Tuesday, 22 December 2009

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 19/12/o9 home against Ormskirk 4th postponed frozen pitch

Sorry its late lads, but it was a heavy night on Saturday. Well the sever weather we have been experiencing, sadly brought the years last game to a early postponement. With our pitches been deemed unfit on the Friday night, and a call to Ormskirk saw that their pitches were also unplayable. And so many of us got an extra day shopping in with her in doors, lovely. But we still had the Xmas bash to look forward too, as we dragged our selves round the high street.
With the game off though numbers were some what lacking, but a few good men told lies to the other half saying "I won't be long or to drunk honest". And made a good show, with the Santa hats at the ready. Along with the 2's players who had donned viking costumes, the merriment began, and much ale was drunk. I would also like to thank Mary for a lovely stew, nice and hearty it was. There where a couple of matters to be dealt with at bully's court session, and of course plenty of fines dished out which were as warned double fines. But the main two issues for the court hearing on our behalf, were not represented and therefore found guilty in their absence. The first crime brought before the bench was, Steven Lee attending a rugby league match instead of playing for us. The second matter dealt with was, Matt Briscoe unable to attend for the game of the day or the Xmas bash due to having tickets for Blackburn Rovers. I believe this to be a football team, but as yet have not had this confirmed. As I have already said these matters where dealt with and tried fairly by a mob of rowdy vikings and Santa's. The punishment handed down to these criminals was, deemed fair and just. And so both defendants will be required to wear stockings and suspenders for the players dinner, at the end of the season. Along with shirt and third team tie.
As the evening went on Andy Boyes and his father had arranged for a band, to celebrate their birthdays and a absolutely top evening was had by all. I would like to thank both Andy and his Dad for a superb night on behalf of the whole team. I would also like to say thanks to the nice young man and his girlfriend, who gave P.G. And myself a lift into town later in the back of his
van. The most fun both of us have had in ages, I can't remember much after that though but I did manage to find my way home, with a Donner kebab under my arm.
And so that leaves me to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a very happy new year. Which will now start early with a rearranged game against Ormskirk on the 2nd of January. I would like all players to let either P.G. or myself know their availability for this fixture as soon as possible. So don't eat to much or get to drunk, if you are going out be careful in the bad conditions. And leave the car at home if you are drinking, I only add these warnings because I want as many as possible available for this game. Take care and I will see you all in the new year

Yours Christmasy Carlos (captain).

Monday, 14 December 2009

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 12/12/09 away against Kirby Lonsdale match postponed frozen pitch

so it's the season to be frosty, and unfortunately or fortunately depending on your view, this weeks game suffered at the long bony fingers of Jack frost. At 11.40am, just making a quick bacon buttie, my phone rings and I was given the news from Kirby that their pitch was un-playable due to frozen ground. At this point I had burnt my first 3 rashers of succulent back bacon, having replenished the grill with a further 3 rashers I called P.G. to pass on the information. After a short conversation I realised I was burning my second set of rashers, I can't get used to this new cooker electric grill and ovens. Anyway I was due to turn out for the 2's and had to get my skates on, as burning all that pig had now put me behind and still no lunch.
So myself Eddie and Joe Holden, Mark Grimes and new boy Ollie where able to boost the 2's in their game at Vale which is in Lancaster just down the road from frozen Kirby. We got the first sign that things may not go our way, when skipper Marco lost the toss. Should seen this omen as a sign, however we kicked off and where soon putting pressure on the Vale try line. But failure to convert was the second sign it wasn't going to be our day. The third was how quick Vale ran in their first 3 try's, at this point I tried to gee the boys up whilst standing in the shadows of the posts. Alas though failure to make first up tackles allowed Vale to run in several try's in the what was becoming one way traffic.
We did manage to score what Bully called the try of the season with some good phases been strung together for the backs to convert the pressure we applied into our only score. For me the highlights where Ollie playing his second game of union had a really good game on the wing. And Joe playing at scrum half having a fine performance. The tackle practice we all got will come in handy for us all, we did so much in a defensive game we where destined to lose.
And so with the majority of the third team having a rest, we can look forward to welcoming Ormskirk to Ramsgreave this coming Saturday. This is the last game before crimbo and so as a tradition of the third team Santa hats are compulsory, for all members weather playing or not or even playing up in the 2's. It would be nice to have a win this week as we will be having a Xmas rink after the game. And Andy Boyes has given us a open invite to join him and his father at their birthday party in the club. So get your passes to get messy signed early. could all members please wear ties and shirts as well, I am trying to organise a few team photos to be taken.
Now down to the farcical subject of training, I know its cold in the evening but only 2 lads down this week was pathetic. I will be looking for a good turn out this week as we really need to get a win. Training is Thursday night 7pm till 9pm, also if you could let myself or P.G. know your availability for the game as soon as possible so we can make our selection.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Monday, 7 December 2009

