Staffordshire Rugby Union Newsletter No. 13 December 2012

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Inside this issue:

CB News items 2 & 3 International Ticket 4 & 5 Allocation letter Have your say RFU 6 Governance QBE internationals 7 2013 CPD Cheslyn Hay 7 RWC 2015 8 Lions Coaches 9 Lichfield ladies 9 SRU U20 & U18 News 10 League & Merit tables 11-13

Coach & Ref CPD’s 14 Letter to SRU Clubs 15 News from Stafford 16 Uttoxeter and Burton

Sportivate 17

Humour 18-19 Presidents awards 20 Book of the Month 21

Dates for Diary 22

Links:  SRU Rugby1st Web page  RFU Touchline magazine  Rugby Club magazine  Rugby World magazine  Staffs RDT on Facebook

CB Updates - December: Staffordshire Rugby Union Newsletter No. 13 December 2012

Rugby1st: RugbyFirst Replacement Systems Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC update):

Player Registration: A number of you may have attended HMRC have still not published its revised guidance on one of the group sessions this month showing the new the proposed changes following legal advice however Player Registration system to gather your thoughts be- they have started to move pending applications forward fore the final release. Eight sessions have been held and by writing to clubs and asking for further information over 90 people have attended and had the opportunity to regarding their application. A number of clubs are now give us their feedback. The response to the new system receiving letters from HMRC with the following request- has been very positive indeed and number of ideas raised "Please provide me with more information about how the that will be included in the final version. This is due to be social income of the club arises. Does it arise solely from released early in the New Year but will initially work the sale of food and drink to members and their guests alongside the current Player Registration system so your or through other activities such as hiring out of club Registrars will have time to become accustomed with it facilities? If your club runs a bar, cafe or restaurant please confirm the opening times and whether or not it Flood Damage: is open at times when there is no sporting activity, such as matches and training, being undertaken. Please con- The RFU is ready to help clubs who may have suffered firm who is entitled to use the bar, cafe or restaurant". damage to flooded clubhouses or pitches during Novem- ber's heavy rain. Clubs that may have premises damaged In essence HMRC are beginning to apply the new guid- by the floods, as well as contacting their insurers, should ance without actually publishing it which makes providing contact their local Area Facility Manager outlining the any advice difficult – however please let Dave Stubley nature of the damage, whether the damage is covered by [email protected] 07736 722387 know if your club the clubs own insurance and any cash flow or operating is in this situation so that we can build up a picture of issues they may have moving forward as a result of the the number of issues and also so that we can provide damage. The RFU will then work with the club to support some advice in terms of how to provide the required its return to operational and playing activities. information. MORE INFORMATION: Contact your Area Facility Man- Clubs that are already registered as CASCs should not ager be concerned at this stage but those that are consider- ing applying for registration may wish to bear this in mind if they receive holding letters from HMRC. RFU Regulation 15 (Age Group Rugby)

At the start of next year the Age Grade Review Group MORE INFORMATION: [email protected] or will be meeting to review and discuss feedback on the 07736722387 revised Regulation 15 that came into force in August 2012. All constituent bodies are invited to feedback any comments on Regulation 15 to Alys Lewis ([email protected]) by no later than 1st February 2013 so that all feedback can be discussed by the group.

Direct Debit Solution for Clubs:

The RFU recommends within its guidance on business planning that subscriptions and fees are collected by Di- rect Debit. This is a much more efficient method for revenue collection within the club environment. We have recently been doing some work to support clubs in doing this. Traditionally the financial size of a club has made it unlikely that their bank will allow it. We have been working with First Capital Cashflow to provide a potential solution via their Club Subs Collections.

MORE INFORMATION: [email protected]

CB Updates - December: Staffordshire Rugby Union Newsletter No. 13 December

Grant Finder: Fit for 15 - Off Field - 120 grants of between £1000 and £10,000 targeting projects such as goalposts, TRACKING down organisations who offer funding to grounds maintenance equipment and social facilities sports clubs is a complex and a time-consuming affair, Fit for 15 – On Field – 45 grants of between £25,000 largely because, even in these challenging economic times, and £100,000 targeting on field projects such as there is still a huge number of funding sources available. pitches, changing rooms and floodlights There is a Grantfinder System installed on rfu.com de- RFU Legacy Centres – 40 grants of between £50,000 signed to help clubs identify grant opportunities in their and £250,000 targeting the delivery of high quality area. multiple floodlit pitch sites The system provides access to a database of over 100,000 grant possibilities which are available from a myriad of funding groups, from small parish council offerings MORE INFORMATION: [email protected] through to major European grant funds and includes funding opportunities for both capital and revenue projects. Rugby in Colleges: The search engine is run in partnership with the Idox Group whose team of researchers maintains the database The face of sport in education is changing at a pace and ensures that any potential new funding partners are bringing some challenges but significant opportunities promptly identified and uploaded. especially leading into 2015. Our work in schools and universities continues to strengthen and we now know The RFU is keen to help and advise clubs to access funding much more about what colleges sector has to offer. for their many projects, but via this database, we are hop- Some key facts: ing to give clubs the chance to investigate for themselves what the marketplace might have to offer to support schemes in their specific area. There are 345 colleges across the country The Facilities team and RDO’s will still be available to of- There are twice the number of 16-18 year olds study- fer help and guidance, but the database will provide an ing in college than in state secondary schools easily accessible insight into what might be available in a Colleges offer a wide range of courses from GCSE and specific area of the country or for a particular project. A-level to Degree To access the site log on to www.rfu.com/grantfinder A-level results in colleges were 10% higher than state MORE INFORMATION: Alex Thompson alexthomp- schools in 2011/12 [email protected] or Dave Stubley [email protected] Colleges are now allowed to register 14 year olds on full time courses

