we split the team and didn't take our chances. Full squad on Sunday so let's see if we can give them a shock. Meet at 10:00 for a 10:30 kick-off at Bishopston School.

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.

Dunvant v Mumbles Pirates

Dunvant have asked for a 10.30 kick-off tomorrow so we plan to meet at Dunvant at 9.45 to train then pick a team. As ever everyone plays. See you Sunday.

No training Tuesday 3 January

No training tonight, but there will be a mtach on Sunday (depending on the state of the pitches) at Dunvant.  We will aim to train before we play.