The preliminary rounds of the Suffolk Plate have started with Mersea defeating Brightlingsea and Haverhill beating Woodbridge. They now have to play Southwold and Clacton respectively on February 11^th. The other quarter finalists are YM v. Wattisham and Harwich v. Thurston. Some exciting games in prospect and I can’t make my mind up which to attend!

Cup matches start on February 25^th. Stowmarket v. Bury and

Sudbury v. Colchester

Youth Cup started today (Sunday) and results are appearing on website. (www.suffolkrugby.co.uk)

Suffolk Clubs were involved in EC U17 Cup with Ipswich beating Wymondham and Cambridge beating Bury St. Edmunds.

There was a brilliant Youth Festival at Framlingham College a couple of weekends ago. Six closely contested games all played in tremendous spirit. Many thanks to the College for an excellent day, and good luck EC Selectors. Some excellent players on display!

Variable results in County Games at the various ages. Check website for results.

Bury U10’s are through to Final of Prima Cup at Leicester on March 4^th!

Speaking of Minis. Ipswich recently ran a Young Officials Course in their schools and they are looking for ten hours reffing experience at Mini level. Contact Andy Wilesmith.

Kev Parker, our Playing Chairman has selected Nigels Brown and Seaman as the coaching team for the County side, and Jamie Warner as Manager.

The only match at the moment is against Norfolk on 22^nd February. We  are in discussion about the venue and a return match in Suffolk.

Fancy playing for the County?

First trial is on 1^st February 7.00pm at Stowmarket.

Second at Ipswich on 8^th Feb 7.00

Training game on 15^th Feb. It was hoped to play Prison Service but there is a problem at time of writing.

Contact Kev for further details on kev81@btopenworld.com.

Coaching:

6 Feb Rugby Ready at Colchester

22 Feb CPD Back play from set piece (youth) Colchester

4, 14 & 25^th Mar Level 1 at Culford School

27^th Mar CPD Defensive play at Ipswich

If you’d like to host a CPD session contact John Winders on

john.winders@btinternet.com

Remember you can join the  EC Coaching Association and get £5 off courses. An RFU Coaching Assoc website is up and running but will not be formally launched until after Six Nations. Coach Licensing is also being started.

http://www.rfu.com/TakingPart/Coach/

CoachLicensing.aspx

Suffolksport are also offering bursaries for coaching qualifications.

Check out www.suffolksport.com

Groundsman Association and Institute of Groundsmanship are holding an Open Day for all Rugby Groundsmen in EC at Bury St. Edmunds RFC on Weds 7^th March.

People mutter about RFU asking Clubs to produce Action Plans, but one Suffolk Club found it to their advantage when they discovered that several front row forwards were looking to hang up their boots!! They are now in discussions to decide how to handle the problem.

You will need an Action Plan if you apply for funding but also for Seal of Approval. News about the new SoA is being launched in this week’s Touchline. Make sure you get a copy from your Secretary if you are working towards it, or need re-accreditation.

Community Rugby are looking for a Suffolk rep on their Committee. Any offers?

Too late for RFU Presidents Awards but you can still nominate for ECRU Award.

Any volunteers for ‘Curry in Park’ to Ray before end of month!!

Donations for Santa Dash came to just over £400 so I’ll make it up to £500 for  Injured Players Foundation. Thank you everyone!

It is with great sadness I have to report the deaths of two members of the Suffolk Rugby Community. Chris Barbor of Felixstowe, a player and supporter who played at a very high level in his youth and Josh Rix a young player from Sudbury RFC. Our sympathies to their families.