Moral victory at Hawcoat

Rugby date 15/1/11 away against Hawcoat Park score 10-10

Hi Guys,

What a fabulous day at Barrow in Furness playing Hawcoat Park 2's, at the beginning of the season this was a game I thought I would have difficulty with fulfilling. But it shows how far we have come this season as a team when we not only travel but take 3 substitutes as well. The team spirit is really shining through for the mighty thirds, with some superb support play on the pitch and some strong friendships off. This display was typical of how well bonded we have become as a team, with strength up front and new stars shinning in the backs.

We dominated the set piece once again not only winning our ball in the line out but all of the opponents, much to the annoyance of the Hawcoat supporters and linesman. We commanded the rolling maul with Braddy steering us up the pitch, time after time we made crucial yards by applying this tactic. Although the weather conditions were not favourable to champagne rugby, the backs stood solid in defence and on the occasion they got useful ball made good ground. Adam "Ollie" Alstead scoring a superb try after weaving his way through Hawcoats defence and making 50 meters to score the opening score. This hard fought game where we ground out a result through hard work ,support and a team effort, against a side peppered with first team players was in fact a moral victory for the mighty thirds. Hawcoat not used to teams travelling to them due to the lengthy distance, must have thought we would turn up and take whatever they dished out. As it was we where the team doing the dishing and could of won this fixture.

There is still room for improvement however, and mistakes were made. And this means we need to work harder in training, fitness was an issue on Saturday as the tough battle took its toll on the forwards. P.G. Works hard on a Thursday night with the training program, and we must support him and get numbers down to the sessions. Also discipline could of been a issue with a stronger referee, at times it seemed a shouting match to influence his decision. I know he was been barracked from the Hawcoat touch line and players on the pitch, but we need not sink to that level as our game is strong enough to overcome.

A couple of dates for your diaries, are February 5th we travel to Barrow in Furness again To face Barrow, we are looking to arrange two mini buses for this game and would want to fill them. Supporters are welcome and a charge of £5 will be applied, players will pay subs as usual. The venga bus will be making a stop or two on the way home for refreshments, lets make this a memorable day out by fielding a strong side and having some fun as well. Secondly we are at home on February 12th in a cup game against Knutsford 2's, this team put Fylde out in the first round and will be a tough opponent. However we look for our best side again and will do our best, the day will be a theme day as it is near Valentines day. The theme I have chosen for you is The Love Boat, You have been notified in plenty of time to make an effort, please try and support the day as fines will be made.

This coming weekend we are without a fixture and I have decided that we will have a rest day, the first team are at home and I would like as many third team members to come along to Ramsgreave and show our support. Also the 2's have a trip to Wilmslow, and would be grateful of any players who fancy making the trip with them to help them out. That's it for now see you all soon.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Mighty Thirds Smash Bolton

Rugby date 8/1/11 home against Bolton score 39-0

Hi Guys,

A superb start to 2011 with 2 wins out of 2, after the festivities, the latest win was a thoroughly good thumping of local rivals Bolton. A fantastic performance from all involved with a superb line up I felt we had such an abundance of talent, from the kick off the mighty thirds pack took the challenge to the visitors. A good chase from the kick soon had Bolton under pressure, which the pack kept on especially at the set piece. The first scrum was tentative as we new Bolton had no front row cover, however it wasn't long before our strength and dominance started to show. The pack pushing Bolton off most scrums and taking half a dozen against the head, we worked well together as a unit. And it wasn't long before Johnny Banks was touching down for his first try of the match after been set loose from a superb assist from number 8 Paul Schofield. John went on to score three try's in total, and this shows the dominance of the Blackburn forwards. The line out was working well and evenly competed, but the Burn jumpers were gaining the majority of the possession. And therefore giving a solid base for scrum half Richard Bradford to work, keeping the backs on the front foot.

