Peedie Schools Rugby Initiative
Peedie Schools Rugby Initiative links up with Rugby Legend
As part of the Peedie Schools activity week coordinated by Active Schools pupils from Papay, Eday and North Ronaldsay spent the week together conducting a range of activities providing the children with many learning opportunities and enjoyable sessional coaching. On Thursday 6th June children received Tag Rugby coaching from Bruce Ruthven and played a number of ball skill exercises, running activities and tag rugby games. Bruce also organised for a Skype session with Scotland rugby legend Chris Patterson where the children had the opportunity to ask questions and speak to Chris about his playing career and current role as Scottish Rugby ambassador.
Papay Head teacher Kate Evans commented;
“They loved the day, it was an ideal size of group for them to feel comfortable and have others near their age to pitch themselves against. They also really enjoyed the VC link with Chris Patterson and were talking about it yesterday. Thanks for coming out to Papay.”
Bruce commented;
“We have had a great day out in Papay; many of the older kids have travelled into Kirkwall for the tag festivals so it was good to see them sharing their knowledge with the younger kids. They had some brilliant questions for Chris and enjoyed hearing his stories and learning about his experiences of the game.”
U14s Intercounty Shetland trip 15-6-13
Inter County Success for Under 14s
Orkney and Shetland under 14’s met on Saturday 15th at Clickamin for a full 15 a-side inter county match. This was later followed by a 7’s tournament.
Captain for the day, Ali Morgan, won the toss and kicked off into a slight breeze. Orkney had some good early pressure with several decent runs deep into Shetland territory. With players having not played for over a month there was a lot of rustiness, which led to errors in all areas of the game. Shetland at this stage were capitalising on Orkneys mistakes and a good solo run saw one of their players take the ball from his own 22m line to the other end of the field for the first try. The rest of the first half saw Shetland play the better rugby and could have scored again if it hadn’t been for some excellent tackling from flankers Arron Gibson and Aran Drever.
The second half saw Shetland continue where they had left off in the first. They were soon in Orkney’s 22, where some neat work saw them split the defence for their 2nd try. Orkney were now 10-0 down and this seemed to waken up some of the players or it may have been the encouragement from the side lines. Half back pair Matthew Rendall and Ali Morgan started to get better distribution to the backs as well as better tactical kicking. Rucking was also improved and Ryan Arcus was always sniping around the edges. A sustained period of pressure from the Orkney boys saw No8, Douglas Murray pop a lovely pass to fellow forward Dylan Evans, who had a clear run to the try line to score.
The ball was now being spread much better and strong running from centres, Adam Fallows and Harry Siderfin was much more effective than in the first half. The wingers, Cameron Fraser and Henry Gordon were also getting a chance to stretch their legs, where previously most of their work had been in defence. The Shetland defence was still solid though until Adam burst though the centre and scored underneath the posts with only five minutes left to play.
John Esslemont then kicked the only conversion of the match to put Orkney two points ahead. Both sides tried hard to win the game in the final few minutes, Magnus Merriman and Bruce Ritch tried to batter their way through as the big Shetland pack seemed to tire. Flying Hooker (not two words that usually go together), Liam Thomson was stopped short after one of his trademark lung bursting runs. It wasn’t one way traffic however and Shetland were still posing a threat. Orkneys back row forwards deserve special mention for their work rate in defence particularly. There was no further scoring though with Orkney narrowly winning 10-12.
Club president Rodney Spence and past president John Hawgood accompanied coaches Bruce Ruthven, Graham Lincoln and John Rendall on the tour. Rodney commented that it’s good to have this fixture for the under 14’s and felt that links with Shetland were important. The timing he felt was also good as it had tied in well with the Junior inter-county this year. He was also pleased with the opportunity to get a better perspective on how this age level operated and get to know the boys, as well as time to talk to the coaches.
Squad from; Liam Thomson, Adam Fallows, Bruce Ritch, Aran Drever, Matthew Rendall, Ryan Arcus, Harry Siderfin, Alastair Morgan, Magnus Merriman, Henry Gordon, Arron Gibson, Cameron Fraser, Douglas Murray, Dylan Evans, John Esslemont,
Orkney Coach Bruce Ruthven commented;
“The boys have scraped through the Inter county fixture with a narrow but deserved victory and are well pleased. They have shown good commitment this season and a mature approach to their fundraising to allow the trip to happen which was particularly pleasing and the whole experience serves them well for the years ahead. The behaviour has been tremendous and we have all had a great time. Many thanks to Daniel & Rae Meadows for their big input in Shetland which made for a great, well organised and enjoyable weekend.”
