Always Inspiring Viking Scribe 2017 @LondonSkolarsRL @Wests_Warriors @LondonRL @LondonFaithful

The eighteenth day of the third month would see the dawning of a new day, a new season of THE Greatest game with a beginning in N22 and an ending in W3.

After a wonderously uplifting morning with N22’s Finest U14’s, the Ever Tanning, always Inspirational would traverse from one end of the A406 North Circular to the other in search of Rugby League redemption in the form of the “Mouth-water”, East meets West, N22’s Finest Academy reserve meets W3’s Finest West’s Warriors Reserve. The perfect matchup for the new season.

Both teams lined up with great numbers and then it happened, THE Carry that would lead to the new dawn of the new 2017 season. For the Viking received the pass from kick-off and would be met by the “Hitman” to get us underway. What a beginning and the standard bearer of an awesome afternoon of THE Greatest game!!

N22’s Finest were laying down platform after platform better than Southern rail engineers, W3’s Finest would repel borders with some great defensive work and counter with their own style of bombardment.

This game would exceed coaching and playing expectation. Fans would be treated to some fantastic skills, both teams unleashing their Inner RL beast and putting on an awesome display of courage, bravery and Inspirational Vikingness that would leave the crowd begging for more.

For a group of young men that had never played as a team before and had no pre-season ball work just off-field conditioning, this was an amazing effort from all that committed to the cause of N22’s Favourite Academy/Reserve.

A Nordically inspired beginning that will set up the #BlacknRed, #GreennYellow, #BlackRednGreen of London Skolars for a very interesting, enjoyable and proud experience.

For me this game, Ibiza, friends is all about the . . . Memories, enjoy!!

http://tinyurl.com/kgxfh92

The Viking on another Whirlwind adventure of Rugby League, the spirit, the camaraderie, the passion, the commitment!!

 

Origin 2016 – The Return of THE Greatest Game in THE Greatest City Day 1 @LdnRLFoundation.

Dawn broke, the sun shone through, something was pulling the Ever Inspirational always tanning to the promised land of N22. For today would welcome the return to the now fabled #SouthernHeartlandRL in N22 where many a Rugby League journey had begun and the opening of Origin 2016.

This fine morning was no different for it was the pre-scribing time of an Origin nature from the home of RL in N22. With the time now upon us and destiny awaiting within, THE Greatest game had asked the Viking to head up the U15s age group and another Inspirational journey of Nordic Proportions lay ahead. A new group of young men all passionate, all enthused and all ready for what would be a hugely enjoyable morning and early afternoon on the (not so) lush greens of Perth Road.

Great numbers for a first morning of training, great enthusiasm from the coaching combo of Ben and Joel, who’s guidance would see the lads make improvements throughout. This is all about developing each and every one of our lads to become one impenetrable unit of Northern (London) Power to repel the attacks of the Southern hordes and give these lads an opportunity for continued improvement and journey to the promised land of Broncos Rugby League!! (London or Brisbane)

The Journey would begin here in N22 and, as always, there would be no let up, no hiding place just full on passion, commitment and the building of a formidable team spirit by the Ever Inspirational. The hands, tackling, communication and all round game play was improved from minute one to the final seconds with all committing to the cause of the GREATEST game.

I give to you . . . the TEAM of the Northern Horde (Of the Thames) . . . and their boots!!

Spread the word for this will be a month of Great Rugby League in THE Greatest City!!

The Road Trip of N22’s Finest London Skolars RL U13s #BlackRednGreen

The time had come; the morning had arrived, for it was road trip time with #TheBlackRednGreen of N22s finest U13s. The journey we had all been waiting for. The coach had arrived, the passengers had selected their seats, the reading material chosen, the food prepared meticulously and we would be off on the long journey Down South to visit the Merlins of Sussex for the first time in our short tenure, who would know what lay in store for the young Skolars of White Hart Lane.

The atmosphere was building en route, the journey took us through some picturesque sights of London, Hanger Lane Gyratory, Ealing Common, Chiswick roundabout to name a few but the mood in the camp was one of relaxation and enjoyment. The perfect way to start another Game day of God’s Greatest creation!!

