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).
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
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).
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).
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).
Monday, 30 November 2009
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 28/11/09 away against Fylde Vandals score 36-12
Once again team selection made very difficult due to a lack of players at the higher levels, and I would like to thank those third team members that made the long journey down to Sandbach for the 2's. However the lack of players was not going to dishearten the spirits of the third team and with 13 players and 3 still to arrive we took to the field to face a very tough, well drilled experienced Fylde. With so many players missing the team looked very odd, Charles Page playing at hooker, Rousie at 8, Mike Holden at 9 once again. But the heavy weight Fylde pack didn't hold any mercy for the inexperienced Blackburn front row, made up of myself at tight head and Andy Gray at loose. Well under the cosh Fylde pushed hard 5 yards out and the pressure soon told with the heavy weights crashing over for the first of their try's. With the team behind the posts and our backs screaming for a ball we had hardly seen let alone had any sort of possession that we could of used, two reinforcements were seen jogging onto the pitch. The third team stalwart Andy Goodwin, who had managed to convince his friend that it would be fun to come and play for us, even though he thought maybe 10 minuets but played the full 80. And I would like to thank and welcome Ben Davies to the third team and hope his new found fondness of rugby continues with us down here at Blackburn.
Even though the welcome sight of our reinforcement's buoyed the team Fylde continued to dominate the first half going on to finish the half 31-0. The half time saw Andy Gray leave the park after a hard fought half in a tough scrummaging game, resulting in us going un-contested in the scrum. Dave O'Sullivan also arriving late after making a long journey from Carisle coming on to play in the forwards. A position he wasn't used to but putting in a worthy performance. So a rejigged Blackburn pack with Joe Holden now taking up the number 8 slot and a back line to die for, desperate to show what they could do if given a glimpse of the ball, the second half got under way. It was a little headless to start with and after many mistakes and knockons the team started to string together a couple of moves and showing just what we were capable of doing if we had managed to compete in the first half. A superb cross field kick from Eddie Holden setting up Marc Grimes for the first of our scores in the this half. Converted by Eddie, and some simply fantastic defencive tackling meant that pressure was starting to build on Fylde for the first time. However a sliced kick from full back John O'Ryan, gave Fylde who reacted quickly tacking a quick throwin five yards out and dotting down for their only score of the half. This blip in a otherwise superb game from John seemed to galvanise the team, and we were soon building pressure again that finally saw Eddie Holden cross the white wash to score our second try. with time running out a knock for Charles saw him leave the pitch and me in a very unusual position of wing forward. But it was all to late and the referee blew his whistle for full time leaving us wondering what if.
A game of two halves to coin the phrase, maybe some of the missing players would of helped us maybe not. But everyone that pulled on a Blackburn shirt once again gave their all till the last play. This for me makes me so proud to be your captain and I believe that the strength of this team can get back on winning ways. With this said we look forward to welcoming Fleetwood to Ramsgreave this weekend. Fleetwood currently 11th in the league just above us played 9 won 3 lost 6. As you can see this is a potential 6 pointer and so I ask as many players as possible to attend training this Thursday 7pm till 9pm, to give us a Chance to work on the good things we do and especially the bad. Also this weekends game is pirate day and everyone is reminded that they must have at least 2 pieces of pirate attire and talk like a pirate. This is all fun lads and will raise a few doubloons through fines, and we can all have a good laugh at those that get caught jumping ship, as they will be forced to drink grog and swab the decks. Ye have bin warned ARR!!!!
Regards Carlos (captain)
Rugby date 28/11/09 away against Fylde Vandals score 36-12
Once again team selection made very difficult due to a lack of players at the higher levels, and I would like to thank those third team members that made the long journey down to Sandbach for the 2's. However the lack of players was not going to dishearten the spirits of the third team and with 13 players and 3 still to arrive we took to the field to face a very tough, well drilled experienced Fylde. With so many players missing the team looked very odd, Charles Page playing at hooker, Rousie at 8, Mike Holden at 9 once again. But the heavy weight Fylde pack didn't hold any mercy for the inexperienced Blackburn front row, made up of myself at tight head and Andy Gray at loose. Well under the cosh Fylde pushed hard 5 yards out and the pressure soon told with the heavy weights crashing over for the first of their try's. With the team behind the posts and our backs screaming for a ball we had hardly seen let alone had any sort of possession that we could of used, two reinforcements were seen jogging onto the pitch. The third team stalwart Andy Goodwin, who had managed to convince his friend that it would be fun to come and play for us, even though he thought maybe 10 minuets but played the full 80. And I would like to thank and welcome Ben Davies to the third team and hope his new found fondness of rugby continues with us down here at Blackburn.
Even though the welcome sight of our reinforcement's buoyed the team Fylde continued to dominate the first half going on to finish the half 31-0. The half time saw Andy Gray leave the park after a hard fought half in a tough scrummaging game, resulting in us going un-contested in the scrum. Dave O'Sullivan also arriving late after making a long journey from Carisle coming on to play in the forwards. A position he wasn't used to but putting in a worthy performance. So a rejigged Blackburn pack with Joe Holden now taking up the number 8 slot and a back line to die for, desperate to show what they could do if given a glimpse of the ball, the second half got under way. It was a little headless to start with and after many mistakes and knockons the team started to string together a couple of moves and showing just what we were capable of doing if we had managed to compete in the first half. A superb cross field kick from Eddie Holden setting up Marc Grimes for the first of our scores in the this half. Converted by Eddie, and some simply fantastic defencive tackling meant that pressure was starting to build on Fylde for the first time. However a sliced kick from full back John O'Ryan, gave Fylde who reacted quickly tacking a quick throwin five yards out and dotting down for their only score of the half. This blip in a otherwise superb game from John seemed to galvanise the team, and we were soon building pressure again that finally saw Eddie Holden cross the white wash to score our second try. with time running out a knock for Charles saw him leave the pitch and me in a very unusual position of wing forward. But it was all to late and the referee blew his whistle for full time leaving us wondering what if.
A game of two halves to coin the phrase, maybe some of the missing players would of helped us maybe not. But everyone that pulled on a Blackburn shirt once again gave their all till the last play. This for me makes me so proud to be your captain and I believe that the strength of this team can get back on winning ways. With this said we look forward to welcoming Fleetwood to Ramsgreave this weekend. Fleetwood currently 11th in the league just above us played 9 won 3 lost 6. As you can see this is a potential 6 pointer and so I ask as many players as possible to attend training this Thursday 7pm till 9pm, to give us a Chance to work on the good things we do and especially the bad. Also this weekends game is pirate day and everyone is reminded that they must have at least 2 pieces of pirate attire and talk like a pirate. This is all fun lads and will raise a few doubloons through fines, and we can all have a good laugh at those that get caught jumping ship, as they will be forced to drink grog and swab the decks. Ye have bin warned ARR!!!!
