ABERAVON SCHOOLS U15’s RUGBY CONDITIONING REVIEW COOKING WITH THE WIZARDS VIEW FROM THE STANDS by Paul Williams
PRE-SEASON ROUND UP with SIMON KING THE RISE OF CHILD OBESITY GRASSROOTS RUGBY—BACKLASH ABERAVON KIT LAUNCH
IAN MOORE—UNCUT CHRIS MORGANS BACK IN TOWN JENKINS VERSUS WHITE
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EVAN YARDLEY— Throws the ball into the lineout. But did it find the jumper?
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We've had a busy, hard working pre -season. Everyone from coaching, playing, support and management staff have put together a quality preparation that should give us a solid foundation for the season ahead. We have had some good opposition in playing Pontypool, Plymouth, TATA Steel, the Fosters 7’s and the Aberavon Greenstars. We showed strong desire and character against all teams and these fixtures have given management a lot to think about in terms of team selection for the Swansea fixture on the 31st August. A strong conditioning program from Kevin has put the players in good shape to be able to play 80 minutes at high a high intensity. The players in particular have worked very hard and the extra conditioning should make them more resilient to the rigours of the Premiership. All players have had important match time and the pre season games gave everyone an indication of were we need to improve and areas of strength. The next job will be to use this preparation phase to manage themselves. As Head Coach I have to thank my support staff Craig, Kevin and Paul who put in a huge amount of work and they are really looking forward to the challenge. Dan Cunningham who helped complete the WRU test results also deserves thanks. The medical team Kelly, Sharon and Hannah, Steve, Matthew, Gareth and Max managed to keep us ticking over while we were on the road down at Long lands and put in a full shift. The facilities at Long lands were excellent and we should all thank Glanafan Comprehensive School for allowing us to use their facilities. It would be nice to see their pupils at a few of our home games. Pre season is now behind us and we must look forward to serious stuff with confidence, anticipation and a real desire to succeed. It's a tough challenge but one we should all enjoy - particularly the captain Andrew and all the players. Good Luck.
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Aberavon Schools has been running for over 100 years and consists of the 5 feeder schools, Cymer Afan, Dyffryn, Glanafan, Sandfields and St. Josephs Comprehensive schools. We compete in the Welsh Schools National Dewar Shield and the Welsh Schools 7 a side Competitions. This season Aberavon Schools Under 15s pre season programme started at the end of June where we have spent time working on the basic skills and fitness. We currently have a squad of 22 players and even thou it is an Under 15s Programme we have 9 boys playing up a year to hopefully help make our squad a stronger and will be more competitive come the Dewar shield matches. I know the boys are looking forward to following in the footsteps of current British and Irish Lion Star Richard Hibbard, James Hook and current Aberavon Wizards such as Jamie Davies, Joe Tomalin- Reeves, Ian Moore and Dan Davies in wearing the famous red and black jersey. We are very grateful to the hospitality we have had off Aberavon RFC when we had the chance to play on the TAG over the last couple of seasons. I think with the programme that Chris Davies will kick off with the Comprehensive schools in year 7 and year 8 in September we
help make the future of Aberavon Schools stronger over the next couple of years because more children will have the opportunity to play regular rugby in schools. We are also please to announce that Chris Davies has offered to coach the 7 a side squad closer the time of the national tournament after the great job he did with the Wizards at the Fosters 7's last weekend. Some of our fixtures: Pontypridd Away 21st Sept, Pembroke Home 5th Oct, Bridgend Home 9th Oct, Vale of Glam Home18th Oct, Merthyr Away and Islwyn Away 6th Dec. Every one involved with Aberavon Schools would like to wish Aberavon RFC all the best for the season and hopefully it can be a season we will both remember for many years to come. You can follow us on Twitter @Aberavonschools
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Chris Morgan’s is a favourite at Aberavon RFC as he had a good spell at the Wizards before moving to arch rivals Neef. His move came on the back of a successful campaign with the wizards and also with Wales 7’s. Chris has electric off the mark speed with silky a service. Chris would be first to admit now though that he has a tough challenge ahead, not only to win back the good support he had once at Aberavon but also to reclaim that number 9 jersey that he held before leaving. Chris has tough competition in Dan Davies who had a serious injury last season which ruled him out all year, with David Pritchard also injured last season, the wizards called upon Jo Heatley. Currently, Pritchard is still injured and Jo is no longer with Aberavon, so game time is crucial for Chris in order get the jersey back. The good thing about Chris is that he has the ability, speed and game sense to be able to play on the wing as this is where he featured the majority of the time at Neef. However, this could be seen as a bad thing for Chris as I am sure he would like to play 9 and not on the wing. Needless to say though, Chris Morgan’s is an asset to the Aberavon squad and he is eager to move forward and get on with the season. Chris is not only a good 15 a side rugby player but is also a good 7 a side player. Chris was a core contracted player with Wales 7’s and travelled to Dubai, George and Wellington before having to go home with an injury to his wrist. Injuries get in the way of many of players careers and this certainly got in the way of Chris’s. I caught up with Chris to discuss his memories from playing with Aberavon and his thoughts on the new season. Chris is supposed to be a bright lad with a big future, but I will test his general knowledge skills with ten questions ranging from sport, politics, history and geography. We will see how the little Ricky Januarie will score.
