Touch Tonight?

If anyone fancies playing some Touch Rugby tonight a few of us are thinking of heading down there about 6.30 for a little game, everyone is welcome to come along and can people pass it on that there will be some on tonight.

Fitness Training

Joe is planning on going down to the pitch on Saturday morning to do some fitness training, If anyone else wants to join in he is planning on starting about 9am for about an hour.

Lymington Mariners Vs Old Yardleians (21/08/2010)

Plumbingtrader.co.uk going live!

Our away/vets kit sponsor www.plumbingtrader.co.uk is going live tomorrow (wednesday, 25-8-10)! So for all of your plumbing and bathroom needs you now know where to go!

Vandals Raid and Conquer Lymington

MATCH REPORT:

Lymington Mariners 17 – Old Yardleians Vandals 27

Lymington Mariners’ second season opened with a humbling defeat against a strong visiting team from Solihul, the Old Yardleians Vandals. A large and vocal home crowd watched the early season friendly at Woodside Park which saw eight tries scored in a good spirited game between two teams made up predominantly of veterans .

The game started promisingly as the Mariner scrum half Joe Rodway made a 50 yard break that took him to within a few feet of the try line. Unfortunately the Vandals rallied and their heavy and more experienced pack immediately began to impose itself on proceedings. Crafting their way in to Lymington territory they scored two early tries, the first from their left winger cutting an angled run across the posts bouncing off a number of defenders, and the second coming from their aptly named prop ‘ The Fridge’ who trundled over the line after a penetrating zig-zigging run from their No.8.

The Vandals continued to dominate play in the tight preventing the Lymington pack from recycling possession through sufficient phases of play to release their backs. However the Mariners did start to fight back and towards the end of the first half blind-side flanker Ben Bradley-Watson cut his own diagonal run slicing his way through the opposition defence to score under the posts. Both teams failure to convert left the score 5-10 at half time.

Half time saw Lymington not only change it’s line-up with a number of substitutions but also it’s shirt as the team removed their blue first team shirts and donned their vets/away yellow strip: As the season’s curtain raiser it was important for the team to play all it’s squad of 25 players and give acknowledgement to both it’s shirt sponsors – Indian restaurant Rivaaz and Plumbingtrader.co.uk.  A big thank you to owners, Shahin Malek and James Metcalf respectively.

The second half didn’t start much better than the first as the visiting team carried on controlling play at the breakdown and around the fringes. Comically, despite a squad of 25 Mariners managed to start the second half with only 14 on the pitch as Jamie Bolwell went walkabout thinking he’d been substituted. They quickly extended their lead by 5 points as they scored their third unconverted try of the game. However the introduction of two Lymington debutants Bruno Brods at scrum half and Jamie Banaisk at centre as well as that of power house Gary Brooks at prop began to improve the quality of Mariner’s play. It was Jamie Banaisk who got the home side back in the game with a try after chasing a kick over the Vandal’s defence and beating their full back to touch down.

A number of injuries and further substitutions started to disrupt the Mariners as they had to constantly shuffle their line-up. The Vandals took full advantage and two more tries and a conversion effectively sealed the result for them as they went 10-27 ahead. Before the game finished however another chased kick, collected this time by one of last season’s stars, flanker, Stuart Thomas gave Lymington a consolation try, converted by Joe Rodway to leave the final score at 17-27.

Mariners will have learned a lot from this game that they can make to their advantage as they prepare for their first season in the league, Hampshire’s Merit 2. Never before had their forwards faced such a well drilled and strong opposite eight and although they are unlikely to face a better pack all year they will need to improve their ability to change tactics mid-match. The backs will improve as their line-up finds some consistency in its make-up and with it improved understanding and communication – something the side lacked last year.

There were a number of notable performances, particularly from: Andy O’Callaghan who showed his class around the fringes, stealing opposition ball and turning defence in to attack; Nick Bubb who worked tirelessly to be first at the breakdown; and Jamie Banaisk who’s tackling in midfield broke up the opposition back play.

