This promises to be short and sweet, its been hell of a day, England have decided to play rugby on Game 4 of the Six Nations and 'Wild at Heart' starts in 15 minutes.

A sunny day, no wind, bacon sandwiches, coffee and rugby it must be heaven! Both teams missing a few key players but still enough to go around so after much deliberation the game got underway.

The Wimborne pre match talk showed early as the boys ran everything, quick penalties and the ball moving across the back line at every opportunity. Entertaining stuff for the larger than average crowd, HOLMAN senior was there camera at the ready and promised some action shots.
Despite considerable early pressure and possession, Wimborne could only muster two tries, the first by MORRIS who after a strong run managed to spin out of the tackle. The second saw BEST and his size 14 boots galloping towards the line, in fairness I wouldn't want to tackle him either, an excellent finish from the 'big man.'

After twenty minutes Wimborne looked settled and were winning good line out ball through LAWES at the front and BEST in the middle, even a couple of scrums were taken against the head via 'El capitano' HOLMAN Junior. However after a series of excellent rucks by the visitors they scored the first of their first half tries and then scored again through the pace of their winger. He would have been in again had it not been for an excellent try saving tackle from the ever improving ASHMORE, the tackle had to be made and ASHMORE covered before bouncing the 'Dorchester flyer' into touch.

The first half had been a great display of open running rugby from both sides, the Dorchester '10' who was impressive all game had lead their resurgence both with ball in hand and in some strong midfield challenges.

The half time interval and ten gallons of water later, the game plan had to be the same, keep the tempo up and run everything. SCOBIE at scrum half was impressive in this area of the game as he kept the ball moving and threw some outrageous sidesteps. ASHMORE and RICHARDS were tidying up the restarts, taking good catches before making good ground before setting up the ball. MORRIS in midfield impressed again particularly in defence where he made a couple of physical tackles, his second try of the day was excellently taken when he outpaced the defence and scored in the corner. The back three of KNIGHT, HURDLE and CROSSLAND were excellent particularly in defence, KNIGHT ran all day even after an eye injury, MAIDMENT took over at the back. He continued to tidy up everything and continues with his impressive form. The flankers MILSTEAD and COPLESTON were excellent in the contact area and tackling everything in range, both kept popping up in the back line to add the extra man, a tactic which proved successful all game. LAWES was execellent towards the end making a series of powerful runs and turn overs backed up by LEES (who has assured me will be getting a haircut soon!).

The second half saw Dorchester score a couple of tries but tries from Wimborne kept the home side in command of the score board at least. HOLMAN continued to rally his troops and when he shouted towards me, 'Get here' and signalled to the quickly formed huddle I was tempted to get my boots on.

Towards the end the heat of the day seemed to get to some, players and spectators alike! Its a shame we couldn't have called a 'time out ' at one stage for a big 'group hug'. Still competitive rugby is where these young men are at now and from a Wimborne point of view, we enjoyed the physical game and thank the referee for his time.

Men of the match: Dan Knight and Ben Scobie
Good to see: Frank Bewley safely returned from oversees
Not so good to see: 'The Right Dishonourable Judge Samuel Well Above his Station Whitworth' who promptly handed out the theme to this years tour, 'Peter Pan'.
Someone has to learn to fly in time for the tour! Guess who!

Training Wednesday and fixture this Sunday is away to US Portsmouth, (at Clarence Grounds : PO5 3AA Entrance on Long Curtain Road), so train and you will be considered for selection.

All the best and happy days!
The Coaches

Summer returned to Leigh Park then disappeared again.

After the club dinner the night before heads were heavy but wallets were light!

An invite to Oakmeadians which brought everything a local derby should, ‘playground banter’ had been in full flow for a few weeks now and this made for a competitive fixture, both sides seemed up for the game.

The game got under way and Wimborne were slow to settle, mainly just trying to rush the play and just a bit anxious on the ball. The blustery wind coupled with poor handling lead to a series of frustrating knock-ons.

Wimborne took the majority of the early possession but failed to convert it into points until HURDLE chased a well weighted kick through, he hit the ball at pace, gathered it very well and scored under the posts. As the first half progressed Wimborne seemed to settle down, forwards started to make progressive runs, an excellent passage of play saw COPLESTON take the ball off QUINN, after the ruck MILSTEAD did the same, good ground made which lead to another try. LAWES in a similar passage of play broke free before rattling through the defensive line, only to discover that there were no support runners with him.

