North Otago Come Close to Victory

Samurai International recorded their sixth straight Amsterdam Sevens win at the weekend,
narrowly overcoming a spirited effort from crowd favourites the Kooga Wailers in the final.

The invitational Sevens giant once again proved too clinical and experienced for their
competitors scraping through some tight games on Day 2 to again be crowned champions
at the Sportpark de Eendrach.

The 38th Heineken Amsterdam Sevens ended much like the 37th,
( and the 36th, 35th and 34th come to that) with Samurai International ruling the roost
in the Men's Sevens and the Ladies Sevens and Wooden Spoon winning the Veterans 10s.
However, in all three tournaments the outcome could have been very different with games
being won by the narrowest of margins.

In last year's Men's Sevens Samurai International brought over South African coach Paul
Treu and most of his squad as part of their preparations for the IRB Sevens tournaments at
Twickenham and Murrayfield in the following weeks. Although they won the 2008 Amsterdam
Sevens, word on the grapevine was that the Bokke felt that the Amsterdam Sevens was a
little too tough as a warm up, so Samurai supremo Terry Sands had to look a little closer to
home for his team this year and was far from confident of winning.

The vagaries of the seeding for the Sunday morning pools pitched Samurai International
against the Ukraine national side and Guernsey Salty Sea Dogs which they negotiated safely.
As in previous years there was one game where they needed a little luck and a few decisions
going their way. This year it was the quarter final against Mel's Exiles. The crowd was strongly
behind Mel's Exiles, mainly because Sevens Legend Waisale Serevi was playing for them and
everyone wanted to see him progress.

In a “game of two halves” Samurai ran in two tries in the first half to lead 14-0 while Mel's
Exiles ran in two tries in the second half but missed one of the conversions, losing the game
14-12. Serevi and the team received a standing ovation from the crowd as they left the field in
front of a packed main stand.



In the other quarter finals both flavours of Marauders went out.
The Original Marauders (a.k.a. Corso Marauders) lost out to the surprise package of the
tournament, Yug from Russia 14-10 - missed conversions making the difference.
The International Marauders also lost out by kicking fewer conversions than opponents Gilbert
Stoned Pups, the final score being 12-10. In the other quarter final Millfield Old Boys lost out
HFW Kooga Wailers 33-5, no need to count the conversions there.

In their semi-final Samurai International had less trouble with the men in pink, the much
fancied Gilbert Stoned Pups, winning 26-0. In the other semi HFW Kooga Wailers ended the
run of Yug, the Russian champions containing many of the Russian national squad who were
the surprise package of the tournament, with a 19-5 victory.

The final was a chance for HFW Kooga Wailers to gain revenge for the very narrow 12-7 defeat
in the 2008 quarter final when a last minute try spared the blushes of a Samurai side including
most of the South African squad. In a close game Samurai International prevailed 19-15, again
the difference being the conversions kicked.

So Samurai International continue their dominance of the Heineken Amsterdam Sevens
with their fifth victory in a row and their eighth in total. The lessons are clear for anyone who
wants to beat them. Firstly you will need an excellent team. Secondly, you will need a little
luck and for decisions to go your way. And finally, you will need to kick your conversions.

Helsinki RFUC vs. Tampere RFC

Match Report 15.05.10

Final Whistle: Helsinki 7 - Tampere 0

As captain you could not ask for a better start to the season. Tampere RFC, last year’s finalists
and constant thorn in Helsinki RFC’s side, had finally been beaten by a mix of skill, daring and
excellent defense. The first match of the season was always going to be a rusty affair with
both sides making plenty of handling errors and giving away penalties. A swirling blustery wind
did not help matters… neither for the line outs nor the penalty kicks at goal. Had the elements
been slightly calmer then I believe we would have seen a far larger score line in our favour!

But why complain? A wins a win!

The game kicked off at 1pm with the sun just past its zenith and the temperatures peaking at
a sweltering 26 degrees. It felt more like a game in the southern hemisphere than in Finland’s
normally subzero climate. Yet HRC’s finns and foreigners hardly seemed to notice as they
stormed the Tampere defense mercilessly in the first half penning them into their own half for
95% of the time. It seemed inevitable that we would break their line and gain first blood.

However luck was not on our side during this period and with three penalty shots astray it was
still 0-0. Some great scrummaging by our forwards and determined defense from both backs
and forwards kept a sustained mass of pressure on Tampere and although they split at the
seams they, by last ditch effort and luck, managed to repel our constant attacks.
Part of the reason for this was our lack of speed to the breakdown which often led to a
consistent attack being turned over before gaining try scoring momentum.
This will be fixed for the next match!

However Tampere could not continue this type of defense without committing a number of
penalties which led to three attempted kicks. Unfortunately as mentioned earlier a swirling
wind made these kicks very difficult for Juhani and so we went into the break 0-0.

The end of the first half did see a number of penalties for Tampere which nearly resulted in
a try had our defense not been so solid.

The second half began with an onslaught from Tampere which saw us for the first time pegged
into our half and 22. During this time some of our strongest defense shone through and by hook
and by crook we successfully defended our line. During this period of play both our Full back,
Aki Pentikainen, and the Scrumhalf (me – Simon Elliott) were forced off from injury.
Aki took a nasty blow to his fingers and I thought the world had turned upside down and was
attempting to walk sideways up the pitch on my face.

