2014-15 SEASON The newsletter of S&ERFC in touch 02 January 2015 IN A PACKED ISSUE: Rowland’s Ramblings 1st Feb: Your Club Needs YOU! Big Game Report Seb gets the England Call Up! Quins Camp in Feb Half Term Mini and Junior Round Up Concussion Awareness Course Coaching Corner International Tickets Events U21s Report Referees Round Up RFU Raffle Youth Girls in the Cup Semi-Finals In Touch meets... Bob Haime Rowland’s Ramblings... The season continues to progress positively around the club. Whilst Chobham ended the 1st XV’s winning streak in a very tight game at their place, the boys have bounced back well with bonus point wins against Gosport and Brighton. We rested pretty much the entire 1st XV for the 23-22 cup loss to Old Reigatians last Saturday, so given our opponents are only one league below us, it was a strong performance for the 2nd XV to get that close – a few players also put their hands up for 1st XV selection which is absolutely necessary at this stage of the season. All eyes now turn to this Saturday and the home match against Sidcup. They were the early pace-setters in the league and were unbeaten until we turned them over at their place in October. However, they have hit some rich form recently and will come here full of confidence. They sit a couple of points behind us in the league, so it promises to be a very tight game. It’s these games where we need the help of the 16th man on the touchline… ie. you! The players would love to see as many supporters as possible turn out on Saturday to lift them – you’ve been great so far, so let’s try to keep it going. Elsewhere, many of you will recall from my musings over the years that my biggest concern has been the dwindling numbers playing the game, and in particular, the drop-out rate from Junior to Senior rugby. In that respect therefore, what I write below must go down as one of the best results we’ve had… although I can claim very little part in it! Mark Felstead joined S&E as a 17yo, some 20 years ago. I can’t recall the last time anyone called him by his real name. To all of us in the club he is simply known as Pumba. During his time at the club he has played for every senior side in the club, often in one season! He has captained the 3rd and 4th XVs and has suttonrugby.co.uk Thoughts from the Director of Rugby’s chair! been club captain for 5 years, as well as being instrumental in setting up the Ladies side a few years ago. I could go on and list his achievements but I think you get the picture – Pumba is one of the great contributors to the club. Last year, after holding a mini-summit on the problem of retaining Juniors, I asked Pumba to run the 3rd XV and use that as the ‘base’ for the retention and re-engagement of our younger players. After teaming up with Jamie Occomore’s relentless energy and organisational skills, the pair set about their task. It hasn’t been easy – there are plenty of alternative attractions for youths in this area, and despite the much lauded technological savvy the boys have in this age, it’s amazing how many of them can’t respond to a text! This hasn’t deterred Pumba and Jamie, and as a result, we are into the depths of the season, and are struggling to get all boys a game on a Saturday. Pumba had a squad of 23 for last week, and whisper it quietly, we aren’t that far away from thinking about a 5th senior side. So how have they done this? • C reating a ‘Colts’ set up in our U17s and U18s, whereby both teams still have their age group sides, but they train together and many U17s play for the U18s when required. • U17 numbers have increased from 20 to 30 during this season alone, as word has spread • Having the Colts training with the 1st XV during pre-season • We now have 8 Colts who are regularly playing senior rugby with another 6 hitting the minimum age to play senior rugby in the next few weeks and who are itching to play. There is no magical formula – it is just a question of continuing the hard work week after week, maintaining the connection between the boys and the club and ensuring they are aware of what opportunities that are there for them, whether its social rugby or producing Kyren Ghumra and Luke Mason to play for the 1st XV. in touch 02 ROWLAND’S RAMBLINGS continued EVENTS It’s not glamorous, it’s not high profile, and sometimes it can be bloody frustrating but it’s working, and this club owes a huge debt of gratitude to Pumba and Jamie for what they have done. I know they would also like to acknowledge the work of the U17 & U18 coaches, Gary Woodcock, Andrew Spooner, Paul Palombo and Nick Barber. We haven’t always had open minded coaches at these age groups in the past, and it’s understandable to want to hang on to your group when bonds have been forged over a long period of time. However, it’s in the best interests of the club to transition them into senior rugby, and