The scoreboard kept ticking over with tries from winger MORRIS who was rewarded for a series of attacking runs, COPLESTON also touched down, the wind was causing great problems for kicker MOYSEY. Good line out work by HOLMAN and LAWES gained some excellent front ball possession. Good thinking in the wind.

Half time came and Wimborne rung the changes, the second half got under way and its fair to say the visitors stepped up their game. They settled and started to enjoy some possession mainly due to their forwards, in particular their No 8 started to win the ball at the break down.

Wimborne defenders failed to gather a kick through and the ball broke free, it was kicked on by their No 10 who won the foot race and scored.

After the gift Wimborne lifted their game and after an impressive run by MORRIS the ball eventually worked its way to CROSSLAND who scored. Welcome back from injury to CROSSLAND was greeted with another try, CROSSLAND Senior was fearing a ’hat-trick’ jug purchase but fortunately he was well tackled by the covering defence.

KNIGHT and ASHMORE both made up for their defensive lapse by making excellent tackles, KNIGHT in particular made a ’try saver.’ All in all a good win but not the free flowing rugby the capacity crowd were hoping for, still rugby happens that way sometimes!

Things to learn: Be patient, go through the phases! The match lasts for 60 minutes!

Impressed with: Your discipline in spite of some intimidation and off the ball work by a player who shall remain nameless! Let the ref sort it out!

Men of the Match: COPLESTON and RICHARDS

Training on Wednesday please, if I don’t hear from you saying you can’t get there then you may not get a call from me for the match on Sunday! A simple rule introduced some weeks ago has been forgotten by some, we train in Wimborne shirts!

Happy, happy days!
The Coaches

Fortunately the match reporter missed the previous week's performance against Havant, we were well and truly hammered so lets move to happier days!

Rugby returned to Leigh Park, the pitch was in great condition due to its mid-season break and the Wimborne players were raring to go. There was absolutely no mention of the Wales victory the previous evening and lots of mention of Mr Jon KAPLIN-JONES who had refereed so impartially!

LAWES, ARNAOUTI and PUSEY stepped up to the mark and helped the injury ridden opposition by playing for them in the first half. MORRIS the match day captain instilled a bit of passion into the team with a stirring team talk. The game plan was to enjoy the dry conditions and play an open game. The match got under way, from the kick off COATES-WALKER took a solid catch before making ground then setting up a ruck, quick ball followed from the ruck and the forwards had a field day running with the ball, an early score was the result and an excellent start. Another kick off, another catch by COATES-WALKER, quick ball, then quick hands saw another try, almost an action replay. Next time it was SMITH who fielded the kick off before popping the ball off to RICHARDS who side stepped his way up the field before linking with support players, excellent hands saw another Wimborne try.

The Wimborne 1st Team were on the sideline prior to travelling to their cup match at this point and they were treated to a typical MILSTEAD run and even had close up of one of his many hand offs. The early Wimborne possession had resulted in three early scores but there had been some ball for the Ivel side, however the midfield defence of FITCH and MORRIS made tackle after tackle. The Ivel centre, a recent convert from that other sport with a round ball made a couple of excellent breaks and had it not been for excellent tackling he would surely have put some points on the board for the visitors

. Wimborne kept to the game plan and ran from anywhere on the pitch which racked up the score in a very impressive first half. A quick swap of players at the half time interval saw MILSTEAD, FITCH and COPLESTON join the Ivel side. This seemed to inspire the opposition and they started to enjoy some possession which eventually saw FITCH score a try under the posts. HURDLE managed at least eight side steps on one mazy run, QUINN was to score in the corner after beating the defender. An excellent weekends rugby and it was pleasing to spot the injured FULLER, CROSSLAND, BEWLEY and KNIGHT in the crowd, all get well soon, some may take longer than others but good to see you are keeping in touch.

Man of the match: Cameron COATES-WALKER

Happy days!
The Coaches

PS Grand Slam?

Thankfully rugby has finally resumed, festive greetings are long forgotten and 'Jack Frost' has gone to pastures new! An invite to the whole squad resulted in an excellent turn out of 26 players, 3 injured players were also spotted in the capacity crowd, no Ashmore (who has Mumps) get well soon. It also saw an excellent turn out from the Wimborne parents who had obviously had enough of the market and odd jobs around the house. All was set for the local derby.

