Closest match yet

Handshakes allround for the Two Toms in the post-match tunnel.



We had a great welcome at Swansea Uplands. Ben Marsden Captained the side to a 8-7 win. The highlight was the support play, with several of the tries coming from players tagged close to the line, but able to pass to a team mate to finish off in style. Matthew’s support brought him his first try of the season. Ben C grabbed a hat-trick and Rhys’ 4th try was the clincher with the last move of the match. Classy stuff. Tom L was twice denied by a rather obscured try line (note to parents – loudly shouting ‘put the ball down’ can be very helpful on some pitches).

Coach's comment

Refereeing both games meant I didn't get a chance to speak to players as much as possible. However I was very pleased with the following:

1. The excellent and positive support from the parents. This will pay dividends over the season.
2. Help with running the U7s was invaluable allowing the coaches (Lyndon, Adrian and me) to organise and sub more effectively.
3. The good spirit of our players, some of whom had never ventured onto a rugby pitch in anger.

That brings me to our key aims for the season.
1. Play for all.
2. Endeavour over winning.

I am naturally very competitive (just ask my brothers). I enjoy winning and I am always sad when I lose.

However, it is more important that the players play, and not the best 7.

In our planning for the season we aim to cover the three core skills required for TAG: footwork, handling and tag tackling. The progression is now to develop some team skills to complement these areas.

The team skills will build around the core skills. With better team skills comes greater involvement and therefore we move towards "Play for all" and "Endeavour".

Lofty ideals and perhaps seemingly far too advanced for U8s and U7s. I believe that we should create the environment for these ideals now, because the culture of the individual selfish player is hard to break in the future.

Busiest weekend yet

Quite an achievement this morning - training and matches for 27 kids!

Thanks to the Dad's who helped out with Under 7s. Makes a big difference, especially with the variety of playing experiences.

Starting with the Under 7s (and a couple of new U8s):

They played really well for a first outing and were really unlucky to not win (final score was 2-2). They were:Will, Ben, Liam, Megan, Tomasz, James, Ioan, Freddie, Thomas, Iestyn, Cai, Sean, Adam, Matthew and Jake.

All apart from Matthew and Jake making their Mumbles debuts and their first ever games of rugby.

The under 8s were Rhys, Ben, Tom, Aled, Max, Tom, Thomas, Jack, Cameron, Ben, Dominic and Harry. The final score was 1-2. A controversial decision by the TMO cost them a share at the death! Excellent tagging all round, with Bont having a very fast set of players.

Ben, Jack, Harry and Cameron made their Mumbles debuts. Dominic had his first outing of the season. Ben Marsden scored the opening try on debut.

Bonymaen 0 Mumbles 12

Great start to the season with a 12 nil victory against Bonymaen.

The following boys made their Mumbles debuts:
Tom, Tom, Aled, Jake, Max, and Matthew

The players from last year were:
Rhys, Ben, Tom

Key areas:
Passing before contact
Lots of tagging

Areas to work on:
Spreading out in attack from the free pass

Bonymaen had some good players, though not their full side. The referee was excellent. The weather was Bonymaen wind and drizzle. Post match meal was beans and chips.

Hopefully a team picture will be published very soon.

Touch rugby on Wednesday at 5pm at Underhill for any of those interested.