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Latest Suffolk 7s information from Ross Cowie

24th September 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Please pass this from Ross Cowie to all managers / coaches of the teams attending from your club

  • I still need 2 volunteers to act as pitch marshals, and
  • I am short of 3 REFEREES – there are several clubs with more than 3 sides entered, but where there is no referee volunteer.
  • Could those clubs, and any others please rustle up a ref or two, please – and let me know. (Whoever referees will find it difficult to coach – it is very difficult to plan ref schedules around “other” games)

We have a slightly smaller entry – 38 sides – See below for the number of entries by club by age group.

The U13s & U15s will take place in the morning, with U14s & U16s in the afternoon, in order to (significantly) reduce the length of the day for competitors – but this will mean many sides will play games “on the bounce” – please be prepared.

There are no semi-finals or finals this year (again reducing the amount of “hanging around”) – each side will play 4 games – please note this year that games are 9 minutes each way.

We had planned to run pool competitions at 2 standards, a “Trophy” competition for the stronger clubs and first teams, and a “Club” competition for the remainder – in order for more meaningful competition, and to try to avoid mis-matches but because of the lower entry numbers this year, this is not quite possible. Each team will be allocated to the relevant standard, but where necessary, we will run the competition on a conference system (a bit complicated) – so teams should expect to play the odd game against a team in the other standard.

I will be going to work tonight to put together a complicated and complex plan for the day’s schedule of rugby. I will not be best pleased if I have to re-do it !! At present, there will be around 76 games

Please can all clubs / coaches / players realize that the playing schedule is hugely complex – all that I ask is that you take what is given, no complaining, and ensure that your squad is on the allocated pitch in good time, and enjoy yourselves –there is No Slack in the running order

A number of you have asked for details about timings etc so :

U13s & U15s Register at 9.00, please at the caravan in the centre of the pitches

U13s & U15s Rugby starts at 10.00

U13s & U15s Expected to be around 1.15

U14s & U16s Register at 12.15

U14s & U16s Rugby starts around 1.15

U14s & U16s Finals are expected to be around 4.30

  • Running Order must be like clockwork – managers / coaches to ensure teams pitch side and ready to start on time
  • Bring spare strip or bibs(very important), in case of colour clashes, particularly those who play in black***
  • Physios & EMTs in attendance
  • Bacon Butties + Barbecue organized by RHS
  • Parking on the School’s Parade Ground – please follow Marshalls
  • Please enter RHS from the Brantham / Stutton end (not the Shotley end)
  • I don’t plan to be too “heavy” on administration, so I am not looking for registration forms, but I need each Youth Chairman to confirm that each squad contains bone fide members of their club, and that there are no overage players. Where a club is entering more than one squad at an age group, no switching between squads and indeed no switching between age groups – best to say a player can only represent one squad during the day.
  • Changing facilities are very, very limited, so could you please ask all players to come changed, and don’t worry about “number ones” for afterwards.
  • No Barbecues – we are on private property
  • And could all parents please respect RFU CORE VALUES–any abuse of a referee or a spectator entering a pitch will result in immediate expulsion
  • Clubs must take responsibility for their parents behaviour

Ross

Amazons start season with a stonker

21st September 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Hampstead 2’s 0  Amazons 47 – Report by Ian Girling

The Woodbridge Amazons kicked off their season in fine style on Sunday playing the newly promoted Hampstead Heath second XV at Hendon RFC.

The performance was so polished it positively gleamed in the glorious London sunshine! There was no sign of first game nerves as the travellers, including three new players, began well. Tremendous aggressive defending set the tone early as Woodbridge drove back early Hampstead possession. The strong start was soon capitalised on when the ball was worked out to winger Anna Dewberry who touched down for the first try of the match.

Despite conceding a weight disadvantage, the Amazons pack worked their socks off and as the half continued, an excellent balance of sheer power from the likes of Sarah Simms, along with the tenacity of Libby Stopard meant quality ball for scrum half Morven McAlpine constantly. It was Stopard that scored next, her first ever try after some determined running inside the 22.

