The Inspirational Return to N22 in the form of the All Tanning Viking @LondonSkolarsRL

It must have been one of those days. For our journey was fraught with DANGER!!! Before we even traversed the wonder that is the A406 some fool in a people carrier would carve us up within a foot of the front wing. Not to be outdone though, we would eventually join the movement of vehicular flow as we began our journey proper unto the once fabled Lush land of N22.

Once more the outside lane resembled a parking lot as the driver of a Monster Range Rover decided to keep his throttle at 40mph, whilst just as we joined the outside, the Mother in another people carrier decided just to pull right in front of us nearly removing the front bumper. Not to be outdone again though the mug in the BMW zigzagging and chopping and changing lanes would soon be carved up by another driver himself, Karma’s a Bitch, but nevertheless enjoyable to watch!!

All of this before we hit the Edmonton underpass and all this at only at 9.20am!! Staggering!!

What a Journey of Discovery this was likely to become. We finally entered the realm of Black Red n Green back where we, the Viking and Son, belong. The pitch looking evergreen, the foxholes now fully filled. However, there was a darkness sweeping the land and that darkness was of Saturday morning football. A darkness we would see grow throughout our short but greatly enjoyable session.

Giselle, “The Punto”, now parked up, the boots laced, the conage laid out as only the Sensation of the Viking Nation would. A small but visually noticeable area nowhere near any roundballs, but this would come at a price during this session of patience and well being.

Although small in number we would begin with some simple pass n catch, simple for the player, not so simple for me!! This would lead into a nice kick n catch tester, the High bomb against the grubber, knees up, body turn and hands reaching for the stars!! Oh how great that looks when executed so well.

The time wore on and as luck would have it all of the equipment would be together but appeared to be a magnet for random football parents as their stop off point to have a look in wonderment as to what the oval shaped balls were used for. Not only that but it is now commonplace to wander through a coned off area with the ignorance, not to offend the four legged beast, of Herefordshire Blue just going about their feeding upon the grassy knoll.

Time and again parents and children would wander through ignorant of what was going on around them to the point where one family’s daughter began to delve into the coaching bag. Shock, horror, I asked the young lady to leave the bag alone as it did not belong to her to which the accompanying adults asked me, What did you say to my daughter?? Your daughter shouldn’t be going down other peoples belongings to which they got agitated. Is it me or do people think they have a right to go through somebody else’s belongings!!

This event did not detract from the enjoyment the session was having. Even though wave after wave of ignorant football parent would continue to stroll through where we practising our drop kicks from outside the 22 yard line, to the left and the right and then wrap up with some fine goal kicking, but hey, it’s only Rugby, the GREATEST GAME IN THE WORLD!!!!

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I feel sorry for the young lads having to play to that baying crowd. All I could hear were the Coaches screaming at the U8s/9s. The parents dribbling their usual tripe and to top it all just before we departed after some great play the balls one of the coaches was incapable of walking around the bag and had to jump over it!!!Peanut!!!

In one 30 minute time continuum I saw why our National game is in the toilet. Football is a disease and does not bring about the best in people, whether at U8s level or Professional. Let’s kick it into touch!!

This is why I love our game. Whether League or Union I would never allow my players or parents to behave in this manner. Our games are the Ultimate family sports in this country and I cannot wait for the up and coming matchups that will show all players displaying the ultimate respect for their team mates and opponents. Having just watched Cook Islands against Tonga and then England vs. New Zealand on November 7^th the Rugby will just keep on getting better and better!!

Many thanks for your time, your patience and your viewing for these are the words of a pent up Inspirational Sensation on a mission to build the Brand of Rugby into THE National Game.

Enjoy the Sport!!

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!!

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 Strictly Training Penultimate Psalm of @LondonSkolarsRL U12s/13s #VikingRugby #SouthernHeartlandRL

Calmness Personified at the Homestead of Rugby League in the Southern Heartland!!

I will attempt to set the scene for one and all. A fine blue sky, not a cloud piercing the view of N22 in its finest hour, a cooling breeze would blow west south westerly and the not so lush ground would await the arrival of this morning’s boys of the Black Red n Green.

With the summer holidays beginning to take hold and the season nearing completion I thought less touch and more activities to push the boys to their max and see how well they could cope as I upped the intensity of previous sessions. So with cones in hand and a mood matching that of Leonardo Da Vinci pre-Mona Lisa, I would set up several different areas with many colours of cones that alongside Rover and the Great Wall of China would be seen from the International Space station.

