Sunday 20th - Parents Match 11:30

Wildcats 4 Parents 3

Final match report of the year, and toughest encounter of the season so far for the Wildcats. On a frosty morning we returned to our spiritual home of Underhill Park for the annual grudge match. Having spent months on the sidelines the parents were keen to get stuck in. The early exchanges went well for the Parents, with Cathy and Sofia leading the blitz defence and Ian reliving his days on the wing to open the scoring with a startling try. Wildcats defences soon spread out to snuff out further threats though, and with the referee punishing the parents for a sorry understanding of the off-side laws the boys took a slender advantage into half time. With the parents refreshed by the mulled wine, the second half descended into a physical battle, but despite best efforts from Gerrard, with the old magic on display, the Wildcats held on for a famous victory. Chocs, mince pies, and a gathering at the Rugby club brought the day to a close.

Once again a lovely morning, a great turnout, and the coaches would like to thank all the parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents and boys for their support this winter. See you in 2010.

Sunday 13th - Match ON!

Here's something novel - a match report! The first in 5 weeks. A cracking way to end the season with the always strong Pontarddulais the visitors.

First up, many thanks to Phil and the Bont u8s for not just a great challenge, but keeping the under 7s entertained with a first match, and then agreeing to two long halves so we could play two different sets of Mumbles players. A great effort from their lads. The match turned out to be one of the best so far, with Bont showing what passing into space can achieve. This made the Mumbles performance even more impressive especially the number of different try scorers, with plenty of tries in both halves. Ike, Owen, Duncan and Luke in the first and Tom C, Sam, Dylan, Lloyd and Cam in the second. Everyone contributed to a concentrated defensive performance and both teams served up a fiercely competitive game. Well done to the boys (and parents) for braving the cold and being patient. Thanks finally to the hotdog teams back at the cricket club. That all now seems to be running really smoothly.

No training on Wednesday, so it is nearly time for the Christmas break. There is just the small matter of the lads vs parents match next Sunday. Stay tuned for details, we are planning for this to take place at Underhill Park, but that will be dependent on the weather.

Astroturf training on Wedesday is ON

Sorry everyone. Despite hedging our bets across two venues I have just heard from Swansea Uplands and Penlan that both pitches are unplayable and there will be no rugby tomorrow.

See you all on Wednesday. Astroturf at 4:30 as usual. This will be the last Astroturf until January. Hopefully it will dry up towards the end of the week and we can fulfull our fixture with Pontarddulais on Sunday (at Bishopston). Don't forget the parents match at underhill on the 20th.

Request from the U7s Mumbles Vikings

Now that we have a brand spanking new kit, the Mumbles Vikings U7 team have asked if we could pass the old jerseys down to them.

If you could pass on the jerseys this Sunday to Mike or Matthew then these can be passed on to Grant, coach of the U7s.

Thank you!

Two matches on Sunday (weather permitting)

It's been a little drier this week, so there is some chance of a match on Sunday. To make the most of it during this barren period, we have organised two away matches so everyone can play a full game. Mike will be taking a team to Penlan, directions HERE. and Matthew will be taking a team to Swansea Uplands, directions HERE. For both games please meet at the ground by 10:30. Any problems let Mike know as we might need to re-balance the teams if you are not coming.

As usual we will only have confirmation of cancellation early on Sunday morning. So keep an eye on the blog / text. In the (unlikely) event that only one match is going ahead, then ALL players will be invited to attend that venue.

Matthew's Swansea Uplands Squad: Tom R, Ethan, Cam, Owen, Luke, Duncan, Ike, Myles, Josh

Mike's Penlan Squad: Arthur, Dylan, Jacob, Connor, Eddie, Jamie, Tom Ch, Luca, Lloyd

Waun match CANCELLED

Sorry everyone. All matches at Bishopston are, not surprisingly, called off this morning.

Hope to see you at Astroturf training on Wednesday. Usual time. 4:30 - 5:30.

Home match 29th Nov - updates

The match at Bishopston against Waunarlwydd is, so far, still on. Apparently pitches are OK on Saturday (surprisingly). But there will be an inspection over night, and with rain expected there will be a final decision at 9:00 on Sunday morning. As soon as I know either way I will send a text and publish on the blog.

Fingers Crossed for Dry Weather

With some luck, there is a home match against Waunarlwydd this Sunday. Meet at Bishopston at 10:15. It'll be a shame if this is called off again as the boys need to show off their new kit and could do with a rest from beating each other up and take on someone else for a change. Those who could not make it tonight will be presented with their jerseys before the match.

Thanks to everyone for a great turnout tonight and your support so far this season.

Wednesday Training and Half-Term Reports

With all the rain, we are lucky to have Astroturf so the boys get a bit of rugby at this time of year. Usual time (4:30) and place (Ashleigh Road) this Wednesday (25th) where we will also present the team with their new jerseys. We will have a short training session 4:30 to about 5:10. Then a half term coaching report for all the players., followed by the presentation. It would be great if all players could attend training on Wednesday.

Now is a good time to highlight the support we've had from team sponsors, Fit Kitchens and Charlie's Bar Restaurant. We consider it very important that our annual membership costs are kept reasonable, so it is only with the support of generous sponsors that we can offer extras such as Astroturf, and are able to kit the boys out so they look very smart on match day. Many thanks to Jon for organising this.

P.S. Those boys growing out of the old jerseys - can you please bring them on Wednesday and hand them back in to me. They will be used by the u7s this year and also then passed down to the u6s at the end of the year. It is very useful for the younger age groups to have a kit ready for them when they start up.

Astroturf on Wednesday

We are back to astroturf on Wednesdays. We have 4 sessions in a row booked, starting tomorrow (18th Nov) 4:30 to 5:30.

Don't forget the Contenders Gig at the Rugby club next Saturday. Txt Mike G if you want tickets (07846 334962).

Match Day Update

Latest news for Sunday (as of 16:30 Saturday)... Bishopston have reported that the pitches are currently playable. But obviously it going to be close. If there is alot of rain over night then the situation will of course change. Unfortunately, we can't be more specific than that. The final decision will be made around 9 o'clock on Sunday morning.

