Introduction
Welcome to 'InSalmo' This blog is all about giving club members out there an insight in to what's happening with the 1st XV from inside the smelly (or is it smulley) ranks of the first team dressing room.
I think it's very important that our members feel a connection to the 1sts and the individuals involved, and this blog is a way for us to reach out and make that connection.
At the end of the day, we carry the flag for the club and the club is judged on how the 1st team performs on the pitch and the result we achieve in the league. It's a big responsibility but one we're all aware of and accept. This being said, we're all in this together and we're all here to enjoy it. The boys really appreciate all your support.
But enough of the serious stuff! It's all gonna be lighthearted and a 'bit a craic'. Throughout the season it'll involve previews, reviews, injury updates, photos, inside gossip, interviews and Q & A sessions with players throughout the season, so I hope you enjoy! C'mon Salmo!
Blog 1 Monday 8th August 2011
The boys are back into the grind of another pre-season and for most of us it was back to earth with a thud! Phil De Barra, in his new role in looking after fitness, strength and conditioning, has been putting us through our paces over the last month and there’s been no easy way back for those who've possibly enjoyed themselves a little too much over the summer!
This pre-season has involved a lot more running compared to last season, and while it's never fun at the time, the boys have been putting in the effort and you can almost see the increased sharpness with each session. We've been combining the running with skill and circuit work. Trying to keep the skill level up, while under fatigue, is a real challenge and this is where you can see the increased sharpness I was talking about. The fitter you get means better decision making and less mistakes.
Phil has also provided weights programs over the summer and we're now into the strength based stuff, going as heavy as we can with our lifting. He went over nutrition stuff with us also. Most of the boys know what's good and bad when it comes to diet but it's always good to be reminded of these things to make sure your body's getting the right fuels to handle the workloads. I reckon this pre-season has been spot on and will go a long way to preventing the injuries which really hurt us last season (touch wood!).
Last week was the last of the pure running sessions and this week we're getting into more rugby specific stuff and a bit more contact work. I'm a huge fan of head coach, Dave Murphy’s trainings. He's pretty smart when it comes to the amount of contact we do during the week. It's rare we really bash the crap out of each other for an hour and a half. For someone on the wrong side of 30, I certainly appreciate this approach! Save it for Saturday I say! But this being the case, Dave will set us up for a drill that's supposed to be 'grab tackle' only, but you can guarantee it becomes full contact, normally instigated by a SMULLEY high shot, TAITEY bullying some poor young un or SENIOR all of the above! Only one way to learn I guess!
There's a really good buzz in the squad which is just a continuation of how we finished last season. I could be wrong here but I don't think we've lost one single player from last season, apart from Julsey to retirement maybe, but even he’s involved in a coaching capacity now. Not many senior clubs could say that I'd imagine and it's just a reflection of how much we enjoy each other’s company and being part of the club. That's one thing that struck me last season, in my first season with the club, was how tight the boys were as a group. Most of the lads went to school together, grew up together, and have played a lot of footy together...this is a huge advantage to have out on the pitch. Thankfully I was welcomed into the 'circle of trust' with open arms! Like a marriage, however, there's no shortage of domestics...usually always between the aforementioned 3 above!
So that's about it for now folks. Will check in next week and let you know the casualties of the first weeks contact sessions, update you on any other news and a few other bits and bobs. And last but not least...go the Mighty All Blacks!
VB
