Hi Guys,
Rugby date 27/3/10 away against Fleetwood 3rd score 61-0
Unfortunately this weeks fixture ended in the worse defeat we have suffered this season, but there was still something in the game that could give heart. With the inclusion of yet another new boy Killion, in the second row the Burns scrum was solid and pushed back the Fleetwood forwards on numerous occasions. Also in defence as we where for so long during the match, the endless tackles made by the Burn boys were bone shattering on occasions. However the simple truth was that, the Fleetwood that came to Ramsgreave where not the Fleetwood we met this day. A much more youthful team awaited us with a average age of 19, Fleetwood managed to run round us on numerous occasions. With very little ball we managed to threaten the opposition on a few occasions but things weren't going for us and Fleetwood often came away with the ball. The spirit of the Blackburn team was magnanimous, playing up to the last whistle, but the efforts where not to come to much and the youthful Fleetwood side took the victory.
With a very packed weekend ahead we look forward to travelling to Carnforth on Good Friday I know this isn't the best warm up to the game, but we managed to fulfill another fixture and that is the most important thing as we also travel to Barrow on Easter Monday. This could prove a difficult fixture to fulfill so we need to play every game left this season. Bearing in mind the game on Friday maybe a light session on Thursday with Steve just to stretch us out will be the tonic needed. Carnforth are currently 9th in the league and also suffered a heavy loss this weekend, away at Barrow but they are the home side and we must respect them. So can you all let me or P.G. Know your availability as soon as possible.
Regards Carlos (captain).
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Winning ways at Ramsgreave
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 13/3/10 home against Bae Warton 40-3
This weeks game saw the return to Ramsgreave of a few old faces, playing a very good Bae Warton side the old guard came out in force to show they still have what it takes. From the off the Blackburn team playing the first half into the prevailing wind blowing through Ramsgreave, took the game right up to Bae. Controlling the ball when in possession and distributing through the backs with cutting accuracy. The pressure from the strong Blackburn pack soon started to tell, with a couple of good scrums setting up good field position. The experienced half back Richard Bradford faultless in his decision making sending lock Martin Jessop through to hand off a would be tackler and open Blackburns account. Unfortunately stand off Eddie Holden not making the conversion on this visit but was to put that right, not missing another kick all game. With further try's coming from Adam (Ollie) Alstead, Jimmy Townes and the returning Matt Elison back from his knee operation. The Burn side defensively where magnificent repelling all that Bae could throw at us, with superb tackles been made man for man. Marc Grimes at full back and Dave O'Sullivan putting in the big hits. The half time whistle came with all the team enjoying their efforts, 26-0 was the half time score.
As I asked everyman to up the efforts for the second half we kicked into the Bae forwards, as expected the visitors came straight back at us but once again the burn defence was resolute. Some really fantastic tackling and rucking from all the players, with also some good tactical kicking the Burn team slowly made there way down field keeping the visitors pinned deep in their own half. Some excellent work at the line out with Richard (Tiny) Turner at the front and Lee Satolka in the middle, making life for the visitors difficult. But from a line out inside the visitors 22, came the move of the match. A clean take at the front from Tiny been Hoisted high by P.G. and Jessie, releasing Scott Foster on the loop into the 5 meter Chanel and off loading into the captain's waiting hands, for me to go over in the corner and start the score board ticking over again. The next Burn score been ran in by new comer Mike, on for his debut playing on the wing and taking his opportunity well. Bae were awarded a late penalty and kicked the consolation points to round off a very good day at the office. All credit to Bae who where worthy opponents and gave us some hard tackles and knocks, but it was Burn's power and percision that ruled the day. My thanks to all the players including Mike (alf) williams John Toms and andy Toms, whom without the game could of gone a different way.
This coming week we welcome Fylde to Ramsgreave, currently 5th in the league won 9 drawn 3 lost 7 with 49n points. This will be a hard ask again but can all players let myself or P.G know their availability as soon as possible. Fylde had a win at home this week but lost the week before against Bae, this has to give us some encouragement buoyed by win this week. But we will need to work hard at training on Thursday. Steve Llewelyn our coach will be putting us through the paces again. This hard work is starting to pay off with the defence looking solid. So lets keep up the good work and give him some support and something to work with. Once again a big thanks to all the players this week and win or loose on the booze.