Please be assured that if I hear anything about the matches being cancelled I will post on the blog and send a txt to everyone within 5 minutes of finding out.

Contenders Gig at the Rugby Club

Don't miss a special appearance by The Contenders at Mumbles Rugby Club next Saturday (21st November). Tickets are £3 in advance or £5 on the night. Mike will be selling tickets at Bishopston this Sunday (and at the cricket club afterwards). The Contenders are sponsoring the u12s this year, and all proceeds will go to the new kit.

No Training this Week - Big Match on Sunday

There is no astroturf available this week, so we will have a wednesday rest. Training will continue from 18th of Nov for 4 weeks.

This Sunday we are in action against Gowerton. I have spoken to their coach Lyn and they have a bigger squad than us! So if all goes to plan we will play two matches against Gowerton on Sunday and everyone will get a full game.

Meet at Bishopston at 10:15. First match will KO at 10:30, second match at 11:00. Hot dogs back at the cricket club afterwards.

Bonymaen 4 Mumbles 9

Sixteen players braved the cold and wind this morning for the trip to the misty summits of Bonymaen. Before the match the boys kept warm by playing in the pools, and the match got underway after an excellent minute silence in honour of Remembrance Sunday. With Bonymaen lacking a few players we had to resort to first and second half teams, and roll the substitutes on an off. Owen got things under way with a poachers try, followed by Ike, Jacob and Duncan. Bony proved difficult to tag in the open spaces, and the first half finished 2-4. The second half opened with a quick try for Luca and after a Bony fight-back the tagging finally started to kick in and Mumbles ran in tries through Sam, Ethan, Luke and Dylan. Handshakes all round and back to the clubhouse for chips and beans. Special thanks to the Bonymaen coach, who had his  hands full with two age-groups this morning and did a superb job as referee. Also thanks to all the Wildcats, their behaviour during the important minute silence was excellent. Patience was also shown during the game, it can of course be frustrating for the boys to only get one or two runs. But there are plenty of games ahead for them to show their skills, and they are gradually learning the importance of the team game.

Wednesday training still to be decided. We do NOT have astroturf this week (pitch unavailable). If we have training at the park the details will be posted on Monday (after I have seen the weather forecast). 

Sunday Match at Bonymaen

Weather permitting we are playing away at Bonymaen this Sunday. The coaches are hoping to see some of the excellent passing from Wednesday night transferred to the match. All players are to meet at Bonymaen at 10:30 for an 11 KO. 

Directions to Bonymaen RFC Here.

Wednesday Astroturf Training

Wednesday training now moves to astroturf (right on time I think!) Ashleigh Road. 4:30 - 5:30.

Remember it can get cold there when it gets dark so wrap up. Trainers are required, not togs.

If you haven't been before, drive up the middle of the Ashleigh road playing fields, towards the tennis club. Park in the big car park on the left and we are found in one of the top two astroturf pitches.

Penlan Report

Not sure how well it worked this morning splitting the squad. The monsoon arriving towards the end of the match didn't help. But we'll give it a go again next week to continue trial. Special thanks to the boys (and parents) who came to the early training session, and showed a lot of patience during the match. Their 2 pass game of touch rugby was superb and they will be rewarded with a full match next Sunday.

The match squad faced up to a much improved Penlan team. Tagging wasn't quite up to standard - the boys need to remember to push up in a line and not drop back to defend. Attacking skills were much better. Jamie has turned into a try machine. Arthur danced through the defense for a trademark score and Luke showed his pace out on the wing. There was good support play and quick passing throughout the side, with Duncan finishing it all off at the end in the corner. After this very enjoyable fixture I have left it up to Dylan and his feisty cousin to fight it out over the score.

The cricket club has proved excellent for an after match get together. Thanks to all the parents and children for organising the hotdogs. If you know any of the opposition parents, it would be helpful to try and convince them to come as well - or help point people in the right direction.

Sunday Plans

We are back in action on Sunday with a home match against Penlan (at Bishopston) followed by hotdogs again at the cricket club.

For the next 2 Sundays we have home matches against teams with quite small squads. So instead of splitting the squad into half for each of them we will pick two teams, each of which will play one whole match. We hope this will give the players more of a feel for a full match and for the boys to work on continuity in their play. The non-playing half of the squad will meet a little earlier on each Sunday for a concentrated training session, after which they can cheer on the team and then all head off for hotdogs together.

Teams are as follows. (The management reserve the right to make wild changes at a moments notice).

Training with Mike and Ian. Meet at Bishopston at 10. Training 10 – 10:45. Then support the team by watching the match before heading off for hotdogs. This team will play the full match against Fall Bay next week.

Ethan, Luca, Cam, Lloyd, Sam

Duncan, Owen, Dylan, Josh

Team to play against Penlan. Meet Matthew for psyching up at Bishopston at 10:30.

Ike, Jacob, Luke, Arthur, Connor

Ed, Jamie, Tom R, Myles, Tom Ch

EDIT: A nice photo from the St Helens match has been posted on the Swansea RFC website. Click Here.

SG-1 Report

This morning we welcomed local rivals South Gower for the first derby of the season. With SG missing quite a few players we split the team again and both sides put in outstanding defensive performances. The first half was a try fest and ended 7-3. We then set the second half team the target of stopping no more than 3 tries being scored, and they managed it with a tighter fought affair 5-3. The boys concentration in defence was superb as SG dominated possession and went through phase after phase. The turnovers were hard won and when they came the Wildcats were able to pounce quickly for the tries. Credit goes to the SG 8 for an excellent performance especially in the second half where they must have been tiring against the fresh Mumbles legs. They are sure to provide very difficult opposition when they have their full complement next time.

As we have been telling the boys all season, defences win matches. But todays highlights came from players of the week Josh and Jamie for their first Mumbles tries. Josh has been threatening the line for several Sundays and his support play was rewarded by a try in the top corner. Jamie's run-in from the half way line left the referee trailing, let alone the SG defence.

