MINI MATTERS Sunday 6 th March 2016

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1 MINI MATTERS Sunday 6 th March 2016 Hello Datchworth Mini Section Coaches, Managers, Players, Parents and Supporters, Last weekend we had a very successful Mini and Youth Dinner and Dance on Friday evening, followed on Saturday by the Champions Final Weekend for the U7s and U8s at Saracens Allianz Park and a VP lunch in the Club House. On Sunday morning we had a well supported all age group Mothering Sunday training session at Datchworth. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the Dinner and Dance which was a lovely evening that raised a lot of money for the Club. The U7s and U8s had a great experience against tough opposition at Saracens but this time didn t get beyond the Group Stage. The VP lunch was also well supported which was great to see. U6 & U7 Training Most of our U6 / 7 Mums seemed to get a morning off this weekend but numbers across both age groups were still strong: U6 - Are again showing progress every week and this weekend focused on swerving, defensive line tagging, and developing the tag, turn, pass - to help positional play. Well done to Sean Gavin who was Player of the Week, and welcome to our new faces. U7 - The coaches focused on getting the U7's to keep hold of the ball at all times... in fact if they didn't have it, or they dropped it, 10 press ups were required... Some serious bicep workouts by the end of the session. U7 Saracens Festival report from the finals day at Saracens (Alan Day Cup) Our U7's qualified again for the finals day at Allianz park for the Alan Day Cup. We fielded two strong sides. As ever Saracens were very hospitable, the boys dealt with arctic conditions, both teams played 4 matches back to back with great performances from both Datchworth teams. Our green team drew every game and sadly didn't do enough to get through. Our blues lost every game which in fact isn't a fair representation of their performance (frustrating refereeing decisions) played a part in the results. Overall we had a fantastic day, sadly watching Northampton beating Saracens Datchworth Green Team: Sam Gore / Sam Shurety / Finley Steadman / Nathan Gunnell / Alex Tatlow / Daniel McGinty. Well done all the boys - Sam G for his work rate and tagging (resulting in turn over ball), Sam S for his snake hip swerves for some lovely tries, Finley for his defence and tagging, Nathan for his speed and agility for numerous tries, Alex for all round play - tagging and tries, and Daniel - always running forward with the ball and off loading. All the boys contributed to tries and tagging. Datchworth Blue Team: Oliver Wooldridge / Maxim Lawrence / Max Egan / Max Willis Zach Harris / Evan Robson.

2 Special mention to Oliver for 6 great tries, Maxim (Billy Whiz) for excellent running skills and try scoring, Zac for defensive play and tagging and some very strong runs, Evan for playing a solid scrum half position, Max E for his commitment to moving forward and trying to score and finally Max W for his support on the shoulder and being first on the defensive line. Thanks to all the parents for great support in very cold conditions. U10 Training The very welcome U10 training session on Sunday had a good turnout of 18 boys. Reflecting on recent games the session was focused on the breakdown and rucking before a very competitive training game; Harry along with others scored a Try. This week the player of the week was Kyle Haskett for an excellent all round display and attitude during the session, Elliot Clifford and Joseph Marcou were also recognised for their effort and hard work during the session. The Coaching team are looking forward to seeing an improvement in the breakdown during next weeks game against Chess Valley! U11 Training A somewhat depleted turnout this week, due to injuries sustained last week and possibly something to do with mothers? On a fine and sunny morning the 11 boys partook of a hard and focused session on defensive work, carrying on from the Wednesday night training. The boys were worked really hard on tackling practice, then defensive alignment, then advanced defensive alignment, followed by line speed in defence and attack, and finally a game. All the boys worked really hard and put a lot of effort into the session. During the game, it was noticeable how the boys are beginning to communicate more on the pitch, telling each other where they need to be, pointing out gaps and spaces, and calling for the ball. First receivers still have a habit of trying to break the gain line by themselves, and n ot looking for the first pass. The repaired and rebuilt Player of the Week trophy was, after much debate by the coaches, awarded to Barney Smith, for his overall continuous effort, although special mention was also given Ieuan, for his low body position, Harry, for his tackling, and William Lowe for his efforts in the ruck and going forward with the ball. We will need to bring all we practiced and more to the pitch against Chess Valley next week, who will be out for revenge after we beat them in the B final at the County Festival last year.

