Saturday, 8 August 2009
Forthcoming fixtures
UPDATE: The above game has been cancelled.
On Wednesday 12th August both Glasgow Kestrels are playing the bulls and Glasgow Warriors are visiting Broomfield.
Cumnock RFC Mini/Midi news
Well here we are again at the start of a new season and we felt it was important to give you a heads up for forthcoming events prior to the first games of the season on 6th September.
Registration Day – This will take place on Sunday 30th August at 1200. You are asked to come down to the club to complete your child’s registration. Fees for the season remain unchanged at £10 per child.
We would also encourage at least one parent within a family to take out a club social membership (£20) which in effect also enrols their spouse/partner and any other non playing children as members of the club. This membership will allow use of the club facilities and give additional benefits such access to bar facilities as well as free use of the function hall for parties and events.
Match Day / Training Subs – At the last AGM it was agreed that from the start of this season these fees will be paid monthly (on the first Sunday of the month) at a rate of £10. This allows the coaches to focus the collection of fees on one day of the month and will make the administration easier. Should any families find any difficulty with this they should speak to their child’s coach were an alternative arrangement can be discussed.
Volunteers – The club is always looking for parents to help out in a number of different ways including driving buses to helping in the kitchen on game days to becoming a coach with your child’s team (full instruction provided). All help is needed to ensure that the club continues to offer rugby at an affordable rate and you are encouraged to speak to your child’s coach for more information.
Club Fun Day (August 15th) – To coincide with a warm up game for the 1st XV and 2nd XV there is a Fun event planned on the 15th August. As well as a chance to watch our principle senior team, which will be fielding a number of players who have recently graduated from our section, there are plenty of other activities including SRU Skill Stations, Zig Zag Wall and the latest Dance Mat equipment for all to test their skills. To cap it all there will be hot food from the BBQ and all this for the blindingly good value of £6 for adults and £3 for kids…see your coaches for tickets.
We look forward to your support in making 2009/10 another great season for Cumnock RFC
Monday, 3 August 2009
Family fun day including Barbeque on 15th August
There are two games on at the club that day:
1st V Carnoustie and
2nds V Renfrew plus there will be live entertainment in the bar during the day and evening. Their is a raffle on day as well.
There is lots to do as well as lots of FUN things like dance pads, zig zag wall.
SRU Inflatable Skill stations (seen at Murrayfield 7s) will be here (lots of FAMILY FUN for the kids), so buy a ticket.
Tickets are on sale at the club. Please pass this info onto players, friends, family and try to make it a great start to the season for the new squad of players!
New Update on 10th October
day now. I am getting confirmations and provisionals from all over the place.
Here is the list so far:
Bob “Podgie” Borland
Katie Borland
John “Cleek” Cleland
Hugh “Sparra” Laidlaw
Barclay Ross
Hugh “Pug” Graham
Una
Ian Johnston
Ross “Cheeseburger” Hodge
Tam Kerr
His Brother
Toon Hall
Alan Shankland
Euan Kerr
Danny McLaren
Morton Houston
Davie Murray
Harry Reilly
Mark Linden
Blythe Mitchell
Alex Warnock
Tober
Mick Smith
Rab Donald
Dobie
Frank
Bobby Clark
Ian McGarry
Rab Cross
Ross McPheator
Jim Blackwood
In addition Ian Johnston is chasing up the
Ayr ones. Jock Murdoch is chasing up the Killie ones.
Si and Ange are looking into coming from
Australia .
This is going to be the biggest thing since……….the
last quite big thing!
Sam you gave me a list of possibles. Are you able to
contact any of these? Are you Steven and Alan (and Isobel) going?
What about Tam Mitchell and his cowboy bits?
Rodger are you coming along? We need a weegot to counter
wee Mick.
I’m off on my hols to sunny Netheybridge.
Does everyone know there is a BBQ at the club following
the Carnoustie game on the 15 th (KO 2pm). This should be a great
chance to see the new team.
