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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good day to one and all.

The Return to Training Summer Sessions – Pt 3 @ChingfordRFC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good afternoon!!

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Return to Training – Summer Sessions Pt 1

A Vision, the Black White n Blue of the Vikings of Ching returning to the Hallowed fields after a three week hiatus to rest and re-cooperate.

The sun shone, the Vikings arrived, the commitment showed, and the attitude was right for this the first session of power.

No hassle, just hustle. The U12s buttoned down the hatches and exploded into life. The ever inspiring Viking had devised a tough return to Waltham Way, albeit short in time would require the fullest concentration and effort. The lads came out on top on both counts and by sessions end they played their best game of touch in 12 months. A credit to the boys, as we look to build up their strength and rugby skills as life takes them on a Rugby journey into U13s, 15-a-side, full pitch rugby.

What a beginning, another 8 weeks of this and not only will I have reaped a glorious suntan in the E4 sunshine but the boys would have become stronger physically and metally through their efforts during our summer.

Roll on next week, great start for the Ching!!