S - 0910 Management Section
A success in the 08/09 seaon this page will be continued next season. It will show information concerning upcoming and past fixtures. All the information is provided by FS Shaun Hesmondhalgh.
PLAYERS’ MANAGER – NEWS UPDATE 25th OF APRIL 2010
To view this years Player and Season Stats Click Here.
Sadly the season came to a premature end for the RAFRU Senior Squad as the hostile activity from the Icelandic volcano put an end to the fixture between the RAF and the Army. The Army Senior Squad, unfortunately stranded in South Africa, was unable to return home due to the subsequent flying restrictions.
This has been a most unfortunate end of season for the RAFRU Senior players as they were extremely keen to play their Army counterparts, whilst individuals were also keen to make amends due to poor personal performances against the Navy. From my own personal perspective the season end is certainly an anti climax and it is very disappointing that players have not been afforded an opportunity to battle against the Army and win their first or additional RAF Caps. Participation in the annual IS Competition can never be taken for granted by the players and some will undoubtedly have lost an opportunity, whether it be due to retirement, professional development, professional commitment, or failure to be selected for the RAF IS Squad in 2011.
Regardless of the failure to get the fixture off the ground attentions have already turned to next season and without wishing to expose too much of our future plans, WO Steve Worrall has already implemented measures that will commence in May 2010. Another strategy being implemented is a change to the season playing format; the RAFRU Senior Squad will now hold fixtures from September 2010, up to and including the IS Competition, instead of the traditional January start.
To round the season off I have included the playing statistics for this year’s campaign, which will hopefully give you a greater insight in to the RAFRU Senior Squad.
FS Shaun Hesmondhalgh
RAFRU Senior Squad Players’ Manager
PLAYERS’ MANAGER – NEWS UPDATE 19th OF APRIL 2010
Following the heavy 74 – 3 defeat to the Royal Navy the Senior Squad Coaching and Management Team have taken time to reflect on the mauling at Burnaby Road. The post match analysis has taken place and I have purposely waited this long to make comment in order to avoid emotional leakage. However, I can say that it has been too difficult to compile a match report as it would tell a one sided story of how a team cleverly prepared its men to accept nothing less than victory. The Navy proved that the eight weeks stationed together preparing for the IS Competition was a huge success as the evidence was plain for all to see, 22 men in peak physical condition programmed to win.
Suffering such a hiding elicits all kinds of emotions, and whilst the Navy supporters rightly revelled in the one sided encounter as they no doubt thought of future victory against the Army, RAF supporters vehemently and publicly questioned the pride and passion of the RAF men. Let me tell you that every man that wore an RAF playing shirt during that game possessed pride and passion. They may have not been in comparative physical condition, but they were up for that game. There may have been discrepancies in playing ability, but they tried their best and flogged their hides. There is no doubt that those that need to raise their own individual performances for the game against the Army will be briefed accordingly by coach WO Steve Worrall.
During my own representative playing days and now as the Players’ Manager I have never met a representative player that is prepared to accept defeat so I do not believe that the team lacked pride and passion. The reality of the matter is that we were simply beaten by a team that was much better prepared, in greater physical condition, and able to dictate the direction of the game. This should not be confused with a lack of pride and passion.
It has been no secret that we have struggled all season to get our squad of players in one place at any one time, but the Coaching and Management Team have pressed on regardless. Professional development and inflexible working commitments have taken there toll on the Squad’s preparations. Nonetheless, we have looked to the future and blooded many young and talented players, LAC Sam Attwooll (RAF Brize Norton) at 19 yrs of age has played on the openside flank in every game this season. SAC Gareth Hopkins (RAF Lyneham) at 20 yrs of age, has also played in every game at No 9 or No 10 and is the leading points scorer for the Senior Squad, sadly he suffered injury at Burnaby Road and will be out of action for sometime. SAC Mark Sheriton (DCAE Cosford) at 21 yrs of age has also been ever present throughout the season and has impressed throughout with his hard hitting and pure graft. SAC Tim Coghlan (DCAE Cosford) at 21 yrs of age has demonstrated great strength in the front row. All four individuals have played exceptionally well all season, they have now learned what is expected of them at IS level and will undoubtedly grow in stature and ability.
