U23 Training Weekend
The U23's season progressed along its pathway to the Inter Service competition with another training weekend. The ultimate aim was a game against London United Hospitals, which was sadly cancelled due to the Hospital's lack of front row players.
Not perturbed by this minor set-back and with a positive attendance the players fully committed to a hard structured weekend of training. This gave the side the ability to work on the game plan briefed by head coach Capt (Scott) Ashley RM (Fleet), with the players working on the basic keys areas of handling, defence, set plays and the contact area.
Throughout the weekend Scott was supported on the pitch by WO1 (Billy) May RN (HMS Nelson) and player mentor ET(WESM) (Ian) Cooper (HMS Collingwood).
Even though there was a good turn-out, there is always room for more. Those who attended gave 100 percent to the weekend and should be commended for the time and effort they put in. Additionally, the squad where introduced to strength and conditioning by the RN Senior XV (S&C) advisor POPT (Les) Dennis (HMS Nelson) and given a training programme to complete whilst not at the training camps, in order to improve their strength and general fitness levels.
The weekend collimated with a conditioned game between all the players, this allowed them the chance to play a more structured game and learn to play together. This was also an opportunity for the TSG to identify strengths within the squad as well as areas that needed to be worked on. A number of players stood out and they will hopefully prove to be vital in the next match against Chichester RFC on Wed 10 Oct 12 at Chichester KO 7pm and the Inter Services in Nov.
Scott said of the fixture ‘This match is very important as it's the U23's first competitive game and it gives the squad a chance to play under lights'. Scott went on to say ‘This is vital game for the U23's as both Inter Service competition as it will be played under similar conditions'.
The squad will meet on the Mon 8Oct prior to the game to allow the players to develop as a squad and continue with the game plan structure.
Photos in this report and on home page have been provided by Paul MaCabe.