RFU Lead Up and Legacy Plan - Facilities The RFU’s Lead Up & Legacy Plans recently outlined a Early in the New Year, England Colleges RFU along with £10m investment into Better Facilities in more than 500 ERFSU and SRFU will provide some strategic focus clubs nationwide. Central to this commitment is the role of areas to help geographical CBs consider their work the CB’s and their respective Facility Coordinators who with the education sectors when they start their PFR are all currently working with the RFU Area Facility Man- process. They are also putting together a support net- agers to identify club, school and university facility needs work of college representatives around the country. heading into England 2015 and beyond. Once completed, at Your Area Manager and RDOs are the RFU point of the end of the month, the CB Facility Plans will act as the contact for local colleges work and we would urge you start point for the identification of projects for the to build a plan for engaging with the sector in your RFU’s Lead Up & legacy Fund which will be delivered in two planning. For more information about rugby in colleges phases; please contact our Colleges Development Manager. Phase 1 – Season 2012/3 & 2013/4 Phase 2 – Season 2014/5 & 2015/6 MORE INFORMATION: [email protected] Phase one will be delivered through three funding themes which will commence in the New Year through the CBs and RFU Area Facility Managers;

International Ticket Allocation Staffordshire Rugby Union Newsletter No. 13 December 2012

International Ticket Allocation December 2012

This information is sent as a reminder to advise you that you need to ensure that the information that is on your RugbyFirst pages is up to date and correct. As I have said in previous correspondence, missing and incorrect data on your RugbyFirst pages could result in your club not maximising its allocation of international match tickets. The data to produce the points for next season (2013/14) will be extracted from RugbyFirst on 21 January. The information relating to your club will be passed to the Rugby Development Officers for verification during January and February 2013. The two key features of the ticket allocation are firstly the base number of tickets and secondly the tickets related to the number of points awarded to a club. These two factors combined will determine a club’s minimum allocation and these criteria will not change for season 2012/13. Details of the points criteria are: POINTS CRITERIA:

League Status Each club will be awarded a base number of tickets as detailed below. Level Three – 12 tickets Level Four – 8 tickets Levels Five, Six & Seven – 4 tickets All other Section One clubs – 2 tickets

Regardless of any other activity within your club, you will receive this base number of tickets. If your league status changes upwards or downwards at the end of the season 2012/13 and you move into a different numerical base number, your allocation for 2013/14 will be adjusted accordingly.

POINTS: Points will be awarded to clubs for the following: Teams, Registered Mini/Midi players, Key roles & responsibilities, Referees, Coaches TEAMS: The following points will be awarded for each team, male & female: Adult – 30 points per team Under 19 & Under 18 – 25 points per team Under 17 & Under 16 – 20 points per team Under 15, Under 14 & Under 13 – 10 points per team WHAT IS A TEAM??: Adult Teams – One which has in season 2012/13 played 6 qualifying matches against teams from other section one clubs by 4 January 2013 .If a scheduled match is cancelled by the opposition, or by inclement weather or any other reason beyond the control of the team concerned this will count as a fixture unless an alternative fixture is arranged on the day concerned. If a team has not played 6 matches by 4 January 2013 but can show that it played 12 qualifying matches against other Section One clubs in season 2011/12 it will count as a team. AGE GRADE TEAMS: The definition is similar for adult teams, except a team will be required to have played 4 qualifying games by 4 January 2013 or where this has not been achieved 8 matches in season 2011/12. This of course will have been at the age group one year younger than that at which they are currently playing.

International Ticket Allocation: (Letter to Clubs continued from page 4)

Registered Mini/Midi Players: Each registered mini/midi player (male & female), will qualify for a quarter of a point. The maximum number of players that can qualify is 300, so the maximum number of points that will be awarded in this category will be 75. Key Roles & Responsibilities: The following functions within a club are covered by the term ‘Golden Roles’. Where an individual is named against each of the functions, a club will be awarded 3 points per function. Where one person covers more than one role, each role will receive 3 points. Where more than one person covers a role, only 3 points per role will be awarded. The maximum number of points in this category will be 27. Honorary Secretary, Chairman, Honorary Treasurer, Fixture Secretary, International Ticket Contact, Discipline Officer, Safeguarding Officer, Coaching Co-ordinator, Volunteer Co-ordinator Referees:

One point will be given for every referee shown in the role and recorded on your RugbyFirst pages. This includes those that have undertaken the RFU Entry Level Referee Award (ELRA) and any active referees, who are on Rug- byFirst and who have obtained another RFU qualification, such as the National Foundation Certificate (NFC). There is no maximum number of points for this category. Coaches

Points as detailed below will be awarded for each coach recorded as being a member of your club on RugbyFirst and who is shown in the role of coach on the club’s RugbyFirst pages. RFU UKCC Level One – 1 point

RFU UKCC Level Two – 2 points RFU UKCC Level Three – 4 points RFU UKCC Level Four – 8 points In addition your club will be awarded points for other active coaches who have obtained other RFU qualifications such as the old Preliminary or Intermediate Awards, but not the TAG, Start Rugby or Continuity courses, providing they are shown on your club’s RugbyFirst pages. There is no maximum number of points for this category. If you have any queries, experience any difficulties with regarding your RugbyFirst pages please contact the Rug- byFirst Support by email to [email protected] or on 0208 831 6651 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 09:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00. If you want assistance with regard to referee and coaching qualifications, please send an email to [email protected] It is vitally important that the data held for your club on RugbyFirst is maintained and updated regularly. Yours sincerely . Patricia Murphy, Head of Ticketing

Have Your Say on RFU Governance:

The RFU would like to hear the views of its members via chance to be the best it can be in all areas. the RFU Corporate Governance Review Consultation

Document (PDF 9MB). You are invited to attend any of the 12 consultation Your feedback is extremely important and both Bill meetings being held around the country to discuss these Beaumont (Chairman), and Ian Ritchie (CEO) will be potential changes, and to contribute your views. Bill travelling around the country in January and February Beaumont or Ian Ritchie will attend each of these meet- to a series of meetings so that they can hear your ings, click on the following link for a list of dates and thoughts. venues (PDF 48kB). All meetings will start at 7pm for 7.30pm. Please attend which ever meeting is most con- venient for you. No tickets or notification are required,

simply turn up and take part.

