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What's On

What's On: Week beginning 23rd January

Rookies:

Kirkwall Rookies P2-3, 11-12pm on Saturday.
Dounby rookies: P2-3, 10-11:15am on Saturday.
St. Andrews rookies: P2-3, 11-12pm on Sunday.

Minis:

St Andrews mini tournament on Saturday 28^th at Tankerness hall, Kirkwall minis – there is a bus leaving Orkney rfc at 10 am, be at Tankerness hall for half past 10, kick off at 11 am, please bring suitable clothing for the weather

Club:

U14s training: 6.15-7.30pm Wednesday night on the astroturf
U16s training: 6.30-8pm on Wednesday night on the astroturf
U18s training: 6-8pm on Tuesday/Thursday
Ladies training: 6-7pm on Monday night at the Riding Centre - all welcome!

U14s fixture at Invergordon to play a 3 way tournament against Ross Sutherland and Plockton RFC, selected players meet at St Margret’s hope by 7.20 am on Saturday, returning back to Orkney at 19.30pm.
Reminder to all players to bring a tracksuit, black shorts, red socks, rugby boots and a gum shield.
U16s see Orkney RFC guestbook for details about games.
U18s no game this weekend.

*Club Calendars still for sale, See Liam Sharpe for details*
*E-mail: liamsharpeorfc@yahoo.co.uk*

Updated: 12:30 Wed 25 January

Gangster & Moll Casino Fundraiser Night

Click on the image to open the poster (pdf) for
this fundraiser for a fantastic cause

Feb 2012 Break Activity Day

There will be a Rugby Activity Day on February 8th for Primary 1-3 and Primary 4-7

Click on the form below to download it for more info.

Strength & Conditioning course a success

Orkney RFC Strength & Conditioning Course. 14^th and 15^th January 2012

On the 14^th and 15^th of January Orkney RFC held a Level 1 Strength & Conditioning course at The Pickaquoy Centre. The course was conducted by Ken MacEwen, National Pathway Fitness Coordinator for Scottish Rugby Union and was attended by rugby coaches, current players and Pickaquoy staff.

The two day course consisted of theory and practical based modules which are aimed to give coaches an all round understanding of how to develop their athletes to get the best out of individuals and groups in their chosen sport or sports. Postural training was the emphasis over the two days concentrating on agility, balance coordination and speed defining the importance of core strength in a sporting environment. The key competencies consisted of understanding and conducting dynamic warm ups, learning correct weight lifting techniques such as, Back Squat, Front Squat, Straight Leg Dead lift, Hang Clean, 1^st Pull, 2^nd pull from thigh with shrug, Push Press, Bench Press and trunk exercises. Course tutor Ken MacEwan highlighted the importance of postural development with children and illustrated models of good practice throughout Scotland with children as young as Primary 6 focussing on techniques such as gymnastic type exercises and body weight exercises which improved core strength. Safety in the gym and long term athlete development was also discussed.

Rugby Development Officer Bruce Ruthven stated;

“It’s always great to see Ken visiting Orkney and sharing his wealth of experience with candidates on these courses. Everyone gained a huge amount over the weekend and course participants have taken away a great deal of knowledge which the Orkney community will benefit from I’m sure. Many thanks to ken for making the trip north, The Pickaquoy Centre for providing a venue and Orkney RFC for their continued support towards their coaches development.”

Bruce Ruthven (left) with participants from various sports who took part in the course.
Pics: Orkney Photographic

Ken MacEwen explained;

“A 2 day Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Weightlifting was held in conjunction with the Scottish Rugby Union & the UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) at the Pickaquoy Centre at the weekend. 13 Coaches from Orkney Rugby Club and the Pickaquoy Centre took part in the Course. It was a practical competency based course looking at practical aspects of coaching Weightlifting with Rugby Players and gave the Coaches an opportunity to deliver and coach weightlifting techniques to players in a safe and well structured environment. The Course was delivered by Ken MacEwen, National Fitness Coordinator for the Scottish Rugby Union. Weightlifting techniques are nowadays an integral part of conditioning for Rugby at all ages and young players can learn to lift safely with broom handles and eventually loaded bars as physical maturity is reached in the mid-teens.

The group of Coaches attending was highly motivated & successfully achieved the Course Outcomes and has a good source of practical knowledge to work from now with aspiring young Orcadian Rugby players.”

John Eccles

Tributes have been paid to Orkney RFC stalwart and Stromness & South Isles councillor John Eccles, who died earlier this month and who's funeral takes place today.

Mr Eccles moved to Orkney early in the 1970s, taking up a teaching post in Eday. In 1975, he became headteacher at the Dounby School before moving on to assume the same role at North Walls Junior High – being instrumental in the design and set up of those two community schools.

Living in Hoy, he went on to develop his own businesses in fish farm production and research. He was elected to Orkney Islands Council in 2007. There, he served as chairman of the council’s education committee and previously as chairman of the Orkney Ferries board.

John was a passionate supporter of Orkney RFC and indeed all sport throughout the county. He is sadly missed and our sympathies go to his family and friends.

GM - 12 January 2012