Regards Carlos (captain)
Monday, 23 November 2009
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 21/11/09 away against Marple 3's cup game score 38-5
Well guys let me start by saying how proud of all the lads who made the trip to Marple this weekend with myself missing I thought we may struggle to put 15 on the park. But on Thursday things looked promising, however a very poor turnout at training did give me cause for concern. I'll come back to that later, but the 2's looked in good form and there was chance of a couple of players coming our way. With P.G. Manning the phones I felt that things were looking good. And so gave the heavy mantle of captaincy over to P.G. for the weekend and sure enough Paul did a sterling job, with the help of Stuart. Whom I believe fell over the try line with the ball in hand and was awarded a try. Well done Stu, goes to show right place right time right decision tap penalty and look what can happen Mr Martin Johnson if only England had shown as much imitative. In talking to my 2 lieutenants I believe that 1 to 15 performed superb, again shame the same cannot be said for England. I must thank Mike Holden who not only provided us with young Joe, making sure that he was on time, but brought his own boots and due to some last minuet let downs from some of the second team players. Played at 9 for the full 80 minutes and did a sterling job, Mike you are penciled in for the remainder of the season. I would like to also thank James Fisher and Nick Archer, Nick back from injury who has been playing for the 2's this season and James who has also been doing a job for the 2's, for their efforts and hope that you play many more games for us. And as I said a big thanks to all of my regulars who gave more than I could hope for by all accounts the score somewhat flattered the Marple side.
Anyway here is P.G's thoughts on the game as my replacement I felt only right he should put a few words together.
Rugby date 21/11/09 away against Marple 3's cup game score 38-5
Well guys let me start by saying how proud of all the lads who made the trip to Marple this weekend with myself missing I thought we may struggle to put 15 on the park. But on Thursday things looked promising, however a very poor turnout at training did give me cause for concern. I'll come back to that later, but the 2's looked in good form and there was chance of a couple of players coming our way. With P.G. Manning the phones I felt that things were looking good. And so gave the heavy mantle of captaincy over to P.G. for the weekend and sure enough Paul did a sterling job, with the help of Stuart. Whom I believe fell over the try line with the ball in hand and was awarded a try. Well done Stu, goes to show right place right time right decision tap penalty and look what can happen Mr Martin Johnson if only England had shown as much imitative. In talking to my 2 lieutenants I believe that 1 to 15 performed superb, again shame the same cannot be said for England. I must thank Mike Holden who not only provided us with young Joe, making sure that he was on time, but brought his own boots and due to some last minuet let downs from some of the second team players. Played at 9 for the full 80 minutes and did a sterling job, Mike you are penciled in for the remainder of the season. I would like to also thank James Fisher and Nick Archer, Nick back from injury who has been playing for the 2's this season and James who has also been doing a job for the 2's, for their efforts and hope that you play many more games for us. And as I said a big thanks to all of my regulars who gave more than I could hope for by all accounts the score somewhat flattered the Marple side.
Anyway here is P.G's thoughts on the game as my replacement I felt only right he should put a few words together.
This Saturday so a rest from the stresses of league positions replaced by a cup tie away at Marple 3Rd's. With no first team game we were hoping to field a strong side, however this idea soon vanished as the reality of 3rd team life struck home. We started Saturday morning with a flat 15 which at 11am reduced to 14 with a last minute cry-off. Many thanks to Mike Holden who not only stepped up to the mark but put in a full game at 9 and did a decent job to boot. We arrived at Marple an hour before kick-off but unfortunately our kit along with some of the team had travelled in Rousey's car which must have had Mark Thatcher as co-driver (very old joke) so we took to the field at the last minute and slightly UN-organized. Upfront the Blackburn pack started strongly and it soon became apparent that Marple had little appetite for rucking. However on a wet and windy day mistakes were inevitable and every restart saw us struggle. The scrum was not working at its usual high level and a re-shuffle was necessary to improve things, and the line-out was a disaster from start to finish. Missed calls, miss-timed lifts, poor jumps and wayward throwing meant we never won a single ball all day. This would highlight the need for all players to make an effort to get down to training, Thursday night is the time to iron out such problems not Saturday on the pitch. Marples strength lay in their back line, with 2 ex England rugby league players in the three quarters they made strong runs all day however some committed play from the Blackburn backs saw some good tackles and all the team worked hard all day to keep the score line down and try to seek out some points of our own. This endeavor was finally rewarded with a late try from one of the Blackburn pack after taking a quick tap from 5 yards out and power sliding through the mud to hit the line. The final score of 38 - 5 did not really truly reflect on the efforts made by all.
Moving on some big plus points to be taken from the day. As already mentioned good to see Mike Holden play well at 9, great to see Nick Archer in a 3rd team shirt again, MOM performances from both Jamie Elston and Joe Holden bode well for future, James Fisher also played well with some strong running. Also many thanks to the boys who played through the pain barrier to keep 15 on the pitch. If subs had been available we would have made at least 3 changes due to injury but those individuals played on rather than leave their team mates short, true third team spirit.
Regards
Paul Greenwood
Now back down to business, with this weekends fixture in mind, away at Fylde 5Th I would like your availability as soon as possible either to myself or P.G. Also a couple of things Paul picked up during the Marple game, that could be addressed at training if the numbers were present. I know that some people like myself work away or late on Thursdays. However when I get the chance I make an effort to get down even if I go direct with no togs, but still manage to show my face. The lack of numbers last week was pitiful, with 4 lads training the session was a waste no chance to work on anything constructive. Lads we must do better there is still plenty of work to be done on the training pitch. Fylde are hard adversary, and currently 8Th in the league won 3 drawn 2 and lost 5. This game if we were to win would be a massive boost to our season that seems to have stuttered of late with the last 2 leagues been called off for their own reasons. We must start to get our game back on track. Fylde will be buoyed after a good win against Sedgley Park this week in the cup so we have plenty to do, and I know you won't let me down.
Regards Carlos (captain)
Monday, 16 November 2009
HI Guys,
Rugby date 14/11/09 away against BAE Warton game postponed waterlogged pitch.
Rugby date 14/11/09 away against BAE Warton game postponed waterlogged pitch.
Well let me start first by thanking everyone that made the trip to Warton on Saturday, it looked as though after the problems of the previous week we would be able to field a decent team. With plenty of numbers available, OK we may of been missing key positions again but with the late arrival of Joe and Mike Holden things didn't look to bad at all. With 20 names on the team sheet we made our way out to Warton, looking to get back in to winning ways. Unfortunately Warton had not called to say that half their pitch was under water and when the referee looked at it he rightly decided that it would be unsafe to play on. If Warton had called us we could of changed the venue back to our place and had a game, however with everyone changed there was not time to get back to Ramsgreave. so a little game of touch just to have a run out was played then a bit of fun as we decided to go snorkeling and see who could get the furthest slide through the water. Anybody showing signs of rash or itchy skin, fever, chills, cough and muscle aches should contact their doctor as you may be dying of Schistosomiasis. No I'm only joking.
But we did have a bit of fun and we do have the rearranged fixture to look forward to, it also gave us chance to do a little team building and put some thoughts out there for your consideration like a mini third team tour. We can also look forward to this weekends game away against Marple in the Raging Bull shield. Marple are in division 4 south and currently second in that league played 9 won 6 lost 2 and 1 walkover. So a hard team and a hard game, as I said we must fulfill this fixture as a call off on our behalf also affects our league status. I am sure that the team that does make the trip will do a fine job and do us all proud if you can all let us know your availability a.s.a.p. It would help with selection.
As I said on Saturday there is a couple of dates for your diaries November 28Th Band night at the club tickets £5 see Rousie. December 5Th home fixture against Fleetwood pirate day, 2 pieces of pirate attire to be worn and pirate talk all day only. December 19Th home fixture against Ormskirk, Andy Boyes birthday and third team Christmas drinks. If I can think of any thing else I will blog and post in team news. That just leaves me to thanks again and good luck for this weekend as I will be in Twickenham hopefully watching a better English performance than the last 2 efforts.
