Friday, November 30, 2007

Newark Festival U18s.

Reluctantly we've had to pull the U18s out of this. Very best estimates gave us a squad of 14 on the day. Given the extensive list of walking wounded at both Letchworth & Welwyn, John Birch & I are looking into the possibilites of Touch Rugby while wearing American football padding & helmets for next season……….;-)

Friday, November 23, 2007

County Festival at Newark RFC 2nd Dec - update

Final information regarding the County Festival at Newark RFC on Sun 2nd December is as follows:

The venue is: The Rugby Ground, Kelham Road, Newark, Notts, NG24 1WN. Tel: 01636 702355.

12.45: Managers / Coaches Register Teams.

1.00: Changing Rooms available (please come ready changed if possible)

1.30: Warm–up and move to pitch allocated.

2.00: First Games of the POOL STAGES to start.

3.45: POOL Games to have finished and FINALS to start asap (Floodlights are available).

4.30-5.00: Presentations and post match food.

The POOLS for each of the Competitions are below, where they will play each other on the same pitch throughout.

U18 POOL A: East Midlands; NLD (Notts, Lincs and Derby) 'A'; Yorkshire.

U18 POOL B: NLD ‘B’; Hertfordshire; Leicestershire.

U15 POOL A: NLD 'A'; Hertfordshire 'B'; Leicestershire.

U15 POOL B: NLD ‘B’; East Midlands; Hertfordshire ‘A’.

Games will be played 15 mins each way, with a 2 minute half-time (this maybe adjusted to ensure all games are played whilst we there is light), so please ensure that you are ready to enter the pitch for your game.

Directions: on A46 towards Newark after going through Farndon where you will arrive at a roundabout signposted Newark B6326 road and a sign for Lincoln A46, take the first exit to Lincoln. You are now on the by-pass where you will arrive at another roundabout (you should see the club on your left), take the first exit (left) signposted Mansfield A617 and a sign directing you to Newark & Sherwood District Council. Travel along this road for about 200 yards, with the club on the right.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

RFU launch second year of President's XV awards

RFU President Bob Taylor today launched this season’s President’s XV recognition awards for English rugby.

The awards offer £10,000 in prize money to clubs to reward their excellence and innovation in the grassroots game.cSixty five clubs applied for the first set of awards, sparking furious debate among a panel of distinguished judges who will be joined by RFUW President Gill Burns.

The winners came from everywhere from Cockermouth in Cumbria to Jersey in the Channel Islands, as well as Hertfordshire, who all addressed the RFU’s Community Rugby themes of More People, Better Places, Access for All and Enjoyment.

This year nominations can be made online at www.rfu.com/presidentsxv and Taylor is anticipating a bumper crop of entries before the March 1 deadline next year. “The President’s XV awards launched by my predecessor Bob Rogers last year clearly caught the imagination of our clubs,” said Taylor.

“There are thousands of volunteers out there whose expertise and innovative ideas help rugby to thrive at a grassroots level and we are delighted to be able to recognise their excellent work.

“We were able to publish their models of good practice this summer and hope that will inspire more clubs to emulate and surpass all that good work over the coming months."

This year there are three new categories reflecting activity within the grassroots game.

  • The Seal of Approval category will reward one accredited club for the safe and exciting way it introduces mini rugby to children and holds their attention.
  • Schools will also be rewarded in the Schools Development category that recognises teams of staff, volunteers and partners who offer rugby opportunities to girls and boys.
  • Go Play Rugby reflects this season’s nationwide recruitment campaign and will recognise clubs for the number of new players they have attracted and the methods used by their recruitment teams.

The President’s XV awards are also supported by Rugby World magazine. Editor Paul Morgan is part of a judging panel that includes Taylor, Rogers, Senior Vice President Brian Williams, Junior Vice President John Owen and England’s most capped player Jason Leonard.

