Happy Xmas

An enjoyable end to the year for the Wildcats. Thanks for all the support and to New Dock Stars for making the trip to St Helens.

We are back in action in January, but keep an eye out for the Parents vs Wildcats beach touch rugby match. We will send a teamer sometime between xmas and new year, when there is a decent spell of weather and when the tides are right.

Xmas week

Please bring change of clothes for the boys for Sunday. After the match they can use the changing rooms and put clean clothes on to go into the clubhouse.

Fingers crossed for Sunday. There is good drainage at St Helens so we expect it to be on. If not we have paid for the buffet so will just go ahead with a Xmas social!

Thanks in advance to Jill for organising the food and the Presidential Suite for us! Rugby has moved on in recent years with the Regions, but the boys could learn a little about the heritage on their doorstep represented by this iconic ground. Wales played many internationals at St Helens, with over 50,000 people cramming in to watch victories over England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Swansea became the first club side in the world to defeat South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, all at St Helens. On top of that is the cricket, being the home of Glamorgan for so long and the scene where Gary Sobers hit a maximum 36 in one over for the first time in first class cricket history.  Because of the cricket pitch, St Helens built up he reputation of one of the best playing surfaces in all of rugby. We look forward to seeing the boys enjoy it this weekend.

Meet at 9:45 at St Helens for a warm up.We need to kick off on time so we can fit in the 2 matches (the u14s are playing against Swansea Uplands straight after us).

Xmas Run in

Several things to report....

1. This Sunday (15th) the match is away at Swansea Uplands. Teamer invites have been sent from the Matrix rotation. There is an early kick off. And we are meeting at the Swansea Uplands new pitches (bottom pitch near the clubhouse of Swansea Uplands RFC) at 9:45 prompt.

2. NEXT Sunday (22nd Dec) we have hired St Helens for our Xmas match. We have New Dock Stars coming to play, followed by a proper buffet at the Swansea Club. The kick off time is not quite confirmed, but will be after the u14s play, so about 11:30. The buffet has been organised at a considerably discounted price of £5per person (Thanks Jill!). Food is for both parents and players, so please bring the money along this Sunday, or at Friday training next week. I am assuming that it is 1 parent per player (so £10 due). If more than one parent will be coming, please TEXT MIKE to confirm (07846334962). 

3. TRAINING. Is not ideal on a Wednesday. It has also remained almost totally dry through Nov and Dec when the whole point was to hire astroturf as the only option of training when it got cancelled at underhill! But we are nearly through the period anyway. After Xmas we have only 2 more Wednesday sessions. If it stays dry we won't bother with these and stick to Fridays at the park every week in Jan. If the rains do come and Friday cancellations are on the cards we will use the Wednesdays as an emergency.

4. Matrix. After Xmas we will revise the matrix. We will continue to strive for equal game times, but it is rather a jigsaw puzzle at the moment. Trying different positions is also one of our philosophies, but because of the jigsaw there has been too much moving around on a match day. So we will look to gradually build a system with more continuity in positions for the boys.      

Fall Bay Week

We have Fall Bay coming on Sunday. The match will be at Bishopston. Meet 10:15.

Training this week is at Underhill Park under the lights. Meet 5:00.

Latest Team Selections

Training is WEDNESDAY this week at Astro, for those with no footie clash.

Morriston Match (away 24th Nov)
Oli, Dylan, Sam, Ike, Luca, Cam, Dunc, Lloyd, Nathan, Ethan, Josh, Neil, Kieran, Tom H, Harry, Tom R, Con.

Skewen Match (home 1st Dec)
Full game: TTS, Luke, Jacob, Arthur, Karate Josh, Myles
Due to quite a few absences and injuries, everyone else is included in the squad for this game, with a minimum of 1/2 game guaranteed.

Fall Bay (home 8th Dec)
Whole squad invited

Training

Remember we are alternating training at Astroturf and Underhill. This week we are at UNDERHILL on FRIDAY, 17:00 under the lights.

Wrap up warm, it will be cold when the sun goes down.

For the next 3 games we will have a small number at Morriston Away, and a small number for Skewen at Home, to maximise game time. Then for Fall Bay at home we will invite everyone. 

