Everyone enjoy their long weekend?

Let’s take a few steps back and look at what rugby has happened in the past several days. Friday saw the return of our senior school sevens tournament. There were all the classic signs it was going to be a good day, sun was out, barely a breeze to be felt, the track was dry, four schools rocked up including a barbarian’s team and one ref for all the games (poor fella). It was great crack all day, there was a couple lads that had never played a single minute of rugby in their life but got stuck into everything. The club players involved put in some awesome shifts, my two personal favourite moments were seeing Dan Corr making two tap tackles within thirty seconds of each other to stop a try, and James Scott, a second row breaking the line from his own 22meter line and sprinting the full 80 to go under the sticks for a try. Top notch from all who took part.

Moving onto the Weekend, both our seniors and under 16s were facing Aberdeen squads. First up, our seniors had a home fixture against Ellon. The opposition travelled very well and took points when they were on offer, unlike ourselves. Was good to see the club turn things around after been on a downward spiral for many years, I had a good long chat with their coach to find out what they were doing to get the numbers up. The best advice he could give us, was to let our younger age grade players play up when they can, it gives them the bit in their teeth to commit to the club and training and creates more competition for positions. Also, target away games! It can be easy to win home fixtures in Caley leagues as all teams must travel some pretty large distances. If you can get some wins on the road, it really makes boys fight for the starting shirt.

Meanwhile our U18s came from behind to beat Madras 22-19 at St Andrews. Awesome result and well done to Angus Mohun who scored two tries including the winner.

Sunday, our 16s travelled down for a cup match against Garioch. Unfortunately, I didn’t go down to the game but from what I have heard the lads didn’t get off the bus till the second half. Hard luck for the boys but it takes time to learn how to travel well.

Monday-Tuesday saw our first “long weekend of rugby” held in Tain and Dingwall. If we are being honest mixed reviews… had some good numbers in the primary training, even though they were significantly reduced due to a flu bug going around. But, the secondary numbers were very poor.

What would you like to see different next time? Is 10:00am too early, if we held it somewhere else would be get a better turn out, could we look to provide lunch or would a strength and conditioning camp create more interest. Please leave me some feedback on my email. ross.sutherlandrdo@gmail.com

Finally, this weekend sees Scotland take on the Welsh! Always my favourite game in the 6 nations so going down to BT Murrayfield to support the boys. Have a good weekend folk