PRESIDENT'S XV CATEGORIES

1 Seal of Approval club of the year – A club that introduces mini rugby in an exciting and safe way and retains players well into their teens
2 Club School Links – A club with an exceptional project that reaches out to local schools, supports teachers and brings young people into clubs
3 Schools Development – A school that offers high quality rugby opportunities for boys and girls inside and beyond the school gates
4 More Than A Game – The winners will have done the most to ensure 16-24 year olds keep playing rugby
5 Girl Power – Show your feminine side with a project that has greatly increased the number of women and girls playing
6 More Referees – A club that creatively encourages and supports its members to take up the whistle
7 More Coaches – For recruiting and developing coaches for all the players at the club to encourage more enjoyable rugby
8 More Volunteers – Using innovative ways to building a first rate 'off-pitch' team
9 Veterans – Increasing the number of players over 35 and encouraging competition, friendship and fun
10 Social Inclusion – For clubs that have reached out to communities who traditionally have little contact with the game
11 Community – Making a difference to the local community through innovative use of facilities and personnel
12 Better Facilities – Transforming playing and clubhouse facilities to improve the rugby experience for all members
13 Technology – An award for a club that uses technology and its tools to benefit all its members
14 Fundraising Venture – Innovative events that have captured the imagination of members to raise funds
15 Go Play Rugby – Rewarding the success of recruitment teams in attracting new players in an eye-catching way

2007 WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP

1 Youth Rugby – Jersey. Runners-up – Castle Cary, Perranporth.
2 School Links – Bolton. Runners-up – Colchester, Witham.
3 More Than A Game – Caldy. Runners-up – Dorking.
4 Girl Power – Cockermouth. Runners-up – Darlington Mowden Park, Welwyn Warriors.
5 More Referees – University of Bristol. Runners-up – Handsworth.
6 More Coaches – Windsor. Runners-up – Northolt.
7 More Volunteers – Cockermouth.
8 Veterans – Eastern Counties RFU. Runners-up – Windsor.
9 Social Inclusion – Not awarded.
10 Community – Aretians. Runners-up – Aspatria, Knutsford.
11 Better Facilities – Chelmsford. Runners-up – Clee Hill, Peterborough.
12 Modernisation – Letchworth Garden City. Runners-up – Northolt, Windsor.
13 Fundraising Event – Not awarded.
14 Fundraising Venture – Bridlington.
15 Enjoyment – Mansfield. Runners-up – Market Harborough, Ryde.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Senior regional trials

The regional programme is fast approaching and the senior trials are on 16th December. For senior players to trial they need to register on-line this year.

An interested senior player should click here. This is the only way this year to register for trials. Closing date for seniors to register is 7th December.

Seniors wishing to trial should be registered with a club which is affiliated to the RFUW or be attending a University.

International Challenge for Herts U18s!

On Saturday, December 29th, Noon kick off, Hertfordshire's U18s will be taking on Canada's U19 Women at Welwyn RFC. As we know from I.E. Weldon, The Canadians are sure to be competitive! Please confirm to me asap if you will be away for the match.
 
It should be a great game. Get the Christmas cobwebs out of your system and come along to cheer the girls on!
 
Dave Marques,
U18s Team Manager

Monday, November 19, 2007

Essex County Festival Results

The Herts Girls Squads went to a very cold Harlow to play at the Essex County Festival.

In what is one of the toughest county competitions, the Herts u15's produced argueably their best ever result. They retained the junior trophy by winning all five games without conceding a point due to some outstanding defence, excellent passing and support, and a very solid scrum. The whole u15 squad should be very proud of an exceptional performance. The game that decided the winners was, as always, against Essex and Herts took two of the few opportunities in a very tight contest.


Results affecting Herts U15 Team:
Herts 27 (Georgia Peedle Tx2 Alice Finn Tx2 Sam Voyle Tx1 Claire Shutler Cx1) Leicestershire 0
Herts 32 (Courtney Arberry Tx1 Lotte Clapp Tx1 Sam Voyle Tx2 Alice Finn Tx1 Claire Shutler Tx1 Cx1) Eastern Counties 0
Herts 22 (Courtney Arberry Tx1 Cx1 Abbi Lee Tx2 Georgia Peedle Tx1) Oxfordshire 0
Herts 10 (Claire Shutler Tx1 Courtney Arberry Tx1) Essex 0
Herts 15 (Melissa Gargaro Tx1 Jo Busch Tx1 Georgia Peedle Tx1) Middlesex 0



The Herts U18's finished runner's up to Essex.