The weather was being kind to us during our travelling time but a little darkness began to surround the Coach of Inspiration as we approached our final destination.

I have it under good authority that this part of Sussex has its very own micro climate and by matches end I would have to agree.

The sun was out, a little precipitous but nothing to be worried about and a nice breeze pre-warm up. The team were relaxed and in a listening mood. We trekked to the second team pitch and laid down our wares and begun to get stuck into the warm up.

A great effort to unbridle the comforts of an awesome coach journey. However as we begun to unleash so did that of Nature and a little precipitation would greet us, a few minutes later a lightning strike followed by some thunder.

Nevertheless the work ethic was there in abundance and the Boys from N22 were working the warm up to perfection. The intensity building just at the right time when an almighty monsoon of hailing proportions found us. Not to be out hailed the Mighty Skolars continued in the battering rain, the pitch filled up like a bowl that now resembled a paddling pool.

By the time we found cover it was too late, the lads were soaked through to the skin but still feeling inspired. By the time we kicked off, the cold had begun to kick in but the boys pulled off a fantastic opening and set the early standards and scored first.

With the conditions getting worse both teams exchanged scores pretty much until half time when a great kick saw our sliding winger touchdown for our comeback score and end the half all square.

With the cold setting into the bones and the dampness finally drying out our hosts took control of the game and started to take advantage. They appeared to be a lot drier than the Boys from N22, especially after some of #TheBlackRednGreen had made 9.9s in the puddles whilst making tackles. Poor kids, muddy, soaked and frozen but never once did any of the 19 ever give up the game and went right to the final whistle even when suplexed in the tackle.

Although downbeat post game the lads soon found their spirits once more as we returned to our coach for the journey back North and home to N22!!

This coach trip was a monumental moment in the growth of this group, a great experience for all of the children and much appreciated by the parents who enjoyed the wet from the dryness of the clubhouse pre-game.

Yet again another great Rugby League experience courtesy of N22’s Finest family and #TheBlackRednGreen of London Skolars U12/13s.

If Carslberg did Road trips . . .

A Coming together of @LondonSkolarsRL U13s & Academy/Reserve N22’s Finest

Gameday had arrived in N22, for #TheBlackRednGreen of N22s finest U13s welcomed the Raiders of Rutlish, who had put us to the sword previously and we were looking to right a wrong!!

Once again I was absolutely blown away by the masses that rocked up to the Spiritual home of #SouthernHeartlandRugbyLeague. I was expecting decent numbers but knew I would be missing a few and ended up with some 27 players all wanting to be part of the Rugby revolution sweeping the Nation of N22 and beyond!! PHEE-NOM_INAL!!

The first part of another double-headed extravaganza of Viking like gargantuan proportion would begin!!

The young Skolars of New River set about their opponents with a new found belief in themselves and their teammates. A great warm up was had and this would lead to some great opening play from the starting XIII. With a large squad we needed to get a decent foothold in this mouth-watering matchup and we did just that by completing set after set, making tackles and spreading the ball as smoothly as Oil of Ulay!!

The boys made metres, were attacking the ball, supporting their mates and finding holes galore thanks to their accurate passing. Everything we have worked on in training and developed with the lads was on show this morning for all in #TheSouthernHeartland.

The team didn’t let up and when it was time for changes the next group of lads carried on from where the starters left off. As Stevo says, we most certainly turned the tourniquet in the first half and most teams would have run up the score. When you are blessed with numbers at this age it’s about giving the lads plenty of game time and with a full team of subs they got exactly that.

The equilibrium may have been unbalanced for a short while but the team soon backed up and unleashed their very special rugby league beast and matched our opponents score for score in a pulsating second half that left the fans and coaches breathless by their athleticism and teamwork!!

At the final whistle I wasn’t even sure if we were victorious but the referee confirmed what I wished for and a great team victory on home patch.

This was just the beginning of my Inspirational day, for my journey would not end here but unleash me back on my old patch of Chiswick and West London’s finest of Wests Warriors with N22s Finest Academy Reserve!!

A lovely part of the world, more a backwater on the water by the Thames, the pitch was in good shape and the lads that were prepared to commit and leave it all on the field in W4. Our numbers were not great so it was time for the Coach to become the Player Coach and buckle up for the ride.