3 Wednesday 9 nd March Mid-Week Mini Training at Datchworth CANCELLED DUE TO COACH AVAILABILITY Apologies but between Coach Availability, Committee meeting commitments and the weather forecast we are cancelling mid week training this week. Next Weekend Space will be tight next weekend with a Youth Game on the First XV and Village Hall Pitch and a large contingent of Mini s coming from Chess Valley. I ask all Coaches, Managers, Parents and Players to recognise that we may need to reduce playing areas below the RFU standard to create enough spaces to get multiple games running concurrently, we will need several U7 and U8 pitches and 2 pitches each for U9s and U10s as well as an U11 and U12 pitch. Please work with the spaces as below. If pitches are close to the posts please ensure Post Protectors are in place in all cases. In all age groups please meet 10AM for a 10:30 Latest Kick Off, (earlier if ready and warmed up). DATCHWORTH RFC V Chess Valley RFC Sunday 13 th March Not Used Youth Match Car Parking Duty Sunday13 th March U8s Next Sunday the U8s will be on car parking duty at Datchworth. It will be busy again this week with two Youth Games and a full Mini Fixture. Can I ask Datchworth parents with older children to park at the Turkey Farm Car park, (which will be signposted) to leave as much space as possible for our visitors and younger children along the Village Green and in the Club and Village Hall Car parks.

4 Forthcoming Fixtures & Events: Week Date Datchworth RFC Mini Section 2015/16 Season Parking Duty 12-Mar England V Wales (4PM) 6 Nations in Club House N/A Mar Home Fixture Vs Chess Valley U Mar Hertfordshire County Contact Festivals U9s / U10s at Hertford RFC U11s / U12s at Hemel Hempstead RFC No 30 Away Fixture Vs St Albans RFC U7s / U8s 27-Mar Easter Sunday - NO RUGBY N/A 2016 Dinner & Dance Thank you for all of you who attended another successful Dinner Dance at Brocket Hall on Friday the 4 th, I hope you will agree it was a lively and fun night for all. With special thanks to Nicola, Sarah P and Sarah McG for organising the event. Thanks also to those of you who had successful bids in the auction, contributed to the Raffle, to Cortina who played us into the small hours, a much appreciated donation to the success of the night and to our very helpful boys from the Youth section who collected a fantastic 800 in raffle ticket sales and 225 on the pass the ball game which was expertly won by Kerry Turley! During the evening we recognised and thanked the U12 Manager and Coaching team for their commitment to the Club and we wished them good luck as they transition to Youth at the end of this Season. We also acknowledged and thanked Mark Felton for his weekly help to Car Park management irrespective of who is on parking duty. Week in Week out Mark helps me and others with the Cones and getting things ready for the Parking Marshalls. The evening raised a lot of smiles and funds for the club. Thank you everyone.

5 Vice Presidents Lunch On Saturday lunchtime 50 stalwarts of the Club, guests from Herts RFU and Hemel Hempstead RFU enjoyed a Vice Presidents Lunch in the Club House before the First XV fixture against Hemel. A small contingent from the Mini Section had a very enjoyable lunch. Unfortunately the First XV came up short against Hemel but that was soon forgotten with a very enjoyable evening in the Club House. Scrum Factory On Monday evening we hosted an RFU Scrum Factory Course in the Club House; we welcomed Coaches from a variety of local Clubs along with 6 from our own Mini Section. The course was a useful session and it is very positive for our Club to be hosting these events at Datchworth. Coach the Coaches with RFU Tom Mowbray Next Monday evening we are hosting a Coach the Coaches evening with RFU Officer Tom Mowbray. This will be an excellent session and it would be great to see as many Mini Section Coaches as possible attend this development session. Please meet in outdoor kit at Datchworth at 7PM. Further Reminder - Dates for the Diary: If you would like to attend the Sports Club or Rugby Club AGM meetings I include dates for your diaries below: Event Date / Details & Location Comments Datchworth Sports Club AGM Wednesday 23 rd Datchworth (7:30 onwards TBC) This meeting relates to the whole of Datchworth Sports Club which includes discussions around new Officers and the plans for the redevelopment of our Club House to support Cricket, Tennis and Rugby for the next 50 years. Datchworth Rugby Club AGM Tuesday 3 rd Datchworth (7:30 onwards TBC) This is our AGM and defines who and how the Rugby Club is run and taken forward please make every effort to come along and have a say in shaping how your Rugby Club is taken forward.

6 Closing Notes Last weekend was a great weekend for the Club with a successful dinner and dance being an important contributor to the Club s financial health and a great chance for the Mini and Youth community to celebrate another Season. The U7s and U8s had a tough time at Saracens but played well, did us proud and really enjoyed the experience. Next weekend we look forward to the challenge and visit of Chess Valley before the older age groups take part in their County Festivals the following weekend. Have a great week and see you all on Sunday, Best wishes, Andrew Andrew Howard Chairman Mini Section