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!!

The Summer Finale’ of the Inspirational #VikingRugby FunCamps 2015

The time had arrived, the final swansong of the Ever inspirational, the always fun, not necessarily in the sun, oval ball led Vikinglytastic Rugby fun camps at the Hallowed Fields of Ching. Two days of indifferent weather as changeable as my ever improving suntan. For the following two days would not be where one could improve the redness.

Post precision-cone setting up the heavens would deliver a waterfall of Odin tears. This did not deter the Viking, nor the committed young band of young men who upon arrival were looking for just one thing . . . FUN!!.

No matter what the weather the Inspirational chorus would sing from the highest height and unleash the Rugby beast against the wettest weather of the month!! Game on!!

Nevertheless as each opportunity would present itself in the form of a period of non-precipitation the crew of the committed would grab it with both hands and would be straight into a nice little warm up.

Plenty of pop passes, try scoring, Reaching for the sky, and this to prepare the hands for the days challenges that would greet 11 young Vikings.

The ol’ favourite of Rugby netball was first up, end to end hands and even more smiles; even with a little rain it didn’t stop these lads from having fun not even another downpouring of heavenly waters. This would lead us into an early feast to avoid another soaking.

On the otherside of the soaking the skies would dry out for long enough to get some Rugby cricket going, two innings each that would set the afternoon tone whilst ignoring the wet conditions.

From this the heavens opened once more but as ever the cones had already been professionally set out for Rugby tennis that turned into a true Battle Royale.

The match was all square at twenty a piece, end to end, kick for kick; catch for catch what a great matchup!!

Just when they thought it was all over into the final run out and a Game of touch. Non-stop action from second one, end to end stuff, the old’uns being stepped by the young uns. The young uns diving for the score, the old uns gently placing and Tommy Makinson corner diving too!!

A great way to end the First day that would set us up nicely for the Final day of this summer fun!!

Upon arrival we would see a major contrast to our arrival the previous day!! SUNSHINE!!! How long would the joy last . . . We would see . . .

Blue skies and the sun shone across the Hallowed Fields, the young Vikings arrived for the final day of the summer fun with the Ever Sun tanning Nordic. Bags away and they were off, some chatting, some passing, some kicking with the ultimate goal of hitting the pitchside fence crossbar. Many made it, some tried and kept trying for this would be the beginning of the last day’s journey.

Straight into a simple little warm up that would see plenty of passing, plenty of scoring, and chip kicking and even more importantly plenty of catching!!YES I KNOW!!!

This would set us up for the first game and ten passes, a most natural lead into Rugby Netball, which would give us an even more natural introduction to Rugby Basketball.

The best was yet to come. As previously mentioned the cones of Ching having been previously scattered precisely, the space of enormity with a hint of subtlety and we would give these young Warriors an introduction to what many Antipodeans class as their number one sport, that of Aussie Rules.

For we would unleash the beast. A truly mesmerising spectacle for all. Non stop running, non-stop kicking, diving, lifting, carrying and scoring that would see us into a well earned lunch break and the Final Summer camp Chicken, Pasta, Salad feast.

Unfortunately, at the time of scribing said feast had been devoured so no photographic evidence.

Young ones will be young ones and polished off their own versions of the Nordic Feast and were soon back out on the lush green fields of Waltham Way enjoying each other’s company whilst the Inspirational Tanning Sensation of the New Scandinavian Nation would enjoy his chicken whilst casting an eye over the post feasting fun!!

The children are full of surprises on my Camps. Just when you think they’ll kick the rugby balls all over the field they all end up sitting down having a chat, a catch up and making new friends.

Once again we had an age spread from 6 years to 13 years, all enjoying each other’s company, which as the Viking inspires me even more to give the children these rugby experiences in the future.

With the feasting finally completed the kicking cones would be set and ready for strategic Goal kicking, angles, height, the return of the “Charlie” 50 pointer would tempt one and all to go all out for the Post/Crossbar combo with the concentration of a counterfeiter, the Gang would be ready for action!!

We had gotten through the first third of the kicks when, yep, you’ve guessed it a little precipitation would turn into a minimalistic downpour into a full blown deluge of water. The call went out, the legs drove, the arms pumped straight back to the confines of the Casa de Viking and the Team Huddle!!

The driest place in all of E4, Feasting tables laid out just as you would expect to the nearest millimetre. Bags, cones and balls all out ready to begin the drying process. Some would chat, some would play. Always tough when the weather is playing havoc with well laid plans. These Vikings are extremely resourceful and use all tools at their disposal to keep the fun going in torrid conditions.

Nevertheless, the smiles were still big, the enjoyment still flowing and the rain even heavier but would not put a dampener on the final minutes of a Great two day extravaganza that would introduce the selfie to the World of the Viking and his Merry band.

This summer has been a great experience for myself, running these camps, and for all those that have attended. To get these off the ground when surrounded by Football all across the region is a massive bonus. I would like to begin by thanking you the parents for supporting the Vision of the Viking and bringing the children down to experience something different other than the main sports.