Our opponents train, play and party together and this was obvious from the off. For me this was my 7^th different line up in as many weeks but one thing is for sure that the same passion and enthusiasm that the Ever tanning Viking exudes has rubbed off on each and every one of the lads who today proudly wore the badge in the face of towering odds. Boy, were they ever stacked higher.

We would leave everything on the fields of W4, the effort, the passion and commitment laid out for all to witness in what some would say a one-sided scoreline. From my viewpoint this was another development step on the long road of our journey of Rugby League discovery.

How did we react when under the cosh? How would our team spirit prevail in the face of a scoring onslaught? I will tell you how, TOGETHER is how we stood firm, buckled down the hatches, learnt from each score and began to hit back. This game that we love so much is like no other, if you travel light you will be exposed but it’s how you deal and react to adversity. Today my group of lads showed why they wear the #GreennYellow of N22, their never say die attitude and belief in the coaching philosophies of the Awe Inspiring Nordic is why this group of lads take it to the max week in and week out. When players return we will become one helluva team to play against and will take it to any team.

The winner today was definitely Rugby League, God’s Greatest creation this side of me. A game that brings together one so lacking in tanning awareness and playing time with a group that is wanting to learn more and be a part of something special. Together we will achieve this and much much more.

I proudly give to you my lads of the U13s and Academy reserve, N22s finest!!

The Inspirationally Challenging @LondonSkolarsRL U13s & Academy/Reserve

I have just had a barnstormer of an Inspirationally challenging morning and afternoon of Rugby League Proportions.

Not one to moan but always to explode with positivity when in the presence of my lads both U13s and Academy/Reserve. I had 45 players rock up for me today all proud to have an opportunity of wearing the badge that means so much to one so seriously lacking a great suntan!!

The journey of the morning took us to Maidstone in England’s Garden of Kent and the New Line learning centre the new home of today’s opponents and the Panthers of Invicta.

The last time we met we were given a lesson in the sport, so the question would be, have we improved, the answer was an emphatically inspiring YES!!! 22 lads of the #BlackRednGreen U12s/13s journeyed south to unleash their inner beast and although the result may not have been favourable the performance was the complete opposite. The team got their aggression going, got their skills going and more importantly came together as the team I knew they could be.

No negatives here in the Garden of Eden just uplifting experiences because at the end of the day that is what it’s all about at this age. If you enjoy your rugby you will come back for more to see if it’s just as good. Every week I have been blown away by the numbers that have rocked up to Perth Road and worn the badge and showed that whilst we may not train regularly together when it comes to THE Greatest game we all want to be part of the revolution sweeping the Nation of N22 and beyond.

My journey had only just begun for the Nordic Gods of Rugby deemed the Chariot of Inspiration would return to the #SouthernHeartlands of N22 and become one in mind and soul with the now fabled London Skolars Academy/reserve team. Not to be outdone by my younger team the old’uns would rock up with 23 players. An eclectic mix of youthful exuberance, wily experience, and an all round attitude of dare I say it, Uno, Dos, Treize, Team spirit Skolars style.

Our opponents were flying high; I had my 6^th differing line-up in six weeks. This has no effect on the Ever tanning awe inspiring coaching mentality. For there is only one way that the Viking knows and that is to inspire from within and go out and play to your best ability and develop your game and your team mates along the way. The result may have gone against us but the core of players I am now proud to call on never let me down, the young ones stood firm in the face of towering adversity and the experience from the First XIII would lead the way. If you saw the post game mood you would have thought victory was ours. Such is the team spirit that is building here in N22 I cannot wait for the team to bloom into the powerhouse I, they and everyone knows they truly can be.

A little more self belief in their own abilities and these lads journeys will take them wherever they want it too and I am extremely proud to help them get there and be their Head Coach.

My teams inspire me to scribe for a waiting public. These are the guys that give me the energy, passion and scribing style of a Nordic Lord for you to peruse over at your leisure and with continuing efforts I will continue to delve into the very fabric of their being and share with you their journey’s of Rugby League discovery.

