Welwyn RFC are proud to be a Saracens Partner Club.

CLUBS UPDATE, 11th October 2005

** MASTERCLASS
THERE ARE ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT TO BOOK YOUR
PLACE ON THIS OCTOBER’S COURSES. DON’T MISS OUT!**

Next Home Match

Saracens vs Biarritz



The waiting is finally over as Europe's premier cup competition gets underway on Sunday 23rd October, kick off 3pm, and what a mouth-watering clash awaits when Biarritz and their international stars visit Watford

Serge Betsen, Dimitri Yachvili, Damien Traille and Imanol Harinordoquy are just some of the French internationals who grace the Biarritz line-up. For Saracens French centre Thomas Castaignede, it's a chance to get the better of his fellow countrymen on the biggest stage.

Tickets for the match are selling fast with some areas already sold out. The central blocks of the Rous Stand have sold out and there is only limited availability from the 22 metre line down to the try line. Following Sunday’s strong performance against London Irish, other areas of the ground are also selling fast and fans are being advised to buy now to avoid missing out on the best seats for this mouthwatering clash.

Tickets for the game are on sale now. You can save pounds if you buy online in advance. You can also speak to a member of our Ticket Team by calling 01923 475222. Tickets are also on sale from the Real Sports Shop in Watford and St Albans.

The elite of Europe are coming to Vicarage Road - don't miss itI


Match report

Powergen Cup
Saracens 32 London Irish 13


Tries from Kevin Sorrell, Paul Bailey, Kyran Bracken and Ben Skirving gave Saracens a 32-13 victory over London Irish in the Powergen Cup at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The win in the second of Saracens’ pool matches in the new-look competition means the Men In Black travel to Wasps in December still in with a fighting chance of making the last four of the competition.

"We just concentrated on our own performance in the build up to the game," said Director of Rugby Steve Diamond after the game. "Our forwards haven’t really performed since the game against Leeds a few weeks ago so we were pleased with that performance today."

Cobus Visagie returned to action in the front row after injury and turned in a man of the match performance. Diamond added: "Cobus is very good scrummager. It’s still a big part of the game and they can allow you to set up good field position. We just need to make sure we use him at the right times in order to get the best out of him.

"We’ve been playing some nice rugby and scoring tries, but we’ve been losing games. So we have to make sure we get good field position, do well in the set piece and then it came good for us."

Head Coach Mike Ford added: "We defended a lot better this week, but it’s not as good as it was last season so there is still a lot of work to do. But overall we are pleased the performance and to only concede one try."

Ford added: "There are some things we will have to look at this week in training as they broke through a few times. You could say we were lucky that he dropped the ball over the line, but on the other hand it was good work by Dan to keep chasing him down and to make the tackle. In this game you often make your own luck."


Player News

Saracens attend Heineken Cup launch...

Saracens captain Hugh Vyvyan and Director of Rugby Steve Diamond attended Mondays 2005/06 Heineken Cup launch in Cardiff - and the start of the competition is now just two weeks away.

The Saracens duo were joined by players and coaches from the competing English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh clubs to offer their views on the forthcoming competition.

Other attendees were Brian O'Driscoll, Jason Robinson, Simon Easterby and Matt Dawson along with coaches Ian McGeechan, Dai Young and Gareth Jenkins.

The final of the 2005/06 competition will be held at the Millennium Stadium and Wales' First Minister Rhodri Morgan formally launched the tournament.

The competition begins with the opening pool matches on Friday 21 October and Saracens begin their campaign two days later at home to French champions Biarritz


Club Partnership Programme

OA's Player Visit...

As the season is now fully under way, clubs involved in the club partnership programme have been lucky enough to start receiving their player visits. With numerous visits lined up throughout the season it shouldn't be to long before you have the opportunity to see a Saracens player at your club.

Last week Dan Scarborough and Alex Ayling paid a visit to Old Albanians rugby club where they passed on their experience and expertise to the U12's. With Dan coaching the backs and Alex taking the forwards the session allowed everyone involved a chance to develop their game. The players spent an hour and half with the group providing a unique experience only partner clubs have access to this season.

Academy Players Coach Chess...

The Academy players were once again offering their assistance in a coaching session prior to Kick off on Sunday against London Irish. Our new Community Rugby Coaches plus Academy players Steffon Armitage, Andy Edwards and Richard Gill provided the mini sections from Watford and Chess Valley Rugby Club an opportunity to develop skills with a strong focus on decision making, SAQ, handling and defence.

Queens school in Bushey provided the venue and more than 100 youngsters took to the field. The Saracens Coaching Staff were very impressed with all who took part, we hope we will see some of these players playing their rugby in a black shirt at Saracens in the years to come. A big thank you to all involved.

Half time Tag...

For those lucky enough to have attended last weeks home win against London Irish you would have had the change to view our half time entertainment. Royston, Barnet, Watford and Letchworth provided some scintillating Tag rugby for the crowd showing some excellent handling skills some great awareness of space. With a variety of clubs due to take part in the half time Tag exhibitions throughout the season this opportunity is another great example of the benefits of being involved in the Club Partnership Programme.

For more information on how your club can become involved in the Club Partnership Programme please call 01923 475231


Other News

Masterclass selling fast...

The Saracens Masterclass courses scheduled for October half term are once again proving very popular and selling fast.

There are still spaces available on all courses but we recommend you book quickly to avoid disappointment.

With a huge amount of interest across all ages this is once again an opportunity for young players to enhance their rugby at an age when skill development and understanding of the game are vitally important.

During the half term, we are running three separate coaching events;

Masterclass Kicking Clinic- Mon 24th Oct
Masterclass- Tues 25th – Thurs 27th Oct
Girls Masterclass- Fri 28th Oct

With access to Saracens coaches and professional players, these successful courses have always been very popular and sell out - so book now to avoid disappointment.

If you are interested in any of the above courses for further details and an application see www.saracens.com and go to the community section.

If you have any queries please call Richard on 01923 204 602 or email Masterclass@sarcens.net

 

Any comments, additions, errors or omissions send an email