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 . . .

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!!!!

SANYO DIGITAL CAMERA

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!!

London Origin – The Pride of the Viking and his “Northern” Horde at the Stead of Hemp

This was it, the final time that the Blues of the “Northern” Horde would join up as one impenetrable unit of Rugby league force looking to go out with a bang and go out having enjoyed a tremendous experience and series.

The journeys may not have been pretty, the weather has been kind, sometimes too kind, the attitude has never been better and the pride from the Coach was there for all to see.

This was always going to be a tough Battle to prepare the Mind, Body and Soul since we had wrapped up an U13s series win. The lads all arrived looking, wanting to play the Greatest game. The warm up was as intense as previous sessions. Having seen the warm up acts previously on Super League Thursday and Friday now was our time to shine.

The effort on the warm up was bang on. Every player listening and unleashing. The hands crisper than a McVities Rich-tea, the footwork smoother than a Twix covering. The tackling . . . more powerful than a Dyson upright and the defensive line a wall of Daz Blue n White.

This series of Origin Rugby league has been a fantastic experience for all of the players and the Coaches, the mood pre-game was extremely relaxed and played into our opponents hands from the off. Some errors would lead to the Blues having to do some dogged goal line defence. In the first five minutes we defended 18 tackles and finally we were broken though.

This worked only to pump the team up and with some powerful running from our pack this would lay the platform for our backs to spread the ball and would score the equalising try. GAME ON!!!

The South were matching us tackle for tackle, set for set. Eventually though we would unleash another successful attack and go in for game leading score. As the halftime hooter blew some of the boys were gassed but the enthusiasm was still in the huddle. Knowing they could perform better we had just played our worst 25 minutes but were still in control of our own “Northern” destiny.

As the team prepared for the second half a few nerves began to appear, but these were soon blown away by some fantastic attacking rugby. Quick ball from the forwards again released our backs and again we were in under the sticks.

However, this would play into our opponent’s hands who suddenly found their A-game. We took our foot off the throttle and gave away some cheap penalties which would see us pay the ultimate price and a comeback score.

This game was still ours to lose and as we pressed forward another error led to our ultimate downfall and for the first time in the series we found ourselves behind. This would galvanise the team and as we looked for the comeback score another penalty would seal out fate.

The minutes ticked down, the final whistle blew, the match was lost but we could hold our heads high as we had won the series 2-1.

This is a very special group of lads. They played the game to the maximum of their ability; they played just as their Head Coach envisaged. They planted THE biggest hits in the entire series and scored some of the best tries. I tip my hat to a “TEAM” of U13s who came together in the last five weeks, and when the chips were down, came out fighting for their team mates.

For they will come again and again. For they are extremely respectable young men who listened all the way through, enjoyed their Origin experience and are already looking forward to coming up against me in the 2016 season.

Therefore on that note all it leaves me to say is thank you one and all for the experience and for the parental support and kind words and feedback.

A thank you must go out to Alex and Damon who backed up this afternoon and played exactly how I wanted them to and to Patrick and Charlie who came down to support their team mates whilst injured and to Cameron, Dylan and Dan who all played their part and of course not forgetting Isaak, Elliott, Harry, Owen, Liam, Euan, Thomas W, Tom L, Jacob, Rory, Thomas D, Matthew, Alex, Toby and Tommy F  who all played their part in our Vikingly toptastic series win!!

GET IN THERE THE “NORTHERN” HORDE U13S – 2015 Series winners, until next time always remember NOBODY DOES IT BETTER than the Viking and the Blues of the “Northern Horde”

http://tinyurl.com/pp6agzd

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!!

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 Nordically Inspired #VikingRugby Fun Camp @ChingfordRFC #SouthernHeartlandRL

On the fifth day of Fun camp the Nordic passed to me, an Oval ball that was full of Glee-ee-ee!! And so went the classic children’s song and so appeared this day, our daily bread. For this day would be like no other. This day was the third day of the Viking Rugby Fun Camps at the Hallowed Fields brought to you in association with the New and Sensational Scandinavian Nation.