These just aren’t words on a parchment these are my commandments of a new Nation in N22 that is on a mission to take THE Greatest game to the masses, spreading the word via all forms of social media. So please take a second to share this to one and all and you can have a helping hand in their journey too!!

For this I thank one and all for their patience and time on a day of amazing performances in the colours of the almighty #BlackRednGreen, N22s finest.

Game Day 2 The Return to the Spiritual Home of the U13 #BlackRednGreen @LondonSkolarsRL

Both teams would be missing some personnel and we would lend our friends from the South some of our U14s, who would provide some attacking prowess and a powerful running backline which would challenge the younglings of N22. Most certainly a game of two halves, warm up included!

After some stern words pre-game the boys were prepped and ready to unleash at pace an Inspirational attack and went about our visitors at will with some great scoring plays.

Our visitors hit back with some decent running skills ably assisted by some missed tackles. The heads dropped a little as Medway‘s grip of the game took hold, but my lads never give up. For some of today’s team this was a big step up for them and they kept going all the way to the half time hooter.

The learning curve once again improved as they appreciated why we tackle where we do. The boys know and have all of the answers in their Rugby League locker and this showed in the second half.

With our backs up against the wall and the “DragonSkolar” backline making metres at will the boys never gave up with some terrific last ditch tackling efforts that would see knock ons as a reward for their never say die attitude.

All of sudden the chat appeared; the backs began to converse and improved passes whipped across the attacking line. The forwards began to force Medway on the back foot and found gaps and we were back scoring. The belief returned and another great defensive stand would turn the ball over once more as we approached the final ten.

With all of the boys now singing from the same song sheet they were hitting harder, passing more accurately and running quicker and leaving a trail of destructed Dragons in their wake.

With the result already assured pre-game this was a great development lesson for the boys who ended the game with smiles as big as the Fore street tunnel.

The boys did our club of Skolars Rugby League and myself as Head Coach proud once again. Our discipline, our respect for the official and opposition was top drawer.

If we play in the same vein as we did in the second half in each of our next games we will be a force to be reckoned with and will have a hugely rewarding season.

I bid you Good day and Good evening!!

http://tinyurl.com/hdfyokj        

The Greatest Game Day Returns @LondonSkolarsRL @BrentwoodRL @LdnRLFoundation

The Day of our latest Journey into Rugby league discovery had finally arrived for it was the return to match Rugby. A not so long journey to the countryside of Essex and the lush surroundings of Old Brentwood’s Country club and spa.

Upon arrival it was like a Viking homecoming as a lot of welcoming and familiar faces, Saxon’s included, from my outing as last season’s U13s Origin Head Coach welcomed me in. A great beginning, loads of smiles and Justin Bieber on MTV!!

http://tinyurl.com/jkye4vk        

A great setting for what would produce a spectacle to be proud of. Our hosts, Brentwood Eels, always turn out a well coached team. For ourselves we would put out the two teams entered in the previous weeks 9s festival and unleash them onto a roaring public.

Both teams had 17-19 players each to choose from for their respective starting line-ups a truly great advert for our junior game!!

Based on the warm-up things did not look from our perspective but once the first whistle blew and the first hit up contacted it was game on. If this is how we play with a poor warm up I fear for teams when we have a corking breakfast!!

The hands were looking good, the open running even better but we kept running into a well drilled defensive wall. Danny had done well.

After some great hands and team play it looked as though we were in but would come up just short of the line. The game would go end to end. Both teams slugging it out, both teams playing passing rugby, both teams laying out booming hits. This game was being played at an incredible pace and with a great enthusiasm.

As the game approached halftime the Eels found a gap and made us pay by opening up the scoring under the posts.

For a first half of the new League season there was nothing to be despondent about. The lads were playing the game I love, as I had asked. They were supporting their mates and attacking with abandon. See a hole, get the throttle down, my mate’s made a tackle, I’ll go and get some. This is Skolars Rugby league, this was teamwork.

The second half began as the first half did with even more tackles, even more passing but this time the Eels would find their way through for the second score and a well worked try with some great hands.

This would not deter #TheBlackRednGreen as our heads never dropped and the boys went again and again only to be denied by some top class defence. Every player wearing the colours of N22’s finest were making metres, every player carried, passed and supported and in doing so nearly produced the try of the game. With some great movement and some even quicker play the balls we produced what the Viking dreams of, the perfect 3 on 1 overlap, only to be denied by some great goal line defence.