Woodbridge were the more organised of the two sides, with skipper Claire Brickley leading superbly from her pivotal fly half position. It was from more quality possession that she stretched her legs to outpace the hosts defenders for try number three. With the forwards out working their opposite number, the Woodbridge backs began to cut loose as more and more ball was spread wide.

The centre pairing of Jess Delaney, playing in her last match before going to Loughborough University, and Rhian Claydon was an absolute triumph as both youngsters cut fine running lines, linking well with forwards inside them, and wingers out wider. Delaney dived over the try line for the fourth and final try of a top drawer first half. 24-0.

Despite the heat, the Woodbridge play warmed up even more in the second half and at times the action looked good enough to grace the Allianz Park (home of the Saracens rugby club) pitch right next door! The backs ran riot in the second period as Dewberry bulled her way through four or five tacklers for her second try. The captain was the second to grab a brace, then Delaney, both from distance as the hosts faded, before Dewberry claimed her hattrick, again finishing off a flowing move that involved both forwards and backs.

This was a terrific performance, both in defence and attack, as signified by the final 47-0 score line. The organisation, together with plenty of heart and sweat, bodes very well for the upcoming season and it’s fair to say Woodbridge have started with a bang, sending out a resounding message to the rest of the league.

Well done indeed!

 

RWC Ambassadors WANTED (message from Andy Wilesmith)

15th September 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

RWC Ambassador Role - Process web RWC Ambassador RoleI have attached the role advert for the Rugby World Cup Ambassadors role here. These will be the individuals that, over the World Cup, will be the central point of contact via the website. So when a parent wants to find out more information about the Club and joining, they can contact the Ambassador beforehand and then find out arrangements when they come to the Club on a Sunday (including when matches are and training). Onthe Sunday an Ambassador will be at the World Cup Corner where new people will go as first point of contact. The Ambassador then introduces the parent and child to the coaches. The child joins in the session, meanwhile the Ambassador takes the parent to get a cup of tea and introduces them to Carolynne who can discuss membership. The attached flow chart explains.

Please can you push this role out to all your parents, work colleagues, friends, put it on Facebook, Twitter etc. Volunteers can be from within the Club or outside. We are looking for about 3 volunteers ideally. Each coach that finds a WILLING volunteer for this role will get bought a beer by Andy Wilesmith! First three win!
We DON’T want people that are current volunteers (coaches, team managers etc). They have to be at the Corner.

Woodbridge Warriors 3 v S Woodham Ferrers 40 Sat 12 Sept

14th September 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A minutes silence was held in memory of Charles Notcutt who played his first Woodbridge Rugby Club game on 28 January 1969 against a team of Woodbridge School masters. He became Club President in the early 1970s and remained a supporter of the Club until his death recently.

Play opened in the spirited fashion befitting an early season friendly. S Woodham Ferrers, who had bought two teams, is two leagues ahead of Woodbridge in the London Leagues and it showed it’s pedigree with pressure from the off. Fly-half Keane spreading possession to centres Suka and Kerslake to force the Warriors into early defence which despite good man-marking saw scrum half Dukelow dive over five minutes from kick off. Captain Stokes charged from the restart forcing a penalty for holding on and allowing Jamie Smith to claw three points back.

As expected against a senior side, set pieces caused Woodbridge problems as S Woodham’s energetic scrum drove hard and, when not penalised, secured ball for renewed sorties from their flankers. Line-outs were a similar challenge with S Woodham clearly favouring the maul however Woodbridge resisted better as the game went on, letting the visitors be penalised in the scrum and improving at the throw-ins, Olly Gray taking some corkers. JP Hart was a real asset in clearing lines deep into enemy territory when the Warriors won penalties or turned the visitors over. One or two home opportunities occurred, Jacob Bodkin overcooking a kick-through after a great run, but were rebuffed by a frequently-refreshed opposition defence as both teams used unlimited subs. Late in the half one such opportunity was cleared downfield for a couple of scrums on the Woodbridge 5 metre line building an attack and eventually No 8 Peta scored. 3-12 at the break.

