Shan't be there for the next two sessions lads. Will be protecting the homestead tomorrow night from the gales and floods, the week after am off to see John Shuttleworth.

Scott I'll be in touch re the POY do.

Training took an unexpected turn on Monday, 8th, when certain rule changes were trialed by Gareth and Adam. These were introduced in stages throughout the game and were adopted by everyone.

1. The player in possesion of the ball may be groped, grabbed, pushed, pulled or rolled onto the ground ONLY if there is a substantial area of mud beneath his/her feet.

2. A try may be awarded at the referee's discretion if the player attempting to score: a) makes a valiant attempt but is held back by a defender using rule 1; b) loses control of the ball over the line whilst attempting a dive, slide, pirouette or any combination (these will be graded by the referee and additional points may be awarded).

3. Any player finishing the game with clean kit or boots may be penalised by the official(s) post-match. An appropriate fine may be levied in the bar.

4. If control of the ball is lost by opposing players more than twice in quick succession (ie more than two knock-ons together) the referee will take possesion of the ball and his team will play the ball (zero tackle).

5. At a kick-off the attacking players may not approach within a metre of the defender picking up the ball. However, once the defender has gathered the ball all the attackers within the vicinity may "pile-on", thereby effecting tackle number one!

Let's see how it goes next week!

;o)

The underside of my boots was an exception to point 3. I would also add:

6. Kicking at any point by attack or defence and whether the ball goes out of play or not is legal. The game shall continue as normal thereafter.

In pretty horrid conditions 6 vs 6 I thought we made the most of our weekly bit of exercise