Wednesday Training

Anyone caught playing football on Wednesdays is sacked. Obviously there is a clash with footie on Wednesday, but please make sure the boys don't worry about missing rugby. We could not get any other time and it will only be for a few weeks. So for the moment we will do every other Wednesday at astro, and every other Friday at Underhill. We will also continue our longer warm up sessions on a Sunday before the match. It really does not matter what sport the boys do on a Wednesday - as long as everyone is running about keeping fit.

Match on Sunday - last round of the current matrix, so boys who have not played as much over last few weeks will get big game time. Meet at Underhill 10:15. Match vs Gowerton on the Junior Pitch.

Injury Update

Get well soon to Fin (broken wrist) and Owen (neck strain). We will miss their key contributions on a Sunday morning for a few weeks.

Parents and coaches social

Don't forget the parents and coaches night out this Friday. We thought we would have some informal drinks before the xmas season kicks in. Meet at White Rose at 8:00. Who knows after that. All hangers-on welcome.

Weekly News

No training tonight for obvious reasons. We do however have access to astroturf this year again, and the first session will be next Wednesday 17:30 - 18:30. Apologies to those who can't make this time, it was the only slot available. Players must not worry if they can't be there, it is a stop gap until Feb and we will continue our longer warm up sessions on a Sunday before matches. If we do get a dry run we will also do some Fridays. We will do Astro at least every other Wednesday (probably more often).

We are back to a matrix selection this Sunday for the match at neighbours South Gower. This is especially important this week, as we have been forewarned that due to several events, quite a few of the SG lads are away and numbers might be tight. We appreciate Steve letting us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. Teamer for the matrix selection will be sent later today. Match day squad to meet at 10:45 at Pwll Du Lane. The final matrix game in this round will be at home against Gowerton next week. At the end of that match, all players in the squad will have been invited to 10 matches already this season, which shows we think the value of the matrix approach with more quality time on the day.

Anniversary Event

A message from our Chairman Martin Rodwell:

This coming Saturday 9/11 a Mumbles XV play a Glamorgan County XV in Underhill Park k.o. 1.30 p.m. The game is a celebration match to mark our 125 Year Anniversary and is being played now because of the problems we had last season with the pitch! After the game, in the clubhouse, there will be a presentation made by Glamorgan County in recognition of 125 Years of Mumbles Rugby Club. In addition, we will of course be showing Live, the Wales .v. South Africa match k.o. 5.30 p.m. It would be great to see you all in Underhill Park and in the club afterwards to acknowledge our long association with Glamorgan County and share the celebration of this final event of our 125 Year Anniversary.  Please share this message with your friends and family and let's give Glamorgan County a day to remember in Mumbles Rugby Club. Look forward to seeing you all at the match or in the club afterwards. 

Winter Training, match at Gowerton

Training today is OFF. Mud Bath.

Now that the winter rains have come we will have a new training schedule. When the weather is reasonable, and the pitches in good condition, we will keep to our Friday 17:00 slot which will allow us contact training under the lights. We will supplement this with a WEDNESDAY 17:30 slot at astroturf (only slot available sorry). Unlike previous years, we will not use the astroturf every week, as we will be sharing it with other junior sides. Don't worry if you can't make it on Wed, it is more of a supplement to get us through the really bad weather. I will let everyone know when astroturf starts and the exact dates we are using it in Nov/Dec/Jan when we have sorted it out with the other junior teams.

On Sunday we have a match away at Gowerton. Given the mini break we have had due to weather, this will be for the whole squad. We will continue the current round of matrix selections the following week. Bit of a late start at Gowerton due to pitch availability. Meet at 11:30 for a 12:15 KO.

Parents Social

Training as usual on Friday. But no match next Sunday (27th Oct). Start planning a relaxing Sunday morning now. Back in action the week after, away at Gowerton (3 Nov).

We are having an informal parents drinks night on Friday 15th November. Put it in the diary and meet at 8:00 in the White Rose.

New Dock Stars

Game on unless you get a teamer cancellation

New opponents again next Sunday as we venture into Scarlet-land (Duncan will be happy) to play New Dock Stars. Meeting time will be 10:15. Matrix team to follow by teamer. Directions to follow here.

New Dock Stars is on the Swansea side of Llanelli, so not too far on a Sunday morning. Set SATNAV for SA15 1JY. Drive to Llanelli, and take the Trostre Road turning on the left at the second big roundabout just after Stradey Park. The ground is just off Trostre Road, on the right.

Club website link here.
Google Map here.