Chris Loves Fried Chicken and has the same body shape as Ricky
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Answers: [1] 1980, Moscow [2] France [3] Islamabad [4] South Dakota [5] The Queen [6] Boris Johnson [7] Catherine of Aragon [8] 1912 [ 9] Jess [10] Liar Liar
Chris you have come back to Aberavon after a spell at Neef, what has made you come back? After 3 years I thought it was time for a change, and there was only one team I wanted to play for and I was lucky enough to be wanted by Aberavon as well. Players are known for leaving Aberavon for whatever reason but then returning, why do you think this is? Aberavon is as well run family club right from the top down to the loyal supporters and you always get a well come back, I hope. You hope? Coming from Neef, do you think they should? Didn’t you come from Neef? Ok, next Question. What are you most looking forward to about being back at Aberavon? I loved playing at home, the wizards home ground is one of the best pitches in the premiership and is also very wide which gives us a chance to play. Playing at the TAG is at the top of my list. What are you hoping to achieve? Firstly to establish myself as a first team player but for the team is to reach the Premiership playoffs and have a good cup run, getting to the cup final should be on
1. What Olympic Games did the USA boycott? Around the 1980’s sometime … 1982 2. Who did NZ beat in the 1987 RWC Final? No Idea … England 3. What is the capital of Pakistan? Who Cares 4. Mount Rushmore is in what American state? I have no idea … you should stop Wikipedia’ing questions 5. Who officially calls a general election? Easy. Prime Minister 6. Who is the Mayor of London? Boris Johnson 7. What was the name of Henry VIII first wife? Whoever she is she lost her head … Beheaded 8. What year did the Titanic sink? 1911 9. What is the name of Postman Pats cat? I know its Black and White 10. Jim Carey played a character called Fletcher Reid in what film? Liar Liar
every teams goal list. You have played on the wing at predominately at scrum half, where are you hoping to play for Aberavon? I am not a winger but am more than happy to fill in anywhere on the team sheet, except for the front row. Dan Davies and David Pritchard are tough competitors, so for me to be the starting 9, I must be at the top of my game. David is injured at the moment so fortunately for me that only leaves a 50% chance of starting at the moment. Try to think back; what was your highlight of playing for Aberavon? Ironically beating Neef at the TAG for first time in ages. Aberavon was my first club at we hadn't beaten Neef for years, so beating them was one of my fond memories. You have done a full preseason training, how has it gone? I have enjoyed it, especially the different exercises and sessions Kevin has brought into it from his rugby league days. I am injured at the moment, but it is nothing to serious, just want to make sure I hit the season fresh and without any niggles. What do you make of clean off Kevin? The answer is in the question. His nickname is ‘Clean Off’, and trust me, that he is. Kev loves a down up or down and up and many of them. They hurt but we are already seeing the benefits from doing them. Just hope he stops with them very soon. As a young rugby player, who did you look up too as a role model? My step brother Richie Pugh. Do you think it is
spect? Jamie Davies for all his achievements with Aberavon. A true legend if
you ask me. You had a spell playing for Wales 7’s, what did you make of that? Thoroughly enjoyed it, who could complain travelling to different countries representing your country. Playing in Dubai and Wellington were my favourites. I got injured playing in between the sevens for Aberavon and was touch and go on some competitions. Rugby is changing all the time in terms of rules, what would you like to change in rugby? No kicking, but if you did you would have to catch it yourself. That is a strange rule Chris? Your strange. Touche! What advice would you give any children about playing rugby in schools in Port Talbot? Listen to Swanky. [Chris Davies], he at least thinks he important to have a role model while knows what he is talking about. The work Aberavon are doing in the commugrowing up? Yes, I do, as it gives you an example to follow. Just make it a nity is great and is one of the only clubs to do this. Kids should just take every good example. Who has been you opportunity to play and have fun, you toughest opponent? George, playing against and playing with if I wasn’t play- can get so much out of it. ing well. What player do you most re-
