Last Monday I was coaching in sixteen degrees in beautiful Hilton! this Monday, I work up at six a.m. to negative four degrees and not one to lie… took me more than two attempts to get out of my bed and off to the gym!

Quick recap from the weekend, Alan’s final run out on the paddock was an outstanding event! I couldn’t believe how far and wide people came from for the big game, it was played in typical veteran’s style, lots of old school tactics, flair you just see anymore, plenty of cheeky grins coming out of the rucks and a load of laughs on and off the pitch.

There were many kind and honest words said about the great man himself, all completely true and I just want to add my own toast to him here. “Alan is an idol to me, the epitome of a rugby gent and true club man, I hope we don’t totally lose him to retirement and he continues to influence the club in his own way”

On to the future now and what’s on this week? The school wind down to Christmas is well and truly underway, I know it’s on November but once the adverts are on the telly it’s only a matter of seconds before people get the Christmas feeling flowing through them! Luckily for me schools are still wanting rugby (if there is an option to take it inside if need be). So, we are continuing the club’s development plan of delivering to primary p6-7pupils up to and after the holidays.

This Friday we are starting our first block “Street Rugby” in Balintore town hall. This is a variation of the sport that shows how versatile our game is. We are going to concentrate on handling skills, agility, co-ordination and team work. This is open to any kids in p4-7 and will be from 6:30-7:30, if you are in the area come along and give it a go!
Onto the weekend and what a weekend it is going to be. Both are under 14s & 16s are making the long old journey to Orkney. This is an especially big game for our 16s as it would secure an undefeated first half of the season and I couldn’t tell you the last time any Ross team managed that.

On Sunday Ross-Sutherland is hosting its first “Lets us play” fixtures for under 15s & under 18s girls. This is an open invitation to all girl’s teams in the Caledonia region. We are currently expecting around 80 girls on the day which is fantastic for the sport, particularly in the north!

Last couple things from me, next Tuesday, Sinclair Patience (Coach Development Officer) is running a CPD session on defence. This is old to all coaches and is a great chance to get some fresh ideas from a bloody good coach! On Wednesday evening Dingwall academy are coming through to Ross-Sutherland to play Tain under the flood lights. Should create a great atmosphere for the lads and make for good winter entertainment for all watching.

Catch you next time
John Mann, Rugby and Community Development Officer