Travels with Dinno: Huddersfield – A Sort of Homecoming

A glorious autumnal day greeted our journey north. We were travelling back to where our rugby experience began – Huddersfield RUFC at Lockwood Park. I took the decision to leave Huddersfield, the town, nearly two years ago and I don’t regret it for one instant. I do, however, miss the friendship and camaraderie of my fellow travellers at the club. We shared, joy and agony, ecstasy and heartbreak. It was the best of times it was the worst of times. Leaving HRUFC was emotional fo me as a coach and a parent. Tom missed his friends but moved on and is still working his way into the Dinno experience. He feels a lot more out of place than I do as Huddersfield is all he ever knew.

We arrived early so that we could catch up with some old friends and get the feel of the place into our bones again. It is a breathtakingly beautiful ground nestled in the hills of Huddersfield with the Penistone line crossing overhead on the viaduct. The weather added to the beauty of the place. The rushing waters of the River Colne were an assault on the senses which few grounds I have visited have been able to capture.

We watched the u9s for a bit and chatted with their coach who was Tom’s first coach. Thirty plus players have joined his ranks this season and he has the luxury of putting out three teams. We then went over to watch the u15s who Tom trained with occasionally. Their rugby was stunning and they destroyed Driffield. Their weakness, if they have one, is that they are a bit cocky and can tend to coast. Then we watched one of Tom’s school friends and playing pals from u7s referee an u11s game.

We went for some food and I am pleased to say that the bacon sandwiches have improved since we left and as I understand it plans are afoot to improve the facilities further in coming months. Slowly the players, coaches and parents of our old club started to appear. There were lots of handshakes, smiles and hugs. But, despite all this bonhomie, I felt a little unsure of where to be and so I sat alone, an island unto myself lost in my thoughts and memories.

The boy started the match at No 8 and for the first ten minutes Huddersfield held back Dinno. Dinno built on a platform laid by their pack and it was a matter of time before an opportunity would present itself. The match was played over three periods. By the end of the first period Dinnington were 17-0 up. Huddersfield didn’t know what hit them and even if they did they didn’t appear to be able to counteract it. Their star players in the backs couldn’t do anything to stop the flow of the Dinnington pack who were aggressive in the tackle, the ruck and at set pieces.

The second period continued in much the same vane and ended 4 tries to 1. Huddersfield have the players who given the space and the ball can do damage. Whenever they made a mistake the ball was handed to the Dinno pack. Some words about this group of players. There are two full packs available to Dinnington. They can select any 8 of these and put them in any formation in the pack and they will dominate. They are far from the finished article and can dominate opponents for years to come if they choose to.

The final period saw Huddersfield grab another try but Dinnington pile on further pressure. The final score was 58-12 to Dinnington. If we had had a better kicker the margin would have been greater. The Huddersfield coach remarked that we have an outstanding side and that he has not seen forward play like that for years. After it was all over we retired to the bar to swap stories and to catch up. They are due to visit us in February . They tend to start slowly and then find consistency later on. It was heartbreaking for me to watch my old team be demolished like that.  The Dinnington coaches and parents enjoyed the day and hopefully it will be the first of many visits.

Next up Castleford in the cup.

A sporting update - Travels with Dinno

Well apologies to regular readers for not updating sooner but I have a life you know. Since my last post on my rugby tour of Britain The Dinno Express has marched on. First up we visited Sheffield. This was always going to be a tense affair and not just because it is always something of a derby match. Last season the first team of Sheffield had the edge on Dinnington overall but in the 'second' team Dinnington had the upper hand. This suggests that whilst Sheffield may have better players (and more of them) but that we had better depth.

The extra edge this season was that three of our former players were in the team for Sheffield. I have no intention of going over well trodden ground as to the whys and wherefores behind it all. We arrived at Abbeydale Park indecently early according to the boy but this meant that I could get a hot chocolate and a bacon sandwich without much of a queue. The bacon sandwiches have improved albeit slightly.