This was after tackling Tampere’s big number 8 which seemed to go well until the Avea-like
aftershock hit my brain. The ref deemed it prudent to have me replaced.

With the inspirational Captain off the field you might have been forgiven for thinking that Helsinki
would fall apart… But the opposite seemed to be the case! Incensed at both the Captains injury
and the full backs fingers the team spurred into life and forced Tampere out of the 22.

With lineouts still not functioning most of the game was played in the middle of the pitch with
neither team able to get a strong foothold in the other teams half. Until Juhani had a surge of
inspiration… The coach had mentioned at half time a change of tactics to the Fly half. Perhaps
to mix things up a little?

With nothing to lose (accept a crucial opening match) Juhani tried the chip kick over a rush
defense from Tampere. His first thought was that the kick had gone wrong and was just setting
himself to make a crunching tackle when from his left came a shadow of a rampaging bull and
Avea Avea with left arm extended ripped the ball one handed from the opposite number and with
a side step to rival the most nimble Russian Barynya folk dancer he smashed through the feeble
attempted tackle.

Beating the next defender with sheer pace and bulk into the mud he crashed over the try line to
score the match winning and only try of the game. Juhani calmly added the extras and HRC led
7-0 with only a few minutes to go.Tampere, however had not conceded defeat and continued to
batter at Helsinki’s gate which led to some great defensive tackles from some of the new boys –
Mikko Orädd and Chris rugby league bloke for his storming tackling thoughout the game
(Captains player of the game) and old the boys(cheering them on The final whistle ended
Tamperes dreams of a last minute draw and Helsinki recorded its first win over Tampere for
4 long years... Let it not be the last!

Stephen Whittaker
Helsinki Rugby Club Vice Chairman

Thanks to their fine showing in Darwin in the World’s hottest Sevens, the ULR International team head for Vegas next week to take part in the Las Vegas Intenational Invitation Sevens tournament.

The Samurai management were sweating in Darwin, hoping they would make the semi finals and with it a share of the prize fund. They went one better and having beaten the Australian 7s team and the South Sea Drifters along the way, they breezed into the final where they were beaten by a very physical and robust Borneo Eagles.

Their share of the prize money guaranteed that they would be able to travel to Las Vegas to take part in a tournament that runs along side the IRB World Sevens Series.

The Elite 7s tournament will include well know invitation 7s team Les Bleus form France, Fiji Uprising of course from Fiji as well as top club sides from Canada and the States.

The Samurai team will include a blend of youth and experience with Saracens Jamie Hearn, Sale Sharks Ben Davey and James Greenwood of Cambridge University being mentored by Nick Wakely of Wales and Aaron Bancroft of New Zealand. Last seasons NZ 7s regular Chad Tuoro will Coach the side with Barry Gallagher and Terry Sands forming an experienced management team.

Asian glamour club Borneo Eagles will play the Heineken Hottest 7s in the World. “I got confirmation that they will be attending this morning.” NTRU general manager Tim Heath said.

The Eagles are among the strongest teams on the world invitational sevens circuit. They won the plate competition at the Singapore 7s earlier this year – beating the Territory Mozzies 29-5 along the way. They also chalked up wins in 2009 at the Borneo Sevens in Kota Kinabalu and clinched the Malaysian National Super League Cup.

The Eagles are in part financed by super-rich Malaysian construction group IJM’s palm oil plantation division. In partnership with the Sandakan Rugby Union in Sabah, the Eagles help develop and promote rugby as a community service in the region. A place in their line-up is by invitation only and their deep pockets help persuade some sensational players to pull on an Eagles’ jumper.

When the Eagles won the Cobra 10s in Kuala Lumpur last month their line-up included two Samoan internationals, two under 20 All Blacks and six top club players from both NZ and Fiji. “I’m lead to believe they will be fielding a similar strength squad to which they had in Singapore.” Heath said.

Heath said the Eagles were meant to be part of this year’s event in January. “They had an issue at the last minute with visas,” he said “We are hopeful that’s all been sorted out this time.” Heath said he thought the Eagles would make a strong challenge at the sevens from January 23-24. “They’ll be very strong.” he said. “They’ll be right up there challenging for a semi-final spot.”

England Netball shooting sensation Jo Harten has been named as the new Loughborough Lightning captain following a community launch event held last weekend.

The Midlands’ premier netball team launched their season in style last weekend with a gala evening of entertainment hosted at Loughborough University and attended by more than 200 people.

Lightning’s players for the 2009/10 Cooperative Netball Superleague season were unveiled in front of a full house at the netball badminton centre as attendees were treated to two netball matches, a fashion show, dance displays, Q&As with the Lightning England players and a demonstration from the Royal Air Force.

Loughborough student Harten heads an up-and-coming Lightning team for the forthcoming season and follows in the footsteps of England players Jade Clarke and Olivia Murphy who have captained the side since its inception four seasons ago.

Read more...

Mark Thompson, South East Area Manager of Maidstone’s official kit supplier Samurai Sportswear was on hand on Saturday to present a new set of Post Pads and Flag Pads to the club as part of the agreement between the club and Samurai.  Samurai Sportswear has been the club’s kit supplier for the past two seasons and this was formalised recently with the signing of a 3-year agreement between the two parties making Maidstone Rugby one of Samurai’s associated clubs.  Contrary to recent trends elsewhere in the sportswear market, Samurai Sportswear continues to grow and recently moved its manufacturing premises to a location with 3 times the capacity.

