Two Rugby Nations Brought together under a Viking Groove @ChingfordRFC & @WoodfordRFC U13s

The time had been set in stone, the changing rooms prepared, the bacon waft found its way into the car park. For it would be Derby Time at the Highams, a stone’s throw from the Hallowed Fields.

The game would be played out on the First team pitch which had been left for this game. Two teams of differing fortunes over the years. Nevertheless the VikingsofChing had come to play at the home of the Woods and neither team, player, coach nor parent would let their team down.

The rain was a little precipitous pre-game; the Vikings notoriously slow in the pre-game warm up gave nothing away. The Coaching team of the Woods looked lean and mean and ready to rock.

The Referee had checked the boots, conversed with the Captains and now was GAMETIME!!!!!

The parents were fully warmed up and inspired on the Balcony of Relaxation. The Viking took up his position on the far side in the wet alongside young Ash for company!!

The whistle blew; the game commenced, the boys unleashed. Both teams making early inroads, some great tackling early on matching hit for hit, pass for pass. There appeared to be a new found belief in the Vikings, one of pass and support!!

The previous weeks of continual passing appeared to come to fruition in the first stanza. A great display of team work and handling. One side of the paddock t ‘other and we began to find openings in the Woods defence. The home side muscling up early and counter attacking with some speed only to be denied.

This was going to be a corker of a matchup, both teams passing the ball as if it was a summer’s day, sideline to sideline. Both teams finding an opening with some superbly expansive play just as the coaches ordered. Great scrummaging, hardly any rucking due to the explosive pace of the game. Every player wanted to get their hands on the ball.

The VikingsofChing had taken in everything they had learned in the weeks up to Christmas and brought their A game and passion today and would leave nothing on the field. They played their proverbial socks off in the first half and would lead going in at the half after some great team play, passing and tries. The Woods pulled a great one back from young Owen but not to be outdone Bailey had listened to the Viking and unleashed his Starlo shoulder drop and dummy that would see a huge gap open up for a great score!!

The Ching would lead going in at the half time hooter, the crowd on their feet. This is most certainly a game of two halves. A few changes for both teams would see the rain ease by a millimetre. The home team struck almost immediately with some pace and passing of their own. No way through our heart, so they took it out to the edges to get the matchup’s they needed and in they went. Time and again the Ching never backed down and kept coming back for more, midfield tackles stopping another attack and then beat around the edge for sheer pace.

A great advert for our game, two old mates going 12 rounds and then some, neither team giving an inch. By games final whistle every player had given their all in the name of Rugby, a top class matchup played in the true spirit of respect and friendship. These boys have know each other for a long time now and we, as coaches too, it is always a pleasure to lock horns with Dan, Andy, Ash, there was one ledge missing today and he was missed young Ed. Your boys did you proud.

Parents of the Ching my lads did you proud, as the Viking in VikingsofChing they played the game as I asked them to, some changed their style and it worked. The boy’s development will continue and if we carry today’s game play into the rest of the season lookout opposition for we will be a force to be reckoned with.

The ladies in the kitchen did me proud too as I had the ultimate Egg, bacon and sausage in a roll, cut into three and pillaged it to bits, so thank you for your hospitality Woods it is much appreciated.

To the VikingsofChing . . . you inspire me, together the impossible is possible!!

I give you the #BlackWhitenBlueoftheChing!!

Return to THE #BlackWhitenBlue Pre-Season Positivity Sessions of Power @ChingfordRFC #VikingRugby

The Ever Tanning One would still be feeling the effects of gloom post Saturday and recurring daily visions of THE drop of the game. That said the Viking is nothing but resilient in the face of adversity and will always return for more and this night would be no different. Sure, there was the odd drop but just not as often as previous incarnations.

After some early warm up touch leading into some quick fitness and stretches to smash the nerva-system releasing the endorphins of a Scandinavian Horde that would propel one and all into the challenge of pass n catch propensity. An early test of whether the hands would be willing to accept receipt of the pass, whether in P1, P2, M1L, or just simply Nordic hands!!

