News Archive

The continuing bad weather has caused many issues across the region and has impacted significantly on available playing space for Clubs and Schools alike.

On the basis that it seems unlikely that the existing flooded pitches will have recovered in the coming days, we have decided to hold the next U17s Training Session at:

YMCA Sports Village

Lord Hawke Way

off Bowbridge Road

Newark

NG24 4FH

As you enter the facility, the main Sports Centre will be on your right hand side. 

THIS IS NOT WHERE WE ARE TRAINING.

Head towards the top left hand corner of the Car Park and pass under the barrier. The Changing Rooms and Pitches are located by exiting the top right hand corner of the Car Park. Follow the path until you see the Portacabin accommodation.

THE SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN:    20:00-21:30.

PLAYERS SHOULD ARRIVE IN GOOD TIME TO REGISTER THEIR ATTENDANCE AND BE READY TO TRAIN BY 20:00.

We appreciate that the session runs a little later than normal and accept this may impact on those travelling further distances. Unfortunately, the lack of grass facility around the area has placed added pressure on the 3G facility, and their is limited availability as the facility has numerous regular bookings.

AS MENTIONED, THIS IS A 3G PITCH AND APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR NEEDS TO BE WORN.

Any player unable to make the session is requested to contact the Squad Manager (Lee Slack) as soon as possible at:

[email protected]

The instructions were short and clear in the huddle before kick off, “don’t start slowly”.

NLD playing up quite a slope took this on board and attacked from the whistle.

The first try came from moving the ball quickly out wide to the right and if not for a great tackle by EC the try would of been scored, but quick ball from the ruck went back the other way through the backs and our 13 scored close to the posts which was duly converted. 0-7

The match ebbed and flowed and EC tested the NLD defence several times before from a scrum on our 10m line the No8 picked up going right and again quick recycling saw the ball going left down the backline for our 14 to score in the corner 0-12

Second half saw NLD with the slope but a challenging wind behind them meant kicking saw the ball disappear dead in goal if over hit.

NLD again picked and drove from the base of the scrum with three quick pick & drives up the middle before sending the ball right for our 22 to score, this time with the help of the wind the try was converted 0-19

Not to be over run EC then attacked from the kick off and soon won a scrum in the NLD half, working the ball right from the scrum they scored out wide 5-19

Keeping the pressure on NLD, EC continued to attack but were intercepted by our 11 who passed back inside for our 9 to score 5-24

Not to be overrun EC then scored probably the try of the match from a scrum in their own half they attacked right and scored in the corner. 10-24

With time running out yet another good pick up form 8 saw NLD drive forward, our 6 ripped the ball from the resulting maul and quick ball out to the backs saw our 13 score his second of the game which was converted.

Final score 10-31.

Our last fixture sees us hosting Leicestershire on Sunday 23rd Feb

Following the recent Trials on 26 January and subsequent announcement of those players going forward to the next stage of selection, the following dates have been finalised for the upcoming training sessions.

ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT NEWARK RFC UNLESS OTHERWISE AMENDED IN CASE OF ADVERSE WEATHER.

Monday 17 February 

Registration from: 18:00

Training: 18:30 – 20:00

Monday 24 February

Registration from: 18:00

Training: 18:30 – 20:00

Monday 16 March

Registration from: 18:00

Training: 18:30 – 20.00

Monday 23 March

Registration from: 18:00

Training: 18:30 – 20:00

Wednesday 01 April (evening)

Match v Leicestershire U17s

Venue: Belgrave RFC

Kick-off: 19:30

Monday 20 April

Registration from: 18:00

Training: 18:30 – 20:00

Sunday 26 April

Match v Staffordshire U17s

Venue: Away TBC

Players should arrive in good time to register their attendance and be ready to train by 18:30.

During this training period, a number of players will join the squad from the current NLD U16s and a further reduction in numbers will probably take place after the Staffordshire game at the end of April.

As usual, any player who is unavailable for a session should contact the Squad Manager (Lee Slack) as soon as possible.

