"Defence wins titles" says U14 county coach

Defence wins Titles - a quote from the successful Wasps team of a few years ago, now taken on successfully by Hertfordshire's U14 Girls!

On Sunday a squad of 17 U14 girls went to Grove RFC in Oxfordshire to compete against Oxon, Middlesex and Essex. This was the first time an official team had represented the County at this age group. The girls looked very smart in their shirts borrowed for the day from their male counterparts. (pictures to follow from some parents hopefully, and some action shots?)

A big thanks to all the girls who rotated this duty against the other Counties on the day. Without their selfless support for rugby most of the squad would only have been able to get half a game in each match, and we would have been playing on half a pitch. Their exemplary attitude is a testament to the true amateur rugby ethos flowing through the girls game.

In their first game against Oxon a strong line-up took to the field. In order to ensure the game was the full 12 a side, full pitch version, 3 of the Herts. squad played for Oxon. From the kick off it was evident that both teams possessed strong defences, but the Herts. girls had stronger runners throughout the team and were able to strike from a number of positions across the backs. The forwards fought for superiority and were able to win the team a good supply of ball which allowed Herts. to keep Oxon pinned in their own half rarely breaking out into the Herts. half. Two tries in each half, all scored out wide by breaks from backs with support earned the win.

The second game the girls knew would be tough against a well drilled Essex side, containing some Regional players from last season. Again two Herts. girls played for the opposition to ensure the game could be played on a full pitch. As in the first game defences were on top and the game rarely moved out of the middle of the field. The pressure of the defences caused handling errors on both sides. Both teams found it hard to break through, though slowly Herts. were able to recycle ball and apply pressure eventually leading to the break for the only try of the game. The second half saw both teams defend strongly again the defences caused many handling errors. Herts. for the second match running preventing the opposition from entering their 22m area.

The final game saw the girls take on a new Middlesex squad which grew in numbers as the competition went on. All the girls who had played for the opposition in the first two games played for Hertfordshire in this game. In a tense first half, Middlesex took the game to Herts. with some very powerful runners. The Herts. girls made it to half time with resolute defending keeping the 22m area from being breached. Changes at half time and a talk by the coaches saw the girls come out focused for the second half. A couple of early penalties conceded by Middlesex saw Herts. able to apply pressure in the opponents 22m. A blind side break saw a try disallowed, with even the Essex coaches questioning the Refs. decision. The fitness of the girls, who mostly started playing this season, also now started to tell. The disallowed try gave the girls more momentum and with Middlesex regularly conceding penalties Herts. were able to cross three time in the left hand corner to win the match.

The girls showed great spirit in their games. Some handling and continuity was wonderful. Defence was very solid and in parts awesome. Considering that many are new to rugby this season they have great potential. The one thing we did ask but which they failed to do completely was score by the posts to make conversions easier! Obviously a communication problem here because most tries were scored by the corner flags. We mean the goal posts!!!

County teams dominant at Oxon tournament

Hertfordshire's county teams produced faultless performances at Sunday's tournament at Grove in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire had clearly gone to great lengths to put the event together at very short notice - four weeks ago it wasn't on anyone's calendar at all! The loss of Herts proposed fixture with Bucks was the spark, and Oxfordshire's agreement to step into the breach - combined with the willingness of Essex and Middlesex to relocate their fixture 100 miles or so west - resulted in an excellent afternoon's rugby, and a perfect "warm-up" to the Main Event at Westcliff next month.

And it was our girls who dominated the day - which is remarkable when you consider that most of their opponents have been playing together competitively for some weeks, or even months in Essex's case.

At Under 17 level a brave Oxfordshire side were unfortunately no match for the speed and flair of the Herts team who ran in some 40 unanswered points before an injury forced an early closure in the second half.

Essex were expected to be a tougher opposition - with their pack looking particular big. But after their initial attack was repulsed Herts gradually increased their dominance and eventually ran out 15-0 winners.

Herts U14 Girls deservedly won their four County Tournament by first class defending which achieved a shut-out against the three sides they played. The team was well led by Clare Shutler who was presented with the winner’s trophy afterwards.

In the first game Herts beat hosts Oxfordshire 22-0 with tries from Clare, Emma Wilson, Sam Voyle and Alice Nee, the latter two also making notable crunching tackles on the opposition. Clare also converted a try.

In the second game against arch-rivals Essex, Clare was the key difference and her try gave Herts a hard fought 5-0 win.

In the final game Herts were 0-0 at half-time with Middlesex, until Courtney Arberry took the game by the scruff of the neck with her exceptional tackling and then scoring two tries. Becky Dawson added a late third try and the game ended 15-0 to Herts.

• Interesting fact: Not only are out U17s still unbeaten (at both XV-a-side and 7-a-side) since they were formed last season, but no-one has yet scored at try against in the larger sided game!
• And the U14s have also won every full-sided game they have played to date, though they did conceed one try last year. Their record is marred by a single 7s defeat to a "Surrey" team that actually included several Herts players...

Sunday's County tournament at Grove RFC. Details.

Here is a link to Grove RFC http://www.groverfc.co.uk/

The day will consist of four Counties playing each other in friendlies - loaning to increase number from the more fortunate teams - and sharing players if needed. The aim of the day is to have as as many girls as possible turn up and enjoy playing rugby.

The arrival time can be anytime from 11am with the first matches should start at about 1 pm. Players can bring a sensible packed lunch but food and drinks for sale in the club house all day. There will be made space available to do any pre match training and also and warm ups. we have the use of at least 3 (sahred) changing rooms.

The U14s will be able to play 10 mins each way as they have 3 games each.

The U17s have 2 matches each can play for 20 mins each way, or - if Middlesex can field an U17s squad - 3 games each 15 mins each way.

Timetable Of Events

• 11 am Teams To Arrive At Clubhouse
• 11.30am All Coaches and Managers to meet in the clubhouse to discuss numbers ect.
• 11.45 am Girls to eat small snack bought with them as an early lunch.
• 12.00 Noon Girls to get changed and assemble outside front of clubhouse to be assigned a space on the field to warm up and do any pre match coaching with their coaches.
• 1 pm First Matches to kick off on either pitch 1, 2 or 3.

Assuming all three pitches are playable the schedule will be:

Pitch One (U14s)

1 pm Oxon V Herts
1.45 Oxon V Middlesex
2.30 Oxon V Essex

Pitch 2 (U14s)

1.00 Essex V Middlesex
1.45 Herts V Essex
2.30 Herts V Middlesex

Pitch 3 (U17s)

1.00 Oxon V Herts
2.00 Essex V Herts
3.00 Oxon V Essex

Referees take your pick!

An alternative schedule will be used if fewer pitches are free.

Finish By 4pm. Food Provied in Club House for all players. Food and drink available to purchase for all visitors

Senior competition structure 2007/8

A Competitions Review Group (CRG) has spent the last yer looking at the structure or senior cups and leagues and has now issued some proposals for next season. These do not actually seem to be on the website (well I cannot find them) but can be summarised as follows:

• The current "Premier 1" will become "The Championship". This will become a "closed" league of eight "geographically spread" teams, thus enabling all players to be able to play top level rugby.
• Championship clubs required to sustain development plans that would make them responsible for the growth and development of rugby in their region (not just their club). Failure to do so would result in relegation and replacement by another club.

• Below this there will be two leagues of eight - "Premier 1 North" and "Premier 1 South",
• Feeding these leagues would be Premier North 2 and Premier Midlands 2 (feeding Preimer 1 North), and Premier South East 2 and Premier South West 2 (feeding Premier 1 South).
• And below that league here would be a regional leagues structure of two or three levels.

• The top four teams in the Championship will play off for the "Super Cup".
• The winners of Premier 1 North and South would play-off for the "Premiership Cup"
• There would be a "Regional Cup" available for other teams to enter.

• In addition the top 88-100 players will be invited to play in a "Super League" consisting of three English and one Celtic qualified teams.
• All "Premier" leagues to play to full IRB rules, other leagues to play to U19 rules.

Comments to RFUW@therfu.com by 14th November (yes - next week!)

Herts U17s in national top 30

Two girls from Welwyn - Hannah Gallagher and Megan Williams - have been selected for the national "TDG" (Training Development Group) at U17s, part of a select group of 30 who will get special training and development support over the coming months.

They will be joined there by one familar face - Sasha Acheson - who is registered at Sudbury but plays much of her rugby with Letchworth.

Herts clubs to clash in National Cup

The National Cup draws have been announced. The first round will be in the form of small "festivals" which will take place on 26th November. In both cases Herts teams ate in the "South East" group:

In the U14 Cup - the first time there has been an official tournament for this age - Herts Barbarians (a combined county U14 side) will take on Welwyn, Uttlesford (Essex), and "Cramberleigh" (Cranleigh & Camberley combined, from Surrey) at Welwyn RFC.