The weather was bright and fine and the conditions looked as though a good game would be in prospect. The game was to be played in three 20 minute sections. This was due to a shortage of numbers on our side I believe.

For the first ten minutes the match was a good solid arm wrestle. There were mistakes made on both sides. Dinno were strong at the scrum and at the ruck and in the tackle. Then a Sheffield player was injured and this seemed to disrupt our mojo. Sheffield ran in two tries which were both down to a weakness in defence. Then the iceman scored a try but again we went to sleep and Sheffield went in 19-5 up. Our former players had varied games and one hadn't learned how to keep his mouth shut.

The second period started and the forwards dominated again then in the last ten minutes Sheffield ran in two tries. Score 31-5.

Then the third period started with our remaining players coming on. Our pack dominated and it was noticeable that Sheffield started to feed back first team players back in. Dinno then won a scrummage against the head. The ball was worked out to the Chessie boys. Dick got the ball in his own 22 and then ran the ball in for a try. With his 200m speed there was only one outcome. Another strong drive from Dinno earned a penalty and Jacob crashed in from inside the 10m.

Dinno won another scrum. The boy, who was playing no8, picked the ball up at the back and then proceeded to run and drive for 10 metres. Following several phases of play the ball was again worked out to Dick who had his brother Alex in support. Arguably Alex was in the better position but Dick managed to get over. His brother was livid and complained that Dick was not a team player. Much to the amusement of all the parents and in particular his dad. The forwards continued to dominate and two more tries from Jacob followed. With conversions from Brendan on 3 of the 5 tries in this period the final score was 31-36. This interpretation of history has been disputed but then you know what they say 'History is written by the winners'. Quote of the day was from Barney who summarised our day as 'Our wankers are better than their wankers'.

The following week we were visited at Lodge Lane by Scunthorpe. The first half was not very pretty and Scunthorpe snatched a try to lead 0-5. After half time things livened up a bit. We got a try through either Angus/Alex. 5-5.  Then after a mortuary pass by our backs (it was so bad it bypassed the ambulance) Scunthorpe ran in an interception. As ever our forwards dominated and created chances. Angus finished with two tries on the day with one from new kid on the block Alex to leave a final score of Dinno 19 - 12 Scunthorpe.

Season so far is Played 3 won 2 drawn 0 Lost 1.

Next up we have an emotional return to where our rugby journey started. Huddersfield.

It's September so it must be the rugby season again. Travels with Dinno - Doncaster

On a glorious sunny day in September we trooped off to Doncaster. This was a minor miracle as a few hours before my car had broken down. This is a new ground for me and I was impressed with the stadium and grounds and let's get right to it the bacon sandwiches were good as was the hot chocolate. But as these blogs are loosely based on rugby I suppose we had better talk about the day's events.

Throughout the summer and the pre-season the lads have been showing promise after the somewhat strained end to the season. In training the lads are focussed and are showing a willingness to move the ball around and to work as a team. The forwards in particular have impressed. There was a diverse set of views about what people thought was going to happen but my thought was always that this season was always going to be more about rebuilding and if we could show the pre-season form we stood a good chance.

For the first fifteen minutes of the match it was something of a wrestling match with lots of mistakes. The scrum was excellent and we were driving Doncaster backwards. We nearly scored but the try was held up. Neither side was showing any signs of dominance. Dinno continued their dominance and from a ruck the ball came out to one of the Chessie boys, Richard and he passed out to Harry who ran in a try which Jacob then converted. The team was showing strong tackling going forward and was winning a lot of ball and had Doncaster under control. Unfortunately it didn't last and a missed pass in midfield let Donny in and then some poor tackling let them in for a second.

The team worked themselves back in and moved the ball around and the ball worked itself out to Evan on the wing who ran in a try. At half time it was Doncaster 14-12 Dinnington.