Tag Rugby Festival at Papdale 14-6-13
Papdale Primary 7 Tag Rugby Festival
14th June 2013
Papdale hosted their own tag festival last Friday which saw all the Primary 7 pupils playing in their respective teams. Six teams in total competed against each other which proved to be very close games and highly competitive. The festival was a conclusion to Papdale`s tag rugby training, some quotes from the players were;
"I enjoyed tag rugby on Friday. Some of my team were quite grumpy at the start but when we got into the games, we managed to work well in our teams and play good rugby. I would like to say thank you to the rugby coaches and Mr Ruthven for all their hard work and coming to Papdale to coach us over the years."
Euan Gorman
"I always enjoy playing Tag Rugby and I think the school is honoured to have Mr Ruthven helping us with Tag Rugby over the years."
Brooke Allan 7E
P7 teacher Mr Peace added;
"The children really enjoyed playing in the Tag Rugby tournament on Friday. The P7s are using the skills and tactics that they have learned from the coaching sessions and are demonstrating very good teamwork and communication skills. Thank you to all the coaches for their time and hard work with the children."
Tag Festival 7-6-13
Orkney RFC Community Schools Tag Festival 7th June 2013
Photos: Orkney Photographic
Two hundred children gathered last Friday for the primary schools tag festival with good weather present and firm underfoot conditions the stage was set for some fast action packed tag rugby. Schools that were taking part were; Dounby, Stenness, Orphir, Evie, Firth, Hope, Burray and St. Andrews taking part. Five pitches were being used to give the opportunity for all twenty five teams to play competitive matches again each other.
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With all the isles schools having had their successful festival on the 17th May the mainland players were keen to show off their skills and did not disappoint with structured team defences, strong attacking play and much improved running onto the ball and support play which was a work on area within curriculum time tag rugby in the schools.
It is evident that from the schools continued efforts and involvement in the Community Rugby Project the standard of play continues to increase as well as the understanding of the game. There is also a broad appreciation from all event helpers that all players are fully involved and the girl’s tactical awareness is generally better than the boys showing evidence of utilising the space and ball skills.
Rugby Development Officer Bruce Ruthven stated;
“This has been a terrific day with the referees and pitch managers speaking positively of the games on display. The players have worked hard at their sessions with myself and Liam and continue to improve and enjoy their rugby. I would like to thank the players, teachers, parent helpers and the ORFC assistants and Chris Sharpe (Medic) for their time which is fundamental to the success of the festivals.
Congratulations to St. Andrews Primary school who won the Morrison’s Construction CRP Achievement Award, the award is presented to schools that have shown great commitment to their tag rugby throughout the age grades at school, embracing the spirit of the game and promoting fair play."
St Andrews Primary School receive their award
Neil McIntosh St. Andrews teacher commented;
“Well done today for another fantastic event. The pupils really enjoyed the day and have taken such a lot from their time at tag rugby. It was great to see how all the pupils are much more confident in their skills of the game and their awareness of the rules. The games and the skills on display both from individuals and all round teams were a pleasure to watch and a credit to the time and effort that has been put into the rugby development set up here in Orkney.”
Some feedback from pupils was;
"We have loved every session that you have done with us. We really appreciate you giving up your time to teach us tag rugby. You have taught us lots of skills through the years. We would like also to thank Liam for giving his time to help our tag rugby development".
Neve, Roma, Finn and Connor
"We have really enjoyed all the tag rugby experiences we have had with you. We thank you very much for all the time you have spent to teach us. Some of the skills we have learned will be ones we will find useful for other sports as well, so we appreciate it very much".
Rhys, Glen, Shannon and Emma
"We would like to thank you for teaching and supporting us with our rugby skills. It has been a great experience and helped us a lot with our confidence and teamwork".
Jeepstar, Euan, Molly and Keir
"We would like to thank everyone involved and who helped contribute to the making of the tag rugby festival. We've enjoyed the experiences.
Rhona, Ryan, Merrick, Ross, Grace
"It has been a good experience attending tag rugby festivals. It has been a pleasure being taught by Bruce and Liam. They have been very well organised and enjoyable. We have all improved so much since you came".
Joe, Stuart, Sam and Freya
"Thanks for teaching us tag rugby for the past 4 years it has been amazing. Thank you for inspiring us to carry on with tag rugby. You and Liam have done a great job teaching us".
