Dear Parents and Coaches,

Thanks for getting up so early on Sunday morning to deliver your players to the Festival on time. The weather was glorius and I received a lot of positive feedback from the other clubs coaches about the format this year. U11 got to play on a half-pitch which is a first and will help them develope towards Colts Rugby in 2 years time.

FK1 had three games, the first one was against SKS 1. We lost this game 5-0 with most of the team not doing themselves justice, our failing was at the tackle and the ruck both areas we've worked hard on in practice but it was not reflected in the game. At Kukris we've always been slow to 'switch on' to match mode with the players were in a sleep like stupour for most of this game - it was a rude awakening.

For the second game we made a big improvement and had chances to win the game against DEA 2, as it was this was a much improved performance and if not for a break-away try to tie the scores at 1-1 we could have won the game. The players had responded well after the first game and started to show that they can play some good rugby.

In the third game we made a further big improvement, for this I commend the players for their courage and commitment. The result was another draw, 3-3 with DBP 2 but again it was a game which we could of won if not for a few basic errors in critical areas. The players showed that they can compete at the ruck and there was also some improvement made in the tackle area although not enough to prevent two soft trys being gifted.

The FK2 results at FK Festival were;-

0-6 lost against HKU3

0-4 lost against THT

1-1 draw against DEA3 (try from Barnie)

2-1 win against TSW (tries from Sean and Sabrina)

I can see progress made by our FK2 players. The team character can be seen developing slowly. Referee from HKFC praised our FK2 on strong fighting spirit at the end of the first game. (note we were 5-0 down after 5 minutes. The team stuck at it in the 2nd half and only let in one more try.)

My expectation for the team in festivals is to experience a pressured environment and cope by giving committed to support each other. I see signs of that during the matches with their increasing communications and work rate. We should be proud of their effort and commitment.

Technical skills remain our key focus (what else! This is contact rugby! I was also scared playing as a kid!). We were second best in numerous open play missed tackles, scrums and lineouts. Its not the players, blame it on the coaches. So back on the drawing board to work on fun drills in these area so they can be better organised in team positional play to execute these skills naturally and safetly.

Come to training on Sunday as Santa may be there......................

Best regards,

Coach Colin