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Initially, when asked by Chris Davies to provide an Aberavon supporters' perspective on the coming season, my thought was, “I could do that in one sentence: let's start 2013-14 the way we finished 2012-13.� Rather than rush into so glib a response, however, I decided to wait until the Wizards had a couple of pre-season 'friendlies' under their collective belt, and I am so glad that I did. A year ago, things got off to a dreadful start when Dan Davies broke an ankle at Moseley during August, and went from bad to worse when David Pritchard joined him on the side-lines, forcing Joe Heatley into playing every single match for several months. With confidence having taken a battering from the word go, the first half of 2012-13 was a time to forget, so I shall now move on without further ado. I watched Aberavon open their pre-season preparations at home to Pontypool, and what I saw was encouraging in the extreme. When a threequarter line consisting mainly of new faces takes the field, one can be forgiven for fearing the worst, but as the afternoon unfolded we were treated to some fine performances by any number of debutants, several of whom were local boys and a number will surely find their way into the Aberavon squad to add to the club's strength-in-depth and, crucially, competition for places alongside the more established players. Furthermore, it was good to see one of the club's most popular characters, Darryl 'Trigger' Thomas, back in action more than ten
months after many of us had feared his career may have been over. Thankfully there was no more trouble with that recurring knee problem, and a delighted Trig was even able to cross over for his fourteenth try in an Aberavon jersey (although he insists it should have been his fifteenth, but referee Chris Williams was unsighted when he got the ball down over the line earlier in the match). A week later and we found ourselves in the south-western corner of Devon. Sadly, glorious weather on the Friday had given way to soaking rainfall come match -day, but it failed to dampen the Wizards' spirit. Okay, so the match against Plymouth Albion ended in defeat by 24 points to 15, but with, once again, a large number of those same newcomers on show, Aberavon made a fine fist of it against what is, after all, a full-time professional club. There were great performances from any number of players both new and established, and while I hesitate to single anyone out, as this is a 'community' article I feel a mention must go to Taibach product Aaron Jones, whose angles of running, timing of the pass and choice of options created the openings for both Aberavon tries, scored by centre Kristian Jenkins and debutant number-eight Craig Everett. Another local lad, Ryan Pugh, also got his name on the scoreboard by converting Everett's touchdown. We should therefore be looking forward with quite some enthusiasm to the start of the season 'proper'. The established Aberavon squad showed
their true colours during the closing months of 2012-13, and the addition of some or all of the aforementioned newcomers can only improve things further. I would close, if I may, with a couple of thoughts that struck me, both as a result of that visit to Plymouth Albion. First of all, whilst rugby union continues to evolve and is now a far cry from the amateur game of my extreme youth, one of its endearing and hopefully enduring qualities is the mutual respect that exists, even amount's the most intense of rivalries, between clubs. I would hope that Aberavon RFC would never descend to having a 'cheerleader' yelling into the public address system in support of the home team; for me that suggests a degree of disrespect for the opposition. Secondly, I'd like to say a few (many will say uncharacteristic) words in support of that beleaguered group of men, our Welsh Rugby Referees. Anyone who travelled to Plymouth will surely now be blessed with a heightened appreciation of those who officiate at Principality Premiership matches year after year. They may make the odd mistake (they are, after all, human) but, by and large they carry out their duties fairly, consistently and objectively. Clearly it's another area in which Welsh Rugby can hold its head high. So, onwards and (hopefully) upwards. See you all at the Talbot Athletic Ground during the coming season. Be there!
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The Aberavon kit launch took place on Friday 30th August just in time for the British and Irish Cup game against Swansea at the Talbot Athletic Ground. Supporters came out to see the new kit which was launched outside of Welsh Premiership sponsors— Principality Building Society, Port Talbot’s branch. Rowan Jenkins modelled the home jersey whilst Paul Bamsey modelled the away jersey. Both jerseys will be on sale at the club from the 31st August 2013, so get to the shop to get yours now. Again the club showed its character with both volunteers helping out with making cakes and serving them to people in and around the Principality Building Society and players helped promote the club by giving out goodies for children and leaflets that advertised the club. Sponsors of this years kit is TATA Steel, Pump Supplies and Murphy’s. Aberavon would like to thank all sponsors for their support. Also a big thanks must go to the girls at Principality for a warm welcome and great hospitality. Come join all at Aberavon RFC and support us this season. Even if it is just for the Welsh Cakes!!