Yours Carlos (captain)
But we did have a bit of fun and we do have the rearranged fixture to look forward to, it also gave us chance to do a little team building and put some thoughts out there for your consideration like a mini third team tour. We can also look forward to this weekends game away against Marple in the Raging Bull shield. Marple are in division 4 south and currently second in that league played 9 won 6 lost 2 and 1 walkover. So a hard team and a hard game, as I said we must fulfill this fixture as a call off on our behalf also affects our league status. I am sure that the team that does make the trip will do a fine job and do us all proud if you can all let us know your availability a.s.a.p. It would help with selection.
As I said on Saturday there is a couple of dates for your diaries November 28Th Band night at the club tickets £5 see Rousie. December 5Th home fixture against Fleetwood pirate day, 2 pieces of pirate attire to be worn and pirate talk all day only. December 19Th home fixture against Ormskirk, Andy Boyes birthday and third team Christmas drinks. If I can think of any thing else I will blog and post in team news. That just leaves me to thanks again and good luck for this weekend as I will be in Twickenham hopefully watching a better English performance than the last 2 efforts.
Yours Carlos (captain)
Monday, 9 November 2009
Hi guys,
Rugby date 07/11/09 home against Preston Grasshoppers game called off
Totally unsatisfactory, that I feel sums up the weekend. Unfortunately we where forced in to crying off this weekends fixture against Preston due to circumstances beyond our control. Let me fill you in on a little background information. The way the league runs is that the first xv has to field a side, then the second xv then the third, we can not field a third team and not field a second string. the league would not award any points and would take a very dim view of us. That said, this weekend the first xv reported a record high in injured players, somewhere around 20 players not available. This therefore gave Andy Tom's one almighty headache, resolved by sending the majority of the second team up to fulfill the first xv fixture. However this resulted in him having to call upon the majority of the third xv to fulfill his second team fixture. And therefore resulting in us having to call our game off due to lack of numbers. I would like to point out that the league award one point for fulfilling a fixture, that's right turn up and even if you loose you still get a point. also the minimum number required to fulfill a fixture is 9, and the opposition have to match that number by no more than one extra player. i.e. we turn up with 9 they can only have 10 on the field at a time. And many times teams have turned up at our place with less than 15 and we have given them numbers to make more of a game of things so is the way of social rugby.
This All said we found our self calling off a home game, this I promise will not happen again. We have to field a team even if it all looks dark and gloomy and we haven't got 15, it does however mean a little more commitment to the third team. I know no-one wants to turn up knowing we are probably going to get beat, but that is not a forgone conclusion. And god forbid if we fail to fulfill fixtures we run the risk of loosing the third team forever, this is not an exaggeration you don't have to look far to see clubs folding and dropping teams, Lostock in our league LSH also struggling and many more. The third team is where I enjoy playing with good friends, but also it is a place for people who may not be a supper star, or maybe the players of the future to develop their skills and learn techniques be for going on to play in the higher teams. It is also a important piece in the social side of the club with many wives and girlfriends and children coming along to support their team and supporting many of the clubs functions. So with that in mind we must endeavor to do better and make sure that we fulfill our fixtures no matter how many players we have.
Now some well earned thanks for the players who where called upon by the second xv, Especially Paul Greenwood, Marc Grimes, Jim Colman, Andy Snape, Charles Page, Jamie Elston. All of whom put plenty of effort into the game some really shining, and even though we lost the score does some what flatter Rochdale 2's. They made as many mistakes as we did the difference was when they made a mistake we were 2 yards away when we made a mistake they capitalized. The only high point for myself was having Mark (Bully) Bullen rub my lower back with heat liniment which he managed to spill down my buttocks. Adding a little discomfort to a otherwise hard day aat the office, in which i was blowing chunks for the majority only getting my second breath ten minutes from time when someone mentioned a pie and pint in the bar.
This leaves us to look forward towards this weeks fixture away against BAE Warton, who may be struggling at the bottom of the league but manage to put a team on the field every week. A lesson there for us maybe.
Yours committedly Carlos (captain)
Rugby date 07/11/09 home against Preston Grasshoppers game called off
Totally unsatisfactory, that I feel sums up the weekend. Unfortunately we where forced in to crying off this weekends fixture against Preston due to circumstances beyond our control. Let me fill you in on a little background information. The way the league runs is that the first xv has to field a side, then the second xv then the third, we can not field a third team and not field a second string. the league would not award any points and would take a very dim view of us. That said, this weekend the first xv reported a record high in injured players, somewhere around 20 players not available. This therefore gave Andy Tom's one almighty headache, resolved by sending the majority of the second team up to fulfill the first xv fixture. However this resulted in him having to call upon the majority of the third xv to fulfill his second team fixture. And therefore resulting in us having to call our game off due to lack of numbers. I would like to point out that the league award one point for fulfilling a fixture, that's right turn up and even if you loose you still get a point. also the minimum number required to fulfill a fixture is 9, and the opposition have to match that number by no more than one extra player. i.e. we turn up with 9 they can only have 10 on the field at a time. And many times teams have turned up at our place with less than 15 and we have given them numbers to make more of a game of things so is the way of social rugby.
This All said we found our self calling off a home game, this I promise will not happen again. We have to field a team even if it all looks dark and gloomy and we haven't got 15, it does however mean a little more commitment to the third team. I know no-one wants to turn up knowing we are probably going to get beat, but that is not a forgone conclusion. And god forbid if we fail to fulfill fixtures we run the risk of loosing the third team forever, this is not an exaggeration you don't have to look far to see clubs folding and dropping teams, Lostock in our league LSH also struggling and many more. The third team is where I enjoy playing with good friends, but also it is a place for people who may not be a supper star, or maybe the players of the future to develop their skills and learn techniques be for going on to play in the higher teams. It is also a important piece in the social side of the club with many wives and girlfriends and children coming along to support their team and supporting many of the clubs functions. So with that in mind we must endeavor to do better and make sure that we fulfill our fixtures no matter how many players we have.
Now some well earned thanks for the players who where called upon by the second xv, Especially Paul Greenwood, Marc Grimes, Jim Colman, Andy Snape, Charles Page, Jamie Elston. All of whom put plenty of effort into the game some really shining, and even though we lost the score does some what flatter Rochdale 2's. They made as many mistakes as we did the difference was when they made a mistake we were 2 yards away when we made a mistake they capitalized. The only high point for myself was having Mark (Bully) Bullen rub my lower back with heat liniment which he managed to spill down my buttocks. Adding a little discomfort to a otherwise hard day aat the office, in which i was blowing chunks for the majority only getting my second breath ten minutes from time when someone mentioned a pie and pint in the bar.
This leaves us to look forward towards this weeks fixture away against BAE Warton, who may be struggling at the bottom of the league but manage to put a team on the field every week. A lesson there for us maybe.
Yours committedly Carlos (captain)
Monday, 2 November 2009
Hi guys,
Rugby date 31/10/09 away against Garstang 2's score 25-22
I often feel after a match beside drained, a little unsure if I had done enough through the game, if i had given every ounce and left my bloodied and battered soul on the pitch. Or whether I could of given more whether i let myself or even more so my mates down. This weekends game against a strong young and athletic Garstang however left me in no doubt that I along with 14 other players on the pitch and substitutes on the bench could give no more. Ferocious tackling, superb skilled handling and just damned right stubbornness was in abundance. The score does not even start to compliment the epic battle that this was.
