Pinner do not suffer that ol’ Icky feeling!

Usual format, awaiting match report but in the meantime here are some images from the game between Pinner RFC 1st XV versus Ickenham RFC. Photos taken by Jacob Talbot (Under 12’s Pinner player)

Saturday, 29 October 2011
Kilburn Cosmos	18 – 45	Harrow
Old Grammarians	28 – 11	Old Abbotstonians
Old Merchant Taylors’	65 – 7	Old Isleworthians
Pinner & Grammarians	22 – 3	Ickenham
Royston	26 – 7	London French

Herts/Middlesex 2	Short Format Long Format
Team P W D L F A Diff B Pts Pts Adjust Harrow 7 7 0 0 284 93 191 6 34 0 Old Merchant Taylors’ 7 7 0 0 253 68 185 4 32 0 Uxbridge 6 6 0 0 268 35 233 4 28 0 Royston 6 4 0 2 129 99 30 3 19 0 Old Grammarians 6 3 0 3 120 102 18 4 16 0 Kilburn Cosmos 6 3 0 3 120 114 6 3 15 0 Pinner & Grammarians 6 2 0 4 99 122 -23 2 10 0 Old Abbotstonians 7 1 0 6 96 223 -127 3 7 0 London French 6 1 0 5 64 166 -102 1 5 0 Old Isleworthians 6 1 0 5 66 246 -180 1 5 0 Ickenham 7 0 0 7 38 269 -231 0 0 0
Last Updated: Oct 29 2011 6:00PM

Pinner back in winning form

After a three week lay-off from league rugby P&G’s were hosts to local rivals Ickenham at Shaftesbury Playing Fields on Saturday.  Both teams were in need of a win to lift them in the Herts /Middx Div 2.  Ickenham had the advantage of the wind for the first half but Pinner got the early scoring chances through penalties but none were converted.  Ickenham now used the wind to advantage to keep the ball in the home half and desperate P&G’s defence led to the home side conceding penalties.  Ickenham fly-half Barry Hall narrowly missed his first attempt at goal kicking the ball dead but Pinner soon gave him another chance when they were penalised for not releasing the ball in the tackle.  This time Hall made no mistake to give the visitors a 3 – 0 lead.  Pinner now upped the tempo with centre Alex Goring making a surging run from his own 10 metre line only to be brought down 3 metres short of the try line. Ickenham managed to scramble the ball clear. When it looked like the visitors would hold the lead to half-time they conceded a penalty on their 10 metre line.  Full-back Mark Razzell, promoted after kicking 18 points for the Pelicans the previous week, landed a fine 40 metre kick into the wind to draw level as the whistle went.

Now with the wind behind them Pinner attacked in earnest.  With only 7 minutes of the half gone they won the ball in mid-field and moved swiftly to right winger John Kirby who made good ground along the touch line.  When tackled he found No 8 Bernie Richter in support to complete the last 20 metres to score 10 m in from touch.  Razzell confidently added the 2 points.  The Ickenham backs seemed to have a few handling problems and in an attempt to get back into the game they conceded a few long range penalties but Pinner were unable to take advantage. With a quarter of an hour left, and the home side not yet sure of victory, P&G’s again attacked from mid-field.  This time Captain Reza Sibilant chose to put in the most delicate of kicks through the advancing defence and centre Alex Goring gathered and scored.  Razzell once more made the conversion to give the home side a more comfortable 17 – 3 lead.  On the half hour the Ickenham scrum-half, under pressure from the P&G’s back-row, put in a dreadful kick which was gratefully fielded by his opposite number Sam Markham.  He skilfully chipped over the disorganised defence, ran on to catch his own kick and scored Pinner’s third try which was not converted.   In the last ten minutes Pinner pressed hard for the fourth bonus point try but it was not to be so they had to be satisfied with the 22 – 3 victory.

Saracens Rugby Camp @ Pinner RFC

Despite inclement weather, the rain did try and spoil the days activities, although judging by the smiling faces it didn’t succeed. Players were greeted by four Saracens coaches upon entry into the clubhouse, forms filled in, introductions made then straight out onto the playing fields. Players were split into different groups depending on age and experience and rotated around all of the coaches, each developing different skills whilst having great fun.