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What can you say about this man? Ian Moore AKA Buddah is the old fashioned style rugby player would literally put his body on the line for anyone of his teammates, a trait you rarely see in the modern game. When I say put his body on the line, I mean literally throws his body into any awkward situation. The best part about it, when he gets up off the floor [which these days takes him a couple of minutes, sorry Budd] he laughs it off and says “I deserved that one”. Ian Moore has in many a game been awarded with the ‘Medal the Size of a Dustbin lid’ award by head coach Simon King. As far back as I can remember only Moore and Tipuric were the only ones to receive such award. There have been many times that a team with Ian Moore in it has been subjected to strong deserved pre match speech by Simon King addressing the fact that we should all play with Ian Moore's attitude, rightly so, however myself and the players of-
ten look around the changing rooms whilst the speech is going on wondering if Ian Moore has passed away with receiving such strong passionate tribute being provided by Kingy. Jokes aside, the man really does deserve the words that are spoke of him. In my opinion he is the most underrated forward I have ever played with and he could easily do a job at regional level, easily. When I first came to the club Ian was captain and he was a tremendous captain, leading from the front in each game which I learnt a lot from. I remember in a training session towards the end of one season, Ian took his top off before some treatment off the medical team and he was just covered in cuts, scares and bruises. He looked like he had been captured and tortured, like the scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, whip marks all over him. Along with putting his body on the line, Ian also likes to get involved in a scrap on the pitch. There has been a few times where one of the players have started a little rumble, Ian has joined in and Ian has ended up split, again … laughing it off. I have told this story many of times, but its worth it again. We were away to Cross Keys about 3-4 years ago, I started a little scrap with Lloyd Burns, Ian came to my rescue, Boom, Bang, Pow … Ian was off the pitch receiving stiches. The character of the man came running back on after cleaning the blood and sewing up the wounds to help another player out in another little disagreement—Smack, Wack, Boosh … off Ian went again, split and covered in blood. Yes, he did return again. I love telling that sto-
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not because of my joking manner in which I tell it, but yet again it sums Ian up. Body on the line for his team mates, relentless in coming back for more and
still leading from the front. I have probably painted a picture that Ian Moore is only good an being a leader, think again. The guy has an abundance of skill when put into space, very silky. As many of us know, Ian is good friends with Darryl Thomas and the two together are great fun and represent the club honourably. They both always help out in the community and are always very social at the club. I am still trying to convert the both of them that going out for a coffee, a nice latte with the boys is a good thing, it’s a manly thing to do in this modern society, but neither of them will have it and they will not come out with me unless I mention another kind of drink. I caught up with Ian to ask him a few question about his career and what he thought of his teammates. 10
You have been at Aberavon RFC for some time now, what would you say is the highlight of playing for Aberavon RFC? I would say playing in the Cup Final in the Millennium Stadium against Pontypridd. I was gutted to go off injured and had to go to hospital but I heard the boys had a good night anyway ha. What three moments particularly stick in your mind about playing for Aberavon RFC? It has to be playing in the cup final against Pontypridd, then actually winning the semi-final against Llandovery, as we have had many semi-finals. Lastly anytime we beat Neeth. How about three moments that have not been so great for Aberavon RFC? Pretty much the opposite to the best moments. Losing in the cup final, losing all the semi-finals and losing to Neeth, I hate losing to Neeth. You come from Port Talbot and played a lot of rugby for Cwmafan RFC, did you ever come to watch Aberavon RFC play when you were in school? Despite being a local boy, I never really started playing rugby until I was 15, I played a lot of football. I then joined Aberavon U16's. As a youngster did you look up to any sportsman or sportswomen when growing up? Yeah, as I was a Goalkeeper, I looked up to the then current Welsh goalkeeper Neville Southall and for rugby was Zinzan Brooke, as there
and make a decision then! But after my Aberavon days I would love to have one last season with Cwmavon. Do you have any superstitions? I used to when I was younger, but the older I've become I realised they don't make you play any better, so don't have any now. Who has been the best opponent that you have come up against? Euros Evans - tough gutsy player who always got stuck in - a right pain in the arse! The rugby field is full of banter,
what is the funniest thing you have heard on the rugby field? Dale 'the chief' Macintosh telling Paul Breeze to 'Bring it on fatty!' What is your guilty pleasure? Cup of tea and a packet or two of biscuits (Chocolate hobnobs are my favourite!) So you do drink tea and coffee then? And not just a beer with Trigger? Tea is for drinking in the house, I leave you boys have your nice coffee’s whilst I will have a pint when I am out, Trigger will back me up on that one. Do you have any phobias? Rats once was a day where I played in the backrow see. If there is anything you and mice. What would you like to could change about rugby, what achieve outside of Rugby? I would would it be? Bring back proper rucklike to own my own Car Sales Company, specialising in Land Rovers. How ing! - You can lay on the wrong side now and no one’s allowed to touch you! would you like to be remembered at Your 33 now, how much longer do Aberavon RFC? As someone who has you think you have playing rugby? always given 100%. What advice would you give children playing rugCheers Swank … Not really sure how by in schools in Port Talbot? To enlong I have left, will see how my body holds out until the end of the season, joy it and have fun!