HANDSTAND – The Appeal for Marshall Janson, was launched in March to raise funds to buy prosthetic limbs for little Marshall, now 21 months old, who lost both his hands and both his legs following an attack of Meningitis last Boxing Day.

The Appeal needs to raise £850,000-£950,000 over the next 16 years, the aim being to attempt to secure the best possible quality of life for Marshall. Last month the Appeal reached £80,000 and hopes to reach £100,000 by Christmas.

Commented Steve Skinner, “We are absolutely delighted to be associated with the HANDSTAND Appeal for the next three years. We are particularly pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile, local cause.” Marshall’s Dad, Moss Janson, told the West Briton, “We are so grateful – to have Skinner’s name on our Rugby Shirt, and to have our own beer – that’s pretty awesome!”

The HANDSTAND Rugby Shirt is being designed by Hudson Armstrong Design. It will be manufactured by Samurai, the leading manufacturer of Rugby kit in the UK, who supply Redruth RFC and the Cornish Pirates as well as many leading Rugby Clubs throughout the UK. Samurai have also agreed to donate the actual playing shirts for the HANDSTAND Harlequins Rugby team, who will be appearing at a number of Rugby 7’s events next year. The Shirt will go on sale in January and will be distributed by Lovell Rugby, the UK’s largest on line retailer of Rugby Shirts. Lovell’s have agreed to buy the first 100 Shirts.

Read more...

Ashton on Mersey wrapped up the Meller Braggins Cheshire League Championship on the final day of the season with a 25 point win at Hale Barns. Having posted 160 for 5 Ashton knew that only needed 3 wickets to give them the bonus points necessary to guarantee top spot but went on to then bowl out Hale Barns. Ashton finished 16 points clear of Congelton who are also promoted to the Cheshire County League. Ashton were around the promotion places all season, 2nd to Malpas after 5 games and top of the league at the half way point. As the Malpas challenge faded Northwich and Congelton pushed Ashton to the wire but consistent performances from a young squad with strength in depth helped Ashton always stay ahead of their challengers and secure promotion with a week in hand and the championship on the final day.

Meanwhile Ashton's 2nd X1 finished runners up in Division A. Hale Barns led the league table for the 1st half of the season but fell away to eventually finish 4th. As with the 1st X1 it was Northwich and Congelton who proved the top sides but after a poor August Ashton left themselves too much to do in the final few weeks and couldn't claw back enough points, eventually finishing only 2 points behind champions Congelton.

Bridgend College U18s entertained New Zealand top 8 side Tauranga Boys College as part of their British tour.

The game was played under lights on Bridgend Ravens Brewery Field ground and was watched by over 1000 spectators, who witnessed a fantastic spectacle. Straight from the kick off the encounter was maintained at a very intense pace with Bridgend coming under extreme pressure early on from the well disciplined and abrasive Taurauga forwards.

Tauuranga took the lead at 7 – 0 but the game ebbed and flowed with Bridgend going in at half time leading 22 – 17. The game continued in the same entertaining manner in the 2nd half with Bridgend finally pulling away to win 38 – 22 in what was generally agreed to be the most entertaining game seen on the Brewery field for some years.

The Army reigning Champions The Royal Engineers now know they face a tough challenge from every team in their league this year, the results from today show that with improved displays from the Artillery and the RLC. It promises to deliver some outstanding games throughout the next 6 months.

After five games of 30 minutes duration the top two met in the final. Despite losing two close games to the Royal Logistic Corps and the Artillery the Sappers found themselves in the final due to scoring five tries against the Infantry to take them through on points difference. At the end of a further 30 minutes neither team had scored, the rugby was good but defence was very tight. It was Stu Butters that stepped up and kicked a penalty in extra time to claim the golden points to see the Sappers retain the trophy for the third year.

The Sapper front row welcomed back Army prop Rick Reeve after a season long injury picked up against the RAF who is now playing with Cambridge, Nathan Young back from Op HERRICK and Jeff Rowland (on debut) Chris Clifford showed he has found some speed!

Army centre Gerhard Wessells was outstanding and all over the park as were new debutants Gavin Clegg (Brother of Newcastle Falcons Rorey Clegg (Wing) and Ken Davey (stand off) who played for the Combined Services U23 last season, Darrell Ball (playing this season with London Scottish) was everywhere and Noxy Leqekro again showed why he has played Army 7s and 'A'.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Dewsbury Rams on there unbeaten League Season and promotion to the Co-Operative Championship

Acklam Under 15's started their season with a tour to the Scottish Borders. They stayed at Haggerston Castle where they were able to participate in shooting, archery, climbing and water activities on the Saturday. On the the Sunday they played Berwick Under 15's, they played some good rugby, winning 45-12. The Monday they visited Holy Island and the Farne Islands.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood has offered his congratulations to Barrow Raiders for their success in clinching the 2009 Co-operative Championship League Leaders’ Shield.

A bonus point at Sheffield Eagles on Thursday night was enough for Barrow to secure top spot in their first season since they were promoted to the Championship.

“Barrow are to be congratulated for magnificent achievement in what has been the most competitive Championship season we have ever seen,” said Wood.