our current crop of coaches are open minded enough to realise that. A full and fun-packed calendar of events at the club... I hope to see you all on Saturday for the Sidcup match. Rowland Cheall SEB GETS THE ENGLAND CALL-UP! We’re delighted to announce that recent Junior graduate, Seb Adeniran-Olule, has been named in the provisional 32-man squad for the forthcoming England U20 Six Nations campaign. Seb is only 19 and so this is a fantastic achievement. Just like the Elite Squad, England U20 start their campaign in Wales on the first weekend of the championship and there’s no reason to suggest that Seb, a full-time member of the Harlequins Academy, can’t be selected in the squad. From everyone at S&E, all the best Seb! RFU CONCUSSION AWARENESS PRESENTATION Wednesday 25 February 2015 8.30pm @ Rugby Lane There will be a Concussion Awareness Presentation lasting approximately 1hr regarding our knowledge and awareness about concussion injuries. This is currently a hot topic in all sports and uppermost in Rugby due to the nature of our sport. The course will be delivered by a high level RFU Personnel or even an RFU Doctor. It will take place upstairs in the clubhouse and is open to all Head Coaches, Managers, Coaches, Referees, Parents, Physios, and all from mini to senior level. To date we have had only 15 acknowledgements from just 3 age groups. It is expected that each age group will make every effort to ensure they are represented at the presentation. Barry Nolan (CCC) suttonrugby.co.uk Friday 30th January 2015 Wine Quiz at the Clubhouse Cost is only £10 which includes vast amounts of wine and a buffet, please book with Lin behind the bar. Saturday 31st January 2015 League Lunch – 1st XV v Sidcup The menu is Fish Pie with green beans, Banoffee Pie and Cheese & Biscuits. Lunch will be served at 12.30pm and the cost is £16 per head (including match programme), book with Lin behind the bar. Friday 20th February 2015 Film Night Suitable for 6-12 years – bring your friends – only £3.00 each which includes film, popcorn and a drink! Runs from 6.00 – 8.00pm and all money raised will go towards kit for the mini section. Saturday 21st February 2015 Minefield! After the success of the Centurion, it’s time to see which squad has the strongest nerve. All sides must supply at least one 5 man team to compete. This invite goes out to all members from the 1st XV, Swallows, Swifts, Extra Bs, Ladies, U21s, Vets and Committee. If any of the coaching teams would like to enter (or any other groups who would like to be considered) please advise Stitch. Toilet breaks are permitted. 2nd May 2015 Black and White Ball This is being held at the Holiday Inn Sutton and as last year there will be a live band. We have rooms available at a reduced rate of £79.00 per room inc breakfast. Tickets are £45.00 each. Book early to save money and avoid disappointment! RFU RAFFLE To remind everyone that there are just 5 weeks left to raise funds for the club and your age group from the sale of RFU raffle tickets. For every ticket sold the RFU will donate 90 pence back of which 50% stays with the age group and other 50% will go into the club to fund improvements for all. We have had a massive response so far by most age groups and our target is to get over 10,000 tickets sold and stubs and monies will be required by the end of February 2015 please. If anyone requires any more tickets or wishes to take part then email Garry Jones on [email protected] in touch 02 COACHING CORNER YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU! On Sunday 1st February the flooring upstairs in the clubhouse needs taking up so that the new flooring can be put in the following week. We need as much help as possible to make this happen and any volunteers will be appreciated. Volunteers will be fed and watered/beered on the day. Invite whoever you like, the more the merrier! 10.00am meet upstairs in the clubhouse. SUMMER CAMP 2015 Words of wisdom from Barry, our very own Club Coaching Co-Ordinator. As always, the coaches have been busy this month. The most notable is that we have 6 young coaches undertaking the role as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Volunteering Scheme, they’ve been a great asset to the coaching teams they’ve joined. The Coaches Noticeboard is constantly updated with information and calendars along with new RFU Continuous Personal Development (CPD) and RFU Qualifying Level 1 & 2 courses including detailed descriptions. The board contains our Coaching Philosophy and Player Philosophy that all at the club should be conversant with. Following on from last year’s tremendous camp with over 120 children in attendance for the week, bookings are now being taken for this year’s camp. To book onto RFU Courses, please follow this link: www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/courses/search Running out of Christmas present ideas? What better than booking your child onto this seasons Summer Camp? The dates for this year’s camp are from Monday 17th – Friday 21st August. So come and get your child to learn to play the SUTTS Way! For bookings and enquiries, contact the Summer Camp Team on: [email protected] We would welcome everyone’s thoughts on holding regular Coach Development meetings throughout the season, so please give me your feedback? CPD Calendar CPD Rugby Ready Foundation Course 7pm to 10pm on Monday 2nd February 2015 cost £15 9nr places left S&E RUGBY SUMMER CAMP 17-21.08.15 QUINS CAMP – THIS HALF TERM! Harlequins Half-Term Rugby Camp at S&E for Boys and Girls aged 6-17. Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th February. Full details and bookings - follow the link on our website homepage. HARLEQUINS RUGBY CAMP AT S&ERFC suttonrugby.co.uk CPD Coaching the Kicking Game in 15 a side game suitable for all ages Mini – Youth – Adult accordingly 7pm to 10pm Monday 9th March 2015 cost £15 15nr places left CPD Scrum Factory 7pm to 10pm on Monday 23rd March 2015 cost £15 14nr places left If there are any other courses that anyone in the club would like to see put on or for next year, please get in touch with me. If anyone else would like to attend any qualifying courses please contact me at the club or my details are on the Website/ Noticeboard. We currently have approximately 120nr Coaches and Managers across all ages from Kinders, Minis, Junior Girls & Boys and Senior Ladies & Men where we have approximately 700 players. – We have 25nr coaches qualified to Level 1 – 21% – We have 7nr coaches qualified to Level 2 – 6% – We have 1nr coach qualified to level 3 – 0.8% – We have approximately 98% coaches CRB/DBS certified. in touch 02 U21s REPORT Those of you that follow the squad will be aware that we started our campaign with a comfortable win to nil in September against Old Cats. Thus we went into the Christmas campaign with a good deal of confidence for games against Chipstead, Alleynians and Walcountians. The first game against Chipstead gave me a feel for how frustrating U21 rugby can be. Unavailability abounded and we arrived at Chipstead without a full complement of backs. This meant playing the likes of Michael O and Will Wadwa, both talented and effective forwards, out of position at centre and wing respectively. The huge Chipstead pack took full advantage and we struggled to contain their driving maul. This put us on the back foot from the start and we conceded early points to suggest a long afternoon awaited us. The boys adapted to the Chipstead rush defence and started to employ the kicking game to better effect and it looked as though we would start to compete but the kicking game comes with risks and inevitably we found ourselves conceding more points in an effort to turn their defence. The game finished 27-19 with us winning the second half. A fair result given the unsettled nature of our squad and the sheer size of theirs. I think, had we had everybody available, that we would have run them close. Will Feltham was man of the match for me as he made some try saving tackles and was as secure as one can be under an aerial bombardment. The second fixture was a flood lit affair at home on the Friday after New Year against Old Alleynians. The Alleynians players arrived without support staff as their coach was away organising his wedding. Hats off to these lads for making the fixture away from home and coming with a great attitude. The good news was that we had a full set of quality backs and we looked as though we would take the game to the opposition. The game was played out at a tremendous pace and with huge commitment from both sides. They had a really strong running back 3 and ran at every opportunity. However, we were simply better than them in the first half and scored 3 good tries and converted 2 giving us what looked like a comfortable lead. It turned out to be anything but. Alleynians started the second half like a team of scalded cats, running everything from anywhere. We were a little slow to react and before we knew it we were in a fight for the game. 3 tries were scored with one converted making for a very nervous last 15 minutes. It is here, however, that I must praise Jonathan’s captaincy and Henry’s place kicking. 