The normal arrival turns into a kick-a-thon which benefits nobody and drives me around the proverbial bend. As each member of the team arrived I set about passing the ball in a circle with three of them and as the numbers increased, before the start time I might add, got them to join in, increased the number of balls to challenge the boy’s communication and eye skills. Nice and simple to begin, encouraging looking in both directions, chatting, hands up, this would get the hands and comms going as then our start time hit the alarm and the session would begin and not one of them missed or mentioned kicking!!

With the sun getting warmer by the minute the lads got stuck into the first part of the session, Walking touch. This would encourage more movement towards the ball as it’s something we don’t seem to do at speed whilst at the same time looking to draw the defender and pass early so as to stretch the defence crossfield. All of sudden the passers came to the fore and the team work really shone through. The quick hands I dream of daily was taking effect, both teams working the ball nicely to the edges, calling for the ball, hands up, AWESOME stuff!!

After a quick hydration break we then moved into the 10 passes game. As we had odd numbers I would step into the breach and we broke into three groups, 2 groups of 2v2 and 1 group of 3v3. This really worked the boy’s inner sanctum of oxygen, footwork, communication and hands. You could hear the heavy breathing which goes to show how, even in a small space of 10by 8yards pushes the body to its limits. No overhead passing here just rugby passing, movement, support and communication!

A further slurp of Agua Purificada and into the passing line racing which really challenged the boys, 13 cones set up from the 10 out to the 40 metre yard line each with different spacing’s. Moving the ball to each cone and running to the next available cone and await the pass. Some confusion but plenty of smiles en route to the end. This led us into a Rugby basketball, again no overhead passing only back, forward and sideward’s. If you get touched turnover!! Again the teamwork would be on show here as this game requires plenty of communication and support.

Just when you thought there wouldn’t be anymore time I unleashed the Embed the Pathway Play the ball race, but first got the lads to demonstrate the Back/Forward and side protective falling before splitting them into three teams. Decent play the balls too. A lot of effort in these races, 200+ metres before a break, down and up then a play the ball. No need for beasting sprints when you can do these a few times. Great effort and teamwork!!

The journey to the very depths of maximum effort and sinew breakage we would finish on 18 tackles of defensive mapping which tested the very fabric of their being, their teamwork would also be tested to the limit out and back, nearly 400 metres covered in a couple of minutes. Non-stop power and belief. The true signs of Vikings in waiting, of the commitment and passion required to be part of the Black Red n Green Phenomenon sweeping not just N22 but E4 and beyond.

The Penultimate trainer of a massively enjoyable years Rugby League in N22. By the time we approached the final game of touch the boys efforts had been well and truly Max’d out.

Therefore on that note I thank you for your time and dedication to the cause. I will return for the final trainer this week before the U12s embark on their Farewell Festival of Rugby next weekend.

I bid you Good afternoon and evening as I sit back, relax and watch the Dragons de Les Cats take on Hector’s favourite Giant Eorl and the rest of Huddersfield.

You are the loyal and committed viewers and  I am the Inspirational and Suntanning Viking Sensation of the New Scandinavian Nation!!   

The Return to Training – Summer Sessions Pt 2 @ChingfordRFC.

Day Two of half term and who would be so courageous as to attempt to know the numbers that would arrive at the Hallowed Fields of Ching this morning for the second of our summer training sessions. The morning’s development of the departation of the MiniChings and evolve into the Vikings of Ching.

Although small in number, the group of lads that arrived this morning did so knowing that the effort they put in will reward them come September and the transference from half pitch to full pitch extravaganza!!

With a little help from our young Friend Bobbie, we got the boys in for a little Ten passes game that tested the very fabric of their support and passing skills. This led nicely into some Rugby netball where the points on offer were gratefully accepted and the movement skills and decision making were improving with every pass. By the time we reached Rugby tennis the hands, the chat, the smiles were rocketing and the scores going through the proverbial roof, an awesome beginning to this morning’s awakening session.

After a quick drink we entered the realm of Fitness, not for the squeamish, a tough challenge on the body and the mind, beginning on ones belly, pop up and sprint to the twenty where they dropped and popped back up before unleashing the speed to get back to the start all in 25 seconds, not just once by ten times, OH YES!!! All I saw was heart stopping effort, lack of oxygen maybe but no let up.

After a two minute siesta and drink they went back to it whereby we repeated but only to the 10 metre line, this time for 20secs and ten times once more. Even tougher when fatigued but these boys have stronger character than some give them credit for and they unleashed the Black White n Blue beast on the fields of dreams by digging deep in their darkest part of their being and found the light at the end of the longest tunnel.