A mention should also be given to Jack Dovey who not only played his first game for the club but was playing his first game ever. If his first performance was a measure of things to come he will undoubtedly become a force for the club. The fourth debutant of the day for the team was Stanley Wilson, significantly the most senior player to have worn the club shirt who managed a dogged and impressive four minutes before retiring injured.

The team would also like to extend a huge thank you to Sarah Lamb and all the other volunteers who put on the barbeque and refreshments for the supporters and players to ensure a great day was had by all.

Lymington’s next game will be on the 11^th September, opposition and ground to be confirmed, and it’s first league match will be the week after on the 18^th September against Sandown and Shanklin at Woodside Park, kick-off at 3pm. Everyone is warmly welcomed and encouraged to come and cheer the boys on what will be an historic day for the club.

Any players, experienced or new to the game, young and fit or otherwise are all welcome

Fixture Update

VETS Fixtures added:

2nd October: v Romsey (home)

23rd October: v Basingstoke (away)

27th November: v Ellingham & Ringwood (away)

5th February: v Basingstoke (home)

26th February: v Ellingham & Ringwood (home)

19th March: v Romsey (away)

Lymington 17-27 Old Yardleians

Lymington 17-27 Old Yardleians

Lymington suffer preseason defeat to strong opposition

Match Report to follow soon…

Lymington Mariners v Old Yardleians

Lymington Mariners v Old Yardleians

21st of August 2010

Kickoff 3pm (players meet 1.30pm)

Woodside Park

BBQ & Drinks will be pitchside

Calling All Mariners

10 days and counting until our first game of the season.

As mentioned in the previous messages our first fixture is at 3pm on the 21^st August at Woodside Parkagainst Old Yardleians.

Our intention for the launch of the season is to put on a barbeque and bar at the ground. The hope is to raise some funds for the club as I’m sure we will have a good crowd on the day.

To make this happen the wonderful Lamb sisters have agreed to help organise the day. However they need help for it to be a success. So, we need:

• 3 or 4, preferably gas, barbeques that can be brought down to the ground for us to use.
• 1 or 2 large gazebos
• Lots of helpers happy to lend a hand flipping burgers and turning sausages, selling food, working the bar/Pimms tent, selling raffle tickets and taking orders for club merchandise. The more helpers we have the less everyone will have to do so let’s not leave it to just a couple of people to make it happen

So if you or someone you know can help please contact Sarah Lamb on 07989 552634 orsarah.pureearth@gmail.com

And don’t forget – training tonight!

Lymington Mariners to set sail for their 2nd Season

Lymington Mariners Rugby Club open their season on the 21^st August against Old Yardleians III, a touring side fromSolihull. Kick off is at 3pm and is at the home of Lymington Mariners, WoodsidePark (next to the skate park).

The club would like to welcome anyone who would like to come and watch a spectacle of scintillating rugby and cheer the team on. Refreshments and food will also be available.

Following the successes of last year, the club’s first season, the Mariners have joined the Hampshire Merit 2 league. Their first home league fixture of the season is on 11^th September, again at 3pm,Woodside Park. Last year the club kicked off it’s existence with a crowd of about 200 spectators and every one of those that played hugely appreciated the support and all those that watched had great fun. It would be great if we can at least match that effort this year.

The club has also been fortunate enough to receive the generosity of two new sponsors this year. Sponsoring the league team’s home shirt and club shorts is Lymington’s favourite Indian restaurantRivaaz. Sponsoring the Veteran/away team shirt is another local business plumbingtrader.co.uk.

A big thank you to Shahin Malek and James Metcalf the company owners respectively, from all the players.

Finally, anyone interested in playing for the Lymington Mariners, young or veteran, experienced or new to the game, should call Lee Thomas, club secretary on 07917 556 863. The team currently trains at 6.30pm on Wednesday evenings by the Pavilion at Woodside Park and also runs a game of touch rugby on Mondays, same time, same place.