The never-ending rugby weekend continued with enthusiasm down the Cricket Club. Ethan appeared with a birthday cake which was rapidly devoured. Then the team got in some practice for tackling next year. I'm hoping that all the wildcats parents enjoyed a peaceful afternoon after the boys ran themselves into the ground. Thanks to Claire for organising the hotdogs. We need help with the rota, so if Claire hasn't collared you yet and you can help out please let her know.

Wednesday training to be confirmed...

St Helens Report

Almost all the squad have had some great half time rugby now, after the Wildcats took on Skewen at St Helens. The boys behaviour as they waited in the stands was excellent, and they were all ready and pumped up to run on the big pitch after seeing Swansea rack up a big lead in the first half. When the tag started there was a little more space than at the Liberty and most of the boys enjoyed a good run. Luke and Cam grabbed a brace of tries each and Tom Charles sneaked in at the corner after good work from Owen. After the photos, while Neath got back into the game, there was hotdogs and coke, and the Wildcats ran off to the cricket pitch to practice their tackling. A great afternoon in the sunshine for everyone. We thank Chris for bringing his Skewen team. Their players are a credit to their club, and we look forward to playing them again after Christmas.

Saturday Rugby at St Helens

There was rugby before the Ospreys. And at St Helens Swansea have defeated the Australians, the South Africans and even the mighty All Blacks. Now it is the Wildcats turn to grace the famous pitch. This Saturday is the big match of the Swansea season. Swansea and Neath might have formed the Ospreys together, but when they meet in the premiership old habits die hard. At half time we will run on and play a quick game of tag against our friends at Skewen. The pitch is known for its playing service which is ideal for the Wildcats style of running rugby!

The line up for the half time match is Luke, Jacob, Duncan, Jamie, Cam, Tom Ch, Connor and Josh. If any of these boys can't make it please let me know asap. Park at the rec car park, and meet outside the Mumbles End entrance to the ground at 1:30. Each player gets 2 free tickets for their supporters.

All other members of the squad and parents are very welcome to come along and support the team. Adult tickets are about £5/£10 for terrace/stand and childrens tickets about half that.

Weekend rugby is then completed by the South Gower Match on Sunday. They have a big squad so everyone should get a full game. Meet at Bishopston at 10:00. Then hotdogs (honestly) at the MCC.

Dunvant Match Report

11 different Try Scorers and 17 tries says it all for the continued improvement in the squad. The Wildcats clearly have a cutting edge in attack. But we still want to improve our defence. We conceded 5 tries in the first half and 5 in the second. A good effort considering Dunvant had some very fine runners and also passed well to keep the ball alive. But I think Dunvant score 3 times on the last or penultimate tag so always room for improvement! The second half team need a big thumbs up for their spectacular finishing. There always seemed to be someone in support and it was great to see Jacob and Owen get on the scoresheet. Play of the day though goes to Eddie who scored his first competitive Mumbles try, weaving his way through the opposition from the half way line like Shane Williams.

Thanks to everyone for turning up in the rain. We are really lucky to have a large squad of such capable players. It bodes well for the future, when we will be playing 10, 12 then 15 a-side matches. For the moment we will keep the boys playing halves - but we will also start experimenting with keeping some players on for the full match to help with continuity. We'll keep everyone informed in advance, and keep an eye on the appearances so everyone in the squad has equal opportunities. We'll try more of this in the second half of the season.

Sunday Match Plans

The game is still on as far as I know. But let's all meet at Bishopston at 10:30, so we don't get too wet before the kick off.

Wednesday Off

We are taking a break this Wednesday. So NO TRAINING. Back in action on Sunday. Home match for everyone against Dunvant. Meet at BISHOPSTON at 10:00. Back to the Cricket Club for hot dogs afterwards.

Some photos from Sunday as promised. Turns out I don't have many good ones. If anyone has, e-mail them to me as they'll come in handy at the end of the season. Anyway, I think this one was taken just before Ike Crashed over for the first try. Lloyd got the second and Tom R finished it off in the corner.

Weekend Reports

First up Penlan. 8 mad keen boys made the trip and benefited from a full game with no subs. Mynydd Newydd has never been less windy in October, so this was one to savour.  We set the boys a tagging target, and they responded with concentration and teamwork to shut down almost all the Penlan attacks. All the boys contributed and it was especially pleasing to see Josh take scrum half duties with confidence, Connor to take tag after tag and to pop up in attack, and Luke to show great pace and balance in only his second game - tries inevitably followed - even more if we remember no handoffs! Many thanks to Keith for the invitation. Penlan fielded some new players who got better and better as the game progressed. We look forward to more tough encounters with them later in the season.  

Liberty photos to follow. Again, before the match the coaches set tagging targets. With such a short game it was inevitable that some of the boys wouldn't see much of the ball, but they knew they could all have a big impact in defence. The game was over in a flash, the Mumbles line remained unbroken and, on a crowded pitch well done to the boys for squeezing over for three tries. 

It was an honour for all the coaches to take the boys to both games today. The lads are really starting to play together, their behaviour was excellent and they are building some team spirit. We are having a rest on Wednesday - so no training. Back in action next Sunday with a home game against Dunvant (check blog for Underhill or Bishopston). 

Weekend Plans

Penlan have asked for a fixture on Sunday. For organisational purposes (and to save half of you from a full day carting your children around rugby grounds) those boys going to the Liberty in the afternoon will not be expected to come to Penlan as well. Everyone else please meet at Mynydd Newydd playing fields at 10.00 for a 10:30 KO. Directions Here.

For the Liberty in the afternoon. We will be meeting at 3:00 outside the ticket office by the South Stand. The team goes in free, but spectators need to pay for tickets. Adults are £18 and under 16s are £10. There is a cheaper children's option - but it will only be valid in the wrong corner of the pitch for where Mumbles will be playing. The boys have a block booking - and so that we can sit next to them I need to reserve the tickets in the next couple of days. Please contact me by e-mail: m.b.gravenor@swan.ac.uk or by text: 07846 334962 and let me know how many tickets you want (adult or u16). We will then pick up the tickets on the day. If a few extra people come at the last minute I expect they will be able to sit close enough.

