I remember the stories my grandparents went through, and then I remember my ancestors who played their part all the way back. I remember my Irish ancestors can be found in the cemeteries of Northern France. I remember the son of one of my referee colleagues who is fighting out in Afghanistan and the “I hope it’s not Crouchie Jnr” feeling I get every time I hear that one has been lost.
Let us not forget that their sacrifice means we exist as we are and my son can grow up in the way he is doing, and will carry on doing.
We salute those who fought, and fight, so we can live in peace.
Well, this week could be interesting. I’ve got an important game next weekend and will be interesting to see how many calls I get about the game.
With the new playoff format in the Championship, it’s not as huge as it would have been last season, but nonetheless, it’s a top game and there’ll be 30 players plus wanting to stay/be top of the table at the end of next weekend. And lil old me in the middle of it all.
These are the games we exist for. Really looking forward to it. I have to train well this week, mentally prepare, and get out there and do my thing next Saturday – i.e. let the players decide the outcome of the game.
According to the Rugby Paper today, Matt Goddard has retired from refereeing due to a chronic injury. No clues as to what that was, but never nice to see one of the top guys having to leave the arena e
Not that I don’t trust the RP, but a quick google search only came up with this story: http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/10/30/matt-goddard-retires/
which in itself is retiring. Seems to suggest that next year, the Autralian number 1 will be – erm… Steve Walsh.
.. and the last time I blogged was a month ago. Apologies to those who seem to regularly pop by to check on my (non) musings!
Well, the reason for my absence has been a bit of refocussing, a lot of work, more gym and training and my usual travels around the country. So far this season, I’ve been to Sussex, Avon, Edinburgh, Devon, Devon, Yorkshire, Devon (as far as you can get without getting wet!) and Avon again. Spotting a theme??
But it’s all good fun. All bar two in the middle, so it’s good to get game time. With there only being six Championship games a weekend and the Elite Team taking three of them, their just isn’t the games there were last year, so to have all those in the middle is a good thing.
Performances are going pretty well too. Just the one thing that I need to work on even more – fitness and speed. You know – the easy bits!! It’s never been a strong area of mine and its now becoming spottable. So far, Ive been able to hide it and cheat (!!) but now the players are all more professional, we have to step up and match them. With the balance between Mrs Refblog and Refblog Jnr, and work, the training has been somewhat lax. But Ive now got some good advice and programmes to follow – now it’s just a mater of finding the time to make it happen. Some early morning sprinting sessions are in order.
Rumours are out there that the Elite unit may be looking to expand slightly so I have to sort this thing out if they are going to look this way! The ball, as they say is in my court!
In a turn up for the RFU appointments schedule, Refblog found himself heading north (not SW) and airbound on exchange to The Land of our Kilted Brethren. Did a Prem 1 game (level below Magners) and a fun day was had by all. 33-41 final score. Good game but not a patch on the Champ games, or even, I may say, Div 1. The decision making was poor – at one stage I overtook the scrum half as he was deciding what to do when he had an overlap and no full back. Fortunately he didnt pass me the ball. Also, being 8 points behind, the losing side received the ball from a restart. Both teams knew it was now final minute. With a bonus point on offer if they finished within 7, the clear tactic would be to receive the ball, and then go pick and drive for 60m before going for DG or to win a pen. Receiver catches and goes to contact. “Thats the way” me thinks. 9 passes to 10 who kicks up and under. “What on earth!!!” me thinks!!! Leading side receive ball and kick ball out. Final whistle. Sums up the decision making process thoughout the game.
No drama for me at all. Both sides well pleased. Seems they would prefer incoming refs! I shall say no more.
Was nice to meet Jim Fleming – one of the guys I used to watch avidly when I started reffing. He was there with his clipboard and seemed pretty pleased with our afternoon together. Also, two excellent TJs helped me out, using some cracking comms equipment. I was open mike and the comms coming in where so clear. Big difference to the kit we are using.
And so another week of training begins. I’ll let you guess which direction I’m heading next week…..
Well, a fun few weeks – sorry for the lack of posts.
Well, Ive reffed two proper games (Champ v Prem and Nat2s league game) and all going well.
Few observations:
1) New tackle law is confusing for us all. Leading to more unplayables and more pens. Hopefully will all settle down soon. Can’t quite get my head round saying less, later (if that makes sense). Hard to be preventative really.
2) Tackler shifting must still be our priority
3) Championship looks (on the first weekend’s results) that it could lead to a fun season. Of course, most only have to finish in top 8 before the real fun begins.
4) The difference between 8th and 9th is where pressure is really going to be in the Championship this side of January. Difference between being in chance for play off for glory, or in play off for relegation could be points difference. Jeepers! Wonder where the pressure will be put?!?!
Another great day out at HQ. Well, slightly early departure as Im on Daddy Duty with a poorly Mrs Refblog, but nonetheless, a fun day!
Reffed two games, including the Sale v Help for Heroes invitational side. Really good game of 7s and a good result of H4H. Shame they didn’t go onto win more.
Just rewatching my games on Sky+ – a cracking piece of kit! – and have to say it doesnt look as bad as it felt. Sometimes think I might be over self critical. Suppose it makes it easier to take criticism that way.
Anway, the season has started. Still need to do some serious sprint training and could so with losing some weight, but looking forward to a good training session at a local club and a hard and fast run out next Sat. Should be fun!
The shorts are ironed. The bag is packed. The shirts are hanging on the door. The fuel tank is full. I’ve read (and re-read) the Law Book and I’m ready to go!
My season starts tomorrow at Twickenham of all places. I am still on London Society’s books and therefore have the honour of being invited to referee at the Middlesex 7s. I was thinking about it last night and I think tomorrow will be my 7th year at HQ to kick the season off – always a fantastic way to get the brain and the body moving again.
Always a concern with the lack of pre-season games beforehand, but what the hell!! The adrenalin always kicks in. Got two games at the mo (possibly a third by the time the tournament kicks off) so keep your eyes peeled on Sky Sports Extra at 11 and 12.20 for yours truly who will be tottering about trying to get into frame for all the 7s action.
I’ll try and twitter if I can get coverage throughout the day so keep an eye on the feed on the top left, or come over and find me there (@refblog).
Happy New Season!!
(PS Will blog about the fantasic preliminary Olympics decision during the week!)
I don’t apologise for this non-rugby post, but I’m just watching BBC2s tribute to these two giants of men. I don’t mind saying that their stories get me every time. Can’t help myself welling up. Don’t even know why.
If it wasn’t as a result of these two and millions of others who didn’t make it through that terrible war, we wouldn’t be doing what we do today. And we must not ever forget that.
May they rest in peace, and the memories of what they did live on for a long time.
I remember the stories my grandparents went through, and then I remember my ancestors who played their part all the way back. I remember my Irish ancestors can be found in the cemeteries of Northern France. I remember the son of one of my referee colleagues who is fighting out in Afghanistan and the “I hope it’s not Crouchie Jnr” feeling I get every time I hear that one has been lost.