By the time I had defended on the Bags of Brutality the body was lacking oxygen and agua purificada but would nevertheless call on the reserves of the mind the body and the soul to give it his best, that of course would include a new drop, but nowhere near as big a clanger as previously!

A great beginning, but only a beginning for we would be straight into full pitch work and see how long it would be before another ball would be dropped. Based on early sightings it could be a while. The one thing the Ever tanning Nordic has in abundance is the ability to avoid juggernaut hits and uses his John Travolta like footwork to side shuffle out of trouble. Never had it been called upon so many times during the evening session.

Not only that but went onto to lock up the ball, produce some offloads, and even help out at the rucks!! Get in!! For a while it may not have been the standard required for London North One, but the gloom was slowly beginning to lift thanks to the lads of the Black White n Blue building the confidence!

When working in Coach Murph’s  group with the King of Dance, Bill Mackie, the Grenade himself, Dave Duffus, Magic  Mike Watson,  my inspirational Biggy Chrissy Smalls and of course Maaa Maaaaan Lukie with vocal support from Pipes you cannot fail to unleash the dancing feet and soft hands whilst being coached around the paddock by the team!!

The mood was definitely improving and by the time we “Guarded” up for Coach Starlo’s Mano e Mano it would be time to put it all into practice in the final matchup!

Non-stop, full blooded, unleash the beast contacting, 22 to 22, the pace was unrelenting, the heart racing, the hands ready, the body bypassed for this was Ching training at it’s very best. Full pace, bludgeoning opponents right down to the ground. BISH, BASH, BOSH!!

Therefore on that note of positivity I leave you to your Bank Holiday weekend in the knowledge that I will be booting up for the Skolars over 35s at the home of Rugby League on Friday afternoon looking for that one true elusiveness of catch and pass and who knows I may even get to cross the whitewash!!

Enjoy your long weekends one and all and I will see you upon arrival as we return to the Home of Rugby in E4 and the Hallowed Fields come Tuesday!!

Positive Redemptions at the Hallowed Fields @ChingfordRFC #TheBlackWhitenBlue

The mood of the Sunning Sensation of the Nordic Nation is not in its usual inspirational and upbeat mode due to an earlier total eclipse of the hands error this afternoon. However, I feel it only fair that I share with you a few musings, scribings if you will, that will begin to build the Momentum of said Viking once again.

http://tinyurl.com/nnkctnf

I give you  . . . GAMEDAY at Waltham Way!!

The sun rose, the sunshine burned through the early morning haze to reveal unblemished skies over E4 in readiness for the visit of Rochford RFC to the Home of Rugby in E4. The Viking was quietly hydrating and not to forget preparing layer after layer of sun cream for we were about to experience a steaming hot late morning arrival at Waltham Way.

Upon said arrival, the Fields of dreams were displaying lava like temperatures, not ideal for one who becomes a magnetic star for random sun rays. As the mercury rose, the redness got a little redder. No midges this afternoon just suntan lines, potentially!!

The arrival of the Mighty Ching would produce more than thirty five lads willing to commit to the cause of Murphy and Starlo, all ages, all experiences, all ready to back up in the Mediterranean heat.

The tribute to BBS was ready, the white long sleeved compression, all set for action. The warm up would begin in the midday sun and having prepped pre-arrival the first thirty minutes would be crucial to the Vikings survival.

Once complete it was upto the individual’s own accountability to prepare for the team run throughs, the hands would quicken, the pace would increase, the heat would attack but no abatement for the Black, White n Blue, the agua purificada on standby for what would  become a monstrous warm up in the searing sunshine of E4.

The lads stuck to their guns, the faces reddened, the footwork began to outshine the heavenly rays. The eyes now beginning to sting from previous applications of the suncream would be put to the back of one’s mind as the final run-throughs would lead us to the moments of clarity pre-kick-off.

The time had come, the time was now, both teams vying for territory and the standards now set we would see who would become victorious in the Heat Bowl of Ching.

The Ching looked very good in the early exchanges, some speed out on the edges, the forwards dominating, the ball sticking in the hands like cement and bricks. By the time the teams had their first break for the nectar of the Gods it was wholesale changes and the exact opposite occurred, we were being dominated. As both team calmed and exchanged scores, we were deep into the third quarter of the match and it was time for the tanned one to unleash the Nordic beast. There wasn’t long to do it and from second one the ball would work its way across but just couldn’t get into the hands.