Rugby on the centre stage

Some big news for the Wildcats. We have organised two half time tag appearances in the coming weeks. The first is at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday 4th October to play at half time of the Ospreys-Edinburgh match, and the second to play at half time at St Helens during the Swansea vs Neath fixture on Saturday October 17th. Both will be very short games, and are more about the occasion and atmosphere than the game itself.

We have taken teams to both these venues before and they have been tremendous fun. Games are 7 - a side and only 7 minutes long so we can only take teams of around 9 players at a time. The coaches have split the squad in the same way as we always do every week, ie to keep everyone involved and to keep an even balance of players in both sides. To help matters, because we have got in early in the season we have been told by both the Ospreys and Swansea that we will be able to do it again this season and therefore reverse the teams at the two venues. Those who play at St Helens this time will play at the Liberty next time and vice versa. We will pin these dates down as soon as we can. For St Helens, free tickets will be provided for all players and 1 parent per player. For the Liberty, the boys go in free but parents will have to buy all their tickets (at £16).

These are great opportunities for the boys to show off their developing skills! We play Morriston at the Liberty, and who else but Skewen for the Neath-Swansea derby. Please don't be surprised by the late notice, it's all been organised this weekend, and it is more time to plan than we had last year!

Teams are as follows. If you are included in the first match, but are unable to play, please let us know asap. Further details will follow when we know the full arrangements. Any question we can deal with them at training on Wednesday.

SUNDAY 4th October
Mumbles vs Morriston
Meet outside Liberty Stadium at 3:00. Ospreys KO at 4:00, half time tag at 4:45.
Sam
Dylan
Lloyd
Ike
Arthur
Eddie
Owen
Tom R
Myles

SATURDAY 17th October
Mumbles vs Skewen
Park at the rec, meet at Mumbles end of the St Helens at 2:00. Swansea KO at 2:30, half time tag at 3:15.
Josh
Tom Ch
Luca
Connor
Duncan
Ethan
Cam
Jamie
Jacob

Dunvant Match Report

As usual we were warmly welcomed by all at Dunvant, who once more posed a big challenge on the pitch for the WildCats. Our numbers were depleted due to some of the boys running in the 1k race on the prom.

We were lead by Jamie, who experienced his first time as "scrum half". Once more we proved a great team going forward with the ball in hand with tries coming from several players. It was noticeable when we were all concentrating and focused on the opposition how we were able to get 6 tags and cause a turnover. This has to be one of main areas for development, remaining "switched on" and eager to cause the ball to be turned over in our favour.

Although everyone had some great moments during the game, whether tagging, scoring, passing or running I would like to single out Ethan and Tom C for their contributions today. Ethan scored some great tries and general balanced running and Tom C for his tagging and some great runs.

Well done to all players today - good progress is being made!

Sunday Plans: Dunvant Match!

The match at Vardre has been cancelled, because their u8s aren't fully up and running yet. Luckily, Dunvant have stepped in and invited us up to the Broadacre for a match. So we will have a welcome change from the lads beating lumps out of each other at training.

Meet there at 10:30 for 11:00 kick off.

Directions to Dunvant RFC. Click here. Drive up through Sketty and onto Gower Road towards Killay. At Killay, take the right turn (at roundabout) onto Goetre Fawr Road, towards Dunvant on the B4296. Take the second left onto Broadmead, and the Broadacre Ground is at the end of the road.

Sunday - training at underhill

The match this weekend has been postponed, so it is training at Underhill Park.

We are going for an early start to get a spot, as it will be busy later. Be there for a 9:30 session. We hope we can keep building on the excellent performance from all the boys on Wednesday.

International Rugby Tickets

All parents of registered Mumbles Junior Players enjoy 'Family Membership' of the club. This entitles you to, amongst other things, apply for International Tickets from the club's allocation. The procedure is simple. The club buys tickets in advance (around August for the Autumn Internationals and a bit later for the 6 Nations). If you want to buy a ticket, you must write your name and "Under 8s" (or whatever junior team you are involved with) and your phone number on the list that is put up on the message board wall of the downstairs bar in the clubhouse. The message board is found on the wall just facing the bar itself (in between the main room and the small adjoining room on the left). There is a list for each match. If the game is not over subscribed, you will then be allocated a ticket and can pay for it at the bar. If the list is over subscribed you will be entered in a lottery.

From recent experience, many Autumn International tickets are not highly subscribed so you would stand a very good chance of getting one. For the 6 nations of course there is much more demand.

Lists are up NOW for New Zealand (7th November), Australia (28th November) and Argentina (21st November, the cheaper option this Autumn).

Morriston and Aberavon

Thanks go first to our visitors for making the trip to Bishopston and providing a sunny morning of good rugby for everyone. Two teams we are more than happy to cross swords with again later in the season. All the coaches are very pleased with the boys' continued development and total commitment. Special praise to the defensive effort keeping Morriston out for so long, and to the all round performance against a very strong Aberavon Green Stars side. We want all the boys to get involved and contribute and it speaks for the effort across the whole squad that we can field two teams that are able to compete so well.

There was a Mumbles debut today for Josh, following in his Dad's formidable Mumbles Rugby footsteps, and we welcome back Connor after his moonlighting as the Wales football mascot! Lloyd and Tom R took scrum half duties today and again the tries were shared out between lots of players, with Tom R and Tom C crossing the line in some style. Play of the day goes to Jacob and Duncan for a lovely move that rewarded their support work and quick passing into space out of the tag.

Thanks to John for being dragged into action running behind the team. You may have seen that Matthew has been helping with the 7s on match days, so we will be calling on the parents for a little help during the matches when Mike and Ian are busy. Volunteers welcome.

Off to a Flyer!

