By apb on 3/7/2003
July 4 2003

There's been a good deal of debate on the messageboards over the last year. We've had plenty of healthy and hearty discussions on the "one-dimensional" aspect of Leeds' game, ("The Sword of Braamocles" article is a particular favourite of mine)

, the qualities of a loosehead prop as opposed to the differing skills required for a tighthead, whether TeePee will make the World Cup squad (my assessment: Probably not), and should Dan Scarbrough be full-back, wing or outside centre?

These debates have shown that we as a set of fans, albeit small and centred largely in the frozen North, actually know a bit about this game of rugby. Basically, we can talk a good game.

But how about playing? We've been invited to field a team in the "Fat Bloke Sevens", an event organised (if that's the right word) by the London Irish Supporters Club to run in parallel with the Henley International Sevens event at Henley RFC on August 10th. As a set of supporters we have this fine opportunity to not only show the others how to down a pint or two, but also how to play the Beautiful Game.

We have a team manager, our very own Timofe. Tim has spoken to the coaches at the Tykes Academy and they are willing to put some time into giving us fans a bit of remedial coaching ("Those are the goal posts, this is a ball...."), as well as a bit of basic stuff around how to handle a sevens tourney.

Imagine that, being taught by the coaching set-up of one of England's top twelve rugby institutions. Wouldn't you jump at that chance?

I did. But apparently not many other people are that bothered. This is a crying shame, since we are unlikely to get this opportunity again! For those of you that don't actually play the game in its fifteen aside format, this is a golden opportunity to measure your innate knowledge with your basic on-field coordination, and to see just how far you have to go to reach the state of finely honed athletic perfection as represented by yours truly.

So come on, take your opportunities when you can! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so sign up to join us at the Kirkstall Training centre (opposite Morrisson's) on Wednesday 9th July at 19:00.

Are you a man, or a mouse?

(Suddenly the sound of squeaking rents the air...)

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Previous Articles in this Series:
What happened to the songs we used to sing?

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