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First trials - Wednesday 4 November |
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On a mild and dry November evening the first trials took place under the floodlights of Bletchley Rugby Club. 32 boys took part in the trials from 8 Alliance clubs: Bletchley, Buckingham, Bugbrooke, Daventry, Long Buckby, Olney, Old Northamptonians, Towcester after being nominated by their parent clubs. This first week focussed on players displaying an understanding and the ability to perform the basics of the game. This was organised by running three stations:
Handling: This station was run by Mark Bailey (Bletchley) and assisted by Kevin Coles (ON's). This station involved players executing switch, miss and dummy passes at pace within both a grid and in close quarters. This was then progressed to some decision making in the pressure situation of 3 v 2.
The Contact area: This station was run by coach Colin Maitland (ON's) and assisted by Paul Lee (Olney). Coaches were looking for players to display technique and strength in the ruck and maul. Primarily coaches were looking for good body position before progressing to "snake" with players showing good technique with appropriate physicality.
Tackling: This station was shared by Mark Garwood (Towcester) and Stephen Galliano (ON's)
Here players began with some 1 v 1 tackling before proressing to a tackling grid. The objective of this grid encouraged players to make tackles from behind; side-on and head on. These tackles were performed off both shoulders.
The coaches were in agreement that EVERY player displayed qualities in some of the basics and EVERY player can be proud of his achievements during the evening. We all believe there is a strong collection of players and final selection is going to leave the coaches with some very tough decisions.
Thanks to the coaches who helped me and Colin, it was much appreciated. Thanks also to Geoff (Alliance Youth Chair) for his help.
See you all next week
Mark Bailey |
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U14 Trials |
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The Northants Alliance will be conducting trials for the under 14 age group and will be looking for representative players from all the Alliance Clubs.
To be eligible players must be registered at one of the Alliance clubs and must not be part of any other representative squad.
This is an entry level for representative rugby and is a large commitment from all the coaches and players involved in the squads. During the trials coaches from the East Midlands School of Rugby and the Saints EPDG may also be present viewing any potential players.
The team will be playing a number of games towards the end of the season against other similar representative sides, these games are also viewed by coaches and scouts from the elite programmes to identify future potential, but are also there for fun and further development for lads that just enjoy the game of rugby and wish to develop their game.
Players must be nominated by their clubs - initially 4 players to be nominated preferably 2 forwards and 2 backs. They may also nominate a further 2 players if they feel that they could achieve this level of play and they will be held as substitutes to call on if required.
The coaches will be looking for players who can demonstrate good technical ability, a positive attitude and a good potential for learning and being part of a team environment, it is often easier to teach a range of skills to the player with a willingness to learn. |
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Coaching Team |
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Assistant Coach |
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This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Colin Maitland |
| 01908 507090 |
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