Cheers,
Morton
Chatboard link
Sunday, 2 August 2009
South Africa - New Zealand

Saturday, 25 July 2009
Are you ready to play rugby
Under 16 playing Under 18 rugby policy document
Under 18 in Senior Rugby document
IRB Laws exam (which you NEED to complete ONLINE)
Friday, 24 July 2009
Update on 10th October
Hi Everyone,
Everything is shaping up well for the former friends and players sponsor day on the 10th October. Word seems to be getting about and the numbers are growing.
The latest folk to confirm are:
Bob “Podgie” Borland
John “Cleek” Cleland
Hugh “Sparra” Laidlaw
Barclay Ross
Hugh “Pug” Graham
Una (aw naw)
What about a few more women connected to the club? I think Kim Murdoch may be there as well as possibly Kate Borland.
This is the 30th anniversary of the opening of the club house at Broomfield and I am very keen to get as many of the members along that helped to make this happen and/or who bought life memberships to help pay for it. Robin Hunter is helping me with this but if you know any of these members let them know this is going on.
Can everyone spread the word and let me know who is coming.
I have organised a good young folk band (thanks Cleek) to come along and give some music after the game so this should make it an even better atmosphere.
What about a theme for the day, any ideas? Or would it be better just club ties/club shirts etc.
I’m off to wee Hughie Samson’s wedding tomorrow. Should be a belter. Hopefully I’ll get a few more recruits there.
Cheers,
Morton
UPDATE:-
Hello friends and former players,
Just returned from wee Hughie's wedding. Can't believe how far off the
pace I am compared to everyone else who was there. Still suffering after
the 4 o'clock in the morning finish then the 5 hour journey back home from
Chester.
The latest names attending are:
Hugh Samson
Andy (Hugh's pal)
Alistair Dornan
Willie Marshall
Jock Munroe
Ace has now also agreed to come along and array us with some of his after
diner stories now that it has been clarified that the day is not just for
people who played in the first team.(This was a cruel joke Podgie).
I'm looking to get the numbers up to over 50 so can you get back as soon as
possible and let me know if you are coming.
Remember the sponsor day deal is.
A Welcome to CRFC from Alex Dunsmuir
Free bar (limited hours)
3 course meal
Seeing Cumnock's new young team play the Police
Live music in the bar
And all chaired by the greatest living Ernie Bilko look a like Davie Murray
All for £45 per head...what a bargain!
(Please note due to need to make some money on the event Alistair Dornan,
Ace and Podgie will be limited to a free bar of only 15 minutes)
This is going to be a fantastic day with a chance to go over all the
brilliant memories built up at CRFC over the years.
See you all soon.
Morton
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
CRFC Walk from Stepping Stones to Failford Sunday 21 June 2009








The Cronie Ramblers Fae Cumnock (CRFC) alias the 5 o’clock club
decided that as the Club was struggling financially that they would get together with an idea to raise some funds to help the Club out.
Various ideas were banded about until it was agreed that the fund raising would take the form of a sponsored walk from the Stepping Stones at Holmston to the Failford Inn. This had formed from an initial group of Stuart Fleming, Donald McVicar, Hugh Laidlaw & his dogs, Sam Wilson and myself your correspondent - Rodger Stewart who walked from Catrine House to Failford and the idea of a sponsored walk cristalised.
Unfortunately some of the CRFC had other commitments such as a party in Austria, SQA marking, working at some local car dealership and having to walk their dog and see their grandchild with their sore knee but nevertheless they all still came up with their sponsorship required to help out. So good on you guys.
So 10 members undertook the 12 mile Walk and John Telfer had walking gear on rather than the hospital gardener’s outfit we expected. However as we gathered at the Club ready to head for the start a familiar occurrence took place – YES we were waiting for Sam Wilson - I phoned him to receive a very clear reply that he was at the front door of the Club and don’t dare leave without him.
