First as coaches we’d like to say welcome back to those of you that have been part of the squad over the last couple of years and also say a big welcome to our new recruits. We hope you all enjoy the sessions and are looking forward to the coming months when we start training and playing against other clubs. Hopefully we can take some more scalps again this year!!

So after 3 weeks how are things progressing?

Generally over the last few weeks we have seen a number of you step up from where you were last season. The sessions so far have purposely been kept simple, concentrating on the basics (passing, tackling, rucking etc.) to get you back into things. As we said last year if you can all do the simple thing well then as a team you will also do well.. As we get further into the season we’ll look at developing the sessions to improve core skills and build further awareness of the game.

You will have noticed however that we have started to introduce dedicated session for Backs and Forwards What with contested scrums and lineout’s the Forwards among you have been learning some new skills and we would all like to thank Simeon for helping out in this regard. Feedback again has been positive and we are confident that you all will be more than able to compete when we get into matches.

The backs have been concentrating on taking the ball while moving forward, which will put us on the front foot in attack. Based on some of the handling, off loads and running lines we have seen in the end of session games it seems that what we have been drilling into you over the last couple of years has finally gone in (only kidding), but seriously if you can keep it up you’ll do well this year.

Just on the topic of the end of session games they are being run based on the Blues and Golds teams. The reason for this is that the overwhelming view was that for the Golds to prosper they need to play as a team more and develop an understanding that comes from playing as a unit. . From what we have seen so far this season they are progressing and there were times this Sunday that they out rucked the Blues only to not pick up the loose ball. We can work on this but generally we feel it is working. If you don’t agree please speak to one of us.

Additionally, as with previous years both teams are being chosen on ability. There is nothing more healthy than competition for places and if there is someone who deserves to be moved up please believe me they will be given a chance. If the Coaches feel that either the Blues or Golds can be strengthened by the introduction of a player from the other team, then we will do this. What is important is that the Chipstead Exiles continue to build a reputation as the most successful Mini’s squad and this will mean that we will always endeavour to put out our strongest, most competitive team.

With regards to squad numbers for festival they are generally between 13 and 15, we will make every effort to make sure that everyone gets to play in at least one festival this season but we are mindful that we need to keep a core squad together. If you have any concerns/questions regarding this please feel free to talk to any of the coaches or give us a call.

What’s coming up over the next month?

Firstly this coming weekend, 25th September, we are at London Irish. Please can you be pitch side for 9.30-9.45 so we can warm up for a 10.00 start. London Irish will be out for revenge on Sunday, so lets all bring our rugby heads to Sunbury and show them that this little village club is going places again this year.

The following weekend, 2nd October, a Golds squad will, subject to confirmation, be playing in the Guildordian B Festival. Festival and squad details to follow.

On the 16th October we have the Chipstead A Festival. This year we are only putting one team, the Blues.

As it is an A festival the consensus of the coaches was that it would be counter productive – based on experiences from last season - for the Golds to be playing against what are very strong A teams. Hence the Guildfordians festival has been added and we have also been invited to the Old Beccahamians development festival in March. We are also trying to contact Old Reigatians to see if the rest of the squad can join the remainder of their squad that day.

Finally

I’m a great believer in the adage that “you only get out what you put in” hence if you’d rather pick daisies/grass, play with the mud or watch what’s going on on the next pitch, you’re not going to develop to your full potential.

Obviously, as coaches we want you all to develop and whilst we realise that some develop quicker than others we would really like to get to March (pre festivals) with healthy competition for all positions across the squad.

You all have the potential and with a bit of hard work you can release it.

Simon, Peter, Mark, Paul, John and Anthony