With a new partnering of Ollie and Marc Grimes, in the centres the burn defence was solid and the backs had room to work. At times it may seem the ball doesn't move out to the backs quick enough, however champagne rugby only comes after the opposition has been crushed. We worked well together in a tough game, supporting one another round the park and communicating at the breakdown. It showed we still have a lot more to come and if we manage to maintain this momentum can have a superb season. Enthusiasm in the squad is great and the feeling of being part of the team is infectious, however we still have a long way to go in the season and a we are still involved in the cup. So we should not start getting carried away with ourselves yet and keep building towards the end of the season.

This week we travel to Barrow in Furness to play against Hawcoat park, they where a stiff opponent when they visited us and we must be at our best for this challenge. Gladly we are looking OK for this game at the moment with several players already stating that they are available to travel, however we still need some extra numbers and therefore advisability please as soon as possible to myself or Keith. In readiness for the game lets get plenty of numbers down training on Thursday P.G. will be taking the session and there is plenty for us to work on.

the last point I would like to mention is the discipline shown on Saturday, as I said before the game Saturdays referee can be a little awkward and up to now this season we hadn't played him well. This Saturdays performance from a discipline point of view was much improved, there are still a few points we can work on but everyone played their part this week and well done. Penalty's can change games as we all know to well and we must strive to be as near perfect as we can, this weeks efforts were as good as we could do and thank you

Regards Carlos (captain)..

NEW YEARS CHEER

Rugby date 2/1/11 home against Carnforth 2's score 32-0

Hi Guys,

Let me begin by thanking everyone involved with the game from Allen Carnforth's fixture secretary, to Carnforth 2's and all players supporters and bar staff at Blackburn. This was a great day at the club among friends and family, made special by the efforts of some special people.

The game its self was a hard fought event with both teams putting in maximum effort, the thirds pack was at its best even after a long lay off. there was mistakes made but we knew there would be, what mattered was how we reacted to the mistakes. The heavy forward machine of the thirds started straight away to grind through the gears,from a good kick we set up a strong position in the opponents 22 and came away with an early try scored by Schoey. We continued to dominate up front giving quick ball and a solid platform to launch a superb back line. At times though we got carried away with ourselves and white line fever set in once or twice, however we managed to convert the possession we had into points and keep extend the lead.

Carnforth had travelled well and where up for the game and where extremely good opponents coming close them selves on several opportunities, but a good defensive display from Burn meant they went home empty handed. Tackling was top draw and putting in the hard hits from the off for the whole 80 mins, meant we managed to keep a clean sheet. A good atmosphere was enjoyed afterwards in the bar with plenty of beer been supped, and a big thanks to Pat Walmesley for the effort and time she put into making the food and dishing it out for us. It made the afternoon a really good one with as I have said good friends seeing in the new year together.

We now look forward to the rest of the season and it starts this Saturday with a home fixture against Bolton, this will also be a test of our character, as we will have to build on this win. Training will start again this Thursday at the usual time 7pm till 9pm, lets get numbers down and work hard on the mistakes we made this week. Putting together a good training program isn't easy and a big thanks to P.G. for his efforts, lets get down and support him and work hard on taking this win forward.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Hi Guys,

Not your usual blog this week after I deserted you to watch the international at Twickenham, however I would like to thank all the lads that travelled to Fleetwood in my absence. The score was irrelevant as last year we travelled with 13 to this fixture, so we have improved immensely since then already. And listening to all the accounts it looks as though Fleetwood singled this game out as a must win and stacked their side slightly. No matter what, the main things are we didn't allow them to have it all their way and managed to score a try ourselves ensuring we still haven't been nilled this season. We will put this down to experience and build again from the good points, we have a good spirit growing and must be deemed a tough side to play if every team we come across have to add the odd ringer.

This week we welcome our old rivals Kirby Lonsdale to Ramsgreave, a perfect opportunity to bounce straight back from this set back. I have been told that discipline at Fleetwood was good and expect the same this weekend at home. Our discipline is a embarrassment at times and always detracts from the good stuff we are doing on the field, it also puts us under unnecessary pressure. Its like we try to beat ourselves some times, with stupid penalty's and back chatting the referee. We must work hard not to our discipline destroy the good spirit of Blackburn third team.