Arriving at the start Tom Allardice who was already there was being chewed by the midges but Hughie came to the rescue with his ‘Avon Skin So Soft’ for the team, although the midges would never have got near Hughie for the alcohol he had consumed whilst away for a week’s ‘fishing’ – By the way - No-one has ever seen any fish – he said they were frozen and in the freezer – Aye that will be right! – I can get them the same way from the supermarket but he swears he was away ‘fishing’
Photo then taken of the Cumnock 10 and off we went, kitted out as if we were heading for the North Pole. I foolishly mentioned that I had seen some expensive ‘Garmin’ watches at Cotswald’s in Silverburn and Donald explained how they could tell you at what height you were at and where in the world you were and, and, and, and. And, ANd, AND, to receive a swift response from Hughie – for ‘F’ sake Donald we are walking next to a BURN.
So off we set and within the first 5 minutes it was obvious that the egos that exist at the weekly get together on a Friday at the Club were in full force and with a vengeance.
Now Tom Allardice was only walking at his own pace as he always does but did that not get up Donald McVicar’s nose because you see McVic has climbed nearly all of the Munros in Scotland and will not be beaten into second place by anyone (his words not mine). So he rejected his wee pal Rodger your CRFC correspondent within the space of the first 600 yards – a friend who had walked with him the week before through the whole Walk as a reccy.
So on we went to the first land mark of Oswald Bridge and everyone was in high spirits. Over the top of Auchincruive towards Tarholm Bridge and the first wee bit of an uphill ahead – I said to Sam that it wasn’t too bad but when he reached it I got a serious earful from him telling me about being a ‘Lying B’ – I’m glad he couldn’t reach me at that point.
However it was quite obvious that at this point in the walk both Tom’s and Hughie’s dogs had already covered the 12 miles – dogs rule ok unless you are wee Mick who was now beginning to cruise and Donald was eyeing up the competition. We now reach Tarholm Bridge and were about a couple of miles from Annbank – a seriously lovely stretch of the walk.
As we reach Annbank thank goodness Donald and I had managed to reccy the walk the week before as there was no chance of following the directions through the village but Donald got the lead group to stop at the agreed picnic tables. Ian McClue didn’t need any refreshments as he has a slick sooking apparatus in his rucksack (must be an Auchinleck thing – keeping it to yourself) - he didn’t offer anyone a ‘suck’ who at this point all needed a wee aperitif but mentioned how much you save by slugging it this way - we may have slavered into it causing swine flu to gather momentum.
We then phoned the food order to Failford who were concerned at how busy they could get as it was Father’s Day so asked if we could keep in touch with out arrival time.
After a wee break the group moved on and the disaster of all disasters nearly occurred as Donald tripped on a piece of wood and nearly fell over down the hill and into the river –everyone quickly reacted at the peril of their lives to take a serious hit but saved the world by stopping him causing the first River Ayr Tsunami.
Alex Dunsmuir our President and resident photographer then decided that it would be sensible to get the camera out in case of future events that could be used for ever during a 5 o’clock session. (Why did you miss that pic Alex?)
The pace increased now towards Gadgirth Bridge and on to Stair with the impressive Enterkine House up on our left. At this point a number of young women running from the Source at Glenbuck to the Sea met the group and would you believe it they all knew McVic and damn near bowed down to him – SCARY!’ He later told us one of the women was his secretary – OH Well!
We have now only 3 miles left and a considerable climb ahead but McVic obviously inspired by the women’s comments is hell bent in stepping up the pace and getting to Failford first for a pint.
Had he never heard of wee Mick??? Well on they went with the rest of the group enjoying the great weather that we were experiencing and the blether that was taking place but wee Mick clearly recognised an opportunity to redress the SPL League position where the Gers had prevailed and this had only been mentioned on a very few occasions because we couldn’t keep up with the wee B – he even said that his dog would have beaten us and it is only 12 inches high.
I then received a phone call from Donald bragging that he had managed to keep up with wee Mick and that he needed to know what the DRINKS order was as he was approaching the Failford Inn.
