This was our first training session since October. Whilst it has been good to visit other teams and have them visit us, it was quite nice to be a bit more relaxed and just concentrate on us for a change. Player numbers were down a little due to Christmas and holiday commitments (some as far afield as Australia!). Warm ups and drills consisted of lots of running and revisited basic skills, with the final session being one big game with all the players on the pitch concentrating on space, passing and the defensive line. As we have been seeing over the past few weeks there is some good play being exhibited as more team play is being demonstrated. Excellent!
We hope every one has a great Christmas and for those who are around and need to run off the chocolate and Chistmas Pudding (coaches we're not only thinking of you!) there is a fun training session on Sunday 28 December 2008 at 10am. See you there for a bit of fresh air.
Sunday, 21 December 2008
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Sunday 14 December
No training today, due to waterlogged grounds.
See you all next week for a training session at home.
See you all next week for a training session at home.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Sunday 7 December - at home with Farnham
It was really nice to be at home this week, and we will be now for the rest of the year. It was a bright crisp start with a concern that the ground would be too hard to play on, but the sun came out and together with some running warm ups, the ground softened and we were able to continue safely.
Farnham were visiting and brought a good number of players with them and so we ended up with 60+ for training and games. The training session was an active one to keep the players warm and included passing and defensive drills. We then went on to play games with four teams from each club and each team played 3 games apiece. We had mixed results with wins, draws and losses. The Blacks had the best result with no losses out of their 3 games. This seemed to have been helped by them playing more as a team, together with some good passing play and looking for space - well done. This said, within the other teams there was also some good individual play, but dropped passes and other mistakes close to the try line gave the advantage to our opponents at critical times. Thanks to Farnham coming over, we had a good session today and hope they did too.
Next week we are at home with Chipstead visiting.
For anyone wondering how the fun festival went at Sutton and Epsom on 6 December, this was cancelled.
Farnham were visiting and brought a good number of players with them and so we ended up with 60+ for training and games. The training session was an active one to keep the players warm and included passing and defensive drills. We then went on to play games with four teams from each club and each team played 3 games apiece. We had mixed results with wins, draws and losses. The Blacks had the best result with no losses out of their 3 games. This seemed to have been helped by them playing more as a team, together with some good passing play and looking for space - well done. This said, within the other teams there was also some good individual play, but dropped passes and other mistakes close to the try line gave the advantage to our opponents at critical times. Thanks to Farnham coming over, we had a good session today and hope they did too.
Next week we are at home with Chipstead visiting.
For anyone wondering how the fun festival went at Sutton and Epsom on 6 December, this was cancelled.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Sunday 29 November 2008 - Away at Bracknell
This was the last of our five away games on the trot. We had a warm welcome from Bracknell on a cold wet day. We had a short warm-up/drills session before playing three games against each other, we had some wins and some losses. In concentrating on certain aspects of our game we improved our performance over that of previous weeks. We still need to concentrate on playing as a team to help the team achieve success and get more wins under our (tag) belts.
One thing that has become clear now that the weather has become colder is the need to be wrapped up warm at the start of the training sessions to avoid players getting too cold and unable to keep going later. Can we recommend hats, fingerless gloves, trousers (waterproof is good) with plenty of layers on top. Clothing can always be shed if players become too warm.
Next week we are at HOME (yippee) and have a friendly against Farnham.
Before next Sunday we have the friendly festival at Sutton and Epsom on Saturday 6 December. Details of this will fillow by e-mail.
One thing that has become clear now that the weather has become colder is the need to be wrapped up warm at the start of the training sessions to avoid players getting too cold and unable to keep going later. Can we recommend hats, fingerless gloves, trousers (waterproof is good) with plenty of layers on top. Clothing can always be shed if players become too warm.
Next week we are at HOME (yippee) and have a friendly against Farnham.
Before next Sunday we have the friendly festival at Sutton and Epsom on Saturday 6 December. Details of this will fillow by e-mail.
