Jonny May Visit and Presentation Day Celebrations

Jonny May Training Visit

It was Wednesday night and May was in town. Was it election fever and Theresa May looking for some blue inspiration and supporting the imminent County elections? Of course not - it was Gloucester legend Jonny May and other Glos community coaches doing some training sessions at Fromehall.

Jonny spent about 20 mins with the U13’s showing them some backs moves. Luckily Jo had agreed that everyone was to be a honorary back so all got to listen to his wise words and learn some new moves ready for next season.

Then it was a Q&A session where we learnt various important things:

• He prefers Nandos over KFC
• All games in the Premiership are tough but Bath is still the biggest Derby game
• In the Premiership Christian Wade is one of the hardest wingers he can face along with Jack Nowell and Roko at Bath
• George North is hardest International winger
• He just went to a normal school that mainly specialised in athletics so anyone can make it in rugby
• Playing all sport is great.

Thanks to Jonny and rest of Glos coaching team for visiting Stroud.

Friday night was Coaches vs Barbarians with Jo and both Marks turning out for Stroud. Coaches won the first half, and came 2nd in the 2nd half so overall we will call it a draw. No major injuries and fun had by all.

Presentation Day

Sunday was then Presentation Day. Unfortunately I was away watching the devils game (Rodboro won their cup footy final 3-0 led by suited and booted maestro manager Mourinho – sorry Evans – and captain Archie). Therefore I heard 2nd hand that the kids beat the parents in a game of no contact rugby – mainly due to having enough players for 2 squads and plenty of subs vs the knackered Dads on a bonehard pitch.

Delia was still on hand though for medical duties as Liam then proceeded to somehow bleed all over his shirt after an altercation with a Tug-o-War rope.

End of season trophies were awarded as follows:

Coaches Player: Laurie
Most Improved Player: Sauce
Players Player: Captain Will
Parents Player: Alex

But the most anticipated prize of all was best guest match report: That goes to Mark O for his Barnstaple narrative. He even included cow pictures in the report he sent me that unfortunately I couldn’t link into the on-line report.

Season Summary

County Cup Games: Won 7, Lost 1
Other Games and Tour: Won 9, Lost 4
Total Record: Won 16, Lost 5 (Better than Gloucester !)
Points Scored: 930
Points Against: 400

Doesn’t include winning Dursley 7’s tournament with combined score of 240 for and 75 against.

Well done to all the kids for a great season and brilliant team performances and everyone has improved greatly.

Highlights had to be cup victories over Minch, Longlevens and Stow. The visit of Chobham and playing under lights on a Friday, and going on tour to Barnstaple and seeing how well the kids played rugby but also just gelling as a team on and off the pitch. Says it all for our team when new players join part way through season and by seasons end are fully integrated into the team and have a great time away on tour.

Finally thanks from all of the coaching staff for the gifts you kindly gave us.

See you all next season for more of the same – 15-a-side style though. Remember to keep up the fitness over the summer kids.

FYI – Stroud Nomads, starring coaches Mk I and Mk II, got through to the Combination Cup final and that is next Saturday 13th May 3pm at Cirencester RFC vs Fairford.