Training on Friday at 17:00. Attendance and effort at training so far has been fantastic. Keep up the good work. Will keep an eye on the heavy rain forecast for today though.

Kenfig Hill Visit

Training as usual at 5:00 on Fridays.

This Sunday we are welcoming Kenfig Hill to Underhill Park. We have not played before so it will be a good new experience for the boys and I am sure a tough challenge as is always the case when we venture outside the district to the Bridgend area.

We will be playing on the Junior Pitch, with a 10:15 meet and an 11:00 kick off. Team to be announced asap.

We have run through a full rotation of the Matrix. It has been reasonably successful. On the plus side, the boys on the day get lots of game time. On the negative side we have on occasion been left a little short on certain positions. We are going to try and remedy this in two ways: first by expanding the match day squad a bit. Probably to 21 or 22 players. This means we can deal with unexpected drop outs at the last minute, which is inevitable now we head into the coughs and colds season. This also means that boys will only miss a few Sundays across the season. The other way we can make sure we cover all positions is by getting the boys used to playing in more than one. This is not just to help the matrix, but also important for their long term development as players. We don't want to label players in fixed positions at such a young age, and even if players are clearly best suited to one role, they can gain a better understanding of rugby from the experience.

Bont Weekend

First up, all our best wishes to Cam for a full recovery of his broken finger. He picked up the injury giving everything he has for the team on Sunday, as he does every single week for Mumbles. Knowing what rugby means to Cam we know he will not enjoy the rest very much, so we hope for a speedy return.

Training on Friday at 17:00 Underhill Park.

Matrix team for visit to Pontarddulais this Sunday. Meet at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School Playing Fields at 10:15.

Cai, Connor, Harry, Owen, Jack, Nathan, Ethan, Josh R, Arthur, Fin, Duncan, Luca, Jacob, Ike, Lloyd, Luke, Tom H, TTS, Dylan, Oli

Pontardawe Visit

Training on Friday. Please remember we try and start the session at 5:00.

On Sunday it is back to UNDERHILL Park as we have another match on the Senior Pitch. This time a visit from Pontardawe who we have not played for a couple of seasons. Meet at 10:15 for a good warm up that worked so well last Sunday. Team in matrix post below, and teamers have been sent.

This week's plans

Match vs Dunvant on Sunday 22nd. Teamer notifications have been sent, team in post below. Meet at Bishopston at 10:15. For everyone's information, we will try and play at Underhill if we can, but the two pitches there are given priority according to age group (or cup match). So this year unfortunately we will switch back and forth depending on other fixtures.

Training on Friday at 5:00. Please be there for a prompt start.

6N Tickets

As a member of the Club, you are entitled to enter into the draw for the Club allocation of Six Nations tickets. There is a noticeboard next to the downstairs bar, with a list that you can add your name and contact number if you would like to be entered into the draw. Alternatively you can email Robin Bonham, the junior Chairman (robinbonham@btinternet.com). In recent years the allocation has not been heavily over-subscribed, and there is a reasonable chance of getting tickets. This season the matches are:

Italy. Sat 1st Feb. 14:30. £55, £35, £25
France. Fri 21st Feb. 20.00. £75, £50, £30
Scotland. Sat 15th Mar. 14.45. £60, £40, £25
(note the cheaper prices are much less common).

The Matrix Returns

Great to see everyone get lots of game time for the first time on the big pitch last week. Now that we will be moving to just one game per weekend, we will move to the matrix system of picking match day squads of about 20. We think this is the right balance between having the subs we need on a big pitch and with hard knocks, and having enough meaningful time on the pitch for each player. The matrix will be chosen in advance for 4 games. With all players involved in at least 3 of them. We will let everyone know in advance, so you can book your Sunday lie in. Please be aware that working out these combinations never works perfectly (due to certain positions required and due to last minute changes), so we will try our best to even things out over the course of lots of games during the season, and not precisely every single week. We will review it after the first full round, to see if we need to have more players sharing certain positions, such as front row for example.

Training this Friday 5:00 at Underhill. Please be there prompt. It is hard to structure our session if everyone drifts in gradually.

Match this Sunday is Loughor away. Team for this (and the next 4 weekends) will be printed here asap.