2 well-earned penalties were turned into 6 points ensuring that we remained 2 scores clear and pushed Alleynians to force a few plays and make errors. Had they held on to a few more passes it may have been a different story but we ended up with a 26-17 win. suttonrugby.co.uk The men of the match were Jacob up front and Matt out wide. Jacob was tireless in defence and Matt’s excellent kicking out of hand kept us in the right areas of the field. A really enjoyable win. Our final fixture was a bridge too far. We played Walcountians under floodlights on a Tuesday night after half or more of the excellent back division that had played so well against Alleynians had gone back to university. We were essentially a team of forwards with the odd back in to keep our good looks tally high. Walcountians had some real quality. Their back 3 were quick and strong and their 15 in particular was really classy. We competed well but with so many players out of position Walcountians got behind us to easily and turning on the heavy pitch made recovery tough. So, mixed fortunes in a campaign that has proved difficult to coordinate and even harder to fulfil but 2 wins from 4 is not a bad showing taking into account the above. I’d like to thank everyone who has turned out for us as, win or lose, we have enjoyed the experience. We can look forward to the knock out game, which will be after Easter and hopefully when we have everybody to choose from. We don’t quite know who we will be playing but we will give any team a fair contest if the whole squad is available. It is great keeping the lads together and it’s always a pleasure watching them play. With more and more players stepping up to senior rugby our raison d’etre is showing itself. Pete CAPTION COMPETITION Our very own U9s Head Coach, John Potts, on the Hallowed Turf at Twickenham Stadium in the build up to the Big Game 7, but the question is, can you give it a caption? Ideas to the editor: [email protected] in touch 02 YOUTH GIRLS MAKE THEIR MARK IN THE CUP BIG GAME REPORT On Sunday 18th January our U15 Girls Contact Team headed off to Medway for the London & South East Semi Final and what a performance the girls gave! Now established in the Quins fixture schedule the traditional switch of the festive home game to Twickenham stadium. Their first match was against Basildon where the girls managed an 81-0 win! Not bad considering the games were 15 minutes each-way. The second match was against a very experienced Medway side and with no rest-break for our girls, the game was a nail biting and evenly matched encounter. The game could have gone either way but unfortunately our girls fell just short losing 15-12. It was a performance our girls and their parents should be immensely proud of, we’re still a developing squad and to come so close to the area final is a fantastic achievement! Shania Thompson was voted Player of the Tournament for her fantastic work at the breakdown and in open play. Onwards and upwards girls! SATELLITE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME This season, Sutton and Epsom have begun the very successful Satellite Schools Programme throughout the local area. Stanley Park Junior, All Saints Carshalton, Overton Grange and Rosebery have all benefitted from weekly rugby sessions throughout this term. This is with the aim of getting more schools playing rugby in the local area with the hope to attract new members to the club, as well as boost participation within rugby with the England Rugby World Cup imminent. This programme has already led to 45 children playing rugby for the very first time, and this project has only just started out. Recently, Stanley Park Junior and All Saints were invited to partake in a tag tournament at Rugby Lane which was a storming success, thanks to further teams provided by our own U8s. This year was a little different as, while many S&E members normally make the trip out, there was an incentive to make that extra effort for some of the minis. The challenge was thrown down by Quins to some of its preferred partner clubs that if we could get 250 members to the game then they would issue discounted tickets and also allow the minis to play a match on the sacred turf before the main event. The club response was magnificent, with us close to 1,000 members taking up the offer. This meant that players from U7 to U12 groups went head-to-head on the pitch against Teddington. Envious parents were watching with friends and family from the stands hoping that one day that their sons or daughters would be back one day for greater honours. That was not it. After the matches it was back to The Stoop for Q&A with Nick Evans, the Quins Kiwi Fly Half, for the players to ask some personal and awkward questions! We now know that Danny Care and Ugo Monye take the longest to get ready after a match, funny how it is always the backs and not the good looking forwards! After the Q&A the players then formed a massive guard of honour as the team left The Stoop on their way to Twickenham. Unfortunately Quins did not quite have enough to beat Northampton but an enjoyable day was had by all. COYQ! If you believe your child’s school could benefit from the Satellite Schools Programme then please contact Sam Phillips, our SSP Co-Ordinator, on sam_phillips1@ hotmail.co.uk suttonrugby.co.uk Editor’s note: Hats off to Garry