Sam and wee Rodger Little were not chuffed with McVic until I told them that the pub didn’t open until 12.30 and McVic would have to wait until we had arrived – they were seriously chuffed and I’ll not quote the words Sam used to express his delight but I know you will be able to effin’ guess correctly.
We all arrived at the Failford Inn to copious amounts of Windie Goat real ale and the Gutter Slab version that was available for us. Chris and Michelle Kelsall, the proprietors were there to welcome us and had our thoroughly enjoyable hearty meal ready. We blethered and sank our pints whilst Tom’s dog enjoyed the air conditioned car’s driving seat waiting for Tom to return.
Sam mentioned to us in a loud voice that he had just received his new walking gear on Friday as it was his 63rd birthday and he was the oldest in the company – eruption then takes place as wee Rodg Little explains he is 66. OOOPs!!!
Whilst enjoying this great company and great exercise in great spirit we managed to raise just under £2000 for Club funds – and what an enjoyable way to do it.
I would like to express my thanks to the 10 Walkers and all the sponsors, I think we have started something that looks as if it might continue (we have now completed 3 Walks as CRFC) and if any member of the Club wants to join the ‘CRFC’ please on the first instance get in touch with the President Alex Dunsmuir who will be happy to give you details of future Walks.
3rd Walk was around the Straiton Area last Sunday finishing with a pint and bar lunch at the Black Bull in Straiton. Next walk will be next Saturday 25th July at a venue still undecided. If anyone has details of good walks we would also be very happy to hear about them.
Best wishes to the YOUNG PLAYERS who it is believed are considering a fund raising event(s) to beat the £2000 raised by the AULD CRFC ‘B’s
Best of Luck!!!!!
Rodger Stewart
CRFC Correspondent
Chatboard link
Friday, 17 July 2009
Update on 10th October
Things are moving on well for the ex players/members sponsors day.
Iain Johnston (young one) is coming and both he and Davie Murray are trying to identify a folk band to give some music after the game. Spoke to Jock Murdoch who is phoning round all the ex players from the Kilmarnock area to bring them along.
The league fixtures have been re-arranged. Unfortunately we are now playing the Police on the 10th. Spoke to Ally Nichol last night and Millbrae were looking forward to coming. They would have been ideal. Maybe we could look to do something similar at the end of the year when we play them at home?
Can you get names and contacts of those going to me as soon as possible? ardwell@zetnet.co.uk
Cheers,
Morton
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
2nd XV friendly games
Cumnock chatboard thread
Monday, 13 July 2009
Scottish Hydro Regional Bowl
The final of the competition will be played at Murrayfield in the spring.
Article from Jim
Cumnock Chatboard thread
Friday, 10 July 2009
IRB Launch Interactive Laws Website
This week saw the launch of an exciting new IRB web based offering. The new site www.irblaws.com is an interactive website which teaches and tests the Laws of the game. SRU are convinced that this will revolutionise Rugby Law education.
The key features are:
All compliant with 2009 Laws as approved by IRB Council on the 13th May.
Hundreds of video clips to illustrate the laws
Animations to support learning
Videos to illustrate all Referee and Assistant Referee signals
Self-test capability which covers:
All 22 laws
7's and Under 19 variations
Referee signals
Video tests
The test can be taken over multiple visits to the site. On completion you can download an awareness certificate. Access to the site is free to everyone and a registration is only required when you want to undertake the tests.
Why not log on and give it a go?
Link to chatboard
If you are planning (or not) to play Senior Rugby when you are Under 18 you have to have certificate from IRB website as part of you playing Senior Rugby.
Please see Alex Dunsmuir (Cumnock RFC President) in Cumnock RFC for more details.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Attention - 10th October

Hi Again Everyone,
As with all things that you organise (or rather that I organise) things don’t always run smoothly.
The first league game was indeed the 5th but I unfortunately a wedding has been organised at the club (how the 2 events are not compatible is beyond me…Ace can dance with chairs and wee Hughie could serenade the bride). I digress…
The new and final date for the former players and friends of CRFC is Saturday the 10th of October. This is a home game against Millbrae Rugby Club (based at Ayr ). This is ideal as many ex Cumnock players and friends play for this club…Kenny Stobie, Phil Manning etc.
