Let’s talk about last weekend, I haven’t seen Ross-Sutherland look so busy in such a long time, all our volunteers running around like headless chicken trying to make the extra effort in accommodating our guests for the day. Some would say they were stressed and worried, I would say they were going the extra mile.

One particular high light of mine was watching our under 16’s players trying to sneak their way into the action shots and videos of BBC Alba. Doubt many are going to get offered the leading role in a Hollywood block busters after looking like drowned rats tip toeing their way around a bogged pitch.

Unfortunately, for those who were there or those who have seen the pictures, the weather really was not on our side. Hats off to all the junior teams that stuck out the training for as long as they did, as for the seniors… I have never heard so much complaining from a group of grown men about being a little bit cold!

To be fair though, had to send two lads off as I reckoned they were getting close to stage one hypothermia. Overall, for what the game was, it was a good laugh and was a perfect example to the Vice President of the SRU that Summer rugby has to be on the cards in the future. Whether its during my playing career or not, I can’t see any down sides to it.

Last mention on the weekend goes to Matt Stevenson, who put together and set up the virtual Reality walk through of the plans for our club extension. The club has had a number of add-on’s over the years and each time we have out grown what we did. At the moment, we have too much going on at weekends and are trying to fit too many folk in at once. the plan now is to do one last extension that is going to last the club a life time by doubling current facilities, adding a balcony and disability access. This will give the club the chance to be the sports hub of Easter-Ross and bring the community closer together. So, if you have a spare penny or two and fancy leaving your mark on the club, we are always happy for donations…

Looking forward, this weekend I am running an intro to rugby coaching workshop, this is for any parents or willing volunteers who are looking to get stuck into some coaching. The workshop is going to run through the basics of what a junior’s rugby session should look like and give new coaches the chance to ask questions and talk about what type of coaching they are looking to get involved with.

This is the first of many workshops I am hoping to run with the aim of getting more people involved on the pitch and to help current coaches with some new ideas and different ways to plan and run their sessions.
Hopefully by the time you have read this you will have session the forms for our Easter Camp. We are running a five-day camp for players ranging from primary 4-s6. Always good fun these camps and they create a different environment to our usual Saturday morning sessions.

If you are interested in any of the dates for the camp or have any questions, please get in contact with John Mann, 07552235541, ross.sutherlandrdo@gmail.com

Catch you later
Ross-Sutherland Community and Rugby Development