Who is the best dressed? Savvy Paul Bamsey, he got some class that guy Who is the worst dressed? Easily Carter [Richard Carter], he turns up to training in some shocking outfits but on a night out it doesn't get any better Who is the vainest? Rhydian Gierat for sure, the guy has toiletry bags, nail clipping bags the lot Who is the best singer? You [Chris Davies], your not a bad singer Swank Who is the best dancer? Trigger [Darryl Thomas] Who is the worst dancer? Everyone would say me, so me again Who is the grumpiest? I would of said Liam Gadd, but he is no longer here, so it is easily Dink [Rowan Jenkins], always hungry see Who has been your best roommate? Trigger or Footy, both good company Who is the tightest in the team? Easy, Jamie Davies, he is tighter than cramp Who has the best banter? Chalky, he is relentless, no holding back with him
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Aberavon RFC are very keen on conditioning and getting fit for the new season. The off-season and pre-season are crucial periods to get ample rest and recovery, but to also build fitness, strength, speed and power. But what are the right exercises to focus on, what should rugby players be doing to really amp up their ‘rugby’ conditioning. The fitness industry is huge with different approaches of how to get fit. Lets face it, rugby players have to be fit for purpose, meaning we have to simply be fit for rugby. Many rugby players are often seen in gyms doing peculiar activities that they have been taken from ‘Men's Health’ or one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's chest routine from ‘Muscle and Fitness’, granted the guy did have a big chest. Lets get to the point. In the professional rugby world there are experts for nutrition and conditioning, but for semi-professional rugby players these people do not exist, not in a full time environment. Aberavon RFC have asked Force Strength and Conditioning about their views on being fit for purpose, how much training a semi-professional athlete should be doing and what they should be doing. What should a semi-professional rugby player concentrate on in relation to conditioning during the season for performance? It is very much an individual approach, players should look to improve on weaknesses and at least maintain or even improve where they are strong. The main priority is for players to perform each game to the best of their ability; training should reflect this and not interfere with performance. At Semi-pro level a sensible week would be: Mon – Full Body Weights, Tues – Team Session/Conditioning, Wed – Full Body Weights, Thurs – Team Run, Fri – Off/ Recovery Session, Sat – Game (Non players – Conditioning) and Sun – Off/Recovery A typical semi-professional rugby team will train twice per week, in these sessions what should teams be trying to achieve in relation to conditioning? This will obviously differ from pre to in season. This is very much a plate spinning exercise where you are trying to improve all aspects of conditioning such as speed, power and strength and then increase the ability to repeat these efforts though a game. In such a limited time you need to focus on bang for buck exercises or modalities that will give you high reward from short time. A good conditioning coach will work alongside the other coaches and take into account the needs of the game plan and player strengths and weaknesses. Assuming that the majority of semiprofessional rugby players are also in full time employment, how often and at what intensity should their level of training be? There is a good example of a weekly schedule in
the answer to question 1, the intensity and volume of the sessions will obviously be greater pre- season than in season. The difference to the schedule above for pre-season might be an extra weights session on Friday and conditioning on the Thursday.
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Should semi-professional rugby players conditioning reflect the team’s needs, position needs or the individual needs? If the individual looks after his own needs by being specific that in turn it will naturally benefit the player position and teams need. If you have a prop who is neglecting the strength aspect of his training then the team and his performances are going to suffer. When it comes to conditioning the individual needs comes first. There are a lot of training methods that currently exists in the fitness industry, what are your thoughts on CrossFit for rugby? The high intensity method adopted by CrossFit is nothing new when it comes to preparation for rugby. The CrossFit programme by its own definition is non-specific and broad, which is fine if you are training for CrossFit or for general training. However, if you wish to excel at any particular physical quality you will need to be specific in your preparation e.g. speed, power, strength. A needs analysis of a rugby player would be different to the needs analysis of a person who competes in CrossFit. A one off well designed CrossFit style session (minus the high rep Olympic lifts & box jumps) is fine, like we said teams have been doing it for years. But we feel the nonspecific broad nature of the programme would not fit well for rugby preparation over a given period. In short, you should train for purpose. How about Functional training for rugby? The word functional means different things to different people. We would understand functional as trying to replicate movements on the pitch in your training. So exercises like prowler pushes, picking up and carrying heavy loads, down & ups etc. would be applicable, so we do think it has a place in preparation for rugby. Once again though, it is only functional if it is specific the needs of the player or team. What about Olympic lifting? Very much a risk/reward situation, there is certainly benefits in the Olympic lifts with power development being the main one. Problems arise in the technical aspect of the lifts; it takes time to be proficient at the full lifts and to therefore fully reap the benefits. We would rarely program full lifts for players and usually do more of the variations of the Olympic lifts such as pulls, pulls from blocks and hang varia-
tions while also using other tools such as trap bar deadlift jumps, med ball throws or box jumps for power development. It is also very much depends on the coach’s philosophy and how exposed his players have been to the Olympic lifts in the past and how much contact time he has with the player. The Olympic lifts are also very taxing on the body and as a rugby player you get beaten up enough on the field without unnecessarily compounding it in the gym as well. To sum up the Olympic lifts are excellent exercises in the right environment but are not the be all and end all when it comes to power development. Do you think the old Chest session on a Monday, Bench Press, Incline Press, Decline Press, Bench Flies and Cable Crossovers still have a value in rugby – for performance? You should always be looking to get the biggest bang for your buck so to speak when in the gym, that means training movements not muscles and basing your program around some essential exercises. For example we would base a strength phase around squats, deadlifts (and their variations) and an upper body push and pull exercises such as push press and chin ups. The split part bodybuilding routines are pretty much redundant when it comes to sports performance. Can you provide a typical Full Body session that semi-professional and amateur rugby players should follow in season? Training in season depends very much on other training volume and game frequency, but below is a very generic maintenance session for power and strength.