Regards Carlos (captain).
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 13/3/10 home against Bae Warton 40-3
This weeks game saw the return to Ramsgreave of a few old faces, playing a very good Bae Warton side the old guard came out in force to show they still have what it takes. From the off the Blackburn team playing the first half into the prevailing wind blowing through Ramsgreave, took the game right up to Bae. Controlling the ball when in possession and distributing through the backs with cutting accuracy. The pressure from the strong Blackburn pack soon started to tell, with a couple of good scrums setting up good field position. The experienced half back Richard Bradford faultless in his decision making sending lock Martin Jessop through to hand off a would be tackler and open Blackburns account. Unfortunately stand off Eddie Holden not making the conversion on this visit but was to put that right, not missing another kick all game. With further try's coming from Adam (Ollie) Alstead, Jimmy Townes and the returning Matt Elison back from his knee operation. The Burn side defensively where magnificent repelling all that Bae could throw at us, with superb tackles been made man for man. Marc Grimes at full back and Dave O'Sullivan putting in the big hits. The half time whistle came with all the team enjoying their efforts, 26-0 was the half time score.
As I asked everyman to up the efforts for the second half we kicked into the Bae forwards, as expected the visitors came straight back at us but once again the burn defence was resolute. Some really fantastic tackling and rucking from all the players, with also some good tactical kicking the Burn team slowly made there way down field keeping the visitors pinned deep in their own half. Some excellent work at the line out with Richard (Tiny) Turner at the front and Lee Satolka in the middle, making life for the visitors difficult. But from a line out inside the visitors 22, came the move of the match. A clean take at the front from Tiny been Hoisted high by P.G. and Jessie, releasing Scott Foster on the loop into the 5 meter Chanel and off loading into the captain's waiting hands, for me to go over in the corner and start the score board ticking over again. The next Burn score been ran in by new comer Mike, on for his debut playing on the wing and taking his opportunity well. Bae were awarded a late penalty and kicked the consolation points to round off a very good day at the office. All credit to Bae who where worthy opponents and gave us some hard tackles and knocks, but it was Burn's power and percision that ruled the day. My thanks to all the players including Mike (alf) williams John Toms and andy Toms, whom without the game could of gone a different way.
This coming week we welcome Fylde to Ramsgreave, currently 5th in the league won 9 drawn 3 lost 7 with 49n points. This will be a hard ask again but can all players let myself or P.G know their availability as soon as possible. Fylde had a win at home this week but lost the week before against Bae, this has to give us some encouragement buoyed by win this week. But we will need to work hard at training on Thursday. Steve Llewelyn our coach will be putting us through the paces again. This hard work is starting to pay off with the defence looking solid. So lets keep up the good work and give him some support and something to work with. Once again a big thanks to all the players this week and win or loose on the booze.
Regards Carlos (captain).
Monday, 8 March 2010
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 6/3/10 away against Preston called off
The beginning of the end; death of social rugby at Blackburn.
Rugby date 6/3/10 away against Preston called off
The beginning of the end; death of social rugby at Blackburn.