As the lads began to tire the Eels found a way through and wrapped up the opening day victory with another long range score.

A fantastic game played by two local rivals in the truest spirit of Rugby League. The crowd supported every tackle, pass and score and continually clapped as all of the boys returned from their “Opener”.

The boys did our club of Skolars Rugby League and myself as Head Coach proud today. They can hold their heads high as they gave it their all and left it all on the pitch.

I couldn’t be happier with their alround game play today and if part of my enthusiasm and passion for our game rubs off on them these boys will have a hugely enjoyable campaign and their development will be awesome!!

I bid you good afternoon and leave you with an inspirational track. Please enjoy . . .

http://tinyurl.com/qytdxxc       

The London Skolars Vikingly Inspired session of #TheBlackRednGreen U12s/13s in N22

 

The weather remained arctically chilled, the Perth road pitches were ideal for a session of inspirational Rugby League discovery.

The training area prepped and meticulously coned. The players arrived en masse and on time and THEY unleashed their skills to light up N22.

Each station was approached with the same great attitude, effort and listening. There is no “I” in Skolars Rugby League just “Team”. Each one of the youngsters giving it their all and best effort in temperatures that were dropping quicker than a Viking catching a ball!!

The winds picked up, the wind chill cooled the breeze, the session was picking up pace and with some fantastic hands in traffic would see the guys through the next phase of the morning.

These pre-season sessions can always prove tricky with numbers and improvement of skills. There is nothing disappointing here, no negatives all Nordically positive and the post session smiles say it all. Even after the final two minute run throughs the smiles and enjoyment continued to grow.

With the final effort complete, the team warm down and huddle produced the biggest smiles of the morning before departing for home

These children haven’t come down to the Home of Rugby League in N22 for nothing, they have come to give it their all, listening, learning and being inspired by all of their newly found friends and team mates.

This is Rugby League . . . This is London Skolars . . . #BlackRednGreen!!

The Inspirational Pre-Season Observances of @LondonSkolarsRL #SouthernHeartlandRL

Psalm 1 – The Initial Observance

Just returned from the home of the ‪#‎BlackRednGreen of N22 and a Pre-season visualisation session with London Skolars Rugby League.

Awesome trainer with Jermaine, Matthew Cuss and Matt, thanks for having me guys. You have certainly laid the platform, set the standard and raised the bar in readiness for Wigan Warriors on 22nd and London Broncos RL on the 30th!!!

The effort and attitude was top drawer and this is why I love our game!! ‪#‎SouthernHeartlandrRL on your doorstep.

Make sure you grab with all of your might!!!

Psalm 2 – The Observance of Building Momentum

Another Vikinglytastic evening at the home of the ‪#‎TheBlackRednGreenofN22 being inspired by the First team going through their session of Power!!

More lads than last week, more urgency, even more smiles, no let up from the Boys of New River in freezing, wet n windy conditions!!

Another great Pre-season build up to January 22nd and 30th for the London Skolars Rugby League and London Skolars Juniors & Minis.

Psalm 3 – The Observance of Team

Just when you thought you may have missed out on the ‪#‎VikingRugby’s journey of London Skolars Rugby League Inspiration fear not for I have an update for one and all.

Two nights ago I arrived earlier than usual to an ice like evening in the ‪#‎SouthernHeartlandofRL in N22.

As I strolled over to soak up the warm up the Coaches were enroute but there was an enthusiasm of Nordic Proportions around the lads of the ‪#‎BlackRednGreen. This group WANT to be there, they WANT to learn, they WANT to improve.

This sort of TEAM attitude blows my mind, so once Matthew Cuss, Matt Lambert and HC JC arrived I let them know my feelings on the matter. All VikinglyLike positive, no negatives here in N22 people!!

The temperature was dropping like a brick, minute by minute, the hands became as crisp as my freezing water bottle, the pace upped, the team spirit, together!!

Introduce a bag or two and Big Dave Williams unleashing shots and you will sidestep or find yourself being peeled off the freezing 4G!!LOL!!