Results affecting Herts U18 Team:
Herts 12 Leicestershire 0
Herts 5 Eastern Counties 5
Herts 0 Essex 5

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Herts triumphant at first ever U12 girls "festival"

Hertfordshire U12s - with girls drawn from Hitchin, Letchworth, Saracens, Stevenage and Welwyn - were winners of the first inter-county girls U12 festival, played at Hitchin this afternoon. Organised in less than two weeks notice, after Essex cancelled the U12 section of the girls festival at Harlow, the afternoon was a remarkable success. Hitchin RFC proved to be excellent hosts, providing welcome hot food at the end of a bitterly cold day.

Opposition for the day came from Kent (a combination put together by Beckenham, but incuding girls from Old Alleyans and Mitcham) and Middlesex (Ealing RFC's girls, who had hosted Herts two weeks before). All the country teams are currently "unofficial", but that did not stop the girls taking things very seriously indeed.

Hertfordshire and Kent opened the proceedings, and within a minute Herts were two tries down - but remarkably these would be the only tries the home team would conceed all day. By halftime the score was back to 10-10, and in the second half Herts gradully pulled away to win 30-10.

Kent played Middlesex next and again started well, leading 20-5 at half-time. Middlesex, however, gradually pulled back over the second period dominating most of the half and pulling the score back to 20-15 with less than two minutes before Kent finally broke out of defence to score to seal the match 25-15.

Finally Middlesex took on Herts, with the home side looking to avenge their defeat in Ealing two weeks before. This proved to be a very physical game with both sides relying on strong forwards play to move down the field. At half-time the score was only 5-0 to Herts and the game was wide open, but in the second half the visitors began to tire as Herts drove in for three more tries to win 20-0.

Results:

Hertfordshire 30, Kent 10
Kent 25, Middlesex 15
Hertfordshire 20, Middlesex 0

P W L F A Pts
Hertfordshire22050104
Kent21135452
Middlesex20215450

Saracens half-price ticket offer!

Saracens have had a storming start to the season, playing some thrilling rugby and averaging 32 points a game. It's their best start for nine years and they want to invite YOU to come along and enjoy it for HALF PRICE* - that's JUST £10 for an adult ticket, and £5 for juniors (U16).

This Half Price Ticket Offer will be available to anyone connected with Herts Women and Girls Rugby for Saracens Heineken Cup match against Viadana on Saturday 8 th December, 3pm at Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford.

To buy your tickets call the Ticket Team on 01923 475222 quoting "Ladies Rugby Offer". Offer closes 5pm, Thursday 7th December.

There will be World Cup stars in action, plus there's as much entertainment off the pitch as there is on it, including cheerleaders, face painters and giveaways for the kids, meaning there's something for everyone!

*Half price tickets will be situated in the South Stand and offer a 50% saving on the matchday price.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

U12 girls' tournament in Hitchin: final details

Thanks to the generosity of Hitchin RFC we not only have a ground for tomorrow, but also hot post match refreshments. Our hosts are providing a pasta meal for all players from c3pm.

Please aim to arrive at about 12.30 so that we can start at 1.30 at the very latest - some of our visitors are coming quite a significant distance, particularly for this age group, and we want them to be able to get away before it gets too dark.

The three teams will be "Hertfordshire", "Middlesex" (mainly Ealing), and "Kent" (Beckenham and others). We will probably play the two Kentish games first - as they have furtherest to travel - and games will be 10-12 minutes each way. This would give us a (very draft) timetable of:

1.30 Hertfordshire v Kent
2.00 Kent v Middlesex
2.30 Hertfordshire v Middlesex

Rules will essentially be those of the U10/U11 continuum, suitably adapted dependent on player numbers.

See you tomorrow!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Essex County Festival 18/11 at Harlow RFC - U18s

Directions for Sunday. Chris Gallagher is Coach/Manager for the day. Please offer help with running touch etc. Luke, Clive & I are all away this particular weekend.

 

From the A1 or M1. Take the A414 through Hertford to Harlow. As you come into Harlow you will cross the River Stort and the main railway line. At the next roundabout take the 4th exit into Elizabeth way. The club is 500 yards ahead on your right.