disappointment rained down at Ramsgreave this weekend and unfortunately I don't mean the results, as bad as they were. Myself I travelled with the 1st xv to Lymm, top of the table and looking even further apart from ourselves. In fairness to my colleagues who made the journey we where a Miss-mash of three teams with myself propping up the subs bench. But the guys never gave up and put in some superb rugby, given different circumstances and the rub of the green it could of all looked different. But I went along with the senior team knowing that the third team we had managed to cobble together where at least going to travel and gain a much needed point. In case not everyone is not aware of the situation with the third team you can call off 4 games then you are kicked out of the league. On Saturday P.G. and myself had managed to convince 12 players that it was worth the trip to Hoppers. With myself away doing my club duty and filling up P.G. also offered to fill up to the 2nd xv on the understanding that the side would travel with Andy Toms to run and organise them. However the 2nds playing at home were only fielding 11, and felt this wasn't good enough and therefor stripped the 3rds of a further 4 players. Down to 8 a couple of older lads decided that they felt this was not going to be enough, and pulled out. I don't blame these lads we had cajoled them into playing and going to Hoppers with 12 was bad enough but 8 would be a hard ask. So down to 6 and even though the rules state you can travel with as few as 4 would you ? I think its time that management at all levels sat down and decided what matters at Blackburn. When I first came to Blackburm in 1992 we boasted 4 senior teams plus a vets side, I realise that rugby in our area is not the first sport. however the problems at club are not totally the blame of the area. We are lacking numbers and need an influx of players through hard work and recruitment. But I was under the impression that we see out this season in survival mode, with three teams intact and if that means playing with 12 or 11 you do it so all the teams can gain the vital point to stay in the league. No one has said to me at the official side of the club that the third fifteen are expendable, yet some people think this is the case. In loosing the social side at Blackburn the club will suffer. Myself a 42 year old overweight unfit player will not sustain 2nd team rugby week in week out. The level of fitness is beyond me and I enjoy the level I play at with the thirds, passing on any experience I have and the passion I feel for the game and the club. It would be great to have a 2nd team that can put 18 out every week but should this come at the expense of social rugby I think not. The facts are that the majority of paid up members are third team players and would have no where to play, some of the players I enjoy playing alongside each week are not yet or maybe wont be at the level to contend with 2nd team rugby on a weekly basis. There needs to be a consensus that we are surviving this season with three teams intact or not. I await notification one way or the other is social rugby important at Blackburn. I have made my case, or do disband yet another team and loose members and support for the sake of ego's.
This weeks fixture is a home game against Bae, we must win this game to stand any chance of staying in this league if we dont get kicked out. please could all players let myself or P.G know thier availability as soon as possible.
Regards a not very happy Carlos (captain).
Monday, 1 March 2010
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 27/2/10 home against Tarleton 2's score 0-29
Blackburn 3's shock drubbing for absent skipper, what a shock result for the team even with the one man recking machine at loose head called Barclay. Who I hear was breaking prop forwards for fun again, he says he hasn't had so much fun since allegedly breaking Baz Baron's jaw. As I was away on official business, watching the England team for possible third team players, none worthy of the position though sadly. I left the team in the capable hands of manager and new father P.G. With what looked like a decent team on paper, I felt confident that we could put up a good show and maybe record a second win of the year. The lads in the team took the game straight to Tarleton, and put early pressure on the visitors. But maybe if Tarleton 1's had had a game we may have had a different result. It was soon obvious that Tarleton had travelled well, and ran in a try from their half after all the early pressure Blackburn had put them under. The regular stalwarts in the team making numerous tackles in defence but Tarleton where to strong and the points kept on ticking up. Dave O'sullivan was awarded m.o.m for his valiant efforts by P.G. And the rest of the team should all be patted on the back for the way they kept on going till the end.
In the mean time I was sampling copious amounts of Fullers pride, a local southern brew that makes me wobbly on the legs and slur a lot. It was the best thing the weekend had to offer with the tension caused watching the national side play rugby my grandmother could read, never mind the Irish. The Irish defence was superb as England tried and tried to pick a line through the green wall, only to be overturned on numerous occasions. With the time ticking by England grabbed the lead but then seemed to sit back hoping for a penalty to take them clear, where as Ireland fought to the end stealing the points. With the defeat complete and me a pound lighter having had a bet on who would score the first try. I made a hasty retreat to the pub and continued to drown my sorrows.
Having now recovered from the ale, I look towards next weeks game away against old rivals Preston Grasshoppers. Having called the home fixture off, against Preston this will be our first meeting of the season. I am looking to put the defeat of this week behind us and get on with playing rugby.If all available players could inform me or P.G. as soon as possible. And please remember training on Thursday night lets get back on the winning horse boys.
Regards Carlos (captain).