Friday, 28 November 2008
Sunday 23 November 2008
Thank you to all those that made it to Redingensians, I think the squad jackets really came into their own and got a good trial re their waterproof qualities. I am pleased to report the rain was repelled and rugby shirts were kept dry.
We ended up with a short session of a quick warm up and drills before launching into a game. There are no results to report as we helped make up the Redingensians numbers so two teams could be played. We did squeeze in the one game before the session was abandoned. For those that did not rush off, hot dogs were enjoyed by all the players courtesy of the Redingensians - thank you.
You'll also be pleased to know I was overjoyed to take home the wet muddy kit to dry it out and remove the worst of the mud ready for next week.
This Sunday we are away at Bracknell, details of how to get there have already been circulated. See you there.
We ended up with a short session of a quick warm up and drills before launching into a game. There are no results to report as we helped make up the Redingensians numbers so two teams could be played. We did squeeze in the one game before the session was abandoned. For those that did not rush off, hot dogs were enjoyed by all the players courtesy of the Redingensians - thank you.
You'll also be pleased to know I was overjoyed to take home the wet muddy kit to dry it out and remove the worst of the mud ready for next week.
This Sunday we are away at Bracknell, details of how to get there have already been circulated. See you there.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Sunday 16 November - Away at Chobham
We had a triangular meet at Chobham today with Effingham & Leatherhead also in attendance. There were loads of players, stretching as far as the eye could see during their warm up exercises. Camberley contributing 25 players to all this. The players were split into small groups after the warm up, to have some time spent on drills, before matches were played.
Disappointingly, despite some flashes of very good play, we did not manage to keep this standard up for an entire game and so failed to get a single victory under our belt. Basics of running straight, maintaining the defensive line, keeping in position and playing as a team were not always followed. Balls got turned over and so gave the advantage to our opponents. We have another two away fixtures before we have some training at home to be able to focus and work on areas where, with consistent improvement, should turn our game around.
It was good to see many of the players turning up sporting their jackets, paid for with the sponsorship from BOC. Everyone looked proud to be wearing them (and looked very smart of course).
Next week we are away to Redingensians, which is in Sonning, close to Reading. See you there.
Disappointingly, despite some flashes of very good play, we did not manage to keep this standard up for an entire game and so failed to get a single victory under our belt. Basics of running straight, maintaining the defensive line, keeping in position and playing as a team were not always followed. Balls got turned over and so gave the advantage to our opponents. We have another two away fixtures before we have some training at home to be able to focus and work on areas where, with consistent improvement, should turn our game around.
It was good to see many of the players turning up sporting their jackets, paid for with the sponsorship from BOC. Everyone looked proud to be wearing them (and looked very smart of course).
Next week we are away to Redingensians, which is in Sonning, close to Reading. See you there.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Sunday 9 November - Away at Sutton and Epsom
Today was Remembrance Sunday, which we recognised with a two minutes silence whilst at Sutton and Epsom. Albeit some of the players were attending church services in recognition of this and so unable to come to rugby, we still had over twenty players travel to Sutton and Epsom for training and friendly matches.
There was more falling over and getting muddy training in 'station' sessions, as we had at Dorking. We had three teams playing against Dorking teams and won some games, but lost others, with good passages of play shown. Well done Camberley.
The other important event to note was, the distribution of waterproof, fleece lined, Camberley Rugby Football Club jackets to our players. This was due to the generous sponsorship obtained by Anthony Dugmore from his employers BOC. This will help keep the players warm as the season progresses. THANK YOU very much. This sponsorship is in addition to that already obtained by Tracie Dugmore from RBS, which paid for the tents that we use at the festivals.
Next week we are away at Chobham.
There was more falling over and getting muddy training in 'station' sessions, as we had at Dorking. We had three teams playing against Dorking teams and won some games, but lost others, with good passages of play shown. Well done Camberley.