Nevertheless the game was still on a knife-edge tooing and frowing. The opposition fly half had kicked into touch every penalty. The challenge had been offered as the ball would be hit long and towards the Viking infield. What was about to happen would cause mental chaos in the mind and turn the whole day upside down for this was not to be as the ball moved and was knocked on, huge personal disappointment. If caught you would have been reading about the catch and run for months, for now just gloom.

However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel, the forward pack would deliver a massive defensive lesson of Chingford scrummaging to the opposition, the back line blitzed their opposites with awesome goal line defence and turned the Vikings error into a huge stand of defiance, so my friends I thank you one and all who stepped into the breach of the Scandinavian.

Therefore on that note, enjoy the England France match-up and I will be on a rebuilding mission for the foreseeable days and weeks.

Farewell, so long, Auf Wierdersehen Goodbye, GOOOOOOOOD BYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEE!!

Until Monday!!

Pre-Season Extollations of #BlackWhitenBlue @ChingfordRFC with @fatboymurph #VikingRugby

After the enormity of the Ultimate Penultimate session the soreness was beginning to abate and the pressure of catching at speed would enter the Wonderful World of the Viking. Crowds descended upon the Hallowed Fields, numbers swelled all in anticipation of a session of pure Ching and would not be disappointed.

Some would stretch, some would catch up, some would provide the inspiration to prepare mind, body and soul with a game of touch that saw a Return to the Home of Rugby of Jeynes the Younger making gaps out of nothing at speed and some fantasy footwork that would put Wayne Sleep to shame!

The evening was to be full of surprises as in addition to the combined return of the Brothers Jeynes another blast from the past returned to lock horns with his alter ego Hastings, that of young Lockwood. This evening would make for an interesting view as the skills of old returned, the Two Matts unleashing the proverbial beast in the warm up and setting the standards. Add to that the three legends of School of Hard Knocks 24, neigh, apologies, 29 hour Rugby marathon, The Bullet passer, the Grenade launcher and the King of Dance all that was needed now was for Mick Lee and John Burnage to complete the look!!

The heat was turned up and the pack ready to rock. Standards were set high with this weekend’s match-up drawing ever closer. The conage set, the guys split into two groups like caged vultures awaiting the inevitable feast of passing.

Quick hands and even quicker hands leading into wide hands and even wider hands at ramming speed!! The ratio of drops to catches has rapidly improved for the ever tanning one and this evening was no exception. With the vocal support of the Chingford Roster now in full flow how could you not give it your all and attack the ball at speed and unleash the passing beast, albeit for five minutes.

With the run throughs awaiting on the training pitch it was time to become the winged whippet from 50 metres out, without doubt never a fullback but may have a few surprises in the locker with a dazzling sidestep to match Lionel Blair!! That said this was all about re-visiting the Puma, Magic, Kiwi Power, Oh yes my Brethren and patterns to resemble a Tricolore of Ching.

Although short in number of words, this is the beginning of our journey from pre-season to the Promised Land. As the momentum builds for an Inspirational chorus of scribing possibly pre and post game come Game-day I will keep one and all dutifully informed.

Therefore, on that note I will bid you Good evening, safe journey and if you have Skysports, my beloved Redvee of St Helens will look to knock off the Giants of Huddersfield in a crunch matchup in the Super 8’s.

So until Saturday my friends of the Black White n Blue I am the Viking, you are the Committed Ching and together our destiny lies within for victory will be ours!!

The Pre-Season Ultimate Penultimate trainer @ChingfordRFC with @fatboymurph #VikingRugby

After a torrid weekend of defeats across the Rugby Nation of the Viking it was time to return to the home of Rugby in E4 and the Mighty Black, White, n Blue of the Ching. Always keen, always enthused to be part of this, the Pre-seasonal instrumentation of Power at the Hallowed Fields!!

Never a dull moment, always effort, always power, always lit up like a Catherine wheel on Fireworks Night!!

