No Thursday evening training as it's half term, training at home on Sunday 27th, the home friendly versus Tottonians is cancelled due to Totts not having enough players.

The following players performed excellently last Friday at the North Hampshire Barbarians training session, all four will be playing on Friday evening under floodlights at Winchester RFC against Hampshire A. Will Hamer, Dan Mortara, Joe Randall and Charlie Hibbert did themselves and the club proud and, in the best Barbarians tradition will be wearing club socks in the game. We wish them well and hope they impress the County selectors who'll be there to cast an eye over the talent they might have missed during the County selections.

It was very nice to see that the rugby teachers at Eggar's have been congratulated by the referee of a recent U15 school game. Mike Gill sent the following note to the school:-

"I was the appointed referee for the U15 rugby plate match between Eggar's School and Sandown High School. Firstly, I would like to congratulate both schools on a hard fought game, played with skill, determination and in a great spirit. The boys were a credit to themselves and their respective schools.

Additionally, I would like to congratulate both rugby teachers for their coaching of the players. There were few natural players on either side, but they produced players with good basic skills, both individual and unit, good techniques and played within the ethos of the game of rugby union. Teachers do not always have their efforts recognised and rewarded, but these are two very able professionals. Thank you for a great afternoon on and off the pitch."

At the club we're obviously delighted to be benefiting from the hours of dedicated, professional rugby coaching that takes place at Eggar's and other local schools. We try to do our bit with the few natural players they are producing.