News

Due to the Christmas break and the recent weather conditions we travelled to Tadley last Saturday having only played once in the previous six weeks. To say that we felt a little under prepared was putting it mildly and we approached this potential banana-skin with some caution. As predicted the early exchanges were not of the highest quality and the poor handling from both sides was reflected in the fact that there were twenty-one scrummages in the first forty minutes. Fortunately this was an area that we had recently concentrated on in training and an impressive performance from the front-five provided a good platform to play from. With the first forty out of the way we eventually hit our stride, the passes started to stick and we saw some slick rugby which culminated in a final try count of five to one. Overall assessment, a bit rusty and a reminder that there’s no such thing as an easy game in this league…

Moving away from club rugby for a second this weekend sees the start of the Under 20’s Six Nations Tournament and as you read this we should have already added to the impressive collection of representative shirts on the clubhouse wall. Last night, Josh Brown was due to start in the 2nd row for Scotland U20’s against France at Falkirk Stadium, adding to his honours at Under 18’s & 19’s. A former Chippenham junior Josh is currently a member of the Bristol Academy and has a great future in the game.

Also attached to the Bristol club is former Chippenham prop Alex Clarke; Alex was recently named in the England Saxons squad and although not selected for last nights match day twenty-two to play Ireland, he is hotly tipped to make his debut at this level during this seasons Internationals. Alex and Josh are two great examples of how our junior section provides players with the platform to progress within the game. I’m sure that you will join me in wishing them both well for the remainder of the International season…

Finally I would like to extend a warm welcome to today’s visitors Windsor. The early season encounter between our two clubs saw is leave home park with a very narrow 10pts to 8pts victory in a game which if we’re honest we didn’t deserve to win. Caught up in a relegation battle Windsor scrapped for every point and having run us very close we will be taking nothing for granted today. With recent wins over Abbey and Walcot (42 – 27) under their belt they are now showing the form that should see them avoid the drop and I’m sure that they will arrive today in confident mood.

Coaches thoughts.... Friday 8th February 08
Due to the Christmas break and the recent weather conditions we travelled to Tadley last Saturday having only played once in the previous six weeks. To say that we felt a little under prepared was putting it mildly and we approached this potential banana-skin with some caution. As predicted the early exchanges were not of the highest quality and the poor handling from both sides was reflected in the fact that there were twenty-one scrummages in the first forty minutes. Fortunately this was an area that we had recently concentrated on in training and an impressive performance from the front-five provided a good platform to play from. With the first forty out of the way we eventually hit our stride, the passes started to stick and we saw some slick rugby which culminated in a final try count of five to one. Overall assessment, a bit rusty and a reminder that there’s no such thing as an easy game in this league… Moving away from club rugby for a second this weekend sees the start of the Under 20’s Six Nations Tournament and as you read this we should have already added to the impressive collection of representative shirts on the clubhouse wall. Last night, Josh Brown was due to start in the 2nd row for Scotland U20’s against France at Falkirk Stadium, adding to his honours at Under 18’s & 19’s. A former Chippenham junior Josh is currently a member of the Bristol Academy and has a great future in the game. Also attached to the Bristol club is former Chippenham prop Alex Clarke; Alex was recently named in the England Saxons squad and although not selected for last nights match day twenty-two to play Ireland, he is hotly tipped to make his debut at this level during this seasons Internationals. Alex and Josh are two great examples of how our junior section provides players with the platform to progress within the game. I’m sure that you will join me in wishing them both well for the remainder of the International season… Finally I would like to extend a warm welcome to today’s visitors Windsor. The early season encounter between our two clubs saw is leave home park with a very narrow 10pts to 8pts victory in a game which if we’re honest we didn’t deserve to win. Caught up in a relegation battle Windsor scrapped for every point and having run us very close we will be taking nothing for granted today. With recent wins over Abbey and Walcot (42 – 27) under their belt they are now showing the form that should see them avoid the drop and I’m sure that they will arrive today in confident mood.
Author: Rob Alford – Head Coach CRFC