Lee Slack

Due to the forecasted storm tomorrow we have taken the decision to cancel the U13’s Festival at Worksop College. Hopefully this will be rearranged in the near future.

Following the receipt of tenders for the NLD Senior and Challenge Shield Finals days the competitions committee have accepted the following bids.

The NLD Senior Finals Day will be held at Derby RFC on Sat 25^th April.

The NLD Challenge Shield Finals Day will be held at Chesterfield Panthers RUFC on Sat 14^th March.

Schedules will be advised as soon as they are known.

Thanks to all the clubs who tendered for these events.

Played on Sunday 19th January at Walsall RFC

Our first proper fixture of the season proved to be a real test of the squads defences skills and Staff back line were well drilled and put on show some sharp handling skills. With a lovely flowing move Staffs moved the ball quickly down their backs creating and overlap to score on the corner, but conversion missed.  NLD responded well and the pressure resulted in Staffs giving away a penalty which led to an NLD line out on the Staffs 22, This was turned into a well driven maul, which resulted in the Staffs No 6 collapsing illegally just short of the try line, the Ref gave a penalty try and yellow card, though our hooker claimed he scored anyway.  With their heads up the forwards started making gains from around the ruck area and linked well with the backs resulting in well worked try, but conversion missed.  With half-time beckoning NLD conceded a penalty in their own 22 and Staffs forwards sucked in our pack and scored round the fringes of the ruck, conversion made.

Half time 12-12

The second half became very cat and mouse and had one of the longest scrums ever seen at this level with 6/7 resets and over 3 minutes taken before the ball was finally back in play.  Staffs continued to play some great rugby in with their back line and after a run of four penalties in our 22 the Ref went to his pocket, Playing the next 7 minutes one down NLD defence was outstanding holding of attack after attack from Staffs. As our player returned from the next play NLD turned the ball over and our No 7 broke through the Staffs line, linking well with our No 2.  From the resulting penalty for killing the ball in the tackle, NLD kicked for the corner and tried once more to set up a driving maul, but an accidental offside resulted in a Staffs scrum.  NLD took the resulting scrum against the head and breaking from No 8 almost scored, from the resulting ruck our No 4 powered over, but conversion missed.  With time running out yet another scrum resulted in a penalty to NLD and clear thinking by our 10 saw him tap it to himself and then kick to touch bringing the final whistle.

Full-time 12-17

Next fixture is away against Eastern Counties on the 2nd February

The following players have been nominated to attend the NLD U17s Trials at the University of Nottingham:

JOSHUA ASHE

GEORGE BACON

ELIOT BRATTON

LLOYD BUCK

JACK BURKILL

ROBERT CARMICHAEL

RUARI CATANI-BROWN

SAM CLEGG

HARRY CLOUGH

JOSEPH CONNOLLY

JOSH CORMACK

CHARLIE DAVIES

THOMAS DAVIES

DANIEL FLINT

SAM HALLAM

TOM HELLIWELL

IWAN HUTCHINGS

GEORGE HOTCHEN

MUNASHE KARENGA

WILLIAM KIBBLE

EWAN LEA

WILLIAM MARSDEN

BEN POYSER

BENJAMIN ROSS

ZACK SKAYMAN

CHARLIE SMYTH

DAVID SPENCER

ELLIOTT SQUIRE

DANIEL STOKES

OLIVER SUMMERLAND

CHARLIE TALLIS

TOBY TEASDALE

DYLAN TERRY

ZAK TOPLEY

CHRISTIAN ULEBEGOR

JOSHUA WADE

JONNIE WALSGROVE

KAIN WATTS

RYAN WEBB

DAN WHERRITT

TOM WIGGLESWORTH

ADAM WILKINSON

RHYS WILLIAMS

The Trials will take place on SUNDAY 26 JANUARY from 14:00 – 16:00 at:

University of Nottingham

David Ross Sports Village

University Park

Nottingham

NG7 2RD

Car Parking is available on Beeston Lane Wings with no restriction as parking is free at weekends.