The second half of the game started with a number of changes but in a similar manner to the first half. Another missed tackle and Donny ran into score. We struck back with a debut try by Jack which was converted by Brendan. 19-19. Doncaster then ran in two more tries in the corner due to missed tackles. Despite a 'sin binning' the team was good going forward and made chances. Following a penalty Jacob ran in a try which left Doncaster wondering what had hit them. But yet again our tackling let us down and Doncaster put the tie out of reach. Final score Doncaster 38-26 Dinnington.

There were a lot of positives to build on from this performance as the last time these teams met Doncaster demolished us. There is work to do. But a good positive day.

Are folk groups acolytes of the Dark Lord?

I would like to start this post by clarifying exactly what I mean by folk groups. I am not referring to folk musicians who are professionals. I am, however, referring to music groups who play in church.  I am also throwing into this pit of despond choirs. Church choirs span a huge spectrum of ability and talent. These range from the virtually professional choirs through to those where they are the only people in the parish community who would do it but don’t really have the vocal ability to do the job.

I can hear some of you reaching for your keyboards with steam coming from your ears. You are probably saying something along the lines of ‘Stop downplaying the importance of these people. They contribute greatly to the spiritual life of the community’.

I do not deny the faith or otherwise of these people merely their musical talent. Those of you who read these pages  occasionally will know that I am Catholic with Buddhist tendencies. Within the Catholic church folk groups and parish choirs really started to appear in the 1970s. My sister played in one. Billy Connolly used to refer to the people who played as ‘having Czechoslovakian guitars’.  When I lived in Huddersfield there was one Mass I dreaded going to. It was the Sunday evening Mass known locally as the ‘happy clappy’. We were always led to believe that the folk groups and choirs were there to aid the liturgical process and lead the singing. This particular folk group seemed to think that this involved the following:-

1       1.      Playing songs that weren’t in the hymnal

2       2.      Playing songs that were in the hymnal but to tunes that nobody else knew

3       3.      Generally taking over proceedings to the extent that not even the priest joined in

They acted like they were a rock band on stage the only thing missing from the performance were shouts “Huddersfield you’ve been a fantastic audience and we’ll see you soon!!” These groups blithely assume that people wish to worship in the way that they dictate.

In the same parish there was a director of music who spent a great deal of time and energy creating a choir which aided the liturgy. Within the Catholic church though there is a current trend to sing everything. I am sure they would sing the newsletter if they thought anybody would listen. This gets away from the beauty of what is the ‘Low Mass’.

I am not now , never have been and in all likelihood, never will be a happy clappy type. I don’t like being told that I should clap during prayer. I like simplicity. The other problem with choirs and folk groups is that they discourage universality. If you have the misfortune to stumble upon a Mass in a church which you have never visited before you probably won’t know what the hell is going on if you get one of these groups.

In an episode of the television series Babylon 5 called ‘And The Rock Cried No Hiding Place’ a group of religious leaders meet together on the station. A Pentecostal leader delivers the line ‘Make a joyful noise to the Lord’. One of his contemporaries retorts ‘I’ve heard you sing. It is anything but joyful’.

If you are going to join a choir it should at least be a basic standard that you can carry a note. If you can then fine because as the group develops a place will be found for your voice. The church where I grew up applied this principle. They had a very good musician leading the group who over time took the group and developed them and that development has continued. Whilst it was not of the calibre of the group in Huddersfield at least it is better than what we have in my current parish which is an excellent organist and half a dozen people with weak voices. In addition they are not conifdent singers which adds to the pain.

When done well these groups can add to the spiritual experience of the community but too often they are more caught up in proclaiming ‘Look at me’ and turning people off. One of the nicest Masses I have attended recently was in my old hometown. I arrived and picked up a hymnal and was told ‘You won’t need that it’s too early for singing’.