Regardless of the heavy defeat attentions have now turned to the fixture against the Army at Newbury RFC on the 21st of April 2010. Professional development and working commitments still continue to hamper the Squad. Cpl Jimmy Bardgett (RAF Leeming) has been forced to withdraw due to a further training course, whilst Flt Lt Gareth Jacobs (RAF Cranwell) is a doubt due to being on standby for flying duties. Flt Lt Dave Carey (RAF Halton) is doubtful due to injury and SAC Gareth Hopkins has been ruled out and sidelined for at least six weeks. New cap SAC Rob Little (RAF Lossiemouth) is unavailable due to personal reasons, which sees the return of the steely Cpl Leon Davies (RAF Marham).
At this time the game is currently in question as the Army Senior Squad has been unable to return from the IS Training Camp in South Africa due to the current UK flying restrictions. It is hoped that the skies will clear and that they will return in time for the kick off. The RAF Senior Squad is keen to play this fixture and make amends for the heavy loss at Burnaby Road.
RAFRU SENIOR INTER SERVICES SQUAD 2010 TO FACE THE BRITISH ARMY
PROPS
· Senior Aircraftsman NICHOLAS KIBBLE (DCEME St Athan)
· Senior Aircraftsman COLIN EVANS (RAF Leeming)
· Senior Aircraftsman SIMON LEWIS (RAF Coningsby)
· Senior Aircraftsman TIM COGHLAN (DCAE Cosford)
HOOKERS
· Squadron Leader RICHARD MATTHEWS (RAF High Wycombe)
· Corporal RICHARD CRAIG (RAF Odiham)
BACK 5
· Squadron Leader HOWARD PARR (RAF High Wycombe)
· Flight Lieutenant DAVID CAREY (RAF Halton)
· Corporal MATTHEW WOOD (RAF Leeming)
· Corporal LEON DAVIES (RAF Marham)
· Senior Aircraftsman STEPHEN GREEN (RAF Benson)
· Senior Aircraftsman MARK SHERITON (DCAE Cosford)
· Leading Aircraftsman SAM ATTWOOLL (RAF Brize Norton)
HALF BACKS
· Flight Lieutenant PHILLIP WEBSTER (RAF Valley)
· Fg Off RORY WOOD (RAF High Wycombe)
· Senior Aircraftsman JOEL FOSTER (RAF Benson)
BACK LINE
· Flight Lieutenant GARTEH JACOBS (RAF Cranwell)
· Flight Lieutenant NICHOLAS MONAHAN (RAF Benson)
· Corporal SCOTT GARRETT (RAF Brize Norton)
· Corporal JAMES REID (Northwood HQ)
· Corporal PHILLIP THOMAS (RAF Brize Norton)
· Corporal DAVID HANKINSON (RAF Coningsby)
· Senior Aircraftsman PAUL GUTTERDIGE (RAF Wittering)
FS Shaun Hesmondhalgh
RAFRU Senior Squad Players’ Manager
PLAYERS’ MANAGER – NEWS UPDATE 09 OF APRIL 2010
This is the eve of the fixture against the Navy at Burnaby Road. Preparation has gone very well and the squad is in excellent spirit and eager for the match kick off. The weather here in Portsmouth has been outstanding and looks set remain for tomorrow’s encounter.
There have been several changes to the squad since my last update, but this has not been detrimental to the pre match preparation. Winger, Senior Aircraftsman Matthew Clarke (RAF Cottesmore), and second row, Corporal Leon Davies (RAF Marham), have both been ruled out by injury. This has presented an opportunity for Senior Aircraftsman Paul Gutteridge (RAF Wittering) to win a senior cap on the wing, and for Corporal Matthew Wood (RAF Leeming) to earn another senior cap in the row. Flight Lieutenant John Hall (RAF Honington) has been withdrawn from the squad due to professional commitments, which has seen a return for Senior Aircraftsman Robert Little (RAF Lossiemouth) who impressed against Newbury RFC. All three individuals have been involved throughout the season and have eased back into the squad. Paul Gutteridge is currently sharing the leading try scorer title with Squadron Leader Howard Parr (RAF High Wycombe), both currently lead with three tries each.