15th Sept. Team vs Loughor. Meet 10:00 at Loughor RFC
Forwards: Myles, Harry, Owen, Tom R, Jack, Nathan, Ethan, Cam, Kieran, Karate Josh, Neil
Backs: Fin, Duncan, Luca, Lloyd, Luke, Sam, Dylan, Oli

22nd Sept. Team vs Dunvant Home
Forwards: Myles, Cai, Connor, Owen, Tom R, Nathan, Ethan, Cam, Kieran, Josh R, Karate Josh, Neil
Backs: Arthur, Duncan, Luca, Jacob, Ike, Lloyd, Tom H, TTS, Sam, Dylan

29th Sept. Team vs Pontardawe Home
Forwards: Myles, Cai, Connor, Harry, Tom R, Jack, Kieran, Josh R, Karate Josh, Neil
Backs: Arthur, Fin, Ike, Cam, Jacob,  Luke, Tom H, TTS, Sam, Oli

6th Oct. Team vsPontarddulais Away.
Forwards: Cai, Connor, Harry, Owen, Jack, Nathan, Ethan, Josh R
Backs: Arthur, Fin, Duncan, Luca, Jacob, Ike, Lloyd, Luke, Tom H, TTS, Dylan, Oli

New Season is Here!

Welcome to Junior Rugby. Training on Friday at 5:00. This Sunday we have 2 matches to get everyone into the swing of the new rules and the big pitch. First up are Briton Ferry, followed by Bonymaen. Times to be confirmed. The matches will be played at UNDERHILL PARK on the Senior Pitch. (This year we will alternate between Bish and Underhill depending on availability).

Tour Plans

Tour Day is here. Bring some blankets as the nights are getting cooler.

Here are the final plans for the tour. Any questions just give Mike a ring (07846334962). Please check here for any last minute additions on Friday.

We are going to Oaker Wood Leisure Park. Very close to our traditional Luctonians tournament. Directions HERE. Set the SATNAV for HR6 9PT. We are aiming to meet at the park by 12:00 on Saturday. For those wanting to go by convoy, we will be meeting at the car park at the bottom of Sketty Lane at 9:45, leaving by 10:00. It should take about 2 hrs to get there.

We need to bring:

• Sleeping Bags / Pillows / extra blanket just in case
• Meals are provided on Sat lunch (BBQ / hotdogs), Sat dinner (Mild Chicken / Veg Curry) and Sun breakfast (bacon rolls / cereals). Bring lots of snacks / drinks for in between and for the night around the camp fire (marshmallows).
• Camping chairs will be useful in the evening, along with warm clothes
• Rough clothes / trainers for the boys for the Saturday afternoon activities (Team Challenge and Adrenalin Package).
• Rugby kit for the boys!
• A song

The match on Sunday is at 11:00 at Luctonians. The Tour finishes officially after the game, so people can head off to get back early or stick around and we will find a pub lunch.

Tour Party:
Arthur + Mike
Duncan
Ike + Greg
TTS + Nikki + Greg
Tom R + Claire + Ewan
Oli + Dad
Tom H + Sian
Ethan + Caryn
Jack + Andrew
Harry + Helen
Lloyd + Herjeet + Tal
Nathan + Tammi + Dad
Luca + Kath
Fin + Dad + Lewis
Owen + Jon + Tracey + Jamesy

Cracker 7s Sunday AND Monday

This is the traditional Mumbles Cracker 7s weekend. Make the most of the weather on Sunday and get down the park to see the senior tournament, with BBQ, band, and bouncy castle. But that is not the end of the activities, on Bank Holiday Monday we are taking advantage of having all the tents and facilities already there to hold a Junior Section Fun Day. There will be games, stalls, and BBQ again. The event starts at 10:30 with a 'Family 7s touch rugby tournament'. If you can put together a team of 7 - mixed ages, mixed everything (need to include 1 adult). They can enter and we will play a set of round robin games of touch rugby. If you have not got a full team, come along anyway and make one up on the day. Please arrive at 10:30 so you can be allocated.

Charity Walk and Tour Update

All looking good for the Tour. Luctonians have confirmed our fixture for the Sunday morning and there should be plenty of room in the tents. All tents sleep 6 - 8 people. So at the moment we are looking at 3 team tents (about 18 players), 2 dads tents (about 12) and 2 Mums tents (about 9). Keep the money rolling in. 