Travels with Dinno end of season festival

About a year ago my son and I made our first visit to Dinnington RUFC at the invitation of the head coach for Tom's age group. It was the festival and Tom was made to feel welcome by those he met. A year on and there have been many ups and downs along the way. Today was the festival. The first problem was arriving unfeasibly early and the depth of my mistake can be felt in two ways. One my face has rather caught the sun. However, like many people of a goth background I do not feel the need to show flesh  and so I was well covered up (thank God for that I hear many of you cry).

I loitered around viewing the stalls and eating the copious food that was on offer throughout the morning. I'm waiting for the botulism to kick in as open air cooking tends to not be the most inspired way to cook.

Whilst waiting for our match to start I watched a team of Under 12s from Wymondham who were presumably on tour. The first match I saw was against Dinnington who I had watched earlier and who had played well. Wymondham took them apart.  Wymondham then appeared to struggle against Sheffield. Last up for them was Sandal. I am no great fan of Sandal. They appear to have a win at all costs mentality and this on occasion descends to bending rules past the point of breaking in order to do it. The first half was a tight affair with both sides playing expansive running rugby. They moved the ball from one flank to the other. Neither side could break the other down. Half time score was 0-0.

In the second half Wymondham had to go uphill. This did not stop them and they managed to get over in the right hand corner. After about another ten minutes they started a move on the right flank and then by force of numbers and by moving the ball they drove over in the middle of the pitch. Final score 14-0.

Then we were treated to Dinnington u11s beating Sheffield 35-0.

Then came the u13s game against Scunthorpe. Through the season our results against them had been mixed. This was always going to be a tight game. The first half saw a lot of effort by both sides with Dinno's forwards stealing ball and making yards. The problem was that the ball wasn't really getting to the backs to do any damage. Half time score 0-0.

In the second half some changes were made in Dinno's team. The pack lacked some of its power from the first half and the backs didn't quite have the ability to break Scunthorpe down. Scunthorpe only got two chances in the whole match. Unfortunately for us they took them. Final score Dinno 0 - 12 Scunthorpe.

There is a lot of promise within the team and the future looks good if the progress that has been made thus far is continued.

Travels with Dinno Update - Wath, Doncaster and Moortown

Well here is the latest fix for all my readers. The reason for the delay is that I was waiting for some information to come through. That is my story and I'm sticking to it.

Since my last post there has been lots of rugby, lots of nonsense (mainly off field) and lots of positive steps forward in rugby terms despite the results.

On our travels with Dinno we recently visited Wath Upon Dearne. My father in law described it as the last place God made. Other less kind commentators have described it as the arse end of creation.  The snow by the roadside on the way in looked like industrial waste which had spread across the land in some industrial accident. The  sat nav guided us to Moor Road. Unfortunately the location was on the other side of a wall and a two lane highway.

We arrived safely. This is in spite of having to stop and talk to some suspicious looking locals. My advice is when seeking guidance to rugby clubs is only stop somebody who is wearing  walking gear such as Regatta, Berghaus etc. This people will proportionately be more likely to be rugby folk and so be able to help you.

The weather was pleasantly warm after the recent weeks. There was a breeze but for the first time in months we were able to dispense with the winter gear. The clubhouse though small served excellent bacon sandwiches and had an excellent vending machine which served quality coffee and hot chocolate.

We then trooped off onto the rugby pitch and were treated to an excellent game of rugby. Both sides moved the ball around. Both sides had periods where they threatened scores. The team in the first half were ahead but there was no coherence in the forwards. At the changeover a new forward line up came on and was more structured and effective. The forwards not only won the game but they also determined the size of the score as most of the points were scored by forwards. Final score Wath 20 – Dinno 36

Home v Doncaster

Another bright spring day beckoned only the force ten gale seemed likely to affect things. The prior week had seen a clear the air meeting of the parents and the coaching staff. Balance having been restored to the force and having partaken of a bacon roll and a hot chocolate ( maybe I am addicted to this delightful combination)we moved out onto the pitch.