A tough ask for any athlete and then into some touch to see how well the hands would work after such an arduous task. They did and they stood tall and proud. This led us into the strength portion of our morning where we increased our reps from last week. The boys were pumped as they worked through to the end giving it their all. The last sinews of strength being taken away from them but still no let up, it was hard but there was a light beckoning. Three sets later and the final five minutes of touch set up would lead to a final assault on the bodies and minds of these boys. The infamous 2 minute drill would include the Viking and Bobbie. One last effort, then home relaxing, playing Scalextric and watching Rugby League Summerbash.

Best two minutes of the morning, not one walk, not one jog pure speed and mental toughness from one and all and a great stretch to see one and all back to their homesteads for the relaxing week they deserve.

Great session, Top effort, more to come from the Evolved Vikings of Ching!!

The Half Term Victorious Session @LondonSkolarsRL

The sun rose, the session set, the All Inspiring Viking shorted up and looking to inspire the worthy who would appear on the horizon looking to come, see and be victorious. An awaited session of such proportions that N22 was a pleasant valley of calm.

With it being half term and families deciding to take an early holiday or make other plans, an utter disgrace I tell you, LOL!! I was expectant of a nice round ten to come on down. Yet again, and I shouldn’t be, they arrived en masse and totalled fifteen. There is something building between our boys, the bonds of friendship, camaraderie upon arrival all enjoying each other’s company and really wanting to be around each other. This is a great sign of what we can expect over the coming months and years as these lads will build their skills and friendships under the tutelage of the All Conquering, Suntanning Extravaganza that is the Scandinavian Sensation and his Merry Coaching Band of Fraine, Kelly and McNeil.

Although the Coaching team was decimated, the light that shone brightest was that of the untanned upper thighs of the Nordic scribe. The session had been specifically designed for a level of intensity not matched thus far.

As the Big hand approached the 10am mark our session began with a game of touch, sleight of hand, running lines of speed, and fantastic support were on show and we’d only been in action for minutes!! Side to side hands utilising every blade of grass and inch to work the ball to the outside, boom it up the middle Hector style, suck in the defence, and whip it through those soft hands!!

The pace set would require a modicum of hydration before we would achieve some great results on our hands. We moved across to the Coloured Sensation of Passing Grid, quick hands into deeper hands and the introduction of the Miss pass, leading into our salvation and the M62 ball, one for the ages that will allow us to build our game play around and unleash the Black Red n Green attacking beast. Some great patience and listening from the lads as we went through each meticulous step building their confidence with each go and then into some great Two V One v One, some great hands and chat building towards our Three v Two. A challenge in itself but nevertheless all effort and guns blazing.

Throw in the 2minute drill and the strength was evident that came from within and their deepest darkest places as they left their backchat on the 10 metre line for the rest of the morning.

Into some protective falling, giving the boys and opportunity to build some technique and confidence before unleashing the two defenders on one attacker, some great work put in here, no dropped balls all using the three hands scenario. No let up once again, the effort and the sweat in full Skolars effect.

This would lead us nicely into a Five pronged attack against a Ten man defensive stand, no sidestepping, full frontal assault on the defensive line; two, three, four lad tackles all working towards the same goal of Black Red n Green domination in the tackle, Coach Kelly would have been proud with this form. Not one dropped ball in over thirty ball carries. Up and down the pitch, no gap left open, no friend left alone, together we stand, together we fall, but . . . NOT TODAY!!!!

The final effort was a team run, two teams hand in hand working as one unit of breathless brutality, 20 metres and back with a huge turning circle, 40 metres and back and with an equally large turning circle, and could it be finally the halfway line, drop hands and hammer home!!! Not a second was wasted as the Boys from N22 powered home, warmed down, packed away and departed for home.

What a great session, what a great TEAM we have here at U13s; the Future is getting brighter by the week. This group of lads are buying into the Vision of the Viking and how I would like them play, and when they play it truly is Visualised beauty. Most impressive sight of the morning is the joy and smiles that the lads come away with after every session, a great sight to behold.

They Came, They Saw, They were Victorious!!

For now, my friends, followers and readers of the Scribed word of the Nordic I wish you a Happy weekend as I kick back, relax and watch 7 games of Rugby League over the next 48 hours!!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME ROOGBY LEAGUE??

Enjoy your weekends and I will see you Wednesday for more of the same from 6.45pm at the home of Rugby League in N22!!!