A slight delay saw the delights of 'Grass Roots' rugby return as the referee failed to show, a 'quick sweep' of the clubhouse and a willing volunteer appeared, he promptly borrowed a Wimborne coach's boots.

The match got underway and Bournemouth took the early exchanges, their forwards who gave a good display all day provided possession and made good ground with the ball in hand. The Wimborne team appeared rusty, disorganised and appeared intent on playing the match at 107.6 mph. The difference in these early exchanges was the Wimborne back line who all showed good pace. The first try saw FITCH hit the gap at pace, he then beat a few defenders before scoring under the posts.

The early forward domination by Bournemouth continued and they were given a try after some runs from their big forwards, the first half continued in much the same vein with Bournemouth competing for everything but they struggled to close down the Wimborne back line. The Wimborne winger CHAMBERS finished off a Wimborne attack, taking the ball out wide he held off a defender before diving over for his try. Just before half time Bournemouth showed they were still up for a fight when they took quick ball from a ruck pushed it wide and this allowed their Captain, COOK in for a well deserved try.

At half time Wimborne made a mass of changes, at the team talk we talked of just slowing down the game to our speed, communicating in defence and most of all MAIDMENTS new boots! Yes they were pink!

The second half got under way and Wimborne seemed to step up a gear, the forwards started winning some more ball and fed the backs who started to make some excellent ground. The insertion of a well motivated MORRIS at centre with HURDLE outside provided problems to the Bournemouth defence, after one strong run from MORRIS the Bournemouth '6' provided the best tackle of the game as he covered to the corner saving a certain try. MORRIS was later to score in the same corner after beating the Bournemouth defence on the outside. A short time later he linked well with HURDLE who took the ball back inside in a passage of Wimborne domination, during which SMITH dived bravely on a loose ball to keep the momentum going, the pressure eventually allowed RICHARDS to go over after an excellent delayed pass from scrum half MOYSEY. SCOBIE playing at 10 pegged the opposition back and made sure we played in the right half of the pitch, this provided pressure and possession. MILSTEAD kept his record up of 'handing off' most of the opposition even if he didn't need too. In fairness the Bournemouth 'battlers' kept going until the end and this resulted in them scoring in the last play of the game again by their Captain.

The showers greeted the Wimborne players for approximately 1 hour after the game, they were described by MOYSEY as 'the best showers ever'.

Things to learn: 'Whatever colour boots you wear, we still welcome you!' ' Play your game, don't play the oppositions!'

Things to come: Please check the web site on fixtures as there have been some changes, there will be some other changes soon.
Finer details of tour will be published shortly
Please think about the 'Premiership Cup Final Day' as circulated by Mike Moysey, would be great to get a coach up for a great day, parents, siblings invited but no pets please.

All the best
The Coaches

Said it last year and will say it again this year when are Dorset and Wilts going to get themselves organised and allow young men to play a competitive season of rugby. Every surrounding County have themselves organised into a league system so why is Dorset any different, perhaps Will Carling was right all those years ago! Do not misunderstand me the stronger team won today and so we move to the match report!

Both teams turned up slightly under par, illness, fatigue and injury had struck both sides. However the sky was blue, the grass was green and much to 'Quinn Seniors' delight 'Butcombe Best Bitter' was on draught. We set off through the fog only to hear of the overnight toilet requirements of MAIDMENT who sadly could not play with a large piece of porcelain strapped to his rear end! The 'young Wimborne men' as it was politely pointed out before kick off were up against a very good side today, North Dorset have I believe won the Dorset & Wilts Cup for the last two seasons. If I was a betting man they will win this year too!

From the kick off and certainly for the first fifteen minutes Wimborne took the majority of the possession but failed to put any points on the board. Despite the Wimborne attack the solid North Dorset defence held fast but we clearly had them rattled. 'Me thinks over confidence had affected their game plan!' By half time we were still in the game but the home side had woken up and had scored two tries. A series of strong runs from their forwards had created space out wide only for their second row to score in the corner. The second try was taken well by a determined run again off their strong forward base.