It's been quiet at pre-season over the summer but we found an almost full squad raring to go this morning. After a brief early defensive debacle the Wildcats organised themselves and gradually pulled away from our Skewen hosts, with pace out wide being the difference between the teams. We are experimenting with letting the boys make more decisions on the pitch with the aim of increasing their awareness of the game. Well done to Ike who ran the show from scrum half for the first time. Pass of the day goes to Cam for putting Dylan away. Also mentioned in dispatches is Ethan who scored twice on his debut and more importantly put in a great tagging effort. All the boys contributed and were eager to get their hands on the ball. Once again it is fantastic to see the tries shared among so many players, something that is quite rare in tag rugby (9 different scorers today!) and for everyone to put in a tag.

Wednesday training at Underhill 4:30. Next week Morriston and the mighty Aberavon. Meet Underhill 9:30.

Skewen Match Directions

First match of the season (assuming it stops raining) is at our old friends Skewen.

Meet at the ground at 10:30 for an 11:00 start.

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. (Assuming you negotiate the one-way system successfully). The club website is here.

Wednesday Training and first match

Well done to the boys who braved the rain on Sunday. We welcome Ethan as a keen and speedy new Mumbles Wildcat. There are still lots of players away, and the season has still to get into full flow - but are first matches are coming up...so training has resumed its regular time of 4:30 on Wednesdays.

First match is next Sunday (6th September). Skewen Away. Meet at Skewen at 10:30 for an 11:00 Kick Off. Directions to Skewen RFC will follow.

Sunday 31st: Training and Cracker 7s

This Sunday we will have another training session down the park, starting at 10:00.

We'll go for a prompt start, and aim to finish about 10:45, because the park will be filling up with the senior teams arriving to organise the traditional August Bank Holiday Jimmy Cracker 7s tournament. This gets underway at 12:00 and usually finishes about 6. It's a lovely afternoon out, especially if the sun is shinning and it is also one of the major fundraisers for Mumbles rugby club. There'll be BBQ, drinks and bouncy castle.

WE ARE BACK!

New Season Training Starts This Week

Wednesday at 4:30, Underhill Park

Sunday 31st August at 10:00, Underhill Park

The Ashes have been won, now dust off the boots, sharpen the studs, Rugby is back.

Summer Break

Wednesday touch rugby and multisports are now taking a break for the summer. Thanks, from all the coaching team, to all the support from the parents and to the boys for their enthusiasm all season. I can confirm that the Wildcats will not be forming a quick cricket team, but that we will take on anyone at full-contact ragga.

We will be back at the end of August, starting on Wednesday 26th August. Our first Sunday morning will be Sunday 31st August. Our first match as under 8s will be on Sunday 6th September, away against Skewen. The routine will be the same as last year. Training at 4:30 on Wednesdays (astroturf when it gets dark) and training / match on the Sunday morning. See you there. Enjoy the break.

Wildcats - Vikings BBQ

Well done to all the players. The Vikings performed splendidly and will have nothing to fear next season. Thanks for everyone's support this year. Special thanks to Helen for running the BBQ this morning. Underhill Park in the sunshine is a fine place. That's it for organised rugby until sometime in August. Keep an eye on the blog for Wednesday plans.

End of Season Finale

Don't forget Wildcats - Vikings mini tournament and BBQ. Sunday, meet at 10:00 for 10:30 kick off. Details below.

Here's a reminder of a successful first season of rugby...

End of Season Plans

Remember - No training on Sunday (3rd) (EDIT: no training on Wednesday either)... .the big date for the diary details below. So far everyone I have spoken to can make it so it promises to be a great event.

The big date for the diary is Sunday 10th May: Wildcat - Vikings Tournament, BBQ and presentations. DON’T MISS IT!

This is what we have planned:

10:00 Assemble at Underhill Park. We will split the Wildcats (under 7s) and Vikings (under 6s) into three even squads, have introductions and a little training.

10:30 Fun round robin tournament between the 3 sides.

11:15 BBQ starts. Hotdogs, burgers, soft drinks, lager etc. will be available to buy.

11:45 Presentations

12:00 BBQ continues!

It would be great if everyone can make it and finish off a successful first season in style. Although we will carry on on Wednesdays, this will be the last big get together. We will take the opportunity of having everyone there to do our seasonal presentations. Fingers crossed for good weather!

Wednesday Training

Wednessday 22nd April. Underhill Park 4:30.

Skewen Adventure

Our hastily arranged fixture at Skewen turned into a 3-match affair. Great value for our last competitive Sunday of the season. Thanks go to Chris for the invitation and for the excellent Skewen welcome. First up was Skewen under 7s. A game of to and fro followed, with too many tries for me to keep up with. Mumbles established a solid first half lead, but Skewen pegged us back in the second half and by the end honours were just about even. Next was Skewen under 8s. Thanks to the home ref playing in a splendid spirit, we were given generous leeway against the experienced and skillful opposition. It took a while, but the boys even managed to contain the 'Skewen Switch'. Not something the 7s have come across before this year! Although the defence was good, some quick passing and good support helped Dylan, Duncan and Myles through the gaps.

Finally, the Wildcats, flagging a bit, took on a fired up Nantyfyllon unit. Full marks all round for the outstanding effort. Not only were Nant an older side, but they were also very good. The physical challenge was exceptional but none of the Wildcats took a backward step. Stopping Nant from scoring was difficult, though amidst the tries we did force a couple of turnovers and 6 tag sequences. In attack the boys were under huge pressure from the Nant defence, so the tries, with Dunc, Cam and Arthur squeezing in, we all the more sweet. A real learning experience for everyone. It shows have far the boys have come. Well done everyone. All the parents can be justifiably proud.

Some lovely pics below courtesy of Ceri. New player Jacob (captain in his first appearance), Ike stretches his legs, Dylan's balance, Cam and Luca discuss the finer points of their latest try and Sam evades the Skewen clutches. If you have any great shots e-mail me and I'll put them up.

No training this Wednesday. No rugby on Easter Sunday. Training returns at Underhill on Wednesday 15th. Time to be confirmed.