The other important event to note was, the distribution of waterproof, fleece lined, Camberley Rugby Football Club jackets to our players. This was due to the generous sponsorship obtained by Anthony Dugmore from his employers BOC. This will help keep the players warm as the season progresses. THANK YOU very much. This sponsorship is in addition to that already obtained by Tracie Dugmore from RBS, which paid for the tents that we use at the festivals.
Next week we are away at Chobham.
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Sunday 2 November - Away at Dorking
We had a wonderful welcome from Dorking today, the two squads were well matched in number with just over twenty players each. Four drills were completed at four separate 'stations' that the mixed players rotated between. Each station had a coach from each club working together with the players. One drill looked forward to next season and involved falling over (in the mud) to learn the skills of how to be tackled - 'cheek to cheek' is a key point to remember here.
We ended with playing three concurrent games against each other, in which we were successful in winning two out of the three. Well done!
Afterwards, some of the coaches from both Dorking and Camberley met together in the bar to share thoughts on how the training had gone and to share experiences and coaching tips.
Next week we are away at Sutton and Epsom.
We ended with playing three concurrent games against each other, in which we were successful in winning two out of the three. Well done!
Afterwards, some of the coaches from both Dorking and Camberley met together in the bar to share thoughts on how the training had gone and to share experiences and coaching tips.
Next week we are away at Sutton and Epsom.
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Sunday 26 October
Today was a training day and irrespective of the rain, we had a good turn out (and with another new face). Though it was damp, it was still quite mild and the players seemed to keep warm without too much trouble. Training concentrated on improving our game play following on from the last three weekends of festivals. The first drill, which was a new one, involved a lot of running and brought in some competitiveness that seem to be enjoyed by all. The drills went on for a bit longer than usual, before a couple of games were played, each team playing against two others giving players the opportunity to test themselves against different players.
There are now no more festivals until into 2009 and so if the full squad are able to turn up each week we would have about 40 players every time.
The next five weeks are away friendly games, the first one being Dorking. Weather forecasts are for the weather to turn very cold during the coming week and those who have been to Dorking before, will remember it as a very exposed site. Remember to have lots of layers to keep the players warm, not forgetting a waterproof layer if the weather looks to be damp.
There are now no more festivals until into 2009 and so if the full squad are able to turn up each week we would have about 40 players every time.
The next five weeks are away friendly games, the first one being Dorking. Weather forecasts are for the weather to turn very cold during the coming week and those who have been to Dorking before, will remember it as a very exposed site. Remember to have lots of layers to keep the players warm, not forgetting a waterproof layer if the weather looks to be damp.
Sunday, 19 October 2008
Sunday 19 October
Well, we had the last of our three festival weekends, with wins for both the Black and Gold squads.
It was a long old day with the tents being put up shortly after 8 am in the morning, with most of the coaches there by 8.45am and then not getting away until 4pm due to assisting with refereeing and touch judging the semi finals and finals (Thanks). Thank you also to all those parents who volunteered for this festival with parking and pitch marshalling etc.
As said, both Blacks and Golds won a game, but lost their other two games. Within their pools both were placed third out of the four teams. One more win or draw could have placed both in the semi finals. The team that did best against both squads were Windsor, who went on to win both the A and B festival for the under 8's.
Golds played really well and the margin of their results was much narrower than at the Wimbledon festival the week before, so well done. Good support play and straighter runs were a feature of their play. Blacks played well too, with similar margins in their games, but did not seem to play to their full potential as a team, not displaying the same coherence that was seen at the Cobham festival. A win for both teams is an improvement and are results we can seek to build on in the festivals we attend later in the season.
Next week we have training at home, before a run of planned away games, which will include some of the teams we have met in these recent festivals.
It was a long old day with the tents being put up shortly after 8 am in the morning, with most of the coaches there by 8.45am and then not getting away until 4pm due to assisting with refereeing and touch judging the semi finals and finals (Thanks). Thank you also to all those parents who volunteered for this festival with parking and pitch marshalling etc.