Rugby date 27/2/10 home against Tarleton 2's score 0-29
Blackburn 3's shock drubbing for absent skipper, what a shock result for the team even with the one man recking machine at loose head called Barclay. Who I hear was breaking prop forwards for fun again, he says he hasn't had so much fun since allegedly breaking Baz Baron's jaw. As I was away on official business, watching the England team for possible third team players, none worthy of the position though sadly. I left the team in the capable hands of manager and new father P.G. With what looked like a decent team on paper, I felt confident that we could put up a good show and maybe record a second win of the year. The lads in the team took the game straight to Tarleton, and put early pressure on the visitors. But maybe if Tarleton 1's had had a game we may have had a different result. It was soon obvious that Tarleton had travelled well, and ran in a try from their half after all the early pressure Blackburn had put them under. The regular stalwarts in the team making numerous tackles in defence but Tarleton where to strong and the points kept on ticking up. Dave O'sullivan was awarded m.o.m for his valiant efforts by P.G. And the rest of the team should all be patted on the back for the way they kept on going till the end.
In the mean time I was sampling copious amounts of Fullers pride, a local southern brew that makes me wobbly on the legs and slur a lot. It was the best thing the weekend had to offer with the tension caused watching the national side play rugby my grandmother could read, never mind the Irish. The Irish defence was superb as England tried and tried to pick a line through the green wall, only to be overturned on numerous occasions. With the time ticking by England grabbed the lead but then seemed to sit back hoping for a penalty to take them clear, where as Ireland fought to the end stealing the points. With the defeat complete and me a pound lighter having had a bet on who would score the first try. I made a hasty retreat to the pub and continued to drown my sorrows.
Having now recovered from the ale, I look towards next weeks game away against old rivals Preston Grasshoppers. Having called the home fixture off, against Preston this will be our first meeting of the season. I am looking to put the defeat of this week behind us and get on with playing rugby.If all available players could inform me or P.G. as soon as possible. And please remember training on Thursday night lets get back on the winning horse boys.
Regards Carlos (captain).
Monday, 22 February 2010
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 20/2/10 home against Garstang 2's match postponed frozen pitch.
Well deep disappointment this weekend, I arrived at the club around 10am'ish, for the pitch inspection due to the snow and hard frost over night. Unfortunately at 11-30 the ground was still rock hard, frozen. As the groundsman toiled away at the first team pitch to salvage their game, I traipsed into the club house to inform everyone that the game was off. After contacting Garstang, I started on the team. However the second team game due to be played away at leigh was still on, and they needed numbers. As I rang players the resounding no, to playing for the 2's echoed in my ears. With only myself offering to travel, the second team deemed the journey not worth it and called off their game. A double disappointment, I felt let down and embarrassed at the situation. I know that their is a bit of ill feeling between the 3's and 2's, but playing rugby is first and foremost in my mind. If my game is called off, I make myself available to the seconds. On Saturday I play rugby not shopping, regardless who I play for. I had to console myself with a few glasses of amber nectar, and watch the first xv after the groundsman had worked a minor miracle in getting the first team pitch playable. Was it worth the ear bashing I received, well I watched some rugger and don't need to wash my togs huh!!
So lets hope that the game scheduled for this weekend is not called off, as the season is going to drag on well up to May. This weeks visitors to Ramsgreave are Tarleton 2's. currently 3rd in the league played 18, that's 5 more than us won 12 lost 5 and 1 concede. They played away this week winning at Ormskirk. They also beat a week team we took to their place, last year. With a bit of luck we may be able to put out a side able to turn that result around, but I need to know all availability as soon as possible please. Also we could do with a good session on the training pitch, with coach Steve. So I hope to see plenty of numbers down 7pm till 9pm Thursday.
Last but not least, save the best till last that's what I always say. I would like to congratulate P.G. and his wife on the birth off their son Seb Greenwood. At 8lb 13oz it looks like he will play in the front row. Well done to you all and enjoy the miracle of life.
Regards Carlos (captain).
Rugby date 20/2/10 home against Garstang 2's match postponed frozen pitch.