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Aberavon RFC have put together an 15 question general knowledge quiz that covers topics of Sport, Politics, History, Geography, Food and Entertainment. Rowan Jenkins [left hand side] is a newly graduated student that will go up against Neil White [right hand side] who is currently working for Carillion as a cavity wall extractor. Both contestants are play rugby as loose head prop forwards and both can put away some food. They both are eager to score more try's then the other on the pitch, but lets see who has the brains off the pitch. Make your predictions now. Rowan does like his food so he has that category wrapped up.
RYAN JONES BROKE WHOS RECORD AS TEST CAPTAIN? Felinfoel Boy—Phil Bennett
Gareth Thomas
WHEN WAS THE LAST LONDON SUMMER OLYMPICS? OTHER THAN 2012? 1948
1984
WHO MANAGED REP. OF IRELAND IN THE 94’ FOOTBALL WORLD CUP? Ummm … Steve Staunton
Jack Charlton [Craig Warlow’s assistance] Answers: [1] Ieaun Evans [2] 1948 [3] Jack Charlton
WHO WAS THE FIRST AMERICAN PRESIDENT? Got to be Benjamin Franklin
That grey head fella—George Bush Snr
WHO PAINTED THE MONA LISA? A famous painter
Leonardo da Vinci
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY WAS A GIFT FROM WHICH COUNTRY? I saw this on discovery channel—Italy!
France [Surprisingly with Trigger’s help]
Answers: [1] George Washington [2] Leonardo Da Vinci [3] France
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WHO DIRECTED PEARL HABOUR, TOP GUN AND ARMAGEDDON? Easy, Spielberg
Got to be Spielberg
WHO WAS THE ‘LEAD’ ROLE IN SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION? Forrest Gump man—Tom Hanks
Morgan Freeman
WHAT WAS THE CHARACTER NAME OF THE SMALLEST ‘WET BANDIT’? Haaarrrryyyy
HARRY, I've reached the top!!! Answers: [1] Jerry Bruckheimer [2] Tim Robbins [3] Harry
WHAT IS THE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES? Why should I know that?
Manila
WHERE IS THE ‘CHICHEN ITZA’? And that?
China
MAURITIUS IS FOUND IN WHICH OCEAN? Annoying me now swank—Pacific!
‘she’ wants to go there—Indian
Answers: [1] Manila [2] Mexico [3] Indian Ocean
WHAT IS ‘TOFU’ MADE OF? Pulses of some kind
Some vegetarian muck, umm … Spinach
WHAT IS ADDED TO WINE TO MAKE PORT? Love a tipple on Christmas Day—Sherry
I should know this, Brandy
WHAT DOES ‘HP’ IN HP SAUCE STAND FOR? I know this, House of Parliament
Houses of Parliament
Answers: [1] Soy Beans [2] Sherry [3] Houses of Parliament
Rowan Jenkins is certainly a newly graduated academic, however, his general knowledge of arguably pointless needless information is short, just like his when he stands up. Rowan believes that he has a wealth of scientific knowledge, this will be surely tested in due course. Rowan Jenkins a small man with a big heart. gg
Neil White [AKA Chalky] gave a better general knowledge performance then Rowan, Chalky also has played more games then Rowan and Chalky has scored more try’s then Rowan. So statistically Rowan remains Chalky’s apprentice and will continue to clean Chalky’s boots, wash his car and make Chalky coffee before training. 17
*All health information provided from Change4Life excluding recipes
The Aberavon RFC players have passed on some of their favourite recipes. The players want to show you how easy it is to get one of your 5 A DAY in a meal and how simple it is to follow the EATWELL plate guidelines from August [Issue 2] Community Magazine. Added to this section is the importance of watching how much salt you add to your foods, or even knowing what foods are high in salt. You can find some common foods on the right [in yellow] that are high in salt. There are always a few tips to follow when cooking your own food. Some foods already contain salt, so watch how much salt you add, adding salt is not really needed. Children over the age of 11 should have no more than 6g of salt a day, whilst children aged 7-10 should have no more than 5g. You can always check food labels to find out how much salt is in the food you are using or about to buy. If any of the foods appear in RED, then it contains a high amount, just like the picture shows on the right for salt. ORANGE colours will be medium and GREENS for low. CHOOSE MORE fffffffffffffffffffffGREENS!