“Barrow have made great strides in recent years and this success is reward for a great deal of hard work by the players, coaching staff and officials at the club.”

Barrow will be presented with the League Leaders’ Shield at their home play-off tie on the weekend of September 17-20, when their likely opponents will be Halifax if the West Yorkshire club defeat Toulouse at The Shay on Saturday night.

The closeness at the top of the table is reflected at the other end of the Championship ladder where the relegation battle could also be decided by a bonus point this weekend.

With Doncaster already relegated, the three teams above them – Batley Bulldogs, Gateshead Thunder and Leigh Centurions – are all level on 29 points.

“It’s going to be an exciting climax to what has been a gripping Championship season,” added Wood.

“The level of unpredictability has been exceptional all year and that will continue this weekend when every fixture carries so much significance for every team.

“The quality of the Rugby League in the Championship has been a credit to all the clubs in the division and I’m sure we will see the high standards maintained throughout the play-offs and the Grand Final.”

Samurai wish Dave the best of luck with his forthcoming competition this weekend in London-having entered long/triple jump and discus.

Dave has a great track record competing in Masters Athletics, which is for over 40's. Dave’s main event is the triple jump, but he also competes in the long jump & discus. Dave belongs to Reading AC, but also represents Welsh Masters AC and jumps for Wales in representative meetings.

He won 2 golds in the Winter in indoor Masters comps (Southern Counties indoors & Berks indoors). Also winning a gold in the British Masters indoor champs in March (all in triple jump).

Dave also recently won a silver in the Southern Counties outdoor Masters champs in June and July of this year, a bronze in the GB Masters champs at the Alexander Stadium Birmingham in the Triple jump. Dave is competing in the Welsh Masters champs in Cardiff, where he hopes to defend his title.

The Dewsbury Rams last night beat Keighley Cougars and secured promotion to Cooperative National League One winning 15 from 15.

Full story to follow soon.

Norfolk have secured a record-breaking fifth MCCA Knockout Trophy after wrapping up a 104-run victory against Staffordshire at Chester-le-Street this morning.

Michael Eccles, who took three early wickets yesterday, completed his five-wicket haul, while there were two wickets for Martin Addison and one apiece for Paul Bradshaw, Chris Brown and Chris Borrett as Staffs were bowled out for 153 in the 41st over.

Congratulations to Norfolk CCC, who have fought their way into the 2009 MCCA Knockout Final. The final itself, to be held on July 22nd, will definitely be a day to remember for everyone involved with the Norfolk squad as it is being held at one of the official test match grounds - The Riverside Stadium, Durham. Good luck lads.

Guam headed into the final of the Asian 5 Nations Division 3 title match expecting hot and humid conditions and a fired up Philippines side which had not been convincing in their earlier match against a very strong, physical Iran side.Guam had enjoyed a comfortable but not error free match against Indonesia to advance to the final.

Guam entered the final match on Saturday quietly confident but it was not to be with tournament hosts the Philippine Volcanoes overcoming Guam 25-0 to complete a clean sweep in the tournament and win promotion to Division 2 in 2010.

The first half was a tense affair with neither side able to establish dominance, the Philippines more dangerous but only three points came from the boot of Raf Zappia in the 15th minute. Guam enjoyed control in the scrum's where Leonard Calvo, Brandon O'Mallan and Matt Toves provided a strong platform for Guam to drive the Philippines off the ball. However, good defense from the Philippines backs kept Guam scoreless.

Yellow cards ("earning" a ten minute penalty for each player) for Guam in the 39th (Steven Sablan) and 45th (Randy Mendiola) minutes gave the Philippines the opening it was seeking and Guam conceded eight points in that time to let the Philippines out to an 11-point lead.

Guam tried valiantly to fight back from this deficit with Paul Claros, John Arceo and Matt Sgro off the bench stirring things along but it was not to be. In the 68th minute Zappia finished a fine team effort to touch down for a try that he successfully converted.

A third and final yellow card to Guam prop forward Matthew Toves led to another score for Rupert Zappia and, showing that kicking skills clearly run in the family, Rupert converted his own try from a tight angle to bring the final score to 25-0.

The win hands the Philippines the Magellan Cup and also sees them advance to next year's HSBC Asian Five Nations Division II Tournament against Thailand (the relegated Division I contender), China and India.

At the end of the match Coach Willie Hetaraka talked to the boys who were obviously very disappointed. "We came to this tournament looking to improve our record and we have done that. We won our first test match last year (against Brunei) and we won another on Wednesday against Indonesia. You should be proud of that achievement. We all need to look at what we achieved and what we can improve on and move forward." he said.

"I am very pleased with the way our young players Will Williams, Ryan McManus, Brandon O'Mallan, Jeremy Cepeda and Gerard Aguon handled themselves in their first men's International campaign. They each did everything I asked of them and more, and Guam should be proud of them." he added.

Guam Rugby Union President Stephen Grantham noted "While we did not win this tournament, we continue to learn and we introduced a number of young players from our Under 20 and Under 18 squads to international rugby. This will pay big dividends in future. All of the boys gave it their all but we came up short. That is the nature of sport and, while disappointing, we look forward to facing Pakistan (relegated from Division 2), Iran and Indonesia next year."

