Welwyn RFC are proud to be a Saracens Partner Club.

CLUBS UPDATE, 26th September 2005

Next Home Match

Saracens vs London Irish
 

Sunday 9th October
Kick Off 15:00

 London Irish visit Vicarage Road in the new look Powergen Cup which is renewing Anglo-Welsh rivalries.

With a new and exciting format for the 2005/06 season, the four Welsh regions have been included in the competition - joined by the 12 Guinness Premiership sides who will initially battle it out in pool stages before the knockout rounds.

Back-to-back semi-finals at the Millennium Stadium and a final at Twickenham await the winners - and a place in next season's Heineken Cup.

Cardiff Blues and London Wasps are the other teams in Saracens group, but the game against London Irish gives the Men In Black the chance for revenge after three defeats to the Exiles last season.

For Irish international Shane Byrne, it's also a chance to come up against some of his countrymen and what promises to be one of the most fierce battles on the pitch sees Alex Sanderson and Olivier Magne go head-to head.

Match report

Saracens 32 Sale Sharks 40

For the second week in a row Saracens scored four tries but failed to win the game, this time with visitors Sale Sharks matching their try count to run out 32-40 victors.

The game was fairly close with the score changing hands several times before shortly after the break when Saracens let their guard down conceding two soft tries to hand Sale a 10-30 lead from which they looked home and dry.

Saracens showed their character and hit back in the closing half hour pegging the score back to 27-30 after two breath taking tries but a late Mark Cueto try saw off their challenge and despite a Dan Scarbrough riposte the home side were restricted to a solitary point for their brave efforts.

Team News

Farrell out for eight weeks…

Saracens Andy Farrell has been ruled out for eight weeks following toe surgery.

Farrell picked up the injury in a training match just a week before the start of the Guinness Premiership season. Despite initial scans, the problem wasn't identified until the explorative surgery which revealed the player is suffering from deep bone bruising.

Saracens Head Coach Mike Ford said: "We're obviously disappointed that Andy has been ruled out for a further period of time. But now he's had the surgery, we're pleased that the healing process has begun and we look forward to welcoming him back on the pitch."

Byrne named in Ireland training squad...

Saracens hooker Shane Byrne has been named in the 35-man Ireland training squad as coach Eddie O'Sullivan prepares for the country's three November internationals.

The group will meet up at the end of the month as part of the build up to the games against New Zealand, Australia and Romania.


Other News

Coaches Open Day

Last week, as the team prepared for their clash with Sale Sharks, a number of coaches from local Partner Clubs attended the training ground to see behind the scenes and witness how the team prepared.

Those that attended were at the new Training Centre at the University of Hertfordshire bright and early and were firstly treated to a hooker throwing Masterclass from ex England star Dorian West. West now works for the RFU as an England Academy Coach and mentors young Academy hookers such as Ben Wickens and Steff Armitage, tweaking their technique and improving their play.

After this session the main squad went through their lineout moves ready for the weekend. This was followed by an intense rugby session which saw the players being put through their paces, by fitness coach Nigel Ashley-Jones, as well as working on their attack and particularly tight defence with Steve Diamond and Mike Ford.

Opportunities for future ‘Coaches Open Days’ will be made available to members of our Partner Clubs over the season. For more details of how your club can get involved in the Club Partnership Programme, email or call Dave Hesketh on 01923 475 231

Masterclass October 2005

This October Half term we have planned 3 courses that are available. Each will allow an opportunity for players to improve their skills and develop their rugby under the guidance of qualified coaches and working with Saracens’ professional players.

Saracens Masterclass Kicking Clinic (U12-U18) Mon 24th Oct

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

Venue: University of Hertfordshire Time: 9:00-16:00 Cost: £50.00

Saracens Masterclass (U9-U16) Tues 25th – Thurs 27th Oct

This three day Masterclass is aimed at all ‘rugby mad’ youngsters and provides an opportunity for players to improve their skills and develop their rugby knowledge

Venue: Bishops Stortford Rugby Club Time: 9:00–16:00 Cost: £105

Girls Masterclass (U12-U17) Fri 28th Oct

This one day Masterclass is specifically aimed at girls and provides a unique opportunity for players to develop their game with Saracens’ players

Venue: University of Hertfordshire Time: 9:00-16:00 Cost: £40.00


For further Information on these courses e-mail masterclass@saracens.net or call Richard on 01923 204 602



 

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