 

Venue: Harlow Rugby Club: Ram Gorse, Elizabeth Way, Harlow, Essex CM20 2JQ. Tel: 01279 429750 (N.B. Elizabeth Way is a Clearway. Parking is illegal on the Highway, new cycle track, grass verge, pavement. This applies to BOTH sides of the road. The council will have parking wardens issuing penalty tickets to offenders.) If you do not a pre-issued Car Parking Voucher for the Rugby Club you will need to use the nearby trading estate or public car parks.

There are 6 Counties participating, both at U15 and U18, who will play each other in a round robin tournament. All the games (see below) are being played on 3 pitches, and this means that the start time for the first game is 10.00, with registration at 9.00 


Teams: Essex(A); Eastern Counties(B); Herts(C); Leicestershire(D); Oxfordshire(E); Middlesex(F)

Schedule of Games K.O. Times:

U18's:
10.00 P1 A v. B P2 C v. D P3 E v. F
11.00 P1 F v. A P2 B v. C P3 D v. E
12.00 P1 F v. B P2 A v. D P3 C v. E
1.00 P1 A v. C P2 E v. B P3 D v. F
2.00 P1 A v. E P2 B v. D P3 C v. F

Dave Marques 

U18 Team Manager

Monday, November 12, 2007

Girls' Contact Rugby: Age Groups for Clubs and Schools

RFUW have issued the following summary of age group rules for girls rugby from U12 to adult level:
Age GroupU12’sU13’sU14’sU15’sU16’sU17’sU18’s
A player’s age grade is determined by their age at midnight on 31st August at the beginning of each season. Therefore if a player is aged 11 on 31st August then they are U12’s for the season.
School Year (for most players these age groups relate to these school years.) Year 7Year 8Year 9Year 10Year 11Year 12Year 13
Clubsa. Mixed rugby with the boys (1 year only)

b. Girls Only sides comprising U11’s and U12’s

(RFU Continuum U10’s rules)*

Girls only – can comprise of players who are U13’s U14’s and U15’s.

(RFUW U15’s rules)**

Girls only – can comprise of players who are U16’s, U17’s and U18’s.

Once players are 18 they can also play senior rugby.

(RFUW U18’s rules)

Schoolsa. Mixed rugby with the boys (1 year only)

b. Girls Only sides comprising U11’s and U12’s

(RFU Continuum U9 rules)*

Girls only – can comprise of players who are U11’s, U12’s and U13’s.

(RFU Continuum U12’s rules but uncontested scrums and reduce numbers if necessary)*

Girls only - can comprise of players who are U12’s, U13’s and U14’s.

(RFU Continuum U12’s rules but uncontested scrums and reduce numbers if necessary)*

Girls only – can comprise of players who are U13’s U14’s and U15’s.

(RFUW U15’s rules but uncontested scrums)**

Girls only – can comprise of players who are U14’s, U15’s and U16’s.

(RFUW U15’s rules but uncontested scrums)**

Girls only – can comprise of players who are U15’s, U16’s and u17’s.

(RFUW U15’s rules but uncontested scrums)**

Girls only – can comprise of players who are U16’s, U17’s and U18’s.

(RFUW U18’s rules but uncontested scrums unless both schools agree to play contested. Only players trained in the front row should participate in contested scrums)**

Emerging Schools

(The girls age group for Emerging Schools will be reviewed at then end of the season)

Girls only - can comprise of players who are U12’s, U13’s and U14’s.

(See Emerging Schools information for tournament rules and regulations)

* RFU Continuum rules and Regulations can be found on; www.rfu.com under regulations and then Continuum Regulations and Continuum Rules of Play.

** RFUW age group rules can be found at www.rfu.com women’s rugby and then follow links to “youth” and “rules and regs 2007/08” (http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.Community_Detail/StoryID/17291 )

For further safety guidance please see the new IRB Resource “Rugby Ready” at: http://www.irbrugbyready.com/irbrr/en/home.jsp

Sunday, November 11, 2007

U12s vs "Kent": venue confirmed

Next Sunday's U12 game will now be at Hitchin RFC. We will have access to the pitches from c12.30, so that should give us time to warm up and kick-off by 1.30 at the latest.

