With everyone in suspense for what special announcement from the coaching squad was going to be Dustythefitnesspainmaster was not hanging about as he had the entire squad “the circle of pain” which was focused on individual strength, stretching and accuracy in passing of the rugby ball.

Meanwhile Gareththedefencecoach was right on the button with the squad bear crawling, foot tapping, leg pumping attack on tackle bags with "roll away and get into play" and relign that feared Mackie wall!

The squad literally had microseconds to snatch and drink to think when Frankiepitchsideconsultant had the squad looking at moving the ball from the breakdown, scanning what was in front of them and then passing the ball into the gap in the defence.

Andywackysocks2 was not to be left out either as it looked like he had the players refilling the gaps faster than the conveyor delivery lines at the Amazon warehouses throughout the UK.

Frankiepitchsideconsultant then added some hot peppers to the activity by getting players in units of four, (ball carrier, bullet, good with hands and speedster) to win the race, win the ruck, protect the rugby ball, get the rugby ball away quickly and attack the space through or around the defence.

The warm up activities had delivered exactly what the coaches wanted. Every player had their rugby brains switched and they were more than half way through the session and had not noticed the rain.

Time for a drink to think, big breaths in to get oxygen back into those tired rugby cells and game time with Andywackysocks2 game coaching.

Initially there were plenty of whistling blowing, explanations and penalties awarded however players started to create opportunities to furiously compete for the ball, get back into the game, go forwards and get in those low tackles in defence whilst on the other hand they stayed connected, found the space, stressed the defenders and kept continuity in attack.

The coaches all agreed that had been one of the best training games and that the squad were back to the levels the were before the Christmas holidays.

Next up it was time for that special announcement. Parents gathered under the Gazebo, Gareththedefencecoach got the bag of goodies, Dustythefitnesspainmaster got the squad into order, Frankiepitchsideconsultant readied himself for the onslaught and Andywackysocks2 got his rugby book of secrets ready for the ceremony.

The NE Minis League results had been counted and verified. In second place were Pelicans but the outright League Champions were Mackie.

The league was never about winning and more about opportunities for LEARNing and GASPS for player development.

All coaches and parents know there are very few uncompetitive young people and it was apparent to see when they received individual medals and the whole squad a trophy fitting League Champions.

Special mention has to go to Jack "the axe" as throughout the league he has shown to be Selfless, Creative, Optimistic, Tenacious and Self-Organised.

Parents, players and coaches are all proud for you all.

Another special mention has to go to Gareththedefencecoach as for all his toughness on the outside he showed his soft, gooey inside but suggesting and then organising the medals and trophy.

Remember to ask yourself what is the one thing you need to start doing and the one thing you need to stop doing to improve your rugby skills?

ProudTASTIC Peeps!

Dustythefitnesspainmaster
Gareththedefencecoach
Frankiepitchsideconsultant
Andywackysocks2