U13's

Under 13's Club Letter

Dear Parents/Guardians/Carers.

 During the season 2008/09 there was a lack of numbers participating in Rugby which led to there being no team at the age group of S1.

Along with Andrew Ainsley, player for U18’s, who is completing his SVQ in Coaching, we are tackling this age group with the view of establishing a team for the future of Dumfries Saints. We also have the assistance of Graham Abbott, teacher, St Joseph’s College on a Wednesday Night when he is available.

 It appears from seniors down to Under 15’s is healthy in numbers and Duncan Kennedy and his assistant coaches have a good number in the Mini/Midi section.

 Since this season started we have played Biggar at home and Hawick away and for the boys that played they can see we have a lot to do however we have to bear in mind a lot of these boys have been playing since they were P4 and P5.

 So training is going well with numbers up to 19 and 20 for Wednesday nights (6p.m. – 7.30p.m.) and a bit less on Sundays (10a.m. – 11.30a.m.). The boys are very keen and appear to be enjoying it and the sessions have been running over these times – which is a good thing! If they are prepared to stay on a bit longer then so am I.

These sessions will carry on over the winter, Wednesday nights will be under the flood lights and Sundays if there are no games. Boys from the P7 section will join us over the winter training sessions.

 Games have been arranged so far by Jim Rennie, Junior Section Organiser, to travel to Stewartry on 8 November, 2009 and at home to Cumnock on Sunday 15 November, 2009. Times will be sorted out nearer the dates. These games will be more of a yardstick of where we are in the boys development. For all games there is a payment by the boys of £3 to cover costs of hospitality of visitors (home games) and fuel (away games). All the boys should have their membership paid by now(£30) and if not the membership form is on the notice board at the new changing rooms.

 As there was no S1’s last year we do have two boys that are S2’s that also train with us and we welcome them to our sessions.

 For those of you who don’t know me, I have been a Policeman for over 28 years, having been involved in Rugby since school at Kirkcudbright, having played for Stewartry Colts, Dumfries and Wigtownshire and now referee in Premier league Rugby.

 I am fully committed to this section and I only ask that the boys get dropped off on time, picked up as per arrangements and they be on their best behaviour at all times.

 I hope this gives you an understanding of what we are doing with your children and who is involved with them.

 Useful Contact Numbers;

Jim Rennie, Youth Rugby Organiser 07946600067 or 01387250007

Rab McHenry 07795552701 or 01387262774

Andrew Ainsley 07729939814

2009/2010 Update

Dumfries have started up a S1 team this year something that never happened last season. Although numbers at training have been improving, but due to other committments a team of only 12 players travelled to Hawick on Sunday to test how they were coming along.

Hawick squad of about 28 boys looked smaller in stature to Dumfries boys but it showed that they had been together since Primary 4 as the game kicked off for 3 periods of 15 minutes. It was three periods of chasing shadows for the Dumfries boys as Hawick were very organised in keeping width and moved the ball at every opportunity.

Hawick coaches were very fair by giving 3 different Hawick players at the start of each section and it was two Hawick boys that scored tries for Dumfries with Ryan Sarahs converting both.

The Dumfries boys never gave up and could quite easily have got disheartened against their speedy hosts and improved in their aspects of play as the sections went on, another 15 minute section maybe Hawick would have been concerned - well maybe not.

Dumfries boys were looked after by Hawick and they enjoyed their huge sausage rolls and beans and plenty juice after the game.

It was good for all the boys to have an away day and it is hoped now that fixtures can be arranged against all the local sides to try and build some confidence in the boys.

Training will continue on Wednesday's at 6p.m. and on Sunday's at 10a.m. if no game.

Fancy giving it a shot ..... just turn up at the above times or make contact with Rab McHenry on 07795552701 or Andrew Ainsley on 07729939814.

Boys that played on Sunday Ben Herries, Elliot Scott, Evan Christie, Reece Morrow, Jack McHenry, Josh Ferguson, Edward Jackson, Ryan Sarahs, Callum Jackson, Matthew McDonald, Jack Pybus, Duncan Blandford.