To open proceedings and the subject of the early discussion, the catching ability of the Gilbert alongside the aging Hammies of the All tanning, now All Suntannningly improved Viking. The hammies maybe tender but OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!!

From minute one it was always going to be tough but a complete and utter blast. Great laughs and effort from the off would see the Viking opening holes up for fun, sidestepping like Wayne Sleep on steroids and even getting amongst the contact!! I KNOW!!

The tyre challenge was immense, the human ladder, challenging but the best would be saved for a little while later, for this would display the Human carnage that is the Gauntlet run. However, pre-Gauntlet would be the physically demanding and mentally building two or three minute drill. Every sinew of every muscle would be worked to its most maximum output, not once, not twice but thrice and boy was it worth it for the recovery time was a blessing of heavenly proportions.

With the Return of Big Ben ready to light up one and all and Big “Z” waiting in the wings to smash n bash now would be the time for a stretch. NOT TODAY!!!

The Power of the Nord would unleash the speeding beast, at the very heart of the oncoming booming defence would still get ball after ball away. By the time we hit the double channel of destiny holes were opening up quicker than a models tights and unrealised would lead to another discovery that the ball would not be put down!!

By sessions end and the Bib exchanges that matched the quality of the Aromatic spices from the Edmonton recycling plant on a warm evening we had just put in a great shift and what makes it all worthwhile every Monday and Wednesday.

This is why the Ching beats from within, giving it your best, being peeled off the grass after being wiped out but knowing you’ve given your all. Working alongside more experience and youth and learning from them, unleashing your full repertoire and enjoying the feeling of a full power session at the Hands of the Black, the White n the Blue!!

Nobody does it better than you guys!! Who wouldn’t want to be part of this great group? This is what it’s all about.

For now my friends, readers, inspirees I bid you Good evening and Good night as I prepare for another days coaching dans le Matin and look to inspire even more.

For now though I am the Inspired one and I thank you all for that.  These are the words of the ever tanning, ever inspired and dangerously scribing Sensation of the Scandinavian Nation.

Come one, Come all, Come Wednesday!!

The Pre-Season at the Home of Rugby in E4 @ChingfordRFC #VikingRugby #BlackWhitenBlue

To begin, I would just like to apologise for not making two out of the final sprints due to the Hammies becoming a little tighter than I would have preferred. A later than advertised apology for not running the length of the field the other night when I saw young Aiden in my rear-view and last but not least a hello to young Stevie G for “Giving it a go” this evening!!

I sit here whilst perusing my chicken and pasta pre-Emmerdale viewing, trigger happy index fingers astride the keyboard of destiny. Ready to unleash the scribing beast of the Ever tanning Viking and share with one and all this evening’s session of Power ably led by THE Coach Starlo, inspired by Dave “the Grenade” Duffus and backed up by a cast of purist Black White n Blue!!

The first session for the Viking on a Wednesday evening was a great opportunity to catch up pre-session with some old faces all of whom gave the thumbs up. Straight into touch would unleash the lads. It was great to see the Bullet Ball Smith, BBS, the Newly Married Danny B, the returning Bear and course not to forget the Legend of the Dance young Bill. Onwards and upwards.

Hands, as always is the name of the Starlo game and tonight would be no different. One page I have taken from his Coaching manual is the constant pass n catch THAT WORKS!! Alright I realise I fluffed my lines once or twice but the feeling of Scandinavian Redemption became all the sweeter, for a draw of said defender, a drop of the silky shoulder and away on my toes, even the pass came off. An extremely satisfying feeling even for one like myself.

By the time we reached 4 vs. 2 I was flying, inspired of course by the Brothers Hollis, Big Dave, Young Henry and Lynchie on a Mission and how could I fail. With so much support around why would you not want to get down to the Hallowed Fields and give it your all for these lads!!

Sessions like these help the Viking to develop and become a better player and by the time we encountered Pitch length Parramatta I was Nordically sparkling. Fast feet, soft hands and lightning speed around the edges unleashing the Viking Beast from within. A moment’s notice would see us through to the final pitch fitness which I have to say I had forgotten about but felt like the proverbial brick over the head. With these lads anything is possible.