The Guam team is:

Paul Claros (Captain) , Steven Sablan (Vice captain), Anthony "TJ" Ada, Gerard Aguon, John Arceo, Nathan Baza, Edward Calvo, Vinson Calvo, Leonard Calvo, Jeremy Cepeda, Billy Chennaux, Ryan Claros, Paul Eustaquio, Kepueli Katoa, Conrad Kerber, Robert Leon Guerrero, Ryan McManus, Randy Mendiola, Brandon O'Mallan, Earl Pascual, Matthew Sgro, Matthew Toves, Anthony Villena, William Williams.

Coach: William Hetaraka

Asistant Coaches: Christopher Luman and Neil Paynter

Managers: Chris Wolseley and Janice Sablan
Doctor:Tom Mick

Lancashire won the battle of the counties on Saturday at Twickenham, with the Red Roses lifting the Bill Beaumont Cup trophy for an impressive 19th time with a final score of 32 – 18.

The Lancashire side put in an impressive start with their first try coming after only six minutes with some impressive play providing Flanker Crous to cross the line. Fly half Alex Davies missed the conversion.Gloucestershire immediately went on the attack winning a try, with a missed conversion the score was tied at 5 -5 after ten minutes.Lancashire pushed ahead with three penalties.

Gloucestershire began to trail behind after missing one of their three penalty shots and at half time the score was 11-14 to the Red Roses.After the restart Lancashire were handed two penalties but were only able to convert one. Gloucestershire fought back with a break seeing them over the line. The try was converted making the score 18-17.

The lead was short lived and after a further penalty and two tries the Red Roses claimed victory.Lancashire captain Stephen Nutt said: "This is a tremendous achievement. The players have really bought into the ethos of county rugby and gelled together so quickly this season. We knew we had the firing power in all departments and today we performed.

The forwards really took control of the game, and our defense was really solid. We have won the cup and we are absolutely delighted."Being gracious in defeat the Gloucestershire captain Paul Knight said: “On the day we were beaten by a better side. We managed to push ahead at one point but they came back fighting. Their team looked very impressive in the Samurai Kit.”

Samurai is delighted to announce that Birmingham and Solihull RFC has agreed to a 2-year extension of their kit contract.

Sales Director, Simon Hodgkinson said “This is superb news. The club has had one of its most successful seasons ever. They have been crowned champions of National 2, winning 22 of their 26 league games and scored over 1,000 league points in the process. All at Samurai wish them every success for next season’s Championship campaign. However, we must also remember that a club like this is not just about the professionals. Birmingham and Solihull RFC has one of the most active mini and junior sections in the country and Samurai is proud to be associated with such sterling work”.

However, the Tunisians hit back by turning on the style to score a try of their own through Sabeur Ben Charrada. Abess Kherfani had broken down the right wing but it all stemmed from strong ball carrying by Sabri Guemir. The converted kick made it 19-7 at half-time. Varndell, England's star of the show then picked up the ball on the left wing and left the defence for dead to touch down under the posts. The Tunisians were no doubt relieved to see him replaced and it certainly seemed to boost the Tunisians who broke through English lines and a wonderful one-handed pass by Charrada gave Kherfani a short ride to the line.

The North Africans then turned over English possession only to knock on just outside their 22. But England gave away a penalty in return and the Tunisians turned the position into points when a flowing move from the left set Amor Mezgar free to dive into the right corner. England's errors were costing them and Charrada flamboyantly dived under the posts to take them to within two points of England. But that was the final score of the game. A wonderful performance by the underdogs and England have much work to do.

England take the points, Tunisia take the credit.

Samurai kit supplied Lancashire's dream of playing at Twickenham lives on thanks to the efforts of 20 lads who wore their shirts with "Pride" and proved they do have the "Desire" to win. The day started with 5 cry offs, from the selected team and with Phillip Whyte injured in the warm up. Lancashire had to re shuffle their back line, as well, an urgent call went to Burnley's Gavin Gregory who arrived just before K.O. (Still 2 replacements down)

Lancashire won the toss and opted to play up the slight slope and against the wind.
Yorkshire as expected came out with all guns blazing and from series of forward drives saw the home team within yards of the red rose try line. Words alone cannot describe the "Courage" of the Lancashire defensive line, as wave after wave, of attacks were thwarted by fierce and hard tackling keeping the white rose side out.

Eventually after ten minutes the home side were awarded a Penalty, which was slotted over by No 10 Tom Davidson playing on his home ground. The next ten minutes followed the same pattern Lancashire trapped within their own 22 and defending their line. Again the the line held firm and Yorkshire's only reward was another penalty, which Davidson slotted over.

From the kick off Lancashire were awarded a Penalty, from the ensuing maul, but more importantly, Yorkshire hooker Tom Doughty was sin binned, at the intervention of the Touch Judge. It was now the Lancashire lads turn to apply the pressure with Richard De Carpentier and Andy Darlington both making surging runs towards the Yorkshire line. Lancashire's reward a penalty in front of the post which Tom Leader casually put over. HT Score 6-3

With the wind and the slope in their favour, Lancashire committed a school boy error, at the start of the second half, players in front of the kicker. This allowed Yorkshire to launch an attack from the set scrum, which Lancashire back line were deemed to be offside from. The penalty again kicked by Davidson. (9-3)

Despite this set back Lancashire, through some good tactical kicking by No 9 Adam Anderson and great line out work from Mat Baker and his Jumpers F Spavin and Mat Crampton saw Yorkshire infringe. Tom Leader adding another Penalty (9-6)

Lancashire started to turn the screw with Mark Irving and Tom Manley combining well, only for the final pass, to full back Embleton, to be adjudged forward.
From a turn over ball Yorkshire attempted a counter attack only for the long pass to be intercepted by Tom Leader, who raced some 30 yards to score under the post, which he converted. For the first time in the game Lanc's took the lead. (9-13).