At each consultation meeting there will be a presentation of the main points, with plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions and express your views on any sub- ject.

If you are unable to attend any of the meetings, the The RFU wants your opinions on how best to update the RFU would still love to have your feedback. You can e- constitution and for you to be part of the process. We mail [email protected] with any comments, or ask to want to ensure that we are an efficient, accountable, speak to the Project Manager, Simon Johnson, for a full forward thinking governing body that is ready to meet discussion. all challenges and opportunities as we look towards the Rugby World Cup 2015 and beyond. Feedback will be reported to the April RFU Council meeting, with a full debate to follow at a special meet-

ing of the Council in May 2013. The results of the consultation will be communicated on the RFU website. I very much hope that you will take part in this important consultation and I look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings in the New Year.

It is important that the RFU’s decision making is trust- ed, understood and supported by its members, sponsors, Government, other partners, sports bodies and all across the game. This is why we want to hear from you; as individual members, member clubs and Constituent Bodies and are inviting you to be part of the discussion as we prepare for a future that will give the RFU the

December 2012 Page 7

Opponents confirmed for 2013 QBE Internationals:

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) today confirmed that Fixtures for the 2013 QBE Internationals next year’s QBE Internationals will see England play three Saturday, November 2, England v Australia consecutive Test matches in November 2013 at Twicken- Saturday, November 9, England v Argentina ham Stadium against Australia, Argentina and New Zea- land. Saturday, November 16, England v New Zealand All of the games will kick off at 2.30pm and will be shown Ticket prices and availability for the 2013 QBE Interna- live on Sky Sports. tionals will be announced in due course with details ap- pearing on www.rfu.com. It will be the second year as title sponsor for QBE, the business insurance specialist. This partnership, which started in December 2009 and was extended to include the QBE Internationals in Sep- tember 2012 is part of QBE’s ongoing commitment to rugby with the RFU.

England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said:

“The 2012 QBE Internationals are living up to expecta- tions. We have gone head to head with the best teams in the Southern Hemisphere at Twickenham. In the process, we have learnt a lot about our players and what is required to perform at the very top level of international rugby. We are looking forward to meeting Australia and New Zealand again next November and welcoming Argentina to Twickenham for the first time since 2009.” Richard Pryce, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, European Operations, QBE Insurance Group, commented: “As the inaugural QBE Internationals come to a close, we’re delighted that next year’s fixtures will again give fans the chance to see England compete against some of the world’s best players. We’re sure supporters will be excited about the prospect of watching three competitive test matches at the home of England Rugby next Novem- ber.”

Staffs CPD Event @ Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre:

Staffs Rugby Union Coaching Society held a session on Defensive Line Organisation delivered by Phil Larder MBE, at Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre on Monday, 3rd December 2012. Phil was part of Sir Clive Woodward’s backroom staff when England won the 03 World Cup, so he had tremendous knowledge and ideas to pass on to those attending. Over 60 Staffs Club Coaches of various levels attended the event and gained a great deal from the 2.1/2 hour session. 30 – under 15 club players (10 each from Lichfield, Stafford and Willenhall) were worked very hard by Phil and these and the club coaches benefited greatly from his visit. Staff from Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre, particularly Jane the Manager, contributed to the success of the evening, the facilities provided being excellent. The evening was a great start to the Coaching Society’s plan for the season. Coaches having to attend one such event annually to keep their Coaching License.

England Rugby 2015 appoints Neil Snowball as Rugby Operations Director in new organisational structure.