In the U17 Cup Saracens/Fullerians, Letchworth, and Welwyn will take on Uttlesford, "Cramberleigh (again!), and Worthing (Sussex) at Saracens.

There will be four of these "festivals" taking place across the country in each age group and the top teams will play in the second round early next year to produce a "North" and "South" winner, who will meet in a national final after Easter.

Guide to grants

A new and unique online "Funding Guide" for all grant aid relating to Hertfordshire was has been launched on 18 October 2006.

The site available at http://www.funding4herts.org.uk/. It takes would-be grant seekers through sources of local advice, and the chance to narrow down a search for local charities, to make the findings more relevant to what the searcher is looking for. It is a simple interface and, because it is online, it can be kept up to date.

There's a heck of a lot of money out there to be had for the price of a postage stamp, a little imagination, and some ink! Take a look at one recent example - West Herts Hockey Club, have just picked up a Sportsmatch award of £5,000 for "a development programs for girls. Funding provides for additional training sessions for younger girl players at the club and facilitates trials and taster sessions aimed at girls new to the sport. The training and recruitment programme forms parts of an ambitious overall club development plan."

So, which club out there reading this does not do something like that?

RFU announce a "Coach Licence Scheme"

No, nothing to do with the ensuring that your club transport has an up-to-date MoT!

The RFU want to ensure that all coaches working within the game regularly update their knowledge, skills and understanding. As a result they are proposing a "Coach Licensing System" and are inviting feedback that will help shape the Rugby Coaching Licence.

The consultation will take two forms; firstly, through access to the proposals on line (follow the above link), with an opportunity email responses (coachlicence@rfu.com). Secondly a series of consultation meetings will take place, where the plans will be outlined, and coaches will have the opportunity to feedback, and make further recommendations.

All feedback will be collated throughout the autumn to be presented to the RFU Coaching Sub-Committee for further discussion in spring 2007, before final proposals are made to the RFU Council.

The consultation meetings in our area are below. All coaches are encouraged to attend:

London North
Chelmsford RFC, Essex, Monday 20th November, 7pm
University of Herts, Wednesday 29th November, 7pm

East Region senior trials - no excuses for missing out!

Because this year they are in Hertfordshire! At the St Christopher School in Letchworth on Sunday 3rd December, from c11.00am - 2.00pm (timings to be confirmed). Directions can be found here http://www.stchris.co.uk/home/location.htm.

Also - to ensure as many players as possible can be seen - there will actually be two days of trials with a second trial on 28th January in Cambridgeshire. If at all possible you will need to attend both dates - if you cannot make one of the dates you must notify Alan Brown or Wendy le Grave.

Regional rugby has never had a higher profile than this year. For the first time every player in the country - outside the top 44 - will be taking part, including all of the England U19 squad. The regional programme is now a firm part of the games developmental route - so the standard of rugby you will experience will make going to trials well worth the effort.

To meet this challenge a whole new coaching and management team has been appointed in the region (as you will have seen from the earlier news item) dedicated to build on previous successes that have seen the region grow to become one of the strongest in the country - with its players even building a reputation overseas!

All regional dates and venues can be found in the key dates page of this blog.

See the world, play rugby - an invitation.

Malcolm Baker, who many will know from his work with the East Region, is promoting a new women's rugby touring team "that will soon become the most well know and well travelled team from the home counties" has been formed - and its open to everyone, whoever you currently play for.

It is the EAST REGION "BOUDICCAS"

The Boudiccas Ladies WRFC was founded in July 2006, after players from the East Region squad were invited to play in the Stockholm 10s in Sweden. Despite being beaten in the semi-finals the players returned to the UK keen to compete in more competitions. From this idea Boudicca Ladies Touring Squad was founded.

There is no requirement to be part of the East Region Squad - the players range from Division 4 players to England U19s internationals. All that is needed is :

1. All with a flare to travel, compete and win
2. A love of 7s, 10s and 15 a side rugby
3. Team spirt

The Teams Motto is “ BRING IT ON”

The first tournament played as the Boudiccas was three weeks ago in Italy “The Rovigo 7s” where we lost in a very close final by one conversion. One of our wingers Sarah Stimpson holds the record for the quickest try to be scored in this tournament of only nine seconds from kick off.

The team will be competing on the womens 7s , 10s 15s circuits so far the tournaments below are confirmed with a few more to follow:

Nov-06 Dubai 7s (UAE)

Dec-06 Dubai 7s (UAE)

Apr-07 Isle of Man 7s & 15s (Isle of Man)

May-07 Amsterdam 7s (Holland)

Jun-07 Rock n rugby 7s (Spain)

Jun-07 Flanders Open 10's (Belgium)

Jul-07 Stockholm 10s (Sweden)

Aug-07 Scandinavian 7's (Denmark)

Aug-07 International Krusevac 7s (Serbia)

Oct-07 Rovigo 7s (Italy)

The team travel to Dubai with only one thing on our minds and that is to win on the biggest 7s stage for women. With a squad of 24 players keep your eyes open at Dubai for Libby Peak, Holly Le Grave and Sarah McKenna all who play for England.

We are always looking for more players who also enjoy rugby tours - maybe your one of them, or you have team mates who are too.

How many times have you wanted to go on rugby tour but you don’t have enough players to do it??? Well here is your chance.

For more information contact Malcolm on 0776 369 8685, or write to him at 27 Rainsthorpe, South Wootton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3UF. Or have a look at the team website.

Herts to play major role in next East Region programme

There are a number of familar faces among this season's East Region management and coaching team, including:

• John Birch (Programme Manager) from Letchworth - and current Herts junior team manager
• Simon Lascelles (Senior Coach) from OAs
• Clive Cramphorn (U17s Lead Coach) from OAs (and formerly Welwyn) and current Herts Barbarians coach
• Mike Crump (U17s Coach) from Letchworth
• Simon Shutler (U14s Coach) from Saracens - and current Herts U14 lead coach

Other staff will be:

Mike Redding (Coach Developer); Malcolm Baker (Senior Manager); Alan Brown (Senior Lead Coach & Welfare Manager); Wendy Le Grave (Senior Coach); Cathy Acheson (U17s Manager); Ian McCready (U17s Coach); Tina Turner (U14s Manager); Pete Turner (U14s Lead Coach); Andy Marshall (U14s Coach)

12th November fixture: Details confirmed!

On 12th November the county U17 and U14 teams will be playing Oxfordshire and Essex (plus, possibly, Middlesex if they can get teams) at Grove Rugby Club (Cane Lane, Grove, OX12 0AA) - which is a small village about 2-3 miles south west of Abingdon.

The journey and directions etc. will obviously depend on where you are starting from, but from the middle of the county the distance is about 80 miles with a journey time of just over two hours - slightly more if you are in the north and east, slightly less in the south and west.

Kick-off time will be 12.30. Coaches will announce detais of when they expect you to arrive shortly.

Note: U17 Barbarians (ie. all U17s not in the county squad) will be training at OAs in St Albans.

What do you think you are?

As part of their coaching guidance the RFUW's have produced a list of the abilities a person should ideally have to play in any given position on the field.

Its a bit technical - but particularly for U17s - it may be useful as a guide to what skills you may need to improve to play in your chosen position.

For U14s it may just be a useful indicator of where you might be able to play.

Props (1, 3):- Basic knowledge of scrummaging Ability to take and retain ball in contact Decent level of upper body strength for lifting Decent basic handling skills Good body position and ability to make impact at the breakdown Hookers (2):- Solid basic throwing technique Able to strike for the ball in the scrum (flexibility and technique) Good level of fitness Work rate and ability to tackle Good support and ability to link play Good “Go Forward” skills Second Row (4, 5):- Athleticism (lineout jumping) Good aerial ability (handling) Good size and impact at the breakdown Dynamic work rate (not just plodding!) Decent handling ability Blind Side (6) :- Physical impact and power Strong tackler Good ball retention Impact at the collision Good handling ability Good support lines and link work Good communication (defence) Open Side (7):- High levels of work rate Strong in the tackle Pressurize opposition Support to ball carrier Ball winner – especially on floor Good handling for link support Good communicator Number 8 :- Physical impact in defence and attack Good ball carrier Strong in the tackle Good ball retention Ability to stay strong in the tackle, especially if isolated Good decision maker Good communicator Ability to offload

Scrum half (9) :- Good passing skills (off two hands if possible) Excellent decision maker Strong communicator (attack and defence) Ability to run with the ball (sniping) Good kicking skills Confidence Fly half (10):- Good all round ability Excellent decision maker Good hands Good kicking skills Vision and “heads up” play Good communicator Confidence Centres (12, 13):- Strong in defence Decent hands Decent kicking skills Good ball retention Good communicators Good evasive skills Ability to offload Wingers (11, 14):- Excellent evasive skills Good pace Ability to defend 1v1 Kicking skills (able to chip and re-gather?) Willingness to work off the ball – not just stay on wing Act as extra defensive cover off blind side wing Full backs (15):- Good communicator Safe under high ball Good individual defence Decent kicking skills Good pace Ability to read a game Good support and entry lines in attack

Herts at Saracens

Many thanks to everyone who gave up part of their half term to come down to Hatfield today.

