East Region physio strikes gold

The regions may be no more, but East can maybe claim one final bit of glory.

Nicky Hunt - winner of the gold medal at the weekend in the women's compound archery event - was the East Region team physio in 2007. Even then archery was important - but she fitted her support for the rugby team into her punishing schedule.

She did a great job - but unfortunately was unable to work with the region after that as her own sporting training took priority. And it looks like she got her priorities right!

So congratulations to Nicky from everyone involved with the 2007 East squad!

Regional Festival Results Litchfield RFC 10 + 11 April 2010

Under 15s

Group 3:

East 17 Yorkshire 0
East 0 Scarletts 7

Plate (5th-8th):
West Midlands 7 East 5

7th/8th:
East 17 North West 7 (East U15 finished 7th)

Under 18s

Group 1:

North West 0 East 10
Scarletts 7 East 7

Cup (1st-4th):

East 12 South West South 5
South 12 South West North 7

Cup Final: East 0 South 0 (East U18 finished as joint winners)

A strong East U18 Squad went to the Regional Festival, with Herts. girls playing a substantial role. The Draw saw East yet again with the Welsh Regional Winners in their Group, a strong Scarlets team containing an number of their U18 players who played last week for Wales. First up for the East was a North West Team who had battled hard to hold the Scarlets to a draw. East knew a win was necessary and started well applying pressure from the kick off. North West tackled and defended well again but the East were too strong and won 10:0. Next up were the Scarlets and East were all up for this tough encounter. Unfortunately an early mistake in the backs saw the Scarlets intercept the ball and run in a Try under the posts. East came right back at the Scarlets and the rest of the game saw the East pressing the Scarlets line in wave after wave of attack and stout defending of the line by the Scarlets keeping them out. With two minutes left Chloe Bake made a break down the right but was tackled into touch just short of the line. The pressure on the Scarlets lineout saw them throw not straight. The Scrum to East was won cleanly and the ball was passed down the line to Alex Grant who was driven over under the posts. Emily Scott kicked the conversion to see East draw and progress to the Cup Semi-Final.

Here they came up against a resurgent South West South. From the kick off East attacked SWS. This paid off with a score in the first minute easing their nerves. SWS came back but the East defence was strong and kept the pressure on SWS preventing them from building momentum. In the second half built up the pressure on the SWS constantly attacking the line and were rewarded with another Try by India giving a 12:0 lead. SWS came back from the kick off and got their reward with an unconverted try in the corner, but the East defence held out for the final two minutes.

This set up a rematch of last year’s Final against the South. This was a Final everyone knew would be decided on by the narrowest of margins, a mistake or unlucky bounce of the ball. Every Player gave 110%, ferocious tackling stopped every break and neither team could get the ascendancy. Injuries abounded by the nature of the contest making it a stop start game. The East finally got the break with a long range Penalty but in the windy conditions it drifted narrowly wide and the game finished 0:0. In sudden death for 5 minutes, neither team making a mistake or giving an inch. Again East got a Penalty, this time out wide by the Touchline and again the ball drifted just wide in the wind. At the end both teams fought each other to a standstill and the Trophy for the last ever Girls Regional Festival was shared, with the East U18 being undefeated for the past two years, having won the Cup Final in 2009.

East Region Girls Results Sleaford RFC Sun 21st March 2010

Under 18:

East 65 (Tash Berbank Tx1, Alex Grant Tx3, Claire Shutler Herts Tx3 + Cx2, Francis Dawson Herts Tx1, Jess Robinson Herts Tx2, Yaz Pemberton Tx1, Georgia Peedle Cx3) North East 0.

Under 15:

East 24 (Sydney Gregson Herts Tx1, Sidnie Nurthen Herts Tx1, Lotte Clapp Herts Tx2, Abbie Maxwell Herts Cx2) North East 12.