As you all know I have arranged the Christmas Cracker, and all the lads who intend to attend should see me on Saturday to sort out your menu choices and pay me the £18 cover per head. I am looking forward to a good game this week and hopefully if we perform as we can a good win. Lets get numbers to training on Thursday just to iron out an wrinkles we have and give ourselves the best opportunity to win.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Cup win for mighty thirds

Rugby date 6/11/10 Raging Bull Shield home against Sefton Score 22-3

Hi Guys,

Well we got our cup run off to a great start yesterday with a convincing win over our visitors Sefton, who travelled with 15 players and made a good game of it. There are some issues though that we still need to work on, we got off to a flyer with Adam (Ollie) Alstead going over for his first try this season after 4 minuets. But we found ourselves under pressure from the ref's whistle due to our indiscipline, with a narrow lead we constantly found the shrill blast of whistle going against us. In times like these we seem to fall apart instead of pulling together, and give more needless penalty's away and end up suffering cards.

Our discipline has been good for the last few games, and it was frustrating to see ourselves fall back in to old habits. As your captain it is my job to control my team and players for the 80 minuets we are on the field, the referee says control your men and I felt disappointed that I couldn't do that yesterday. We have to learn from our mistakes yesterday, I don't want a shift in the commitment shown but we must start listening to the ref and your captain. When I say one voice it is mine I want I will then ask for other opinions, but when I ask all to concentrate and cut the silly penalty's and the back chat, that is what I want. We managed to hold on to our lead and increase it, also putting up a superb defensive performance to withhold Sefton and all that they threw at us. But we will end up loosing games if we continue to perform so poorly in our discipline.

There are a few tactical points we still need to work on, mainly around the tackle area. As a team we are not hitting the ruck convincingly, we have drive through the ruck taking out the opposition players. Not standing out and not leaning on, what I want first and foremost is the ball secure and a platform for our scrum half. Its no good not competing at the breakdown and leaving our scrum half struggling to get the ball away. P.G. Will work on these points on a Thursday night at training, 7pm till 9pm lets keep up the hard work we have been doing at training and continue to get good numbers down.

Next week we return to our league games, and welcome Tarleton to Ramsgreave , availability please as soon as possible to myself or Keith. When I ask for availability what I am looking for is those players who want to play and are going to be available to let us know, maybe a text or a call and then we will confirm you on Thursday night. It gets frustrating when players say I didn't get a call, we are not physic and don't call every name in the phone book but if you wish to play let us know and you will get a call and a game.

Also next week Andy Snape is having his 21St at the All Blacks club at Lamack, he has made it an open invitation for all third team players supporters and friends. Lets get down and wish him all the best from all his friends in the thirds. I am also going to arrange a Christmas meal for all players and members, and their partners. It will consist of a sit down meal and disco to follow, I feel it will be a good opportunity for us to bring along our other halves and let them meet the lads you spend so much time with. The date I am looking at will be the 11Th of December and cost will be £18 per head. I will send a E mail and post on facebook and pitchero please make this a great evening.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Tough times at Hoppers

Rugby date 30/10/10 away against Preston score 38 - 3

Hi Guys,

well not quite the result I wanted this week however there was some good points to pick up on, main thing even though we where a scratch team the team spirit was high and ran the whole game. There was no falling out no blaming each other we made mistakes and got on with it, playing for each other. Secondly we communicated with each other throughout the game, helping each other and supporting each other. The score was some what flattering towards a good Preston side as they ran in 3 easy scores late into the second half as we ran out of steam. But for the majority of the game we where the dominate side, holding our own in the scrum with only 7 against 8, and Andy Helsdon playing in the forwards for the first time. He did extremely well starting in the front row at loose head, but struggled a bit so big Keith came up into the front and Andy moved into the second row. All in all we performed extremely well right through the team with the help of some young Stoneyhurst boys in the backs and Ollie playing out of his skin it was a shame we didn't convert more of our possession into points. We did however manage to keep a great discipline effort for the whole of the game only giving 2 penalty's the whole game.