Just after this Fraser Spavin was shown yellow following a synacle offside at a ruck.Down to 14 men, Lancashire conceded a try close to the touch line again converted by Davidson (16-13)

With ten minutes to go Lancashire launched every thing at the white rose County only to have the ball stolen from them, again they tried to counter attack, and again in with a virtual repeat Tom Leader intercepted and raced to the line taking three defenders with him, to score under the sticks which again he converted brining
his total tally and Lancashire's tally to 20. (16 - 20).

The next eight minutes saw Yorkshire hammer the thin red line, they declined a Penalty in front of the post, they attacked wide they opted for scrummages and still they could not reach the white wash, at the death one final attack saw the the tackle of the match, if not the Championship. Gavin Gregory, the last minute replacement, hit the wingman forcing him into touch within an inch of the Lancashire line. The referee blowing for no side. A great Lancashire victory in Yorkshire, never before achieved at this age Group!!!!!!

Leader shows the way - Defence wins you match's.

Featured Team (23.02.08) - Giggleswick RFC

Sappers make Army Rugby History

The Royal Engineers Rugby Team (Sapperrugby) made Army rugby history on Wednesday 18 February when they became the first team ever to win the Army Corps Championship with an unprecedented third win in successive years. Playing the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Vosper Thorneycroft Championship Final in front of a large crowd at the Army rugby stadium in Aldershot the Sappers rounded of another unbeaten season by running out winners 28 – 8 in a tough and physical encounter.

This extends the senior teams remarkable unbeaten run back to November 2006 and includes wins over the South African Defence Force and the Australian Army. Two players, scrum half Andy Gill and number eight Ledua Jope (playing for London Scottish) have now deployed to Afghanistan and hooker Garry Windle flew from his base in Germany where he was on his ‘7 day mid tour’ Afghan leave to play the fixture such is the commitment of the team, he has an understanding wife!

Manager Chris Fowke said ‘The Sappers are a shining example to Service Sport showing what can be achieved when the Army is so heavily committed to Operations by hard work, commitment and passion’ More on www.sapperrugby.com

First Day Injuries Cut Samurai Down To Size

The ULR Samurai team, consisting of 4 New Zealanders, 5 Australians and 3 Englishman, came together as a team for the first time on the Wednesday morning prior to the Darwin 7s tournament. In the early pool games on the first day, the ULR Samurai team faced local Australian team Ronin Impact and then Country Browns.

Then came 4 time tournament winners and 6^th seeds, Delavalatu from Fiji. The winner of this game would win the pool and go through to play an easier qualifier the following day. Delavalatu took a 14 – 0 lead with 2 well taken tries. But Samurai struck back just before half time with a well taken Ben Golling’s try to take the score to 14 – 7. Immediately from the kick off from a quickly taken penalty, Laumua Potifele kicked ahead and edged in front of his Fijian defender. As Laumua dived forward he seemingly failed to touch down by the narrowest of margins. Delavaltu restarted the game but were called back by the Referee after he caught sight of his touch judge. The Fijian defender had pushed Laumua as he dived and the penalty try was awarded to make the score 14 - 14. Laumua left the fire with serious concussion and a cut eye. With only a minute left Golling’s started a break which resulted in Kiwi Mark Selwyn slipping under the attempted Fijian tackle to score in the corner. As Selwyn touched down a second Filian came in low and hard with a blow to Selwyn’s head. Consequently Selwyn was stretchered from the field. The game ended at 14 – 19 to the Samurai.

On the second day Samurai, with a patched up team managed to dispose off the Global Fiji BaaBaa’s team and then in a tough quarter final, they beat Australian Club side Gordon in what was an excellent game of Sevens. In the first semi final a weakened ULR Samurai team faced 2007 & 2008 tournament winners the Drifters who were being led by the infamous Waisale Serevi.

The Drifters took an early 7 – 0 lead but Samurai managed to pull one back through Bernie Orbell to bring the game to 7 – 7. The final score ended at 33 – 14 to the Drifters with the Samurai injury situation proving to difficult a problem to over come in such conditions. It was indeed abridge too far but every single Samurai player had given their all in an excellent exhibition of 7s Rugby. To read the full report click here.

Featured Team (19.01.09) - Birmingham & Solihull Bees

Birmingham & Solihull Bees Rugby Club has been named Samurai "Team of the Month" Due to their consistently good form so far this season that includes winning eight of their last nine matches and the good work their community coaching project is achieving. Presently riding high in National League Two in second place, just behind Samurai kit supplied Redruth RFC, the Bees have scored 505 points (more than anyone else in the league) and have accumulated 56 league points.

Back To School For The Busy Bees

Birmingham & Solihull have been busy, continuing their prolific community coaching programme. Baverstock School & Specialist Sports College played host to two Bees community coaches as part of the rugby club’s ‘TAG team’ initiative. “The provision is designed to increase the numbers of rugby players across the school, and aid the permanent staff by learning new coaching techniques to help retain and develop individuals” commented Community Team Manager Alex Davidson.