This was a great day, neigh, a truly a great day, fantastic numbers, lots to look forward to and the lads looking forward to challenging themselves, pitting their wits against their nearest and dearest friends. Old and new friendships building momentum as we began our journey on the plains of Waltham Way to Rugby discovery as directed by the Suntanning Viking.

Shall we begin?? I’d like to think so!!

So please, sit back, turn the TV down, slip the remote onto the arm of the chair and relax as the Nordic Inspirer takes you on an enlightening experience once more, so here . . . we . . . go . . .!

From the first minute the lads had arrived they were looking for more fun and they had come to the right place for the enjoyment had been fully prepped and was awaiting their arrival. The last two days had been hugely enjoyable, so how to top a show stopper. We had it all today and left no stone unturned or deep fried for we would go out all singing and dancing!!

You never can tell what kind of attitude you will be met with head on but every single one of these young lads arrives with the full intention of having fun with an oval ball.

There is no pressure, there is no hassle when you drop a ball, you just pick yourself up and give it another go and that is exactly what we saw tenfold of on today’s camp.

A huge warm up for the biggest group of the week, lots of stretching, bending, touchdowns, passing and pick-ups and most importantly lots more smiles and this was just the first minutes of a heavily packed day of entertainment Nordic style!!

The First Psalm of Rugby, pass, the Second Psalm, and some may say my most difficult, the all important catch. Not with these lads, W’s up, soft hands, pop passes to be proud of that would see us nicely into Stuck in the Mud, that old Classic that gains even more fans and smiles from these guys.

After a well earned break for some Agua Purificada the promised land of the footwork, sideshuffle and hurdling spectacle that would test their very being was engulfing on the horizon.

No corners being cut here, well maybe some. One way round the track then the other would see full tilt racing, ladders all over the place hurdle crashing spectacular all on view just to add another string to their bow.

Concentration levels at their very best as we would get straight into Rugby netball to test their passing and catching and the ol’ Battle of Team Rounders that would stretch the very sinew and fabric of their kicking that would certainly build up the hunger pangs for the pillage towards a well earned Feasting luncheon.

Post lunch we would enter the world of the Golden Goose, a kicking master class where plenty of points up for grabs. Six areas of testing conditions of their boots They would need to call upon all of their skills to drop the ball into the each of the areas.

As we approached the Goal kicking, everybody was set for their best efforts yet. We had Goal posts scoring, crossbar scoring and as precious as a Golden Fleece, the Chalice of the Viking, the “Charlie”, a 50 point winner, that one of the boys kept hitting, awesome display.

This would lead us into the far reaching Non-Stop Rugby cricket right on cue for the Sun to join us as we were ticking down to the endgame. Some great innings here, every one of the lads giving it their all before moving onto the Holy grail of the afternoon session and Rugby tennis. We were in the home stretch as far as time was concerned but with these children we could have carried on for another session. Non-stop kicking and catching, non-stop laughs and smiles.

READY!!

STEADY!!

GO!!!!

A Great way to wrap THE Extravaganza that is the Viking Rugby Fun Camps for this week at the Home of Rugby in E4!!

I will leave you with a couple of Viking Inspired songs from an era gone by that epitomise me and my mood when Inspiring these young lads to Viking Glory.

This track will be with me until the end of time, Viking rugby courtesy of Carly Simon, a la Bond,

https://youtu.be/ht8gzvrsDfE?list=PLY7vHUUcQjD4NahnehGOchxSr9Q3Xd8C0

Post Camps my mood and life in general makes me . . .

https://youtu.be/aDSepEeMgPg?list=PLY7vHUUcQjD4NahnehGOchxSr9Q3Xd8C0

Just to top out to stomp the morning away, take it away Dave . . .

https://youtu.be/CtTO1j-ucVs?list=PLY7vHUUcQjD4NahnehGOchxSr9Q3Xd8C0

The Awe Inspiring #VikingRugby Fun Camps @ChingfordRFC #SouthernHeartlandRL

The rains abated the cloud light and fluffy and hint of a North by North easterly caressing the not so lush Hallowed Fields as the Fun Camps Rolled up the Way of Waltham to a Cacophony of Trumpeteers and Drummers to greet the Sensation of the New Scandinavian nation and his young band of the future.