The half time break was much welcomed by the Wimborne players who now had to dig deep, CHILVERS who had been well in amongst it all half was nursing an eye problem but bravely fought on. The second half started with an abundance of North Dorset possession which they used well, their big forwards made good ground and clearly sapped the strength of the Wimborne defence. Special mention to DICKSON at this point who time after time made a big tackle in midfield. Also to KNIGHT who made a try saving tackle on the full back.

North Dorset were clearly the stronger team and scored another few tries mostly due to the destructive running of their big forwards (who must make use of the overlap- Number 6!). We wish them the very best for the next round, an enjoyable rugby day even in defeat!

Things from the day; 'You gave your all today so thank you for your effort and I hope you have learnt something about yourselves, we asked you to dig deep and you did, you can all look in the mirror tomorrow and know that you gave 100%. Best side on the day won, however we move on and play to win the rest of this seasons matches. Next year, we look forward to the re-match (or matches if Dorset & Wilts get their act together!)'

Thanks to: All 17 especially those that played out of position or with various ailments.

Happy days
The 'Proud Coaches'

PS No training Wednesday, you deserve a break, trying to arrange a friendly for Sunday as North Dorset fancy a break (perhaps we did have them rattled?)

After the calamities of Saturday rugby, England lose, Wales lose (the second half), Wimborne 3rds lose (but Oakmedians 1sts win!), we were hoping for a more successful day.

The British weather went through its ever changing moods today, rain then sun, always joined by a cross wind then a bit more rain and a bit more sun! Its a funny old climate! Unfortunately our soon to be king Prince Charles had installed some small trees as cover from the cross wind but he ought to seek to get his money back!

And to the rugby, always promised to be a good, competitive game, the crowd were not let down. A couple of key players missing for both sides meant that subs were a rare commodity which pleased QUINN senior as he had appeared wearing a rather fetching subs romper suit or two?

The match got under way and despite early pressure from the Wimborne team, Dorchester held fast and won the early exchanges at the break down area. The game was equally balanced until a break away try from FITCH saw him run one in under the posts safely converted by MOYSEY.

The tackling from both teams showed great determination and with Dorchester winning more than their fair share of ruck ball it meant for a competitive first half. ASHMORE stepped up to the mark and made some good tackles as well as taking the ball on in the loose. Both sides safely kicked a penalty a piece so meaning a Wimborne lead of 10-3 at half time. In the flow of the match the visitors were happy with this after a sustained period of pressure by the home side left them unable to break the Wimborne defensive line.

The Wimborne tactic for the second half had to be to use the wind and kick and chase to the corner. In the first 10 minutes they did this well, MORRIS on the left wing always supported by FITCH and SCOBIE chased an angled kick from QUINN, the tackle was made and Wimborne pressurised Dorchester into handling errors. The penalties started to rack up against the visitors as the referee tried to clear up the contact area, it is a funny old game!

Wimborne made good progress after a run from the ever impressive LAWES, the ball landed into the hands of DICKSON who beat two defenders before squirming over the line. Nice try, dreadful haircut!

At this point Wimborne needed to finish the game off but seemed to step off the gas, the Dorchester forwards lead by a seriously big fella stayed strong on his feet and was driven 30 meters upfield. This lead to a try and was probably a key moment of the match, it lifted the home side and seemed to sap the strength of the Wimborne players. Another breakaway and good hands saw the wing speedster of Dorchester run from his own half to score an excellent try.

Wimborne now had to dig deep to salvage a draw and continued to defend a stream of penalties for various infringements. The match drew to a close and on reflection a good match for the supporter, a frustrating one for the coaches and a learning experience for many!

And so to the comfort of the club house, LAWES made an impression at the after match celebrations, taking his 'free soft drink' with all the pride of a prop.

Things to learn: This is game you should and could have won, you allowed the opposition back in the game! Use the conditions, play for all the match!
Best hairstyles of the day: SCOBIE, DICKSON and FITCH (fashion is a marvellous thing!)
Best dressed coach: Phil QUINN in a sub suit!

Training Wedesday please be there we need to work on some things! That can't happen half hour before kick off! Forwards, Dennis O.B.C. ('our beloved chairman' will be there on Wednesday and so will you!)

Happy days
The Coaches

After a busy week of school rugby the squad were jaded and some made the wise choice of playing on their playstation until the early hours of the morning then sleeping on the journey from Wimborne to Bridport.