Report on the U18 game from Simon Shutler:

A depleted East region squad went to Sleaford to take on the North East, the result showing the depth of talent in the squad. Tash opened the scoring after a good break by Ellie. A break by Alex to score was then converted by Georgia. Good pressure by East on a 5m NE defensive scrum saw Frankie intercept a pass to score. East dominated the scrum all afternoon winning some very good ball to set up attacks and starving the NE of possession. From another 5m scrum a No. 8 pickup and pass allowed Claire to score and Georgia convert. Jess then broke twice in quick succession to 2 tries before half time, with Claire converting one.

At the start of the second half a NE scrum on the East 10m line was taken against the head again and a good back row move put Claire away to score and convert. Excellent handling and some slick passing then saw Yaz score and Georgia convert. Alex then made a 70m break but the final pass didn’t go to hand. East took the 5m scrum against the head and Alex crashed over. She then got her hat trick again going over from close range. A lineout take and drive by Ellie into the NE defence saw her pass to Claire to beat the full back and score under the posts, Georgia converting.  

East Region Girls Results Old Albanians Sun 21st Feb 2010

Under 18:

East 23 (Chloe Baker Herts Tx2, Claire Shutler Herts Tx1, Georgia Peedle Herts Tx1, Emily Scott Herts Px1) South East 10.

East 24 (Chloe Baker Herts Tx1, Claire Shutler Herts Tx1, Scarlett Cooper-Wall Herts Tx1, Alex Grant Tx1, Georgia Peedle Herts Cx1, Emily Scott Herts Cx1) Thames Valley 0.

Under 15:

East 34 (Sydney Gregson Herts Tx2, Faye Smale Tx1, Abbie Graham Tx1, Mollie Ames Tx1, Lotte Clapp Herts Tx1, Abbie Maxwell Herts Cx2) Thames Valley 22.

East 22 (Emily Danielson Tx1, Maddie Lockwood Tx1, Abbie Graham Tx1, Lotte Clapp Herts Tx1, Abbie Maxwell Herts Cx1) South East 17.

East Region Girls Trial 31st January

After the recent Regional Trial, the following Hertfordshire County Girls have been selected for East Region this Season:

Under 18

Courtney Arberry
Chloe Baker
Harriet Bullock
Scarlett Cooper-Wall
Francis Dawson
Charlie Faloona
Alice Finn
Shira Kilgallon
Alice Nee
Georgia Peedle
Jess Robinson
Emily Scott
Claire Shutler
Sam Voyle


Under 15

CJ Carpenter
Lotte Clapp
Stevie Farrow
Melissa Gargaro
Penny Gilbert
Sydney Gregson
Nancy Harrison
Ellie Hurer
Amber King
Abbie Maxwell
Sidney Nurthen
Bryony Pomfret

Regional trials postponed

From Clare Cooper (National Programme Lead):

After taking into consideration the current weather situation the RFUW has made the decision to POSTPONE ALL Youth Trials and the re-arranged Senior Trials this weekend 16th and 17th January 2010. In addition to the current weather across the country, we are also concerned that players have not been able to train for a long period of time due to the frozen ground, and it would be unwise for them to go straight into a trial situation.

Youth Trials will take place on Sunday 31st January as stated in the contingency calendar sent out last week. Regional Programme Managers will decide locally when Senior re-arranged Trials are to take place. Further information on dates and times will be released on http://www.regionalrugby.com and will be available through the Regional Programme Managers.

This decision has not been taken lightly and we believe that it has been made with the best interests of all Regional Programme participants in mind.

The "international" between Nomads and Wales at Saracens has already been cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

Recommendations from the Competition Review Group on the RFUW Pathway for Implementation 2010-11

These recommendations have been published by the RFUW.

A Player Pathway Feedback Form has been issued with a return date before 25 January 2010, which is also the date that the London N and S and South Evening Roadshow is taking place at Twickenham, hosted by Rosie Williams, Nicky Ponsford and David Rose. The purpose of the Roadshow is to discuss the document, and examine any local issues which may need to be addressed to ensure the success of the programme.

Under 18 Regional Festival Litchfield RFC

A hugely successful weekend for East Region Girls Rugby was capped with the Under 18's winning the Regional Festival at Litchfield RFC on Sunday.

