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…..

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!

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.

I see The Bath Saga has been extended to Monday. Hope Jeff Blackett gets to the bottom of the whole murky affair and sorts things out quickly.

Rugby doesn’t need this!

Just had this pointed out to me – http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=337901&cc=5739

Bit old it would seem, but an absolute classic!