Hope you got something out of it, and our apologies for the less than effective organisation by our hosts. I suspect Amanda will be having words with a few people...

Still some good pictures came out of it - and I gather that everyone who went down enjoyed the experience. And the new kit looks fantastic - as you can see!

Its gets its first "outing" on 12th November - and at this very moment I'm sure Amanda is drawing up a bid for similar kit for the U14s.

Regional 7s and 10s - bid now for Hertfordshire!

The RFUW are now inviting bids for clubs to run the regional "Sevens" and "Tens" tournaments next April.

The 10s tournaments will take place over the weekend of 28/29th April (the same weekend as the Herts Mini Festival and Herts Tens), with one event for seniors and one for U17s. Eight tournaments are planned across the country with winners qualifying for a National Tens that will take place on 13th May (venue to be decided).

There will also be similar arrangements in place for regional 7s tournaments due to take place om the weekend of 19/20 May, though there will also be a U14 sa well as a U17 SevensArequest for bids for those events has yet to be issued but can be expected fairly soon. So start thinking about it now!

The key thing - as far as Hertfordshire is concerned - is to ensure that at least one club (and ideally just one club) in the county puts in a bid for the Tens, and another for the Sevens. Or to put it another way, if no-one steps forward don't complain if you find yourselves on the road to in North Walsham next Spring!

RFUW will providing a lot of support - including Medals & trophies, Match Balls, official team entry invites, tournament rules & regs, a tournament check-list, tournament format, support in initial stages of tournament preparation, and sponsorship advice. Clubs essentially just have to supply the facilities and officials - and get to keep the entry fees, and the income from any sponsorship deals.

In short its a great deal - so lets make sure we get some bids in!

Application forms should have been sent to all clubs today, and also will be on the RFUW website soon. If you have not had one contact SusanAllen@rfu.com.

But also note - applications to host the Tens (senior, U17 or both) have to be in by 13th November - so there is no time to delay!!

Senior competitions 2007-8: RFUW proposals

The Competition’s Review Group (CRG) was set up 12 months ago to look at the Competition Structure for the 2007/08 Season, we gathered feedback from the RFUW Conference and also gave your club a chance to sit on the review group as well as write in with your concerns and ideas. To all those clubs who responded, we would like to thank you very much for your input.

Feedback

The major issues that arose from the feedback were;

• Traveling at Premiership 2 level was increasing as this league is National.
• Some teams want the opportunity to play at a higher level but are stuck due to the amount of clubs in their area.
• Standard of referees / lack of referees.
• Cup Competition and teams not willing to play if they feel they may lose a fixture. 50% of fixtures were being cancelled.
• Cup - no clubs wishing to play the top teams in Premiership 1.
• Lack of players at grass root rugby.
• Rearrangement of fixtures.
• Increase the number of leagues that can play to the full IRB Rules as opposed to U19 laws.
• Lack of quality coaches / coaching opportunities.
• London clubs sending weakened side to play matches in the North.
• The calendar being disrupted by England so clubs feel a lack of continuity.
• Problems with play offs.

Some of these points have already been addressed as follows;

• We have successfully launched a referee’s recruitment programme.
• The onus of rearranging fixtures at National Challenge 1 and below has been given to the clubs and it is up to both teams to agree to rearrange a fixture, if one team refuses the fixture stands on the original date.
• We have run a number of women only coaching courses designed for coaches who are coaching within the women’s game.

These targets are also in the new RFUW strategic plan.

Previous CRG Changes & Success

Three years ago the CRG brought in new guidelines including reducing and matching the number of players to get matches played and U19 IRB Laws for Division 2 and below, These have proved very successful we went from 65% of matches being completed to:

• Season 03/04 – 80% completed 679/844 games played
• Season 04/05 – 90% completed 722/854 games played
• Season 05/06 – 84% completed 822/978 games played

Although there was a dip last season we must take into account that there were 48 players removed from League Rugby and due to the World Cup we had a very compacted calendar with the running of the Super League alongside the League Programme.

2007/08 Proposals

Taking into account the feedback we received we have put together the following proposals. It is imperative that we still run a National league (Currently Premiership 1) that has a geographical spread of clubs which enables all players the opportunity to play top class rugby. Whilst this league is not currently a closed shop, there is a strict criteria to this league, clubs who do not keep to this criteria will find themselves removed and replaced where possible.

We have looked at changing the names of the leagues to help the partners we work with these include the referee societies, where there has been some confusion regarding the playing rules.

The proposals could mean a movement in leagues for a number of clubs, these clubs would be expected to fill in their “Intention to Affiliate” forms with the guidance of the League Criteria as to which league they feel they would be best suited.


Proposals: League

1. Change the titles of the leagues to help our partners.

The current Premier 1 league to be known as ‘The Championship’.
The current Premier 2 to be Premier 1 and National 1 leagues become Premier 2.


2. Current Premiership 2 – Regionalized to Premier 1 North and Premier 1 South.

• Reduces traveling with an increase in Leagues to give clubs the opportunity to play higher up the leagues.
• Increases the number of teams that can play full IRB Rules.

3. Close the Championship so we have a geographical spread of clubs which enables all players the opportunity to play top class rugby.


Proposals: Cup


The Championship – Top 4 teams to play at the end of the season for a “Super Cup” this will offer further competition to help aid the development of the Elite Squads.

Premiership 1 North and South – The winners of the two leagues will play off for the Premiership Cup.

Regional Cup - Available to all other teams to enter on a regional basis.

Super League – The top 88 - 100 players to play in a Super League competition (3 x English qualified teams; 1 x Celtic qualified team).

PROPOSED COMPETITION STRUCTURE DETAIL 2007/08

Championship (Full IRB Rules) – Will consist of 8 geographically spread clubs, this is to enable players to have the opportunity of playing top class rugby wherever they are situated in the Country.

Relegation - Closed League providing all the clubs sustain their development plans and continue to grow and develop rugby within their region. Any club failing to do this will be removed and the option of going into the Championship will be offered to the Premiership Champions.

Or:

Play offs – winner of Premier Cup to play off with bottom of Championship.

Premiership 1 North and Premiership 1 South (Full IRB Rules) – Will consist of a maximum of 8 sides.

Clubs will qualify for the North league if they play their rugby in the North or the Midlands Leagues.

Clubs will qualify for the South League if they play their rugby in the South East or South West Leagues.

The winners of the league will playoff in the Premiership Cup to find the Premiership Champions.

Relegation - There will be a minimum of 1 side and a maximum of two sides relegated from each league at the end of the season.

Premiership 2 (Full IRB Rules) - North, Midlands, South East, South West.

Promotion – Winning sides will be promoted to Premiership North and South respectively.

Relegation –There will be a minimum of 1 side and a maximum of 2 sides relegated from each league at the end of the season. These teams will go into their regional league depending on their geographic location.

National Challenge 1 (U19 Laws) - North, Midlands, South East and South West, 15 a side.

National Challenge 2 and below (U19 Laws) - Teams can match numbers.

All leagues where possible will be produced with a geographical spread that will hopefully reduce traveling eg, North East, Midlands West.

Please send any comments regarding these proposals by 14th November 2006 to:

Competition Review Group, RFUW, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham, TW1 1DS or e-mail to RFUW@therfu.com

Referee Department launches new Referee Award

The Rugby Football Union Community Referees Department has launched its new Entry Level Referee Award (ELRA), with the first courses to be delivered during the first week in November.

The ELRA replaces the National Foundation Certificate (NFC) and is designed both for new referees and those with limited experience seeking to acquire additional knowledge and understanding.

The ELRA comprises three stages, with those wishing to join one of many Referees'' Societies around the country required to undertake all three. Those not wishing to join a Referees'' Society will undertake stages 1 and 2, each of which lasts one day. Prior to each of the first two stages, candidates will be asked to undertake a small amount of pre-course work based on DVD and CD Rom.

The content of the ELRA is far removed from the NFC and contains a significant amount of practical activity and learning. It seeks to provide referees with far more than knowledge of the Laws of the Game and covers areas such as Management and Control, Contextual Judgement, Positioning and Communication. The emphasis on Safety and Enjoyment prevails throughout.
"Mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Officiating, the new Award represents a huge advance in the way in which new referees are trained", said Andy Melrose, the Referee Department''s Training and Education Officer. "It has been produced following extensive consultation with the Game and will undoubtedly provide referees with many of the skills required to manage a game effectively. Ultimately, those undertaking the ELRA will be far more skilled, leading to a more satisfying experience for the players".

