Monthly Archives: August 2009
Middlesex 7s
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!
Let the season begin!
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!)
Henry Allingham and Harry Patch
Henry Allingham – 6 June 1896 – 18 July 2009
Harry Patch – 17 June 1898 – 25 July 2009
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.
SA v NZ – Botha’s Yellow Card
Any readers think Bakkies Botha’s YC was a tad harsh yersterday? Looks innocent enough to me – and certainly didnt make a tackle in an offside position as Nigel Owens suggested. Was it the other second row?
Also the NZ YC seemed harsh. Maybe it was out (was looking after Refblog Jnr watching repeat this morning so wasnt fully concentrating). Thoughts?
Apart from those two incidents, looked lilke another solid game to me. I do like his style (if not his wristbands!)
