'Home Match' - at Bishopston

This Sunday we have a match against Gowerton under 7s. However, due to a very busy day at Underhill, the 7s,8s,9s,10s,11s will all play their matches at Bishopston School playing fields. We haven't trained for a while, so we will meet up there at about 9:30 for a practice, followed by a kick off between 10 and 10:30. To get to the school, head over the common towards Bishopston, passed the garage on the right, and just before you get to the hill that takes you down to Bishopston valley, there is a road on the left called The Glebe. Go down the Glebe and the road will take you straight to the school, and the playing fields in front of you.

Training called off

Having spoken to Mike and Ian, we have decided to call off the training session this morning due to the rainy conditions.

Hopefully, there will be a game next week against Gowerton. More info. to be posted later this week.

Rainy Weather

We will make a decision at 8.30 this morning to see whether it will be worthwhile going down to the park for a training session. Watch this space.......

Sunday Training

Remember the clocks go back on Sunday. So take advantage of that rare 1 hour extra in bed on a Sunday morning and don't expect Matthew and Ian to be there if you turn up at 8:30!

Sunday 26th October - training down the park

Coaching News: Ian "the axeman" Bevan joins the team this week. Fireman and Mumbles Rugby Veteran Ian will be helping Matthew with training down the park at 9:30 on Sunday morning. There is no match, because Penclawdd do not have a 7s side. But since some of our players have only ever played matches so far, it's a good time for some practice ahead of a likely fixture against Gowerton the week after.

Skewen Report

We had a great welcome at Skewen, and a full squad of keen players turned up. On the small pitch, there were plenty of tries for both teams. I think in the end we came out on top by about 15 to 9. It's not easy for the ref to remember all that happened (any of the parents are welcome to submit a match report!) It was good to some some first Mumbles tries from several players (Arthur, Arjan, Tom C, Luca, Matz) some great tags from Georgia, Jamie and Connor. We played especially well when the ball went loose on the ground, with Luca, Owen and Cam doing some scavenging to force the turnover. More tries followed from Tom R, Sam, Lloyd, Cam, Miles, Ike, Dylan, Duncan. Skewen had some very strong runners. Well done Myles for taking on their strongest one-on-one, shaking off the knock he received, and getting back up to claim the tag the next time he tried it!

Next week is a scheduled match with Penclawdd. However they are yet to confirm they have a 7s. Keep checking for updates. After getting some feedback, we will continue with keeping the full squad together for the matches. If we get any bigger, we'll have a rethink. If anyone has some good photos send them to me in an e-mail (address in the welcome pack). Also if anyone has taken any video - let me know.

Coaching News

In a scoop reminiscent of Shaun Edwards being lured from England and Graham Henry from New Zealand, the Wildcats have secured the services of Matthew Rees to join the coaching set up. Matthew has been poached from the U6 beach rugby, which is about to start up again on Saturdays. Matthew teaches, is a level one coach, and is very welcome now that the team is taking off.

Next Sunday (19th Oct) On the Road Again

We have been invited to Skewen for a match next Sunday. They have a thriving junior section so it should be a great morning out.

It is a bit of a trek, but if we could aim to get there for about 10:00 they have promised an early kick off (10:30) so we'll be back in good time. The Mumbles 7s, 8, 9, 10, and 11s are going, so there should be plenty of opportunity for car share and lifts.

It takes about 25 minutes to get there from Mumbles. Directions to Skewen rugby club can be found by clicking here. The ground is at Tennant Park (SA10 6HU) on the way to Neath. I think the best way to is all the way along Oystermouth Road and cross the river turning up towards Llansamlet (A217). Carry on to Llansamlet and turn right onto the A48 (towards the M4). When you get to the roundabout for the M4, take the exit to Skewen (4th exit A4230), after about a mile, take a right turn into Christopher Road, take the second right into Coombes road and then straightish on towards Charles Street. The club and playing fields will be in front of you. The club website is here.

I now have Arjan and Dylan's contact details thanks

South Gower Match Report

I hope you all enjoyed the Welcome at our first away match at South Gower. Birthday boy Tom Rees captained the side and there were excellent tries from Lloyd and Duncan and a couple of others I can't remember! As the game progressed our tagging started to take control and we forced a few turnovers, including a great one near the end from Jamie. Move of the match came from Dylan who scored from the half way line the first time he ever touched the ball in a rugby match. After that is was cakes thanks to Clare, and hotdogs thanks to South Gower. A team best wishes to Ike who took a knock in warm up - we need you back next week Ike.

Next week - might be another away game. I will confirm asap. Otherwise it is training down the park as usual.

Coaches comments of the day:
Line up in defense
Move up in a line quickly as soon as the other team passes the ball
Don't stop running unless you have definitely been tagged!

Subs and Registration Due

All Players - please make sure you have completed the standing order form for the team subs. If you haven't got a form, ask one of the coaches. You can take the form directly to your bank. Or bring it to Mike down the park. Better still, if you have internet banking you can set it up at home using our details from the form.

New Players - please make sure you have filled in the Registration form. Return it to your coach asap.

Next Match - On the Road to South Gower

Bonymaen don't have a 7s team so that match is cancelled, but we have had an invitation from South Gower, so (weather permitting) we are off to their ground for a match next Sunday.

We'll meet there at 10:00, for a 10:30 match. For a map of South Gower RFC Click Here. The ground is easy to find, just off Pyle Corner. Go passed the shops and down Pwll Du lane (not down to Hareslade). The ground is just down the Lane on the right. As usual parking is a mess. Try and park facing the exit! If it is already busy it may be worth parking at the top of the lane just after the shops and walking down. There is a nice clubhouse where the team will be invited for hotdogs after the match.

Keep an eye on the blog for updates.

Match OFF!

Finally a decision.

Pitch is waterlogged and match and training are OFF.

Sorry for last minute information. PLans for next week will be posted later.

Rainy Sunday update

No news yet on cancellation. We will play in rain - but cancellations do occur because of the state of the pitches. So far I think it is on. There is, unfortunately, a chance that the park caretaker will call the matches off when we are down there though.