England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015), Tournament Organiser of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has appointed Neil Snowball, previously Head of Sport Operations for LOCOG, to the be in position in January 2013. new role of Rugby Operations Director. This appointment is part of a wider organisational restructure as ER 2015 Neil Snowball – Biography moves from planning to the operational phase. Neil was Head of Sport Operations at LOCOG from ER 2015 will be reorganised in two distinct areas: 2007 to 2012. He was responsible for delivering a wide range of services to the athletes and teams across the Rugby Operations and Business Operations. The Rugby 26 Olympic and 20 Paralympic Sports. He was a mem- Operations Department will be led by Snowball reporting ber of the team that delivered the ‘London Prepares’ directly into Chief Executive, Debbie Jevans. series of Test Events and during the games ran the Rugby Operations will oversee the staging of the 48 Sport Operations Centre working closely with match tournament and has five areas of responsibility: Transport, Security, Technology, Logistics and the Rugby Services; Venue Operations; Tournament Services; other core functional areas. City Operations; and Tournament Technology. Prior to joining LOCOG, Neil spent eight years with The Business Operations Department will encompass five Goldman Sachs as Executive Director with responsibil- strands: Ticketing & Commercial; Communications & Mar- ity for Global Health and Wellness. He was responsible keting; Finance; HR & Volunteering; and Legal. Each of the for delivering an extensive programme of services to heads of the five business units will report directly into the 28,000 employees across the world including the the Chief Executive. delivery of major capital projects in London, New York, Tokyo and Bangalore. After due consideration, the decision has been reached that the roles of Chief Operating Officer and General Neil was a member of the Sport England Regional Manager for Marketing and Communications, held by Ross Sports Board from 2004 to 2007 and is currently a Young and Jon Duckworth respectively, cease to exist and member of the Surrey County Cricket Club Business they have both left ER 2015 with immediate effect. Advisory Board. He is a qualified Rugby and Cricket coach. Current employees whose roles are affected by the reor- ganisation will have new positions within ER 2015. Neil was born in Cumbria in 1966 and now lives in Sur- rey with his wife and son. “The Rugby World Cup draw on 3 December marked a step change for ER 2015 from planning to an operational phase. Rugby World Cup ER 2015 needs a structure that reflects that change and Rugby World Cup is Rugby's showpiece event hosted ensures: more direct focus on the delivery of the tourna- every four years and one of the world’s largest and ment; clearer reporting lines and accountability; and bet- most popular global sporting events. The inaugural Rug- ter defined business operations that reflect our changing by World Cup was hosted in 1987 and England 2015 will priorities,” said Jevans. be the eighth edition, bringing together 20 teams and “Neil Snowball did a fantastic job as Head of Sport Oper- fans from more than 100 countries for a spectacle ations for LOCOG and was responsible for the sporting that will be broadcast to a global television audience of operational framework which delivered the Games. He 4 billion. Rugby World Cup provides the financial plat- managed a multi-million pound budget and oversaw the form for unprecedented investment and growth in the delivery around venues, training bases, team liaison and all Game with the IRB investing £150 million in Rugby of the logistics that support such a huge undertaking.” worldwide between 2009-2012. added Jevans. “I would like to thank Ross and Jon for Match Schedule and Venues announcement their contribution in getting ER 2015 to where it is.” Following the Pool Allocation Draw, England Rugby 2015 An executive search consultancy has been appointed to and Rugby World Cup Limited will announce the match undertake a recruitment process for a Communications & schedule and final venues selected to host games in Marketing Director. The new appointment is expected to March 2013.

British and Irish Lions Coaches appointed: To view Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree’s interview on ENGLAND Head Coach Stuart Lancaster congratulated their British & Irish Lions appointments visit RFU.com Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree on their appointments as British & Irish Lions assistant coaches.

The pair will be seconded to the Lions in May following the RBS 6 Nations and join a team including Head Coach Warren Gatland and assistant coach Rob Howley.

Lancaster said: “I am delighted for Andy and Graham. They have worked hard to achieve this honour and it is a credit to them, the England team and the RFU that they have been asked to coach the best players from the Home Unions. They, along with Mike Catt, are fundamen- tal to what we are trying to build with England and I know they will return from Australia with new skills which will benefit us. We wish them and the Lions every success.”

They will be joined by three other members of the Eng- land management: Senior Physiotherapist Phil Pask, National Fitness Coach Paul Stridgeon and Senior Eng- land Teams Media Manager Dave Barton. “To have five representatives from England’s coaching and management team represent the Lions is testament to their skills and expertise in their fields. They all have a ‘team first’ attitude which will serve the Lions well,” added Lancaster.

Lichfield Ladies up to 3rd in the Premiership: popped up to Braund who ran through to score. Scar- ratt again added the extras to hand Lichfield a nine point cushion. Lichfield Ladies moved up to third in the Premiership on Sunday thanks to a 24-10 defeat of Saracens. Lichfield were now on a roll which Saracens couldn’t stop. From the restart, they spread the ball out-wide Lichfield had to work hard for the victory and there were some good runs from Chelsey Fuggle and Kaz Harris initially. to Carys Williams, who made 40 metres and could only An infringement by Saracens also presented Lichfield with be stopped by a good tackle from Saracens’ Charlotte Goode. the first scoring opportunity – a penalty just outside Sara- cens’ 22 – but the kick went wide. Lichfield were then awarded a scrum on the Saracens’ five metre line, and Saracens couldn’t cope with the Saracens kept coming back at their hosts and a lovely pas- sage of play followed and brought Saracens within sight of scrummaging power of the Lichfield pack, and they the try-line. But Lichfield held firm and forced a knock-on. drove over the try-line. Harriet Millar-Mills took the spoils, making the score 19-5 at half time. In the end, however, the pressure from Saracens took its toll and Rebecca Bushell barged her way over the try-line. After the break, a powerful run by Poppy Cleall broke Lichfield’s defence, and then some quick ball saw Sar- Good work from the kick-off saw Lichfield win the ball, and although Saracens regained possession inside their own half, acens touch down for their second try but that is where their charge ended. a great interception by Lichfield’s Vicki Jackson put her through to score under the posts. The try was duly convert- Instead, Lichfield turned the tables and some good ed by England star Emily Scarratt, putting hosts into a 7-5 work by Ally Taft at a scrum saw England hooker lead. Vicky Fleetwood run in Lichfield’s fourth and final try. England lock Emily Braund added Lichfield’s second try after the home side’s pack forced a turn-over. The ball was

Staffordshire Rugby Union National Under 20 Championship news from the Midlands:

WARWICKSHIRE improved their prospects of reaching the quarter-finals of the National Under 20 Shield by scoring 18 points in the final quarter to clinch a 28-10 win over Staffordshire at Broadstreet RFC this evening. Staffordshire pulled level at 10-10 when Trentham prop Ryan Getley crossed under the posts after 57 minutes and Wolverhampton’s Will Jones added the conversion. But Warwickshire were quick to counter-attack when Staffordshire lost possession close to half-way and Bromsgrove fly-half Ben Palmer crossed for the try that turned the match. Palmer then kicked two penalties stretching Warwickshire’s lead and replacement wing Daniel Leake (Nuneaton) put the seal on victory when he crossed late on with Jack Howland of Barkers’ Butts adding the conversion.

