Internal Rugby Players Meeting & Match Report

To date, this season’s internal rugby sessions have been disappointing with only three run a-rounds being achieved in five weeks – and those lucky to achieve 10-a-side on the day. It is not that there are not enough players out there. Over the 3 sessions more than 35 different players have turned out, and with over 50 players already having played first team rugby this season, one would have to question why it is so difficult to get full sides out on a Saturday for an internal match.

To that end, an internal players meeting was held last Saturday, with the emphasis on how individually, collectively and as a Club we could improve the current state of affairs. Refreshingly, rather than focus on finger pointing or casting blame, the group sought to try and find solutions to re-kindle the enthusiasm for internal rugby, and promote the camaraderie for which the sport of rugby union is renowned for. 

A summary of the conclusions were as follows: 

1. Training. It was felt that the Club training sessions could be intimidating. In an attempt to encourage new or returning players to the sport, brief training sessions are to be held before internal matches. These will cover the basics and allow, over time, all players gain skills, understand the laws of the game, and gain an insight into the fundamentals of each position. 

2. Competitive matches. It was felt that ‘just picking sides’ lacked the competitive edge that folk wanted. A couple of ideas were agreed on: 

a. A few more “married v single”, “office workers v manual workers”, “uppies v doonies” type matches to add a little bite; 

b. The Isles Challenge Shield to be played over two legs (one on the Mainland, the other, hopefully, in Hoy); 

c. Westray (home and away) 

d. Re-booting the internal league with 3 sides (East, West and Isles), each playing each other ‘home’ and ‘away’ 

3. Competition for places. In addition to competitive matches, competition for selection to inter-county or seconds matches might help generate interest. Kevin Sutherland, on behalf of the Club agreed, provided the internal players through the internal matches demonstrated sufficient motivation for this level of financial commitment. To that end the following was granted: 

a. Inter-County to continue to be ‘seconds’ fixture; 
b. Brin Cup entry to be considered 
c. Seconds trip to Gordonians at end of season to be considered 

4. Responsibility. It was agreed that although the efforts of the few were greatly appreciated, an effort made by the many would probably prove more productive. All internal players, in fact ALL PLAYERS, have to take some responsibility: get in touch with folk you have not seen at the club for a while; encourage each other; bring a friend; get involved. 

With that in mind the following fixtures have been arranged for the two few weeks: 

2 November Married v Single, KO 12pm at Picky. Players asked to meet at 11am, brief training session from 11.30 

9 November Manual workers v Office workers, KO 12pm at Picky. Players asked to meet at 11am, brief training session from 11.30 

If you are interested please contact me, Erik Knight on 07881 505765, or the internal organisers: East (Alan Pirie – 07523 011272 or tbc); West (Roy Temple – 07851 235860 or Trevor Spence – 07834457507); Isles (Lee Thomson – 07513 453025 or tbc). The more folk willing to help out the easier it will be for all. 

The internal league is due to start on 16 November, further details tba. 

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Internal Rugby Match Report 

As it turned out there were more folk attending the meeting than were able to take the field. 17 players made their way out to the pitch to take part in a brief session. The game itself was a bit slow to get going, lacked the structure that full sides might have given, tended to be too much ‘one-pass’ rugby, but even so, all too soon was over. The Green’s winning out over the Blues (well they did have the extra man!). 

Highlight of the game was Al Watson’s interception try, beautifully plucking the ball out of the air one handed and going in from 30 yards. He was going for them though, having knocked a couple on before his successful attempt. Alex Kansour showed up well around the pitch, Uvis Gurauskis made a some excellent tackles and Trevor Spence had a couple of surprisingly bonny passes – they even surprised him! 

Uvis Gurauskis, Tim Libicki, Phil Evans, Martin Harper, Jamie Firth, Alex Kansour, Al Watson, Lee Thomson, Gary Farquhar, Roy Temple, Trevor Spence, Kyle Robb, Craig Rendall, Billy Elliot, Sean Wood, Liam Sharpe and Ben Sutherland made up the sides. 

Knighter