Well deep disappointment this weekend, I arrived at the club around 10am'ish, for the pitch inspection due to the snow and hard frost over night. Unfortunately at 11-30 the ground was still rock hard, frozen. As the groundsman toiled away at the first team pitch to salvage their game, I traipsed into the club house to inform everyone that the game was off. After contacting Garstang, I started on the team. However the second team game due to be played away at leigh was still on, and they needed numbers. As I rang players the resounding no, to playing for the 2's echoed in my ears. With only myself offering to travel, the second team deemed the journey not worth it and called off their game. A double disappointment, I felt let down and embarrassed at the situation. I know that their is a bit of ill feeling between the 3's and 2's, but playing rugby is first and foremost in my mind. If my game is called off, I make myself available to the seconds. On Saturday I play rugby not shopping, regardless who I play for. I had to console myself with a few glasses of amber nectar, and watch the first xv after the groundsman had worked a minor miracle in getting the first team pitch playable. Was it worth the ear bashing I received, well I watched some rugger and don't need to wash my togs huh!!
So lets hope that the game scheduled for this weekend is not called off, as the season is going to drag on well up to May. This weeks visitors to Ramsgreave are Tarleton 2's. currently 3rd in the league played 18, that's 5 more than us won 12 lost 5 and 1 concede. They played away this week winning at Ormskirk. They also beat a week team we took to their place, last year. With a bit of luck we may be able to put out a side able to turn that result around, but I need to know all availability as soon as possible please. Also we could do with a good session on the training pitch, with coach Steve. So I hope to see plenty of numbers down 7pm till 9pm Thursday.
Last but not least, save the best till last that's what I always say. I would like to congratulate P.G. and his wife on the birth off their son Seb Greenwood. At 8lb 13oz it looks like he will play in the front row. Well done to you all and enjoy the miracle of life.
Regards Carlos (captain).
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Hi Guys,
Rugby date 13/2/10 away against Carnforth 2's postponed frozen pitch.
So much for global warming, with spring upon us blue bells flowering in the woods, and the annoying twittering of birds outside my hotel window. I looked forward to a afternoon running around in the warm sunshine, chasing a egg shaped ball. Actually I did just that but not for the thirds who where once again postponed due to Frozen pitches. Yes Carnforth called the game off Friday tea time, leaving myself desperate for a game. So I rang the second team manager and got myself a game playing for them. Maybe a blessing in disguise though, as both the 2's and 3's would of struggled to put out full squads. The 2's only just managing 16 with the inclusion of myself, Henning and mike. Unfortunately for us though the postponement means yet another re-arranged fixture to fit into an already congested end of season run in.
As I said some of us found a game with the 2's, and I personally enjoyed throwing myself into every aspect of the game. Even though the 2's is a higher standard than I am used to playing at, with the training that coach Steve has been giving us, I felt at home. This therefor urges me to say to all players that they really must try their hardest to get to training on a Thursday night. The training we do gives us structure on the pitch, and we can therefore go on to win games. After the good work and momentum built up in our win against Ormskirk, it was an unfortunate lay up this weekend. Sending us to the bottom of the league, however we have some 4 games in hand on most teams in the league. Garstang this weeks visitors to Ramsgreave, did play this weekend and took a win at home against BAE. They are currently 2nd in the league, but if you remember we where only just narrowly defeated at their place. And it would be nice to put up a good show at home. So all players please let me know your availability as soon as possible.
As most of you know 3rd team manager Paul Greenwood and his wife are about to be blessed with their second child. And I am sure you all like me, wish them both all the best. Paul has put a lot of effort into the team this season, and I will ask you all to sign a card at the weekend for them. Also I will be trying to finally get a team photo taken, and so can all players please wear blue shirts and ties. I want to get a photo in shirts and then 1 in team strip so meeting time will be 12.30 prompt.
OK so that seems to be everything, as I have previously said Steve is giving us time on Thursday nights so lets give him numbers to work with. And availability as soon as possible please.
Thanks Carlos (captain).
Rugby date 13/2/10 away against Carnforth 2's postponed frozen pitch.
So much for global warming, with spring upon us blue bells flowering in the woods, and the annoying twittering of birds outside my hotel window. I looked forward to a afternoon running around in the warm sunshine, chasing a egg shaped ball. Actually I did just that but not for the thirds who where once again postponed due to Frozen pitches. Yes Carnforth called the game off Friday tea time, leaving myself desperate for a game. So I rang the second team manager and got myself a game playing for them. Maybe a blessing in disguise though, as both the 2's and 3's would of struggled to put out full squads. The 2's only just managing 16 with the inclusion of myself, Henning and mike. Unfortunately for us though the postponement means yet another re-arranged fixture to fit into an already congested end of season run in.
