Updates from Steve Tarrant - Director of Rugby
Last weekend we survived the rain and had our touch tournament with the TM Boys Home. There were 12 lads from the Home and with a number of our lads from all age groups we did some training followed by some touch matches. The training consisted of some contact skills including scrummaging and tackling, which can’t be covered in their normal training as the Boys Home only has a concrete pitch. The muddy conditions made it more fun than usual although there was a bit of sliding and slipping in the touch session. The warm food which followed was well appreciated. Below are a few photos.
This weekend saw a friendly against DEA at Kings Park and with temperatures nearing 30 degrees it was the total opposite from last weekend. We play in the U16 Division 3 and we beat the DEA III team convincingly in our league game. We then played a friendly against their 2nd team, who play in Division 2, a few weeks ago and beat them well. Today’s match was against a combined team of 1st and 2nd team with a couple more who were home for the holidays and unfortunately it proved a game too far. We lost 46 – 0. Their backs were very good and although that has been our strong area this season, their ability to break tackles and their speed meant it was always going to be hard. Coupled with a terrible penalty count against us and some poor lineouts we were never really in with a chance. One bright point was the scrums and I must admit I didn’t mind the odd penalty against us for pushing the opposition straight back more than 1.5 meters, which is a silly rule in my view.
After the last friendly I had thought about going up to Division 2 next year at the U16 level but with only one of today’s team still being U16 next year and the rest moving up to the U19 level, I think it will be hard. Most of the new U16s will be new lads and to blood them in Division 2 will be hard on them.
Next week sees training on Wednesday and then a final tour training session and tour briefing on the Friday, before we leave next Sunday. The itinerary is as below and it should be good fun.
Sunday 20th April - Meet at the airport at 10.30am. We will catch TG601 leaving HK at 13.10hrs. We fly to Bangkok and change planes and we arrive at 18.10hrs in Phuket. We will proceed straight to our hotel called Thara Patong Beach Resort – breakfast is included everyday (http://www.tharapatong.com/) After check in we will have a run on the beach near the hotel. Dinner will follow.
Monday 21st April - In the morning we will have a shopping trip to the local mall and some time on the beach, followed by lunch. We then have a 5pm Match versus Phuket Lomas, followed by a dinner with them.
Tuesday 22nd April – We will go bungee jumping (optional)and go karting. (http://www.phuketbungy.com/index.html) and (http://www.gokartthailand.com/). We will then return to the hotel and have a team dinner in the evening.
Wednesday 23rd April – After breakfast we will have a morning on the beach and then some lunch. We have a 4pm match versus Krabi, followed by a dinner with them.
Thursday 24th April – Free morning for last minute shopping, the beach or relaxing at the hotel pool and then a bus to the Airport to catch TG608 to HK direct arriving at 19.25pm. The bus will pick people up at about 8.30pm to take you home.
I will send you a report on the trip when we get back, although it may be delayed as I am off to UK immediately after we return for 10 days. My sincere thanks to all of you who have donated money to make this trip possible. It really is appreciated.
Happy Easter everyone