Howland had given Warwickshire the lead with a 24th minute penalty which proved to be the only score of the first half. Jones equalised with a penalty four minutes into the second half but Warwickshire regained the lead when centre Greg Loydall of Old Laurentians went over for a try which Palmer converted. Staffordshire were handicapped by the withdrawal of four players who were suffering from the norovirus which meant they were forced into a late reshuffle. Their second defeat ended Staffordshire’s hopes of progressing further in the competition as Oxfordshire, who they meet in their final pool match in February, have already won two games. Warwickshire will need to win their final pool match against Oxford University at Iffley Road on February 10 if they are to go through to the quarter-finals.

Staffs U18 Presentation Evening:

The Staffordshire County U18s Presentation Evening took place at Burntwood RFC on Monday 17th December. It was a great opportunity for the squad (and parents/family) to meet up and review the season and celebrate their achievements. In addition, each member was presented with a County tie in recognition of their commitment over the past season/s. The coaching staff spoke first and reviewed the players' progress from when they began as U17s until they completed this stage at U18s. Mick Procter (SRU President) then kindly said a few words about the next stage of their development and shared his vision for the future of rugby in Staffordshire. The players were then individual- ly asked to come to the front and be presented with a County tie.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and creat- ed a lot of enthusiasm amongst the squad about how they would progress in their future careers. A special mention must go to Zach Chadwick, Joe Nixon, Danny Poole and Jack Fielding for all making the Midlands Trials with the latter three all progressing to the main squad.

League and Merit Table Round-up (December 23rd)

National League 3 (Midlands): Midlands 2 West (North):

Longton RFC with wins against Scunthorpe and Mansfield in Wolverhampton continue to top the league despite los- December put a little distance between themselves and the ing both games (Silhillians 18-39 and Bridgnorth 5-12) in teams in the relegation battle. Their only defeat this month December thanks to the 10 points bonus’s gained. Silhil- came at the hands of South Leicester 15-17 away who sit lians and Moseley Oak chasing hard. Old Salts are up third in the league. Next up on January 5th are Sandbach next away and Wolves will need to find their earlier away and they will be looking to continue their fine run of form to keep the pack behind them. form to climb higher in the league table. Leek sit 5th just 8 points behind Wolves and will be hoping to repeat their victory at home over Bridgnorth when they meet on the 5th January to keep up the pres- Midlands 1 West: sure on the leaders, Stafford, with 2 wins from 2 in Dec. (Old Eds 30-12 and Bridgnorth 14-12) closed the gap to the top, and are now 10 points behind the leaders. Veseyans away on the 5th Jan are next. Tamworth, will be glad to see the back of December as 3 defeats leave them at the bottom of the league. Aston Old Eds on the 5th January is a must win game for them to start the climb up the table. Midlands 3 West (North):

With 3 defeats in a row (Walsall, Stoke and Worcester Wanderers) Lichfield will be glad to see December behind them. They will be hoping that Jan 5th away at Barkers Butts will see a welcome return to their early season form. Burton, 4th in the table and now just 5 points behind their nearest rivals Lichfield, fared much better this month a draw with Stratford and a win at home against Ludlow saw them closing the gap. Burton travel to Walsall on 5th Jan to face an inform side who have won 3 on the trot (Lichfield, Camp Hill and Barkers). As with all leagues, due to the December weather only 2 games were played in December. Newcastle who had Stoke also unbeaten in December are now starting to show been front runners all season drop to second place after the form that saw them promoted last season. December their defeat away at Burntwood and look to get back to wins against Lichfield 47-7 and Berkswell 51-0 put them just winning ways on January 5th with a home fixture against the 3 points away for 5th in the table. 3rd placed Edwardians. Old Halesonians and Worcester Wanderers continue to set Willenhall with wins over Cleobury and Eccleshall now the pace and have now opened a gap to the chasing pack. top the table and will need to continue this form into

League and Merit Table Round-up (December 23rd)

January as they play the next 3 best placed top teams after South Lancs and Cheshire Division 3: their visit to Burntwood on the 5th. Bloxwich and Handsworth sit equal 4th just 5 points behind the league leaders and with Burntwood only a further 3 points behind them. This surely is the most closely fought league this season with the top 8 teams only separated by 10 points and looks to be heading for a final game of the season climax.

Midlands 4 West (North):

Prenton, Manchester Medics and Port Sunlight are starting to put distance between themselves and the rest of the division. Manchester Medics with 2 games in hand look to be title favourites. Trentham play 4 of the bottom 5 clubs next and will be looking for maximum points, starting at home against Holmes Chapel on the 5th January.

Uttoxeter claim top spot as the year comes to a close with Linley have a difficult January playing Port Sunlight on wins over Bishops Castle and Cannock in December. the 5th and then entertain Prenton at home followed by the local derby against Trentham on the 19th January at Cannock beat previous league leaders Market Drayton 15-11 Trentham. at home in their last outing to keep just the 5points behind the leaders. Uttoxeter. The top 4 seem to be pulling away West Midlands Reserve Team league: from the rest of the teams in this league. Barton 17 points behind the top 4, need to continue in the form they showed recently in beating both Uttoxeter and Tenbury if they are to close the gap. Bishops Castle on the 5th followed by Bromyard and then Cannock are must win games.

Midlands 5 West (North):

Unbeaten Dudley with 32 points strengthened their grip at the top with a 10-5 win at home to Walsall on the 15th December. Dudley with 8 results in so far this season, 282 points scored with only 13 against they are looking extremely strong favourites to win the Midlands West Reserve team league this season.

Lichfield are 2nd just the 2 points behind but having St Leonards top the division. With just the 1 defeat this played 1 game more. Walsall with a game in hand over season to Warley in their opening game they have built a Lichfield are third just the 4 points behind Lichfield slender 4 point gap to the chasing 3 teams. They play 2 of the chasing 3 in January (Aldridge and Rugeley) in games that could decide where the league trophy goes. Essington Aldridge and Rugeley as their next 2 games will need to be at their best to maintain the pressure at the top.