As I said some of us found a game with the 2's, and I personally enjoyed throwing myself into every aspect of the game. Even though the 2's is a higher standard than I am used to playing at, with the training that coach Steve has been giving us, I felt at home. This therefor urges me to say to all players that they really must try their hardest to get to training on a Thursday night. The training we do gives us structure on the pitch, and we can therefore go on to win games. After the good work and momentum built up in our win against Ormskirk, it was an unfortunate lay up this weekend. Sending us to the bottom of the league, however we have some 4 games in hand on most teams in the league. Garstang this weeks visitors to Ramsgreave, did play this weekend and took a win at home against BAE. They are currently 2nd in the league, but if you remember we where only just narrowly defeated at their place. And it would be nice to put up a good show at home. So all players please let me know your availability as soon as possible.
As most of you know 3rd team manager Paul Greenwood and his wife are about to be blessed with their second child. And I am sure you all like me, wish them both all the best. Paul has put a lot of effort into the team this season, and I will ask you all to sign a card at the weekend for them. Also I will be trying to finally get a team photo taken, and so can all players please wear blue shirts and ties. I want to get a photo in shirts and then 1 in team strip so meeting time will be 12.30 prompt.
OK so that seems to be everything, as I have previously said Steve is giving us time on Thursday nights so lets give him numbers to work with. And availability as soon as possible please.
Thanks Carlos (captain).
Sunday, 7 February 2010
HI Guys,
rugby date 6/2/10 home against Ormskirk 4th's score 23 - 0
2010 is finally on the right track with a stunning display of rugby, the resolute defence and sumptuous attacking work paying off with a well deserved first home win of the year. After some pretty intensive warm up work from new third team coach, Steve. We took to the field relishing the game at hand. When we played Ormskirk away we fielded 14 players whilst their bench seemed to go on forever. We came away from that game with a loss and a feeling of regret, however we managed to put that behind us and focus on the task. with a pretty beefy pack and some new additions to the line up, Blackburn 3rds looked like they meant business. Winning the toss I chose to play down the slop with the waining sun behind us, instructing the boys that we needed to make the advantage count. Ormskirk kicked off and where soon under the cosh from some thunderous forward work, learning from the previous games and the training ground. The pack drove deep into opposition territory, with Henning at 9 and Eddy at 10 combining well and distributing the ball wonderfully to the back line. Ormskirk found themselves committing cynical penalties to stop the onslaught. Paying the ultimate price with a early yellow card. We pushed on with a kick from Henning giving us good reward for the hard work done. From the restart it was all one way traffic with us dominating in the line and scrums, the pressure had to tell with a well worked try in the corner for Marc Grimes playing at full back. A deft chip from Eddy putting the fly er over in the corner, with Henning converting.
Once again Blackburn took the inactive from the restart, and where soon storming forward into opposition territory. When Ormskirk did have possession any likely attack was quickly snuffed out with some bone crushing tackles been made. Blackburn where rampant and soon tight head prop Stuart Rouse broke from the base of a ruck to cross the white wash unopposed. A knock to the head for loose head prop Andy Gray meant a early bath and a cap for new boy Asad, ( known to us now as acid ) who took his place in the front row and did a very good job. I look forward to seeing more of this youngster. More of the same medicine dished out by the buoyed Blackburn saw Henning going over and snatching another well worked score.
At the turn round I reminded everyone that the job was only half done and we had to go on and win from the great start we had given ourselves. It was going to be difficult and Ormskirk didn't look like lying down to defeat. They everything at us but some staunch defensive tackling kept the visitors at bay. Ollie playing in the center with Dave O'Sullivan doing some superb work. With 4 subs on the bench we were able to make changes as we needed, with the big guns up front tiring the game seemed to stagnate in the middle of the park for a while. Neither team able to break down the other, but once again good pressure from the forwards was rewarded with a penalty, after Ormskirk infringed again. Henning slotting the only points of the half. A last desperate attack from the visitors saw Blackburn stretched for the first time but some awesome tackling and counter rucking, along with some sloppy passing and handling from Ormskirk kept the visitors out, and a clean sheet for us. A very good hard game coming to the end after a infringement from Ormskirk gave us the opportunity to put the ball out and the referee to blow for time. We managed to play a hard game and keep our discipline, make scoring opportunities and take them. All in all a very good all round performance from everyone, and a good step toward next weeks game away against Carnforth 2's. Currently 8th in the league played 17 won 5 lost 12 they are 8 points clear of us, but as we have only played 13 games to date this is a good chance to leap up the table. I would like all players to try and attend training on Thursday evening with Steve. Its very good of Steve to offer up his time and we should make the most of it, I can see the benefits paying off already. So lets keep working hard and get a good session in ready for next Saturday. Also can you let myself know availability for this weekend as soon as possible.