The ELRA will be delivered by recently appointed Referee Trainers, whose work programmes will be managed by the Department"s Referee Development Officers (RefDOs).
Richard Glynne-Jones, the RFU''s Referee Manager, said "We have recruited 27 excellent trainers, whom we are confident will provide an outstanding experience for those attending the ELRA. The better the experience, the more likely it is that candidates will go on to referee regularly, whether within a Referees’ Society or at their club, school or college".

Courses coming up in Hertfordshire are:

7/14/21/28 November: Marriotts School, Telford Avenue, Stevenage SG2 0AN (18.30 to 21.30)

25/26 November: Watford Grammar School for Boys, Rickmansworth Road, Watford WD18 7JF (09.00 to 16.00)

9/16/23/30 January: Sir Frederic Osborn School, Herns Lane,Welwyn Garden City AL7 2AF (18.30 to 21.30)

3/4 February: Hertford RFC, Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9NZ (09.00 to 16.00)

7/14/21/28 March: St. Albans School, The Woollam Playing Fields, 160 Harpenden Road, St. Albans, AL3 6BB (18.30 to 21.30)

24/25 March: Marriotts School, Telford Avenue, Stevenage SG2 0AN (09.00 to 16.00)

19/20 May: St. Albans School, The Woollam Playing Fields, 160 Harpenden Road, St. Albans, AL3 6BB (09.00 to 16.00)

6/13/20/27 June: Hertford RFC, Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9NZ (18.30 to 21.30)

For more information (including booking forms) see the RFU website

Its Oxfordshire on the 12th November. Or...

...maybe Essex. Or possibly both. And could be with Middlesex thrown in. In either Oxfordshire or Middlesex. Or Essex.

Confused?

Well pity the poor person taking the phone calls!

Basically the most likely event is that the U17 and U14 teams we will be somewhere in Oxfordshire on 12th November to play in a four-way tournaent with Essex and Middlesex. This depends on the approval of the Oxfordshire committee this week, but if it does fall through we'll simply play in the fixture Essex have set up with Middlesex.

More news when more is known.

County photo shoot with Saracens in Hatfield tomorrow

A few final notes about the Saracens photo shoot tomorrow...

• Arrive by 11.30
• Once changed, gather in the Sports Bar area
• Photo should be c 12.00
• Herts county kit has arrived for U17s in the county squad
• All other girls should come in club shirts
• Smile for the camera...

Keeping it in the county

The Rochford Festival U17 championship remains in Hertfordshire after Sunday's competition at the Essex club.

The popular festival - which draws entries from clubs across East Anglia - was won for the county for the first time last year by Welwyn, and this year it was near neighbours Letchworth's turn for glory with wins over Rochford, Diss, and Saracens/Fullerians before beating Sudbury 5-0 in a close final.

Herts clubs were less successful in the U14 competition, which was won by the host club for the first time. Letchworth finished third, Welwyn fourth, and Hertford fifth.

Barbarian training: 12th November

The training session for the Herts Barbarians on the 12th November will now be at the Old Albanians ground in St Albans from 1-30 (registration) until 4-00 .

This will be the final Barbarian training before the tournament in Westcliff on 3rd December which will feature up to 10 U17 teams, and will also include several other county "Second XVs" (such as Yorkshire and Essex).

Regional Training at Culford School

Regional Training - both senior and junior - will be at Culford School again this year (see "Key Dates" for details). For those that havn't been there before its an excellent venue, just outside Bury St Edmonds so reasonably central for the region as a whole.

Venue for East Region senior trails announced [REVISED]

A venue for the first East Region's senior trials has been arranged. The trials - which will take place on 3rd December - will be held at The St Christopher School in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire.

Directions can be found here http://www.stchris.co.uk/home/location.htm.

This venue was chosen after it was used by the Herts county girls for their development day on 15th October. "St Chris" is small independent school in North Hertfordshire with an interesting and unusual - but rather attractive philosophy - but (more to the point) a sports field that is kept in immaculate condition. There was room for three girls squads to train, the ground was available exclusively for the whole day, and the support provided by the staff - and pupils - from the school could not be faulted.

I was therefore delighted when St Chris said that they could also offer their grounds for East Region Senior trials. Start times etc. will be published nearer the time once agreed by regional coaches.

Note that there are two days of trials this year for senior players in order to enable as many players to be considered as possible. This shoudl regularise a situation where in the past the first squad training session was also being attended by those who missed the original trials - which in effect meant that that session had become a second trial by default.

Trialists will be expected to attend BOTH days unless their absence is unavoidable (and East Region staff are notified in advance).

The venue for the second senior trials - and the junior trials - on 28th January is still being arranged, but should be further north (we are aiming for Cambridgeshire).

12th November is back on... somewhere

Good news - we WILL have games on 12th November now after all.

Exactly where and against who is still be tidied up, but one opponent will almost certainly be Essex. We may also be joined by Oxfordshire and/or Middlesex.

The venue will be somewhere in either Essex, Oxfordshire and Herts (if the latter probably Letchworth, as it was already "booked" for training for the day).

More news as it comes in...

Other regional news...

Just to keep people posted...

No firm venues have been booked yet to other regional events (its quite early days), but plans are as follows...

• We are looking to return to Culford School again for Junior training - and possibly senior training too.
• Junior trials are likely to be in the Cambridge/Ely area
• The Senior game vs. South East is penciled in for a venue in Essex
• The Senior game vs. North East and the Junior trianguar vs. Yorkshire and North East are currently planned for Cambridgeshire

Things may obviously change a bit, but that is how things currently look. Feedback on these plans is welcome. For actual dates see the "Key Dates" page (link on menu bar to the right).

Reminder: U17 squad training tomorrow

Just a reminder for U17 squad members that there is an evening training session at the University of Hertfordshire tomorrow at 7.30pm.

Please contact me or Vicky if you cannot make it.

Oh.... bother!*

(*actually I didn't say bother...)

We have a (hopefully) temporary hiatus due to an administrative error by Buckinghamshire which means that, as it stands, we now have no-one to play on the 12th November.

However I have three two possibilities that I am working on, ranging in prospect from promising to a slightly outside chance, and I should have some news within a day or so.

With a bit of luck.

Grants for county girls: don't forget to apply!

Many district councils give financial support to local people selected for county or regional teams. The form of this support, and its size, varies hugely from nil in some districts to quite significant ammounts in others, but in almost all cases there will be something you can apply for. The process varies a lot as well, some grants being competitive, some annual, some ad hoc.

But the key thing to do is ask you local council. Remember - its the district council area you live in that you should apply to, not the one where your club is based or you go to school.

Last year several girls received funding to cover travel and equipment costs of £100 or more, so don't miss out. And if you revceived money last year remember that it is probably an annual grant, so if you have been selected again apply again.

After all the worst thing that can happen is that the council will say is "no"!

Barbarians in business!

As well as U14 and U17 squad training yesterday the St Christopher School in Letchworth (and a superb facility it was too, with great support from Mark Sowden and his girls) we had an excellent turnout from U17s wishing to play for the proposed Barbarian team.

Clive the coach was more than happy with the numbers and as a result we will now be confirming that both the U17 County squad and the U17 Barbarians will be going to the tournament in Westcliff on 3rd December.

On the next county day - 12th November - Clive will be taking one more training session for the Barbarians, which will be held at either OAs or Letchworth, depending on availability. There is still time, therefore, for other U17s to come forward and seek a place in a team that - as last year - has the potential to be as strong as some 1st XV county sides.

U14 squad for Thames Valley tournament announced

After yestersday's training a squad of 17 to take part in the tournament with the three Thames Valley counties in Aylesbury on 12th November has been selected.

After long discussions the coaches chose the following "starting XII" plus a "bench" of five replacements (all of whom should play on the day):

Hertfordshire U14s (Aylesbury, 12.11.06)

Forwards:
1 Rebecca Dawson (Welwyn)
2 Megan Childs (Saracens)
3 Sydnie Grace (Tabard)
4 Olivia Payne (Welwyn)
5 Courtney Arberry (Welwyn)

Backs:
15 Milly Porter (Welwyn)
14 Alice Nee (St Christopher School & Saracens)
13 Emma Wilson (Welwyn)
12 Samantha Voyle (Welwyn)
11 Ellinor Atkinson (Welwyn)
10 Rachel McCullough (Welwyn)
9 Claire Shutler (Saracens)

Replacements:
16 Laura Wennington (Letchworth)
17 Hayley Aldridge (Letchworth)
18 Megan Calder (Saracens)
19 Lydia Plummer (Welwyn)
20 Abigail Lee (Welwyn)

Thanks to everyone who came - and we are sorry we could not pick everyone!

