Coulson's Chatter - A Rugby Academy Season Poem

A Coach’s View

Its been said to me that brevity is order of the day,
to keep things short I shall report in a different kind of way.
A poetic look at what has been and where we’ve travelled this year,
A summation for all assembled friends, I hope its fun and clear.

In August last we did depart for lands far to the west,
With rugby matches in Truros home we did travel to contest.
The best teams from around the land awaiting for Worthing Keen,
A rugby benchmark to measure against and players to be seen.

Not the best and not the worst but education gained,
Ivybridge especially showed us how the game should be played.
Battered, bruised and bloodied but broken not in heart,
A really challenging place from which the season did start.

September time both ones and twos were winning games for fun,
the harder decks, expansive style all under Autumnal Sun.
The Daily Mail was going well and so were all the leagues,
the BCS for both the sides playing a style pleasing to see.

October and November months players all settled in,
From this point on the harder games were surely to begin.
And that they did, the Daily Mail setting challenges tough,
To progress on, increased intensity hoped to be enough.

A delightful win in week 5 against the mighty Hurst,
No stench of poverty remained this year, they’re still under a Worthing curse.
In round 5 Peter Symmonds did grace the field of dreams,
Unfortunately this opponent was much stronger than previously seemed.

So the BCS was to focus on, for the coming weeks,
Winning games and personal development was what we all did seek.
Some good results and others poor the general goings on,
Performance improved from week to week Worthing building momentum.

Plenty of work, lots of sweat and some blood along the way,
Discussions had and decisions made on squads direction of play.
Jack, Queen and King, Joker too nominated to sleigh the foe,
Forwards winning quick ball first then backs all have a go.



Opponents Clack and Oaklands we threw upon the sword,
Anon to SEEVIC Essex, despair too few points were scored.
A lengthy trip upon the coach down to sunny Worthing Shores,
Lengthy digestion then summation of the missing scores.

The County Cup was next to contest, Collyers Away,
An encounter tough but performance strong so in competition we did stay.
On to Worth, an independent school with means shiny and bright,
Green and Short dotting down, Peggs boot led Worthing to delight.

On Finals day at Worthing RFC the competition would draw to close,
St Bedes to face, a performance given, 51-0 the best we showed.
Was this the point in rugby circles that independent lost to state,
A transition in rugby dynamics scrumptious to contemplate.

To the Quarters of the BCS, SEEVIC on the field of dreams,
A point too short of winning the match and tears are clearly seen.
Players of every vintage were disemboweled by the loss,
Manning up with shoulders back remembrance non too cross.

One last chance for glory to be bestowed upon the boys,
The BCS League play off match win to nationally make some noise,
Colleg Sir gar, Llanelli, south Wales gave ample time to visulaise,
Although momentous pride and effort again tears were welling up in.

The match was tough and the welshmen strong, Worthing passionate to a man,
I’m Sad to say while we did our best it didn’t go to plan.
To a drawing board of sorts to I suspect stratagise again,
So when in situation next we can rise to win the game.

So highlights now of a season long, as I’m standing here with you,
Well many and varied would be the cry so I’ll give you just a few.

Ryan Balls rampaging runs the likes in the bCS fixtures Boom!
The 2s dominating a Chi College who’s proclamation came too soon.
For the time just now we’re still number one of the state school colleges,
So step back chaps and feast on HUmble pie we’ll be here for ages.

Beating schools that reckon themselves a greater man or place,
Hurst then Worth and on to Bedes we’ve left them red of face.
The forward pack so physical in situations tight,
A kicking game from hands and at posts always left us right.

The front row a love for the track, 400s they did detest,
Vomit flew and bodies pained but they all gave their best.
100 seconds a lap and the final push towards the line,
Continuation of luscious repeats until squaring of the fine.

And finally the cammerarderie of gentlemen warriors each one,
Sad as it is the seasons over and some men will soon be gone.
So from this stage I take my leave but first the knowledge bomb,
We can better, must strive to be better and shall as we carry on.

In quiet contemplation time at home or on the train,
Riding the bus driving the car or strolling in the rain.
Remember Honesty, Remember Endeavor and Remember to Respect,
Then mine and others admiration you’ll continue to collect.