The Inspirational Pre-Season Observances of @LondonSkolarsRL #SouthernHeartlandRL

Psalm 1 – The Initial Observance

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

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

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

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

Psalm 2 – The Observance of Building Momentum

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

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

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

Psalm 3 – The Observance of Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck to the ‪#‎BRnG

Psalm 4 – The Homecoming Observance

For the attention of one Matt Lambert,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 5 – The Observance of Commitment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 6 – The Observance of Power

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 7 – The Observance of Pre-Season Finality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Origin – A Chalice of Destiny awaits the U13s “Northern” Horde

The expectancy was rewarded; the Blues of the “Northern” Horde would arrive, the training session delayed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond Nordic control. However, we would inspire, we would lead and we would unleash a Rugby League timebomb of suntanning proportions on the Green fields of Brentwood for Training Day 2.

The Tetlow and Quill roadshow rocked up to CM15 looking to improve on the previous week’s victory and how to keep this group of talent on their uppers. This would be no mean feat, but with a little coaching belief and a soupson of Scandinavian faith we would take the boys on the next part of their journey of League discovery.

For the evening before there was possibly one of the biggest Rugby match-ups of the season having been played out, yep, you’ve guessed it St Helens and Wigan, the ultimate Rugby derby!!

The Viking always takes inspiration from his beloved Redvee and would leave nothing to chance. The session would be delivered under a clear blue sky and lush green fields. The lads were dazzled by the light but were prepared to lay down for their pals and give it their all and in the meantime left no stone unturned in their search for Origin glory.

Our minds and focus would now turn to the day in hand. Another journey down south to test the very fabric of one and alls being. Questions would need to be answered,

How would the boys react to another long journey?

How would the late kick off affect their preparation?

Could the Viking lead his troops to unabated and victorious glory?? For we would see over the coming 50 minutes of heart wrenching, heart pacing, nervous tension laced Rugby.

The warm up may have been a little early, but the pre-game huddle would prepare the mind, the body and the “Northern” soul. For these lads are no ordinary lads, they are prepared to back their pals in any given situation no matter what it takes. The team was prepped and ready to roar. The pitch set. The first whistle would blow, it was GAMETIME!!!!

The boys exploded out of the blocks on a mission to destroy all that would attempt to deny them their glories. A great start would see us complete the first set and unleash the pressure of mass onto the oncoming attackers. Each runner was met with a huge boom back, time and again, boom!! We had them and were turning them around. The lads were playing rugby as the Viking and Tetlow had intended, power plays and subtlety of hands. The teamwork in support was of enormous proportions as we began to take control. The spirit within the team was everywhere, the subs bench, the stand and in the mind of the Coach watching, anticipating, salivating at the prospect of the first score and it wouldn’t take long as we began to press home our advantage. The forward power was immense; the backs distribution was crisp and the try all the better.

The boys have been setting improving standards week in and week out and this was another step up. By the time we had two scores on the board the South could barely draw breath. Camped inside our 10m line they thought this would be their golden opportunity. I think not, for these boys would defend with their last breath and did they did together. Twelve tackles on our goal line, no way through, “Northern” Horde bodies throwing themselves in to stop the attack, wave after wave would see us gain the ball back to the roar of the watching crowd and the bench. After some changes the team played an even more expansive game and really began to look the business.

The South couldn’t catch a break as we unleashed wave after wave of attack making positive yardage at will. As the half time hooter blew the boys sprinted into the huddle. The game was not won yet, the mood in the huddle was as expected, and the boys led the chorus of how to improve for the second half.

This is why the Greatest game is always a game of two halves. With the sun beating a path to our door and the bodies gasping we couldn’t make inroads and allowed the home side to gain the upper hand as they made metres forward. The tackles being made were non-stop body-sapping and our boys play with such passion that the adrenaline was beginning to run out. Some more great defence kept the South out once again but they managed to pierce a gap. Once more we would unleash but just couldn’t close out the piece and once again the home team pulled another back. The final minutes of an enthralling Origin matchup were now upon us!!

The heart was pounding, the final talk was dealt, how would it play out? The Viking strode to the halfway line and about turned to see the team had made their decision and the right one. For the kickoff was a grubber the forward pounced and we had the ball. Or did we??

Scrum down to the South; this was it for the Blues of the “Northern” Horde. The last stand was here. The play the ball, the pass, the defensive line speed unleashed all of the might and rugby nous to cancel out the potential threat. The final whistle blew, the smiles covered the pitch, the roar heard around Historic Medway for we had come, we had seen and we were victorious!!

This is a special group of young men, they play a game I love to the max with pure enjoyment running through every sinew of their makeup, and they want to be part of this great experience. They are respectful and polite and show me the perfect attitude in which to play this the Greatest game.

Until next time my beloved readers, viewers and inspirees I give you my boys of the “Northern” Horde!!

