News

Abbeyfield Set For East Mids Finals

Posted on the 13th January 2012 by Patrick

Over the next two weeks Abbeyfield will make a small amount of history in the region as they field a team in every age group of the prestigious Carnegie Champion Schools Competition East Midlands Finals.

Even more remarkable for the school is the way the sport has taken off since the first session there just over two years ago. Rugby League has gone from the occasional session to being on the schools PE curriculum, with every age group now having sampled the great game. Earlier in the school year the after school club gained 45 participants, soon after the Challenge Cup Trophy arrived for a visit.

Having been unbeaten in the Northamptonshire rounds of the Carnegie Champions Schools tournament, Abbeyfield now get the chance to take on schools from Derbyshire. Tuesday sees Abbeyfields year 7, 9 and 11s travel up the M1 to take on Frederick Gent School. On Wednesday 25th Heanorgate year 8s and Frederick Gent year 10s come down the M1 to play at Abbeyfield.

Previewing the East Midlands Finals, Head of PE Claire Perrin commented, “The fact that Abbeyfield has reached the Champion Schools Regional Finals in all age groups reflects how rugby league has become an integral part of the curriculum over the last two years. The students have responded with great enthusiasm to the coaching they have received. To have success at every age group is a brilliant achievement, there is a real sense of excitement about the upcoming matches.”

The excitement of the lads at the school has been noticable this week, Northampton Community Coach Patrick Wilson stated, “The lads at the school are bouncing about the opportunity they have. All I’ve heard this week is questions and excitment about the forthcoming games, it can only be a good thing for Northamptonshire Rugby League for there to be such a buzz about the sport!

The school has built an exceptional relationship with us and are reaping the rewards. They have shown their commitment to the sport recently purchasing playing kits and it will be great to get their first use in such a big event. Claire and her team deserve a large amount of credit for the work they have put in to the sport at Abbeyfield, I’m sure everyone at the club will join me in wishing them well for the next two weeks!”

If you/your school is interested in Rugby League or the Carnegie Champion Schools Tournament please contact Community Rugby League Coach Patrick Wilson on patrickwilson@northamptonrl.co.uk

Team Mates With Tony Watts

Posted on the 22nd December 2011 by Patrick

What do you want out of the new season?

My new job might keep me away from the demons this summer so if I do get some game time I will be hoping my old body can still produce the goods.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

In ten years I hope to be a demons legend after scoring one of the clubs first tries in the challenge cup.

Best Trainer?

Too many great trainers to pick just one. The attitude to training from all the lads is outstanding and great to be around.

Quickest Player?

Got to be the man with the best hair at the club. No not Scott howkins I’m talking about Reece rance

Most Skilful?

Kie has unbelievable tekkers. I swear he has hands like spiderman the ball just sticks to them.

Biggest Moaner?

Coach Wilson. Enough said

Most Potential?

Lots of the young lads have bags of talent and if they keep going I see I bright future for the club. Frank the tank is a stand out lad and can defo go all the way.

 

Hard Man?

This will surprise a few people but I go for young Glyn. I have lifted heavier bags of sugar but that boy can tackle.

 

Best Dancer?

Not seen many movers but got to go to my old mate John jazz. He got the moves like jagger.

 

Worst Dress Sense?

Worst dresser goes to Tom pallent for his co-op uniform.

 

And……

Who’s the longest in the shower?

I’m normally last out of the changing rooms but as every one will say………. Moose!!!

 

Tony’s Talk 6th December

Posted on the 6th December 2011 by Patrick

What’s happening Demons?!

 

Been a long time since I spoke to you all but I figured with all the news and buzz going around the place it would be a good time to get back on the keyboard and actually write something.

 

Well what a week for the town of Northampton and Rugby League as a whole.  I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about so I won’t patronise you but it is fantastic news, especially for The Demons because it is a brilliant opportunity for every single player to work hard and get a taste of professional Rugby League.  I know a lot of our boys, myself included work hard and train like pro’s anyways so to have something to aspire to is a massive boost for individuals as well as a club.