Children have so many more opportunities than when I was a young Nordic but as the Costner Film once mooted, Build it and they will come. The Ever inspiring VikingRugby Fun camps will be around for a lot longer and will look to explore the skills side of things too so I will keep one and all informed of all future developments.

On that note I will say Goodbye for this Chapter of our Journey and hope to see one and all very soon and as ever I will leave the final few words to Carly Simon to sing us out, take it away Carly . . .

http://tinyurl.com/pp6agzd

OH YES!! Like I would ever let that happen!!HAHAHA!!

I am the Viking, you are the believers, go forth and enjoy the rest of the summer for being the Suntanning Scandinavian I predict come September there will be sun, there will be warmth and there will be Blue sky!!

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 Upliftingly Inspired #VikingRugby Fun Camps @Chingford RFC #SouthernHeartlandRL

The weather confirmed, Carol Kirkwood in a happy mood, for this could mean only one thing at the Hallowed Fields for the returning Nordic and that of a serious lack of precipitation that would set up another day of destiny at the heart of E4’s land of Rugby.

Although small in number the disciples of the Oval ball had decided to throw caution to the wind and unleash their very inner beasts. For some it would have been a big ask, for these lads not so. Their belief and dedication to the Viking and his spiritual upliftingments of Rugby epitomised this our day of daily bread.

The session began, the hands unleashing crispier passes than Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and footwork more akin to Strictly Come Dancing. Loads more smiles and improvements in skills can mean only one thing for these guys, more fun!! A tough word when associated with possibly the most physical game but when you have fun your passion grows and you are prepared to give your all for the good of the group.

By the time we reached the plateau of kicking the teams were ready for what was about to be bestowed upon them. A tough assignment that would seal the proverbial deal and lead us to the promised cricketing land once again.

After two huge rounds of kicking prowess it would lead us to the Mothership of lunchtime and a well earned sit down meal with all the trimmings and some happy campers here at the home of rugby in E4.

Once the luncheon had been devoured it was time to unleash their kicking boots once again for the Crossbar, Goalpost, Charlie challenge. Some great punts at goal, some lovely little drops onto the crossbar alongside some lethal post hitting that would see us move seamlessly into our Rugby Kick tennis.

Two teams, lots of skill, fear would stalk their prey, kick after kick, catch after catch, who would be victorious?? Only time would tell.

After an intermission led us into another round of Rugby Cricket to wrap up the afternoon we found time for one more game of kick tennis that would take us right down to the wire. Nonstop defence the order of the day here, each lad finding their niche in a tough kicking market before we would leave for departation a la casa!!

The Fourth day Psalm of the Wondrous Viking, inspiring the masses, uplifting the populous and producing the ultimate in summer fun whilst improving the incredible sun tanning excellence in cloudy conditions.

I bid you good evening as I look to relax, sit back and battle for the remote control. So let me leave one and all with the following . . .

The Viking . . . So Let it be Said . . . So let it be Written . . . So Let it be done . . .  on an inspirational journey to change attitudes towards the Greatest game!!

The Inspirational #VikingRugby Fun Camps @ChingfordRFC #SouthernHeartlandRL

A Typical Summers day in London E4, nine lads just hanging out with their pals looking forward to another Game day experience at the Hallowed Fields with the Awe inspiring Viking and the anthemic sound of Nobody Does it better ringing in their ears!!

There are many copies and attempts to re-create the feel and style of the One true Scandinavian sensation and not one of them comes close, nowhere near to the Real Suntanning Nordic. The fun, the passion, the enjoyment, the excitement and more for only he who descends from the very Plateau of Odin can deliver an unforgettable experience come rain, shine, wind, floods and Carol Kirkwood!!

Upon arrival the field was as lush as our previous stay but a little more solid, that said if Carol Kirkwood had her way we would be hit with a Met Office Flood warning sometime later in the morning. We would see if she was correct.

With the cones all set and the ladders, hurdles and more cones discreetly placed in their correct setting the ground was now ready for the latest incursion of nine lads just hanging out. For now it would be time to get their game face on and give the big smile, for Day 2 was about to get crackerjacking!!

A great little warm up would have them all working their feet, sidesteps, skips and heel flicks, some pop passing, ground ball pop passing and touchdown rolls would get the heart and mind prepared for what may come. Boy, they were in the mood not to disappoint. Into some simple swerve racing that would take them on a journey into the Neil Starling passing races that would test the very grippage in damp conditions, a little precipitation had passed and would we see another, Carol Kirkwood??

The intensity was non-stop, straight into Rugby netball. Non-stop points taken and reciprocated. Some great movement, passing and support play from one and all.

The fitness/obstacle course had been prepared in the mind for the last few days. A dream that was now about to become a reality. A course to test the very fabric of their enjoyment levels. Each and every one of them tore it to shreds, ripped it to pieces and laid siege and became victorious. Another challenge accepted and defeated!!

The completion of such an event would lead us to the promised land of our Agua Purificada hydration break, but as we walked the heavens would cry a small tear. Thirsty?? Tip the head, open wide and drink the water of Nature!!

The heavens were picking up and Carol Kirkwood would smile for we would now be in the realms of Rugby Tag Basketball, one for all the family. A nonstop rollercoaster of a Battle. Free flowing scoring, great passing and athleticism on display from all, quick hands, quick feet would lead us into the World Renowned Rugby cricket just as the water from above really began to pour.

