U12 MINI RUGBY

News updated 23 April 2008

In this week's bumper issue:

• Surrey A Festival Report

• Esher Floodlit Festival - Friday 25th April

• Fun Day  - Sunday 27th April

• Lunch at The Club - Sunday 27th April

• Beer Festival - 9th/10th May

• The Summer Ball

• Youth shirts

• Coaching

• Who said?

Surrey A Festival Report

A few words from Paul Tunnacliffe ...  

We were in a very challenging and closely fought group with all sides pretty well matched. Looking to the other pitches in our age group it seemed we had been pitched in the group of death.  

After a couple of lapses in our first game when we lost by two tries to one against a bigger and stronger Haslemere than we anticpated, our defence throughout was outstanding and we conceded no tries against any of Richmond (who we drew with after an immense back to the walls display), Reeds (a single try victory - and what a try by Richard after the best handling move of the entire day) and Battersea Ironsides (a disappointing and costly 0-0 draw).

The disappointment of not winning against Ironsides was exacerbated by the realisation that we will probably not qualify for league one status next season, as we finished 3rd rather than 2nd.

In essence our defensive performance was not matched by any great attacking creativity - we were sadly lacking with few flowing movements (the only two which did flow created tries). Notwithstanding the odd injury and less clean ball than we would have hoped for, our ball handling and depth was not what it could and should have been and we created little.

But, the boys gave their all and it was a fine line between winning the group to qualify and finishing in third.

Seven minutes each way gives little manoeuvre for error and we all look forward to the next season when a longer game gives opportunity for game plans and a true reflection of the abilities of the teams.  

KCS drew with Richmond in the final, winning on countback (they were in a less challenging group). Richmond drew with Rosslyn Park in their semi who themselves qualified after losing one (to Old Rutlishians!) and drawing one game (to Effingham) in their qualifier.  

So our age group is mighty tight. We drew with the finalists who themselves lost no games throughout the festival. We are close.  

Thanks as ever to all supporting parents and to the coaches, who will feel the setback most after a season where there have been a number of positive steps forward.    

Esher Floodlit Festival Fri 25th April

Whilst information about this exciting festival is scarce, it is happening and we are going in strength.   We have entered an A and a B team and the squads are listed below.      We need to register by 5.45pm and the matches commence at 6.15pm.  Evidently, parking is a problem.  First come first served at the nearby Hersham station car park or on the street in the locality.  Proceedings conclude with presentations at 9.30pm. 

For details of the club see their website:  www.esherrugby.com 

Address: The Rugby Ground, 369 Molesey Road, Hersham, Surrey KT12 3PF    

The U12s will be playing on their main pitch, which should add to the occasion.    We need everyone to attend as numbers are actually tight.  Nick has previously asked to be informed of non-availability and selection based on the responses, so hopefully all can make the event.   

A Squad

ANDREW AITCHISON

HUGH ANDERSON

ADAM BOLTON

TOM BRANKIN-FRISBY

CALLUM BROAD

RICHARD BUTLER

ALEXANDER COATES

SACHA DE GENTLE WILLIAMS

EDWARD FUSSELL

RORY HARTY

ALEX HOGGE

ALEX JEFFERIES

JAMES MORETON

OLI ROCKETT

GEORGE THOMAS

GEORGE TUNNACLIFFE

B Squad

GEORGE BISHOP

ROSE BISHOP

LOUIS BRANDON

ALEX CORNWALL

DAMIEN CULLEN

LUKE DE BENEDUCCI

DAN HAMILL

LARS HOLDATE

WINSTON HOLLAND

GAURAV KAPOOR

MAX KERSLAKE

JOHN MACDONALD

OLI MACDONALD

AMAL PATEL

BEN ROWLANDS

JACKSON SANDILANDS

CHRIS TROOP

TYRON ZALTSMAN

Fun Day

Something a little different is planned.  Parents - bring trainers/boots and clothing suitable for some exercise.  No excuses!  

On a very serious note, you will have seen Nick's note regarding the Seal of Approval assessment visit that is planned for this day.  It goes without saying that this is of great importance and significance to the Club as a whole, and we anticipate the assessor being given a tour of the entire facility and of questions being asked.  So please, coaches and non-coaches alike, do take 10 minutes to read the message and acquaint yourselves with the material provided.  It could be you!  Familiarise yourselves with the 25 items of key documentation (not the detail in all cases, but the fact that they do exist) to support Cobham's bid for RFU Seal of Approval status.  You may find them to be of some interest and assurance irrespective of the accreditation being sought.  Refer  http://www.cobhamrfc.com/membership_soa1.htm  

Lunch at the club

Sunday lunch is being served in the Clubhouse on Sunday.click here for more details

Beer Festival

The weekend of 9th/10th May sees the return of the annual  Beer Festival at Cobham RFC.  A fine collection of beers is lined up.  Is any excuse required?  

The Summer Ball ... is now sold out.  But watch out for our age group's social events that are in the early stages of being planned for the coming months.   

Youth Shirts

A further and final reminder to those who need it.  Sizes to Nick please for next season's garments.  

Coaching Volunteers? 

Over the last couple of years, for various reasons, we have gradually lost 'coaching staff' and whilst we will get at least a share of a professional next season to assist us in our preparation and skills development, extra parental assistance will always be welcome.   A formal RFU coaches training course and qualification will have to be completed successfully, but this can be funded by the Club and only takes up a couple of weekends, and will set you up for a rewarding involvement of a fantastic rugby community.  If you have any interest please let me or Mike know. 

Who said?
Jonny Wilkinson did.  Well done to Paul Tunnacliffe.    The only entry!    

Well, I think that is it for now.  Hope to see you on Friday and if not on Sunday.

Best regards,      

Jonathan

For full reports, click on U12 fixtures & Reports page - then follow the blue links on the fixture table.

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If your son or daughter is interested in playing for the team please contact the Team Manager or Head Coach by email by clicking on their name in the right hand 'Key Contacts' column.