Coming up: Vikings BBQ, Wednesdays in May, Presentation night.

Skewen: GAME ON!

We have a match this Sunday (5th) AWAY at Skewen. Please meet at their ground at 10:15. Directions to Skewen RFC are here. It takes about 25 minutes to get there from Mumbles. The ground is at Tennant Park (SA10 6HU) on the way to Neath. I think the best way is to go 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. If it helps, I got lost the last time we went! There is a one-way system to negotiate at the end.

This match has been arranged because the season is running out fast, and we don't have many, if any, matches left. Luckily, Skewen have stepped in and are happy to invite us to their ground to share their fixture with Nantyfyllon. So hopefully we will get 2 matches in. This fixture is for the u7s only.

Because of the late notice, I'll do some ringing around later. But it would help me greatly if, when you read this, you send me a quick e-mail ( m.b.gravenor@swan.ac.uk ) or text ( 07846 334 962 ) to let me know whether you are (or are not) able to come to Skewen. Alternatively you can post a comment on the blog. If you click on the '0 Comments' link at the bottom of this message, you will be taken to a page where you can sign up for a google account and then post comments to the blog.

Weekly Update

Well done to all those who came to training this wednesday, the improvement in all players is wonderful to see, and new player Jacob fitted straight into the team. Welcome to the Wildcats.

Sponsorship: If possible, we'll be looking to get a new set of jerseys next year. This is our main expense for the team. Ideally we would aim to pay for the new set with the help from sponsorship. Sponsorship can be large (big logo on front or back) or small (logo on arm / shoulders). Every bit helps. And for the sponsors, the boys do get to show off the jerseys every week all over Swansea and beyond! If anyone has any ideas please discuss it with me before the end of the season, so the kit can be ordered over the summer.

Mumbles 4 vs Gowerton 3

Training Wednesday 4:30 as usual

A really tight match this morning as we welcomed Gowerton under 7s. Lloyd led the team out and there was little between the sides, both of which forced several 6-tag turnovers. It was good to see such a hard fought game, instead of just a procession of tries. Most pleasing was the defence. A great line was maintained by the likes of Duncan, Sam, Ed, Tom Rees, Arthur, Tom Charles and Cam. This kept the opposition bottled up while Luca and Matz were sent up front to cause havoc and make the tags. Tries were hard to come by but Cam, Lloyd, Ike and Luca forced their way through (Owen as well? Did we score 5?). Everyone is really contributing to the game, so the players of the week are: Team Wildcats! The Gowerton boys and supporters were a credit to their club and we'll see them again for more close encounters next season

Coming Up

The official season finishes at the end of April. Rugby will continue for the Wildcats through the whole of May on Wednesdays only. Weekends free! We'll then start up again in August (again on Wednesdays to start with).

Presentation night will be at the clubhouse in May. Dates will be circulated soon.

In May we will also be inviting next year's under 7s, the Vikings!, up to the park. They have been playing on the beach and are ready for a taste of tag rugby. We'll mix all the players into 3 sides and have a mini tournament, and, if we can arrange it, offer a BBQ for parents and players afterwards. Dates to be thought about. We'll probably wait for a stretch of good weather, and aim for a Saturday or Sunday morning.

Breaking News
Six Nations £250 tournament won by one entry! Turns out we have too much faith in the Welsh team - if Stephen Jones' penalty had gone over the posts then it would have been shared between several entries. Thanks to all those who bought and sold tickets. Better luck next year.

First Aid

Sunday: Training at Underhill 9:30.

Players of the week from Wednesday are: the whole of the Yellow Bib Team. Outstanding teamwork boys. And Ike for bravery in combat.

Even though it is only tag, we still pick up a few injuries with two sets of boys flying at each other. Parents are probably wondering what the first aid arrangements are. To start with all teams in the club must have nominated, and qualified, first aiders. Both Mike and Ian have up-to-date certificates. However we are well aware that a few courses are not necessarily great preparation for dealing with some situations. We therefore have a network of contacts throughout the age groups, including parents and coaches, who have medical backgrounds. So if there are more serious incidents on match days we should be able to contact them in addition to phoning for help. If any Wildcats parents are experienced first aiders, or have medical backgrounds it would be useful to let the coaching team know. We also have a first aid kit in the kit bag at all times, although most incidents are bumps and bruises rather than cuts.

Lastly, its expected that the boys will take a few knocks in the game, and they'll move into tackling practice in about 12 months. But they can minimise hurting themselves and other players by: keeping to the rules. Remember it is tag with no pushing, grabbing, barging, hand-offs. Listen for the whistle: stop playing as soon as the refereeing blows the whistle. No pile ups on the try line.

Dunvant Report: More Passing than Wales managed yesterday

A lovely morning at the Broadacre, and the Wildcats really enjoyed the Dunvant welcome. A great game followed, up against a very good and pacey Dunvant team who edged ahead early on, with Mumbles coming back in the second and third quarter before Dunvant stretching out to a 14-10 win. Mumbles were always under pressure and were made to work hard for every try. The boys responded with our best passing display of the season. From Matthew's report, any player could have been man of the match. This is especially pleasing for the coaches, to see that all players are starting to make real contributions to the game. Junior rugby is so easily dominated by one or two fast players, but we are trying to work towards teamwork with everyone getting involved and stuck in. From the sidelines I took note of the straight running of Captain Owen and Myles (try), the speed of Dylan (2 tries), Arthur (3 tries) and Sam (try), the support play of Tom R, Ike (try), Matz and Georgia, and the determined tagging from Luca and Duncan (2 tries). Without doubt though the three players of the week were Tom Charles for his running and support play. If he continues to be in the right place, with those long legs he will soon be scoring tries. Ed. Clearly counting down the days until he can run through people in tackling, Ed showed how to keep straight, make yards and make the pass. Lots of tags too. And Jamie for being a key link player. Never losing the ball, always making the quick pass, and today making lots of yards as well.