The East U18 Squad of 22 included 11 Herts Players who their first National Regional Title since 2004.

East U18 finished top of their Group by beating Osprey's, the Wales Regional Representatives, 7-0 (scorers: Hannah Gallagher Herts Tx1; Emily Scott Essex Cx1) and South East 7 - 0 (scorers: Francesca Jordon Essex Tx1; Hannah Gallagher Herts Cx1).

In the Semi-Final South West South were beaten on 19-5 (scorers: Emily Scott Essex Tx1, Cx2; Alex Robertson Herts Tx1; Georgia Peedle Herts Tx1).

In the Final against South, East won a fierce game 15-3 (scorers: Megan Williams Herts Tx1; Alex Robertson Herts Tx1; Emily Scott Essex Cx1; Px1).

Under 15 Regional Festival Litchfield RFC

On Saturday, East Under 15 took a squad of 20, including 12 Herts Players, to the Regional Festival at Litchfield RFC. They matched their best ever performance, in 2006, by finishing Runners-up out of 12 Teams.

East U15 finished top of their Group by beating South West South 10 - 7 (scorers: Abbie Cook Essex Tx1; Amber King Herts Tx1), and North East 27 - 0 (scorers: Lotte Clapp Herts Tx2; Charlie Fallona Herts Tx1; Maddy Lockwood Essex Tx1; Sidney Nurthern Herts Tx1; Lucie Wood Essex Cx1).

In the Semi-Final South West North were beaten on 31-0 (scorers: Lotte Clapp Herts Tx2; Courtney Arberry Herts Tx1; Abbie Cook Essex Tx2; Abbie Maxwell Herts Cx3).

In the Final against Wales Regional Winners Cardiff Blues, East were 0-10 down within 5 minutes, but clawed back to level at 10-10 with Tries from Amber King Herts and Courtney Arberry Herts before conceding a converted try in the last minute.

Girls Regional Games 22nd February Sleaford RFC

Under 18:

Yorkshire U18 12 East U18 51 (Emily Scott Essex Tx1, Hannah Gallagher Herts Tx2 Cx7, Alex Robertson Herts Tx1, India Harvey Essex Tx1, Sacha Acheson Eastern Counties Tx1, Georgia Peedle Herts Tx3).

Under 15:

Yorkshire U15 12 East U15 35 (Amber King Herts Tx1, Sidnie Nurthen Herts Tx1, Lotte Clapp Herts Tx3, Yas Pemberton Essex Tx1, Rachel Mccullough Herts Tx1).

Girls Regional Games 15th February St Albans School Ground

The Girls Regional Games postponed from last Sunday were played in near perfect Pitch conditions at St Albans School today. The results in the first round this Season were:

Under 18:

• East U18 34 (Rachel French Essex TX1, Hannah Gallagher Herts Tx3 Cx2, Megan Williams Herts TX1, India Harvey Essex TX1) Thames Valley U18 0.
• South East U18 12 East Midlands U18 53.

Under 15:

• South East U15 0 East Midalnds U15 10.
• East U15 20 (Amber King Herts Tx1, Sydnie Grace Herts Tx1, Charlie Faloona Herts Tx1, Yas Pemberton Essex Tx1 )Thames Valley U15 33

East Region Girls Trial Sun 11th Jan 2009

Following the Trial that took place last weekend at Upminster, the following Herts County Girls have been Selected to represent the East Region this Season:

Under 18

• Milly Fuggles
• Alice Nee
• Frankie Dawson
• Jess Robinson
• Geri Thomas
• Claire Shutler
• Hannah Gallagher
• Sam Voyle
• Alex Robertson
• Georgia Peedle
• Megan Williams

Under 15

• Abbie Maxwell
• Charlie Faloona
• Scarlett Cooper-Wall
• Sydnie Grace
• Courtney Arberry
• Bryony Pomfret
• Shira Kilgallon
• Lotte Clapp
• Sidney Nurthen
• Rachel Mccullough
• Melissa Gargaro
• Amber King

Congratulations to all of them and we wish them the best of luck in the Regional Programme which culminates in the National Festival on the weekend of 14-15 March 2009.

