Back
Sunday 5th November 2017
User 31953477 Nov 2017 - 09:52
Training with Hemel Hempstead Camelot
We were home at Harrow again this week and joined by Hemel Hempstead Camelot on a crisp November morning in the bright sunshine. With Camelot joining us, we were fortunate to have over 30 players across the two teams, which gave us the opportunity to play games on three separate pitches. Before stepping into the matches and with the temperature around a brisk 5 degrees C, we set out on a Jungle warm up with the players enjoying each other’s renditions of lions, cheetahs, elephants and kangaroos. With the early morning cold, some of the players asked for a longer warm up than usual and we obliged until all the coaches were truly ready for the first water break.
After the warm up, we divided the players from each team into three separate matches and endeavoured to play games of ten minutes each, with five minutes each way. There is the slightest of slopes on the Harrow pitches and so changing ends can make all the difference in the second half, as long as the players remember to run in the other direction after they change ends. Once the first game was out of the way and the rust of a week away from the pitch was removed, the players settled into the familiar pattern of attack and defence with real enthusiasm. All the players, from both teams were trying their hardest and doing their best to support, tackle, run and score. At this stage of the season, it is noticeable to see how the players have begun to talk tactics amongst themselves prior to each set. This is very exciting for the coaches because it means that the players are beginning to really understand the game and get to grips with the tactical element of rugby that is so important when playing a full game. Every game was full of fair physical contests and tremendous determination. I was delighted by the sportsmanship of both teams as they helped each other out of the inevitable pile ups, recovered strewn tags from across the pitch and heartily shook hands after each game. Eye-catching tries were scored by both teams and fast-paced attacks and excellent defensive play was on show with some real tackling intensity. Overall the teams were very evenly matched and this meant that every player had to give their all just to keep the scores level. I am really pleased to say that all the players did their absolute best, none were found wanting and everyone can be really proud of their efforts this week.
With a rousing three cheers, the teams congratulated each other on a very enjoyable training session. My thanks go to all the Camelot players, coaches and parents for their participation this week and I wish them all the best of luck for the rest of the season. We finished this week’s training with another game of Bulldog where we ensured that every last bit of energy could be used up before a well-earned hotdog. Well done to all the Harrow players, coaches and parents too for their continued efforts and a special mention goes to Rocco (Best Effort Award) and Beth (Player of the Week). I look forward to seeing you all again at the next training session, where will be away from home.
Johnny
After the warm up, we divided the players from each team into three separate matches and endeavoured to play games of ten minutes each, with five minutes each way. There is the slightest of slopes on the Harrow pitches and so changing ends can make all the difference in the second half, as long as the players remember to run in the other direction after they change ends. Once the first game was out of the way and the rust of a week away from the pitch was removed, the players settled into the familiar pattern of attack and defence with real enthusiasm. All the players, from both teams were trying their hardest and doing their best to support, tackle, run and score. At this stage of the season, it is noticeable to see how the players have begun to talk tactics amongst themselves prior to each set. This is very exciting for the coaches because it means that the players are beginning to really understand the game and get to grips with the tactical element of rugby that is so important when playing a full game. Every game was full of fair physical contests and tremendous determination. I was delighted by the sportsmanship of both teams as they helped each other out of the inevitable pile ups, recovered strewn tags from across the pitch and heartily shook hands after each game. Eye-catching tries were scored by both teams and fast-paced attacks and excellent defensive play was on show with some real tackling intensity. Overall the teams were very evenly matched and this meant that every player had to give their all just to keep the scores level. I am really pleased to say that all the players did their absolute best, none were found wanting and everyone can be really proud of their efforts this week.
With a rousing three cheers, the teams congratulated each other on a very enjoyable training session. My thanks go to all the Camelot players, coaches and parents for their participation this week and I wish them all the best of luck for the rest of the season. We finished this week’s training with another game of Bulldog where we ensured that every last bit of energy could be used up before a well-earned hotdog. Well done to all the Harrow players, coaches and parents too for their continued efforts and a special mention goes to Rocco (Best Effort Award) and Beth (Player of the Week). I look forward to seeing you all again at the next training session, where will be away from home.
Johnny
Further reading