BEEFY'S WELSH WALK

Don't forget to try and support the big Sir Ian Botham Charity Walk this Wednesday. He is raising money for NSPCC and there is an opportunity to continue the club's fundraising efforts for LATCH. Meet at Caswell Bay at 10:30 (11:00 start) for the 6 mile leg to the waterfront museum.

Details for the event, including entry prices are HERE.

Pre-Season Team Building Tour

Hope everyone is enjoying the sunny break. Rugby will be back before you know it, so make the most of it. We will start training in August, and due to our amazingly enterprising parents we will have some exciting kit news soon, but before all that we really need everything confirmed and paid up for our tour. Hopefully you are reading this after getting the teamer reminder. Here is what you need to know and do.

1. What is the rough time table?
Leave by car (lift shares can be organised near the time) at around 10:00 on Saturday morning 31st August. Meet at Oakerwood Park at 12:00. BBQ Hot dogs on arrival for lunch. Afternoon activities at the park. Evening meal: chicken, mash and beans. Camping Saturday night. Sunday breakfast: bacon rolls, cereal and fruit followed by morning match vs Luctonians. Return to Mumbles Sunday 1st September after lunch.

Activities will be: Team Challenge (like raft building) followed by adrenalin package.
Accomodation: large 'scout style' tents with bunkbeds inside. Approx 6 per tent. Bring sleeping bags and pillow. Note that this is not a campsite open to the public, and our party will have it to ourselves. Plenty of options for late night campfires, games and a few drinks.
Link to Oakerwood Park is: http://www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk/

2. Which players are coming?
The teamer invite for this was sent a while ago, so the dates could go into your diaries. Please go to the teamer page, and make sure your response is accurate and up to date.

3. Payment.
The cost is £70 per player (food, activities and camping included). £40 accompanying adults (food and camping). Please let mike know how many adults are going.

4. How do I pay?
Drop a cheque (payable to Mumbles u8 RFC) or Cash to Mike at 5 Moorside Road, West Cross. Or use internet banking to make a transfer to 'Mumbles u8 RFC' Nat West Bank, sort code 55 61 55, account number 74026291. Make sure there is an obvious reference so I know who it is for.

5. When do I pay?
Now please! As soon as. We need to know our final numbers and get the cash all sorted.

6. Can I bring brothers and sisters?
Yes. Prices will be the same if taking part in activities. Please note that this event is designed especially for the Wildcats, ie a bunch of 11-12 year old rugby boys, so there will be limited things to do for any sibs that are more than a couple of years either younger or older. Ask Mike if you are unsure.

7. I don't want to stay in a tent! For the boys, we want this to be a team building event, so that is what the camping is for. I am assured it is pretty comfortable, so should be fine for parents for one night! If you cannot manage it there are B&B options for non-camping parents. The Corners Inn Kingsland (01568 708385) and another pub run by a luctonioan coach called Norman (07967 806678). Again, please let me know your preference.

Any questions text Mike 07846 334 962. I will add to this FAQ as I can. Keep an eye on it.

The new season lies ahead, 15 a-side, rucking and mauling, hand offs, pick and drive. It all starts at Oakerwood Park. Lets get as many of the boys together as we can for this team building trip!

Presentations

The very last event of the season will be next Friday (17th). As long as the weather is OK we will have a short game of touch rugby starting at 5:15. Then at 5:45 we will start the end of season presentations, also at the park.

If the weather is bad we will rethink the venue. If you can't make the touch rugby then please try and be there for 5:45 as we have a few things to hand out to the boys.

After next week we will have a proper summer break. Before our long awaited pre-season tour on 31st August. We have a few admin details to sort out (new red registration cards, any transfers) and we will need payment for the tour. This will be £70 for the lads who are taking part in activities, and £40 for accompanying adults. Remember this includes accommodation and food all round. Full details of the event will be published again soon. We have already paid deposit on this, so if you have not confirmed you are coming please do so on the teamer website asap. Any cheques should be made payable to "Mumbles U8 RFC".

End of Season

We have finished with matches for this season, but will wind down with a few more Friday training sessions. The latest of these is this Friday (10th May) at 5:15 at Underhill.

We have some team hoodies on order, and we will continue on Fridays until they arrive. We will then present them at the park (weather permitting) as our end of year presentation, and then have our summer break.

Wildcats - The Movie

Well done to all the Wildcats Squad - Luctonians Plate Winners 2013

We are all very proud of all your achievements this season!

