Banff Players in Montrose

Banff Minis made their first trip to Montrose, bringing Micros, P4/5s and P6/7s. The conditions were nothing short of perfect with warm weather, blue skies and soft ground. Banff had a lot of last minute call-offs but it was great to see so many Montrose players offering to play for Banff. With out these volunteers, we wouldn't have had competitive rugby today so a big thank you to anyone who played for Banff.

You can see some photos from the day here.

Thanks also to all of the coaches and helpers who supported the day and special mention to the kitchen helpers who seemed to sell everything they could put their hands on!

It is training next Sunday at Union Park at 10.00. If you are away during the holidays, have a great time.

Banff Games On!

The forecast for tomorrow is looking good (if a little cold) so the matches are on. We have had to make an early call as Banff have a bus booked and they are coming a long way.

Please get wrapped up and make every effort to come along tomorrow and make sure we give them the full Montrose hospitality!

If you can’t make it, please email us. See you at Union Park at 10.00am.

First Ever Micros Tournament

Teams from Blairgowrie, Brechin, Carnoustie and Strathmore came to Montrose for our first ever tournament for Micros. Around 80 children from P1 to P3 played non-contact ‘Tag’ rugby and the focus was on having fun. With strong numbers, Montrose fielded two teams and also provided players to other clubs. At the end of the session, there was an assault course for all of the players.

Thank you to all of the players, coaches, home bakers and other volunteers for helping to make the day such a success.

Matches at Brechin

50 players from Montrose Mini Rugby made their way to Brechin to play in their first matches of the 08/09 season. Micros (P1/2/3), P4/5 and P6/7 age groups were all represented and there was strong support for the Montrose players.

The micros played non-contact 'tag' rugby and there was an excellent display of skills, despite their young age. In the P4/5's we fielded two teams against a spirited Brechin side. Strong running and good passing was demonstrated by all the Montrose players and we can look forward to another successful season at this age group. Our P6/7 team started quickly and maintained a very high standard of rugby throughout. Philippe Magalon, P6/7 coach described the performance as "sublime"!

There are some more action shots from the game at http://picasaweb.google.com/MontroseMinis/MatchesAtBrechin. These have been shrunk down but if anyone wants bigger foles for printing, just let Duncan know. If anyone else has some good photos to upload, please email them to montroseminis@tiscali.co.uk.

Training Today

The weather isn’t great at the moment but the forecast if for it to improve. We will go ahead with training and if it takes a turn for the worse, we will stop early. If you choose to come, please make sure players are well wrapped up.

Canada Match - Last Call

We now have over 70 people going to the Scotland v Canada match in Aberdeen on 22nd November. We will be confirming our allocation with the SRU on Tuesday (2nd September). If anyone hasn't already let Caroline know and still wants to come, please send an email to montroseminis@tiscali.co.uk on or before Monday.

Welcome Back!

It was great to see so many familiar and new faces at training today. The fact that the sun was shining was an added bonus!

With over 40 players, 7 coaches and load of parents helping in the clubhouse, we are off to a fantastic start.

If anyone still needs forms or any other information, please contact us.

New Coaches for Montrose

Five more coaches from Montrose have completed the SRU combined Foundation Coaching and Refereeing course.

Kenny Christie (Angus Rugby Development Officer), Stuart, Chris, Ailsa, Harald, Sam and Bob Easton (SRU Referee Development Manager)

Well done to them all - we look forward to seeing you at training!

Summer Rugby Camps

The SRU are not running camps this summer as they failed to find a sponsor. This is a pity as the event in Dundee at Easter was very good. It is hoped that they will offer a full programme of courses for children next year.

A couple of commercial companies are running camps, Rugby Matters and Rugby Excellence. The details are:

Rugby Matters – Aberdeen, 14th to 18th July (http://www.sportmattersacademies.com/smg-35-Scotland--.html)

Rugby Excellence – Aberdeen, 21st to 25th July (http://www.rugby-excellence.co.uk/?page=Fixtures). Note that they seem to focus on tag rugby until players are 13.

Players from Montrose have attended previous Rugby Matters courses and they have been very good. I have no experience of Rugby Excellence. If anyone wants to go and would like to share lifts, please get in touch with Duncan.

There is a chance that Kenny Christie will be coordinating a rugby course for children in Montrose and details will be posted if this is going ahead.

Minis in The Review

Our fun day made it into the Montrose Review as well. Click here to see the full story and picture.