Well done everyone. A great fixture, with loads of rugby for both sides and one which we'll really look forward to again next season.

Training next Wednesday 4:30 underhill.

Sunday Washout

Worst case scenario this morning. 9:00 it was lovely. 20 mins later it is lashing down, to add to the rain of Friday and Sat. We didn't have time to warn on the blog so apologies to those who made it to the park in optimism. Although we could have played, we cancelled for two reasons. First - there were several games scheduled, including the older age groups who use a whole pitch. The senior pitch was completely out of action and these matches would have taken up all the drier areas, and we would have struggled to find a good spot. Second - there isn't much to be learnt playing tag rugby in a bog. The boys have a great introduction to rugby and there is no need to put them off in the wind and rain. So - weather permitting- training on Wednesday. At least we'll have the run of the park and should be able to find a firm surface.

NO TRAINING THIS WEDNESDAY

The park is already waterlogged, with lots of rain and hail forecast. Not good conditions for tag rugby so there will be no training this Wednesday. In future seasons we will use days like this to practice Mauling and Blindside Raking.

Hopefully the weather will pick up for a match or training at Underhill Park on Sunday.

Sunday 1st Mar.... TRAINING ONLY AT UNDERHILL PARK

The Wildcats will have to wait until next year to play Waun as they are not yet ready this season. Training instead at Underhill. Meet 9:45 for a 10:00 start.

Penlan and Loughor

At the windswept highlands of Mynydd Newydd we had a great welcome from Penlan. Thanks go to Keith for hosting us unexpectedly at the last minute and letting us join in their fixture with Loughor. Happily with only a little waiting around we managed plenty of rugby for the 50 boys and girls in the 3 teams. Jamie led us onto the field and we started with some trepidation against the big and well drilled Loughor team. The ref was excellent and kept tight control of the game (though he let us get away with a few hand-offs! No more next week please) and although Loughor had the pace, Mumbles controlled the ball for long periods and we patient enough to wait for the openings. Tries came from Luca and Dylan and Lloyd rounded off a great move for what turned out to be the winner in the corner. 7-6. A remarkable performance from the team who managed to concentrate throughout. They also fought for every ball, none more than Georgia who wrestled the ball over the line but was just held up.

After the break, it was back into action against Penlan. Everyone (ref included) was tiring and the game was more disjointed. Still Mumbles managed to just stay ahead in a full blooded encounter. I think Dylan was facing his cousin, and it showed with his determined tags and runs. Final Score 7-5. Well done everyone. Thanks to parents for excellent support for all the teams.

Wednesday Training 4:30 Underhill Park.

Coached comment for the week: NO HANDOFFS. If you carry the ball in two hands you will not be able to hand off and you will also be ready to make the pass if tagged. At the moment most referees are being lenient. But they will not for much longer. They will soon be keeping more of an eye on it and will give a penalty (not just a tag) against the hand off, so our team will lose possession of the ball.

Penlan Match

Sunday 22nd Feb. We have a challenging match for the Wildcats AWAY at Penlan. Meet at 10:30 at the Penlan playing fields. Quite easy to find - especially if you know the Penlan Swimming Pool. Drive up through Sketty and Cockett to the Fforestfach lights (at Carmarthen Road) go straight on up the road towards Penlan. Keep going through the lights at the shops and turn right at the sign for the Leisure Centre (Heol Gwyrosydd). Go over the roundabout and take the next left into Mynydd Newydd Playing Fields, where Penlan RFC is based. It is a few hundred metres before the leisure centre turning.

Swansea Ups Report

An almost Springtime morning at Underhill and the the boys turned up for training to find Swansea Uplands warming up. The game was organised last minute by the 8s, but the ever keen Uplands brought their 7s with them and the Wildcats were more than happy to oblige. The boys seemed to thrive on the unexpected challenge and it brought out their best performance of the season. Uplands have just got the better of us in the two encounters so far this season, so it was a great effort to turn the tables this time. Any one of the boys could have been man of the match. Luca captained the side, on account of having a birthday 'quite soon', and led from the front as always with tries and tags. Tries came from Matz, Duncan, Ike, Tom Rees and Arthur as well. Players of the week are Tom Rees for his support play and try and Ike for his tagging and try. Owen picks up Champagne Moment for gallantly giving up a certain try opportunity by carefully avoiding a toddler who wandered out onto the pitch. What a gent. The coaches can confirm that he is not so forgiving with opposing players when they are in his way.

A half term training session will take place on Wednesday 10:00 at Underhill for those who are around.

Next Sunday Morriston Match OFF. Another fixture is being sought.

Sunday 15th Feb

No match this weekend. Training at Underhill Park. Keep and eye out for weather updates. If we can assemble at about 9:45 for a 10:00 start then we'll be finished before the older age-group matches start and there should still be parking spaces.

For next week. We have finished with the Astroturf for this season, and training will move to Underhill Park. It will usually be the same time as astroturf (4:30), but as it is half term next week we will run a session on Wednesday morning at 10:00.

Friday night Rock. For those of you interested in live, unadulterated, high voltage Pub Rock with classics from the 70s and 80s and even some recent stuff, then get up to the Rock and Fountain pub in Newton tonight from 9:00 and witness local Mumbles RFC favourites The Contenders.

Some Admin...Please Check

I am finalising the team subscription records for this season (for the Crusader / Pirates / Wildcats who run a joint account) as most (but not all!!) the money is now in. There are two standing orders that I can't match to specific players. Both were set up in Oct/Nov. One under the name of Fitzgerald and one under the name Christopher. If you recognise these standing orders can you please e-mail me on m.b.gravenor@swan.ac.uk and just confirm the name of the player for whom you are paying (and the team). Thanks for listening. When I have this info I'll finally be able to finish this year's admin, and hopefully next year will be alot easier. MIKE.

Also - any Green 6 Nations competition forms still out there please bring along to Astroturf on Wednesday (completed and with money if possible!)

