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: Last few days to book onto the forthcoming Christmas Masterclass Coaching Courses. See below for more details…


Last Match Review

Vyvyan admits mistakes cost the game...
Saracens' captain Hugh Vyvyan knows a win next weekend is vital after Friday night's defeat to Ulster if the Men In Black are to have a chance of progressing to the last eight of the competition.

Vyvyan said: “We've got to look at ourselves, but if we can have a good training week, put a few things right then there's no reason not to put in a good performance next week. Ultimately it's up to us. We let ourselves down and Ulster played well so all credit to them, they deserved to win on the day.

“Whatever team wins the last three games will go through. We knew these two games were hugely important and now it makes next week even bigger. At this level it's high pressure rugby, you only need to make one or two mistakes and you lose the game - as we saw on Friday night. We need to cut those errors out but next Saturday is another huge game but we are looking forward to it.”

Next Home Game

Saracens vs Ulster

The return leg of last Friday night's fixture is going to be another tough encounter for Saracens as they face Ulster in Round 4 of the Heineken Cup.

The Men in Black will be hoping for a repeat of the 55-25 score line when the sides last met in Watford but they will know that Ulster have improved vastly since then.

The visitors boast an impressive array of Irish internationals in their squad including fly half David Humphreys who played against Saracens back in 2001.

Many areas of the stadium are already sold out as both sides battle for a chance of a place in the Quarter Finals. Save money and book online in advance by clicking here!



Club Partnership Programme News

Community Team Take Delivery of new Landrover Discovery Sport.

This week, through our partnership with Stratstone of Aylesbury Landrover, the community team were presented with a brand new Discovery sport. Keep you eye out around Hertfordshire and the surrounding area as you might see it on the roads as we deliver our community programmes.

The vehicle will be an invaluable addition to assist with the work of the Community Team visiting schools and clubs and helping move around all the balls, cones, tackle shields and kit needed for coaching sessions such as Masterclasses.

With Stratstone of Aylesbury Land Rover now the official partner of the programme, Saracens have been able to further develop the game of rugby in the local area - particularly at grass roots level.

Michael Welham, Dealer Principal of Stratstone Land Rover in Aylesbury said: "At Stratstone we are proud to be associated with the Saracens Rugby Club especially in what looks to be a very exciting season.

“We are delighted to be providing the Saracens Community Team with the latest Land Rover Discovery 3 vehicle to help them in supporting and promoting rugby at schools and junior rugby clubs in the local area. Not only will we support the Saracens but we will be looking to build relationships with some of the Partnership Clubs that are affiliated to the Saracens.’’

Coach the Coaches…

A chilly Tuesday night was the occasion for the most recent ‘Coach the Coaches’ session. The session focused on ‘turnovers’- how and what to do with turnover ball. With a presentation led by our Rugby Development Manager; Dave Hesketh; he outlined the principles surrounding turnovers including the bio-mechanics, technique, what to do with turnover ball and supported all this with numerous examples from international games.

The theory was then taken outside as over 40 coaches watched the Saracens academy players work on turnover technique under the guidance of their Academy Manager Mike Hynard.

The Coach the Coaches sessions are a chance for anyone from any of our partner clubs to develop their coaching skills and understanding of the game. The sessions provide examples of drills that can be used and theory behind implementing them. It is hoped that these ideas are taken away and implemented in developing players within your club and our community.

If you would more information about Coach the Coaches sessions or the Club Partnership Programme then please contact Dave Hesketh on 01923 475 231 or email davehesketh@saracens.net.


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

Hill Benefit Match announced...
Richard Hill last night announced the exciting news that a Saracens XV will take on a World XV at Vicarage Road on Sunday 21st May as part of his Benefit Year.

Unveiled at Hill’s Christmas Cracker Dinner in Battersea Park last night (Tuesday), the match will see some of the biggest names in world rugby come to Watford.

The game is scheduled to take place the day after the Heineken Cup Final and in the event of Saracens making the trip to the Millennium Stadium!, the match will be a great way to celebrate the achievement.

As a thank-you, all Season Ticket Holders will have first priority on their seats for the exciting match with more details to be announced early in the New Year.

Stay logged on to www.saracens.com for all details about the match as and when they are announced over the coming weeks.

Other News

Your chance to win a fantastic prize...
The Saracens Foundation is once again offering you a chance to win some fantastic prizes this Christmas including a trip to New York, Eurostar tickets and the chance to drive a Saab 93 convertible for the weekend.

Tickets for the annual raffle are now on sale and all money raised from this event will go towards the Saracens Foundation. The Foundation is a registered charity (No. 1079316) and are currently continuing to deliver the nationally recognised Sport for Health programme in your area.

We can only continue to deliver this programme through the support of individuals and fund raising. We are therefore offering you a chance to support the foundation by buying a raffle ticket which in turn not only helps the charity to achieve its aim of enhancing the lives of children and young people through sport but also gives you a chance of winning one these fantastic prizes.

The draw will take place at Vicarage Road Stadium on Tuesday 27th December, when Saracens play London Irish. Winners will be contacted before Friday 6th January 2006.

Season Ticket holders and members should have receive tickets through the post already however if you require tickets or further information please contact Richard on 01923 204 602 or email richardgregg@saracens.net

Full prize list

1st Prize - 2 return flights to New York plus 2 night’s accommodation - Donated by P&MM
2nd Prize - Saab 93 convertible sports car for a weekend - Donated by Saracens sponsors SAAB
3rd Prize - 2 x return tickets on Eurostar to any destination - Donated by Eurostar
4th Prize - A round of golf for 2 with 2 star Saracen players - Donated by Moor Park Golf Club
5th Prize - Four places in the Saracens Corporate Lounge for the Bath match
6th Prize - Dinner for 2 at the acclaimed London restaurant, Cocoon - Donated by Cocoon
7th Prize - A Guinness fridge filled with Guinness - Donated by Guinness
8th Prize - A signed framed Saracens shirt
9th Prize - £250.00 worth of KooGa clothing- Donated by Saracens official kit supplier KooGa
10th Prize - A signed Saracens caricature

Please note this raffle is for over 18’s only

 

Any comments, additions, errors or omissions send an email here.