So things are now moving ahead. Davie Murray is practicing his public speaking to compare the event and I am working on increasing my alcohol tolerance to stay the pace with Podgie.
There is already a great interest in this and I want to make it an unforgettable day.
If anyone can think of any ex player or member of CRFC can they please let them know about this. It is going to be a fantastic day to catch up with old friends.
Where are they?
Gav the Swav
Bob Bryson
Willie Smith
Bod
Alex Warnock
Snebber
Jakey Johnstone
The Torrances
The Kray twins
Gordie McMillan
There are loads more. Get in touch with them and let them know. If you can think of any other names put them on the chat site below.
The day will involve turning up at CRFC. Having a 3 course slap up meal, a free bar for 3 hours and the pleasure of Davie Murray as a compare. In addition there will be a feast of rugby as the young skilful Cumnock team takes on the experience and might of Milbrae. Tickets are £45 each and all profits (if there are any) go to CRFC playing side.
Cheers,
Morton
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Scotland Under 17 Squad set to train in Spain
As part of their development to U18 age grade level, a squad of 30 Scotland U17 team members will set off for Valladolid
in north-central Spain tomorrow (2 July).
The players, management and support staff will spend an intensive fortnight at the camp where the focus is on technical,
tactical, mental and physical (strength and conditioning) training.
An 8am start each day for physio and gym work, an enforced rest in the middle of the day given the climate, then training again at 6pm,says Bryan Easson, Scotland U17 Head Coach.
Added to that there are unit sessions, group sessions and one-on-one goal setting sessions with the coaches an intensive programme, designed to teach the players how to be professional athletes and to give the coaches an all-round idea of the players.
The camp led by Scotland U18 Head Coach, Grant McKelvey, with strength and conditioning from Val Houston acts as the transformation period for the young players from the U17 to U18 development side, where they will move into the hands the U18 coaching team following a further assessment camp in September.
This is the third year that Scotland under-17 squad has benefited from the facilities at Valladolid. The 30-strong squad includes 12 players new to the group due to injury, unavailability and deselection since their successful participation at this year Millfield Festival. The camp is run through Cumbernauld College with funding from the European Community programme, the
Leonardo da Vinci Trust (the criteria of which prohibits team travel within a teams own country).
Catch up with the Valladolid training regime via a players blog on the Scotland U17 web site.
Scotland U17 Development Squad
Robin Hislop (Hawick Wanderers) Prop
Gavin Robertson (Earlston HS / Melrose) Prop
Alex Allan (Sedbergh School) Prop
Struan Cessford (High School of Dundee) Prop
Jack MacFarlane (Gourock HS / Greenock Wanderers) Hooker
Ryan Hood (Strathallan) Hooker
George Turner (Stewart’s Melville College) Hooker
Fraser Wem (Hampton School / Wasps) Second row
Craig Ferguson (East Kilbride) Second Row
Sean McDevitt (High School of Glasgow) Second Row
George Barnes (Chesterfield) Second Row
Mitchell Eadie (Filton College) Back Row
Malcolm Peathingy (George Watson's College) Back Row
Matthew Walker (Boroughmuir) Back Row
Andrew Nagle (Jed Thistle) Back Row
Adam de ste Croix (Boroughmuir) Back Row
Murray McConnell (Lenzie Academy / West of Scotland) Scrum Half
Johnny Adams (Aberdeen Grammar School) Scrum Half
James Munro (Edinburgh Academy) Scrum Half
Fraser Gillies (Edinburgh Academy) Stand Off
Jack Bradford (Worksop College) Centre
Michael Crawley (Stewart’s Melville College) Centre
Murray Beckwith (Marr College) Centre
Mark Bennett (Cumnock RFC) Centre
Jamie Urquhart (Dollar Academy) Centre
Stewart Hogg (Hawick Wanderers) Centre
Douglas Day (Paviours RFC) Centre
Harris Jones (Robert Gordon’s College) Back 3
Aidan McCall Hagan (St Aloysius’ College) Back 3
Ross Inglis (Calderside Academy / Hamilton) Back 3
Scotsman article from 1st July:-
Scotsman article link
Public school system provides bulk of Scots under-17 squad
View Gallery
Published Date: 02 July 2009
A 30-STRONG Scotland Under-17 squad will fly out today for a two-week training camp in Spain.