End of Season Jolly

Update: Meet the coach at 7.45 outside Mumbles Rugby Club. We also now have plenty of room on the coach so if you want to bring any other supporters just text mike 07846334962 and it should be fine. Don't forget it is £10 per seat, and adults pay £4 entry into the tournament. See you bright and early.

The end is nigh. Our last formal event is coming up this Sunday 21st April. We are travelling to the Luctonians Tournament in Herefordshire. It will be our 4th trip and we will be taking a coach this time. The costs will be £10 per seat. All payable on the day please. We are taking 20 players and are assuming 1 travelling supported per player, but there will be room for several more on a first come first served basis. Please text Mike if you want an extra seat: 07846 334962. Also, please let me know if you intend to travel up by car instead.

The time to meet the coach will be decided later in the week and posted up here. It will be early though, either 7:30 or 8:00.

Most importantly, we have had a big take up for the trip this year, and the first 20 that replied have been given the team places. This means we actually have a waiting list for the first time. If you have accepted the original teamer invite, but are no longer able to go for any reason, please let Mike know, as there will be someone else in line to go instead.

Thanks everyone for a great effort this weekend there was loads of rugby for everyone and great performances too.

Rugby Fest

Weather really disappointing this morning, but the team from Bethesda has travelled a long way and the match will go ahead whatever!

No training on Friday, due to matches on both Saturday and Sunday.

A busy couple of weekends ahead, but that will nearly be it for this season. This SATURDAY we are playing a touring side from Bethesda. Meet at Underhill at 12. After the match there will be BBQ and snacks at the Park.

On Sunday we have 2 matches, at Bishopston. We have picked two teams, and they are on the teamer invites. Please reply so we know we have good numbers in both games.

Team 1 vs Neath meet at 10:00 at Bish
Team 2 vs Briton Ferry meet at 10:30 at Bish

Next week it is Lucton. And that is more or less that. For the last few weeks of the season we will have some training sessions to introduce next season's new rules, with big changes for the forwards, before everyone has a well earned and proper rest from rugby. We will also take the chance of a relaxing end to the season to make sure the plans for the pre-season tour are all in hand.

Friday Match

We are off to Ystradgynlais this Friday. Meet at their ground at 5:45.

Postcode is SA9 1BH
Directions can be found HERE.

End of season run in

The end of season approaches and we only have a few events left. They are also all over the place, so have a close look at the dates and times:

29th March: Good Friday. Morning training for those who fancy it (10 ish, TBC)
31st March: Easter Sunday. No rugby
5th April: Friday evening match away at Ystradgynlais (6 ish, TBC)
7th April: Sunday. No match
13th April: Saturday match vs Bethesda touring side (BBQ etc at Underhill) 12:15.
14th April: Sunday match vs Neath at home.
21st April: Tour to Lucton
28th April: final match of season TBC

News

Training on Friday at 4:45 Underhill Park. CANCELLED due to waterlogged pitch

Match on Sunday away at Dunvant. As we are nearing the end of the season, and there is no match on the following Sunday (Easter) we will invite everyone to have some game time.

New Hoodies. We will be ordering team hoodies next week. We have samples in 3 sizes to try on the boys at training on Friday or at the match on Sunday. Make sure you are at one of these fittings, or we will have to guess your size.

Lucton. The plan now is to take a coach to Lucton, to travel up in the morning. Cost will be around £25 per player, which includes at least one travelling supporter (2 if spaces available). But we must know the numbers coming. Please reply to the teamer reminder asap so we know exactly who wants to go.

Oxford Match - Saturday

NO training tonight due to unavailability of coaches.

But the big match is ON tomorrow. Meet at UNDERHILL Park at 12:00. We then have 2 matches against the visiting Oxford team. We will also have a BBQ at the park to Welcome our guests. Not one to miss!

Big Event Coming Up

Have a lie in this Sunday, as we are free for a change. Bonymaen have cancelled due to a lack of players. So relax and look after your Mums.

Next week.....

Next weekend we have an exciting event to look forward to. We have 2 matches against a touring club from England, Oxford RFC. This takes place on SATURDAY 16th March. We meet at 12:00 for  a 12:30 kick off for the first game. So we should be able to fit 2 matches in between any morning football, and anyone going to the Swans later on. This promises to be one of the highlights of the season, so we hope we can get a really good turn out to welcome out guests. We will be playing at UNDERHILL Park, on the main seniors pitch for the first time. We will have a BBQ, with snacks and drinks, to greet the tourists. In the afternoon there is the climax of the 6N tournament, but Wales vs England starts in Mumbles at 12:00! Be there.