The second half stretched the difference between the teams with high balls testing the hosts and pressure from the start. A free kick proved no help as S Woodham repeatedly attacked, drawing defence and then moving wide for full back Reeve to score. Five minutes later a similar measured move worked the ball out again to prop Gittos who scored under the post.

Woodbridge reacted with Bond and Crowther leading a counter charge which resulted in the longest Warrior attack, Stokes rallying his men who won a line-out against the head but Reeve intercepted, kicked through for substitute No18 to score. A similar move occurred five minutes later and winger Namani scored. Woodbridge held for the rest of the half, Bodkin having another good run at the Woodham defence but despite a committed effort the score stayed at 3-40 with both teams getting a good training run-out for the season ahead.

Ross Cowie on Age Grade and Playing Regulations for 2015/16

3rd September 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

A note from Ross Cowie – “Forgive me please for attaching some notes on Age Grade and Playing Regulations for this coming season.
Eastern Counties will be adopting the New Rules of Play at U12s – a link to these is below – we are forever grateful to this age group for being the guinea pigs for introducing the new rules each season.
http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/Governance/Regulations/01/31/29/18/RFU_Regulation_15_Appendix_1_U12_New_Rules_of_Play_Neutral.pdf
Inevitably, there will be queries on the detail !

Our RDOs, Jonathan and Sam are organising Workshops across Eastern Counties to explain these to coaches in further detail – they are writing separately to CCCs. Under 11s & below will be playing to the same rules as introduced last and previous seasons. There may have been some confusion on changes at other age groups – these are not in force until next season 16/17 – so please ignore (for the time being).

I attach below a link to Age Grade Regulations for season 15/16.
http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/Governance/Regulations/01/30/34/88/RFU_Regulation_15_Neutral.pdf
http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/Governance/Regulations/01/30/35/01/Guidance_to_age_grade_regulation_15_Neutral.pdf

These should, of course, be the “bible” by which you run your club’s youth, mini, and girls rugby.

There has been much talk about playing down an age group, and amalgamation of age groups etc., but these regulations are more stringent, and require formal approval. May I highlight the following, please.

U7 to U12s – these age groups are covered by the new Shaping the Game protocols, which Eastern Counties agreed to adopt. Please be reminded that all clubs within ECs need to follow these new protocols, which are mandatory.

U12s to U15s – playing up – players may play up one year with the appropriate assessments, and parental consents.

U16s to U18s – playing up – players may play up 2 age groups year with the appropriate assessments, and parental consents. Except in the front row – one age group only (NB – this is a recent regulation) – age dates for youth rugby are 31st August / 1st September – which is different from adult rugby – which is player’s birthday.

PLAYING DOWN – THIS IS FORBIDDEN, except where a player has formal permission from Eastern Counties. This will be approved in exceptional circumstances where there are physical or developmental reasons which mean that it would be more appropriate to play a year down. A form is here; any assessment should be completed by a Level 2 coach, and signed off by 2 of Hon Sec, Youth Chairman / CCC/ Club Safeguarding Officer. I am very happy to provide advice on this matter – but completed forms should be forwarded to Lisa in the EC office.
Please note that you will need to reapply for any exemption given in previous seasons.

MIXED AGE GROUPS, We are keen to ensure that as many youngsters as possible can play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment, and are conscious that a number of clubs can only field sides at certain age groups by amalgamating age groups – and it has been normal for these groups to “play up”. However, we are conscious that this, occasionally, may not necessarily be the best environment for all the players.
I am aware of previous examples :
A club ran their U16s with 2 (modest) players at U17 – they did not have formal permission to do so. They always sought permission from their opponents – it was a very safe environment, BUT on paper it was wrong.
A club ran a mixed U14/U15 group playing up – 75% of the players were U14, and of a very modest standard – they were regularly well beaten.