After early exchanges, Wimborne did not really wake up until Bridport had scored the opening try, hacking the ball through the Wimborne defence a Bridport back won the foot race and dived on the loose ball to score. The Wimborne team rallied and after stern words from Captain HOLMAN they upped the tempo of the game, an excellent couple of moves by the Wimborne backs saw MAIDMENT score the try of the game taking the ball at pace from QUINN, a trademark MAIDMENT side step (obviously revitalised by his sleep, as mentioned above!) then he ran it in under the posts. Wimborne also scored after an excellent solo run by FITCH which made the half time score 14-7 to the visitors.

Coach MOYSEY gave a stern talk at half time and rightly pointed out that Wimborne had played poorly in the first ten minutes then got into the game. Wimborne now needed to dominate the second half and spread the ball wide, so playing to their strengths. Good idea, however Bridport were to score again after another defensive mix up. Not an ideal start to the second half but the half time insertion of MORRIS on the wing resulted in early success, he made good ground, using his power to good effect and causing the Bridport defence problems. After one typical run by the winger, he broke the defensive line then the ball broke free to FITCH who won the footrace to add another try.

In fairness Bridport fought back strongly and good defensive work was needed to prevent any further scores. ASHMORE a second half sub put in some telling tackles assisted by a scrambling defence. Two further scores by Wimborne saw the result safe, MILSTEAD scored one after a break, breaking through a couple of tackles. Good to see PAYNE back from injury and on the whole a good team performance but we need to play for the full match.

Good points: Generally tackling and contact work is vastly improved
Things to learn: A good nights sleep before a game will benefit you, give it a try!
Man of the Match: John COPLESTON for running the line with a bad back!

Happy days
The Coaches

PS Please be aware that we have our County Cup match against North Dorset on 14th December, we need to work hard in training and on match days, so lets go for it! Your attendance is essential to do this!

On the road again after a string of home fixtures, one thing guaranteed is that QUINN Senior accompanied by RICHARDS Senior are going to get lost, happened last year and funnily enough after overtaking a number of Wimborne travellers on route, we arrive to find them already at the club house!

On arrival, the ever observant MOYSEY Senior, pointed out the very nearby 'Spinnaker' Tower which he failed to notice last year! Should have gone to 'Specsavers'! Mind you he wasn't the only one! Read on!

After a minute's respectful silence the game got underway. Wimborne took to the field, supported by the subs bench resplendent in their 'Michelin' Romper suits.
A number of players were unavailable for various reasons today, so a makeshift pack was introduced and they competed excellently, winning scrums and their fair share of loose ball. Limited line out options today, so the rugby brains of HOLMAN and LAWES reaped benefits with a number of throws to the front won impressively by LAWES.
The early supremacy gave the Wimborne backs plenty of ball and FITCH was given plenty of ball in midfield. FITCH playing with a slight neck injury made good ground, I've heard of the 'Blandford fly' but the 'Canford Vampire' is also a bloodthirsty devil! MILSTEAD and COPLESTON supported by ASHMORE created an impressive back row, both defensively and in attack. MOYSEY and QUINN made good use of the cross wind, kicking to space chased up by the Wimborne backs. HURDLE chased particularly well, then timed his tackle on the defender so making best use of the advantage of the ground made from the kick.
Wimborne capitalised on their possession and took the lead, however half time came and despite their dominance they only had seven points on the board. COPLESTON came close but was unable to break through the try line tackles of the Gosport defence.

The half time team talk seemed to work again, the subs lost their romper suits and got into the action. The Wimborne pressure started to show and an example of excellent support play saw the ever impressive COPLESTON take the ball on which resulted in a try for 'blood drained' FITCH.
HOLMAN, 'mistakenly accused' of cheating at the break down, produced an excellent break taking the ball on, a quick recycle saw a similar result, another Wimborne score. The MILSTEAD combination of run, hand off, hand off, 'specsavers' sort out', run, made excellent ground and got Wimborne on the front foot. A number of times he got us away from our try line and out of trouble.

Wimborne continued to play to their strengths, winning good possession at the contact area followed by early ball to the back line. Another passage of play showed the footballing skills of MAIDMENT (recently returned form his Alton Towers experience!), he fly hacked the ball through causing panic in the Gosport defence so much so he was taken out twice completely off the ball! Apparently the defender apologised to the referee, stating that he didn't have his contacts lenses in? A brief 'discussion' with MILSTEAD a short time later did not seem to improve the defenders day!