League and Merit Table Round-up (December 23rd)

Staffordshire 2nd Team League: Merit Table B South:

Wolverhampton moved to 7 points clear at the top on 22nd Handsworth, unbeaten and with an 11 point lead set the December when they visited Featherstone and came away pace in the table, but with only 2 results being published 25-24 winners. Leek took the advantage of Featherstone’s that table has not changed much. defeat to move second in beating Longton 32-0. The weather has taken its toll in December but please Featherstone with games in hand are very much still in the ensure that details of any results, postponements or title race sitting 3rd 8 points behind Wolves. dates of re-arranged games etc. are forwarded onto the merit table secretary as soon as possible.

Please note that Willenhall 3rd’s withdrew for the merit Merit Table B North: table in December and all fixtures and results have now been taken out of the database.

Merit Table C South:

Stone, still unbeaten, continue as leaders in a weather hit December fixture list. Trentham and Cannock (3 points behind) keep pace and will be looking to Stone slip up in the new year. The top three sides have built an 8 point cushion over the rest of the teams in the league.

Cannock entertain Stone on Jan 26th in the table topping Aldridge top the table with 31 points closely followed by fixture of the month. Whilst Trentham have games against Rugeley on 28 points, both having played 10 games. St Leonards and Leek. Essington, who meet Aldridge on 12th January are 3rd

on 27 points but have a game in hand on them. Essington Merit Table C North: play Burntwood away on the 5th Jan, whilst Aldridge do not have a game on that day. Wednesbury on 26 points have 2 games in hand on the league leaders. They play Warley, Handsworth and Bloxwich in January, where wins would put them right up in contention.

Note: up to date results and tables can be found by clicking on the link below. MERIT TABLES Hanford with only the 1 defeat all season have built a 9 point lead at the top. Only 6 points separate the next 6 teams. Please ensure results are sent to merit table secretary Cannock with a game in hand at the moment look to be near- at earliest opportunity, est challengers to Hanford.

Important information for Coach and Referee CPD’s

To all coaches and referees World Cup Legacy – Entry Level Referees Award

RWC 2015 provides the RFU and everyone involved in this The Entry Level Refereeing Award is the best introduc- great game with a fabulous opportunity to deliver a lasting tion to refereeing rugby union and the ideal place to start legacy for the game. With the finest players, refs and your officiating career. You will develop the knowledge, coaches in the world on our shores we have a wonderful skills and attributes to apply the laws of the game safely opportunity to celebrate Rugby Unions values and tradi- & effectively when refereeing the 15-a-side game. We tions. recommend that all ELRA candidates join their local refereeing society where they will receive even more train- Every day of the week, in all weathers, referees and ing and support. coaches devote their time and energy to help players of all ages and ability enjoy their game. We want to recognise Duration: 12 hours (2 days) that dedication as well as support those taking their first steps in refereeing and coaching. So whether you’re an World Cup Legacy – Coaching & Refereeing 7s Rugby existing referee or coach looking to develop your For coaches & referees interested in developing their knowledge further, a retiring player wanting to give back knowledge of the principles of the Sevens game in attack to the game or a parent who wants to support their child & defence. You will look at the importance of core skills we want to help you achieve your goal. which are essential and magnified in the game of sevens In the lead up to 2015 will be investing in the people who and how these can be introduced and developed. This make the game happen week in week out. From 2013 we course is excellent for those coaches & referees who will be reducing the cost of a number of referee and recognize how the sevens game can greatly enhance a coaching courses by as much as 75% players skill set which makes this an excellent game for player development. Register Your Interest Now Duration: 6hrs (1 day) To help us make the courses as accessible as possible and to allow us to let as many people as possible benefit we World Cup Legacy – Coaching & Refereeing Master Class would really appreciate your help by telling us the courses These 2.5 hour courses will be delivered by high perform- you would really like to go on by using the register of in- ing coaches and referees. They will share their thoughts, terest form experiences of how to coach & referee the scrum, lineout http://www.rfu.com/takingpart/olcb/registerinterest. and tackle. You will be encouraged to ask questions, ob- serve practical examples and come up with a few ideas! From January 2013 you will begin to see courses appear on the online course booking system Cost: Free

http://www.rfu.com/takingpart/olcb/coursesearch Duration: 3hrs

World Cup Legacy - Level 1: Coaching Children Rugby Un- ion to players aged 7 – 12 World Cup Legacy – Level 2: Coaching the 15-a-side game to players aged 13+ For coaches involved in children’s rugby (U7 to U12]. You will develop the knowledge, skills and attributes essential For coaches involved in the 15-a-side Game. You will devel- to developing children’s social, personal, physical and men- op the knowledge, skills and attributes to effectively tal skills through the technical and tactical aspects of coach players aged 13 – 16 in the 15-a-side game. The the game of Rugby Union. course includes technical & tactical aspects of defence and attack together with unit skills and developing play Duration: 19hrs (2.5 days) from set piece. QBE Sponsored Level 2: Coaching the 15-a-side game to Duration: 24 hours (3 days) players aged 16+ For coaches involved in the 15-a-side Game. You will develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to effectively coach players aged 16+ in the 15-a-side game. The course includes technical & tactical aspects of defence and attack together with unit skills and developing play from set piece

Duration: 24 hours (3 days)

Page 16 Staffordshire Rugby Union

Stafford RFC

Congratulations to Chris Becker, Angus Hamphlett, Josh

Russell, Toran Spellman & Will Turner for being selected for the 22 man Staffordshire squad to play against Shropshire on 19 December 2012.