Jones for organising the BG7 tickets, organising nearly 1,000 tickets for one game is above and beyond the call of duty! in touch 02 MINI AND JUNIOR ROUND UP SOCIAL MEDIA January is always a quiet month for the minis, with festivals in low supply and the conditions not really suiting mini rugby. Rest assured, next month we’ll be hearing about everything our minis have been up to! However, January is always a busy period for Junior fixtures with the league campaigns getting into full swing. The U13s have continued their good form with A and B team wins against Wimbledon and Cranfordians respectively, followed up by their As beating Rosslyn Park emphatically (55-10) and the Bs losing in a hard fought game against Richmond (7-29). This means that, depending on other results, there is a chance that the U13s could finish as Runners-Up of League 1, we’ll keep you posted! The U14s have had three league fixtures on consecutive Sunday’s, winning the first against Farnham (35-28), narrowly losing the second against Esher (5-12) and losing the third in a high scoring contest (24-49). The Youth Girls had good results away at Uckfield; the U15s winning comprehensively (47-0) and the U13 Girls, in their first ever game of contact rugby, also winning comfortably (3515). Back to the boys, the U15 B squad lost to Guildford (0-32) but the U16 B squad won a very tense encounter 10-0 against Farnham who have recently changed their kit to black and white hoops, we must be setting a trend! The colts narrowly lost to Richmond (14-17) but their transition to senior rugby is stepping up with more players taking the field for the Saturday fixtures for either the 3s or 2s. Don’t forget, if any member has anything club related they would like to tweet, then please feel free to contact S&E’s dedicated Tweetmeisters: Ryan Reino [email protected] / @Ryan_Reino Rachel Forsyth [email protected] / @BruceyForsyth In the meantime, get following: Follow us @SuttonEpsomRFC And whilst you are at it, don’t forget to follow the Sutton & Epsom Ladies as well: Follow us @SuttonLadies And remember to ‘like’ on Facebook: Events at S&E RFC Website updates to Bob Haime [email protected] REFEREES ROUND UP This month has seen new editions join Sutton and Epsom Referees Section, no doubt they’ll be visiting a pitch near you so please make them feel welcome! INTERNATIONAL TICKETS Six Nations All available tickets for the Scotland and the France games have now been taken up by members but, at time of writing, there are a few tickets available for the England/ Italy match on Saturday 14th February, KO 5pm. Tickets priced at £65. England vs. Barbarians Ticket prices are: Adults £50 and £35; Juniors (under 16) £15 for the game on Sunday 31st May 2015, KO 3pm. This is an opportunity the see the England XV play before the World Cup, with tickets at a reasonable price. Any member interested for the above game should contact Bryan Chapple on 01372 464250 or [email protected] suttonrugby.co.uk Over the coming months all junior and adult games will have Respect Barriers pitch-side following feedback from a recent Surrey Referees Meeting. Please make sure that all spectators, parents and coaches adhere to these so that no-one is entering the field of play who shouldn’t be. From last month’s edition asking for the best name for a group of referees, the winner is... Jamie Occomore for his suggestion of a ‘flock of refs’ as in, for flocks sake ref! As promised, here’s a Referee Profile of… Name: Cameron Murtagh Age: 19 Number of S&E refereeing caps? About 75 Junior Matches and 10 festivals (far too many!) What made you become a referee? Couldn’t play anymore, it’s a great way to keep involved in rugby! If you could change a law, which one and why? Offside from a knock on. It’s instinct to dive on the ball if you see it. in touch 02 IN TOUCH MEETS... BOB HAIME Best Banter heard at the club? Hopefully people will remember Peter Thompson. He was in the stand many years ago – it was at the height of the mad cow disease crisis in the mid 90s – watching the 1st XV. The ref was getting on a bit and not particularly having the best game... and Pete’s Irish voice really carried. As the ref came over in front of us, Pete politely informed him that, “the last time I saw a pair of legs like that, the whole herd had to be destroyed!” I got sent off once in the last minute – for a late tackle. I thought it was a harsh decision and questioned the referee. He said, “If it had been any later, you would have spilt his beer. Now get off!” Worst thing anyone has said to you? There are a few that spring to mind... Name? Bob Haime Club nickname(s)? I have been called many rude things but normally Bobski will do. Age? Still just about hanging on to my 40s. Team / role in the Club? Joined the club in the U9s and played for every age group and senior team up to