Serves 2
1 Banana
Serves 4-6
100g Porridge Oats
2 Tablespoons of Runny Honey
1 tub of Greek Yoghurt
Handful of Blueberries
4 Tablespoons of Lemon Curd
1. Cook Porridge to packet ridge guidelines 4. Finish with a Table2. Chop Banana into slices spoons of Runny Honey and add half to each bowl of porridge along with the blueberries 3. Stir fruit in with the Por-
1. Simply mix the Greek Yoghurt and the Lemon Curd in a bowl and make sure the curd is mixed in thoroughly 2. Divide into bowls and then top the yoghurt with
Punnet of Raspberries or any other fruit that is in season
the Raspberries or any other fruit that you choose
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1lb of Lean Mince Beef
1 Egg Yolk
Half an Onion finely chopped
5 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
Chopped Thyme or Rosemary
Granary Bread Rolls
Salt and Pepper
1. Fry the onions over a gentle 4. Shape into burgers heat in a tablespoon of olive 5. Fry the burgers on a medioil until soft and golden, leave um heat with 4 tablespoons of to cool. olive oil 2. Mix mince with egg yolk, 6. Fry 5 minutes each side herbs and season with sal and pepper 7. Serve in Granary Bread with potato wedges 3. Add onions and mix thoroughly with your hands
1lb Lean Mince Beef
1 tsp. of Chilli Powder
2 Medium Red Onions
1 heaped tsp. of Cumin
2 Tins of Chopped Tomatoes
White/Brown Rice
2 Tbsp. of Olive Oil
1 tin of Red Kidney Beans
1. Preheat the oven to 160C, place an oven proof dish in the oven and pour in olive oil. Turn the hob on to a medium heat 2. Add the onions and fry for 5 minutes and then add the spices. Fry for another 2 minutes 3. Turn the heat up and add the beef and fry until brown
4. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper 5. Turn the heat down and simmer for a couple of minutes and then cover and simmer for 1 hour 6. Take out dish from oven and add the red kidney beans and give them a good stir. 7. Serve with white or brown rice
Drinking fluids everyday is very important for us to maintain good hydration levels. Choosing the right fluids can be beneficial to the way we feel and how we function throughout the day. Choosing bad fluids can make us feel sluggish, unwell and can also lead to weight gain. At each meal aim to drink a glass of water, this will enable to help maintain hydration levels and will also help the digestion of your food.
Image From www.ga.water.usgs.gov
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My article in the last Wizards Community Magazine caused some interesting influx of emails sparking interesting debates. Also I conversed a lot with close friends and family regarding the article also. Interestingly enough, what came to the front of the debates was a wide range of opinions, beliefs and desires which in all honesty was the purpose of the article. The article was questioned by a few to be negative towards ’grass roots’ rugby, but I would totally disagree. The main purpose really was do Wales need to rethink the way we capture and develop grass roots rugby to keep in front of the global rise in rugby participation. Let me give you something to think about again, to illustrate what my point was. Wales have played Japan 9 times in a capped test match, with Wales winning 8 games out of the 9. Wales have on 7 occasions put 50+ points on Japan with a 98-0 win in 2004. However, in 2013 Wales narrowly beat Japan 18-22 and then lost in the 2nd test match 23-8. We can all begin the excuses now, [1] it was in Japan [2] main players were in Australia with the Lions [3] other main players were either rested or left behind [4] not enough preparation time was allocated before the tour [5] the players were all youngsters … I could keep going. The facts again do not lie. Since the first game against Japan in 1993 and with Wales winning comfortably in all games—20 years on, Japan are challenging, Japan won. This is my point. Imagine another 20 years? Not just for Japan, but for Russia, USA and China. With global developments in rugby is amazing for the game of rugby, but we must be wary of the future and not become complacent. Briefly, what also came from the article was the prefer-
ence for school children to be subjected to ’Sport for All’ where there should be opportunities for all children to play sport with competition being non important, or the ’competitive’ root where winning is the in the highest of importance. This is something that can be for your own deliberation. Which root is best can be debated all day, benefits of both great but also negatives of both can also be identified. The most important action we all take is getting as many children playing rugby and into the local community clubs. Which is very difficulty in this current society that we live in today.