They have all made huge efforts to attend the training In Movember Stafford RUFC members raised over £500 session leading up to the selection afternoon which was for the Injured Players Foundation. held at Lichfield Rugby Club on the 2nd and, in the opinion Mo’ Bro’s were registered clean shaven on 27th October of the county coaches, all players performed very well and and judged on how their Mo’ had progressed by 1st De- they were excited to see the talent that was displayed on cember. the day. On the 1st (after witnessing England’s crushing defeat of the Kiwi’s) one by one Stafford Mo’ Bro’s paraded in Congratulations to all those players selected. front of the judges panel. Some had more success than others and there was also some evidence of cheating. One member who’s Mo’ had fallen by the wayside through the month had a forfeit to pay that was a back waxing. The waxing was initially carried out by glamorous female club members but, soon turned into a free for all OUCH !!! A great night was had by all a raised funds for the IPF, a cause close to all of us.

Uttoxeter RFC: Uttoxeter RFC RFC set-up stall at Uttoxeter Xmas Cracker Night during December this to raise the awareness of Uttoxeter Rugby within the Community. A Tombola stall with many gifts was the main focus of the evening as well as promoting the local sponsors to the Rugby Club

Burton RFC:

A presentation has been made to Acorns for £918 from monies raised for last seasons President's Charity. The money was raised over the season through the sale of wristbands and t-shirts, raffles and donations.

Pictured are Hannah Nolan from Acorns, Danny Smith 1st XV Player, Josh Cartwright Club Captain, Steve Smith Club Coach. Find out more about the work of Acorns on their website:- http://www.acorns.org.uk/

Sportivate Round 3 Applications invited - Deadline 21st December 2012

Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent is pleased Please note that, although the deadline for submission to to announce the next round of Sportivate funding. The SASSOT of Year Three Local-Level Delivery Plans and deadline for applications is Friday 21st December 2012. applications to the sub-regional pot is 21st December Sportivate funding is available to support projects that will 2012, local-level deadlines will be earlier to allow for run activity targeting 14-25year olds and who are semi- local-level plans to be compiled. sporty or not sporty (those who aren’t doing any or only Therefore, we recommend that deliverers contact the doing very small amounts of physical activity). relevant Local Lead Organisation(s) as soon as possible. Activity should run for 6-8 weeks, and must lead to a clear- ly identified exit route so that participants continue to take part after their initial block of activity has finished. If NGBs or other organisations wish to deliver Sporti- Projects must be delivered between April 1st 2013 and vate projects in three or more local areas (Local Author- March 31st 2014. ity districts) they may wish to consider applying for funding from the sub-regional pot. SASSOT is particularly interested in receiving applications for projects that target; We recommend that they contact SASSOT to discuss their project before submitting an application. A deliv-  Women and girls ery plan (using a standard template) will need to be com-  People with disabilities pleted and submitted to SASSOT by 21st December  18-25year olds 2012.  Young people in areas of deprivation Please note the forms have been altered slightly for Year 3. Please delete any old versions of this form that  Young people not in education, employment or train- you have. Any applications received on old forms will be ing (NEETS) returned. You can download the following documents from webpages Please circulate this information to colleagues, partners http://www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk/Sportivate and stakeholders.  Sportivate briefing note, telling you everything you If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact need to know about Sportivate Claire Greenwood  The Application form which is a delivery plan for you Physical Activity Development Officer project Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent  A step by step guide to completing the questions on the Application form (this is also on the first tab of the application form) Stafford Borough Council At a local level, the programme is co-ordinated by a Lead Civic Centre, Riverside, Organisation for each District, who is responsible for en- suring that what is offered locally is what young people Stafford ST16 3AQ want, and for engaging with other local organisations to Tel: 01785 619258 deliver activity. Mobile:07772 223015 (Tues/Wed only) If an organisation wishes to deliver Sportivate projects in just one or two local areas (Local Authority districts), they will need to contact the Local Lead Organisations for the relevant areas to discuss this further and to see whether their potential project(s) meet locally-identified needs. If this is the case, they will be asked to complete a delivery plan for their project and to submit it to the Local Lead Organisation for consideration. See Section pages 9 and 10 of the Briefing Note for further information. Local Lead contacts can be found on page 10, or on the webpage http://www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk/Sportivate/Co ntacts

 The tea cosy was the forerunner of all the energy Humour: saving devices that we hear so much about today.  Tea had only one colour, black. Green tea was not Librarian with a sense of Humour? British.

 Coffee was only drunk when we had no tea….. and

then it was Camp, and came in a bottle.

 Cubed sugar was regarded as posh.

 Figs and dates appeared every Christmas, but no one ever ate them.  Sweets and confectionery were called toffees.

 Coconuts only appeared when the fair came to town.

 Black puddings were mined in Bolton Lancashire.

 Jellied eels were peculiar to Londoners.