Two rounds of Big Boomin’ kicks, some great fielding too, high bombs, easy catch, slice n dice Harry style, dive and pick up and pop back for a quick wicket. I’ll give you one chance to catch, maybe two if you don’t get me on three I’m here all day!!

This would take us into an early lunch as the heavens unleashed its watery beast and we would feast and feast until the watery waters would cease, it would be a long afternoon!!

This group of lads were bloomin’ awesome, no action for 90 minutes but the camaraderie under the covers was immense, ages 10-13 were like Brothers in arms, great respect for each other and all were drying out nicely unlike the equipment which we raced one another for to bring back, Great job, Great lads!!

Just as we thought we would see no further action it was decided to go get the teas to warm up the young ones, by the time the drinks returned the boys were all huddled up in a scrum all keeping warm, all drying out, the older ones looking after the younger ones, all with smiles on their faces.

Although a shorter afternoon session we would take on the Weather Gods, the Met office and Carol Kirkwood and we would be Victorious, for let no weather cast asunder the Power of the Viking and his Believers in the Nordic word for this is the Psalm of the Nordic, Hallowed by Thy name!!

By the time we finished we were sodden through but had won, we were dry, the equipment drying and the puddles like paddling pools of glory for the only way we know how!!

Another fantastic day at the Hallowed Fields led by the Ever tanning, the Awe inspiring, Sensation of the New Scandinavian Nation the One True Viking!!

Ready!!

STEADY!!

GO!!

I bid you Good evening as I prepare for my Beloved Redvee of St Helens to overcome the potential banana skin of Hull Kingston rovers as a warm up to my U12s of the Black red n Green wrapping up the season in N22 before the final game of the Regular Broncos season at the Hive!!

Whatever you do, wherever you may do it, enjoy it to the max and spread your joy to one and all.

The Ever Inspirational #VikingRugby Summer Fun Camps @ChingfordRFC #SouthernHeartlandRL

The Day was finally here, the opening salvo of a Summer of Rugby Fun camps at the Hallowed Fields of the Mighty Black White n Blue. Although small in number these attendees would look to be inspired and uplifted by the Sensation that is the Sun tanning Scandinavian, the Viking of Ching!

The sun was out, the fields lush as a green velvet tunic, the sky as blue as my eyes and the cones colourated as only he of Nordic descent would allow!!

The fun was ready and within no time at all the young inspirees would arrive looking to get stuck into everything with a rugby ball. When your passion for the Greatest game knows no bounds enjoyment flows through every sinew and vein exploding into a rugby experience that has no comparison.

The mission is to use the rugby ball at all times and from the very beginning of our summer camp journey the standards would be set. A great warm up from the boys, nice and easy, some great passing and catching, on the move, touchdowns, rolling into one and two handed pickups. This would set the lads up nicely for some Sunday strolling swervement before unleashing the friendly pass. Only then would we attempt the passing races and boy they didn’t disappoint. All smiles as we had our water break for some well earned re-hydration before embarking on our double header of rugby netball and basketball.

These two matchups were top drawer, the hands, the teamwork, the enjoyment, the sunshine, the tanning even more awesome. Add in colour try lines for scoring and the heart rate would be on the rise, the breathing heavier but no let up here!!

Non-stop action from the first to last minute, add in some tags and you have a new progression of the family favourite, tag basketball, end to end, both teams matching point for point until we reached our crescendo of some much needed Agua Purificada.

Whilst the young ones were chatting the cricket pitch would be prepared for the non-stop rugby cricket that would see us sail through to luncheon with some ferocious punts on the full alongside some gentle placements showing the spacial awareness of a hyena with reversing sensors!!

A great way to end the morning as we feasted at the table of the Viking after a morning of incursions and fun!!

The afternoon would begin as a more relaxing affair. The cones had been set up for our team goal kicking challenge that would test the teams to their limits. Each member of the team looking to score maximum points. To add to the pressure the Grass cutting team were in too so the lads were more switched on than normal and their accuracy would slice and dice a pound of best cheddar!!

We then moved onto the Golden goose, four kicking zones of fearsome enormity that would test the very fabric of their strategic kicking. This was an immense challenge; some would fold and give up, but not these boys, ably hitting the zones for more points before entering the realm of Rugby Kick Tennis, the Fun camp anthem!!

The Hallowed Fields in full flight is a wonderful vision of green, 250m of lush grass some might say and we only required 30m. With battle lines drawn, they were ready. This would produce the best action yet.

Great catching, great kicking and some great volleyball action. The teamwork would see us wrap up with another twist on the tennis game but over the goal posts this time. Height the order of the day and hands of steel required to catch these bombs!! Some great athleticism on display throughout the first day!!

These, the Viking Rugby Summer Fun Camps, the only place to spend the summer.

Great weather, great fields, great times as only the Viking can deliver! Come and be part of it.

Ready!!

Steady!!

GO!!

Enjoy your evenings one and all for I am off to coach the Future of the Black Red n Green of N22 and the Skolars of London Rugby League!!

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.