Trials Day – Saturday, 9th August

There was a good turnout for the first official Merton RFC trial game with close to 60 players down and ready to show what they had. The trials were organised into 4 x 20 minute matches with everyone getting at least 2 games each and then a final run out at the end for the alleged ‘top’ thirty players. The competition was tough, but played in excellent spirit with cheating restricted mainly to the representatives of the front row. There was some confusion as the matches were played with the new ELVs, but the boys soon got the hang of it and the games flowed well under the watchful eye of the referee. There were plenty of good new players down, as well as a few stalwarts of Merton rugby; I think we are sure to see some new faces in the first team this year. Unfortunately, the weather did not co-operate with chilly conditions and driving rain causing plenty of handling problems, but these were handled(!) admirably with the backs showing some good moves at times and scoring the majority of the tries on the day. All in all a positive day for the Club and I am sure that the trials day will become a regular fixture for seasons to come. Well done to Chuck for organising a successful day and thanks to the ref, Peter Clarke, who did an excellent job. Also Trev and Simon for taking care of the bar and cooking up the spread after the game. A warm welcome to Warrick, Steve, Josh, Raj, Marc, Adam, Martin, Sandeep, Charl, Grant, Jimmy, Zac2, Leonard, Fanie, Knappers, Ben, Richard, Steve, Frank, Edward, Konrad, Nick and Sam. If you have any feedback, speak to one of the skippers or coaches at training. Contact numbers are above.

With just under three weeks to go before the first game of the season, at home against Economicals on 30th August, places in all the teams are up for grabs and there is everything to play for in that game and in the training sessions up until 6th September, our first official matches. Economicals will be turning up with as many players as they can muster and we will do likewise and give everyone a run-out against opposition from another Club. The teams will then be selected for the following Saturday, when the 1st XV open their season with a Tetley’s Vase game. We are looking to get four teams out, so if you know of anyone interested in playing, bring them down.

Training

The main session is on Wednesday evenings, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm, under the watchful eye of Head Coach, Doug Bone, ably assisted by Dave Barrett, Pete Berry and Gary Newark.

Touch Rugby sessions will continue on Monday evenings, and we may move to two training nights a week if we can keep the numbers up. For the time being, this will start from 7.15pm.

Availability

Can you let Jack know your availability for the first few weeks of the season? This will enable us to plan for the opening games, when the League matches are coming thick and fast for the 1st, 2nd and Hornets XV. It will also give a clearer picture about getting a 4th XV out too.

Tour

After the shenanigans of the pre-season tour to Brussels the weekend before last, we are planning to hold a rugby playing Tour up to Keighley RUFC, probably on the weekend of 25th April, 2009. It is being planned for closer to home to enable more players, etc. to make the trip. It also means that it should be less hassle than organising plane tickets!

Social

Ed C is in the process of drawing up plans for the season, but if anyone has any ideas for social events, let him know. In the meantime, if anyone is getting together for Tri-Nations matches, birthdays, etc., spread the word.

Sponsorship

Many thanks for the continued support of Stonebridge Corporate and K2 Moving. If you know of anyone else interested in sponsoring the Club, speak to one of the Committee members.

Subscriptions

Everyone should make an effort to pay their subscriptions before 31st October. Full-playing membership is £60. Non-playing membership, along with students, unemployed or OAPs is £25. There are various ways of paying! Monthly standing order or one-off payments for players and non-players. Forms available! Staggered payments acceptable. See the Power before the Power sees you!

Merchandise

Speak to Mick for your requirements; either 07866 492123 or
email michael.thumwood@uk.wave-solutions.com

Playing Kit Shorts – Black with Merton Crest Club Socks Playing Technical Undershirts Kit Bag – Large Kit Bag – Medium Kit Bag - Small Tracksuit Top with Merton Crest Shell Top With Merton Crest

£15.00 £8.00 £23.00 £30.00 (Limited Stock) £25.00 (Limited Stock) £22.00 (Limited Stock) £35.00 £40.00

Other News

If anyone needs to see Amanda at the Surgery, she can be reached on 07947 000643.

Also, Ben Wilson’s book, “Rugby Fitness Training” is available from the man himself, online, or from all good bookshops.