A glance in the brackets after the names of those selected reveals Scottish youth rugby remains reliant on the public school base, with more than half of the squad coming from that system, but only four players come from another traditional heartland – the Borders.
There are 16 players from private schools – 11 Scottish and five English. Of the rest, six come from state schools and eight from clubs. The regional breakdown is pretty even with Borders (4), Glasgow (8), Edinburgh (7), Caledonia (5) and England (6).
The players, management and support staff will spend an intensive fortnight at the camp in Valladolid, north-central Spain. The focus will be on technical, tactical, mental and physical strength and conditioning. The camp, led by Under-18 coach Grant McKelvey, acts as the transformation period for the youngsters from U17 to the U18 development side.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Attention - 5th September
Hello Everyone,
Hope everyone is well
The reason I am contacting all the former players and friends of Cumnock Rugby Club that I can think of is to see if I can organise a big get together for the first home league game of the season (either the 5th or 12th of September).
I decided to do this after 2 events which happened over the last year.
The first one was a sponsors day at the club when I was in the company of Jock Murdoch (these prawns are crunchy). There were a few old faces we hadn’t seen for a few years and we were both discussing how good it was to catch up. John suggested getting together the players from his time playing at Cumnock for a sponsored day at the club.
The second event was much sadder at Nan Murray’s funeral when loads of old faces turned up in really unfortunate circumstances. I was talking to Harry Reilly (now our Youth President) who suggested that we should try and get these ex players and members together on a more regular basis to catch up with each other and also to add something to the club.
It is sometimes only when you meet these old faces or look at old pictures that you remember what fantastic times we all had at CRFC over the years. The number of people that have passed through the club over the years is enormous and is always great to bump into them.
I have decided see if I can pull together a big reunion of all these old faces (your own included) for the first home game of the season. The idea is that we come together on a sponsors day catch up and also see the crop of really good young boys that are moving into our senior team this year.
I have spoken to Davie Murray (Ernie Bilko) about this and I am really pleased that he has agreed to be the compare for the event. I know giving Davie a microphone is a recipe for disaster but I honestly can’t think of anyone who represents the good times at Cumnock Rugby Club so well over the years.
As you know Davie has played rugby at Cumnock for over 50 years starting in the late fifties. He is the self confessed best kicker the club ever had and sacrificed an international career as a cabaret star to focus on captaining the Mean Machine.
In order to get as many people as possible to come along I would appreciate it if you would send this email on to any ex member or player that you know or send their details to me and I’ll contact them.
Also I am looking for old pictures relating to the club. If you have any could you scan them in and send them back to me.
I really hope that if I can pull this together it will be one of the best days we have ever had at the club. It will also show the new young players the number of people out there who are supporting their efforts.
Hope to see you all soon,
Thanks to Morton Houston for above post.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Asda Bag Pack - Thanks to all helpers
This is a great piece of fund raising and a huge vote of thanks to all that helped to make the day such a success.
Cumnock chatboard link
Attention - Mini Midi Fund Raiser 20th June
Any questions a call Karen Watt or Harry Reilly
Link to chatboard
News from Annual General Meeting
After tonights Annual General Meeting the following fees have been set at the following for season 2009/2010:-
Yearly Membership
Senior playing £40
Under 18/Student playing £20
Social £20
Also if anybody is looking to become a life membership you can 10x senior playing membership you can do this until 31st July (£400)
Senior Match Fees
£5 per game (includes students/unemployed)
Pre Season Training
Pre-season training:- Start Sat 4th July 1pm (Lions game@ 4pm)
A coaches meeting was held last Wednesday so that plans could be made for the coming season. As you can see pre - season starts on the 4th and will continue until the start of the season, three sessions a week.