Today the players went through a number of drills, games and skill development:

Morning and afternoon sessions

Development through game play

Individual skills & techniques

Positive Continuity

Contact avoidance

Offloading

Speed, Agility and Quickness

Tackling / Tagging Techniques

Ball Presentation

It was definitely a full on session in the morning and the orange slices offered went down a storm (even though some said they didn’t do oranges!)

Lunch was eagerly taken by all, a great spread was laid on – Spaghetti/pasta bolognese  - french bread, hot tomato soup, salad – with carrot, cucumber pepper sticks, yogurts, assorted fruit, orange/blackcurrant squash.

After a briefing session led by the coaches it was back out again for the afternoon session. At the end of the day, coaches gathered all the players for a feedback question and answer session and presented the player of the day award.

What a great start to this Rugby Camp, really looking forward to tomorrow

A much better day on Friday – clear  blue skies and no hint of rain

On Friday, the coaches built upon a lot of the skills they had introduced the day before; concentrating on

Unit skills

Breakdown Management (Rucking, Leaching, and Ball presentation progressions)
Forwards / Backs Split

The coaches commented on how much more concentration the players had on Friday and noted that all had made excellent progress

The lunch of cheeseburgers was a hit, some even asking and getting seconds!

Of course, we celebrated the birthdays of Jameel and Sam in usual Pinner style; get it down you Zulu Warrior!!

The afternoon session had players developing more specific skills to their playing positions (older groups) whilst the Tag players whizzed around the field with Tag grabbing everywhere.

This was a great 2 day camp and hopefully Pinner RFC will host another Saracens Rugby Camp in the future

Pelicans victory over Old Isleworthians

Here are some of the action shots taken during the try-fest game between Pinner Pelicans and Old Isleworthians. Match report and £10 Charity Day photographs to follow………. enjoy, we’ll see many of them on Facebook no doubt!

Pinner Pelicans bask in the sunshine

For the second week in succession the crowd at Shaftesbury Playing Fields enjoyed an entertaining afternoon of open rugby when the Pelicans played hosts to Old Isleworthians. From the onset Pinner attacked and were awarded a scrum on the visitor’s 22.  From this the ball was moved left and centre Richard Southam stormed through for a try converted by full-back Mark Razzell.  With only a quarter of an hour gone Pinner were on the score board again when scrum-half Simon Griffiths broke clear to get the second try also converted by Razzell.  Pinner, now playing with confidence, continued to attack and with a strong run from half-way centre Thomas Cobb got the third.  Pelicans now had a 21 – 0 lead with only a quarter of the match gone but O I’s were not giving up and from the kick-off their centre made ground up field before moving the ball to the left wing where Les Chaffe, normally the Pelican’s skipper but playing as a substitute for the visitors touched down in the corner.  This he realised would cost him dear in the bar after the match.  Pelicans full-back Mark Razzell had obviously brought his kicking boots and next landed a penalty from the half-way line.  The forth home try was not long in coming when Cobb burst through the centre to find Griffiths in support.  Razzell added the extra two points plus another penalty from the 10m line to bring the half time score to 34 -5 to the Pelicans.

O I’s obviously had a pep-talk during the interval as, with the wind behind them, they dominated the next 20 minutes scoring two tries in quick succession before P&G’s could recover from the interval.  The home side hit back with yet another try from Griffiths who sold a few dummies in a 30 yard break.  Razzell again added 2 points to bring the score to 41 – 19 but OI’s were not finished when their impressive centre cut through the Pinner defence to score under the posts and then added the two points himself.  At 41 – 26 Pinner were looking a bit shaky but fly-half David Luiz wrong-footed the visitor’s defence to score Pelican’s sixth try and Razzell to added 2 more points to bring his match tally to 18.  As tiredness crept in the O I’s centre landed a long range drop goal.  With time running out and Pinner conceding a couple of penalties on their own 22 Old Isleworthians got their fifth try to bring the final score to 48 – 34 to the Pelicans.

Players and members then adjourned to the Clubhouse to celebrate Deryck Westwood Day in  memory of a former Vice-president who played for the Club in its first season in 1934 and who left a bequest when he died in 1995 for members to mark his birthday each October.