The starting line-up for the game on the 10 of April 2010 is as follows:
RAF SENIOR XV v RN SENIOR XV
1. Senior Aircraftsman NICHOLAS KIBBLE
2. Corporal RICHARD CRAIG
3. Senior Aircraftsman TIMOTHY COGHLAN
4. Squadron Leader HOWARD PARR (Captain)
5. Corporal MATTHEW WOOD
6. Senior Aircraftsman STEPHEN GREEN
7. Leading Aircraftsman SAM ATTWOOLL
8. Flight Lieutenant DAVID CAREY
9. Flight Lieutenant PHILLIP WEBSTER
10. Flying Officer RORY WOOD
11. Corporal DAVID HANKINSON
12. Corporal JAMES BARDGETT
13. Flight Lieutenant GARETH JACOBS
14. Corporal JAMES REID
15. Corporal PHILLIP THOMAS
16. Squadron Leader RICHARD MATTHEWS
17. Senior Aircraftsman COLIN EVANS
18. Senior Aircraftsman ROBERT LITTLE
19. Senior Aircraftsman MARK SHERITON
20. Senior Aircraftsman GARETH HOPKINS
21. Corporal SCOTT GARRETT
22. Senior Aircraftsman PAUL GUTTERIDGE
Anyone wishing to come along and watch the game please note that the kick off time is 1915 hours.
FS Shaun Hesmondhalgh
RAFRU Senior Squad Players’ Manager
PLAYERS’ MANAGER – NEWS UPDATE 4th OF APRIL 2010
Several weeks have passed since I last updated on the progress of the RAFRU Senior Squad and our preparations for the forthcoming Inter Services (IS) Competition. The RAFRU Senior Squad has been extremely busy throughout the month of March and there is much to report on.
The alarm bells rang out during early March when a determined Buckinghamshire County XV exploited an RAFRU Senior XV that had clearly underestimated the opposition. Notwithstanding impressive personal performances from half back pairing Flight Lieutenant Phil Webster (RAF Valley) and Flying Officer Rory Wood (RAF Halton), and the robust No 8 Flight Lieutenant Dai Carey (RAF Halton), the RAF side failed to take advantage of early dominance and allowed the Buckinghamshire side to control and win the game 31 – 24.
With little time to dwell, attentions soon turned to preparations for the RAFRU Senior Squad Training Camp at MOD Southwick Park and the fixture against the Newbury RFC Academy. The Senior Squad Coaching and Management Team faced the same old tired season’s hurdles, regarding player availability, but pressed hard regardless, to get those players in contention for a place in the RAFRU IS Squad, released from duties. The Training Camp proved to be successful despite the frustration of players coming and going due to professional commitments and professional development.
The mid week fixture against the Newbury Academy was the last opportunity for players to stake a claim in the 22 man squad to face the Royal Navy at Burnaby Road in the opening IS encounter. In spite of the movement of players Warrant Officer Stephen Worrall managed his charges tactically and fielded a team hungry to get the final call up for the IS Competition. Several key players were rested and the young and eager RAF side won the game 22 - 14
Several senior players were rested, whilst Corporal Phil Thomas (RAF Brize Norton) returned to the squad following duties with the Parachute Training Squadron, and the new front row contender Senior Aircraftsman Tim Coghlan (DCAE Cosford) was given an opportunity to showcase his talents. Flight Lieutenant John Hall (RAF Honington) was unavailable due to professional commitments, which presented a further opportunity for the up and coming Senior Aircraftsman Rob Little (RAF Lossiemouth).
A spirited performance, against a Newbury RFC side that made ten changes throughout the second half, was rewarded with a 22 – 14 win.
RAFRU Senior Squad Statistics to date: Played 5, Won 2, Lost 3, For 102, Against 120
RAFRU SENIOR INTER SERVICES SQUAD 2010 TO FACE THE ROYAL NAVY.
PROPS
· Senior Aircraftsman NICHOLAS KIBBLE (DCEME St Athan)
· Senior Aircraftsman COLIN EVANS (RAF Leeming)
· Senior Aircraftsman SIMON LEWIS (RAF Coningsby)
· Senior Aircraftsman TIM COGHLAN (DCAE Cosford)
HOOKERS
· Squadron Leader RICHARD MATTHEWS (RAF High Wycombe)
· Corporal RICHARD CRAIG (RAF Odiham)
BACK 5
· Squadron Leader HOWARD PARR (RAF High Wycombe)
· Flight Lieutenant DAVID CAREY (RAF Halton)
· Flight Lieutenant JOHN HALL (RAF Honington)
· Corporal LEON DAVIES (RAF Marham)
· Senior Aircraftsman STEPHEN GREEN (RAF Benson)
· Senior Aircraftsman MARK SHERITON (DCAE Cosford)
· Leading Aircraftsman SAM ATTWOOLL (RAF Brize Norton)
HALF BACKS
· Flight Lieutenant PHILLIP WEBSTER (RAF Valley)
· Fg Off RORY WOOD (RAF High Wycombe)
· Senior Aircraftsman GARETH HOPKINS (RAF Lyneham)
BACK LINE
· Flight Lieutenant GARTEH JACOBS (RAF Cranwell)
· Corporal JAMES BARDGETT (RAF Honington)
· Corporal SCOTT GARRETT (RAF Brize Norton)
· Corporal JAMES REID (Northwood HQ)
· Corporal PHILLIP THOMAS (RAF Brize Norton)
· Corporal DAVID HANKINSON (RAF Coningsby)
· Senior Aircraftsman MATTHEW WOOD (RAF Cottesmore)
Congratulations to all those that have been selected to represent the RAF against the RN, and commiserations to all those that worked extremely hard throughout the season but didn’t make the final squad.