A sample of what was spoken about can be read below.
Teams to be put on board Tuesday evening chosen by selection committee.
Possibility, at least once a month 1st and 2nd team coaches will swap giving
The opportunity to evaluate other players.
Players meeting pre-season, put up some ground rules.
Candidates for team captains to be proposed by coaches, then voted on by
players at players meeting.
Put a plan in place as to where/what level we are trying to coach to, and
as to what style of play we are trying to achieve.
Coaches Stewart Bennett, Alan Hill, Steven Miller, Alan Hall & Morton Houston.
Team managers Alec Dunsmuir (1st XV) Jim Morrison (2nd XV)
OBJECTIVES FOR IMPROVEMENT
A number of areas were highlighted for improvement by the coaching team and these areas should be used by coaches and players on and off the field to set standards.
1. Dress code More professional approach to dress code by all player and committee. Club tie, white shirt, black trousers, black shoes.
2. Selection Policy Teams to be picked by selection committee consisting of all coaches. Teams lists to be up by Tuesday night.
3. Lineout Objective to improve lineout throwing, jumping and lifting techniques.
4. Rucking Improvements to be made in body position and technique at ruck, options from the base of ruck and defensive alignment at ruck.
5. Attitude Improve attitude of forwards in getting around the park and getting to breakdowns and winning the ball.
6. Leadership Improve the leadership of all the players by getting them to set standards.
7. Scrum Half Options We need to improve option runners for the scum halves at the breakdown area and give them alternatives to a pass to the stand off.
8. Mauling Players will have to have good mauling technique and more importantly be able to counter maul effectively .
9. Communication This has to be improved on the park so we can improve team play. Off the park has to improve as well with players having to contact team managers/ coaches re non availability for games and training.
We hope that this year we will be ready to compete from the start of the season and that the club will reap the rewards from everyones hard work.
Enjoy your summer the hard work starts soon.
Stewart.
Monday, 8 June 2009
Training 9th and 18th June
On Thursday the 18th there is a speed session being taken by Paul Tyler, Head Coach of GHA. He will use the Perpignan boys and the seniors. All coaches are invited along to pick up speed techniques to use on their teams through the summer.
This is a 6:30 start and will last for 2 hours.
Article from Houstie on chatboard
Link to chatboard
Friday, 5 June 2009
Paul Tyler : Speed Session at Broomfield this month

Paul is the 1st XV coach at GHA, the speed and conditioning coach for the Perpignan training camp as well as a contributor to a number of rugby skills publications/websites. This guy really knows his stuff and is a huge opportunity for our coaches to see one the countries best in action. This session will give some great ideas for any coach looking to build more speed into their players.
All coaches are encouraged to come along as this is an excellent opportunity to improve your coaching skills. Paul will be using the senior squad to deliver this session.
Coaches should meet at 6:30pm on Thursday 18th June.
Please let Morton know if you will be attending (or not) to give an idea of numbers.
Link to chatboard
Thursday, 4 June 2009
New Scotland Head Coach
Monday, 1 June 2009
Newsletter
There is a newsletter for all Members of Cumnock RFC behind the bar, which will give you notice of the Annual General Meeting on Friday 5th June.
I have now emailed all of you on my membership list the newsletter:-
Following is an extract:-
Newsletter
Cumnock Rugby Club will hold it’s AGM on Friday 5th June 2009 in the function room. Due to the present economic situation there are some important issues going to be raised and the opinions of members will be looked for. It is essential that as many members as possible attend to voice their thoughts.
Playing/Coaching Report
Again our very successful Mini/Midi Section of the club have continued with great success. This year, from the youngest teams winning local festivals, to the under 17 players who represented Cumnock Rugby Club at Glasgow and National level we have a youth section which is the envy of many larger clubs . Once again many congratulations go out to the coaches, players and parents alike who contribute to the huge success of our youth teams. Long may it continue!