As said, both Blacks and Golds won a game, but lost their other two games. Within their pools both were placed third out of the four teams. One more win or draw could have placed both in the semi finals. The team that did best against both squads were Windsor, who went on to win both the A and B festival for the under 8's.
Golds played really well and the margin of their results was much narrower than at the Wimbledon festival the week before, so well done. Good support play and straighter runs were a feature of their play. Blacks played well too, with similar margins in their games, but did not seem to play to their full potential as a team, not displaying the same coherence that was seen at the Cobham festival. A win for both teams is an improvement and are results we can seek to build on in the festivals we attend later in the season.
Next week we have training at home, before a run of planned away games, which will include some of the teams we have met in these recent festivals.
Monday, 13 October 2008
Sunday 12 October
The sun shone for the B's festival at Wimbledon, and for the training held back at Camberley.
The opposition were tough at the Wimbledon festival and in our group we drew one game but lost the other three. Simple errors leading to the ball being turned over were the difference but we also showed skills that we can build and improve on, to do better next time.
In training at Camberley, drills were run that followed on from the previous weeks festival and to train in areas where it was identified we may not be as strong as we would like to be.
We continue to enjoy ourselves but, look forward to being more successful and increase our enjoyment even more with some wins under our belt.
The opposition were tough at the Wimbledon festival and in our group we drew one game but lost the other three. Simple errors leading to the ball being turned over were the difference but we also showed skills that we can build and improve on, to do better next time.
In training at Camberley, drills were run that followed on from the previous weeks festival and to train in areas where it was identified we may not be as strong as we would like to be.
We continue to enjoy ourselves but, look forward to being more successful and increase our enjoyment even more with some wins under our belt.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Sunday 5 October
There is one word that amply encompasses the Cobham festival, and that is Wet! It did not let off raining for the duration of the time we were there. Many thanks to Tracie Dugmore and the sponsorship she obtained from RBS to purchase the two tents. they were well used today. Much appreciated.
At the festival other team coaches were overheard saying that we had the best handling skills of all the teams, which is fantastic, and this is an excellent commendation to the skills of our players, well done. In addition to this we scored some storming tries, did some good support play and made good use of the space. Disappointingly, we did not win any of our three games, but drew one and lost two. However this said, all these games were high scoring and in those games we did lose it was only by one or two tries. We will take note of what we did well and build on those areas where we can continue to improve.
We wish good rugby and good luck for the festival next weekend.
At the festival other team coaches were overheard saying that we had the best handling skills of all the teams, which is fantastic, and this is an excellent commendation to the skills of our players, well done. In addition to this we scored some storming tries, did some good support play and made good use of the space. Disappointingly, we did not win any of our three games, but drew one and lost two. However this said, all these games were high scoring and in those games we did lose it was only by one or two tries. We will take note of what we did well and build on those areas where we can continue to improve.
We wish good rugby and good luck for the festival next weekend.
Saturday 4 October
Training was good on Saturday. The rain held off and being the only squad training we had lots of space to use. Turnout was good based on other commitments players had on Saturdays, with half the squad turning out. Drills included work on tagging, looking for space and passing. We even had one new player turn up to see what we were all about. Tomorrow is the first of the festivals with a poor weather forecast predicted so plenty of layers and waterproofs are the order of the day.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Sunday 28 September
The sun shone on us again today. Training continued, as in the past weeks, based on practising core skills which included the old favourite of British Bulldog. We continue to have new players turning up each week to try out rugby with us which is great. For the next three weeks, as announced, there are the three festivals running which includes our home festival on 19 October where it is expected there will be 1,440 players taking part!
Albeit the weather has been good to us over the past couple of weeks, please make sure that if the weather does turn more inclement over the next few weeks, to make sure that everyone is wrapped up warm. Please see last weeks entry for points to note on attending festivals.
