Mark Shaw put some questions to our Club Head Coach Ian Allison

Mark Shaw = MS
Ian Allison = IA

1.MS = Full name and nickname if you have one ??
IA = Ian Allison

2.MS = How long have you been in Rugby League ??
IA = I never played until I joined the Army at 16. My Commanding Officer liked League so I couldn't play Union! I was immediately hooked.

3.MS = Who have you played for in Rugby League ??
AI = I have played for the Army, Royal Engineers, Adjutants' General Corps and London Broncos Academy.

4.MS = Do you like playing or watching ??
IA = Hate watching and must be involved elsewhere. When I Referee or Mentor Referees its all about the positioning of the match officials. When I'm coaching its about the position of players when they have the ball or there positional play when they don't have it. As a player I'm always trying to get my self in the right positions in attack and defend my piece of earth I have been assigned.

5.MS = What is your best moment in Rugby League ??
IA = There have been a few; however playing for the Royal Engineers and going 3 years without losing a game will take some beating.

6.MS = What is your funniest moment in Rugby League ??
IA = I can remember playing in Germany for the when our Loose Forward cut is head wide open when taking the ball up; as the challenge was so fierce he lost all sense of direction and when he started pumping his legs took off like forest gump towards our own try line. I brought him down 5 yards short. He couldn't see there was so much blood, 15 stitches later and he played on!

7.MS = What do you think of Rugby League in the south ??
IA = The expansion of the Rugby League borders away from the traditional heartlands making this great sport more accessible to more people.

8.MS =Why did you become a Rugby League fan ??
IA = The speed of the game takes many by surprise, it did me. I love the physical challenge the game gives you and how you have to pace yourself for 80 minutes. I think the game strives for attacking play which bodes well for the Cavaliers which have a very exciting backline.

9.MS = How did you become the Oxford Cavaliers Club Coach ??
IA = I was invited on board early this year to try and bring a more professional approach to the club. I believe if we can sort out the recruitment problems out the Cavaliers have a very bright future.

10.MS = What is it like working for the Oxford Cavaliers ? ?
IA = Very demanding, and sometimes very frustrating, however things are moving in the right direction.

11.MS = Were do you see the Oxford Cavaliers at the end of this season year ??
IA = Hopefully in a better place than they where last year. In the league we have the potential to get 2nd or 3rd which would give us a shot at the Regional Final.

12.MS =What would you like from the Oxford Cavaliers ??.
IA = Expansion of the club and support from the players.

13.MS = Do you think you can help raise the profile of the Oxford Cavaliers ??
IA = I think that has already happened. However I have more pokers in fires and will continue to shout out the Cavaliers cause to continue to grow the backroom staff, committee and player base.

14.MS = Can you tell us 5 thinks about the Oxford Cavaliers ??
IA = a. Oldest club in the South. b. Started by Lionel Hurst. c. Plays out of North Hincksley (home of Oxford RUFC Club) d. Oxford Cavaliers play an open expansive game. e. Plays in a very competitive South West Regional Conference.

15.MS = Is there anythink you would like to say to the Club, the player and are supporter ??
IA = Rugby League is an exciting summer sport. Try it, watch it. Become a fan, help out behind the scenes or try your hand at playing.

Thank you Ian for your time.