Tough times at Hoppers

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

Hi Guys,

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

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

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

Regards Carlos (captain).

Dad's Army win at Ramsgreave

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

Hi Guys,

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

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

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

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

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

Regards Carlos (captain).

Frustration builds for thirds

Rugby date 16/10/10 home against Orrell game conceded

Hi Guys,

Yes the frustration of not getting out on the park this weekend was there for everyone see as the thirds supported their club and roared on the first xv. Disappointed as I was that I had to make the decision to call off the game, with the league been so tough and tight I think I think I made the right choice to stand everyone down for the weekend. With the 2's not travelling to Carlisle due to not been able to raise a side, even though 3 third team players where willing to make the journey for them. The league rules mean that we cannot play our fixture without falling foul of the rules, and not only our side been deducted points but the 2's also. With this in mind I made my decision based on the good of the club, I didn't see any mileage in playing Orrell as a friendly with as I have already said this been a tough league.

And now we look forward to welcoming Furness to Ramsgreave, this coming Saturday. Remembering last season Furness travelled well and brought a young side that got about the park a little better than we did, my memory is that we had them in the tight but once they got the ball they used it well. They will be making along journey and last season travelled by coach, arriving in good spirits. We must take all the frustration from this weekend and channel it into our game, playing as we have done right from the whistle. If the forwards start as they have recently, taking the game to the opponents giving a platform. our backs will deliver. Availability as soon as possible, to myself or Keith and lets get down training on Thursday night in numbers for a good hard session. P.G. has been putting in some excellent work on the training pitch and numbers have been good lets keep this up now as the nights get darker and colder, we feel the benefit on a match day and the tactics we practice are showing in our game. Well done up to now for the effort and as I say lets keep moving in the right direction. Be aware though lads the 2's travel to Burnage and they may need numbers again, I thank all the lads who have stepped up so far and hope that your hard work and effort is appreciated by the 2's as much as it is by the thirds.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Robbers fail to nick it

Rugby date 9/10/10 away against Hutton score 12-10

Hi Guys,

We travelled to Hutton as robbers seeing as they play at Lancashire police headquarters, but came away feeling as though we had been robbed. After yet another great start we managed to dominate the game for the majority of play, phase after phase but unable to convert possession into points. Hutton were superb in their defence as we were when called upon, this resulted in a superb tight game which could of gone either way towards the end. But due to our lack of conversion of supremacy and territory didn't go our way, looking back at the game I feel our inability to change the way we played cost us dear. It was frustrating at the breakdown to see Hutton come up with the ball time and time again, this due mainly to the fitness of our boys not getting there in numbers quick enough. Hutton seemed to have 2 or 3 players in on the tackle before we arrived, when we did arrive we managed to drive through the ball staying on our feet. Something Hutton managed to get away without doing, however we can not blame the referee as was pointed out to me, this is not the Blackburn way and I apologise for my lack of discipline on this matter. The fact is that Hutton took their chances to get back in to the game after the half time break, once again we let the opposition rule the first ten minutes after the break. This is where we keep letting ourselves down, Stuart Rouse commented "that we should turn straight round" not having a break a great idea if only we could. We seem to loose all impetuous after the break one minute we are dominating both set piece and territory, then we have a little chat about upping the effort and not allowing the opposition chance to run at us. Restart and do the opposite not committing to tackle allowing the opponents to get territory and apply pressure on our try line.

We have to work hard on this aspect of the game both physically and mentally, keeping the same intensity after the break is down to hard work and discipline but also the will to get back in to the game straight from the off. Maybe a change in tactics is called for to secure some dominance again instead of receiving the ball and trying to run 60 yards to score a try, lets get it off the park and take control of the set piece allowing us to grow back into the game and dominate territory. We were superb in the line again this week both Doc and Tiny leaping like salmons to secure the majority of lineout ball, both on their throw and ours. However Hutton realising that we were ruling the line changed their tactic and instead of competing concentrated on pulling the maul to the ground. Something the ref seemed to think was legal however what did we do to combat this tactic, nothing because we were winning in the air we hoped the ref would ping Hutton and we could carry on with our game plan. Maybe we should have cut the line and used more ball off the top, we can do this tactic very well however I failed to notice the significance of the lineout tactic employed by Hutton and failed to take control of the situation. Sometimes been as inventive as the opponents is the answer, by cutting the line we put more players into the back line, by playing off the top we get quick ball that Hutton are not challenging and we take away the chance of a turnover with them pulling us to ground.