This game that we love is for the younger man but thanks to all of your support thus far in pre-season you spur me on to become fitter, stronger and more skilful. For this my friends I will give you my best week in week out, so for now all I have to give are two words for you  . . . THANK YOU!!

I bid you Good evening, safe travel and enjoy your weeks end and weekend Viking Style!!

The Inaugural Viking Rugby Tag Challenge Summer 2015 @ChingfordRFC #VikingRugby

The dawn broke, the Viking awoke, a date with destiny laid in wait at the Hallowed Fields of Ching. For this would be the day when a Dream that became a Vision became the Ultimate reality. For today would see the very first Tag Rugby Challenge held at the home of Rugby in E4, Chingford RFC.

Being in an Awe inspired mood the Viking would test the very fabric of his being. The cones were now laid out with proper in-goal areas, tag belts all arranged and two pitches of pure Nordic quality awaiting the arrival of the New Generation of Rugby Player from the schools from whence I coach.

We would have Representatives from Years 3 & 4 alongside Years 5 & 6 from Yardley Lane & Mission Grove Primary.

Upon arrival the sun would break through the clouds and blaze a trail of brightness that would light up 250 metres of lush greenery. The most perfect rugby sight on a gloriously sunny day, the Fields of Dreams, a vision to behold.

With help from young Coach Bobbie, we would gather our young warriors and introduce them to the Wonderful World of Viking rugby. For this morning would not just be about winning but having loads of fun learning new skills whilst at the same time matching up with another school.

There is no Rugby played between Primary Schools at this time in our Great Borough and I, the Viking of Extraordinary Suntanning proportions, am looking to change the Sporting landscape, and thanks to the schools that attended today’s Tag Challenge we have taken the first small step on the path to Future Rugby Glory!

In order to prepare our young players I would be required to deliver a Coaching session of intensity that would test all of their Rugby know how and stretch their very make-up. How would they respond? I will tell you! Their skills in passing and catching blew me away. This was awesome stuff to watch, every one of them watching the ball into the hands, soft passes aimed at their friends hands and awaiting the next. When working up and down the course in pairs there was no let up, it was warm just watching but the heat didn’t faze any one of our young legends as they got stuck into every challenge laid before them.

By the time we approached some Two versus One and a refresh of Game rules they were ready for a quick matchup. School on school Rugby netball. This would show the watching masses if they could put it all together under pressure.

The pitches set, they began and with some fantastic passing and support set the standard for the three thirds of Match Tag Rugby we had in store.

After a well earned energy replenishment and hydration break the teams would assemble and under the Guidance of the Coaching team listened intently for what was about to behold. For now the time was upon us and to the Victor would go the spoils.

The match would be divided into three equal parts and the first whistle signalled the beginning of what would go down in Waltham Forest Rugby Folklore for the Tag challenge had begun.

Two pitches on the go at the same time, both showing the standards already set from early in the session. All four teams making some great passes and catches. The support play and defensive discipline was a joy to watch.

Both games did not show a clear winner after the first third. All teams giving it their all and playing just the way the Viking likes it with smiles on their faces as wide as the Ching!! By the end of the second third all four teams had scored some great tries, some with outstanding pace, others with some great hands and teamwork.

We would now arrive in the final third of our games with all still to play for. For who would know that the last third would produce the best rugby of the morning. More tags than a Next sale, more passes than TFL and still there was no way through. The games would go right down to the wire, so much so that the older ages could only be separated by extra time. The youngsters found a way to give the watching populous exactly what they had come to watch, The Greatest game and would not be disappointed by the result. The winner . . . Rugby, who . . . VIKING RUGBY!!!

So, all that leaves me to say is many thanks to the schools who made today such a special day for myself as I have dreamed of having my own rugby tournament and thanks to you a dream became the reality and the end result showed just how much fun we all had.

As I sit here now pondering the mornings fun, albeit a little jaded I can’t wait to get another one up and running and build momentum into the next School year and look to have the schools where the Viking coaches dominate the Rugby horizon not only in Waltham Forest but London too!!

So, without further ado and as Carly Simon once sang, “Nobody Does it better”, I bid you Good evening and will look forward to seeing you all very soon.