RFUW: Regional coaches, managers, physios needed!

RFUW REGIONAL PROGRAMME 2008/09

PLAY YOUR PART!

Coaches, managers, physios needed

The RFUW Regional Programme has been going from strength to strength for the past few years and this year promises to be even better.

The Senior, Under 18 and Under 15 programmes provide many opportunities for volunteers from all over the country to get involved, be it as a coach, manager or physio. With support from the RFUW Regional Development Managers and the Club Coach Officers, you will be instrumental in delivering yet another successful programme

Last season saw the West Midlands triumph at both U18 and Senior levels, winning the Youth Festival and Senior Finals respectively and East Midlands winning the U15s Youth Festival.

However, as well as providing a competitive structure, the programme is fundamental in the player pathway. The Regional Programme has been the crucial stepping stone for club and county players into the England U20s; England As and England Senior Squads. Would you like to be part of it? You could discover and develop the star of the 2014 Rugby World Cup!

The Senior programme starts with the trials in December 08, continuing over six weekends from 1^st February until Finals Day on 22^nd March. This year culminates in a Final and a 3^rd / 4^th play-off.

The youth programme commences with the trials in January 2009 and continues over a six week period through February and March, finishing with the Regional Programme Festival on the weekend of March 15^th & 16^th.

The RFUW will cover expenses for the duration of the programme as well as providing the opportunity to contribute to the largest Women & Girls’ Rugby Programme run in England.

You will be required to attend staff training within your region, and will receive ongoing support throughout the programme from your team of volunteers and RFUW professional staff.

Opportunities that are available can be found on the Expression of Interest Form by following the link along with details of roles and responsibilities. Please be aware that these roles vary from age-group to age-group and from region to region. There is also a sheet of FAQs should you require any more information.

With the programme attracting quality players and volunteers across the country, volunteer opportunities are limited, therefore please send your form to regionalrugby@therfu.com by Thursday 31^st July.

Click on the following links for more information and to complete the form.

Staff Expression of Interest Form 200809

Regional Manager Roles & Responsibilities.doc

Regional Programme Manager Roles & Responsibilities.doc

Regional Coach Roles & Responsibilities.doc

National Regional Festival Litchfield - U15 and U18

On Saturday East Region U15's , including eight Herts Players (four Saracens and four Welwyn), finished fourth out of 12 Regions in this seasons National Regional Festival at Litchfield RFC, narrowly losing the 3/4 place play-off to South (2007 winners). This was an improvement on last year when East finished 6th. East Midlands were the 2008 U15 winners beating East Wales in the Final.

On Sunday East Region U18's, including ten Herts Players (nine Welwyn and one Letchworth) finished 3rd for the second year running. They beat East Midlands in the 3/4 place play off and the U18 winners were West Midlands, who beat Yorkshire in the Final.

East Region - U15 National Festival Litchfield Sat 10th May

Congratulations to all those girls who this season played their part in the two Regional Games against Yorkshire and the South Region. With the Regional Festival at Litchfield only 2 weeks away, the coaching staff have selected the squad who will take part in this years U15 Festival.

The following girls will travel to Litchfield to represent the East Region at the U15 National Festival on 10th May:
Alice Nee
Claire Johnston
Ellie Martin
Alex Grant
Megan Robson
Courtney Arberry
Claire Shutler
Georgia Peedle
Sam Voyle
Abbie Cook
Olivia Stembridge
Alice Finn
Maddy Lockwood
Lucie Wood
Megan Childs
Jess Harris
Layla Pickering
Emma Wilson
Yasmin Pemberton
Frances Hughes
Kelsey Davis
Jess Wilkins

Could all those girls who have been selected, please contact Tina Turner to confirm their availability for the Festival.