Scrum Factory CPD – 16th November @ Pinner RFC book now

CPD Scrum Factory

Sir Les Chaffe – Club Coaching Coordinator has commited Pinner to a CPD on 16th Nov (Scrum Factory) He will need to see how many of our coaches are ready to take this CPD. Let him know, these are really useful and great fun

leschaffe@yahoo.com

The Scrum Factory is a new RFU CPD course designed to support coaches in their coaching of safe, effective body position in the scrum.
Please note we have managed to get a CPD scrum course at Pinner RFC
The Scrum Factory is for all coaching levels to improve their knowledge of the scrum and delivery of a scrum session.
This course is an essential tool and its great that we have it at Pinner RFC

£15.50 (incl. VAT) unless stated otherwise

The Scrum Factory aims to increase the number of players able to play in the scrum effectively and safely, particularly the front row.  By helping coaches and players to understand individual and collective techniques required, together with position specific conditioning, this 2.5 hour practical course covers physical preparation, body management and body shape. The course is suitable for coaches of both genders and players of all levels and age groups.

Specifically trained scrum developers will demonstrate a range of practices and encourage coaches and players to develop their knowledge and understanding of the scrum. Each coach who attends will receive a Scrum Factory DVD and coaching guide.

The course will:

• Challenge traditional methods of scrum coaching which may be predominantly machine-based.

• Emphasise the value of innovative coaching.

• Emphasise the value of creating peer coaching groups.

• Challenge how and why coaches identify and select players to play within the scrum.

• Emphasise the value and benefits of all players being coached on individual body posture.

A Safe Focus:

• Promote safe and effective scrummaging as an integral part of the game.

• Demonstrate good practice and underline recent developments in scrummage coaching.

• Increase coaches confidence in coaching the scrum.

• Hone the core skills required to develop and maintain safe, effective scrummaging.

• Develop clear, objective and focussed observation and technical fault correction.

Sooopa Sarries Sunday – Pinner RFC beyond pitch-side!

After a disappointing weekend of International Rugby at the World Cup; apart of course the Welsh – llon.gyfarchion , ddeisyfwn ‘ch bydew i mewn ‘r semi finals it was up to Pinner Mini and Youth Sections to brighten up the day!

After a terrific morning of training and friendly matches with a friends from Hackney Bulls many of the players and parents jumped into their cars, put on their clean Pinner tops and headed off to Vicarage Road for the Aviva Premiership match against Newcastle Falcons

Through the Saracens club Partnership program we had secured a number of tickets which allowed children to go free and for reduced prices for adults.

Apart from watching live Premiership rugby, what else caused this exodus?

Well, a great day was install for the players; representing Pinner Youth, Mini Section and players from the Little Rugby Academy were guest of Saracens and formed the Guard of Honour for both the teams as they exploded onto the pitch, being that close up we saw what giants these rugby players were and how they were focused on the game in hand, even so, one player managed to get his hair ruffled by a passing Saracens player!

During the half time interval Pinner Under 7s and Under 8s were invited to play on the pitch, demonstrating their skills during a TAG rugby game, Pinner having the honour of being the only club to be represented and enjoyed every minute running around on the quality pitch, scoring tries and taking Tags. Coaches Andy Nash and Richard Evans were extremely proud of the display you put on, their beaming smiles being broadcasted on the big screen, cheered on by over 5,000 home supporters (including a few Pinner senior members doted around the ground)

What a great experience, a great day and one that will hopefully remain in the memory of all the young players who attended.

Saracens won, by the way!

Here’s (a lot) of photographs from the day, enjoy

Oh by the way, I was interviewed by ESPN/Sky Sports News before the game, if anyone has seen it or recorded game firstly, did I look fat on the telly! and secondly, is there a copy of it I can have a butchers at? (cheers Spud)

A big thank you to Steve and Richard at Saracens and a special thank you to Jo Talbot for organising everything today

Pelicans suffer in soaring heat

Pinner Pelicans hosted Hampstead IV on Saturday 1st October, a match report will follow shortly, for now here are some images from the game, thanks to new Pinner photographer Jacob Talbot (under 12s player)

Scorching sun shines on Pinner RFC first win of the season

On Saturday 1^st October saw Royston RFC make the long journey to Pinner RFC for the fourth match of the season in the Herts/Middlesex Division 2 League

The unusual weather (not complaining mind you) was always going be to be a factor in what is usually a fast paced encounter; sun cream, shades and stripping off shirts is not normal for rugby in October!

With the Pelicans game kicking off at 2.30 the first team were able to give their support from the touchline and the shade for a couple of minutes before grouping and getting focused for their match.