RICHARDS Junior made a late entry on return from injury which wasn't helped by getting locked in the toilet! A good performance today in difficult conditions, although dry, a force 9 gale is never enjoyable.

Things to learn, backs need to run from depth, we can sort this.
Best dressed player: Scotty 'white collar' Maidment
Worst technique putting on sub suit: Craig Lawes

Happy days,
The Coaches

PS If you haven't paid your tour deposit yet, you are late! So sort yourselves out by Wednesday please! Secondly enjoying the season so far, lets keep it going, training Wednesday please! That means everyone!

Leigh Park was a little deserted this morning as the first team pitch dried out after the 1st Team 'mulching' yesterday in a good win against Tadley.
The second team pitch although 'soggy' in places had miraculously dried out overnight.

Bath arrived in good time and all was set for a very prompt 11.00am kick off. Unfortunately QUINN was injured during the warm up, which resulted in a quick change at 10. SCOBIE sporting his new hair cut took the shirt and filled in.

The match kicked off to the roar of the crowd numbering about thirty five, sadly SKY Sports had pulled out at the last minute but it was their loss because the crowd enjoyed a great match.
From the kick off the Bath back row made their presence felt, LEES felt the pain of the flankers 'Dancing feet', must be 'Strictly season.'
Game on, it promised to be a physical battle!

Wimborne got off to an excellent start and spent the first twenty minutes camped in the Bath '22' but failed to capitalise on their superior possession, excellent breaks were made but 'overlaps' were missed. Despite the early Wimborne dominance Bath scored the first try with an excellent breakaway, their back line hit the ball at pace and carved through the Wimborne defence. Wimborne stepped up to the mark mainly through the forwards and replied through COPLESTON who made a drive to the line after good forward dominance. This left the match all squarish at half time.

The half time team talk appeared to motivate! Straight from the kick off, good work by the forwards released FITCH who beat a few defenders before scoring under the sticks. The front row of LAWES, HOLMAN and 'Man of the Match' COPLESTON played as well as they have all season and time after time they made ground and presented the ball. Supported by the rest of the forwards Wimborne competed fiercely well at the breakdown area. HURDLE and CROSSLAND covered both their wings excellently, both made strong defensive tackles and following the astute tactical kicking of SCOBIE they chased the defender down well ensuring good ground was made. In possession both took the ball on, ensuring possession was maintained. CROSSLAND took his one chance in space superbly, taking an early pass from the ever present MILSTEAD he had the confidence to take the defenders on the outside before landing in a heap under the posts.

Another try was scored in a 'purple patch' of Wimborne rugby by 'safe hands' FITCH, who after a quick penalty, took a late pass from SCOBIE before juggling the ball around his head and diving over for another score. All that juggling and things made me think of rollercoaster rides and the absent MAIDMENT who was enjoying the delights of Alton Towers with his beloved! Anyway, we digress, back to the rugby! Bath to their credit came back with a couple of deserved second half scores which reflected their increased possession of the ball, on the face of it they were clearly the stronger team for the majority of the second half. They were unlucky not to have been awarded a further try towards the end but equally so Wimborne (especially HOLMAN) felt robbed of two first half tries. What the ref don't see he cannot give! That's life!

Wimborne bravely fought for the win, including a try saving big tackle from second half replacement RUSSELL. The game was suitably finished off after a typical turnover ball by COPLESTON followed by a 20 meter run which ensured victory.

An excellent fixture and a competitive game which was excellently marshalled by Adam Deary.

Impressed with: You matched their physicality today! Controlled aggression will see you through games like this. Watch out for Dancing feet!

Things to learn: Keep saying it but 'TEAM GAME', move the ball and let your mate score! When a flanker charges down your conversions and says something like 2 out of four, that's XXXX, you need to think quick & say something like ' Good Maths mate that means four tries! and then run back to half way alongside the ref.

Worst Dressed Player: Zach MORRIS, no shirt, no tie, orange boots (but played very well!)

Famous Person In the crowd: Nigel REDMAN Ex Bath, England, British Lions.

Happy Days!
The Coaches

Summer returned and brought some of that wet horrible stuff with it!