An awesome day was in store, for most of the youngsters today were not of the Black White n Blue, these were newcomers who wanted to experience the real deal and be part of the Rugby Revolution sweeping E4 and the Southern Continent. For now was the time and the time was now!!

The field was set, the balls pumped, the lunch placed softly on the steps of Ching and then they arrived in their numbers. Another top turnout for the third installment of the Biblical Epic of Viking like Proportions.

With a chill wind blowing through the Fields of dreams like a slap on the back of the triceps we would enter the warm-up phase of our morning’s enduro. With a great spread of ages hydration would be key to their success. Into the well renowned gears with additional rugga balls. On show today some great skipping and footwork, the passing looking good too. The bent knees, the sidesteps of salvation leading the way into the first of many drinks break and an opportunity to survey what was about to occur!!

For it was relay time and the perfect time to team up and pit your rugby wits against your steely eyed opponents.

Fast feet and nerves of steel required, sensational swerving and hands would be the order of the day before turning our attention to the very essence of a rugby player and their dancing like footwork that would leave no ballroom untouched for the lads were now salsa-ring through the ladders with a pivot here and soupsong of style there.

Nicely poised for our first visit of the week to Rugby netball, all hands ready and plenty of points up for grabs.

Once again non-stop passing, movement and catching from all ages, the speed of the youngsters against the passing of the old’uns but who would be victorious before entering the realms of Rugby Tag basketball which once again displayed ferocious teamwork from all. Loads of tagging, loads of smiles and loads of points!!!

With just enough time for one round of the allround entertainment that is Rugby non-stop cricket we would begin. The perfect starter before the lunch break, plenty of running and kicking to build up the appetite for lunch that was now just moments away and boy were they ready for their grub!!

Post lunch kick around we were set up for our Kicking at Goals with the “Charlie” kick being worth 50 points but thus far no one individual has managed the feat that we witnessed last year.

Some great efforts though from all corners and distances, and some great help to boot which would lead us nicely into the final matchup of the day and the Rugby Tennis. Two teams, one vision, the dream to be victorious!!

The first game went right down to the wire, the second became a little one-sided but their never say die attitude nearly brought the comeback of all comebacks but with the series levelled at one a piece time caught us up and it was time to say goodbye to Day 3 as only we know how!!

READY!!

STEADY!!

GO!!

Many thanks for your viewing and continued support in the written word of the Ever scribing, some say, Sun tanning Being of Nordic Proportions. The One . . . True . . . Viking!!

I bid you good evening and Good day, until tomorrow, please enjoy!!

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.

Extollations of Independence Positiva @LondonSkolarsRL @LondonRL @HemelStagsRL

American Independence Day had arrived along with a Soupsant of Black, a Sprinkling of Red and a Dash of Green as the U12s/13s from N22 had arrived en masse for “THE” only Derby match up worth worrying about against our nearest and dearest at Pennine Way, the Home of our Local rivals the Stags of Hemel.

With the kick-off being brought forward to avoid a Suntanning Sensation of Nordic proportions the Viking rounded up the Horde and readied them for action. The Lush green surface having been bombarded with Heavenly waters the night before would play a majorly advantageous part in our game plan.

With Ball in hand the Viking led his young warriors into their warm up which would be time limited and a challenge to anybody else but our Inspirational Scriber. I would draw from all corners of the Scandinavian globe and utilise all tools at my disposal. Off we would go on our morning’s journey to Rugby league discovery. The boys kept tight as we traversed the green land of HP2, Heel flicks, High Knees, Skips, side skips, sidesteps to the left, sidesteps to the right, give it up give it up it’s alright!!

The boys were already blowing hard and their efforts would be rewarded on this a day of discovery. Post stretch we had the Referee in to check the team. This led us straight into the St Helens under the sticks run through, three Left right left sidesteps and run to the 20 at 50%/75% & 90% and one for luck at full tilting 100%. On the return the boys showed a new attitude one that would sing from the highest rooftops and bond the team for the rest of the morning. This was about belief and working with your friends to build a better tomorrow. There was no chat, there was uplifting talk and guidance.