FS Shaun Hesmondhalgh
RAFRU Senior Squad Players’ Manager
PLAYERS’ MANAGER – NEWS UPDATE 9th OF MARCH 2010
Following the 36 – 8 victory against the Henley Hawks second team the RAF Senior Squad have regrouped to prepare for the next encounter against Buckinghamshire County at Marlow RFC on the 10th of March 2010.
WO Steve Worrall and Sgt Paul Fisher return to the Coaching Team having been absent for the Henley meet.
Time has passed quickly since the victory at Henley and there seems to have been little time for reflection. Indeed I am writing this whilst watching the squad conducting mauling drills against each other on the training paddock.
Once again the needs of the greater RAF have conspired against us and players remain unavailable due to operational necessity and professional development. With a limited number of players to select from, this week’s meet has proved to be a difficult task.
Nonetheless, the players are extremely positive and are already thinking ahead to the encounter with the Royal Navy on the 10th of April 2010.
Whilst bringing the players together this week has proved to be somewhat difficult the coaches remain enthused about the options that are available and are looking forward to the encounter with Buckinghamshire.
Forward News
The front row remains relatively unchanged although Cpl Adam Winchester and SAC Sid Lewis are unavailable due to personal and professional reasons. This has created a welcomed opportunity for SAC Rob McGregor. AC Callum Hales joins the squad and is likely to get a run out as hooker.
Flt Lt John Hall who has impressed on recent outings is unavailable due to operational requirements, which sees a return to the squad for the steely second row forward Cpl Leon Davies. Open side flanker SAC Sam Attwooll returns to the backrow having missed the last game due to illness and utility backrow Flt Lt Dai Carey rejoins the squad having endured a lengthy absence due to professional development.
Selection for the backrow continues to be a headache for the coaches as serious injury to Cpl Alan Blewitt has ruled him out for the foreseeable future. Similarly, Fg Off Dan Kennedy’s return to the squad was short lived as he has also been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.
Blind side flanker SAC Antoni Flammia remains unavailable, which has created an opportunity for SAC Chris Davies.
Backs News
The impressive scrum half Flt Lt Phil Webster sees a very welcomed return to the squad, having been absent due to professional development, he replaces SAC Joel Foster who is ruled out through injury.
The back line selection continues to be encouraging as all contenders are available with the exception of Fg Off Gareth Jacobs and Cpl Angelo Flammia, who are both unavailable due to professional commitments.
Rugby league stalwarts Cpl Jimmy Bardgett and SAC Chris Gordon both return to the squad having both been previously absent due to operational necessity.
FS Shaun Hesmondhalgh
RAFRU Senior Squad Players’ Manager
PLAYERS’ MANAGER – NEWS UPDATE 24th OF FEBRUARY 2010
Having been beaten by both the weather and the spritely Cambridge University side the RAF Seniors have taken stock and worked hard to organise the squad for the fixture against Henley Wanderers.
With WO Steve Worrall absent from this week’s proceedings due to professional development and Sgt Paul Fisher absent due to surgery, Sgt Tug Wilson has been singularly responsible for preparing the team.
The squad has been hampered as per normal by the usual obstacles such as personnel on training courses, operational commitments, and long term injury. However, determined not to be beaten by the unforeseen or the uncontrollable, preparations have progressed with the usual tenacity.
Forward News
Wholesale changes to the RAF pack see the full return of the squad captain, Sqn Ldr Howard Parr, who is likely to start at No 8. The impressive open side Fg Off Daniel Kennedy also returns to the squad after long term injury.
The availability and consistency of the front row is proving to be unusually problematic for the coaching staff as all players are fit and available. The front row may see any combination of Sqn Ldr Jack Matthews, Cpl Richie Craig, Cpl Adam Winchester, SAC Sid Lewis, SAC Colin Evans, or SAC Nick Kibble, taking to the field.