the 1st XV – in those days we ran 10 sides on a Saturday and the Peacocks on a Sunday. Currently Chairman of Marketing and Sponsorship which covers all the fundraising activity, as well as looking after the website, match programmes, newsletters, event promos, etc. Position performed: Propping up the scrum, propping up the bar. Favourite TV show? Family Guy. The best part of being at S&E? The Guinness. Definitely the Guinness. The biggest challenge the club faces? Keeping revenues up, attracting new sponsors and players, looking at alternative income streams – securing the financial future so we can really push for promotion and enhance our facilities. And getting the youngsters to move up through the club to play their senior rugby here. But having said that, I do feel that we are certainly moving in the right direction and the club at present is a great place to be. Who is your Rugby inspiration? Sorry Mr McGraw, it ain’t Craig Chalmers! As a kid it was always Peter Winterbottom – the Straw Man – then Brian Moore, Dean Richards... and more recently it has to be Martin Johnson... or Lawrence Dallaglio, Richard Hill... probably Jonny. At the club... Bob Short, a great player and a great leader and he only had one eye! suttonrugby.co.uk “That was a very nice meal”. This was the first thing said to me by Kevin Mohr after the pre-match lunch at Dover. His one job was to book us all in. He told me that I was definitely booked in. I double-checked, “Yes, you are definitely booked in”. Upon arrival I soon discovered that this was not the case and there was no place for me at the table. Kev proceeded to tuck into his huge lamb shank, roast potatoes, all the trimmings, dessert, then cheeseboard, the whole time swilling copious amounts of red wine (he also took £20 off me for the wine whip on the coach). Whilst I ate my bag of cheese & onion I was left thinking about gross incompetence, negligence, selfishness, complete lack of thought, etc. but there was no point dwelling on it... I knew the first thing he would do would be to apologise. I was wrong! “What, you’re going up there again? The bloody rugby club is starting to rule our lives!” (Anonymous) “Croysdill wants to have a word with you.” (Pleeeeease, how long have I got!?!) Favourite tour venue (and why)? Have toured all over – don’t care where – its who you go with that matters, not where you go. Even Skegness was brilliant! Tightest person at S&E? The Ginger Ninja. Definitely Humphreys! 5 people you would most like to have dinner with? Craig Chalmers Kevin Mohr Anonymous John Croysdill Richard Humphreys (In all seriousness, as long as Sarah isn’t cooking, I don’t mind). Funniest Club Moments: Too numerous to mention... so many blurred memories... but I will never forget the look on the elderly lady’s face when she looked through the window of the Star of India (in the old days before the extension) and saw pretty much the whole 1st and 2nd team squad enjoying a naked dinner. in touch 02 OUR REHYDRATION PARTNER SPECIAL OFFER FROM OUR BUSINESS PARTNER If you haven’t tried it yet, please give COCO5 a go – your health and your club will benefit. We have teamed up with Winkworth Estate Agents – both Cheam Village and Worcester Park branches. They have kindly sponsored the club as a whole and our U17 team shirts. They have put in place a special offer to all members, and their family and friends, whereby they will offer discounted fees and the club gets cash back – so everyone’s a winner! COCO5 is a biological rehydration formula that provides the body with complete electrolyte replenishment required by active lifestyles. It contains components that occur naturally in coconut water, elements recognised by medical science as crucial to the biological balance of hydrating cells. It is the healthy, 100% natural alternative to other sugar-packed sports drinks. Thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting, please talk to Winkworth first (and mention you’re an S&E member)... Shaun Amner Winkworth Estate Agents 45-47 Station Way Cheam Village SM3 8SD 020 8770 7766 [email protected] coco5.co.uk CONTENT PLEA Please send any content you have for In Touch to Sam Phillips – no matter which facet of the club you’re from, we want to hear from you: [email protected] Brand design and communication We’re an independent branding and marketing communications agency. We help our clients gain the competitive edge by applying logic and strong creative ideas across all delivery channels – to get the right messages, to the right people, at the right times. Sutton & Epsom Rugby Football Club Cuddington Court, Rugby Lane, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM2 7NF Telephone: 020 8642 0280 suttonrugby.co.uk Haime & Butler 9G2 The Leathermarket Weston Street London SE1 3ER T: +44 (0)20 7407 2141 haime-butler.com
© Copyright 2024