Welwyn RFC are proud to be a Saracens Partner Club.

CLUBS UPDATE, 6th December 2005

Club Partnership Programme is proudly Sponsored by



***Hot off the Press: Christmas Masterclass Coaching Courses Now on Sale***
See below for more details…


Last Match Review

London Wasps 42 Saracens 8

Saracens suffered a 42-8 defeat to Wasps in the Powergen Cup on Sunday afternoon, but the young Men In Black side can hold their heads high after containing the home side for much of the match.

The coaching staff took the weekend’s game as an opportunity to blood some of the up and coming young talent in the squad in top level game. There were a number of positives to come out of the match, and after some of the player’s performances the coaching staff will have some interesting selections decisions to make this week.

The Men In Black trailed 11-8 at the interval and it wasn't until the 70th minute that Wasps were able to extend that lead. They capitalised further when Steffon Armitage was sent to the sin bin, and crossed the line another three times in the closing minutes.

The result means Wasps progress to the semi-finals of the competition while for Saracens, the attention turns back to the Heineken Cup and Friday's trip to Ulster.

Next Home Game

Saracens vs Ulster

Saracens return to European Heineken Cup action on SATURDAY 17th December with their next home game against Irish Provincial team Ulster. The kick off is earlier than usual at 1.00pm, for what is sure to be a bruising encounter. With Saracens top of Pool 4 in the tournament, the Irishmen will be aiming to topple the Men in Black!

A great excuse to get out of the Christmas shopping – see you there!

Club Partnership Programme News

Next Coach the Coaches Session…

Tuesday 13th December 2005
At the University of Hertfordshire’s Sports Village
‘TURNOVERS’

With Saracens’ Rugby Development Manager Dave Hesketh

Times: 6.00pm for coffee & buffet
6.30-7.15 Theory Seminar
7.30-9.00 Practical Session (Outside) with the Saracens Academy



If you would like to attend please email davehesketh@saracens.net with your name and which club you are linked to. All Coach the Coaches sessions are held exclusively for Partner Club Coaches. There are a limited number of places available, offered on a first come first served basis.

Saracens Christmas Masterclass Courses…

This Christmas we have another great opportunity for young players to develop their rugby skills with the help of Saracens Professional Coaches and star players.

There are three courses running during the forthcoming holidays to cater for the needs of young players in different areas.

Skill Specific Course...


Saracens Masterclass Kicking Clinic (U12-U18) - Tues 20th December

Venue: Saracens Amateurs RFC, Southgate (N. London)
Time: 9:00-16:00
Cost: £50.00 (& Insurance)

This is a one day skill specific course. If you are interested in developing your kicking skills this is the perfect opportunity for you.


Also two courses running in tandem in different areas…


Saracens Masterclass (U9-U16) - Wed 21st & Thurs 22nd December

Venue: Dunstablians RFC
Time: 9:00–16:00
Cost: £70 (& Insurance)

Saracens Masterclass (U9-U16) - Wed 21st & Thurs 22nd December

Venue: Saracens Amateurs RFC
Time: 9:00–16:00
Cost: £70 (& Insurance)


These two day Masterclass courses are aimed at all ‘rugby mad’ youngsters and provides an opportunity for players to improve their core skills and develop their rugby knowledge under the guidance of professional players and top coaches.

You can book the Christmas Saracens Masterclass online via www.saracens.com or contact Richard on 01923 204 602 or masterclass@saracens.net.

Player News

Alex Sanderson to take up a coaching role…
The 26-year-old back row forward has missed much of last two seasons through injury and although he returned to action to make six appearances at the start of the current campaign, on medical advice he’s taken the decision to retire.

Now Sanderson will join the Saracens coaching staff, concentrating on contact skills and working with the squad on other areas of the game such as rucking and mauling.

He said: “It’s a massive disappointment. But this is something which has been with me for the last 20 months so I always knew that the end was around the corner, I’d just hoped it wasn’t going to be so soon. It’s a chronic problem that isn’t going to get better, but when you have to make the decision, it still comes as a shock.”

In his new role as Assistant Coach, Sanderson will work alongside Director of Rugby Steve Diamond and Head Coach Mike Ford.

“It’s fantastic and I’d like to thanks the club for giving me the opportunity,” he added. “I’m not going to sit around and feel sorry for myself and I’m really looking forward to the new role. I’ll be working on contact skills, the tackle and ruck area and just trying to pass on what I’ve learned to the rest of the squad.

“You’ve got the take the positives out of all the disappointments you suffer in life. It’s often when you learn the most about yourself. The decision to retire has been taken out of my hands and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue to work at Saracens and develop my coaching skills.”



Jackson scoops November award...

The November Player of the Month has been announced with Glen Jackson scooping the award.

The fly half, who came close to picking up the award last month, has been in good form over the last few weeks and was awarded top marks by the coaching panel.

Glen's kicking performance has seen him rise into the top three performers in the premiership with a recent run of 19 consecutive kicks helping him to go over the 80% success rate and he is currently fourth in the ovewrall top points scorers.

His contribution last month was epitomised during the Northampton match where, after Saracens went behind 0-14 in the opening minutes, he took the game by the scruff of the neck, put Saracens in the right areas of the pitch, and guided the team to victory.



Other News

Battle of the Fans Re-Scheduled…
Join us for a night of Festive Fun at the O2 SSA Battle of the Fans Christmas Quiz Night on Thursday 15th December at Bramley Road, 7.30pm. Pit your rugby wits against fellow supporters and Saracens players and staff and challenge for the title of Saracens’ Finest Fan. The quiz is free to enter and will include a lovely hot meal!

To enter, round up a team of 3-7 players and e-mail your name, your team name, your mobile contact number and the number of team members to clarejackson@saracens.net
You will receive confirmation of your team registration within 24 hours (or on Monday morning for those entering over the weekend!)

You must register your team in advance as spaces are limited!

Don’t miss this great event – which could see you leave with a fantastic Saracens glass trophy and the title of Saracens’ Finest Fan – plus other great prizes on the night!




Job Opportunity…

Job Title:       Multi-skills Community Sports Coach
Salary:           £18k per annum
Location:       Across Hertfordshire Districts of Dacorum, St Albans, and Watford/Hertsmere

Period:           Annual up to four years
Closing Date: 20th December 2005
Primary Purpose:
To devise and organise the Multi-Skills coaching programme and deliver coaching activities for students in key stage 1, 2, and 3 within School Sports Partnerships and rugby clubs within the Hertfordshire Districts of Dacorum, St Albans and Watford/Hertsmere.
For more information and a full job description please contact gordonbanks@saracens.net or call 01923 204 601


Fun for the kids…

Check out the rugby games on: http://www.rbs6nations.com/games/

 

Any comments, additions, errors or omissions send an email