A great warm up then JC would lead the boys into their set ups for the Big game against Wigan Warriors this Friday at the HAC in the Square mile!!

The evening’s weather may have frozen the carbuncles of the proverbial donkey but watching these guys go through their paces is top drawer and left me wanting more!!

Good luck to all of the Skolars lads for tomorrow, the London Skolars Juniors & Minis will be supporting from far and wide. I will be unable to attend due to work commitments but will be there in Vikinglylike Inspirational spirit.

Good luck to the ‪#‎BRnG

Psalm 4 – The Homecoming Observance

For the attention of one Matt Lambert,

On what some would call a Tropical evening in the ‪#‎SouthernHeartland of Rugby League in N22, with wind howling, rain soaking, there was a major difference between this evening and the same last week, no ice!!

HC JC would lead the ‪#‎BlackRednGreenofN22 in another positive attitude led session of inspiration alongside his partner in motivation, one Matthew Cuss!

I cannot wait for Saturday to get my first look at the London Skolars Rugby League lads. Again, and I can’t stress this enough readers of the Nordic word, the attitude and respect shown and given blows my mind. It was top drawer when I first rocked up four weeks ago and has since shown signs of improvement week on week.

This team grows together week on week, the chat on field is wicked, the support, always there in abundance and all in one cause. The belief and togetherness of the Boys from N22!!

If you have an opportunity to get down to New River on Saturday with or without a child, do it!!!

For this is your chance to bear witness to the greatest game played on your very doorstep!!

Please spread the word far and wide, time to build a crowd for the homecoming Ian McNeil!!

Psalm 5 – The Observance of Commitment

It was a clear, crisp and chilled evening in N22 as I sat in the stand awaiting the arrival of Team London Skolars Rugby League and a wait worthwhile.

I’m sure the lads felt disappointed with Saturday’s outcome but the performance for most of it was going in the right direction and that is where this evenings Observance would take the Viking this evening.

For on evenings like this shows you what players have got what it takes to remain committed to the cause of ‪#‎TheBlackRednGreen and look to push forward. There were none that would refuse this chalice.

The session would have a fitness neigh, power; feel about it and from watching from the sidelines there was no let up for one and all. The Coaching combo of Coleman and Cuss delivering like Hall and Oates at their peak would marshall the lads around the pitch, one challenge at a time, building the momentum, unleashing a little Beast then hitting the skills and then some!!

This is a team with togetherness, the uplifting chat from each and every one of them, the encouragement there when your mate needs it most. The results there for all to see.

Sessions end produced the classic kick tennis and the smiles would say it all.

This is where it begins people, ‪#‎SouthernHeartlandRL on your very doorstep.

I thank you for your time and please feel free to share or spread like butter!! Matt Lambert, Dave Williams, Matthew Cuss, Dion Aaron Chapman.

Psalm 6 – The Observance of Power

Another evening of crispiness would spread across the calm here at the home of London Skolars Rugby League Club. The approach by ‪#‎TheBlackRednGreen here in the heart of N22 was, without a doubt, on the money.

With the opening matchups just around the corner there would be no let up in the effort, there would be no easy outs here, for this evening was all about continuing building the momentum, getting the mind right, building the TEAM, the SPIRIT, the WORK ETHIC!!

All of the above please!! Under the guidance of HC JC and Messrs Matt Lambert and Matthew Cuss directing operations this was always going to go to the next level and as an Observer of Nordic proportions one would not be disappointed at the outcome and the commitment on display.

From the off the lads would up the ante’ at every opportunity, all encouraging, all motivating, all Vikingly Inspiring. The team was harmonising, the chat building in and out of contact. As the hits grew ever larger, the encouragement would encompass one and all.

By the time the guys reached what was to become the final power part of this evenings foray into our Rugby league journey there would be no stone left unturned, the line speed would improve, the hands would gladly receive the ball, the hits became gargantuan and the bonds of a team looking forward were being worn for all to see.

It may still only be February, but here in ‪#‎TheSouthernHeartland on a cold, Vikinglike evening the Boys from N22 are coming along nicely.

Go forth and spread the word like Peanut butter jelly!!