The 1st and 2nd XV have had a mixed year with a lot of young players coming into the senior teams. With a blend of experience and youth we have a much brighter future on the horizon. Our 1st XV have secured their position in the West Division 1 League for another year. With the young players now coming through in ever increasing numbers, with ever improving skill levels, we are hopeful the glory years are just around the corner. Well done all the players and the coaches, for a hard and sometimes difficult year, where everyone stuck to their task!
Finance
It’s been another tough year for the club in terms of finance. The club is primarily surviving on function income, with the rugby side not contributing enough to the finances of the club. Obviously there is a core of the membership and players that do support the club either with maintenance, financially and the support of functions, plus playing for the club. For this we are grateful.
To give you a flavour of the costs associated with the running of the club, we are looking at a cash outflow of over £2,000 per month just to open the doors. Including trading profits over the bar we take around £1,200-£1500 per month. This means we are looking at funding another £1,000 per month from other sources. In the past we have been lucky enough to fund this through grants and donations. However, it is now time to hope the players and all members step in with their support. Not necessarily through cash donations (though these are always appreciated), but to assist in some way with the day to day running of your club. We cannot afford to continue to operate in the manner we are at present.
From a membership of over 100 senior members, we have 7 members who regularly do a shift behind the bar. Paid bar staff cost us around £10,000 per year and we are looking to reduce this next year to enable the club to continue to operate successfully. So please support your club and if possible help out with the bar rota. A separate letter will be issued to all members looking for their support and for volunteers on a regular or one off basis to help behind the bar.
So please read it. If you any questions, comments you can put them on chatboard. That isnt a thread where I want to do all the typing, lets have a debate.
Anybody who wants the newsletter and I haven't sent it to them message on chatboard thread or email me on trobert_c@yahoo.co.uk
Coaches Forum
2008/09 has been a testing season as CRFC continue their transition phase. After a few late season concerns about the conclusion of the national leagues, we have managed to maintain our position in West Division 1. Credit must go to all the players who have contributed over the season despite some heavy defeats which did not always reflect the endeavours shown by the players on the park. A big thank you to these stalwarts and a special mention to Kenny Barr and Bobby Horton for dusting off their boots in times of need. Both of these players have one final game to play against the Under 17's on Awards Day on 24th May. Thanks too to the Team Managers and the coaching teams for their hard work and perseverance over the season.
...and so to next season. With the introduction of a number of quality players from the youth section to the senior teams, there is an air of optimism for the coming year with the prospect of a place in the top 4 of the league. This will, however, require a lot of hard work and committment from coaches and players. Thanks to a successful Grant application, we are in the process of installing a larger gym within the Club which will allow the players to work on their strength and conditioning throughout the closed season. This is vital if we are to compete with a young side against less skilful but physically heavier and stronger teams. Individually tailored weights programmes will be drawn up for any player who wishes to participate, starting from 5th May and access to the gym will be facilitated through Alex Dunsmuir by a fob system at the front door of the Club.
Information on pre season training will be posted on this site at a later date and players should check this site regularly for updates.
Finally a big thank you for all the support I have received in my first year as club coach. It is fair to say that this has not been the easiest of seasons but I have high hopes for the coming season and the future of the Club.
Forthcoming Events
- Strength and Conditioning Training - starts 5th May at 7pm
- 1st XV v. Under 17's 24th May 12 noon kick off followed by
- Awards Day BBQ. Awards will be presented to Youth and Senior Players. Tickets available from Harry Reilly or behind the bar
Thanks to Stewart Bennett for article
Cumnock chatboard
I have set it so that anybody can view it.
I have created sections for senior, mini/midi rugby and general chats.
You have to be a member to post on the boards. When you join you will notice your account has to be approved. This has happened previously, and is still the case. There is spam on the previous club chat.
Any comments email me
or send me a message or even post on the chatboard
Thanks
Tommy


