It started with a front row issue with the dynamic Paul (Percy) Fielding, been pulled last minute due to ill health of a family member. We wish Paul's granddad well and quick recovery, however there was now a problem at loose head. And I think that the answer we came up with in the shape of Andy Grey a recent addition to the third team turned out to be inspired with Andy showing some true grit and determination to become a future cornerstone of Blackburn's third string. I can't thank Andy enough for putting his body on the line in one of the hardest contested scrummaging games this season. Also a very unusual replacement for Andy in the shape of Charles Page who normally feels most at home in the centers but this season has played in the back row and now the front row. Thanks guys. We new Garstang at home was going to be difficult but were up for the fight, and soon in the lead of a game where the lead was to change nearly as much as the weather. Henning Kabber playing at scrum half again slotting a testy penalty kick for three points. The game seemed flow along at rapid speed of knots with Garstang coming straight back at us, but almost as quickly as they scored we scored again. And so the game went on.
At half time I took a difficult decision not to make any changes and pressed on with the starting 15, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our substitutes I know how frustrating it is to stand on a touchline and not be considered. To have eagerness and willingness to throw yourselves into the affray and not to be called upon. However I felt rightly or wrongly the team on the pitch was the best chance of a win, and with the game so tight I decided to try all out for that win. The third team mantra is everyone can have 10 minutes, And without the subs on the bench we sometimes would struggle to finish a game. The subs are important to me and the team, I hope those involved are understanding in my decision.
As the game came to its finale we threw everything including the kitchen sink at Garstangs line to finish with the win, however Garstangs defence held up under a onslaught of might from the Blackburn pack and some good lines from our backs. And as the final whistle sounded the end of the match the cheer Garstang gave showed how close they thought the game was. With both teams totally drained after a gladiatorial effort. Blackburns superb tackling in defence with Dave o'sullivan, Jimmy Townes, Marc Grimes, Jim Coleman and Gerry throwing all their efforts into some bone crunching tackles and the packs dominance at the line out,ruck and maul we all felt that even in defeat we had won, this side is growing in strength and stature. And in true third team spirit we all walked of the pitch with our heads held high. There was however one instance that marred the efforts of the team and especially the player who put his all in to the game. Maybe a miss judgment from the ref, over a moving scrum. But at worst a re-scrum for us defending 5 yards out. Henning a referee himself however felt the ref on the day got the call wrong and proceeded to argue his case, only for the decision to be turned into a full penalty which Garstang took quick scoring under the posts with a conversion to follow. At this point we were leading the game and still quite dominate in the scrum, the loss of the 7 points at this stage just prior to half time was a uneedy episode. The management team would like to thank Henning for his superb performances so far, who is highly respected as a team member and hope he continues to play for us in the future, but just because we may not agree with the ref we do not loose our discipline and field any arguments through the team captain.
I would like also to thank all those that supported two club stalwarts in Mickey cottam and John Bank on their 40th birthday celebrations held in the club for Halloween. It was so good to see you all in fancy dress making an effort for the boys. Also this coming weeks fixture home against Preston Grasshoppers all players will need to wear a poppy in remembrance of those boys who have fought for our country. This weeks game will once more be a hard game and I am sure we all are looking forward to it. Preston currently three places above us in this very tight league having also played 8 won 3 and drawn 1. Preston who won at the weekend at home against BAE Warton will be a tough adversary. And I therefore urge as many players down to training on Thursday night 7pm till 9pm.
Regards Carlos (captain)
Rugby date 31/10/09 away against Garstang 2's score 25-22
I often feel after a match beside drained, a little unsure if I had done enough through the game, if i had given every ounce and left my bloodied and battered soul on the pitch. Or whether I could of given more whether i let myself or even more so my mates down. This weekends game against a strong young and athletic Garstang however left me in no doubt that I along with 14 other players on the pitch and substitutes on the bench could give no more. Ferocious tackling, superb skilled handling and just damned right stubbornness was in abundance. The score does not even start to compliment the epic battle that this was.
It started with a front row issue with the dynamic Paul (Percy) Fielding, been pulled last minute due to ill health of a family member. We wish Paul's granddad well and quick recovery, however there was now a problem at loose head. And I think that the answer we came up with in the shape of Andy Grey a recent addition to the third team turned out to be inspired with Andy showing some true grit and determination to become a future cornerstone of Blackburn's third string. I can't thank Andy enough for putting his body on the line in one of the hardest contested scrummaging games this season. Also a very unusual replacement for Andy in the shape of Charles Page who normally feels most at home in the centers but this season has played in the back row and now the front row. Thanks guys. We new Garstang at home was going to be difficult but were up for the fight, and soon in the lead of a game where the lead was to change nearly as much as the weather. Henning Kabber playing at scrum half again slotting a testy penalty kick for three points. The game seemed flow along at rapid speed of knots with Garstang coming straight back at us, but almost as quickly as they scored we scored again. And so the game went on.
At half time I took a difficult decision not to make any changes and pressed on with the starting 15, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our substitutes I know how frustrating it is to stand on a touchline and not be considered. To have eagerness and willingness to throw yourselves into the affray and not to be called upon. However I felt rightly or wrongly the team on the pitch was the best chance of a win, and with the game so tight I decided to try all out for that win. The third team mantra is everyone can have 10 minutes, And without the subs on the bench we sometimes would struggle to finish a game. The subs are important to me and the team, I hope those involved are understanding in my decision.
As the game came to its finale we threw everything including the kitchen sink at Garstangs line to finish with the win, however Garstangs defence held up under a onslaught of might from the Blackburn pack and some good lines from our backs. And as the final whistle sounded the end of the match the cheer Garstang gave showed how close they thought the game was. With both teams totally drained after a gladiatorial effort. Blackburns superb tackling in defence with Dave o'sullivan, Jimmy Townes, Marc Grimes, Jim Coleman and Gerry throwing all their efforts into some bone crunching tackles and the packs dominance at the line out,ruck and maul we all felt that even in defeat we had won, this side is growing in strength and stature. And in true third team spirit we all walked of the pitch with our heads held high. There was however one instance that marred the efforts of the team and especially the player who put his all in to the game. Maybe a miss judgment from the ref, over a moving scrum. But at worst a re-scrum for us defending 5 yards out. Henning a referee himself however felt the ref on the day got the call wrong and proceeded to argue his case, only for the decision to be turned into a full penalty which Garstang took quick scoring under the posts with a conversion to follow. At this point we were leading the game and still quite dominate in the scrum, the loss of the 7 points at this stage just prior to half time was a uneedy episode. The management team would like to thank Henning for his superb performances so far, who is highly respected as a team member and hope he continues to play for us in the future, but just because we may not agree with the ref we do not loose our discipline and field any arguments through the team captain.
I would like also to thank all those that supported two club stalwarts in Mickey cottam and John Bank on their 40th birthday celebrations held in the club for Halloween. It was so good to see you all in fancy dress making an effort for the boys. Also this coming weeks fixture home against Preston Grasshoppers all players will need to wear a poppy in remembrance of those boys who have fought for our country. This weeks game will once more be a hard game and I am sure we all are looking forward to it. Preston currently three places above us in this very tight league having also played 8 won 3 and drawn 1. Preston who won at the weekend at home against BAE Warton will be a tough adversary. And I therefore urge as many players down to training on Thursday night 7pm till 9pm.