Psalm 7 – The Observance of Pre-Season Finality

The Ever Inspirational Pre-Seasoning ‪#‎BlackRednGreen of London Skolars Rugby League. The standards, already set, the bar, forever raised, the Mindset, prepared!!

The time had come, for now the Boys from N22 were into match day training mode and building the momentum towards the huge cup game against divisional rivals from the Valleys and the Scorpions of South Wales this coming Saturday.

The session would be full on commitment to tightening up on that they have learned over the last weeks and months as the lads had prepared mentally and physically for this day!

With HC JC overlooking proceedings and the Awesome twosome of Matthew Cuss and Matt Lambert delivering what was required to the 30+ lads the session would be as tough mentally as the hits would be physically.

The intensity ramped up, the speed of hand, even more so, the hits would leave their mark and the lads would become Battle Hardened and ready for the challenge that lay ahead.

Fear not my friends for this will not be the last Inspirational Scribing, this is only the beginning, of what, in my opinion, will be the most exciting season for THE Skolars of N22!!

Having observed, viewed and visualised the coming together of a group of young men that have motivated me to stand on the sideline for two hours a week in the freezing arctic blasts I cannot wait to see these guys unleash the Rugby League beast of ‪#‎TheSouthernHeartland.

Let us fill the rafters of New River and be the 14th man, woman, or child to give the lads our vocal support as we look for an opening victory that will set us on our way for the 2016 campaign!!

Ladies and Gentlemen I give you London Skolars Rugby League!!

Vikingly Inspired Half Term session of #The BlackRednGreen U12s/13s in N22

After the disappointment of an overwhelming defeat at the Hands of Minor Premiers Sydney Roosters I would arrive this day feeling energized and tanned after a couple of days on the Scandinavian sunshine coast of Walthamstow E17!!

Having inspiringly prepared a session fit for the athletic youth of the Skolars they would arrive in numbers. The challenge that would present itself was not in the skill set of these young mortals but building new friendships along way whilst playing THE game they love.

With only a handful of Rugby League hours under their belts they are coming along with a Nordic passion and Icelandic Inspiration, Odin would be proud!

The players arrive on time, they listen, and work hard with smiles and give plenty of effort and do everything as a team, there is no selfishness just an aim, an aim of togetherness and Team!

With half term coming to an end the children put in an awesome shift and post session two minute drill was accepted, completed and achieved as one unit of Rugby League Inspiration.

The warm down even more so, every last one making sure they had a good stretch before departing for the homesteads.

Having inspired one group of players it would now be a quick turnaround a la Casa de Viking before once more traversing the A406 to the Promised Land of New River and the Ipro Cup matchup against our friends from the Southern valleys.

The first serious hit up for the guys, who over the last weeks and months have been giving it there all, would be tested by an all Welsh team, which is awesome news for the game. Imagine, a team full of Welsh lads, a team full of Londoners and a game of Rugby League, #SouthernHeartlandRL is building the momentum slowly just like a Freight train and once it begins and gets up a head of steam there will be no stopping it!!

HC JC would be booting up for this one. The weather would monsoon pre-kick-off making handling conditions impossible but I doth my Horned Helmet to the lads for although there were a lot of knock ons this kept the game extremely tight for the first twenty and then it happened, HC JC unleashed the Tackling beast not once, not twice but thrice and this would invigorate the rest of the team to lift their game and it paid dividends.

The rain abated . . . slightly and we began to play our game, some strong carries, some great passing and we would unleash the Beast of N22 and take the lead. Upon that note I would grab another cuppa and before I could say one sugar we were in again and pressing for the next score.

The boys came out for a drier 2^nd half and would continue in the same vein as they finished the first with some great passing moves and even bigger hits. The visiting team were beginning to tire and Skolars would punish any opportunity given working the ball from side to side and hitting holes at pace.

The pack now gaining an upper hand would set the platform for the backs to show their speed and skills. It was great to watch and will set us up nicely for the next matchup.

The boys delivered at home, in awful conditions against a team that usually turns the tables but not today!!

#TheBlackRednGreenofN22, the only place to be!!

I bid you Good evening as I now prepare to let the Lady Wife watch Ant n Dec before settling down to watch Wigan take on the Broncos of Brisbane.