It may be useful to use Google Maps and enter David Ross Sports Village as your destination as the postcode refers to pretty much all of the Campus. The WEST ENTRANCE is closer to the Sports Centre.

PLAYERS ARE REMINDED TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE SUITABLE FOOTWEAR FOR 3G/AGP SURFACES.

THE SESSION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 14:00 – 16:00 HOWEVER PLAYERS SHOULD ARRIVE IN THEIR KIT IN GOOD TIME TO BE REGISTERED SO WE HAVE THE MAXIMUM TIME AVAILABLE TO ASSESS THEM IN PLAYING CONDITIONS.

WARM OUTER CLOTHING AND WATER IS ADVISABLE FOR ANY PERIODS WHERE PLAYERS MIGHT NOT BE INVOLVED ON THE PITCH.

The NLD Coaching & Management Team will register players as they arrive and photograph each individual to help with recognition and selection. All members of the Team carry enhanced CRB accreditation, however, if any parent or player is unhappy about the photography aspect, please advise Squad Manager (Lee Slack) on 07739 295 182.

This form is for all Women and Girls wishing to apply for NLD squads 2020.

Players wishing to apply for the U15/18 squads need to complete and submit this online form by 20.1.20

Trials for Girls U18’s will take place on 26.1.20 @ Newark RFC from 13.30

Trials for Girls U15’s will take place on 2.2.20 @ Newark RFC from 13.30

Players wishing to apply for the Women’s squad need to complete and submit this online form by 12.2.20

Trials for Women’s squad will take place over 2 dates @ Newark RFC:-

Sunday 22.2.20 from 13.30 and Tuesday 25.2.20 from 19.00. Women applicants are requested to indicate their preferred trial date. (players need to attend 1  trial ONLY).

There is a published skills criteria for both W&G’s. Successful players will be working within the expected categories. Please take a look at NLD Skills Criteria 2020 prior to applying. NLD reserve the right to not accept applications/withdraw players from the process if they are working mostly within the Development categories. Any decision to remove a player will be based on competencies and safety. Full feedback for non selection can be obtained from the coaches upon request.

This form needs to be completed in full, (only women need to indicate their preferred trial date. For U15/18 applications please mark n/a).

Contact details for U15/18’s players MUST be those of a relevant adult, (parent or guardian), and NOT the player.

Women’s applicants please use your preferred contact details.

Please take the time to ensure the information given on this form is accurate and up to date. We use the information given as the primary source of contact for all age groups.

Players wishing to apply for Women’s squad positions, (who will be 17 years old at the time of application), must be registered as an adult player on the RFU GMS system at club. Players wishing to apply for U18 and Women’s squads MUST complete separate application forms.

All applicants MUST be registered on RFU GMS.

Full NLD Playing Calendar is available on the NLD website. Please refer to the training and Match dates. Players are expected to be able to attend a minimum 0f 66% of training AND Match dates.

NLD reserve the right to refuse any application.

Please follow the link below for Player Application Form 2020

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0CQ9PM2SQh1VqKuOL6Qf2dePwBOgxrd6KBTj6H3BRTYLwsw/viewform

Monday evening saw the final training session take place for the NLD U18 Squad prior to the last Super Sunday this coming weekend. The players have all worked hard to impress the Coaches and selection for the match day squad was always going to be difficult, which is testament to the level of performance many of the players have demonstrated.

Inevitably, there will be disappointment among those not selected and the NLD Coaching & Management Team were keen to impress on the players how difficult it has been to meet player expectation while accommodating the new structures in terms of game time for all players travelling. In addition, Midlands Selectors had, in a few cases, expressed a wish to see certain players included, with a view to establishing their possible progression into the Midlands Development Day Squad.

As the Manager commented at the end of Monday’s session, every player who participated in the final NLD Squad should feel honoured and proud. Equally as importantly, the Team hoped that everyone involved had enjoyed the experience and would return to their clubs as more complete players, able to contribute over the coming season.

For those players who are unfortunate not to make further progress, there are other challenges, including the NLD U20s Squad, which begins its campaign over the coming weeks.