I will leave you with a taste of the mood in the camp post game as it left me feeling . . .

http://tinyurl.com/p3st9bx       

These lads have taken me, as their Coach, to a new plateau of coaching enjoyment and experience. I am proud to be part of their Origin journey and their Head Coach and they are truly a credit to you as parents for they have taken the tools we have given to them and are setting incredible standards of Viking Proportions of Scandinavian Sensationalism and I for one and truly humbled by it.

Yours in the Greatest form of the Oval ball as presented by the Boys from the Blues of the “Northern Horde!!!

London Origin – A Rugby League Destiny for the Boys from the “North” #SouthernHeartlandRL

Viking history in the making. As a Coach you always look to have an opportunity to work with the best and thanks to London Skolars RL they have given me that chance. At first I thought I would be asked to be assist one of the many talented Coaches we have at U13s, but no, they would ask for more, and the coaching journey of discovery of the greatest game continues to lead me to new and unimaginable destinies.

For this would be THE greatest opportunity thus far and that of leading a group of young men as their Head coach into Battle against the Best that South of the Thames has to offer. What an opportunity, the Best of the “North”, as if it was feted along with my passion for gravy on my chips!!

You never know what to expect from young lads, but the attitude shown was exactly what the coaching combo of Tetlow and Quill were after in our week One get together. A tough session for each and everyone of them, a quick get to know one another whilst looking to build a team spirit that will engulf one and all and lead us to the promised land of victory.

Having had the pleasure of coaching against many of the boys this season I knew that together they had something special that we would see develop during the series.

The effort and commitment to the cause was unending in the opening training session, a tough ask as today would be the opening game of the three match series.

As we all arrived after a long journey down south it would be upto the Combo of Nordic flair to inspire and uplift the lads. Everyone of the team willing to listen, everyone buying into the gameplan set out last week, everyone of them awaiting the next instruction. The boys were prepared. The warm up was attacked with vigour, the skills were silky, the hands top drawer, the tackling beastly!

By the time we hit the runthroughs this team was ready for action and were awaiting the first whistle to unleash the “Northern” Beast!!

Pre-Kick-off the boys listened intently to the words of the Inspirational combo, we owed the “South” for our journey, we would not be denied victory for this was our opportunity, it was our destiny to become victorious, now would be the time to grab with both hands and a shoulder!!

The roar was set, the chasing line set, and we kicked off!!

By the time we had reached the first quarter the boys had played some power Rugby League and the crowd were loving it. The first two attacks resulted in two scores. The passing was crispier than a Rice krispy cake, the support better than a Jeremy Corbyn town hall meeting, Rugby league as inspired by the Sensations of the Coaching combo!!

The South were not going to sit back and unleashed their own beasts and the game was now matching up well but thanks to our early forays we would lead at the half.

The mood in the huddle was bustling, the boys wanted more, and the next 25 minutes would give it to them. The South brought their A-game and notched a couple of scores soon after. Not to be outdone we would play Rugby as the Viking intended, the hands were silky smooth, the support play immense. From one side of the pitch to the other. We would force our opponents to go the length of the field to score, but with some awesome defensive displays there would be no way through the wall of Blue and White.

As the final whistle blew the boys released their smiles knowing there is still a job to do and that their destiny is now firmly in their own hands. We can only give them the tools to execute a gameplan. These lads took that gameplan, unleashed it, tore it up and made it even better.

I am one very proud Coach of these lads; we are one extremely proud Coaching team. The lads have set their standards high and we intend to keep them up there as one impenetrable unit of “Northern” Power.

On that note I will bid you good evening and wish you a great weekend!!

Yours in Rugby league

The Ever Tanning, Awe Inspiring Viking of the New and Improved Scandinavian “Northern” Nation!!

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!!

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 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 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 Season Ending U12s Festivale au Rugby League @LondonSkolarsRL #VikingRugby #SouthernHeartlandRL

The U12s Festival of Rugby Departation at the Home of the Black Red n Green. The swansong of the boys from N22 as they would say goodbye to Minis Rugby League and would look forward to locking horns with our adversaries of today, Eastern Rhinos/Centurions, Brentwood Eels, Invicta Sharks/Surrey Panthers and our nearest and dearest Hemel Stags.

Four mouth-watering matchups of purist Rugby League enormity. The emphasis from minute one was to go out, have fun and playing this, THE Greatest game as some say God’s game!!

The pitches had been ably coned by myself and Coach Sclater, the water bottles prepared and awaiting hydrationary requests. The team arriving en masse ready to deliver for the watching public a festival of the Finest Rugby League seen North of Blackfriars for the first time ever.

The team were prepped, the coaches salivating; the referees whistled, ready for it was GAMETIME!!!!!

The festival would begin and the first minutes of the matchup against Eastern Rhinos would be our warm up. An opening salvo would see our visitors take an early lead but as we upped the intensity our game play began to flow and we were putting some great passing plays into action. All of sudden we were playing rugby as previously envisioned. We were bulldozing on the front foot, hooker play was unleashing quick ball and we were exploiting the space. The support runners were on fire and we were completing sets and kicking well. However, as we took time off the clock and scored unfortunately the opposition had other ideas and pounced on a mistake and offloaded to their big lads and pummelled through to score and hold the lead. A great beginning to our Festival.