What a great start to the day, an extra hour in bed, the Wimborne bridge is open and looks nothing like a fly over.

And so to the rugby, half term, holidays and injuries are starting to reduce the numbers but the Wimborne faithful turned up bright and early! The scrum practice by the Right Honourable Dennis FRY, Chairman of our beloved club, took early effect and we started to win more than our fair share of ball. FULLER looked impressive from the base of the scrum and on a forwards day good ground was made.

Forwards delighted in getting themselves nice and dirty none more so than COPLESTON who provided excellent support play and strength at the tackle area sporting his nice, new, Blue undertop! Fashion is a marvellous thing!

Wimborne took advantage of the early possession and to the cries of 'rugby hater' safely converted for 3 points under the posts. MAIDMENT in his last match before his annual 'loveboat' trip to Alton Towers and swept up well at the back and made good ground in the counter attack. HURDLE provided excellent cover from his wing position and tidied up making good ground on several occasions.

The forwards impressed today, learning to ruck beyond the ball and competed aggressively for all the loose ball. Partnerships are starting to build none more so than MOYSEY and QUINN who mixed the game up well and continue to try things to create the gaps. Some good kicking by both QUINN and SCOBIE got the defence chasing backwards, good chases by the Wimborne backs caused the New Milton defence problems.

HOLMAN was unlucky towards the end as the referee was unsighted when the Wimborne pack drove him over from 20 meters. The Captain was very eager to point this out to the referee! On behalf of the Captain thanks go to the ref, who allowed the game to flow in very difficult conditions, but it was a try!

The delight of the day is the progress the squad are making, it was wet, horrible and was never going to be a game for the wingers, so we changed our game plan, made good ground in the forwards and then released the ball into space.

Some good rugby was played by both teams and New Milton deserved some points on the board as they never gave up. The final whistle went and so we move onto Bath next week, training as usual on Wednesday.

Men of the match: The squad
Best dressed player: Tyler Smith
Things to work on : 'Some of you are tackling too high and this seems to be spreading!'

All the best
The Coaches

PS 'Just a gentle and polite reminder, encouragement and support from the side line is actively encouraged, however we ask this is moderated in volume and frequency for all our groups benefit, otherwise we may as well be a Football Club.'

The crowd were ready, the players were ready, the balls were fully inflated, however referee availibility meant for a delayed start! This was a right result for Captain HOLMAN as he had forgotten his boots! He kindly pointed out to his dad that this was the first time in ages that he had ever forgotten anything!

A late call to lastminuterefereecall-inafavourfromanoldmate.com resulted in Shane Verrion kindly stepping in, otherwise no ref no game!

A frenetic start on a sunny but windy day saw both teams start well but an intercept from SCOBIE saw him sprinting toward the Bournemouth line only to pass unselfishly to support runner FITCH who scored under the posts. Love and Peace!

The Wimborne backs were provided with plenty of ball in the initial exchanges and capitalised with some good scores, MILSTEAD was on fire and dealt his usual batch of 'firm but fair' handoffs during a solo run over 50 meters before scoring under the posts. MORRIS followed a kick through and watched it well to gather the ball before scoring in the corner.

CHILVERS was his usual awesome self at the tackle area and unselfishly offered himself up to make the tackle at every penalty run by one of the big Bournemouth forwards. Anybody else could have kindly offered, just the once would have been nice!

COPLESTON helping out the team at an unusual position of flanker made some very big hits and made plenty of ground when carrying the ball.

After an impressive first half by Wimborne, the half time team talk fell on deaf ears and they failed to play in the second half. The magic water failed to function and despite the odd break away try they failed to capitalise on their first half domination. In the second half Bournemouth spirit, determination and 'stick it up the jumper rugby' saw them come back into the match and they were by far the better team in the second half which reflected in the final score.

What we take from the day are some lessons to learn about TEAM PLAY! Play for 70 minutes! Scrummage! Compete at the Contact Area! Turn Up for Training!

All the best and Constructive Criticism is Fine! Listen, learn and develop!
Happy days!
The Coaches

Firstly this was our very first match as an age group against Oaks, so well done for all their hard work in recruitment.

This was always going to be a difficult day, both sides depleted due to the County trials meant that subs were a very rare commodity. A warning to Wimborne teams, we currently have 35 registered players, due to County trials, school commitments, family commitments and injuries we just managed 15 players so get recruiting!