Restriction in playing time and training has meant that a number of the ‘year young’ (U17s) players may not have enjoyed as much game time as in previous campaigns. Nevertheless, the current cohort of 8 players will provide the experienced nucleus of the Squad for next season’s campaign. Having experienced the programme a year early, these players should be well prepared to make a strong challenge for Midlands selection this time next year.

The final game of this season’s Midlands campaign will take place on SUNDAY 12 JANUARY 2020 against Warwickshire and the following players have been selected in the match day squad:

Josh ALTON-SMITH

Tom BRIDDON

Josh CLARKE

Oscar CLINK

Liam COOLING

Ben CROWE

Sam HAWKINS

Chris HESLAM

Liam HIND

Josh LIEPER

Max LOVERIDGE

Cameron MACLAUGHLIN

Ben MANDERFIELD

Ollie MASON

Jack MEAD

Jack PATRICK

Eddie PIZZEY

Will SHENNAN

Caius TWEED

James TWEEDIE

Josh WHITE

Ciaran WOLVERSON

VENUE: Loughborough University, LE11 3TL (Use East Gate/Entrance and follow signs for Event Parking)

MEET: 11:30

KICK-OFF: 13:00

As on previous occasions, there will be NO post-match meal although hot food and drinks will be available for purchase. On this basis, there will be NO requirement for white shirts and ties after the game.

Players are reminded that they should bring warm weather outer clothing for periods when they are not on the pitch.

Any player who is unavailable or injured is asked to contact the Squad manager (Lee Slack) as soon as possible.

Lee Slack

The NLD U17 Development Programme will run during February, March and April of 2020 and the nomination process for the Trial is outlined below:

As the NLD U16’s programme is already underway, there will NOT be a separate U16 trial. Players from that squad will be considered for inclusion in final trials following discussion with the U16’s Head Coach.

Trials for the U17 players will take place in the afternoon of Sunday 26^th January.

Venue: Nottingham University, David Ross Sports Village

Time: 14.00-16.00 

To ensure that we receive only your best players, each club and school is allowed to nominate a maximum of three players only for the U17’s Trials. It is important that the players nominated are of a standard, in terms of skills set, physicality, motivation and game management, sufficient to challenge for a Midlands Counties Trial in January 2021.

If any teachers/coaches are uncertain as to what level of performance is expected from players nominated, they should contact the Head Coach, Stuart Morley on 07970 973708 or at [email protected] .

It should be remembered that nominating players who are not ready to play at this elevated level can have an adverse effect on self-esteem and considerable thought should be given as to how this may affect individual players.

If you believe you have more than three players who are genuinely capable of playing at and beyond NLD level it is mandatory for you to contact the Head Coach, Stuart Morley, to discuss possible additional nominations.

Nominations exceeding the limit of three without the approval of the NLD Head Coach will be rejected, as will nominations made by parents on behalf of their own child – nominations will only be accepted by filling in and submitting the form through the link below.

Those responsible for nominating players should also give consideration as to whether any individual concerned will be prepared to commit the necessary time to complete the process. The success of the Midlands Campaign relies upon the quality of players available for selection for the NLD Squad. Recent years have seen a reduction in nominations from some quarters and it is hoped that teachers, in particular, will value the opportunity for their better players to have a chance to represent at this elevated level.

Nominations can be made by filling in this form: https://forms.gle/bZichTpFeMhvUNsh7  

Please note that only Head Coaches & Teachers are eligible to nominate players.

For information, eligible players are those born on or after 1^st September 2002, but not later than 31^st August 2003, i.e. those who are currently playing U17 rugby at school or club.

Any player who has played for NLD U18s this season and is eligible to play again next year (i.e. who is currently U17) does not need to be nominated as he has an automatic invitation in to the provisional U17 Group squad.  Once the programme reaches the trial match stage, the existing squad members will compete on a level footing with the new intake.

The closing date for the nominations is Wednesday 22^nd January 2020. Nominations received after this date will not be processed. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Lee Slack