Pinner came out of the blocks straight from the whistle, the ball flowing from the forwards to the backs creating simple but effective moves, working the ball deep into the Royston half. This pressure proved too much for the opponents and they conceded an early penalty. Unlike, England star Wilkinson Blane Healey comfortably put the ball between the uprights; 3-0 to Pinner

From the restart, Pinner found themselves  in their own half defending quick ball from the Royston backs, passing out wide to their number 15, unfortunately, after the tackle was made the referee blew for a penalty for Royston for a Pinner player coming in from an offside position. At this point, Captain Reza sibilant called his pack together and just reminded them to keep aware of their position when going into rucks; a reminder that wasn’t required for a while during the first half. The penalty was missed by the Royston spot kicker.

It was now Pinner who were back on the attack, the ball being kicked in their own 22, Pinner took chase, passing the ball through a number of Royston flaying hands, Alex Goring received a pop pass and ran over the tryline for a try, the conversion was again neatly put over the bar by on form Blane Healy. 10-0

Despite the increasing heat, the game was living upto the expectation; fast paced, good handling and at this stage not many penalties given away. Just before the agree water break Royston were awarded a penalty, converted leaving the score 10-3 as the ‘new water boy’ dashed on (walked steadily) to refresh a very hot team.

The restart saw Pinner on the insurgence again, great play from Craig Lane putting the opposition under pressure, looking to pick up the loose players missed Aaron who by the eyes of the ref gave a forward pass. But Pinner were now very confident and felt that a victory was on the cards, continued pressure forcing errors from Royston and they were duly punished by the boot of Blane Healy, converting taking Pinner further on to 13-3 lead.

Half time approached with Pinner looking the keenest to restart, very positive team talks by Captain Reza Sibilant and vice captain Simon Whitcombe keeping the focus on the victory that was possibly going to be theirs.

The intention was clear, the forwards working hard to secure the ball, working almost in tandem, James Byrne and Aaron Nicholas making drives after drives, making the ball available for Sibilant, Lane and Whitcombe to make charging runs forcing the Royston defence to make more errors. This continued pressure gained another penalty for Pinner, again Blane Healy was on target; 16-3

With the sun now starting to roast not only the players but also the Pinner supporters (many now bare chested and displaying what could only be described as ‘not a pretty sight!’) another water break was needed.

From the restart Pinner were on the rampage, great mauling by captain and vice captain allowing scrum half Craig Lane to show us his ‘magic with beautiful passing to the backs. The game continued in the Royston half, Pinner applying more and more pressure, the forwards dominating scrums, rucks and mauls, the could sense a victory. A neat little exchange saw Martin Goodwin charge and cross the tryline; only for it to be pulled back as it was deemed to be a forward pass, a distraught Mr Goodwin slowly made his way back to join his team mates.

A penalty awarded to Pinner allowed them to take a line out deep in the visitors 22 after a lovely kick from newly named ‘magician’ (Blane),line out won, ball back in hand, Martin Goodwin showed why he has made man of the match with some great skills and passing saw the ball pass down the line for Chris Jepson to finally show his pace, skirted two tackles and placed the ball under the posts for another try to Pinner. Blane again kicked the conversion for the last play of the match.

It was obvious to see on the faces of the Pinner team, they enjoyed their victory 23-3

Saturday, 01 October 2011
Ickenham	12 – 50	Harrow
Kilburn Cosmos	41 – 10	Old Isleworthians
London French	10 – 46	Uxbridge
Old Abbotstonians	12 – 46	Old Merchant Taylors’
Pinner & Grammarians	23 – 3	Royston

Herts/Middlesex 2	Short Format Long Format
Team P W D L F A Diff B Pts Pts Adjust Harrow 4 4 0 0 145 47 98 3 19 0 Uxbridge 4 4 0 0 143 30 113 2 18 0 Old Merchant Taylors’ 4 4 0 0 146 49 97 2 18 0 Kilburn Cosmos 3 3 0 0 90 19 71 2 14 0 Pinner & Grammarians 4 1 0 3 70 99 -29 2 6 0 Old Isleworthians 4 1 0 3 59 93 -34 1 5 0 London French 3 1 0 2 36 73 -37 1 5 0 Old Abbotstonians 4 1 0 3 44 107 -63 1 5 0 Royston 3 1 0 2 35 63 -28 0 4 0 Old Grammarians 3 0 0 3 45 74 -29 2 2 0 Ickenham 4 0 0 4 25 184 -159 0 0 0
Last Updated: Oct 1 2011 6:04PM