The address of the club is King George V Playing Fields, Old Hale Way, Hitchin, SG5 1XL and directions can be found at http://hitchinrfc.com/directions.html. It is suggested that you do not arrive too much before 12.30 as Hitchin juniors have a game in the morning so the car park might be a bit full before 12.00!

Potentially we could have around 14 players or more so, depedent on the number Kent bring and the number we have, that might mean one big game of c11 per side (if we keep strictly to RFU10/U11 rules) or maybe two 7 a side game, or something similar. We'll see on the day. Whatever happens it should be a good afternoon with something for everyone. Hitchin may be able to lay on food etc. as well.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Essex County Festival Sun 18th Nov Harlow RFC

The following details are now confirmed:

Venue: Harlow Rugby Club Ground & Clubhouse: Ram Gorse, Elizabeth Way, Harlow, Essex CM20 2JQ. Tel: 01279 429750 (N.B. Elizabeth Way is a Clearway. Parking is illegal on the Highway, new cycle track, grass verge, pavement. This applies to BOTH sides of the road. The council will have parking wardens issuing penalty tickets to offenders.) If you do not a pre-issued Car Parking Voucher for the Rugby Club you will need to use the nearby trading estate or public car parks.

There are 6 Counties participating, both at U15 and U18, who will play each other in a round robin tournament. All the games (see below) are being played on 3 pitches, and this means that the start time for the first game is 10.00, with registration at 9.00. Unfortunately there is not space for the Herts U15 B team to be involved at this Festival.

Teams: Essex(A); Eastern Counties(B); Herts(C); Leicestershire(D); Oxfordshire(E); Middlesex(F)

Schedule of Games K.O. Times:

U15's:
10.30 P1 A v. B P2 C v. D P3 E v. F
11.30 P1 F v. A P2 B v. C P3 D v. E
12.30 P1 F v. B P2 A v. D P3 C v. E
1.30 P1 A v. C P2 E v. B P3 D v. F
2.30 P1 A v. E P2 B v. D P3 C v. F

U18's:
10.00 P1 A v. B P2 C v. D P3 E v. F
11.00 P1 F v. A P2 B v. C P3 D v. E
12.00 P1 F v. B P2 A v. D P3 C v. E
1.00 P1 A v. C P2 E v. B P3 D v. F
2.00 P1 A v. E P2 B v. D P3 C v. F

Directions to Harlow RFC:

From the A1 or M1. Take the A414 through Hertford to Harlow. As you come into Harlow you will cross the River Stort and the main railway line. At the next roundabout take the 4th exit into Elizabeth way. The club is 500 yards ahead on your right.

From M11. Take the Harlow Exit junction 7 and follow the signs to Harlow.
Turn left at the Second Avenue Roundabout, At the next two roundabouts go straight ahead and then at the Town Centre Roundabout take the Third Exit onto a short section of dual carriageway. At the next roundabout go straight ahead onto 5th avenue. Go straight ahead at the Sainsburys roundabout and at the Station Roundabout at the bottom of the hill turn left into Elizabeth Way. The club is 500 yards ahead on your right.

Monday, November 05, 2007

U18 Results at Ealing.

The U18s finished Second to Hampshire 'A'. Details as follows:-

Hampshire 'A' 21 - Hertfordshire 0

Middlesex 0 - Hertfordshire 48 Tries: Alex Robertson, Hannah Gallagher 2, Megan Williams, Sophie Tyler 2, Frankie Dawson 2. Con Hannah Gallagher 4.

East Midlands 0 - Hertfordshire 14 Tries: Alex Robertson, Hannah Gallagher. Con: Hannah Gallagher, Geri Thomas.

Hampshire 'B' 0 - Hertfordshire 10 Tries: Hannah Gallagher, Megan Williams.

Dave Marques,
U18 Team Manager.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Middlesex County Festival: U12 match

"Middlesex" U12 Girls 20, "Hertfordshire" 15.

After everything that had gone before it was great to finally see this fixture start - and what an excellent game is was. The Herts team was completely different from the one that played at Rochford - but this means that the U12s have fielded 12 girls so far this season, with at least another two in the squad who have yet to play. If only we could get them all together what a team at the same time we would have!