March 3rd

Keep an eye on the blog this week, as we have run out of our allotted free teamer texts this month!

Training on Friday at Underhill Park, and Match on Sunday away at Fall Bay (teamer will be sent out on Friday).  

Meet Fall Bay at 10:30

Ball Boys Required

On Sunday, Wales u18s are playing France u18s at St Helen's. Kieran's mum is looking for ball boys for the match, and because of the football, they are finding it difficult to recruit. If anyone wants to ball boy at the match can they let Jill know at training tomorrow or on 07789866601. The international kicks off at St Helen's at 2:30 (and the Swans KO at 4:00).

125 Anniversary Dinner

Don't forget that tickets are going quickly for the 125 Year Anniversary Dinner Dance on 1st June, at the University Main Hall. Bookings need to be made by 31st March (and 220 out of the 350 tickets have already been allocated). The Contenders will be playing!

Feb 24th Match

We tried to rearrange the Gowerton match for the Friday, but this was not possible, so we will go ahead with the planned Sunday match as normal. We know plenty of boys will be going to Wembley, but we should still be able to raise a team to fulfil the fixture. Please reply to teamer so we know who is coming and so we are sure we have 12. All available players meet at Gowerton at 11:00.

Teamer Overload

Sorry for all the Teamer posts, but we have a few special days coming up so I just wanted to make sure everyone had the dates, and if lots are going to be away for any of them whether we need to re-arrange anything. I can give more details at training/the match, but more details of each will appear on the blog asap.

17th Feb. Match at Bish vs Ups
22nd Feb. FRIDAY match at Gowerton
16th Mar. SATURDAY match at Underhill vs Touring Team (Oxford).
21st Apr. Tournament day out.
30th Aug - 1st September. Pre-Season Tour to Herefordshire.

Half Term Plans

With all the bad weather, we are going for one last training session on the astroturf. This Friday at 4:30. With a match the following Friday (see below) we won't need to go back to Underhill until March when it will be light, if not particularly dry.

Sunday 17th Feb. Match at Home vs Swansea Ups. Meet 10:30 at Bishopston.

FRIDAY 22nd Feb. Match away at Gowerton. Meet 5:30. Our Gowerton fixture has been moved to the Friday, due to the Swans historic trip to Wembley on Sunday 24th. We will have a match under lights instead of our usual Friday training.

GAME ON!

Meet at Bonymaen at 10:30. Make sure you wrap everyone up warm and keep dry before the match. Towels for the car afterwards!

6 Nations Competition - IMPORTANT

If you have any sold tickets from the 6N competition still, can you please let me know NOW, and also get them to me tomorrow morning before the second round of matches starts. Text mike on 07846 334 962.

Match on Sunday is Away at Bonymaen for a game against Burry Port and Bony. Meet at Bony at 11.15.

Some dates for the diary

Keep thes dates free guys.

Sunday 21st April. Tournament. This will be a day trip, with car share.

Saturday 31st August - Sunday 1st September. PRE-SEASON TOUR. We have had some difficulty arranging a tour, especially one that was not too expensive, but we have finally come up with a plan. We aim to finish the season at the end of April, and instead of squeezing a date in early, or between Easter and Lucs, we are going  to start the new season with a bang and travel to Hereforshire. We have a really exciting set of activities planned, and an over night stay, followed by our first ever 15 a side match on the Sunday. Details to follow.

Training on Friday at 4:30 as usual. Reasonable chance of a match at Bishopston on Sunday.

Mike

Match vs Morriston OFF!

Match vs Morriston is on, see you at Bish at 10.30, on our usual pitch.

Just spoken to the Sports Centre and the council have called all the matches on the outside pitches OFF. Waterlogged pitches.

Perhaps we should open up WildCats bog snorkeling team?

Training Friday

Training as usual on Friday at astro at 4.20pm. See you there. Don't forget game on Sunday morning, hopefully!

SG Match OFF

Sorry but this mornings match has been called off due to the amount of rain yesterday and overnight. We checked Bishopston and no go there either.