 

I don’t know about anyone else but it’s only been a couple of weeks since the Four Nations finished (unfortunately Australia won it again) But I’m missing my RL like I’ve lost a leg or an arm!  I’ve played a few games for my club back up North in Cumbria but nothing beats stepping over the white wash as part of the yellow brick wall and come the start of the 2012 season I will be buzzing to rip in to pre season training with the rest of the lads.

 

But whilst I have no RL to play at the moment I am looking forward to getting the old egg shaped ball back in my hands at Northampton RL’s touch Rugby; it might only be touch but it’s all about keeping the ball skills and rugby brain ticking over, plus it gives us a chance to bond during the off season and possibly come up with some combinations, mostly though it’s all about having fun and enjoying ourselves, something which Rugby League is all about.

 

From a personal point of view I’ve been working closely with Keir over the past few months.  I came back from Afghanistan weighing about 70kgs.  All well and good but not for a Rugby League player!  Keir has been helping me put a bit of mass on but also has helped me gain strength and better agility and balance, it’s a shameless plug but if you’re serious about your RL and you’re motivated and dedicated enough to put the hard graft in then I can’t recommend Keir enough.

 

Anyways I’ll let you all go now but it’s been good writing to you again and I won’t leave it so long next time!

 

Work hard, train hard, play harder and I’ll hopefully see a lot of you at touch on Tuesdays at 7pm.

 

Hetherington out.

Team Mates With Alex Ayling

Posted on the 14th December 2011 by Patrick

What do you want out of the new season?

I think it is important that we continue to build the club and look to expand our base of good committed players.  Last season was a good one but we felt the pinch towards the end with injuries and absences.  If we can do this and re-establish the Demon spirit that has brought our recent successes then we can push to the next level.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Hoping to move the family to Australia but whether here or there, I’ll be continuing the coaching route and hope to be doing good things in the future.

Best Trainer?

Dave Marks – faultless commitment and work ethic, even if on occasions a little over zealous and being asked by Gary to ‘pipe down’.

Quickest Player?

New boy Reece Rance is pretty rapid, would be interesting to see him and Danny B going head to head.

Most Skilful?

Without a doubt, Kie Fewsters ball skills can create acres of space or pick the tiniest of locks.

Biggest Moaner?

Haha, that’s easy having spent last season side by side with Mr Patrick ‘What’s a sun tan?’ Wilson.

Most Potential?

Obviously I’d say me but the old folk’s home only let me out once a week….Seriously though there are so many young players at the club with bags of potential and with the right commitment to training and playing, could go a long way.

Hard Man?

Seeing Wolfie take a loose pass that resulted in him sparked out with a broken jaw and then rejoining the game 10 minutes later made me a little bit scared……especially when he finished the whole game before taking a leisurely jaunt to the hospital!

Best Dancer?

I’m sure there are more skilful dancers but once you’ve witnessed the gruesome twosome of Trig Dog and Desi hitting the floor, there’s no going back.

Worst Dress Sense?

A few contenders but I’d have to say Euan Walker.  Only a young lad but probably passed the age that his Mum should still be dressing him.

And……

Who’s the longest in the shower?

Proportionally I’d say Joe Smith……because he’s only 3ft 4in himself……although he would probably argue he’s still the 3rd tallest in his house.

Touch Rugby Is Coming!

Posted on the 21st November 2011 by Patrick

Indoor Touch Rugby is coming to Northampton this week and we would like to see you there giving it a go

Touch Rugby is a non contact, fun, variation on the full sport and is inclusive of all abilities as well as men and women.

Sessions start at 7pm at Northampton Academy and are just £2 per person. Sessions are open to male and female particpants over the age of 14. Address and details are on the poster above, should you have any questions please dont hesitate to contact Patrick Wilson on patrickwilson@northamptonrl.co.uk or 07702660760

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