Saracens send half-term invitation to Herts Girls

Saracens have invited any junior girl rugby players in the county to come to their training camp at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village on Tuesday 24th October.

The main aim will be to produce publicity photographs promoting girls' rugby in Hertfordshire. The U17 County Squad will be officially presented with their new playing kit, but the aim is also to include in the pictures as many girls from as many clubs in the county as possible, all wearing their club kit.

As its a Saracens training day it is intended that as many as possible of the Saracens squad will be available for inclusion in the pictures, as well as for autographs etc. - though obviously this will be dependent on their training schedules. For example, if they have lost the previous Sunday things may be a bit more intense and their availability a little more curtailed than we might like! And equally how much of their training we will be able to see may well depend on what sort of mood the coaching staff are in!

However, come what may the photography session will start at 12 noon, so anyone coming will need to be changed into their kit and ready by that time.

Photographs will appear in future Herts publicity campaigns, including websites, posters, etc. as well as (hopefully) rugby magazines such as the RFU's Touchline, and Saracens' match programme for the Girls Day.

Confirmed: OAs to host England's 2007 Six Nations campaign!

Breaking news:

It has been confirmed today that England will again be playing two of their home fixtures in the season's Six Nations at Old Albanians ground in St Albans.

On Saturday 3rd February England will face Scotland, who had a very good world cup - coming within touching distance of the semi-finals beford finishing in sixth place overall.

Then on Sunday 11th March its the big one against France in what may well again be the title decider.

In addition England will also host Italy - who replace Spain in the championship this season - at Twickenham on 10th February.

Last season the games at OAs prefaced with displays by Herts U14s (before the game against Wales) and Herts U17s (before the Ireland game). What will happen this year - if anything - has yet to be decided, but its still worth making a date in your diary NOW to see our World Cup heros defend their Six Nations crown.

Second Saracens "Girls Rugby Day" planned

Following the county's successful promotional day at Saracens last season, we are going being invited back again!

The most likely date looks like being the 14th January for the game between Saracens and French club Narbonne in the European Challenge Shield.

Rugby playing girls in the county will all be invited onto the field to form a "guard of honour" before the game. There will also be a write-up in the match programme and loudspeaker anouncements celebrating the girls game, and encouraging new players to give the game a try.

Parents will also be eligible for reduced price tickets. More information will appear shortly.

Maori Send-off for Kiwi Bound Mel

Mel Waite - who for the past three years has played second row and no. 8 for Hitchin, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, and East Region - will soon be emigrating to the "Land of the Long White Cloud" - New Zealand.

Mel learnt her rugby from a very young age with Hitchin minis before becoming part of a contingent of Hitchin girls who have played with Welwyn Warriors team since 2003. In that time she also came to the attention of both regional and county selectors, playing for East at both U14 and U17 level, before becoming a member of the first U17 county squad last season.

At last week's Beckenham Festival, Warriors skipper Lana Block presented Mel with a souvenir club shirt as a memento of her time with the team, while the remainder of the squad performed the All Black-style haka!

After the tournament, where Mel and her team-mates lost out in the final on penalties, the Warriors all signed the shirt. Mel is looking forward to life in New Zealand but she will miss her friends in the team.

The best bit of being a Warrior? "As a Hitchin girl it has to be all the victories over near rivals Letchworth" she said with a cheeky smile. Mel will keep in touch via the internet and wishes her club and county every success in the future.

Sexism at the BBC? Women's rugby invisible on the BBC website

Just weeks after England made the World Cup Final, women's rugby has become invisible again on the BBC's rugby website (ie. probably the most popular news source for the game) - see http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/default.stm

Well, you may say, that's amatuer or women's sport for you - the media just isn't interested.

But this is not the case. If you look around the BBC Sport website you will find that in every other sport - cricket, football, tennis, golf, athletics - there is a page for news on the women's game, with a link from the sport's front page.

ONLY the BBC's rugby pages fail to acknowledge even the existance of the women's game.

There is a feedback page to make a complaint about this - see http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/make_complaint_step1.shtml. So if you have a few minutes, why not drop them a line.

Appointed Persons First Aid Course

There will be an "Appointed Persons First Aid Course" presented by Tony Bennison at Tabard RFC Date on 15th November 2006, 6:30pm. Cost: £30 (Cheques made payable to Tabard RFC).

With his alternative approach Tony Bennison manages to entertain candidates whilst teaching them the basic principle of First Aid (must be a first)!

This course is designed to meet Appointed Person criteria as set down by the HSE and each candidate will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

The course is open to anyone aged 16 or above.

If interested please email philcalnan@aol.com. Cheques to be sent c/o Phil Calnan, 20 Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Herts. WD25 8AJ

County training this Sunday

A reminder that we are at St Christopher School in Letchworth this Sunday, starting at 1.30. Directions can be found here http://www.stchris.co.uk/home/location.htm.

This will be the final outdoor training session before the tournaments in November and December and will be divided into three section:

• U17 County Squad training for those who have been selected
• U17 Barbarian Squad training for all other U17s, the aim being to form a county "second XV" which will take part in the tournaments as it did last season when it beat Oxfordshire!
• U14 training for all U14s, the aim being to select a squada to play both in the county tournaments, and the National U14 Cup.

So there will be something for everyone! Don't miss out!!

Girls who were at Stevenage will not have to register again (though we will need to tick you in). Other girls will need to complete a registration form - which can be downloaded from the menu bar on the right (see under "County Newsletters & Forms").

Regional selection details finalised

Next weekend sees the second county day, this time at the St Christopher School in Letchworth.

Co-incidental with this detail of how the new "closed trial" arrangements for the regional team have been announced.

Unlike previous years you will not be able to simply turn up at trials, but will instead have to be invited. 15 U17 girls and 12 U14 girls from each of the three county team in the region (Essex, Hertfordshire, and Eastern Counties) will be nominated by their respective county coaches in December.

In addition there will also be a very limited number of "Wildcard" places available for girls who are not members of their county squads. Clubs who wish to put forward girls for a "Wildcard" place will need to do so, in writing, to the Regional Programme Manager by the end of November. The nomination should include details about why the girl should go forward and priority is likely to be given to girls who did not attend their respective county trials due to illness or injury, or because they are highly talented players who have just taken up the game.

And who is the Regional Programme Manager? Erm... is me....

Herts clubs perform well at Beckenham 2006

Players from two Hertfordshire clubs took part in the Beckenham festival last weekend.

In the Under 17 tournament Welwyn reached the final having beaten Havant, Letchworth, and Burgess Hill on the way. The final - against Cramberley/Petersfield - ended in a deadlocked 0-0 draw so the title was then decided on penalty kicks, which Welwyn were unlucky to lose 3-0.

Welwyn's defeat of the other Hertfordshire representatives Letchworth was the only defeat suffered by the North Herts team who were eventually placed 5th, with wins over Havant and Westcliffe.

In the U14 event Welwyn also finished runners-up to Cramberley 24-5 - but there was some Hertfordshire glory as one of the girls in the opposition was from Letchworth, who had been unable to field a U14 side of their own.

U14 coaches... Your region needs YOU!!!

Claire Sanderson, our Women's Regional Development Manager (erm... I think... "WRDM" anyway) writes:

We’re still struggling for staff for the U14s regional programme in the East Region. At present we have no coaches or managers that have expressed an interest in being involved. If you can find your way to pushing this at the county session at the weekend I would much appreciate it.

Well, consider this "pushing it".

Come on you lot - we're talking about the chance to coach one of the best U14 teams in the country! Seriously. East U14s were fourth place in 2005, and runners-up last season. There are so many talented players out there and all they need is YOU!!

So don't sit back and expect that someone else will step into the breach. You are that "someone else". Don't let your girls down - and help us find the England players of tomorrow.

Drop Claire a line. Now. ClaireSanderson@rfu.com. Say "I am interested in helping out with the U14s". Only takes a moment and you won't regret it.

Women's rugby on the web

Probably the most comprehensive and up-to-date listing directory of women's rugby clubs can now be found here.

By the looks of it this seems to be the private project of one man - Steve Uglow of Canterbury Rugby Club in Kent - and covers not just women's clubs, but al clubs across the country, as well as referees societies, governing bodies, and so on.

He does - with the odd exception - limit himself to just adult clubs that play within a league structure, but even so if you are looking for a fixture or contacts for a tour or whatever this would seem to be a great place to start. And if you are aware of any club websites not included in the list, let Steve know.

Inter-county tournament on 12th November

Great news!