Into our short and quick hands the boys were in full flow now as was I , vocally energising each step they took, the hands were crisp, the passing Pringle like and the catching of Quaver quality, as we increased the distance and the numbers the skills began to shine through like the rising of the Sun, as the speed increased so did the chat. AWESOME cannot describe what we witnessed at the earliest dawn and I knew then we would continue our developing strides here at Pennine Way.

After a dash of Agua purificada we had less than 5 minutes to run though our game strategy. Twenty four tackles, metres made, passing on the money and the Black Red n Green of Skolars Rugby League was ready for action and we would await in mouth-watering anticipation the response from our Boys upon the blow of the first whistle!!

There was a new found belief throughout the team this morning, maybe the morning dew reacted well from within but these lads of ours had come to play and play from second one as the Coaching combo always felt they could. The lads left no stone unturned a few early nerves from both sides led to scrums but eventually with some great forward play we would strike at the heart of the Stags defence for our first score of the morning.

As the sun took hold so did the Skolars. Mighty yards being made by the Mighty Black Red n Green of the U12s/13s. The overnight rain played straight into our hands and as the ball found its way into the hands of our halves we began to unleash the Viking Beast and take the game away from our hosts as I knew we would. The Passion and commitment was there from each and every one of the 16 lads unleashing their true Nordic Spirit on the opposition. There was some amazing last ditch tackling from the Stags without which would have seen us bag a half century. Our speed was setting up some ferocious line running and our backs were brutal in their distribution. By the half time hooter there wasn’t one penalty in the game. Pure Rugby League played at its very best in the Truest spirit of Suntanning Sensationalism!!

A half time chat that would stretch the incoming bodies and an uplifting, neigh, inspiring team talk that would allow the team to reach the echelons of Rugby League sanctity. Some great sideline management by the Coaching team would allow all players to break for air, water and an oil change and we were ready to get the 2^nd half underway.

We would begin once again just as we left off, a barnstorming run would see get all the way to the plateau of the goal line before doing the ol’ St Helens/Wigan cough up a ball trick and give our hosts some hope. This was to be removed from our thoughts very quickly indeed as our marker defensive play was right up there, and nailed four out of the next five tackles. Our pressure was immense and would lead to our defence being on the front foot for a change, add to this the phenomenal defence on both wings and our centres were having so much running room they unleashed and set up the attacks. This was rugby league at its very best, just the way the Sensation of the Nordic suntan envisaged all those moons ago.

We were now extolling virtues of positivity all across Pennine way, our passing would see us move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other and bury it with a great cutback in the corner. All hands to the pump and some fantastic defence would see us through to the final whistle where we would congratulate our opponents on a top game played in the Southern Heartland.

We would approach the SkolarStags photo shoot and this would see us into the all important warm down as one group of impentrable team mates that nobody will see coming in the playoffs. The mood was incredibly upbeat, a game we had to be victorious in and the team was never in the mood to be otherwise. They even got me a post match hotdog!!

Our journey in the last two months has been amazing as the lads continue to improve and develop their individual and team skills. The boys have bought into the League Philosophy of the Viking and the team ethos that the Coaching Quad has instilled week in and week out.

This is what has allowed us to play so well in the past weeks and has put us on the Road to playoff glory and I for one am proud as punch of my lads today, both their pre-game and post game attitude was bang on and you could see it shine through in-game and on that hugely positive note I will leave you now and allow you to sit back relax and enjoy this glorious sunshiney day I have prepared for you.

As Odinson I wish you a Great day, a Great weekend and a Great week.

You are the committed band of parents of a loyal group of sons who play this game that we all love  to enjoy, watching them all bond, and be victorious when it matters most and I thank you for your passion and time for we are on the Greatest journey that who knows where it will all end.

For now I bid you good day and Vikingsong as I will feast happily in the knowledge that we are one unit of Black Red n Green, Proud to be from N22, Proud to be Southern Heartland Rugby league.

I am the Viking on another mission to inspire all around to achieve their dreams by believing in themselves and one another. Here endeth the Psalm of American Independence July 4^th.

Go forth and be free!!

Positive Extollations of the Black Red n Green of @LondonSkolarsRL U12/13s #SouthernHeartlandRugbyLeague

SKOLARTANS 2015, two equally strong teams matching up on the lush surroundings of Westcliff RFC on a perfect Saturday morning for the Greatest game of Rugby Football League in SS2.