Our second matchup would be against our very nearest and dearest local, well if you call 25 miles local, Hemel Stags, and an 11-a-side encounter that would test the very fabric of our defence whilst potentially unleashing our speeding beast. We would see!!

The passion and commitment was in full effect, the Blue n Gold of the Stags against the Black Red n Green of N22. Big hits, great passing and great rugby on show for the adoring populous. Again, our hooker play came into its own as we worked the ball through the hands to open the gaps and then send our Pack through like a JCB Bulldozer.

A great return to action, nonstop passing and tackling by both teams setting the early standards. The boys began to play some good team plays but were held up again and again by a feisty but committed Stags defence, eventually both teams would score. As the game was halfway through Skolars found a way through with some strong play by the pack but again the Stags came back almost immediately. With the last minute now upon us, some great defence turned the ball over and from the next play the ball our Hooker stepped to his right and dummied the oncoming defenders and opened up a huge hole that he sped into and ably supported by his scrum half outpaced the chasing pack to seal the win!!

A great score in another fantastic game of Rugby league. Two games down and the atmosphere on the sidelines was bouncing, all the coaches mingling and chatting, parents wandering and getting to know the opposition. The true spirit of Rugby League playing out on the sidelines of the U12s Inspired by the Viking!!

Little did we know after the first two match ups that we would have a free flowing score fest as we would be taking on the newly formed Invicta Sharks Surrey Panthers or was that the Surrey Panthers Invicta Sharks, either way those guys put in their best performance of the morning to outscore the hosts 7 tries to 5 in what was a non stop attacking display of bravado and guts. We would open the score with a sweetly timed cross field St Helens Sean long kick from the boot of our Stand off and was graciously received by our goose stepping Centre for the touchdown. This is how the game would go. We would score, they would score but unfortunately we allowed the visitors a double team to unleash one too many beasts and gain the upper hand. Nevertheless the never say die attitude of my lads knows no bounds and they took it to the max trying every type of chase n chip, kick pressure, goal line power but just couldn’t squeeze over.

An awesome sight for the viewing masses who had travelled far and wide to behold such a Rugby spectacle!!

Onto the final game of the morning for the Boys of N22 against our League Rivals and Brentwood Eels. This would prove to be our best performance of the morning as all of the lessons from the previous triple bill of extollationary pride would be displayed and more. Both teams would leave 2015 in the past for the final 15 minutes of the season. No stone would be left unturned, unabated, undelivered. For this would be the mouthwatering, neigh, salivating journey of Rugby League to ponder.

From the very first play we coughed the ball up like a kitten with a furball. Our attitude though delivered some massive defensive plays and from that we began to move the ball as asked for by the Viking and Sclater. The boys worked it wide with inch high private eye precision. The hooker was passing the ball quicker and crispier than a Ryvita and the forwards were moving onto the ball at pace and making even more metres than an articulated roll. And then it happened, some great hands and support would allow our pack to gain the upper hand and with some speed onto the ball found a mismatch in the defensive and pile drove over the line for the opening score. What a start!!

Brentwood are never one to turn over and they came back with their own version of tough offence but the Black Red n Green were wise to it. Every player was prepared to lay their body on the line for the final victory. One in all in on defence, one goes, we all go in attack. There we were once more turning the ball over; some more great play at Hooker would work the ball to our standoff who found our rampaging forwards ever more powerful running than earlier. With another quick play the ball found its way to our centres to make more metres and then CRASH!! The forwards were in again!!

By now our pack was feeling the workload and the backs began to make inroads, some great work again at Hooker manufactured a gap that only he could run through but with a great tackle closed the door. Not to be outdone our hooker redeemed himself and squared the deal. From the ensuing play our winger found himself free but alas a high tackle would give us a penalty just on the halfway line. From here was possibly our best play of the entire festival, when after working the ball though seven pairs of hands our young winger popped up in the opposite corner for the game winning score, pure Rugby of a Sensationalistic Scandinavian Nation, who could ask for more, who would dare.

What a way to end the season, go out and enjoy your rugby and the results will be delivered and they most certainly were. As the Dave Clark 5 once said, I’m Glad all over as were the other eight coaches and forty children.

An awesome show of rugby skills by the U12s and as Head Coach I cannot wait to develop these lads into Champions and even more respectable young men with a passion and commitment to give it 110% for themselves and their friends.

Today would not have been possible without the help of John, Joel, Kaylum of Skolars and Mike from Hemel and Stuart who kindly refereed all the games. Made me nervous digging out the whistle!!

A great advert for Rugby League and as I always say Nobody Does it better!!! The Future is Black, the Future is Red, the Future is Green, the destination is N22. Skolars Rugby League!!