Hi Guys,

Rugby date 5/12/09 home against Fleetwood 3's score 0-11

Ahoy shipmates, well this Saturday saw us welcome Fleetwood 3's to Ramsgreave. And in honour of this we made the day pirate day, and I would like to thank everyone that took part in the merriment's that followed the game. A little bonding and team building washed down by copious amounts of grog. Boson Boyes out doing everyone with a fabulous outfit, all in all a good session.
I would also like to mention our two boys making their debut for the 2's this week Paul Fielding and Gerry Donaghy. Both lads had good games and helped in the 2's victory over preston, I hope they get the chance to develop their rugby and advance in the club.
Now down to our game, well with substitutes coming out of the woodwork and a new future star maybe, coming along we had the makings of good team. With the now experienced Andy Gray at loose head, a position he is growing into week after week, myself and Rousie made up a pretty good looking if nothing else front row. The whole shape of the pack looking good with young Jamie and P.G. in the second row, Charles and matey of the match Joe holden on the flanks. But everything bolstered by the return of Paul Cockram in at number 8 after a lengthy injury lay off.
Put this together with a superb looking back line of Ed Holden at 9 Ste Lee at 10, the now tight pair of Dave O'Sulivan and Jimmy Townes in the centre. Marc Grimes and the new boy Adam (Ollie) Alstead on the wings Andy Boyes fullback, we hoped to get back on winning ways.
The game started very scrappy, with the ball being knocked on several times by both teams. But Blackburn seemed to be dominating in possession and territory, unfortunately not been able to convert the chances we created in the first half. Ollie making his debut going very close after Stevie put in a superb cross field kick. Fleetwood however battled hard in this close fought game and made the only score of the first half with a very well taken penalty kick.
The second half started with Fleetwood gaining a second penalty very early on, converted to put Blackburn 3 points further behind, but the boys dug deep and fought hard as we made our way up the field going close on several occasions but once again coming away with no points. After what seemed like hours camped in their 22 Fleetwood broke free and it was our turn to defend. A period of Fleetwood pressure saw them going over in the corner to score the only try of the game, the lads in the corner making the tackles not so sure the ball was grounded but referee Shawn awarding the points. (we're not good enough to have the need for camera's at our level) And so the referee's decision is final. The game ended with with us going down to a 11-0 defeat not a nice thing at home, but the game was hard and fair and we did not disgrace ourselves in anyway. A few chances taken and it would of been a very different result.
Maybe a few more numbers down training could of helped us in the game putting moves together and the likes. One of the problems of the day was a lack of proper warm up also we left it a little late to go out, not giving us any time to rehearse any moves, And so we had to wing it a little. The blame for this falling at my feet and so I will ensure to gee everyone up a bit and endeavour to get out earlier. Although there was some confusion as to which team I would play for before kick off the lack off direction pre game may of contributed to our slow start.
And so we take a look to next weeks game, away against Kirby Lonsdale. Currently 8th in the league played 12 won 4 lost 7 and 1 walk over. But they have lost their last 4 league game's. We could really do with getting a result although Kirby is a hard place to go I feel that we can travel and put up a good show. I would appreciate your availability as soon as possible either to myself or P.G. And hopefully a few more numbers down training this Thursday 7pm till 9pm will help us.

Regards Carlos (captain).