Morgan, Lee, Joanne, and Caitlin
MA Tag Festival 26-4-13
Tri School Tag Festival
On Friday 26th April, Orkney RFC Modern Apprentice Liam Sharpe held a Tag Festival between Stenness, Orphir and North Walls Primary Schools. 54 players attended and took part in the event, which had 4 pitches and 8 teams in total.
The “Tri Schools Tag Festival” took place at Orphir Primary School, this allowed the use of changing rooms and good playing facilities and it was also easiest for Stenness and North Walls to attend in terms of transport.
The schools met at 10am in the Orphir primary school hall, Stenness travelled by mini bus and North Walls caught a ferry across to the mainland then a bus. Once all the players were settled they were split into teams within their schools and got changed into the playing gear. Stenness had 2 teams, as did North Walls, Orphir being the biggest of the three schools fielded 4 teams.
The games started at 10.30am, each game was approximately 15 minutes long, with a two minute half time, after each game teams got 5 minutes to rest and move to their next pitch. There were a total of 3 games played in each pool. All three schools have received blocks of Tag Rugby over the last year with Orkney RFC Modern Apprentice Liam Sharpe and Rugby Development Officer Bruce Ruthven so the standard of the games was very high, each team brought different talents to the field and played some great games of rugby.
The festival was a deemed a great success with all pupils and teachers involved enjoying the day and making most of the weather which only had one minor wintry shower.
Festival organiser, Liam Sharpe commented;
“The day has been a really big success and I am really glad that the players have all really enjoyed it. I have seen some really good communication and support play throughout the games which has provided some exciting passages of play. This is the first Tag Festival I have organised and run by myself and is a good practice for the schools ahead of the Community Rugby Project Schools Tag Festival on Friday 3rd May”
A big thank you must go to the referees of the day: John Deerness, Michael Swanney, Bruce Ruthven and Robbie Firth, without them the festival would not have taken place; Bruce Pilkington (Orphir and Stenness Head Teacher) for his continued support throughout the organisation and planning of the festival and to Chris Sharpe for providing medical cover for the day. Another thank you must also go to Stenness, Orphir and North Walls Primary Schools for coming and taking part today and making it a success!
Summer Camp 2013
Download application form or pick one up from your School.
Cost is £3 per session.
Travel funding is available for Inner & North Isles children.
Please Contact Bruce on 07584 167 834 or e-mail; bruceruthven.orfc@yahoo.co.uk for information.
What's On?
What’s On: Over the summer
Monday 3rd June:
- Orkney RFC Pre Season training. Starting Mon 3rd June. This will be once a week through June, and moving to twice a week in July. This year’s pre-season will be more rugby specific and training will involve more skills work and 3 phase game plan.Anybody is welcome to attend the session, 6pm onwards at Orkney RFC.
Friday 7th June:
- Community Rugby Project Tag Festival - Part 2
- Helpers still required as pitch managers and referees.
- If you can help out on the day please contact Bruce.
Tuesday 11th June:
- Orkney U14s training for Shetland Tour, 6pm at Orkney RFC.
1st XV Fixtures:
- 2nd Feb - Away v Mackie - (Final score: 24-15 - Report)
- 16th Feb - Home v St Andrews Uni - (Final score: 29-0 - Report)
- 2nd March - Away v Caithness - (Final score: 19-17)
- 16th March - Home v Gordonians - (Final score: 28-13 - Report)
- 13th April - Home v Hillfoots - (Final score: 55-24 - Report)
Check guestbook for K.O. times
Last Updated: Mon 14th May 14:30
Coaches and Managers required for Mini & Youth Rugby 2013/14
Coaches and Managers required for Mini - Midi and Youth Rugby - Season 2013-14
Volunteers are required to assist with the running of the youth section, Coach education opportunities are available to assist your understanding of the game plus non coaching roles available.
"Many hands make light work"
For details contact Bruce Ruthven on (M) 07584167834 or e-mail; bruceruthven.orfc@yahoo.co.uk
Tag Festival 17-5-13
Primary Isles Tag Festival
17th May 2013
Last Friday saw the first ever Primary Isles Tag Festival take place which Involved schools from Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, Papay, North Ronaldsay, Northwalls, Rousay & Shapinsay.
Pics: www.orkneyphotographic.co.uk
All schools showed great commitment once again with travel from the isles via boat and plane with Sanday J.H.S pupils 
coming into Kirkwall the day before and staying overnight in the youth hostel, the Isles schools were joined by Glaitness for the festival.