I am minded to find a better way in these circumstances, provided it is safe and enjoyable, so…………………………

If and where you want to / need to play mixed groups in similar circumstances, please contact me, and we will see if there is a pragmatic solution which can be formalised .
Please do NOT play anyone down without seeking formal approval.

Any queries on this, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail (rossrugby@btinternet.com), or via you RDO or CRC before making any call on this.

For the avoidance of doubt, players may not play down in order to “make up numbers” – if a club is short of numbers, please make arrangements with your opposition to equalise numbers.

Please do NOT call off games if you are short of numbers, or do not have a front row – please contact your opponents – they will normally happily help you (or play uncontested scrums) – so that youngsters can have an enjoyable game.

Please ensure that all who turn up have a game – please do not leave them “on the bench”.
There is no need to have a large number of replacements – where you have more than (say) 10 “on the bench”, please try running a second side – remember that “any number can play” – virtually all opponents will assist.

For Mixed Age Groups at Mini level, please see Regulation 15; I am more than happy to advise if and where you have any queries – we are keen to ensure that all youngsters have the opportunity to play – but please do not break these protocols !

Girls Rugby
There are 3 age bands
U18 – covering school years 13,12,11
U15 – covering school years 10,9
U13 – covering school years 8,7,6
Except for 18 year olds playing adult rugby, these bands are strict, and girls should not play matches outside these protocols. There is no longer any exemption for U13s to play up at U15.

The Season
Commences September 5th, and finishes 2nd May 16. Competitive fixtures should not be played outside these dates, without (very) special permission.
For U12s and below, there should not be fixtures before 1st October

Festivals
Where a club wishes to hold a Mini Festival, formal approval MUST be given. Please ask Lisa for Eastern Counties forms and guidance documentation.
Youth Festivals – these have been pre-determined within the Structured Season; if a club wishes to hold a Festival in 16/17, please contact me directly.

Foreign Tours
Where a club wishes to tour outside the home unions, or host a touring side, permission is required from Eastern Counties. Appropriate forms are available on the Eastern Counties web-site, and should be lodged with Lisa at least 4 weeks beforehand. The remainder of the regulations and guidance are self explanatory, and are commended to you for best practice. It would be helpful if all clubs could disseminate these to all involved in the management and coaching of youth, mini, and girls rugby.
If you have any queries on these, please direct these via Lisa, or contact your RDO or CRC.
May I wish you a great rugby season, and no doubt, I will see many of you ‘around the circuit’.

Ross Cowie
Chairman, CCPD – Eastern Counties.”

Great season-opening friendly v Exiles

24th August 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Who cares about the score – spirited match against the Exiles in brilliant sunshine over four 20min sessions saw some good running and hard tackles. Good to see some familiar faces playing for our guests and a good crowd of supporters for both teams.

Assistant Safeguarding Officers Required

20th August 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Safeguarding in Woodbridge RFUC is everybody’s concern. Recent legislation related to keeping our children safe has meant the requirements to manage this within the club have increased. I am therefore looking for 3 Assistant Safeguarding Officers to help manage the workload and share the commitment. This will require a presence on Sunday mornings and help with the administration of the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) completion.
We require an assistant for each of these groups:
5 – 11 years
12 – 18 years
Wheelchair Rugby
If interested can you please contact Chris Gordon, Safeguarding Officer on 01394 380708 or 07824643284

There is a new Safeguarding Policy

20th August 2015 Simon Ballard — No Comments

Read this Safeguarding Policy. Woodbridge Rugby Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults involved in rugby at our club. Woodbridge Rugby Club confirms that it adheres to all the RFU’s Safeguarding Policies and procedures, recommended practices and guidelines and furthermore endorse and adopt the statements contained in those documents. These can be viewed in the attached document…