Albeit the weather has been good to us over the past couple of weeks, please make sure that if the weather does turn more inclement over the next few weeks, to make sure that everyone is wrapped up warm. Please see last weeks entry for points to note on attending festivals.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Sunday 21 September
Today was Try Rugby day and we had a few new faces turn up today to see what we are up to and join in the the Under 8's training session - we hope to see them next week having enjoyed an initial taster. Todays training built on last weeks in concentrating on the core skills that are so important in being able to play a good game of rugby. We had good weather again and while we often give reminders about wrapping the players up well against the cold weather, when we do have the good weather don't forget to bring plenty of fluids to hydrate the kids as they do do a lot of running around and get very hot (this will probably mean that I have tempted fate and next week will not be so warm).
The main website page should be updated soon to have the photos and names of all the coaches and managers who are involved with the Under 8's squad so you can put a name to a face of those involved in running the squad. If you have any queries then please grab someone and we will be pleased to help.
Having had three weeks of training and with three competitive festivals starting from Sunday 5 October, the teams will be selected during the next week and the selections communicated to you. Can we ask you to take note of the following points with regards to attendance at these festivals:
The main website page should be updated soon to have the photos and names of all the coaches and managers who are involved with the Under 8's squad so you can put a name to a face of those involved in running the squad. If you have any queries then please grab someone and we will be pleased to help.
Having had three weeks of training and with three competitive festivals starting from Sunday 5 October, the teams will be selected during the next week and the selections communicated to you. Can we ask you to take note of the following points with regards to attendance at these festivals:
- Make sure the kids have plenty of fluids and some food with them (try and avoid burgers etc on the day until we have finished playing. Light sandwiches, fruit etc makes more sense)
- Bring layers of clothing - they need to stay warm and dry between matches - this is your responsibility
- Make sure they pack gumshields
- Please check their studs, and if in any doubt replace them. They need to have proper rugby studs - most sports/ school uniform shops supply them and they are a few quid for a pack.
- Cost is £6 per player for the festival.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Sunday 14 September
Well, we had glorious sunshine for training today. There was a great turnout with 31 kids turning up. One of the drills included taking on a tackle bag which the children seemed to enjoy. In the second half of training there was some excellent rugby played with some straight running, good passing and a good use of space - well done! We have two more Sundays of training before we have three weekends of competitive fesitivals. The planned teams for the festivals will get announced during the week after next Sunday's training.
The third festival on 19 October, is the one that Camberley host and so, as normal we will need volunteers for parking, pitch marshalling etc. Please let Mike know ahead of our normal request for helpers if you are able to take on any of these posts.
Lastly as part of building team spirit we have decided to adopt the song 'Black and Gold' by Sam Sparro as the 'squad song'. We hope to be playing this at training sessions and festivals as a bit of fun for everyone to get into a good team spirit. There is a link to this song and video at this page (please note this is a direct link to 'Youtunes' web site if you would like to monitor access to this paarticular web address).
The third festival on 19 October, is the one that Camberley host and so, as normal we will need volunteers for parking, pitch marshalling etc. Please let Mike know ahead of our normal request for helpers if you are able to take on any of these posts.
Lastly as part of building team spirit we have decided to adopt the song 'Black and Gold' by Sam Sparro as the 'squad song'. We hope to be playing this at training sessions and festivals as a bit of fun for everyone to get into a good team spirit. There is a link to this song and video at this page (please note this is a direct link to 'Youtunes' web site if you would like to monitor access to this paarticular web address).
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Sunday 7 September
This was the first day of training of the 2008/09 season. There was a good turn out and training consisted of playing practice matches and building on skills leant in the previous season. The weather held good, but the good news was that due to sponsorship won by Tracie Dugmore from RBS, we now have two tents we can use to shelter players (and maybe even parents) when the weather is a little more inclement.
Welcome
Hi and welcome. The aim of this blog is to keep all informed about matters that relate specifically to the under 8's squad. So don't forget to visit this site regularly to get up to date information on what has happened and what is going on.
The LINKS section on the right shows some useful links you may wish to check out.
Recent news appears as the latest post (at top of page).
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