We also dominated at the scrum winning our own ball and the majority of theirs, however winning the scrum isn't the end of the play we have to move the ball and get over the gain line then compete to retain possession and therefore apply pressure by pinning the opponents in their own half. Scot Foster having a superb game at eight was a big lose when suffering a deep cut to his shin and having to go to hospital, I would like to thank Killion for taking him and Charles and Julia for picking him up on the way home. Also a big thanks to Nige Goulthorpe for stepping in at eight not a position he is used to, although we lost some momentum at the tail of the scrum the other forwards now tiring were not there quick enough to support. Tiny getting MoM for the forwards and Adam 'Ollie' Alstead making his return on the wing picking up MoM for the backs. The backs maybe missing some cohesion with so many players moving up to the 2's, so they could play their game. When given the ball made some great inroads. However the Hutton boys constantly flirting with the offside line which seemed to be a doglegged line across the pitch, where always putting our backs under pressure. Some excellent runs from Jimmy Townes again gaining us position but chances going begging again and again. We have to start to take these chances and putting games away with smarter play at times, getting closer sucking in defences and retaining possession. Something to work on in training, Paul Greenwood is doing a brilliant job on Thursday nights and it is starting to show in our game. There has been superb support at training and I thank everyone again but lets not loose focus, and keep up the effort. Next week we welcome Orrel to Ramsgreave they are the table toppers but not undefeated, I am sure we can put out a side that will do Blackburn thirds proud. Once again it will be a hard game but if we learn from our mistakes this week and take our chances we can deliver, nobody enjoys the pressure we enforce when playing our game and making our tackles and supporting each other lets work hard for one-another and keep or discipline once again. Availability as soon as possible please to either myself or Keith.

Regards Carlos (captain).

Mighty thirds dominate at Ramsgreave

Rugby date 02/10/10 home against Hawcoat park score 24 - 0

Hi Guys,

Well what a performance we put on against league new comers Hawcoat it turns out they are what used to be Vickers old team. They travelled well with a couple of subs on their bench and once again it was a hard game, the visitors played a similar game to us and looked a good team with big forwards and quick backs. But even with the 2nd team stripping us of several players we managed again to field 21 players, this excellent support lads lets keep up the effort now as the bad weather starts to dig in. I would like to thank Paul Greenwood, Andy Snape, John Banks, Tom Holden and Dave O'sullivan for stepping up to assist the 2nd xv. Especially Dave O'sullivan who accepted a late call Saturday morning, and all of them helped to secure a victory for the 2's, well done boys.

Back to the thirds performance as I wrote about last week our discipline would be key in this match, with a old friend to the Blackburn club Sean refereeing the game, we new he would not tolerate any back chat. I gave my pre game talk and urged all the lads to think about their discipline, I spelt out the troubles we had been suffering from. And thankfully all of you managed to maintain an excellent discipline throughout the game, this meant that instead of gifting silly penalty's we managed to maintain pressure on our opponents. And shut out a great win with some superb game play, thanks lads and lets keep up the good work on our discipline.

Another aspect that stood out yesterday was our support play especially Mike Doherty doing some excellent work around the park. Paul Schofield also first to every breakdown closely followed by George Pugh. The backs where working well and linking up effortlessly through Nick Archer and Jim Coleman, Richard Bradford. But also all the players geeing each other on Richard Tiny Turner giving me encouragement when I needed it, a good team spirit running through the whole team lets work hard to maintain this level of commitment to each other. All these things are attributed to the hard work you have been putting in at training thanks to Paul Greenwood for his efforts and all yours. We have to work hard now on our fitness towards the end of the game some of us where feeling the efforts we had out in, hard work on our fitness will pay dividends as the season goes on. Training is on Thursday evenings from 7pm till 9pm, we have been experiencing good numbers lets keep up the effort lads.

The forwards where dominant again in the scrum, and once I got my throwing in on target we started to boss the line out with a superb performance from Schoey and Doc. Another aspect we started to do well was driving over the ball when going in to a ruck, good work from Braddy before the game on highlighting this part of the game it meant we didn't concede penalty's at the breakdown. Also there was some good mauling work done during the second half with Braddy ordering the forwards about and getting the maul moving, a useful tactic we should use more often.

Next week we travel to Hutton, don't forget the fancy dress theme of robbers. We now stand second in the league and I am sure Hutton will give us another hard game. They beat league leaders Orrel this week and will be buoyed by this performance, as usual can you let myself or Keith know your availability as soon as possible. Also the weekend after we play Orrel at Ramsgreave, this will also be a hard game so fitness is the priority. I look forward to leading you all again next week lets keep up the good work we have started,

Regards Carlos ( captain ).