Regards Carlos (captain)
Monday, 26 October 2009
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 24/10/09 home against Carnforth 2's score 39-0
With confidence and belief simmering nicely after a week off, the team took to the field to face a formidable opponent in this bottom of the table clash. Carnforth had travelled well and with something like 7 sub's on the bench they must of been hopeful.Buoyed by their recent win they were up for it. However a gargantuan blackburn pack with the returning Martin Jessop back from injury and Nick Worsick in the second row, were also up for the challenge. With the long awaited appearance of John Bank at 8, who played his usual brilliant game even though benching for the 1's. At the young age of 40 it easy to see why this enthusiastic player can be pencilled into any of Blackburns three teams, with some excellent tackling and line breaks the youthful Banky was my nomination for MOM.
The game started on a good note with a win on the toss, I chose to play with the conditions in the first half. A strong easterly wind blowing down the pitch, Henning doing yet another brilliant job playing out of position at 9, soon had us deep in opposition territory. The pressure really on Carnforth from the off resulting in a early penalty 30 yrd's out in front of the posts, bread and butter for Henning. From the restart we crashed straight back at the opponents pinning them deep in their 22, and before long the pressure told again with a easy run in for Henning the first of his three tries that afternoon. With tries also from John Bank, Martin Jessop and Stephen Lee, also playing out of position at 10, the first half was one way traffic. The forwards putting in a performance to match the expectations of the line up. Paul Greenwood dominating at the front of a line out that worked with considerable ease, and good ball retention at the breakdown giving Henning good quick ball to utilise our superb back line. With some impressive tackling and good ball handling we had Carnforth under the cosh for the majority of the game.
There was however a few dark marks to cloud the day with some football isms creeping in, Jessy calling the linesman for giving a decision he didn't agree with. And a few tactical points been pointed out by the referee resulting in Paul (Percy) Fielding being yellow carded for successive infringements. Giving Carnforth the opportunity to score from a uncontested scrum while Percy served his binning out. I'm sure that we all agree there is no room in our game for football isms and Martin was truly regretful of his incident.
All in all though a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with maximum effort from all involved including subs, were young Niel Walsh came on at half time having only played 10 minuets previous and put some excellent tackles in and almost scored going very close in the corner.This showing the true spirit and feelings of the team.
And so we look forward to this weekends game away at Garstang currently fifth in the league, this will be yet another hard task for us. But with a good turn out at training this Thursday we can put right some of the tactical points we got wrong this week.
It is also John Bank's and Mick Cottam's joint 40th party and a open invite for all third team members. This is a fancy dress occasion and the third team will be expected to wear something appropriate. Also and very important it is your captains birthday on Saturday and he likes to drink larger, and will willing except any beer bought for him.
yours thankfully Carlos (captain)
Rugby date 24/10/09 home against Carnforth 2's score 39-0
With confidence and belief simmering nicely after a week off, the team took to the field to face a formidable opponent in this bottom of the table clash. Carnforth had travelled well and with something like 7 sub's on the bench they must of been hopeful.Buoyed by their recent win they were up for it. However a gargantuan blackburn pack with the returning Martin Jessop back from injury and Nick Worsick in the second row, were also up for the challenge. With the long awaited appearance of John Bank at 8, who played his usual brilliant game even though benching for the 1's. At the young age of 40 it easy to see why this enthusiastic player can be pencilled into any of Blackburns three teams, with some excellent tackling and line breaks the youthful Banky was my nomination for MOM.
The game started on a good note with a win on the toss, I chose to play with the conditions in the first half. A strong easterly wind blowing down the pitch, Henning doing yet another brilliant job playing out of position at 9, soon had us deep in opposition territory. The pressure really on Carnforth from the off resulting in a early penalty 30 yrd's out in front of the posts, bread and butter for Henning. From the restart we crashed straight back at the opponents pinning them deep in their 22, and before long the pressure told again with a easy run in for Henning the first of his three tries that afternoon. With tries also from John Bank, Martin Jessop and Stephen Lee, also playing out of position at 10, the first half was one way traffic. The forwards putting in a performance to match the expectations of the line up. Paul Greenwood dominating at the front of a line out that worked with considerable ease, and good ball retention at the breakdown giving Henning good quick ball to utilise our superb back line. With some impressive tackling and good ball handling we had Carnforth under the cosh for the majority of the game.
There was however a few dark marks to cloud the day with some football isms creeping in, Jessy calling the linesman for giving a decision he didn't agree with. And a few tactical points been pointed out by the referee resulting in Paul (Percy) Fielding being yellow carded for successive infringements. Giving Carnforth the opportunity to score from a uncontested scrum while Percy served his binning out. I'm sure that we all agree there is no room in our game for football isms and Martin was truly regretful of his incident.
All in all though a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with maximum effort from all involved including subs, were young Niel Walsh came on at half time having only played 10 minuets previous and put some excellent tackles in and almost scored going very close in the corner.This showing the true spirit and feelings of the team.
And so we look forward to this weekends game away at Garstang currently fifth in the league, this will be yet another hard task for us. But with a good turn out at training this Thursday we can put right some of the tactical points we got wrong this week.
It is also John Bank's and Mick Cottam's joint 40th party and a open invite for all third team members. This is a fancy dress occasion and the third team will be expected to wear something appropriate. Also and very important it is your captains birthday on Saturday and he likes to drink larger, and will willing except any beer bought for him.
yours thankfully Carlos (captain)
Monday, 12 October 2009
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 10/10/2009 home against Thornton and Clevelys, score 35-0
The feeling of elation after Saturdays performance will be hard to beat. As I made my way to the club clutching my handbag not knowing the strength of side we would be putting out there was a little belief that we could win, using the experiences and confidence we had gained over the last few games. On arrival at the club I found a handful of players with there handbags and made sure a note of none handbaggers was made for later fines to be distributed. I also found that the 2's hand pinched one of our players and we may be a little light on back row forwards. However the ever versatile Nige Gouldthorpe and Charles Page volunteered to play as flank forwards with the welcome return of Mick Cottam playing in the unusual position of number 8. We had it sorted, Thornton however turned up a little light also and to make a game of it we magnanimously gave them a player to start with and i would like to thank both Matt Briscoe and Andy Grey for pulling on the opposition shirt. Even more so Andy who gave us the comedy moment of the day while slipping his racing snake physique into a size zero top. Pure pornography and screeches from all the wags on the touchline said all there was needed to be said. The image is forever burned on to the back of eyes. Laughed so much i nearly wet myself, Thornton overjoyed to have a second row player to do the job in the scrum for them rather than the winger we had given them for the first half, sorry Matt, as you said now you respect what goes on at the coal face.
Anyway we seemed to be up for the challenge and were soon in the points with Eddy Holden taking a easy penalty early on, the pack was vibrant and soon dominating Stuart Rouse and myself making a mess of opposition scrums and I lost count of how many we took against the head. Also the line out seemed to be on fire with the newly named Mick The Salmon Cottam dominating the front of the line, with some extremely acrobatic leaping. We had the share of the possession and the territory and were soon crossing the white wash with some magnificent back moves. The star of the show new comer Steve having a real blinder at inside centre linking well with Eddy at stand off and Dave O'Sullivan at outside centre. Add to this Mark Josh and john O'Ryan at the back, the back line was with ball and space to play with a joy to behold. Mark scoring his first try for us and Dave scoring a brace. A hard tackle ended Eddy's day early as he damaged his knee and was carried from the pitch, with the inform scrum half Jim Coleman stepping up to take some late points with the boot right in front of the posts. If there had been a extra coat of paint on the sticks it would of rebounded back at the stand in kicker. And so we went on to record our second win of the season with style holding Thornton to nil, as I have already said a fantastic achievement.
