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.

Wildcats Dominate Xmas Parents Match

A brace of tries from the Prices, with an impressive dive from Jon and a run in from the half way line from Tracey, was not enough to save the Parents from a devastating 7.5 - 2 defeat to the under 7s. The Wildcats dominated possession and took advantage of their greater speed off the mark to pressurise the Parents into mistakes. It was a fine effort though and plans for a training session needed before next year's match were overheard. Photos to follow.

Thanks to everyone for making the occasion. There is clearly so much support for the things we are trying to do: encouraging the enjoyment of outdoor sports, team spirit, learning, mixing with the other age-groups and bringing together players from different schools. So thanks for all coming back to the club afterwards as well, even if everything did not go exactly to plan. The team look very smart in their new beanies - and anyone who didn't get one this afternoon can pick them up from me in the new year.

Happy Christmas all, and see you back on Sunday 4th.

Xmas Gower Rugby Report

Thanks to our generous Fall Bay hosts (and excellent ref!) and with help from the South Gower coaches, the Wildcats were able to play 2 long matches this morning, meaning that everyone had loads of quality game time. This made all the difference as the boys could settle in to the match situation properly - either that or they have been listening in training! Whatever it was, right from the start there was another improved performance. Just look at that defensive line....

All the boys deserve a mention in dispatches. Ed for no nonsense straight running, Duncan, Dylan, Matz and Cam for getting stuck right in, shaking off nasty knocks and bleeding for the cause, the defensive line marshalled by Jamie and Sam and constant support play of Ike and Tom R. Tom Charles captained the side and takes champagne moment for finishing off a flowing move in the corner and Arthur takes player of the week for all round contribution including lots of tries. For the record, with the Mumbles Pirates (under 8s) absent this weekend the boys took on a mixed South Gower side (8s and 7s), and, by the end, the Fall Bay under 8s side. The boys have started playing as a team and making more decisions on the pitch. All the parents should be proud of the boys' achievements this term.

Next Sunday - Training. Venue and time to be confirmed.
Sunday 21st - Fun morning - Time and venue to be confirmed

Matz and Dunc show off their wounds

Weekend Plans: Fall Bay Away. Last Match of 2008!

Sunday: Change of plan. We are now going to an away fixture at Fall Bay. The Fall Bay rugby club is in Scurlage and quite easy to find. Take the South Gower road all the way to Scurlage, continue through the village on the road to Port Eynon and the Fall Bay RFC clubhouse and pitches are on the right hand side. It takes about 25 minutes from Mumbles. Meet there at 11:00. Enjoy the lie in for a change.


Please remember that Fall Bay Rugby Club is in the Arctic regions of Gower. Wrap the boys up and bring gloves - even if they are not playing in them - to keep them warm if we have to wait. This will be the last match of 2008, but we will try and get a couple of training sessions in up untill christmas.

Friday Night: Don't forget the Minis Section Xmas Do at Mumbles Rugby Club. From 8 till late. Quiz starts at 8:30 followed by Disco. Only £3 a ticket with all proceeds going to the teams. You can pay on the door or get a ticket from Mike (7s) or Donna (9s). Come along and support the club. All parents / grandparents / friends are welcome.