Anyway, our opponents - "Middlesex" - were provided by Ealing, who have a squad of over a dozen U12 girls and are clearly going to be the name to look for in girls rugby over the next few years. All coming from a single club, they worked very well together - but the Herts team, with only a few minutes to prepare as a team, matched them in most parts of the game. An even first half ended at two tries each, and the score stayed at 10-10 until well into the seconf half thanks to some heroic defence by Herts, the hosts crossing the Herts line on three occasions but being unable to get the ball down each time.

Eventually the deadlock was broken, but a swift Herts response - with superb support and inter-passing - brought the scores level at 15-15. A break down the left with only two minutes to go then put Middlesex ahead again, a lead they held onto until the final whistle.

Hopefully the next U12 game will be on the 18th... we have opponents, we just need a venue!

Middlesex County Festival: U15 Tournament

Herts U15's entered two Teams into a Festival for the first time and a total of 32 Girls (from Saracens, Hertford and Welwyn) represented the Herts A and B (Development) teams today. In total there were 5 County Teams playing in the Middlesex Festival who played each other in a round robin:

Results affecting Herts U15 Teams:
Herts A 17 (Clare Shutler Tx1 Cx1 Georgia Peedle Tx2) East Midlands 0
East Midlands 10 Herts B 12 (Jo Busch Tx2 Abbi Maxwell Cx1)
Herts A 21 (Sam Voyle Tx1 Alice Finn Tx1 Georgia Peedle Tx1 Clare Shutler Cx3) Middlesex 0
Hampshire 24 Herts B 0
Herts A 0 Hampshire 5
Herts A 35 (Courtney Arberry Tx1 Cx2 Clare Shutler Tx1 Cx3 Lotte Clapp Tx1 Alice Finn Tx1 Shira Kilgallon Tx1) Herts B 0
Middlesex 19 Herts B 0


Tournament Final Standings:
Winners: Hampshire
Runners Up: Herts A
3rd: Middlesex
4th: Herts B
5th: East Midlands

Saturday, November 03, 2007

RFUW call for your help!

RFUW need your input to help them develop the game and have prepared six surveys tailored to key groups - Administrator, Coach, Parent, Player, Supporter and Volunteer.

Please find time to fill in an appropriate surveys (below). At the end of the survey you can include your email address or contact number for inclusion into a prize draw - prizes include:

  • Women or Girls team coaching session with Gary Street (England Head Coach)
  • Improve your coaching session with Club Coach Officer (CCO)
  • Museum of Rugby and Twickenham Stadium Tour for up to 15 Members of your Women or girls team
  • Pair of branded rugby boots plus 2 Women's International Tickets
  • Signed Ball & 2 Women's International Tickets
  • Signed England Women's Shirt & 2 Women's International Tickets
  • Selection of Canterbury Kit
  • Gilbert Training balls & ball bag
  • £15 Rugby Store Gift Voucher plus 2 Women's International Tickets
  • £20 Rugby Store Gift Voucher plus 2 Women's International Tickets
  • £25 Rugby Store Gift Voucher plus 2 Women's International Tickets
  • Pair of Asics Trainers plus 2 Women's International Tickets
  • Pair of Asics Trainers plus 2 Women's International Tickets

You have until the 18th January 2008.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

U12 game on Sunday back on again!

Sunday's U12 game at the Middlesex Festival in Ealing is now back on again thanks to Saracens finding us some new players "at the last minute". Middlesex will also lend us some girls if necessary. So - we'll see you there in time for a 2pm start.

In addition a team from Kent is asking for a fixture on 18th November... if we can find a venue!

County U15s After Christmas!

While some girls will no doubt 'Step Up' to regional level after Christmas, Jess Lane will continue a County U15 side. Several Counties have indicated that they would like to continue a County side to provide regular, competitive rugby for girls not on the regional programme.

This will very likely mean that girls who just missed out on County selection earlier in the season will have another chance to make the grade and represent Hertfordshire in full County matches.

The regional weekends are 20 Jan, 3 Feb, 10 Feb, 9 March, 16 March.

Further details will be published when fixtures are confirmed.

Dave Marques