Yours proudly Carlos (captain).
rugby date 6/2/10 home against Ormskirk 4th's score 23 - 0
2010 is finally on the right track with a stunning display of rugby, the resolute defence and sumptuous attacking work paying off with a well deserved first home win of the year. After some pretty intensive warm up work from new third team coach, Steve. We took to the field relishing the game at hand. When we played Ormskirk away we fielded 14 players whilst their bench seemed to go on forever. We came away from that game with a loss and a feeling of regret, however we managed to put that behind us and focus on the task. with a pretty beefy pack and some new additions to the line up, Blackburn 3rds looked like they meant business. Winning the toss I chose to play down the slop with the waining sun behind us, instructing the boys that we needed to make the advantage count. Ormskirk kicked off and where soon under the cosh from some thunderous forward work, learning from the previous games and the training ground. The pack drove deep into opposition territory, with Henning at 9 and Eddy at 10 combining well and distributing the ball wonderfully to the back line. Ormskirk found themselves committing cynical penalties to stop the onslaught. Paying the ultimate price with a early yellow card. We pushed on with a kick from Henning giving us good reward for the hard work done. From the restart it was all one way traffic with us dominating in the line and scrums, the pressure had to tell with a well worked try in the corner for Marc Grimes playing at full back. A deft chip from Eddy putting the fly er over in the corner, with Henning converting.
Once again Blackburn took the inactive from the restart, and where soon storming forward into opposition territory. When Ormskirk did have possession any likely attack was quickly snuffed out with some bone crushing tackles been made. Blackburn where rampant and soon tight head prop Stuart Rouse broke from the base of a ruck to cross the white wash unopposed. A knock to the head for loose head prop Andy Gray meant a early bath and a cap for new boy Asad, ( known to us now as acid ) who took his place in the front row and did a very good job. I look forward to seeing more of this youngster. More of the same medicine dished out by the buoyed Blackburn saw Henning going over and snatching another well worked score.
At the turn round I reminded everyone that the job was only half done and we had to go on and win from the great start we had given ourselves. It was going to be difficult and Ormskirk didn't look like lying down to defeat. They everything at us but some staunch defensive tackling kept the visitors at bay. Ollie playing in the center with Dave O'Sullivan doing some superb work. With 4 subs on the bench we were able to make changes as we needed, with the big guns up front tiring the game seemed to stagnate in the middle of the park for a while. Neither team able to break down the other, but once again good pressure from the forwards was rewarded with a penalty, after Ormskirk infringed again. Henning slotting the only points of the half. A last desperate attack from the visitors saw Blackburn stretched for the first time but some awesome tackling and counter rucking, along with some sloppy passing and handling from Ormskirk kept the visitors out, and a clean sheet for us. A very good hard game coming to the end after a infringement from Ormskirk gave us the opportunity to put the ball out and the referee to blow for time. We managed to play a hard game and keep our discipline, make scoring opportunities and take them. All in all a very good all round performance from everyone, and a good step toward next weeks game away against Carnforth 2's. Currently 8th in the league played 17 won 5 lost 12 they are 8 points clear of us, but as we have only played 13 games to date this is a good chance to leap up the table. I would like all players to try and attend training on Thursday evening with Steve. Its very good of Steve to offer up his time and we should make the most of it, I can see the benefits paying off already. So lets keep working hard and get a good session in ready for next Saturday. Also can you let myself know availability for this weekend as soon as possible.
Yours proudly Carlos (captain).
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