Message from the Manager (August ’10)

This could go on for a bit guys so sit down, get comfortable and pay attention!

Membership Form

Firstly, whether you are a new member of an old member could you please complete the form and return it to me a.s.a.p. so I can keep the ever growing contacts database up to date

Secondly you will note a list of fees at the bottom of the document. I will explain these all in more detail through the course of the email.

Subs and membership fees

There are two options for paying your match subs this year:

1)     you pay £5.00 for every match played.

2)     You set up a standing order of £10 a month for the year.

If you are not a fully paid up lifelong member (those of you who paid £50 to start up the club originally) then you will also need to pay a £25.00 annual membership fee as well as your subs. However to encourage sign up, the annual membership fee will not be required if you set up the standing order for the year.

Ideally you will all sign up to the standing order as this will not only stop one of us chasing you on match days for your fiver but will create a regular income for the club (we have no clubhouse to help us do this) and will therefore also allow us when needed to purchase ad-hoc resources to keep the club running.

Finally on this note – if you are a student, unemployed or simply struggling financially at the moment I know that this and some of the following messages will seem very expensive. We are an inclusive club and I wouldn’t want anyone feeling they can’t play for us or are unable to join in purely for financial reasons. If you do have an issue with some of the costs mentioned in this email please feel very welcome to talk to me in complete confidence and I will work out whatever needs to be worked out with discretion and respect

Tour

The tour to Ibiza in May next year has been booked. For more info on the tour itself click on the following link:

http://www.ibizasportstours.com/ciudad-deivissa–international-rugby-tournament

The cost of this is £270 per person. It is up to you how you pay but we will need a £30 deposit from anyone interested in going by the end of August as we have to confirm numbers to the organisers.

If you don’t want to pay the full fee up front or make ad-hoc payments as and when you can then you can set up a standing order for 9 months, starting in August, and ending in April for £30.00 per month.

To do this you just need all the same details as above for the subs payments except you need to change the last two fields as following:

Payment Reference:                                     Tour – (and then your name)

Usual Payment Amount                                £30.00

You will also want to enter a final payment date for April so you only make the necessary 9 payments

Sponsorship and Kit

We have been fortunate enough this year to get two sponsors for the club –

Firstly one of our very own members James Metcalf, through his company Plumbingtrader.co.uk (Going live 25-8-10) has been generous enough to sponsor our Vets/Away kit.

Secondly Shah Malek, owner of our very wonderful local Indian restaurant Rivaaz has agreed to sponsor our league team shirts and also subsidise our new shorts (which aren’t white!)

To save on laundry costs and to make up the difference in cost the plan is that club shorts and socks will be sold to players rather than held on to by the club and given out on match days. To further subsidize this cost we are planning to sell last season’s shirts to anyone who’d like one (although preference will be given to club members first).

As a result the hope is that a socks and shorts combo will be available at the subsidised rate of £15 (maybe even £10). However this subsidy will only be available to lifelong members or those paying annual membership/standing order subs. To anyone else they will be sold at full cost (approx. £25)

I’m sure you’ll all join me in saying a huge thank-you to our two new sponsors.

Training

With our first game fast approaching it would be great if everyone with an intention of playing this season could start attending training on a Wednesday night at 6.30pm at Woodside Park. We’ve been a little light on numbers the last few weeks but Peter has been running some really good sessions (sandwiched by some touch rugby) and to keep him engaged and to give ourselves a good chance of starting the season with a bang please make every effort to get down there.

Don’t forget we are also still running touch rugby sessions on a Monday night – same time and place.

First game

Our first game of the season is on the 21^st August against Old Yardleians III team from Solihull (Dom Monkhouse’s old club). This will predominantly be a vets fixture but as it will also be our curtain raiser to the season I will do my best to get everyone who wants to play on the pitch (just not all at once). The hope is that we will also generate a good crowd for the day and put on a barbecue and refreshments for everyone, including players. If anyone is able to help out on the day or can help provide resources eg. A marquee, an urn, a bouncy castle for the kids or anything else that might be useful please let me know.