A beautiful sunny day saw Wimborne get off to a sleepy start, very sleepy for some who strolled in a 'tad late.' A 10:00 hours meet means a 10:00 hours meet!

Oaks took advantage of some poor tackling to score the first two tries. PUSEY took a blow to the nose and had to leave the field, 'claret everywhere.' Whilst I was checking on his welfare we scored after a good run from BEWLEY who released CROSSLAND who shipped it to ARNAOUTI to score in the corner. A mention must go to BEWLEY and ARNAOUTI who deserted the comfort of their normal wing positions and played in a make shift back row, both seemed to enjoy themselves , BEWLEY making some good runs and ARNAOUTI enjoying his new found strength at the tackle area.

Wimborne rallied before half time and QUINN converted a penalty to put some more points on the board.

The players assembled at half time and it was clear that some were digging deep and putting knocks to one side, including PUSEY, KNIGHT and CHILVERS. They looked to the subs bench and there were none.

COATES-WALKER developed a bump to his head but bravely rejoined the action, the loss of the ever present CHILVERS saw us depleted again but the boys fought on.

Wimborne showing they would not give up, got back in the game and scored another try in the corner. SCOBIE was back to his best at the base of the scrum making good ground and making more than his fair share of tackles. This left for a close finish but Wimborne just ran out of steam and ideas near the try line. A little more composure in the scoring zone and we would have been there!

Even in defeat we can be very satisfied with the commitment and determination shown in this game.

Things to work on, retaining the ball in contact and straightening our running lines, I felt we were crabbing across the pitch today.

All the best
The Coaches

Click here to see highlights of the Final between Wimborne and Keynsham

Dear Parents and players

After a very enjoyable 2007-2008 season, please take time to read on as I believe it will assist us all to equally enjoy the 2008-2009 season.

Squad numbers
We anticipate that the squad will be at a minimum of 30 this season and could be as many as 35. Clearly the aims of the coaches are for all players to enjoy their rugby, be competitive and develop skills for life.
All players will be considered for selection on current form. Past awards are important but everybody must earn their place on current playing ability, attendance and commitment.
It will not be practicable to take the whole squad to away fixtures or turn up on mass for home fixtures. The squad for each game will be selected by ALL the coaches, approximately 20-22 players will be selected to play.
Those not selected will be advised if there is a Sunday training session which will depend on numbers or they will be welcomed as supporters.
Some fixtures will be targeted with the strongest squad available; this has to be done so that the coaches can assess our current standard. The ‘Lexus National Festival’ and the County Cup Matches will be targeted with the strongest available squad. In addition to this some fixtures will be targeted with the strongest squad, particularly against strong opposition or as a warm up prior to a County or Lexus fixture. All players will be given ample opportunities to play in matches but if players or parents have concerns over non selection I ask that you speak to the coaches direct.
It would greatly assist if any future unavailability is notified as soon as possible to Dave. Players will be notified of their selection by the coaches, if no contact is made then it must be assumed that the player is not selected. Any queries must be made by contact with Dave.

Midweek Training
This will commence on Wednesday 10th September between 6.30pm and 7.45pm, this is additional training that will be of great benefit to the players but it is accepted that some commitments may restrict attendance. However it would greatly assist if all efforts are made to attend as this is our chance to develop moves and learn from the previous Sunday match.

Parental Help
Thank you to those that assisted in anyway last year whether it was coaching, first aid, acting as co-ordinator, arranging the tour, checking the changing room after fixtures, picking up the match shirts, sorting out corner flags and post guards, manning the car park, helping to lay out the tables, serving lunch to players or offered the coaches the occasional inducement of an alcoholic beverage. If you did none of the above please spare some time if you can! Don’t let it be the same old faces!

Parental Support
Support from the touchline is actively encouraged but we ask it is fair, constructive and within reason. If I am on the other side of the pitch and I can hear you I feel you can probably rest your vocal chords, in the heat of battle players won’t hear you anyway! The coaches also ask that any advice to players during play is by the coaches, players get somewhat confused by sometimes differing advice, however well intentioned.

County Nominations
During the summer the coaches selected eight players to attend the County trials which will be sometime in October. Players will be advised in due course of the nominations and the relevant details.

All the best for the season
Dave and the coaches