Paul O’Connell Decision

Posted on Dec 16, 2010 in Rugby News

Paul O’Connell, the Munster replacement (No 19), appeared before an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today (Thursday, 16 December, 2010) as a result of the red card he received during the Heineken Cup Pool 3 match against the Ospreys at Thomond Park on Sunday, 12 December, 2010.
The red card was issued to Mr O’Connell in the 69^thminute of the second half by referee Christophe Berdos (France) for striking the Ospreys player Jonathan Thomas (No 8) in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

Mr O’Connell, accompanied by his solicitor Mr Donal Spring and Munster team manager Shaun Payne, contested the red card. The ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor, presented the case against the player.

After hearing submissions from both parties and considering the evidence, the independent Judicial Officer, HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) upheld the red card and determined that the act had been deliberate but that there had been no intention to injure Mr Thomas.

The independent Judicial Officer found that the offence was in the mid range (entry point: 5 weeks) of the level of seriousness for an offence of this type. Having taken into account any mitigating factors, such as Mr O’Connell’s good disciplinary record, the independent Judicial Officer reduced the suspension from the entry point by one (1) week which resulted in the final suspension of four (4) weeks. Mr O’Connell will be free to play from 10 January, 2011.

Law 10.4 (a) Striking – A player must not strike an opponent.

IRB recommended sanction – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid Range: 5 weeks; Top End: 8+ weeks; Maximum 52 weeks

Both parties have the right to appeal.

Esher out in force to battle the cold snap

Posted on Dec 16, 2010 in Rugby News

As ‘the cold snap’ continues, Esher Rugby are preparing for the next instalment of wintery weather.

With the original Championship fixture against Nottingham having fallen foul to the elements on Saturday 4th December, Esher’s grounds men, staff and players have been out in force to lay pitch covers ahead of the anticipated cold spell over the weekend, to ensure that every effort is made for the rescheduled fixture next Tuesday to go ahead as planned.

The management of Esher rugby are appealing for volunteers willing to arrive early on Tuesday evening to assist in removing of the covers. If you can help, please contact the office on 01932 220 295.

7pm kick off for re-arranged Pirates game

Posted on Dec 15, 2010 in Rugby News

Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club will be looking to overcome both the opposition and the elements this Wednesday evening (15th December, KO 7pm) as they face Cornish Pirates at Damson Park, in a re-arranged Championship fixture originally scheduled for 28th November.

Having only managed to play one fixture, away against Plymouth Albion, in the last few weeks, the Bees players are understandably frustrated by the lack of competitive action. With a positive pitch inspection this evening and no overnight frost forecast, the club remains confident that Wednesday evening’s game can take place as planned, with the kick off scheduled for the slightly earlier time than usual of 7pm.

The fixture also offers an excellent opportunity for Bees’ fans to come and watch their team play for the bargain price of just £5, with children and concessions admitted absolutely free.

The Bees team to face Cornish Pirates on Wednesday 15th December, kick off 7pm is as follows: 1. Rob Dugard, 2. Ross McMillan (c), 3. Nglau Tau, 4. Semisi Taulava, 5. Adrian Griffiths, 6. Mike Denbee, 7. Rob Connolly, 8. Adam Clayton, 9. Jimmy Williams, 10. Mark Woodrow, 11. Mitch Culpin, 12. Rod Petty, 13. Ollie Grove, 14. Tomasi Tanumi and 15. Tom Foden. On the bench:- 16. Mauro Sperandio, 17. Ben Gerry, 18. Dan Wright, 19. Jack Preece, 20. Will Lawson, 21. Ollie Winter and 22. Ed Binham.

Blues name team for Moseley clash

Posted on Dec 14, 2010 in Rugby News

After two postponements due to the unusually cold weather, Bedford Blues have announced their 22 man squad to face Moseley at Billesley Common on Tuesday evening.

The match was originally due to be played on Saturday, December 4 and was subsequently postponed to Wednesday, December 8, when overnight temperatures of minus ten degrees Celsius led to a further postponement.

But with plus temperatures back on the thermometer, Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer makes ten changes to the team that started against Ulster on Saturday afternoon in the British and Irish Cup.

After a busy few weeks, Handre Schmidt moves to the bench with Ollie Dodge starting on the wing. Ian Vass, Myles Dorrian and Nick Walshe all start in place of Tom Bedford, Jake Sharp and Will Chudley.

In the pack there is a new front row with Sam Walsh, Dan Richmond and Dan Seal replacing Laurence Ovens, Chris Locke and Phil Boulton while Mike Howard comes in for Sean Tomes, Sacha Harding is in for Will Fraser and Paul Tupai starts at No8 in place of Chris Goodman.

Starting line-up:
15. James Pritchard (c)
14. Ollie Dodge
13. Brendan Burke
12. Ian Vass
11. Duncan Taylor
10. Myles Dorrian
9. Nick Walshe
1. Sam Walsh
2. Dan Richmond
3. Dan Seal
4. Mike Howard
5. Alex Rae
6. Gregor Gillanders
7. Sacha Harding
8. Paul Tupai
Replacements: 16. Joe Clark, 17. Phil Boulton, 18. Sean Tomes, 19. Chris Goodman, 20. Will Chudley, 21. Tom Bedford, 22. Handre Schmidt.

Blues name team for Mosely clash

Posted on Dec 14, 2010 in Rugby News

After two postponements due to the unusually cold weather, Bedford Blues have announced their 22 man squad to face Moseley at Billesley Common on Tuesday evening.

The match was originally due to be played on Saturday, December 4 and was subsequently postponed to Wednesday, December 8, when overnight temperatures of minus ten degrees Celsius led to a further postponement.

But with plus temperatures back on the thermometer, Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer makes ten changes to the team that started against Ulster on Saturday afternoon in the British and Irish Cup.

After a busy few weeks, Handre Schmidt moves to the bench with Ollie Dodge starting on the wing. Ian Vass, Myles Dorrian and Nick Walshe all start in place of Tom Bedford, Jake Sharp and Will Chudley.

In the pack there is a new front row with Sam Walsh, Dan Richmond and Dan Seal replacing Laurence Ovens, Chris Locke and Phil Boulton while Mike Howard comes in for Sean Tomes, Sacha Harding is in for Will Fraser and Paul Tupai starts at No8 in place of Chris Goodman.

Starting line-up:
15. James Pritchard (c)
14. Ollie Dodge
13. Brendan Burke
12. Ian Vass
11. Duncan Taylor
10. Myles Dorrian
9. Nick Walshe
1. Sam Walsh
2. Dan Richmond
3. Dan Seal
4. Mike Howard
5. Alex Rae
6. Gregor Gillanders
7. Sacha Harding
8. Paul Tupai
Replacements: 16. Joe Clark, 17. Phil Boulton, 18. Sean Tomes, 19. Chris Goodman, 20. Will Chudley, 21. Tom Bedford, 22. Handre Schmidt.