PE Teacher and Baverstock’s Rugby Coordinator Gary Faulconbridge affirms the club’s involvement: “The coaching is great and the youngsters have been very enthusiastic, numbers at training have also increased and the pupil’s skills have visibly developed. I have also developed my knowledge both of the game and also the drills/practices used in rugby...I hope this taster will keep and increase the interest in rugby at the school. I believe that mixing the Tag rugby with a variety of contact sessions in the near future will only increase the knowledge and skills of both pupil and staff. This is something I am striving to achieve as well as a school girls Tag team.”

“Having worked with the staff and pupils for a couple of weeks already, we are delighted with the attitude and skill improvement shown. We hope to arrange a fixture in the New Year between Baverstock and Langley School, one of the other Secondary’s receiving our input” added Davidson.

If you’d like the Bees to coach pupils at your school, contact Alex on 0121 705 0409 or alex.davidson@beesrugby.com for more information.

Samurai To Kit Sponsor Kent CCC 

Samurai International Sportswear Limited is delighted to announce that it has signed a 3-year kit sponsorship with Kent County Cricket Club. One of eighteen first class cricket counties in the UK, it is safe to say Kent is up there with the elite. Kent's Past honours include being, County Champions seven times, One Day League Champions five times and in 2007 Kent won the 20/20 cup.

Samurai Finance Director and keen cricketer Neil Bridgstock said "the Agreement to be Kit Sponsor to Kent is fantastic. Kent is one of the best county cricket sides in Britain and we are one of the leading names in the sportswear industry - therefore this union only goes to show the ambition of both parties. A big thank you must go to Paul Motum for his help in making this partnership happen".

Kent’s Director of Operations, Jon Fordham, commented “Kent CCC is happy that Samurai have agreed to be the Club’s new kit sponsor.  Samurai has a fantastic record of producing first class quality sports clothing and equipment and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with them”. Samurai is looking forward to making Kent look the part on the field and trust this will aid their ambitions.

Featured Team - Redruth RFC

Redruth RFC has been named Samurai "Team of the Month" after winning all but one of their league games so far this season. Topping the National League Two ahead of Samurai kit supplied Cambridge RFC and Birmingham & Solihull, Redruth has scored 396 points, accumulating 58 league points and beaten the likes of Wharfedale, Waterloo and Launceston making them rightful league leaders.

Dave Penberthy of Redruth said "Being chosen as Samurai's Team of the Month is just reward for everyone involved at the club as we are very much a community club and work very closely with our players, supporters and business partners, Samurai being one of them. It's been a tremendous first half of the season for us and we are looking forward to replicating those performances in 2009". Samurai is delighted to name Redruth as Team of the Month and wish them every success in 2009.

Barrow Carry Themselves Well Against Fijians

Barrow impressed during their first outing of the season. They met Australian Fijians head-on in a match that seemed a full gone conclusion before the first whistle was even blown due to the thrashing the Fijians had been giving to every team that dared stand in their way.

The Raiders were more than up for the occasion though, not letting the Fijians reputation get the better of them. The first half was saw the Fijians up by 12 with nine minutes on the clock and left the crowd of 1,000 thinking they would be in for a long afternoon. But a glimmer of hope appeared when Liam Campbell pulled one back for the Raiders. The rest of the game was an even affair with procession and points going back and forth and the Raiders showing the  high class rugby that they can produce. The final score was a fair one with the match finishing a draw.

Samurai Sales Manager Stephen Nutt commented, “The Fijian team have been hammering everyone along the way so well done to Barrow”.

Sporting Chance Crowned Dubai Champions

A fantastic victory for a team participating for a very worthy cause indeed. www.sportingchancefoundation.com. Enormous thanks go to all of the Foundation Trustee's and in particular Eddie Young, together with all of the foundations sponsors for making this fantastic victory possible.

Dinnington Rugby Club Under 17's

Dinnington Rugby Club U17’s are proudly sporting their new Samurai kit for the 2008/2009 season, provided by their new sponsor a.l.joinery. Everyone has been impressed with the style and quality of the Samurai kit, and are looking forward to helping promote the name of Samurai throughout the season ahead.

This is their first season playing league Rugby, and whilst residing within the southern limits of South Yorkshire have opted to join the Notts/Lincs/Derbyshire League 1 for the season, playing against the likes of Lincoln, Chesterfield, Nottingham and  Loughborough amongst others. The season started well winning their first two games, but then a number of injuries in the backs forced the team to enter the field playing forwards in the backs and this saw Dinnington lose two very close games, and also suffer a convincing defeat against county champions Lincoln. However, almost back to full-strength again they have since beaten previously unbeaten league leaders Chesterfield 24-5.

The lads are looking forward to their Tour to Northern Italy at Easter where they are looking to take on strong local opposition, and then finishing the season playing in the National U17 Competition.

Featured Team (14.11.08) - Wanstead RFC

Wanstead's most impressive result came in the eagerly anticipated match against "arch rivals" Upper Clapton where Wanstead won 55-22.
Scott Ross, of Wanstead RFC, said "things are looking good at Wanstead RFC with the kit and clothing going down a storm". Samurai is delighted to be associated with Wanstead and hope their impressive start to the season continues.