And so with no game this weekend due to the retirement from the league of Lostock, and Stuart turning forty, he is having a little shindig at the club this Saturday afternoon. Were we shall be drinking copious amounts of alcohol and eating chili. Oh and if you like you can occasionally glance out the window and watch the second team in action, however this isn't compulsory but drinking will be. I would like to take this opportunity to remind all players that are available to train on Thursday that this would be a good time to work on tackles and securing the ball which we managed to do very well this week.
Yours euphorically Carlos ( captain ).
Rugby date 10/10/2009 home against Thornton and Clevelys, score 35-0
The feeling of elation after Saturdays performance will be hard to beat. As I made my way to the club clutching my handbag not knowing the strength of side we would be putting out there was a little belief that we could win, using the experiences and confidence we had gained over the last few games. On arrival at the club I found a handful of players with there handbags and made sure a note of none handbaggers was made for later fines to be distributed. I also found that the 2's hand pinched one of our players and we may be a little light on back row forwards. However the ever versatile Nige Gouldthorpe and Charles Page volunteered to play as flank forwards with the welcome return of Mick Cottam playing in the unusual position of number 8. We had it sorted, Thornton however turned up a little light also and to make a game of it we magnanimously gave them a player to start with and i would like to thank both Matt Briscoe and Andy Grey for pulling on the opposition shirt. Even more so Andy who gave us the comedy moment of the day while slipping his racing snake physique into a size zero top. Pure pornography and screeches from all the wags on the touchline said all there was needed to be said. The image is forever burned on to the back of eyes. Laughed so much i nearly wet myself, Thornton overjoyed to have a second row player to do the job in the scrum for them rather than the winger we had given them for the first half, sorry Matt, as you said now you respect what goes on at the coal face.
Anyway we seemed to be up for the challenge and were soon in the points with Eddy Holden taking a easy penalty early on, the pack was vibrant and soon dominating Stuart Rouse and myself making a mess of opposition scrums and I lost count of how many we took against the head. Also the line out seemed to be on fire with the newly named Mick The Salmon Cottam dominating the front of the line, with some extremely acrobatic leaping. We had the share of the possession and the territory and were soon crossing the white wash with some magnificent back moves. The star of the show new comer Steve having a real blinder at inside centre linking well with Eddy at stand off and Dave O'Sullivan at outside centre. Add to this Mark Josh and john O'Ryan at the back, the back line was with ball and space to play with a joy to behold. Mark scoring his first try for us and Dave scoring a brace. A hard tackle ended Eddy's day early as he damaged his knee and was carried from the pitch, with the inform scrum half Jim Coleman stepping up to take some late points with the boot right in front of the posts. If there had been a extra coat of paint on the sticks it would of rebounded back at the stand in kicker. And so we went on to record our second win of the season with style holding Thornton to nil, as I have already said a fantastic achievement.
And so with no game this weekend due to the retirement from the league of Lostock, and Stuart turning forty, he is having a little shindig at the club this Saturday afternoon. Were we shall be drinking copious amounts of alcohol and eating chili. Oh and if you like you can occasionally glance out the window and watch the second team in action, however this isn't compulsory but drinking will be. I would like to take this opportunity to remind all players that are available to train on Thursday that this would be a good time to work on tackles and securing the ball which we managed to do very well this week.
Yours euphorically Carlos ( captain ).
Monday, 5 October 2009
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 3/10/2009 away against Tarleton. Score 27-11.
Well guys another hard game and unfortunately another defeat, however i feel that we where able to field a team that were more than capable of defeating the opposition this week. With return of Jim Coleman at scrum half we finally had one of the important positions we have been struggling with filled with someone who is used to playing in the position, rather than someone filling the spot. And with Henning making his first appearance and managing to bring along a couple of excellent players ( always manages to bring me a line out salmon ). The hopes were high for a second win of the season, however as seems to be the norm at the moment we lost a couple of players to the seconds prior to travelling to Tarleton and so left with 15 and a already injured P.G.
Still spirits were high and I thought that maybe the belief i had was enough to pull us through, the backs with Henning stepping in at 10 had a few minuets to put a few moves together , this wasn't enough but had to suffice. And they managed to do their best with the little ball they would end up seeing. The opponents had a good outfit from the off however it was soon shown that we were enough of a match up front. But their back line was something else and where soon cutting us to ribbons. I felt we were falling off tackles to easy again and under the posts urged everyone to up the effort. We managed to posses the ball and territory for the most of the first half and Henning kicking a superb penalty found ourselves 10-3 down at the half time interval. With some more words of wisdom and encouragement at the break we were ready for the second half. Where Tarleton secured quick ball from a line out had swift hands and there number 13 ran through us to score under the posts, the conversion easy even in the torrid wind. suddenly we awoke however a little to late, and maybe some self belief emerged as we then camped in the opposition half for the for the majority of the half. Unable to make the most of our territory Henning kicking a second penalty but Tarleton able to break away and score 2 more tries through there backs. We finally crossed the whitewash with young Percy going over in the corner to give us some just desserts for all the effort we had put in.
However with a hard game sometimes there are casualties and Tiny having made some excellent runs and carries took a knock to the shoulder and had to be replaced with P.G. who as i have already mentioned was struggling from the previous week where some idiot tried to knock his head off as going into a ruck. (It was me). Tiny report damage to his ac joint P.G. report swelling on a nerve and then the try scorer Percy also reporting damage to his ac joint. This does not bode well for next weeks game at home against Thornton Cleveleys. Which i would like to remind everyone attending is a handbag day and all third team players must carry a handbag at all times containing the usual women's items of purse, lipstick, powder,Tampax or towel, and eye liner. Failure to have your hand bag and said items will encure fines and punishment of some god awful nature. And so i conclude once again giving you plenty to think about for the coming week, maybe we need to start believing in ourselves we are more than capable of giving any one in this league a good game with or without some of our better players. With this belief will come confidence and then the Wins will follow, rest and prepare for once again it isn't going to be easy but we can and are getting there.
yours Carlos (captain).
Rugby date 3/10/2009 away against Tarleton. Score 27-11.
Well guys another hard game and unfortunately another defeat, however i feel that we where able to field a team that were more than capable of defeating the opposition this week. With return of Jim Coleman at scrum half we finally had one of the important positions we have been struggling with filled with someone who is used to playing in the position, rather than someone filling the spot. And with Henning making his first appearance and managing to bring along a couple of excellent players ( always manages to bring me a line out salmon ). The hopes were high for a second win of the season, however as seems to be the norm at the moment we lost a couple of players to the seconds prior to travelling to Tarleton and so left with 15 and a already injured P.G.
Still spirits were high and I thought that maybe the belief i had was enough to pull us through, the backs with Henning stepping in at 10 had a few minuets to put a few moves together , this wasn't enough but had to suffice. And they managed to do their best with the little ball they would end up seeing. The opponents had a good outfit from the off however it was soon shown that we were enough of a match up front. But their back line was something else and where soon cutting us to ribbons. I felt we were falling off tackles to easy again and under the posts urged everyone to up the effort. We managed to posses the ball and territory for the most of the first half and Henning kicking a superb penalty found ourselves 10-3 down at the half time interval. With some more words of wisdom and encouragement at the break we were ready for the second half. Where Tarleton secured quick ball from a line out had swift hands and there number 13 ran through us to score under the posts, the conversion easy even in the torrid wind. suddenly we awoke however a little to late, and maybe some self belief emerged as we then camped in the opposition half for the for the majority of the half. Unable to make the most of our territory Henning kicking a second penalty but Tarleton able to break away and score 2 more tries through there backs. We finally crossed the whitewash with young Percy going over in the corner to give us some just desserts for all the effort we had put in.