The athletic Flt Lt John Hall is set to return to the field and is likely to appear on the backrow. SAC Mark Sheriton has been invited back to make another appearance with the squad, whilst SAC Rob Little is absent due to the recent snow effecting travel.
Backs News
The young pairing of SAC Joel Foster and SAC Gareth Hopkins look set to appear at No 9 & No 10 respectively, and SAC Matthew Clarke is likely to feature at full back. The excellent partnership of Cpl Jimmy Bardgett and Fg Off Gareth Jacobs will not be on show at Henley as both players are unavailable due to Service commitments. Cpl Scott Garrett and Cpl Reggie Reid return to the squad and are likely to start, whilst Fg Off John Colley and SAC Gus Patterson are set to make their RAFRU Senior debut.
The back line will also be boosted by Fg Off Rory Wood, SAC Paul Gutteridge, and the hard hitting LAC David Ratuvuki. Flt Lt Nathan Jones has now been ruled out for the season having suffered injury at the RAF Ski Championships.
FS Shaun Hesmondhalgh
RAFRU Senior Squad Players’ Manager
PLAYERS’ MANAGER – NEWS UPDATE 5th of FEBRUARY 2010
It’s been some months now since I last reported in and gave an update on the RAFRU Senior Squad. No surprises, there have been lots of changes to report.
The New Zealand Tour was considered a success and was the final involvement for both Sqn Ldr Matthew Cornish and Flt Lt Peter Taylor. It is fair to say that both individuals, during their many years with RAFRU, both contributed substantially both on and off the field, they will both be sorely missed.
Cpl Mark Silva, Video Analyst, has moved on to new pastures, Sgt Ben Hausermann takes up the role. Capt Helen Stammers has joined the Medical Support Team and Wg Cdr Ewan Lawson now holds the position of Director of Senior Rugby.
Sgt Tug Wilson has taken up a full time coaching role having held the Shadow Coach post during the previous season. Sgt Paul Fisher has now joined the Senior Coaching Team and will hold the Shadow Coach position until he takes up a full time coaching position next season.
Cpl James Lemar and Cpl Gareth Spain retired from playing senior rugby at the end of last season.
To all those that have departed the RAFRU Senior Squad we wish them all the very best and to the new members we welcome you all on board.
There is no time to dwell on ‘What once Was’ and we now need to focus on ‘What might Be!’
The first game of the season against Nottingham RFC fell by the wayside as the heavy snow fall had the last word on the matter. Having lost several of last seasons Senior Squad to retirement, overseas operations, and long term injury, WO Steve Worrall made it his mission to review the latest crop of talent on offer and look for likely candidates to move up the pecking order and into the Senior set-up.
The formidable Oxford University were the team first to test the new boys of the RAF and give them a taste of senior rugby. The games was lost 38 – 14, but proved a good opening test for Worrall’s new charges.
The next test for the RAFRU Senior Squad is Cambridge University who, having recently lost to the Army will be looking to backlash against the RAF.
Forward News
The front row is pretty much unchanged regarding availability and the starting line-up could be any combination of Sqn Ldr Jack Matthews, Cpl Adam Winchester, SAC Nick Kibble, SAC Sid Lewis, or SAC Colin Evans. Cpl Richie Craig is not available for this fixture due to unavoidable work commitments.
The second row is likely to feature SAC Steve Green, Sqn Ldr Howard Parr, SAC Matt Brougham, or Flt Lt John Hall.
The new crop of back-row players that featured at Oxford are set to return to the field at Cambridge with the exception of the impressive SAC Mark Sheriton who is unavailable due to personal reasons, this opens the door for the promising SAC Rob Little.
Backs News
Recent years have witnessed an unsettled back line with players coming in and out of the side due to operational commitments. However, the new crop of players coming into the side has given the old guard something to think about. SAC Gareth Hopkins on his first outing against Oxford impressed as did the feisty SAC Joel Foster at scrum half. Rugby League stalwarts Cpl Jimmy Bardgett and the hard hitting SAC Chris Gordon have returned to the squad, both of them displaying a much higher degree of maturity and professionalism.
Cpl Scott Garrett, having returned to the UK from Brunssum is now playing for Cheltenham North and is looking all the better for it, as is Cpl Phil Thomas. Unfortunately, Phil is away on exercise with work and will miss the next couple of fixtures.
Cpl James Reid is also unlikely to feature due to being absent on a course, however Fg Off Gareth Jacobs is set to make a return.