 Salad cream was a dressing for salads, mayonnaise did not exist Can You Remember?  Hors d'oeuvre was a spelling mistake. EATING IN THE UK IN THE FIFTIES  The starter was our main meal.  Pasta had not been invented.  Soup was a main meal.  Curry was an unknown entity.  The menu consisted of what we were given, and was  Olive oil was kept in the medicine cabinet set in stone.  Spices came from the Middle East where we be-  Only Heinz made beans, any others were impostors. lieved that they were used for embalming  Leftovers went in the dog.  Herbs were used to make rather dodgy medicine.  Special food for dogs and cats was unheard of.  A takeaway was a mathematical problem.  Sauce was either brown or red.  A pizza was something to do with a leaning tower.  Fish was only eaten on Fridays.  Bananas and oranges only appeared at Christmas Eating raw fish was called poverty, not sushi. time.  Ready meals only came from the fish and chip shop.  The only vegetables known to us were spuds,  For the best taste fish and chips had to be eaten peas, carrots and cabbage, out of old newspapers. anything else was regarded as being a bit suspi-  Frozen food was called ice cream. cious.  Nothing ever went off in the fridge because we  All crisps were plain; the only choice we had was never had one. whether to put the salt on or not.  Ice cream only came in one colour and one flavour.  Condiments consisted of salt, pepper, vinegar and  None of us had ever heard of yoghurt. brown sauce if we were lucky.  Jelly and blancmange was only eaten at parties.  Soft drinks were called pop.  If we said that we were on a diet, we simply got  Coke was something that we mixed with coal to less. make it last longer.  Healthy food consisted of anything edible.  A Chinese chippy was a foreign carpenter.  Healthy food had to have the ability to stick to  Rice was a milk pudding, and never, ever part of your ribs. our dinner.  Calories were mentioned but they had nothing at all  * A Big Mac was what we wore when it was rain- to do with food. ing.  The only criteria concerning the food that we ate  A Pizza Hut was an Italian shed. were ... did we like it and could we afford it.  A microwave was something out of a science fic-  People who didn't peel potatoes were regarded as tion movie. lazy so and so’s.  Brown bread was something only poor people ate.  Indian restaurants were only found in India .  Oil was for lubricating your bike not for cooking,  A seven course meal had to last a week.  fat was for cooking  Brunch was not a meal.  Bread and jam was a treat.  Cheese only came in a hard lump.  Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves, not  If we had eaten bacon lettuce and tomato in the bags same sandwich we would have been certified

Eating in the 50’s continued:

 A bun was a small cake back then. Different ways at looking at things:  A tart was a fruit filled pastry, not a lady of horizon- Two guys were discussing popular family trends on tal pleasure. sex, marriage, and Family values.  The word" Barbie" was not associated with anything Bill said, 'I didn't sleep with my wife before we got to do with food. married, did you?'  Eating outside was called a picnic. Larry replied, 'I'm not sure, what was her maiden  Cooking outside was called camping. name?'  Seaweed was not a recognised food.  Offal was only eaten when we could afford it. 'Mr. Clark, I have reviewed this case very carefully,'  Eggs only came fried or boiled. the divorce Court Judge said, 'And I've decided to  Hot cross buns were only eaten at Easter time. give your wife $775 a week,'  Pancakes were only eaten on Pancake Tuesday - in 'That's very fair, your honor,' the husband said. 'And fact in those days it was compulsory. every now and then I'll try to send her a few bucks myself.'  Kebab" was not even a word never mind a food.

 Hot dogs were a type of sausage that only the Ameri- cans ate. A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, Took the husband aside, and  Cornflakes had arrived from America but it was obvi- said, 'I don't like the looks of your wife ous that they would never catch on. at all.'  The phrase "boil in the bag" would have been beyond 'Me neither doc,' said the husband. 'But she's a great our realms of comprehension. cook and really Good with the kids.'  The idea of "oven chips" would not have made any

sense at all to us. A blonde calls BA and asks, 'Can you tell me how long  We bought milk and cream at the same time in the it'll take to fly from Birmingham to Glasgow?' same bottle. The agent replies, 'Just a minute.'  Sugar enjoyed a good press in those days, and was 'Thank you,' the blonde says, and hangs up. regarded as being white gold.

 Lettuce and tomatoes in winter were just a rumour. A man is recovering from surgery when the Surgical  Most soft fruits were seasonal except perhaps at Nurse appears and asks him how he is feeling. Christmas. 'I'm O. K. But I didn't like the four letter-words the  Prunes were medicinal. doctor used in surgery,' he answered.  Surprisingly muesli was readily available in those 'What did he say,' asked the nurse. days,it was called cattle feed. 'Oops!'  Turkeys were definitely seasonal.

 Pineapples came in chunks in a tin; we had only ever

seen a picture of a real one.

 We didn't eat Croissants in those days because we couldn't pronounce them,  we couldn't spell them and we didn't know what they were.  We thought that Baguettes were a serious problem the French needed to deal with.  Garlic was used to ward off vampires, but never used to flavour bread.  Water came out of the tap, if someone had suggested bottling it and charging treble for it they would have become a laughing stock.  Food hygiene was all about washing your hands before meals.  Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Botu- lism were all called "food poisoning."  The one thing that we never ever had on our table in the fifties …. elbows.

Just in time for Christmas vouchers, ‘The Final Whistle: the Great War in Fifteen Players’.

It’s a history of the Great War 1914-18, told through the stories of 15 men, who all played for Rosslyn Park. It’s also a ‘love song’ to the game of rugby. Published by The History Press, with good reviews from Fergal Keane, Jason Leonard and Ian Hislop. Foreword by Bill Beaumont, Chairman RFU. Perfect present for any father, son, husband or brother. And as one (female) Amazon reviewer put it, ‘anyone wanting to understand men’. Royalties go entirely to charity – Prostate Cancer UK (for Andy Ripley) and RP Injury Trust, which helps young sports-people with life-changing injuries. Ctrl + click on cover below to buy from Amazon, or at bookshops, iTunes etc.

Staffs Rugby Union - Newsletter August 2012 Dates for the Diary:

January 16th - Play it Safe workshop @ Burton RFC 1900hrs 28th - Play it Safe workshop @ Leek RFC 1900hrs

February 4th - Play it Safe workshop @ Wolverhampton RFC 100hrs 10th - Staffs U20 v Oxfordshire U20 @ Burntwood 1:30ko . 11th - SOR Meeting @ St Leonards Social 1930hrs

Please email any items/photos for future editions to: John Atkin (SRU Webmaster) Email: [email protected] tel: 01543 472605