Samurai kit supplied Redruth RFC made an impressive start to their league season and has carried on the good form by going undefeated thus far this season. Taking the National Division Two by storm, Redruth has won all nine league matches so far, beating the likes of Westcombe Park, Launceston and Blackheath on their way.

With two other Samurai kit supplied teams hard on their tail (Birmingham & Solihull RFC & Cambridge RFC) Redruth will be looking to keep the competition at bay in order to gain automatic promotion to National League 1.

Samurai is proud to be associated with Redruth and wish them and the rest of their associate teams competing in National League Two the best of luck for the rest of the season.

Featured Team - Robert Clack School Rugby Academy

Robert Clack School, Dagenham has been name Samurai “Team Of The Month” due to their success on and off the pitch. After a summer recruitment drive it appears that Robert Clack School has picked up the star quality required to make their new Rugby Academy a success. Having used Samurai kit for several ventures in the past, noticeably to Canada and Barbados, Academy Manager Dave Maudsley has ensured his team look the part as well as he hopes they are going to play the part.

Their success on the pitch started with a successful pre-season and has seen them win against Queens, Hertfordshire, Burnham Grammar, Saffron Walden and John Fisher. With a core group of players made up of their U16 team from two years ago, who reached the last 16 of the Daily Mail Cup, the squad has been boosted with the introduction of sixteen new players. It was made clear to the boys that their acceptance to the Academy was to be treated as a privilege and that their academic work was to be treated as a priority.

Dave Maudsley said “Each boy gets two Samurai playing shirts, two pairs of Samurai shorts, socks, bottoms, polo shirt, waterproof and a bag”. “It’s important that we arrive looking like a team that means business and then play the same way – my dad always told me that if you looked good you played good. The t-shirts are reserved for those players voted "Player Of The Month" by the coaches and their peers”. To read their story in full click here.

Samurai Keep Their Promises

Samurai Sportswear won the pre-season kit delivery battle, by achieving a 100% success rate for customer on time deliveries, as promised. Samurai guaranteed if you signed off your order by 1st May 2008 it would be delivered to you by August 11th 2008 for pre-season, if it wasn't you wouldn't have to pay.

This promise was met with time to spare for the 2008/09 season. The last order was delivered by the end of June 2008. Samurai Sportswear - “probably" the best custom made on time kit delivery in the World. This highlights and demonstrates the huge effort, impressive professionalism and dedication of the Samurai team.

Netball Team Delighted With Samurai Kit

St Lawrence Netball Club recently received their Samurai Netball kit and were more than happy with it. Jackie Nelson of St Lawrence said 'The quality and style of the Netball kit that Samurai has supplied us with is exceptional. The members of St Lawrence Netball Club are very pleased with the final product and are proud to be wearing it. "Obviously, it has a 'knock on' effect to their playing, as our 6 teams have had a very good start to the season. I would recommend Samurai products to anyone wanting quality, style and comfort'.

Samurai Join Forces With The Welsh Dragon

Samurai Sportswear is delighted to announce the agreement to kit supply the Welsh Rugby League. The agreement will see the Welsh international squad wear a newly-designed kit in their upcoming fixture versus England and will also include the entire Wales representative junior and amateur teams kitted out fully in specially designed Samurai team-wear.

Wales Rugby League Chairman Mark Rowley said “we are delighted to be going into partnership with Samurai, they have a rapidly expanding list of partners and we are keen to work together to promote the new shirt in Wales. The new shirt is a unique design and we are sure it will prove popular with the Welsh public. Simon, Damien, Michelle and the team at Samurai have been great to work with, we have been extremely impressed with their expertise and professionalism.

Samurai Sales Director and ex-England international Simon Hodgkinson said “We are delighted to be producing the new Wales international shirt, Wales Rugby League have a strong tradition and the sport is on the up in the country with the Crusaders getting into Super League and the amateur game flourishing. Our retailers have already received very positive responses to the new shirt design and we are sure it will be very popular”.

Samurai's French Revolution

SASP USA LIMOGES RUGBY are the latest addition to the Samurai family. Limoges, a fully professional club playing in the French FED 1 league have high hopes of making an immediate return to PRO 2 and start their campaign with a real mix of local, English and Antipodean talent.+

Philippe Leveau, President of Limoges said "I am looking forward to working with Samurai - they are a brand that will suit Limoges. We like to play attacking rugby and have a reputation for doing things a little different to others".

Samurai sales director, Simon Hodgkinson is delighted to welcome aboard Limoges. "Philippe is a great guy, the club has a proud tradition and the whole city is behind it. This relationship with Limoges will hopefully be the first of many for us with clubs in France".

Barrow Raiders have been chosen as Samurai's "Featured Team" due to their promotion from National League 2 to National League 1. On the 23rd August 2008, The Raiders gained automatic promotion from National League Two by beating Swinton Lions 12-32 to clinch second place. The Raiders deserved to be promoted after winning 16 of the 22 league matches and finished with an impressive 52 points.

Head coach David Clark said was overjoyed, he said “What a season it has been fantastic and I think the achievement of gaining promotion must be dedicated to chief executive Des Johnston. It is the reward he deserves for all the hard work he has put in over the past two and a half years. It has been a team effort but Des has always been the leading light. The success must be massive for him”.

Samurai is proud to be associated with Barrow Raiders and wish them the best of luck in National League One.