I am away for a week from Monday, so anyone who has 6Nations tickets sold, please hang on to the money and the tickets until I get back. Please try and sell your allocation, and I still have 1 book left! it is usually easier to sell on the build up to the tournament as more people are talking about it, so if anyone needs more tickets to sell, or hasn't had any yet please text me today and I will get them to you.

Next week a home match for everyone against Morriston. Fingers crossed. Mike

Training Off. Get well Ike.

I have just been out at Ashleigh Road and it is horribly wet, windy, and freezing cold. So NO TRAINING tonight.

Best wishes to Ike on his recovery from a wrist injury. Never one to do anything half heartedly, Ike took a spill at the skate park last weekend and will be off rugby, and in a cast, for a few weeks.

Fingers crossed for the game on Sunday at South Gower. mike

South Gower Sunday

Match vs SG on Sunday 27th. With all the cancellations recently we'll invite the full squad so everyone gets a bit of rugby and play a long game as SG also have good numbers. Meet SG RFC, Pyle Corner, at 10:00.

Gentleman's Evening Do

Before anyone asks, there will be a ladies version of this, with details to come....but before that we have the Gents version, with this message from Chris Founds:


As you may be aware, Mumbles RFC U14s are raising money for LATCH, The Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity. Dylan Gunner, a 14 year old boy from the team, was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour and is now going through 12 months of treatment. The LATCH Organisation has been magnificent with their support to both Dylan and his family and will continue with this support throughout his treatment. Dylan is a local boy and has been playing rugby for Mumbles RFC from the age of 6. We started our activities with a sponsored walk before Christmas and we raised well over £4,000, which was fantastic!!

We are now organising a dinner at Langland Golf Club on Friday 26th April.  We are limited to 9 tables of 10 so it will be on a first come first served basis. The seniors, youth, old fogies from the club, South Gower and Dunvant have all asked for tables, and whilst of course I would be willing to sell to them to make the money, I would personally prefer to fill the room with our Junior section.

The tickets are priced at £250 for a table, if you can’t take a full table then we will try and fit all numbers in, just let me know how many tickets you want (£25 each). Full details for the evening will follow, but it will be a Lounge suit affair with a three course meal. We have secured Dai Vaughan (Chairman of Dunvant RFC and an excellent speaker) to do the after dinner speech, there will be a raffle (with good prizes, not your usual c**p), an auction, including a signed Swans shirt (Michu’s) and more.

I need to know how many tickets you require by 8th Feb and then money, by 1st March. As you can imagine this takes a lot of organising on top of running and coaching the U14s team so please help me here by replying promptly.

It would be great if I didn’t have to sell tables to other people and we sold out just with the Junior section!!!!! Thanks and Best Wishes, Chris.

So it is £25 a ticket, and 10 on a table. Please let Mike know if we can raise a Wildcats table. Or combine with another age group. Very unfortunately, I (Mike) cannot be there on that night, so I won't be able to get the ball rolling. But if someone is interested and can coordinate then please let me know and I'll help as I can.

EVERYTHING OFF

Obviously Training this Friday is CANCELLED due to the weather. But we have just heard from the Council Parks Department that all matches this Sat and Sunday are OFF as well. So no rugby this weekend. Hope to see everyone back at training this week, also with some news about our tour.

Neath Match

Training for everyone on Friday at Astroturf 4:30.

Next Sunday we have Neath Athletic at Bishopston. Team will be all those not there last weekend. Meet at Bish at 10:30.

Front Row: Myles, Tom R, Cai
Back Row: Jack, Connor
Half Backs: Fin, Jacob
Centres: Josh R, Harry
Back Three: Neil, Josh, Tom H, Dylan

The following week we have Waun at home, for the whole squad.

Lucton DVD

Ethan's mum has put together a 15 min DVD with action from the Lucton trip last season. Caryn will be making copies for a £2 donation to the team funds. Place your orders at training!

New Year Plans - CHANGE OF VENUE

We will be having a proper break over Christmas, so there will be no training tomorrow (4th Jan). Training will start on Friday 11th January at Astroturf Ashleigh Road (4:30).

This weekend's match has been moved to BISHOPSTON, in an attempt to get it played. 

MEET BISH at 10:00 so we can be done and dusted before the footie.

Team vs Bont (6th Jan)
Front Row: Owen, Kieran, Myles
Back Row: Josh, TTS
Backs / Back Row: Arthur, Duncan, Lloyd, Cam, Ethan, Oli, Luca, Sam