Things are starting to take shape at the Harlequins. With the integration of the youth the numbers have been sometimes 40+. We have lost a numbers of players this year seeking better things at a higher level but that’s not to say we will not see them again. We have also gained players this year up front and behind so the rebuilding process is underway. The sessions have been varied and hard but the commitment from the guys has been 1st class with very few dropping out. The numbers from the seniors has been around 25 with a number of players still to return after holidays.
The work from the Joey Dunner’s, Mark Gould, Thomasy (Pitch inspector) & Crusher on the organisational front and the coaches Conky, Smudger, Vince & Don is starting to show through. The guys are looking fit and conditioned ready to go.
The season started on Saturday with a 10’s tournament in Machen which I have to say was well attended with 16 teams entered. Unfortunately due to other commitments & Holiday’s at least 20 players were not available to travel. However we managed to take a squad of 15 this was to include 4 Youth players and old man Jimmy Mullane.
We started the 1st game with 2 subs due to late arrivals and won quite convincingly against the Hosts. We then went on to win the other 2 group games which won us a place in the main cup semi final. We met Senghenydd in the semi who were a very well organised team who had beaten Premier side Bedwas B. I have to say they were well supported by what can only be described as a partisan crowd or (bunch of ). We did lose the game by 1 try right at the death of the game but even so we didn’t expect to get that far considering the team we had out. So well –done to Captain Nicky Kelly, Mathew Khan, Gibbo, Budgey, Dunners, Cookey Nathan T, Martin, and New Boys Nathan Williams Player of the tournament, Adam, Tom Cummins, Martin Silver, Mitch, Conky, Tony and old man Jimmy Ray Mullane who pulled his Hamstring after scoring a 50 yard try. I would also like to thank everyone who travelled up to help and support the team it was a good day for the Club.
Just a quick note on James Mullane he is looking good again his ability to control play is back, he is running well and has taken a bit of contact only with the ball. The significant change to his game is that he has actually made tackles not head on but on the back tackles or assists. In the last 4 weeks of training he has made at least 2 per week tackles well-done Jim keep it going nice to see you back.
We were to play Risca on Saturday but due to 17 players travailing to Spain to play in the European drinking fest and other players committed else where it was best to call this one off. So we look forward to the following weeks head with 2 friendly’s home and away. For the players yet to return now would be a good time because in 3 weeks time the 1st league games of the season start. The majority of the squad has shown but there are still a few enjoying the break. The Youth are playing Aberdare Saturday at home so get down the ground and support them after all they are your training partners.I have called a players meeting on the 28th of August so we can give you an update on the season ahead don’t forget it’s the 125th . This will take place at 12.00 up stairs before the last friendly at home. This is for all players 1st, 2nds & Youth along with coaches.We will be announcing the 1st 2nd & Youth Captains at training on Thursday the 19th of August so make the effort to turn out.
I know we have lost players which can sometimes works in your favour. St Peters is a traditional club and has been built on commitment. We are rebuilding the side and the spirit that the club has been built on with all your help we will get there. I am confident that we will be successful this year though out the club with the new players coming in. Good Luck to us all its now time to pull together.
JD
3rd July 2011
The youth league results were as follows (2 games against each team): St Joes Lost 0-22 and 14-46 Pentyrch Lost 10-12 and 7-12 Rhiwbina Lost 3-20 and drew 17-17 Penarth Lost 5-19 and won 13-0 Llanishen Lost 14-19 and won 43-6 We finished one ahead of Llanishen the BB league and managed to survive. Two victories and a draw kept us up.
We also lost to Glamorgan Wanderers in the District Cup but beat their development side in a friendly. Other friendly games included Dinas Powis (x2) and both victories, Rumney (narrow defeat), Aberdare lost 5-12, Blackwood lost 10-17 and Newport Saracens drew 6-6.
9 boys represented Cardiff and District: Rob Ryan, Josh Burridge, Ed Dobbs, Martyn Hill, Tom OBrien, Lewis Dawes, Jack Cooke, George Coxall and Jon Jones. Ed Dobbs and Josh Burridge were also selected for Crawshays Youth XV and Ed Dobbs was voted Cardiff and District Youth Player of the Year. Ed Dobbs, Josh Burridge, Tom OBrien, Rob Ryan and Josh Dunleavy all played for the firsts and Matt OBrien, Lewis Dunleavy, Lewis Dawes, Sean James, Martyn Hill, Jon Jones and George Coxall all played for the 2nds.
We only lose 3 players to senior rugby next year and that coupled with Ringos Under 16s joining the youth, the future looks bright. Finally, the WRU confirmed that the youth were given no yellow or red cards last year which is a major achievement.
Kind Regards
Vince