15th June, 2013—Japan 23 V 8 Wales 8th June, 2013—Japan 18 V 22 Wales 20th Sept, 2007—Wales 72 V 18 Japan 26th Nov, 2004—Wales 98 V 0 Japan 17th June, 2001—Japan 30 V 53 Wales 10th June, 2001—Japan 10 V 64 Wales 9th Oct, 1999—Wales 64 V 15 Japan 27th May, 1995—Wales 57 V 10 Japan 16th Oct, 1993—Wales 55 V 5 Japan
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Childhood obesity is a massive concern for the Welsh nation, as it is for the world; childhood obesity is branded as an ‘epidemic’. For Wales, childhood obesity is the highest in the UK and Wales is also fifth highest globally. This is a real concern to say the least. The Welsh Government [WG] report that 35% of children aged 16 and below are classed as overweight or obese, this is also stated as a growing statistic, this has not changed since 2007. We can all deliberate the causes of the rises in childhood obesity such as the growing advances in technology, poor food choices, lack of physical activity and participation in sport, poor parenting choices and discipline and so on. However, we should be more concerned about how we can combat the increases of childhood obesity. The WG attempt to apply certain measures to reduce the risk of ‘becoming obese’; this is made through many ‘optional’ programs that the tax payers supplement. The National Health Service [NHS] funds the treatment of childhood obesity which costs the NHS a staggering £73m a year just for treatment, granted this is less than 1% of the £6bn budget supplied to the NHS by the WG, however we can add this to the cost of programs such as Change 4 Life, MEND and 5x60 which are all ‘optional’ preventive measures created by the WG. Needless to say that not only does obesity within children create social issues through bullying, lack of selfconfidence, depression and underachievement in school, childhood obesity is economically hampering the nation with no real improvements in statistics. So what can be done? My measurers may seem complicated and difficult to structure but are based on a preventative approach. The approach I would provide will not only prevent childhood obesity, but will also raise the health of the nation, improve social interaction, improve academic achievement and also raise the level of sport in Wales. In Wales there are 1656 maintained schools in, this in-
cludes nursery, primary, middle, secondary and special schools. It is the WG responsibility to ensure that these maintained schools are given the best opportunities in all departments and lowing childhood obesity should be as important as receiving a good education in my opinion. This is the approach that I suggest. WG should create a scheme were physical activity is mandatory at each school, preferably in the mornings before education begins, this should even be made part of the curriculum. This mandatory physical activity program should not be sport based, but to be cardiovascular based. Granted that this approach is starting to sound slightly military, but let’s be honest, the military approach is notorious for improving discipline. Many studies exist based on how cardiovascular fitness can improve education at schools; this would be a major bonus for Wales as a nation. Ok, so trying to get this program up and running would be difficult and something in the national curriculum would have to be sacrificed, but the relevance of it is crucial for Wales as a nation. Statistically childhood obesity leads into adulthood and the WG identify that if a parent is obese it is most likely their children will be also. The WG promotes healthy living and the need to get 60 minutes of activity a day in the Climbing Higher document. The strategy to achieve this with children in schools was through the introduction of the 5x60 program which is an ‘optional’ extra-curricular program, not all children participate in this, and it is normally the ‘sporting’ child who participates. Initiatives are in place and the WG should be applauded for doing so, but with the high increased rates of childhood obesity which is continually growing and the high importance of physical activity portrayed by the WG, it is about time the WG take childhood obesity more seriously. To surmise this new initiative, it would
need two employees at each school [not all schools would need two], a small budget to support the job roles. Every child would have to take part in a mandatory cardiovascular based program every day for 30 minutes and this would be made part of the national curriculum. How would the initiative be measured? Well there would be a suitable fitness test that would show the level of fitness of a child; this could be repeated every term. Different tests would have to exist for level of schooling, therefore primary and secondary schools would have different tests and their grading would be different. Costs? Each school would employ two physical activity officers [PAO], one on a salary of £25,000 per annum and the other on £15,000 per annum, also giving a £5,000 budget to support the remit. This is a total of £45,000 for each school, creating a grand total of £74,520,000. This figure obviously seems a lot, but remember, this figure is less than 1% of the WG budget to the NHS. Secondary schools currently receive 120 minutes of mandatory Physical Education [PE], this is not always reached, and this allowance is just not enough. PE would still exist, but would be more theoretically based educating children in healthy eating and nutrition. Both the PE staff and the PAO would work together to create an extra-curricular sports program for the traditional team sports or individual sports. My suggestions you may think are very drastic and very unsuitable for children, but how else is this nation going to improve our childhood obesity epidemic without making drastic changes.
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