However with a hard game sometimes there are casualties and Tiny having made some excellent runs and carries took a knock to the shoulder and had to be replaced with P.G. who as i have already mentioned was struggling from the previous week where some idiot tried to knock his head off as going into a ruck. (It was me). Tiny report damage to his ac joint P.G. report swelling on a nerve and then the try scorer Percy also reporting damage to his ac joint. This does not bode well for next weeks game at home against Thornton Cleveleys. Which i would like to remind everyone attending is a handbag day and all third team players must carry a handbag at all times containing the usual women's items of purse, lipstick, powder,Tampax or towel, and eye liner. Failure to have your hand bag and said items will encure fines and punishment of some god awful nature. And so i conclude once again giving you plenty to think about for the coming week, maybe we need to start believing in ourselves we are more than capable of giving any one in this league a good game with or without some of our better players. With this belief will come confidence and then the Wins will follow, rest and prepare for once again it isn't going to be easy but we can and are getting there.
yours Carlos (captain).
Monday, 28 September 2009
Hi guys,
Furness at home saturday 26th september. Well no-one said it was going to be aesy, and it isn't and it ain't going to get any easier just yet. Once again a far fitter and a lot younger team travelled to Ramsgreave, to be honest it was a bit of a unkown how well Furness were going to travel. That was soon to be seen when the coach pulled up and i thought that some one else's first team had got lost. In fairness to the visitors they came to have a good game and a few drinks, something i am looking forward to doing in the reverse fixture after the xmas break.
The visitors were as i have already said a decent outfit who obviously do travel well, and once again we were scratching around for players. Still missing the key positions of scrum half and stand off, a vcry brave Fran Broadhurst stepped in at 10, with young Eddy Holden taking the 9 position. With several other players out of position and a few making thier first start in some, James stepping in to start at loosehead. And blackburn 3's newest player Niel Walsh running on the water after only 1 training sesion. We took to the pitch knowing that we had the ace in the pocket of Gooders on the bench. Little did he know how much work he was going to do coming on not once but three times befor replacing James in the front row and us going to un-contested scrums. Poor James having to leave the field due to exreme embarrassment after his mum shouting from the touchline "Are you ok James love x x x"or something to that extent. It proved to be the final nail in the coffin for James who had given his all but was well up against it. Alas he wasn't the only player leaving the pitch with as i have already said the brave Fran leaving 5 mins into the second half after taking some sickening hard knocks. The misery didn't end there for Fran who found his sunday wrecked with a visit to Royal Blackburn Hospital with suspected ruptured splien, thankfully it was only some internal bruising but this does mean he will only be running touch for a couple of weeks and we wish him well.
So as i say not easy and the final score of 5-38 more flatters us than them, however some of the defence and tackling was outstanding, the only blemish that tarnishes the sides effort and commitment was the odd instances of bitching. At own players and opposition, as i said on saturday if you have energy to call other people you can't be putting it into the game. I don't like it and there is no room for football-isms in our team. If any one wants to continue to slag off other players on the pitch they can suffer the wrath of the captain who loves to have beers bought for himself ( thats in jugs ). Ok so that I hope will be the last of that. This only leaves me to say that this week will not be any easier away against tarleton 2's who are doing rather well at the moment with 4 wins out of 4. But lets not get down about that as i know we can play good basic rugby when we put our minds to it that a lot of teams can't cope with so bath you'r aching limbs and stock up on ibuprofen cos it's going to be a bumpy ride for a little longer.
Your's achingly Carlos (capitan)
Furness at home saturday 26th september. Well no-one said it was going to be aesy, and it isn't and it ain't going to get any easier just yet. Once again a far fitter and a lot younger team travelled to Ramsgreave, to be honest it was a bit of a unkown how well Furness were going to travel. That was soon to be seen when the coach pulled up and i thought that some one else's first team had got lost. In fairness to the visitors they came to have a good game and a few drinks, something i am looking forward to doing in the reverse fixture after the xmas break.
The visitors were as i have already said a decent outfit who obviously do travel well, and once again we were scratching around for players. Still missing the key positions of scrum half and stand off, a vcry brave Fran Broadhurst stepped in at 10, with young Eddy Holden taking the 9 position. With several other players out of position and a few making thier first start in some, James stepping in to start at loosehead. And blackburn 3's newest player Niel Walsh running on the water after only 1 training sesion. We took to the pitch knowing that we had the ace in the pocket of Gooders on the bench. Little did he know how much work he was going to do coming on not once but three times befor replacing James in the front row and us going to un-contested scrums. Poor James having to leave the field due to exreme embarrassment after his mum shouting from the touchline "Are you ok James love x x x"or something to that extent. It proved to be the final nail in the coffin for James who had given his all but was well up against it. Alas he wasn't the only player leaving the pitch with as i have already said the brave Fran leaving 5 mins into the second half after taking some sickening hard knocks. The misery didn't end there for Fran who found his sunday wrecked with a visit to Royal Blackburn Hospital with suspected ruptured splien, thankfully it was only some internal bruising but this does mean he will only be running touch for a couple of weeks and we wish him well.
So as i say not easy and the final score of 5-38 more flatters us than them, however some of the defence and tackling was outstanding, the only blemish that tarnishes the sides effort and commitment was the odd instances of bitching. At own players and opposition, as i said on saturday if you have energy to call other people you can't be putting it into the game. I don't like it and there is no room for football-isms in our team. If any one wants to continue to slag off other players on the pitch they can suffer the wrath of the captain who loves to have beers bought for himself ( thats in jugs ). Ok so that I hope will be the last of that. This only leaves me to say that this week will not be any easier away against tarleton 2's who are doing rather well at the moment with 4 wins out of 4. But lets not get down about that as i know we can play good basic rugby when we put our minds to it that a lot of teams can't cope with so bath you'r aching limbs and stock up on ibuprofen cos it's going to be a bumpy ride for a little longer.
Your's achingly Carlos (capitan)
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Hi guys,
Well another game and yet another team, there seems to be a theme running at the moment that we can't field the same 15 from week to week. However once again the team that did take the field for this game away against Ormskirk 4th, showed just how resilliant this ever changing 3rd team is. With people out of position again and some old faces coming along to bolster the team in our hour of need Nige Goulthorpe and Jim Knighton and a friend of mine Marc coming in to help also. We managed to field 15 players, however soon after the kick off we were under the posts realising we had a game on. Ormskirk scoring within 3 minutes then putting a second score on the board shortly after. To the credit of the lads we manged to rally ourselves then and finally got into the game taking the heavy ormskirk pack on up front and taking some well earned possesion. But as we know possesion alone does not win games and some excellent moves from both forwards and backs saw Adam Williamson going over under the posts to score our only try of the game, with Jimbo stepping up for the conversion. We managed to maintain some discipline and also some good drives and rucks but unfortunately the opposition was to strong and with a very youthful bench they went on to win quite easily. The main points for us to take away from the game our that we need to work on body positions when taking the ball into contact. We got turned over far to easily to many times and maybe the lads who are regukars in training could help out by draging a few others down and maybe we could also do some simple spice drills befor we take the field in the warm up, food for thought. Another and once again a recurring theme is the lack of first up tackles and this may also need to be addressed in training, perhaps doing a little light bag work in the warm up also. But on the whole once again i was more than satisfied with the team I thought we gave a very good account of ourselves and as the problems off the pitch at the club are hopefully been addressed we may in the future be in the position to pick a team from a very good squad. The only problem then would be who to leave out as so many of you are showing just how far you have come and getting better and better. I look forward to next weekend and another home game, maybe some theme I wonder could it be to early for handbag day.