The big disappointment was the lack of commitment from some members not giving any notice that they weren't going to turn up, it lets everyone down when you don't turn up and is very frustrating for your team mates. We expect a certain level of commitment from all our members lets not get into bad habits, and lets keep up the level of commitment we have seen at the beginning of the season.

Next week we are at home and welcome Sefton to Ramsgreave in our first cup match of the season, last season they defeated us away at their place in this fixture. The form we have been showing of late is a massive improvement from last season and I am confident that we can pull together and put the disappointment of this week behind us. We will be hoping to put out a strong side and availability as soon as possible please to myself or Keith. Lets work hard on Thursday night at training P.G. tells me that numbers are still good so lets keep up those efforts. After the frustrations of this week it would be great for team morale to put out a strong side and show our visitors just how good we are and why we are worthy of our league position.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Dad's Army win at Ramsgreave

Rugby date 23/10/10 home against Furness 2's score 22-14

Hi Guys,

This was not just any win, but pure nostalgia. With an average age of about 40+ we made a plan and stuck to it, our visitors travelled well and looked a good side with a lot of youth and a sprinkling of older players. We however had some player issues before we kicked off, with only 12 players turning up and Percy on his way. But Charles Page made a dash home for some duds and the 1St xv management allowed our players player from last season, who was on the bench for them this season to start for us. And so with the inclusion of Eddy Holden we managed to start with 15 players on the park. Before the game I spoke about discipline, and our efforts in this department where fantastic. I can only recall giving away 3or 4 penalty's and none in our danger zone. This is a good show of discipline and well done lets keep up the concentration on this issue, it had been a Achilles heel for us at times this season. But it looks as though we are starting to learn from our mistakes.

As I have said we had some player issues before the kick off but a better third team of experienced players I doubt you could find. We new it was going to be a day of heavy toil, but the forwards stuck to there game plan picking and driving when needed and supporting each other at the breakdown. The driving maul was working well and we managed to confine our visitors to their own half for the majority of the game. With total dominance at the scrum and winning the lions share at the lineout we managed to keep Furness on the back foot, not allowing their quick backs any ball to do any damage. Unfortunately Martin Jessop going down with a suspected tear to his calf muscle, left a gap in our second row. But not for long as old timer and team manager Keith Walmsley, strapped on a pair of boots and showed you never loose it, we don't know what it is but Keith gave it plenty. At 50+ this shows superb commitment and dedication to a team he believes in, and I thank him for his efforts.

With all our young lads away with the 2's we had to make some changes to our back line, Eddy stepping in at 10 and Braddy at 9, was like last season and they linked well. But Mike Doc Doherty playing at 12 and Henning at 13 was an inspiration. They brought not only some experience but some understanding to our backline, With Jim Coleman coming in to help out from fullback. We looked the part and played with style when ball was in hand, crossing the game line and keeping the pressure on the Furness defence. To say it was perfect would be big headed but it was pretty close, our fitness looked good and when Furness went uncontested in the scrum and therefore gaining some front foot ball, our defence was strong. With the quick ball Furness where able to release their fast young backs and this put Burn under pressure, but some superb defensive tackling meant we where able to close out the game.

I would like to Thank Gareth Thomas and Dino Radice for showing true club spirit in our moment of need,as Eddy was taken back by the 1's, Henning who had been superb was injured. As it turns out he will need some surgery to a nasty finger injury, this meant we where reduced to 13 and Gareth and Dino both pulled on boots and came to our rescue. Also Andy Toms was ready and willing to take to the field if needed, as I said true club spirit. With their help we managed to close out the game and take a well deserved win. M,O,M for the game was awarded to the whole team who performed magnificently.

Next week we travel to close rivals Preston, this is a game we should be able to win, however as I have said a couple of injuries and a few people unavailable means we will be tight for numbers again. With so many of our younger boys now taking a regular position in the 2nd xv, we will need every man we can get so availability as soon as possible please. Lets not forget training on Thursday night P.G. Is doing some fantastic sessions and the efforts are showing in our fitness and game play. Once again I commend all the lads who put their hearts and souls into this weeks match lets keep building and working hard. Thanks.

Regards Carlos (captain).