Just so I have an idea on numbers could you please let me know if you’re available to play on the 21^st (and that includes all you old boy vets that fancy a run out)

More on this over the next week or so but start spreading the word……….

I’m sure there’s more but I think that’s enough for you all to digest for now.

All the best and see you all next Wednesday!

Lee Thomas

TRAINING – PASS IT ON!

There is now less than 3weeks till the first game of the season (August 21st)!

For this season to be a successful one for the club it is vital that people begin attending training on Mondays (6.30-7.30) & Wednesdays (6.30-7.30/8.00), as attendance levels have begun to slip in recent weeks!

Peter Allen has been kind enough to begin taking Wednesday night training, and so to make it worth while for him and yourselves it is essential as many people attend as possible.

Hope to see you all there tonight

Lee Thomas

Training Update

Training is now stepping up in time for the new season. Mondays will still be touch rugby but Wednesdays will now be proper training sessions with a little bit of touch rugby to finish off:

Monday 6.30-7.30: Touch Rugby

Wednesday 6.30-7.30/8: Training Session followed by Touch Rugby

Less than 3 weeks till the first fixture!!!

JUSTICE PREVAILS

YOUR CAPTAIN HAS BEEN FOUND NOT GUILTY ON ALL 3 CHARGES!! GET TO THE KINGS HEAD LYM TONIGHT 8PM TO CELEBRATE!!!

Calling All Mariners

Hi Guys and girls

I have two requests and am hoping that collectively you will be able to definitely help me with one and possibly both.

The first is that, thanks to Stephen Hemsley, we have been donated by Saracens RFC the following kit for club:

• 5 Tackle/Rucking Pads;
• 5 Tall Tackle Bags;
• 6 Tackle Suits (I’m wearing one of these for every game this season!); and
• 6 Balls

Although we are welcome to go and pick these up from their training ground in St Albans we have been offered the opportunity to collect these at Trojans RFC in Eastleigh on the morning of the 23^rd July as Sarries are training there that day as part of a number of visits in the Southampton area. Unfortunately I may be in Birmingham with work that day and so am looking for one or more of you (depending on the size of the vehicle you can provide) to do this for us. It may be that you can offer a van/trailer for the day but can’t be available to drive it, maybe you can do both or possibly a number of you can go up in your cars.

Obviously this would prove much easier than driving up to St Albans so if there’s any chance you can do it please let me know asap so I can confirm with the Sarries contact that we want them to load the coach up with the equipment.

To make the trip more interesting for you whoever collects the gear has been also offered the opportunity to watch the training session and in doing so maybe pick up a few good drills that we could use ourselves in training.

On behalf of the club I’m sure you’ll all join me in thanking Stephen for organising this and also to Saracens for their generosity. We may get the chance to show our thanks to the club during the season by organising a trip to go and watch one of their fixtures on a day that we don’t have a game ourselves (I see a social being organised Mr Hinman…..)

Secondly…..

I have been contacted by a gentleman from a rugby club in Devon who is a helicopter pilot and wanted the use of our rugby pitch to land his chopper on the morning of the 19^th July as he needs to drop his client as near to the yacht club as possible. Apparently he does this on a regular basis to other clubs and there is always a small donation to the club. Obviously not having any rights over Woodside Park I was not able to directly help him but if any of you have some appropriate land or know of someone else that does then he would be very grateful for any assistance. What you do with the small fee will obviously be yours to decide. His only requirements are that it is relatively close to the yacht club and that the field is not surrounded by houses as he can’t overfly property at a low level.

That’s it for now guys other than to say that touch rugby continues to be played on a Monday and Wednesday each week and with just 6 weeks to go until our first game now’s the time to make a little extra effort to get there so we can all be fighting fit for the season to come.

I’ll be in touch over the next few days about a number of other issues including membership forms, standing order subs and help with kit sponsorship.

All the best

Lee Thomas