your's Carlos (captain)
Well another game and yet another team, there seems to be a theme running at the moment that we can't field the same 15 from week to week. However once again the team that did take the field for this game away against Ormskirk 4th, showed just how resilliant this ever changing 3rd team is. With people out of position again and some old faces coming along to bolster the team in our hour of need Nige Goulthorpe and Jim Knighton and a friend of mine Marc coming in to help also. We managed to field 15 players, however soon after the kick off we were under the posts realising we had a game on. Ormskirk scoring within 3 minutes then putting a second score on the board shortly after. To the credit of the lads we manged to rally ourselves then and finally got into the game taking the heavy ormskirk pack on up front and taking some well earned possesion. But as we know possesion alone does not win games and some excellent moves from both forwards and backs saw Adam Williamson going over under the posts to score our only try of the game, with Jimbo stepping up for the conversion. We managed to maintain some discipline and also some good drives and rucks but unfortunately the opposition was to strong and with a very youthful bench they went on to win quite easily. The main points for us to take away from the game our that we need to work on body positions when taking the ball into contact. We got turned over far to easily to many times and maybe the lads who are regukars in training could help out by draging a few others down and maybe we could also do some simple spice drills befor we take the field in the warm up, food for thought. Another and once again a recurring theme is the lack of first up tackles and this may also need to be addressed in training, perhaps doing a little light bag work in the warm up also. But on the whole once again i was more than satisfied with the team I thought we gave a very good account of ourselves and as the problems off the pitch at the club are hopefully been addressed we may in the future be in the position to pick a team from a very good squad. The only problem then would be who to leave out as so many of you are showing just how far you have come and getting better and better. I look forward to next weekend and another home game, maybe some theme I wonder could it be to early for handbag day.
your's Carlos (captain)
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Hi guys,
Well another weekend is upon us and its time to start thinking about this weeks game. We are away at ormskirk and as of yet not sure how much damage the 2's will inflict on us. However i am confident that we will be able to put out a team of more than adequate players and with the momentum of last weeeks win to fire us i'm sure we will do well. And enjoy the afternoon's sport once again i would like to invite all the usual wogs(wives or girlfriends) that can make the short journey down the road along to spectate and give us some of that excellent home encouragement.
ok so till saturday trainhard and mentally prepare you'r selves but most of all keep enjoying you'r selves.
you'rs Carl (captain)
Well another weekend is upon us and its time to start thinking about this weeks game. We are away at ormskirk and as of yet not sure how much damage the 2's will inflict on us. However i am confident that we will be able to put out a team of more than adequate players and with the momentum of last weeeks win to fire us i'm sure we will do well. And enjoy the afternoon's sport once again i would like to invite all the usual wogs(wives or girlfriends) that can make the short journey down the road along to spectate and give us some of that excellent home encouragement.
ok so till saturday trainhard and mentally prepare you'r selves but most of all keep enjoying you'r selves.
you'rs Carl (captain)
Monday, 14 September 2009
Hi Guys,
Well what can i say what a performance, from everybody involved in saturdays game. 110% commitment for the full 80 minuets. Not just as you'r captain but also a team mate i have not felt so much pride in the way we stuck to our task. The whole team making tackle after tackle a special mention to johnny eccles who put his all into the game befor been rudely stolen by the second vx 5 mins into the second half. But every single player on the pitch and also the subs who came on at times of need Nick Worsick and James. made every effort to keep us in contention and eventually win a well fought battle, such a good close hard game. I would like to thank Eddy holden for a fabulouse kicking performance, not just from the hand but the conversions and the penalty kicks where exquisite. But also Eddy's dad mike pulling on a pair of boots found in the lost property and shorts and socks borrowed to play a almost full 80 mins befor having to limp off due to old age lol. No a sprained ankle. But the whole team been awarded the man of the match award says every thing, I would love to mention and give a special thanks to Fran coming back to the team after a few years in the wildernest, big Andy playing a full 80 mins on the wing on his debut at Ramsgreave, and Charles coming along with his togs and playing for us even though he is not yet 100% fit from injury.
Once again I just want to say thanks to all of you who put everything into the game and gave us our first win of the season, and making us the only team to have a win under our belts in the club. I would also like to mrntion the lads who are third team players but were once again rustled into playing for the seconds. Thanks boys for you'r efforts also.
you'rs Carl (captain)
Well what can i say what a performance, from everybody involved in saturdays game. 110% commitment for the full 80 minuets. Not just as you'r captain but also a team mate i have not felt so much pride in the way we stuck to our task. The whole team making tackle after tackle a special mention to johnny eccles who put his all into the game befor been rudely stolen by the second vx 5 mins into the second half. But every single player on the pitch and also the subs who came on at times of need Nick Worsick and James. made every effort to keep us in contention and eventually win a well fought battle, such a good close hard game. I would like to thank Eddy holden for a fabulouse kicking performance, not just from the hand but the conversions and the penalty kicks where exquisite. But also Eddy's dad mike pulling on a pair of boots found in the lost property and shorts and socks borrowed to play a almost full 80 mins befor having to limp off due to old age lol. No a sprained ankle. But the whole team been awarded the man of the match award says every thing, I would love to mention and give a special thanks to Fran coming back to the team after a few years in the wildernest, big Andy playing a full 80 mins on the wing on his debut at Ramsgreave, and Charles coming along with his togs and playing for us even though he is not yet 100% fit from injury.
Once again I just want to say thanks to all of you who put everything into the game and gave us our first win of the season, and making us the only team to have a win under our belts in the club. I would also like to mrntion the lads who are third team players but were once again rustled into playing for the seconds. Thanks boys for you'r efforts also.
you'rs Carl (captain)
Thursday, 10 September 2009
hey guys, unfortunateky you'r captain can't make training tonight as he is stuck in scotland however i hope as many of you get to training as possibly can. as for our next match against kirkby lonsdale on saturday i'm really looking forward to having a good hard game. hopefully we will fair a bit better than last week against penrith. if the second team don't rob all our star players again lol. i hope to be down the club early so to give us a good warm up sesion and hopefully go in to the match in right frame of mind. i hope to see as many down on saturday as can make it bringing thier other halves along for some support lmao .
Monday, 7 September 2009
So guys, having reached my hotel room had a monkey bath it leaves me now with time to contenplate the next game. Home verses kirby lonsdale, now this day will be open to all and wags are more than welcome so bring them down and do we need a theme for this game or is it to early to get silly? discuss.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
penrith game
hi guys,
well the first game under our belts and unfortunatley we came up against a well organised much fitter side. However there was some very encouraging points to be taken from the game. We never gave up and continued to commit to rucks and mauls, however i felt that some first up tackling was weak and we missed far to many tackles time and time again. something to work on for us there then. As for the attitude of all the lads and the discipline shown on and off the field especially on the coach back home i can only say that it was implicable and a credit to the third team.
well the first game under our belts and unfortunatley we came up against a well organised much fitter side. However there was some very encouraging points to be taken from the game. We never gave up and continued to commit to rucks and mauls, however i felt that some first up tackling was weak and we missed far to many tackles time and time again. something to work on for us there then. As for the attitude of all the lads and the discipline shown on and off the field especially on the coach back home i can only say that it was implicable and a credit to the third team.