We now have a second county tournament to look forward to. As well as big event at Westcliffe on 3rd December - which will feature all of the East Region's county teams plus possibly a few "guests" as well - we have now been invited to a Thames Valley county festival on 12th November.

This will be in Aylesbury, either at Aylesbury RUFC or nearby RAF Halton. Other counties taking part will include Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and (possibly) Middlesex.

More details will come out nearer the time.

Information from the first county development day

As this is our second year of county rugby, it is possible to compare this year with last and get an idea about how well we are doing, and how healthy the game is in the county.

Of course - as any students of statistics out there would point out - its not a perfect match as this year the day was a week or so earlier than last year (which will have made a difference for the U14s), and at a different location - but taking that into account there are some interesting results.

	2006	2005
	First day	First day	(All days)
Number of girls attending:
U14s:	17	19	(25)
U17s:	51	52	(66)
Number of clubs:
U14s	4	6	(6)
U17s	6	8	(8)
By age (at 1st September):
11	2	5	(8)
12	9	5	(5)
13	6	9	(12)
14	13	19	(21)
15	21	15	(23)
16	15	18	(22)
17	2	-	(-)

Also, looking at girls who have been to a development day in 2005 who came again in 2006...

Girls who were U14s (in 2005) returning in 2006: 76%
Girls who were U17s (in 2005) eligible to return in 2006: 59%*
(*ie. not including those who are now too old)

By age...
11 year-olds (in 2005) returning (as 12 year-olds) in 2006: 87%
12 year-olds (in 2005) returning (as 13 year-olds) in 2006: 60 %
13 year-olds (in 2005) returning (as 14 year-olds) in 2006: 75%
14 year-olds (in 2005) returning (as 15 year-olds) in 2006: 76%
15 year-olds (in 2005) returning (as 16 year-olds) in 2006: 39%

Whether any of this means anything, and if so what, I leave to you to decide.

The pwr of txt

This is just a useful observation/tip.

Last weekend I had to contact all 24 selected U17s to tell them about the first training session. In normal circumstamces this would have been a job that would have had me attached to a phone for hours, what with people engaged, away, etc. etc. And you never can guarantee that messages are passed on properly even if you get through.

However - as we now have mobile numbers for almost everyone - I tried texting instead. Sending one message to 23 numbers took about five minutes, and by the following morning I had had 19 written confirmations. So that's close to an 80% success rate - not bad. The others were then followed up in the "conventional" way.

So the tip is ... if you want to send a short message urgently to a large group of people then text messaging is wonderful. The message gets to the recipient as you sent it, you get a written confirmation they've had it, and it all takes minutes.

County U17 squad... and now the backs!

The names of almost all of the U17 squad have now been released. In addition to the forwards - whose names appeared on Thursday - the following 11 backs will also be in this season's county squad:

Lana Block (Welwyn); Charisse Fallon (Welwyn); Hannah Gallagher (Welwyn); Victoria Hampshire (Hertford); Harriet Lilley (Welwyn); Rosie Randfield (Letchworth); Alex Robertson (Saracens); Casey Shults (Welwyn); Natalie Threlfall (Letchworth); Sophie-Jane Tyler (Hertford); Megan Williams (Welwyn)

This may not be quite the final list as there are still a few girls who were unable to get to trials who need to be seen and maybe added to the final line up.

In the end 52 girls from eight clubs attended U17 trials this season - or let the selectors know that they wanted to be considered but were unable to take part - compared with 53 from nine last season. Watford RFC sent girls for the first time, but this season there were no girls from Bishops Stortford or Cheshunt.

Of the 24 names announced so far, 11 were in last season's U17 squad, and five made it into the squad having missed out last year. Three girls were selected who had never attended trials before, and finally five girls made the great step up from U14 rugby last season straight into the county U17 squad.

Congratulations to everyone.

The first training session for the U17s will be this Wednesday at the University of Hertfodshire Sports Village from 7.30 to 9.30

As last season there will also be a county "B" team, and all girls who came to trials but missed out are invited back to county training on 15th October at St Christopher School in Letchworth. Remember - last season the "B" team were the region's County Team of the Year after beating Oxfordshire 1st XV, as well as pushing the Essex to the limits, so there is a lot to play for yet!

As last season there will a squad will not be selected at this stage from the U14s - so if you are a U14 and did not get to Stevenage last week there is still a chance to get into the county team! So come along on Sunday 15th October!

County U17 squad selections: Forwards

Everyone who attended trials will also be contacted in writing, but as the first county training session is next Wednesday (at Hatfield Sports Village - see here for all training dates) we will be emailing those selected and also publishing the names here.

As some backs have yet to be seen by selectors the full county U17 squad list is not yet finalised. However, the forwards have now been selected, and appear below:

Ema Burgess (Hertford); Frances Dawson(Welwyn); Claire Foster (Hitchin); Milly Fuggles (Hertford); Hayley Guilder (Letchworth); Hannah Marques (Welwyn); Sophie Newman (Hertford); Naomi Parnell (Letchworth); Katie Pearcey (Hertford); Hannah Smith (Hertford); Geri Thomas (Fullers); Mel Waite (Hitchin); Laura Watson (Letchworth)

Congratulations to everyone selected.

Of the thirteen girls chosen, nine were in the U17 squad last season. The four new faces are Katie Pearcey and Hannah Smith (who both missed out on selection for the U17s last season), and Frances Dawson and Laura Watson who have made the jump from U14 rugby last season straight into this season's county U17 squad - an impressive performance.

If you missed out this time please come along to the next development day on October 15th at St Christopher School, Letchworth as we will be looking for form a county "B" squad as well.

World Cup: Kiwis complete hat trick of titles

In the end it was a problem that had been hinted at in the games with the USA and Canada - and even right back to Wales - an inability to turn possession and territory into points.

Without question England possess the strongest pack in world rugby. For the first thirty minutes or so they pushed the New Zealanders around, almost at will, with almost the entire first half taking place not only in the Kiwi half, but inside their 22. In particular England successfully targeted - and all but neutralised - New Zealand's full back and possibly leading player of the tournament, Amiria Marsh.

But despite all that pressure the only reward was a single penalty early on. New Zealand, on the other hand, found their way into the England half maybe three or four times, scored a try just before half time, and came in at he break leading 10-3.

The English tactics of keeping the ball with the forwards worked much of the time, but the few times it was released to the New Zealand backs they looked devastating, slicing through the English defence at times with amazing speed. And it was a flowing backs move at the start of the second half that lead to their second try, and a 15-3 lead.

This was soon cut to 15-10 when English pressure finally resulted in a penalty try, but from then on it was the turn on of the New Zealanders to put on the pressure. With the English tight five beginning to showing the effect of all the hard work they'd put in, the boot was now on the other foot and a classic forwards try, driving from a line out, extended the Kiwi lead to 10 points with only minutes to spare.

But England were not finished. With 77 minutes on the clock the fresh legs of Helen Clayton finally drove the England pack over the New Zealand line. With Shelley Rae slotting the extras the score was 20-17 as the game moved into injury time. Could we have a fairy tale ending?

No, in short. Desperate attempts by England to win back the ball from the restart lead to their being penalised from offside and pushed well back into their own half. Now having to run the ball from deep saw England turned over, and the ball in the Black Fern backs' hands - and finally into the hands of Amiria Marsh. For once free of English pressure she touched down in the corner to complete what was, ultimately, a deserved 25-17 New Zealand win.

So England have been frustrated by New Zealand again. What is the answer? Well, Sue Day, talking straight after the match, thinks its you! :

"If I can just add the big thing that is chaging in England, I think, is that girls are playing from a much younger age and some of the talent coming through is very exciting. They play the right kind of rugby - really good, exciting rugby - and I'm really looking forward to those players coming through when I'm sitting on the sidelines in a few years time"

Sunny Stevenage hosts the first county day

Over sixty girls worked hard in sweltering conditions in sunny Stevenage this afternoon - and left quite a problem for county coaches selecting teams for the forthcoming season. Around twenty U14s attended and should form the basis of a useful junior squad, while 44 U17s demonstrated their skills in a mini four-team "tournament".

In the latter the biggest winner was possibly the heat and humidity, with the pace of games slowing noticably as the afternoon wore on, but the girls from Welwyn (aided by Hitchin) impressed and seemed to be continuing where they left off last season. Letchworth, Saracens, Fullerians, and Hertford provided the bulk of the other participants.

A squad of around 25 will now be selected for the U17s, but the intention is to also run a development team as well. For the U14s training will continue for the girls attending, but it is not too late for other U14s to come foreward and stake a claim for a place in the county side at the next development day next month.

County trials & development day: REMINDER!!

Remember - this Sunday trials (for U17s) and a development day (for U14s) will be held at Stevenage rugby club, registration at 1.30pm.

