Well, tomorrow is dawning quickly and the first league Saturday of the season is nearly upon us.

I’ve had the proverbial kick up the backside after last week’s outing from my coach (after raeading assessors correct comments)

The kit bag is packed

The accomdation is booked (staying with Little Sis – hope she’ll supply me with an invoice!)

The refreshments are chilling

The pre-match prep is done

The routine for tomorrow is set

So…. let the games begin!

Good luck to all you chaps and chapettes on duty this season. May the whisltle treat you well, and the players even better.

The comments are open so please feel free to report your own activities or thoughts over the new season

Well, had my first 80 minutes of the season at the weekend. London Irish A v Esher – not the gentle ease in any of us would like to start the season off! But hey, was great to get that game at this stage! Would have bitten someones hand off for it last year!

Don’t know where you were on Saturday, but it was bloody hot in Sunbury on Thames, even with a 5.30 kick off.

It went surprisingly well. Was fast and furious at times, but ended up being rather disjointed. Had a few of those pens which normally I wouldn’t have blown but at this level, and at this stage, I wanted to start the season off as I mean to go on!  For example, a bit of seldging (he actually used the c word as they packs were setting). Other was the scrum half pushing his opp round the scrum. Just no need for it, but had I not dealt with it there and then, who knows where it would have ended up!

Was a little lazy at times, especially in the second half, as a wise owl in the stand pointed out to me later on. Its always good when you know you’re doing it and they spot it. Shows there are quality assessors around!

Wasn’t happy with my scrum. Set and engage went fine, but then started to pop up in second half. Blew a few gimme’s but few more I let go and reset. Sometimes they are the hardest. Will need to have a chat with a hooker or two in the next few weeks to get some advice.

Losing coach didn’t have a great deal to say which is always a good sign. What he did say was positive and in the right spirit so happy days!

Anyway, will hopefully see a DVD at some stage so may have more thoughts later on.

Have a good week readers!

For those of you who have never had the priviledge of seeing one of London’s finest referees on display, you have yet to see the joy that is our new Standard Chartered sponsored kit.

It’s almost luminous! Im off to apply some fake tan so I look OK on camera!

Have a fun weekend!

Good interview with Chris White in this month’s RW.  They don’t put it on the web but check page 104 (I think).

Always nice to see refereeing get a good press. Hopefully the RFU (if the IRB allow them) are doing some work with the media to promote our 4 guys in attendence. We are the most represented of all the refereeing countries.  Happy days!

Arrrrgggghhhh! Been a visit to Cardiff to visit some old chums and my training regime has taken a hit! Too many meals out, not enough gym/leg action. Got back this aft and straight to the gym. Feel better for it now.

Plan for the week:

Today – gym

Tomorrow – fitness session

Tues – spinning/session at club

Wed – treadmill/row/cycle/cross training

Thurs – Middlesex 7s briefing

Fri – swimming

Sat – Middlesex 7s – bot worried that my first session on the pitch this season will be live on TV and in front of 40,000 people. Mmmm!

Have a fun week one and all!