Gowerton Match Report

13 Players and parents, captained by Ed, braved the icy cold to take on Gowerton this morning. It was their first ever game, but you'd never have guessed as they were a good side who had clearly been training hard and it took Luca's hunger for the try line to separate the sides, I think 6-4 in the end. Player of the week is Matz for a wholehearted effort in attack and defence. Move of the day came from Connor taking the tap and running straight, finding support with an excellent pass which led to a try in the corner.

Things to work on - spread out in defence and attack, don't bunch up and get in each others way. When you are tagged make a quick pass to the first player in support.

Wednesday: training Astroturf, 4:30

Next Sunday: Penclawdd at home (Underhill Park) or training if they don't have a 7s. Time to be confirmed.

Record turn out for astro turf training!

Thanks to all that turned up last night for the Astro training. I felt it was a good session and slowly but surely the boys are begining to see the benefit of listening carefully and using the skills practised in the drills during the games. Keep it going lads!

Back to the Beach

A welcome return for the boys to the beach this morning. Well done all for picking up the change of plans on the blog. In the end Underhill was playable - but it was still a bog. Unsuitable for the silky running skills possessed by our lads.

Some good news for next week. Our Gowerton neighbours have been building up their 7s team and are keen for a match. There is a good setup at Gowerton and this has been a great fixture for the juniors recently so we look forward to accepting their challenge.

Dates for the diary
Wednesday: Astroturf 4:30
Next Sunday: Gowerton Match. Away. Meet 10:00 at Gowerton RFC. Directions can be found on this Google Map. You can either go through Fforestfach and head towards Llanelli on the A484 and turn left at the Gowerton Roundabout onto Victoria Road (B4296) you will find the club on the right, near the Harvester and Golf Range, surrouded by a blue fence just before the bridge. OR head up through Sketty and Killay towards Gowerton, and you'll see the club on Victoria Road, on the left just after the railway bridge. As usual, parking is a pain, but we have an early kick off so should be OK.

Sunday (25th) Training !!MOVED TO CASWELL!!

WIth all the rain last week and overnight, we run the risk of Underhill being cancelled at the last minute - or even being moved off the park in the middle to training by the Parky. Even if we are allowed, it will be a bog anyway. SO WE ARE TRAINING THIS MORNING ON THE SAND AT CASWELL BAY. MEET AT 10:00. It is easy to park and we play just in front of the steps, nice and close to the cafe for the parents!

It's usually a good alternative and we used it alot last year. The tide will be out. Only trainers are needed, not togs. Matthew and Ian will go straight to the beach to get set up, and Mike will go via the park and pick up any stragglers who didn't get the message in time. Patience appreciated as always. See you later.

Sunday Blues

Apologies to all for late cancellation this morning. Your patience is appreciated, as we have no control over the permissions for the pitches. It is especially difficult when the pitch was OK yesterday but it rains hard over the Saturday night. The Parky called the games off at 9:15, and also any training off the pitch - which is what we were counting on. It is a feature of mid winter rugby for all the clubs - but at least we have training on Wednesdays at the Astroturf - come rain of shine see you there at 4:30. Plans for next Sunday are training again, although we are trying to arrange a match. Details to follow.

Other news - Sky TV is back on in the Rugby Club. So you can go along and watch the Ospreys cling on to desperate Heineken Cup straws for another week (or so) .

Sunday 18th Training at Underhill

No match this weekend. So we will train at Underhill Park (Bishopston still out of action) at 9:30. Check for weather updates.

Rough and tumble. Another good turn out in the wind and rain at Astroturf last night, and all players are improving fast. The boys must remember not to be too over-enthusiastic when playing tag rugby. No handoffs or barging are allowed, you can only grab the tag and there is no diving on players allowed when they are on the floor. All these will result in penalties against them in matches. But we must also remember that contact will, before long, be a major part of the game and some knocks and falls are part and parcel of the game of rugby.

Uplands Report

Thanks to everyone for their support again this morning, and for a great turnout. Uplands again proved very tough opposition for the Wildcats. We think Uplands edged the scoreline, but a draw was fair on the effort put in by both sides and was agreed with the ref. Special thanks to Paul for encouraging the game to be played in great spirits and reffing the game so well. We are on the start of a rugby journey and we know that many such tasty encounters with our neighbours lie ahead.

Ian and Matthew will provide the full report, as I sneaked off to see Arthur's older brother in the under 9s clash. I'll quickly mention Myles' Man of the Match performance (for positioning, straight running, keeping the line, and tagging), and Sam's Champagne moment (for a show and go that Ian could only have dreamt of during his days on the wing).

Sunday Match Plans: GAME ON.

GAME ON. Just got confirmation from Uplands that the pitch is OK. See you there 10:30

Meet at Uplands promptly by 10:30 we will hope to get the 7s underway asap after that.
If the match is on - these are the directions. Swansea Uplands RFC is on Fairwood Lane, Upper Killay. It takes about 10-15 mins from Mumbles. Go all the way up Sketty Lane and turn left onto Gower Road (A4118 signposted Gower). Drive along Gower Road for just over 1.5 miles. When you get into Upper Killay, Fairwood Lane is on the left, directly off Gower Road (it is the left turn after the Summerland Park left turn). The club and pitches are at the bottom of the lane. See Google Map for full details here.

Remember training is back on, every Wednesday, 4:30, Ashleigh Road Astroturf. Well done to all the boys who braved the cold last night!

ALL RUGBY OFF THIS MORNING

Due to frozen pitch. Unfortunately there is no suitable spot for training either so everything is off. We'll be back in Astroturf training this Wednesday at 4:30 and for an away fixture with Swansea Uplands next Sunday.

Happy New Year - Plans Confirmed

Rugby is back this Sunday. The fixture is Penlan at home, but we don't think they are bringing a 7s side. We are hoping for a replacement match to be organised, but if we can't we'll do some training anyway. Due to some groundwork at Bishopston, the matches this weekend will be played at UNDERHILL PARK. Meet there at 10:45.

Wednesday rugby training also returns this week. We have 7 sessions booked at Ashleigh Road Astroturf, every Wednesday at 4:30.