The post game debate from last weekend was but a distant memory. The Boys from N22 had outperformed their opponents but had been denied. The heads could be held high in the knowledge that we had just pushed one of the best teams to their limit at this age. This would lead us into a midweek Battle of U12s Brutality and Beauty as we travelled to the Fortress of the St Albans Centurions.

Yet another Great turnout from the Black Red n Green upon arrival at Drakes Drive, after a 90 minute journey of 5mph the Viking would arrive upon his Chariot of Destiny and after a tour of the Schools grounds finally made it to the game albeit a little unhinged. Not a countryside Gent just yet!!

Arranging, arriving and playing these midweek games is a massive ask at any age let alone U12s but these Skolarions matchups have given all of the younger lads a great opportunity to really get stuck in and the Coaching Combo Of the Viking and McNeil couldn’t have been prouder as the boys really unleashed the Black Red n Green east and played some great rugby.

Controversy will always be around the corner in any sport but it did not detract from the great spectacle both teams would display in front of a roaring populous. Some great tries scored by both teams, some great defence on show too but, and as agreed by the coaching team, our final try would be the Phil Clarke pick of the Day as the Boys from N22 worked the ball upfield, to then work it through the hands for young Owen to dive in the corner for the perfect team try.

Rugby league played in the Vision of the McNeil and Viking, the perfect evening aperitif!!

Two games down and the mouth-watering Saturday U13s matchup would await us at Westcliff RFC where the Spartans of Southend would be in wait for the Momentum building Skolars of N22, a Game not to be missed!!

The entire team had arrived en masse and before time. A great start for the coaching team. This would allow us to get those all important hands warmed up and into a jogging pace game of touch stretching the skill set so early would set the mind for what was to come.

Having done the homework on our opponents this was always going to be an ultra competitive matchup and from the off neither team would disappoint. We would take the early initiative but couldn’t quite open up the Can of Whoopass we were looking for.

The hosts would unleash their many beasts and our Goal line defence was so tough we repelled them at every turn then we caught a break. After being held to our set of 6 still in our own half, they blocked our clearing kick only for it to be caught by our halfback who pounced and locked it up. This would give us a second opportunity for redemption and it didn’t take long before our forwards unleashed their electrifying power and speed and burst through for the first of our scores.

This set us on our way, some more amazing defence would see us once again hold firm and unleash the Freight trains, again we found the speed and the space and would bury a second try, a carbon copy run of the first. The boys were right up for it now and were beginning to get into their stride only for some lacklustre defending before the halftime hooter would allow their big runners to work the ball into space and dive in at the corner. What a first half!!

The Referee would come over and complement us and a few Coaching adjustments would give the boys a new lease of purpose for the last 25 minutes. From the kick-off we looked quicker on attack, our forwards making even more metres, our backs passing the ball a little crisper. As we would gain the upper hand our hosts would hit straight back. We needed to tighten up the proverbials and unleash our attacking Beast and did just that, some great forward running by the pack allowed the hooking hands to unleash pass on pass to incoming backs right along the line and into corner did Alex dive. A Great team try, all in, one in!!

To quote Coach McNeil, “The best try I’ve seen us score this season”. Well done lads!!

The game wasn’t finished there though for our valiant hosts would give it one more roll of the dice and found a mismatch in our line, Prop Forward against u12 halfback. Best efforts held onto his shirt for dear life but over two metres it was no contest but would see us to victory and a hugely enjoyable morning at the home of Southend’s Spartans.

This was a great advert for Rugby League in the Southern Heartland and shows that when it’s played in the right spirit everybody buys into the philosophy of the Viking that this is truly the Greatest game!!

Therefore, on that note of joyful happiness and calm I now bid you good afternoon and look forward to seeing you all for training at the Home of Rugby league in N22 on Tuesday evening from 6.45pm as we look to build on this, another great performance, as we welcome St Albans Centurions to N22 next Saturday.

I for one can’t wait and neither should you. My thanks to Coaches Fraine, Kelly and McNeil as together we are one Impenetrable Dominational Unit of Rugby League Football.

I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!