The game did not start well. Through a combination of poor tackling, high winds and Doncaster’s fast back line they went four tries to nil up. Dinno then woke up and brought the score back to 22 – 17. The problem the team had was that a team with players such as Doncaster possess you can’t allow them that sort of lead. Despite Dinno playing well Doncaster added  another try and conversion 29 – 17. Dinno managed to get over for another try and conversion. 29 – 24.

There were positives from the performance. The team continues to bond better. With a better judgment they might well have brought the score back level at least with a scrum move.

The future whilst being uncertain looks bright if the team continues to progress in this manner. Next up for the Dinno treatment is Moortown.

Home v Moortown

When I arrived today the weather was delightfully spring like. I had dispensed with a coat altogether. But that is the kind of life I lead on the edge. I went into the clubhouse to see a stressed looking Val dealing with a parent from the opposition whose little darling did not have a gumshield. The mother seemed intent on trying every gumshield in the place and I feared for her ability to escape the clubhouse intact. 

Having had my regular nourishment (bacon roll and hot chocolate) I ventured out into the 'warmth' (only a force 5 gale today). I went round to the top edge of the field and waited for the match to start. Beforehand having come up against Moortown I was relatively upbeat and confident that a win was on the cards. Unfortunately somebody had merged Moortown with Yarnbury. Moortown were not great but Yarnbury usually were. As with last week's match the opposition went 22-0 up including a 60 metre interception try. The lads then woke up and started to drag things back. The set pieces were better and by half time the score was 22-12 to Moortown.

After half time Jake came on and ran in a try - 22-17. Unfortunately 'Moortown' had worked out how to deal with him. They then ran in a number of tries. Final score 17-41.

The result does not flatter Moortown. There were positive signs in development terms. There is now just a Festival match against Scunthorpe in a couple of weeks.

During the close season I will be working on some other posts and also a team management tool.

Forking hell that's a bad idea

Well that got your attention. So, now that I have you in my evil grasp I will tell you a tale that will leave a chill in your soul. Well, alright cold hands, ears, noses and other assorted extremities which are the lot of the travelling rugby parent.

Today the mighty Dinno were scheduled to play Dronfield. But before we could have all the excitement that rugby brings we had a job today. I arrived pitchfork in hand (well boot) and I went in search of a baying mob to join. This turned out to be a not particularly well coordinated mob and Pete Morley and I decided that as fine upstanding British workers, who had been asked to come and fork the pitches to remove stones, we would survey the job first from the comfort of the clubhouse with hot bacon sandwiches and drinks. After a few minutes of surveying we set out and found some like minded simpletons and started prodding the ground with the forks.

Very quickly we decided that this was a thank less task and went over to the pitches where the actual rugby was taking place.

Dronfield came out on to the pitch with a couple of players who looked a little big. You know the type tall, lanky and with long flowing locks. So needless to say during the game they were dealt with.

The match was refereed by Mark. It was a spirited effort and he tried his best to encourage equally but he did miss some more obvious penalties - accidental offside, knock ons etc.

The match started badly for Dinno when a pass was intercepted from just inside their own half and Dronfield ran in a try and a conversion followed 0-7. Dinno have been working on a new team structure for the last couple of weeks. It paid dividends. Yet again Luke and Rupert and Jacob took apart Dronfield. At half time it was 27- 7.

The team were moving the ball about and the result was never in doubt. The egos had gone from the team. One player who was brought back on midway through the second half opted to directly replace a player and play at flanker rather than move his team mate who was playing in his normal position. Work needs to continue on decision making and judgment on the pitch but the signs are good.

The final score was 53-12 to Dinno. Our only scheduled game this season is against Moortown. But no doubt something will come up between now and then.

As a footnote. Whilst the turnout was good for the forking session. The job needs to be done with more appropriate equipment like a JCB for example.