East Region update

20th April

East Region training is on Sunday 20th April at Coopers Coborn School, Upminster. Training is from 10.00am until 2.00pm. Please ensure that you are on time and changed ready to start at 10.00am. For those girls who have not yet received their Regional Kit, Phil Robson has it and will hand it out on Sunday.

27th April

On Sunday 27th April East Region U15's and U18's are both playing friendlies against the South Region in lieu of the cancelled games in March. All squad members at both age groups will be required that day. The games will be structured to give all girls equal time on the pitch. The games will be held at Harlow Rugby Club, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex. Please note, there will be limited parking at the Rugby Club so would all parents and supporters please use the trading estate next to the Rugby Club to park their cars. DO NOT PARK ON EDINBURGH WAY THE COUNCIL WILL TICKET OR TOW AWAY YOUR CAR. Kick off is 2.00pm. All players are to arrive by 1.00pm latest.

Super League will not clash with county rugby in 2008/9

The recent article on the U18 Super League in Touchline initially appeared to indicate a clash between Super League and county dates in 2008/9. County officials have now been in touch with RFUW and they have now confirmed that this will not be the case.

The Junior Super League will, in fact, take place at the end of this season on May 18th and 31st. There will be no Junior Performance events on county dates in 2008/9 and so all U18 players, regardless of where they are on the performance pathway will be available for club, county trials, training and matches.

Super League teams will be selected after the regional festival at Rugby at the start of May.

Details of HPA programme published

The RFUW have published details of this summer's "High Performance Academy" programme for elite players. Full details can be found here, but in summary there are only a few differences compared to last season.

Regions will again select the leading players who are not currently in the Training Development Group ("TDG") (U18s) or Schools of Rugby (U15s) to attend a HPA "camp" to be held at Brunel University in Uxbridge, London, on 12th and 13th July. Players selected will be notified by post in the week beginning 19th May.

The leading U18 players at the HPA camp will then join the 2007/8 TDG girls at their summer training session a week or two later after which the 2008/9 TDG will be selected. U15s moving up to U18 rugby next season will also take part in this process, but other U15s will attend a U15 HPA at which girls will be selected for next season's Schools of Rugby programme.

One major change for U18s is that RFUW will now be running a "super league", similar to that run for the leading adult players. For 2008/9 two squads will be selected made up of girls from the TDGs but also including other girls selected the Regional Tournament on 11th May (the TDG normally has only about 30 players, but around 40-50 girls are likely to be needed to form two viable squads). The plan is then for the two U18 teams will play each other twice at the same venues and dates as two of the adult super league fixtures during next season.

East Region v. South Region 16th March

Next Sundays East Region Game against South will be held at Harlow Rugby Club.

Harlow Rugby Club, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex.

Please note, as that there will be limited parking at the Rugby Club, would all parents and supporters please use the trading estate next to the rugby club to park their cars.DO NOT PARK ON EDINBURGH WAY THE COUNCIL WILL TICKET OR TOW AWAY YOUR CAR.

Kick off is 2.30pm. All players are to arrive by 1.30pm latest.

Squad Details:

U18's - All squad members are included for this fixture.

U15's-
1 Alice Nee
2 Becky Dawson
3 Ellie Martin
4 Sydnie Grace
5 Frances Hughes
8 Alex Grant
9 Claire Shutler
10 Georgia Peedle
11 Rachael Burroughs
12 Sam Voyle
13 Emma Wilson
14 Alice Finn
15 Rachael Mcullough
16 Jess Harris
17 Megan Robson
18 Megan Childs
19 Lucie Wood
20 Maya Whitmore-Tennant
21 Layla Pickering
22 Maddy Lockwood.

East Region: blog replaces website

In case anyone has missed it, East Region are now using a blog instead of the old website for all news concerning both the senior and junior squads. The main news will continue to appear here on the Herts county blog, but not everything - so its worth keeping an eye on.

To help you do this the newsfeed from the East Blog appears at the top of the column to the left - here you will see links to the latest five articles on the East Blog, automatically updated when new articles appear. The link on the left under "Official rugby websites" has also now been changed to the new site.