The Return to Training Summer Sessions – Pt 5 with the Evolving Vikings of Ching @ChingfordRFC U12s into U13s ‪#‎VikingRugby

The weather delivered low cloud, murky, dank and downright miserable conditions on this the morning of the arrival of the Evolving Vikings of Ching at the Hallowed Fields. For there was a Glorious light at the end of yonder tunnel. For this truly inspiring light would be the Vikings themselves. Numbers on the increase, enthusiasm returning, rugby ready and willing.

The joy returning, no pressure, just full on enjoyment and learning. Although the weather would be deemed as unkind this proved no obstacle to the Boys of the Black White n Blue of the U12s in E4. This would inspire them to achieve everything laid out in this morning’s session of power.

For this would be no ordinary workout. Having learned from some exceptional characters of our club and game the fitness levels would improve, their skills would improve and little by little their technique would be off the charts.

Even the coaching team got involved in the early forays of touch, so much so, that Coach Wilkins bagged a double Brace, Coach Edwards opened the field with his offloading ability and the Ever tanning Viking would lead the line. The teams worked for each other and the support play was a huge improvement from the last season played. The non-stop running and athleticism could be seen across the lush green grass and the red rosy cheeks backed up the evidence.

By the time we reached the two on one session at speed the boys were working things out for themselves, helping their mates improve and allowing the Coaching team to observe.

These summer sessions are more about building bonds between friends and what we have here at the Ching is a core of young men who together will form an alliance of togetherness that will lead them to the promised land of Rugby Union and the Power of the Ching.

Spread the word my beloved viewers for when Autumn/Winter arrives in E4 we will be the beacon of light in the darkest places that will enlighten the populous. All roads lead to the Hallowed Fields.

I bid you Good day and Good afternoon for I am the Viking wandering the Earth with Destiny in hand!!

The Return to Training Summer Sessions Pt 4 @ChingfordRFC and @LondonSkolarsRL

As the song goes . . . it was a clear Blue day, a clear Black night and with a hint of Viking white would embrace the Tricolore of the Ching, for once more it was training day at the Hallowed Fields.

A glorious day, lush green grass covering 250 metres of Waltham Way turf for the Evolving Vikings of Ching to get stuck into. So warm in fact that the Viking himself de-jerseyed and went all Saints Vestathon for the morning. Time to show those Guns, purist white, nothing ever this pale has been previously witnessed.

It was always going to be a big ask of the boys today, the harder they worked, the more effort given, the higher the mercury rose. Once the numbers had arrived on the stroke of ten we would begin with some tough footwork that would challenge the very being of our young Warriors, not your everyday sort of thing, but certainly more of the same when we return next week. This would lead into some great hands, short and pacy with a return of wide and deep, working through the basics as the sun would bring the rays and lead the way to our Glorious destiny and the infamous two versus one, then two versus one versus one.

By the time we visited with the tackle bags and shields the pace of the session and the heat received from the sunshine was beginning to take an early toll on the boys. As we approached the final two minute drill it was obvious that they had reached their peak, but this game is about going beyond ones limits in the finals seconds of any given game on any given Saturday or Sunday and they would leave every last effort, muscle, sinew and fibre on the Hallowed Fields as we would depart for home having reached our plateau of virtue.

After some pure Viking feasting at the table of Odin, it was time for a quick change and then off to Fortress Skolar to watch the Black Red n Green First XIII take on Coventry Bears in N22.

Once again Tottenham never looked so good with the sunshine bathing the entire New River Experience in Glorious rays, so much so that even I, possibly, the whitest Male on God’s Green earth would pick up some additional redness pre-during and post game this afternoon, only time would tell.

Having been overwhelmed by the number of players I was able to coach the previous day I didn’t have as many to lead the Guard of Honour, no matter, the boys that were present did themselves and their coaches proud as they wore the Black Red n Green with class and distinction.

Unfortunately for the watching masses the on-field performance was the opposite of the weather and didn’t bode well after some early scores from our visitors. Fortress Skolar did not produce the required decibels to enforce such a place but we will and in the future this place will be the most welcoming for the fan and the most unwelcoming for visiting players as a cacophony of sound will precede them crossing the whitewash as the fans and players alike unleash the Beast of the Skolars. We will let you have this one win on account Bears of Coventry, as you are new to our game and City enjoy your victory for now but whence we meet again we will not be so generous.