The festival consisted of fifteen teams and over one hundred and forty children who all participated in four games of tag rugby each. Players have received a minimum of five sessions prior to the festival to get them ready for the day.
The players from all of the teams showed great awareness of the rules, quality evasive running and showcased their skills throughout the games. All players grasped the important concepts of team work and team organisation which provided maximum participation so every played their part in the day.
Some quotes from the players were;
“We have had a brill day and always look forward to the tag festivals.”
“It’s great to be out of school and meet all of the other players.”
“Rugby is the best, I get the ball and score lots of tries, can’t wait until the next festival.”
“We all mix boys and girls and play together as part of a team which is different from other sports.”
Orkney Rugby Club youth development officer Bruce Ruthven stated;
“It has been great to have all the isle schools and Glaitness here today, despite the larger festival being cancelled a couple of weeks ago because of the weather, it has given me the opportunity to see the development of the isles and Glaitness players. They have had a great day and you don’t get tired of seeing the smiley faces and amount of pleasure they get out of the festival.
The schools deserve a lot of praise for their commitments to travel and general organisation, the intent of the schools towards the rugby festivals is always very positive and they set a high benchmark for other schools across Scotland. I would also like to thank Cashback for Communities who provide funding for the Schools travel which assists hugely towards event management.”
Girls Rugby Match Report - Stromness Academy v Wick HS
Girls Rugby - Stromness Academy v Wick High School
Stromness, 13th May 2013
Stromness Academy competed in their first ever girls rugby match when they hosted Wick High School on Monday afternoon. The slightly older and more experienced Wick team ran out eventual winners - 10 tries to 4 in a close, entertaining match. Stromness had a squad of 21 girls from S1 & S2 in this 13 a side match against a Wick team made up of S2 & S3 girls.
Having only been training since Christmas and playing in their first ever match, Stromness Academy started slowly but steadily improved in confidence as the match progressed. Beth Thompson and Tamara Rhodes-Schofield showed great handling of the ball to try and get the ball wide into space and this created a great try for Captain Erina Brown to power through the Wick defence to score under the posts. As the third progressed, there was some excellent tackling from Kelsey Harvey, Keira Johnston and Hannah Stead who showed no fear in tackling their bigger opponents. Despite some solid defence from Stromness with a number of great tackles, this couldn't stop Wick from scoring 3 tries by the end of the first half.
After making a couple of substitutions, Stromness started the second half brightly and had the majority of the possession. Jenna Young and Tamara made some excellent jinking runs to create space for Erin Montgomery to sprint to the corner to score a well worked try. By now, all of the girls were getting stuck in and making committed tackles showing excellent technique and good desire. However, Wick had some really strong, powerful runners who managed to break through the Stromness tackles to score 7 more tries in the final part of the game. Stromness Academy dug deep and showed good fitness levels to finish strongly and scored 2 more great tries from Keira Johnston and Kelsey Harvey. The final score was 10 - 4
The Stromness girls really enjoyed their first ever competitive match and can take a number of positives from the experience. You could tell that they have been training hard with Mr Watt & Fraser McNaughton to learn the basic skills and tactics needed to play to such a high standard in this game.
Bruce Ruthven, Orkney Rugby Development Officer, said
“It was great to see a competitive girls match taking place today, a fitting reward for the Stromness girls after their hard work over the past few months. The game was a real buzz of excitement for the girls who played very well showing great passing and offloading skills whilst not shying away from the contact area. This game will give the girls the confidence and experience to develop further and with continued commitment it would be great to have fixtures on a regular basis. Credit to Mr Berry & Colin Sangster for pulling the organisation together and we all look forward to the next fixture.”
Orkney Aggregates Sevens 2013
ORKNEY AGGREGATES SEVENS TOURNAMENT
Pickaquoy Playing Fields, Sat 4th May
Orkney retain Sevens title with five-try win over Caithness
Orkney Aggregates Sevens Winners 2013 - Orkney
Plate Winners - Auld Bulls
Jim Telfer
This is your Everest...
You can watch the original Everest speech from the 1997 Lions Tour to South Africa here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3S6i...
(Warning: contains offensive language).
Community Rugby Project - Season Report
Community Rugby Report - Season 2011-2012
The 2011/12 Annual Community Rugby Project Report is now available for viewing
If you wish to discuss any of the content or would like further information about the CRP please contact me on either of the below contacts.
Many thanks to everyone for their continued support.
Bruce Ruthven
Orkney RFC, RDO
(M) 07584 167 834
Email: bruceruthven.orfc@yahoo.co.uk
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