Vicky Lowe (U17 Head Coach) writes:

Hopefully you've been able to access the registration forms and the girls/coaches will have them all filled out before the day....this will speed up registration which will give coaches more time to warm up their teams.

Just to recap the format for the trials. The plan is to run 10 a side matches, most girls will be playing in club teams. I appreciate that not all clubs are able to bring a 10 a side team that are all experienced enough to be at the trials, so what we have asked clubs to do is link up to form mixed teams. Can I stress at this point that trials are not to be seen as competition between clubs, Luke, myself and the spotters are
looking at individual girls and the club (or school) they play for is irrelevant.

So we're asking the coaches to take responsibility for warming up their players and then we'll get everyone together, give you a schedule for the matches then we'll get cracking!

I'd also like to say we put a lot of thought into the trial format for this year. We looked at how trials are run in other counties and discussed the format with Peter Engledow. I realise there will always be teething problems but myself and Luke feel this will give us the best opportunity to spot talented rugby players. And I do expect this year to be more competitive than last year....and thats a good thing. For girls county rugby to be taken seriously we need to make it more competitive, more elitist and give our girls the best opportunity to progress further at regional and representative level.

I understand that some girls at your clubs may be very new to rugby, and if you feel the trials are not for them don't bring them. The matches will be full contact (though scrums may well be uncontested and will be decided on the day). The plan is to run development sessions, like last year, at the same time the county team train Sunday October 15th, Sunday November 12th and Sunday December 3rd). This will provide a fantastic opportunity for new players to gain experience and more coaching.

If anyone has questions or queries feel free to get in touch, my number is 07739 968499.

So far I've got numbers from 4 clubs (Fullers, Hertford, Letchworth and Sarries). Can the other clubs email me asap with numbers, or say which club you've linked with so we can work out a match schedule before Sunday.

Thanks
Look forward to seeing you all there.....don't forget boots and mouthguards (girls will not be able to play without them).

World Cup Final LIVE on Sky!

If you have Sky then set your videos / DVDs / whatever - or be prepared for a blearly start to the week - because the World Cup Final between England and New Zealand will be on Sky Sports 3 live from 11.55pm on Sunday night.

So not exactly a huge build-up to the game anticipated being as it starts at midnight, but even so its good to see.

The semi-finals also went out on Sky last night - 24 hours after the matches actually took place, but broadcast "as live" so you saw the entire games. Basically it seems to be the same coverage as the 24.7 internet broadcasts - Sky have not gone to the trouble of actually having reporters out there or anything.

Both teams should be fully up-to-strength and England seem confident that they can steal it. So remember to tune in - could be a memorable night!

World Cup: England 80 minutes from glory!

It nearly all went horribly wrong in the last few minutes, but England are in the World Cup Final on Sunday after a 20-14 win over Canada. At 17-0 up early in the second half everything seemed to be running to script. A Canadian try reduced the deficit, but on 73 minutes Charlotte Barras went over for her second try of the game and that seemed that.

But the Canadians had not read the script and came storming back. With most of England's first choice forwards now on the bench Canada came within inches of stealing the match - a last ditch tackle by Kim Shaylor denying a third Canadian try in the 79th minute - and England hung on.

New Zealand had few problems overcoming France in the other semi (40-10) and so the two teams will meet on Sunday in a repeat of the 2002 final.

Up until yesterday England seemed to be the form side - each perfromance better than the last while the Kiwis seemed to have peaked early. And it may well be that England relaxed too soon here, taking the place in the final for granted.

Where they have met common opposition New Zealand (Canada and France) have produced more convincing wins that England have managed, and must start on Sunday clear favourites. But if anyone can stop them it is England.

Incidentally you may be wondering - does all this matter? How would an England win affect me? Well, about 13 years ago the same two countries met in a women's world cup final where New Zealand started as favourites. It was also a time when the English men's team was pretty hopeless, and so when the England team won - and on TV too (thanks to a last minute change of mind at the BBC) - an event that had been ignored up until then suddenly grabbed headlines. Stars were born. Bouyed up on this the separate women's and men's governing bodies merged, with the women getting a cut of all of the men's sponsorship deals, and inclusion in TV contracts. The game remains now one of the highest profile women's team sports, with its national team taking part in an open-top bus ride through London last summer after they beat Australia. Before the win the sport struggled to raise even regional teams, now virtually every county has a side.

That sport was cricket, not rugby. But it shows why winning things like the World Cup is important. The parallels between women's rugby today and women's cricket in 1993 are remarkable - and if England win on Sunday it could be your sport that gets the open top bus treatment in 10 years time or so. And you might even be on the bus!

So - come on England!

World Cup: England through to semi-finals!

The long wait until midnight last night was rewarded by what in the end was a remarkably comfortable win by England over France to gain a well deserved semi-final berth. A dominant English forward display meant that France rarely threatened the English line.

England's first try can on eight minute from wing Danielle Waterman, picking up from behind a stong forward drive, and similar forward pressure - this time a scrum - saw the a second try by Danielle just before half time. With Sue Day scoring two more tries within ten minutes of the restart England were home and dry. The final score was 27-8, but that barely reflects the English dominance - it wasn't until the 71st minute that France made any impact on the scoreboard.

Elsewhere perhaps the performance of the night came from Scotland. With two wins under their belts already a semi-final berth was there for the taking - just New Zealand stood in their way! In a terrific game the Scots held off the Kiwi charge for 56 minutes knowing that a single bonus point would see them into the semis. But then the dam burst, with New Zealanders running in three tries in six minutes to take the game but - to Scotland's credit - not a bonus point.

In the remaining games Canada beat Kazakhstan 45-5, Ireland beat South Africa 37-0, Spain made up for a things in the earlier game with a 14-12 winover Samoa, and the USA continued to do well with a 10-6 win of over Australia.

So who went through? The USA finished sixth thanks on nine points, but Scotland, France and Canada finishing on 10 - so it was down to tries scored... and it was Scotland lost out.

So on Tuesday England play Canada (at midnight our time again) after New Zealand have taken on France, which should give us the much anticipated Anglo-Kiwi final next Sunday.

Update...

One remarkable, and hiterto uncommented on fact, is that this semi-final line up is exactly the same as four years ago (when England beat Canada 53-10 and New Zealand beat France 30-0). In addition the three teams of the four teams competing for 5th to 8th place are also the same as four years ago (USA, Australia and Scotland being joined by Ireland this time instead of Spain).

Latest county newsletter published

The sixth county newsletter - and the first of the new season - has been published.

The latest edition headlines the trials and development day at Stevenage on 17th, but also includes a summary of the main news items of the summer and a diary of key dates for the season and a contact listing of county coaches and managers.

Also now available is the registration form for the county day. Every player attending the day must arrive with a completed form as it provides important information for the organisers as well as essential parental permissions.

Female forwards day!

Old Albanians Rugby Club (Harpenden Road, St Albans) are running a special "forwards day" on Saturday 16th September 2006 from 9am-1pm to learn more about the skills involved in Forwards Rugby.

Females aged 18 and over of all abilities are welcome to come along and get quality coaching on scrummaging, line outs, specific training and conditioning and back row moves, plus more.
Cost: £5 to include BBQ lunch

For more details or to come along, contact Karina Page on 07921189900 or

County trials: What you need to know...

The season's barely started but trials are already only a week and a half away (though if you think that is early its worth bearing in mind that Essex held their trials the better part of two months ago, so we have some cathing up to do!).

So what's the lowdown?

Where and when... Stevenage Rugby Club, from 2.00 to c4.00. Registration from 1.30 - forms will be distributed beforehand. You are asked not to arrive too much before 1.30 so as not to collide with the tail end of Stevenage's morning training.

Bring with you... Registration form with parental permissions signed; rugby boots; gumshield. Gumshields are now compulsory in all girls' rugby so if you do not have one, or have incorrect footwear, or you do not have written parental permission you will not be allowed to trial!! Full stop. No exceptions.

What's going to happen? See the earlier note on this. Clubs are requested to contact Vicky and Luke with details of expected numbers of U17 trialists as soon as possible. If you have fewer than 10 girls then if possible please make arrangements to combine with another club before the trials. This can be organised on the day, but the more that can be done beforehand the smoother things will run.

What if someone cannot make the 17th? If one of your U17s cannot make the trials on the 17th for any reason then he tell Luke now! He and Vicky will then try to make arrangements to watch them before the trials.

Enjoy. We have listened and learned and the aim is that the day should be as fun and enjoyable as possible, whether you are selected for the county squad or not. That's partly why we've moved away from drills with the U17s. You come to rugby to play rugby, not to do drills!

There will be a newsletter out hopefully by the weekend, though it will contain nothing that has not appeared on this blog.