On the way home the news came through that our neighbours at the Broncos had topped Table topping Leigh Centurions. This is why I love this game!!

In the coming month there is a feast of Rugby League so please do your best to embrace, learn, love and spread the Word of Nordic scribe as I look to inspire from within the Southern Heartland the message that our Game is on the up and coming your way, don’t just wait for it, get out there and support it.

The action gets underway this Wednesday evening at the home of the Skolars U12s as we take on the Centurions of Ancient Briton, then the combined strength of the 12s and 13s led by the Coaching Combo of Fraine, Kelly, McNeil and the Ever Tanning Viking will invade Essex to take on the Might of the Eels of Brentwood, time to correct some wrongs. This is only the Beginning of a HUGE month of Rugby league on your doorstep, so get yourself out and down to the New River Experience and the Awe inspiring Viking as I take us on a journey of Rugby League discovery in the coming weeks and months culminating in the ultimate date with destiny post season.

Therefore, on that sentence of triumph I will leave you now to enjoy what is left of your evening as I relax and build my minds eye for another chapter in the wonderful world of the All tanning, all scribing Scandinavian sensation that is and will always be the Viking.

Good day to one and all.

The Return to Training Summer Sessions – Pt 3 @ChingfordRFC

The Final day of half term and the third training psalm in our Rugby Evolution from MiniChingVikings into THE Vikings of Ching. The initial weather report was not looking favourable for the Coaching team but with a little Nordic faith the weather would abate and allow us to direct operations on a lush green surface at the Hallowed Fields to a group of Vikings hungry for some action de la Pillage!!

In order to improve our hands we would work in several rugby balls popping n pushing the oval to the max, left n right, straight in and out of the hands onto the next pair. Leading into the Square of Satisfaction a challenging little two metre square that would attempt to decimate the very pillaging fabric that we hold dear. The boys would not be beaten, pass after pass, catch after catch, step after step would lead into the unknown larger concept known only as the Bigger square of Destiny. More challenging, more accuracy, more chat, more skill required for this the next level. If the boys are to improve this would be it, from the large to the small to the left and to the right there was never going to be a let up.

Time ultimately dictates intensity and this would lead us nicely into some tackling technique and smashing Bobbie style, Boom at speed, first shoulder contact . . . Bish, next bag, opposite shoulder . . . BASH, get around the cone and BOSH Le Tackle au Sausage!! BOOOOOOOMMM!!!

As the clock ticked down an offer of an end game was initiated. This would begin with the infamous post two minute drill. The Viking would lead the line encouraging all the way. Every last sinew, every last breath pounding the Hallowed Fields knowing that complete effort would guarantee personal victory and achievement of the highest calibre.

A drizzle of Agua Purificada would give the Vikings a chance for large gulps of Oxygen on the way over to meet n greet our opponents, although one short we would take the game to our hosts. After the tough training session so far there would be no let up. It was obvious from the start that the boys were utilising all of the skills improved on earlier this session in-game, passing, catching and most importantly supporting their mates in their most needed time. The hands, the speed of pass, the deftness and subtlety of running onto the ball at pace. A wonderful sight to behold, not even a Heavenly down pouring would dampen the skills on show for the expectant populous and masses of the Waltham Way entourage. There was no show of fatigue having worked through 45minutes of intensity with the Coaching team prior to this matchup. There was no way through, there was only forward motion and the next pass.

My thanks to the Coaching crew now including Bobbie of the Black White n Blue who is now part of our merry band and will help develop and lead our Vikings of Ching to the Promised Land.

These are my Scribes of Scandinavian proportions and thank you for perusing as the future development begins to take hold.

Don’t forget the best game of the Rugby weekend is on at 3pm when the Saints of Helens take on the Wolves of Warrington in a mouth-watering Battle of Lancashire.

You are the Parents, I am the Viking and they are the Evolving Vikings of Ching of the Black White n Blue!!

Good afternoon!!