World Cup: England march on...

A throughly professional and effective performance by England saw them run in twelve tries against South Africa and rack up the largest total by any team in the world cup so far... until Canada beat it a couple of hours later!

74-8 was the score at Ellerslie Rugby Park in Edmonton, with the try scoring bonus point wrapped up before half time thanks to a brace of tries from Nicky Crawford, one from captain Sue Day, and another from Shelly Rae - who is now the tournament's highest scorer with 27 points thanks to the eight conversions she also kicked.

Another eight tries followed in the second half, including a three more from left wing Sue Day who was clearly having the sort of day that most people can only dream about. The only blot on the copybook came on 62 minutes when the South African pack managed to drive their flanker over the line for their only try of the game.

Anyway - lots of comment and more detailed reports will appear on the RFUW website and elsewhere (hopefully) - but the questionis... where does this leave things?

Because England were not the only team playing impressively. In the game of the night France - England's next opponents - put in an impressive performance, complete with try bonus, beating Australia 24-10. In fact that scoreline flatters Australia a bit - France were 17-0 up at half time with three tries already on the board, and had their bonus point wrapped up and pocketed before the Aussies had managed to cross their line for the one and only time.

Its not as if Australia are a poor side - though they are not the giants of the women's game as their men are - they racked up 68 points against South Africa last Thursday, only two tries less than England last night. Also if England have the tournaments best scorer then France have the second best - right-wing Catherine Devilliers, who has score five tries so far.

Elsewhere New Zealand ran in 50 unanswered points against Samoa, Canada destroyed a woeful Spain 79-0, the USA came back from their defeat against England to beat Ireland 24-11 and Scotland continued their 100% record with a 32-17 win over Kazakhstan.

Which leaves us with only four unbeaten teams, three (New Zealand, France and Scotland) on maximum 10 points and England one behind on 9. However with New Zealand also playing Scotland on Friday as well as France playing Engalnd only two teams can hope to finish the pool stage unbeaten. So there is hope yet for Samoa (who should destroy Spain), Canada (who will be too much for Kazakhstan) and either the USA or Australia who provide the warm-up act before the France/England battle.

Predictions? England should have enough to get by France - just. Certainly not by 30+ points they managed in Paris! And England know that they HAVE to win - defeat will almost certainly see them out before the semi-final stage. France - onthe other hand - can still qualify even if they lose, and just a single bonus point should be enough to secure a top four place.

My guess (my hope?) is that as Saturday dawns we will see a final pool table looking like this:

1. New Zealand (15); 2. England (13); 3. France (11); 4=. Canada, Scotland (10); 6=. Samoa, USA (9); 8. Australia (6); 9. Ireland (5); 10=. Kazakhstan, South Africa, Spain (0).

New title - wider coveage

At last nights ever so slightly sparsely attended county meeting (thank you Tabard, Welwyn, Saracens, OAs and Letchworth for turning up, and for Hitchin for at least sending apologies - but where were the rest of you?) it was requested that this blog broaden its scope a bit and so (da-da-da-dah!!!) a slight change of title.

So what difference will it make? Well basically material I receive connected with the adult game will now appear here as well. I won't be doing a retrospective search and adding "old" news - ie. anything from the adult game that happened or was announced before today - because that way a degree of madness lies, but any new stuff I get will appear here. So spread the word!

I'll grant you that my links with the adult game is not as good as with the junior, so I'll be relying on people telling me things a bit more!

World Cup: Free "highlights" available

Roughly 90-second clips from each of the games in the opening phase if the World Cup can now be downloaded. Click here now to see the best women rugby players in the world in action!

And tonight its round two with England aiming to get maximum points against South Africa. The coach - Geoff Richards - is ringing the changes a bit so as to rest some players before the crucial game with France on Friday. Is this wise? Log in tonight to find out!

URGENT: Feedback wanted on last year's regional programme

If you were in a regional squad last season Claire Sanderson at RFUW wants to know what you though about the experience.

There is a meeting in Loughborough on 12th September, but if you cannot make it (and most will not be able to) please contact Claire (clairesanderson@rfu.com) by 6th September with your comments, views, experience, recommendations, suggestions... ANYTHING AT ALL!!

In the end it is YOUR programme designed to make you a better player, and what people like Claire want to know is if it is working and how it could be made better.

So drop her a line. Now!

County trials: How far could rugby take you?

If you are a U17 then about 7,000 miles... or the west coast of the USA to be exact!

If you need an incentive to get into the county or regional team then how about being part of the first ever girls' rugby tour of the USA and Canada?

Today it has been announced that the RFUW have given permission for the official East Region's girls' U18 squad to take visit North America in July 2008. It will be the U18 squad because, as you will remember, age bands change next season. This means that it will effectively be the same as the U17 squad that is selected this season.

Ideas in the ambitious plan includes possible participation in a USA's West Coast championship (to be held in Washington State) or a similar inter-state tournament to be followed by games with at least one Canadian provincial team. The tour will take place in July 2008 as this best co-incides with both the US and Canadian seasons.

And - of course - the first stage in selection for the tour will be the county trials in Stevenage on the 17th - because "closed" regional trails mean that if you are not in a county squad its unlikely you'll make the regional squad.

Why North America? Because girls' rugby is a a BIG thing over there – a quarter of all American rugby players are women, and the attitude to the female game in the USA in particular seems to be hugely positive. East can expect a warm welcome, with plenty of top quality rugby in two different countries.

Clearly there will be a lot to do before then. Such tours are not "free" and there is a great deal of planning to do. But with the better part of two years to plan and fund raise for the trip it should be a event that you will remember forever.

And the first step to getting on that plane is only two weeks away...

As for the U14s the problem we face is that there is not the range of opposition available for the younger age group. This is also a huge step into the unknown, so we need to get it right. And if do and all goes well then we can expect future tours to follow - in both direction. So the intention is that you will get a chance - next time!

What's it like to be an international rugby player?

You cannot get a better idea that three blogs which a couple of players are doing during the World Cup. Okay, they are US players (scrumhalves Lee Knight and Claudia Braymer, and prop Jamie Burke) but its still really great stuff.

You can almost smell the Ralgex!

Take a look!

County trials: a day not to be missed!

County trials are only two week away - and it it promises to be an great afternoon's rugby.

For the under 14s it will be the first chance for those taking up the game this year to meet and work with other girls from across the county. And for the more experienced U14s its going to be time for them to step up and take on the role of leading new county team - possibly for the next two years, thanks to the age group changes next season.

For the under 17s the coaches have decided to replace the rather stale round of drills (which tend only to highlight girls who are good at drills) with more matchplay. A 10-a-side inter-club tournament is therefore planned. Clubs with fewer than 10 U17s (or with spare playerws in exces of 10) will combine together - so even if you are the only U17 at your club you should stil come along.

Registration at Stevenage RFC will begin at 1.30 with the aim for 2.00 start, and a 4.00 finish. Directions can be found here.

World Cup: England begin with a win.

England have started their World Cup campaign with a win, but it was a frustrating night for everyone on both sides of the Atlantic.

Followers of the game around the world attempting to use the internet-based live broadcast were faced with blank screens for part or all of some of the first round games - including England's match. Australia's game with South Africa was unavailable until the second half, and there were reports from some viewers of problems with the Katakhstan/Samoa feed as well.

Then - just as everyone was taking their seat's for the game of the night- a power cut at England's ground cut transmission before it had begun. Second half coverage was promised but whether this came on I cannot confirm as your correspondent had given up by that point.

The good news is that the semi-finals and final will be on Sky - assuming England get there.

They should do - but fact is that last night it was well into the second half before England broke the deadlock, and it was not until the the USA were reduced to 14 players by a sin-binning that England were able to force their way across the Americans' line. And in a game dominated by the forwards and robust defending it was not until the last minute before England were able cross the line again.

The size of England's task was emphasised by 66-7 thrashing New Zealand gave to Canada earlier in the day. Canada beat the USA only a few weeks ago, and are seeded two places above them for this tournament. On this evidence there is a gap of some 30 points between the top two seeds.

But teams can peak too early in tournament like this. England's Six Nations had a shaky start as well, with England going behind to Wales at OAs before eventually winning the game - and then then tournament - quite comfortably. Hopefully this is just eveidence of a slow start again.

Elsewhere Australia beat England's next opponents - South Africa - by 68-12, a margin of victory that England should significantly exceed on Monday if they are to show progress. France - England's final pool opponents - beat Ireland 43-0, and play Australia next. Scotland recorded a comfortable win over Spain and may have a good chance of a semi-final place, while in the final game Samoa prepared for their game with the Kiwis on Monday with a 20-5 win over Kazakhstan.

• More photographs, a detailed match report, and reaction from the England camp can be found on the RFUW website.