ITM Cup: A Beginner's Point Of View. Preview

Never heard of the ITM Cup you say? Never fear, this beginner's guide will be with you throughout the season telling you everything you need to know.

The ITM Cup is New Zealand's club tournament, and I think it's fair to say it's the world's leading club tournament in the world. It's the equivalent of Ireland's UBL championship, except that it creates a lot more attention, and their Super Rugby and international stars want to play for their club team.

ITM Cup is the competition that Ireland plucked Michael Bent from, while international squad members Francis Saili, Charles Piutau and Franka Halai were unknowns in the competition last year.

The regard that is held for the ITM Cup is huge, with Australian players signing up to play (Paul Alo-Emile, young Rebels prop) and Benji Marshall, fresh from his switch from League, eager to get some action.

Background

The ITM Cup in it's current format is entering it's 8th season, with 14 teams from the North and South Islands of New Zealand. With the remaining 12 teams playing in the Heartland Championship. In 2013, the ITM Cup has 2 Divisions - the Premiership and the Championship. Each Division has seven teams in it.

Within this framework there is a unique format whereby teams will play all other teams in their own Division as well as four of the teams from the other Division. This means that over a nine week period, each team will play 10 games. This keeps up some of the long established, traditional provincial rivalries. Eg. In 2013, Auckland (North Island) will play Manawatu, North Harbour, Northland (North Island) and Otago (South Island). In fact, North Harbour, Northland and Auckland are in the North West point of the Northern Island.

Points are awarded similar to the majority of Rugby competitions, with 4 points for a win, and a bonus point system in place. As with most competitions, a 4 team playoff occurs at the end of the regular season in each division to determine a winner.

The 2013 competition sees Counties Manukau promoted to the Premiership after winning the Championship final in 2012, and Hawke's Bay relegated to the Championship. Canterbury are the holders of the Premiership.

Ranfurly Shield

The ITM Cup also features within it another arguably more prestigious trophy, the Ranfurly Shield. The Ranfurly Shield, also known as the "Log o' Wood", is perhaps the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First presented to Auckland in 1902, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the Shield in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder of the Shield. The Shield holder at the end of each season is required to accept at least seven challenges for the following year. All home games during league play, but not during knockout playoffs, in the ITM Cup are automatic challenges. The remaining shield defences must be made up of challenges from unions in the other domestic competition.The Shield is currently held by Waikato who won it from Taranaki in the 12th round of the Round Robin in the2012 ITM Cup.

The season's first Ranfurly Shield challenge will see the Northland Taniwha have the first tilt at wrestling 'the Log o' Wood' off the summer guardians, the Waikato Mooloos.

If Waikato retain their hold on the Shield they will face challenges from Northland (Week 1), Otago (Week 2), Auckland (Week 5), Wellington (Week 7) and the ultimate derby match against Taranaki, the team that handed the Shield to Waikato, in Week 9.

Premiership

Canterbury are the holders, and the hot favourites to retain their title. While other teams will be shorn of their international stars during the early parts of the competition, Canterbury will still have the likes of Joe Moody, Corey Flynn, Dominic Bird, George, Luke and Adam Whitelock, Colin Slade and Johnny McNicholl amongst others. Matt Todd was unlikely to miss on international selection, while Nasi Manu and Jordan Taufua and young wingers Belgium Tuatagaloa and Milford Keresoma are worth keeping an eye out for.

Key Player: George Whitelock

One to Watch: Jordan Taufua

Wellington are expected to be a strong challenger, who are also left relatively intact following the New Zealand squad announcement. Ardie Savea, Jeffrey Toomuga Allen, Victor Vito, Brad Shields, Charlie Ngatai, Alpati Leiua and Hosea Gear featuring for a strong team. Wellington possibly have the most balanced team, with Vito eager to make up for missing out on New Zealand selection, they could be worth a bet.

Key Player: Victor Vito

One to Watch: Lima Sopoaga

Auckland are fresh off an impressive season by the Blues, Auckland are an exciting young team that will go far. Peter Saili and Luke Braid will be vital, while they are backed up by promising youngsters Angus Ta'avo and Ofa Tu'ungafasi up front, with Simon Hickey (U-20), Hadleigh Parkes, George Moala and Lolagi Visinia expected to provide the thrust in the backline. Also featuring is Under 20 blindside flanker Joseph Edwards who made my team of the Tournament

Key Player: Luke Braid

One to Watch: Joseph Edwards

Waikato are lower down on the list of likely challengers, but have enough talent to cause teams problems. Paul Alo-Emile, Ben Tameifuna and Toby Smith will fight it out for the two prop positions, while Matt Van Leven and Jack Lam will need big performances if Waikato are to continue the success from the Chiefs. Sam Christie of the Western Force and Tim Mikkelson of NZ Sevens legendary feature in the backline, while Marty Holah and Brendon Leonard are including in the wider training squad.

Key Player: Jack Lam

One to Watch: Ben Tameifuna

Counties Manukau are another team capable of springing surprises, with Hika Elliott, Fritz Lee, Augustine Pulu, Baden Kerr, Frank Halai and Bunde Aki in their ranks. Much could depend on when Tim Nanai Williams returns from injury.

Key Player: Baden Kerr

One to Watch: Rey Lee-Lo

Taranaki should be safe from relegation in a team featuring Chris King, the promising Rhys Marshall, Kane Barrett and Jarrad Hoeata up front, with Jamison Gibson Park, Waisake Naholo, Kurt Baker (another 7s star) and Andre Taylor in the backline. They will be further boosted when Beauden Barrett comes back from internationals and James Marshall comes back from injury.

Key Player: Jarrad Hoeata

One to Watch: Rhys Marshall / Andre Taylor / Jamison Gibson Park

Bay Of Plenty will struggle this year, in a team lacking upcoming youngsters or any established talent. Everything will rest on Tanerau Latimer and Chris Noakes.

Key Player: Tanerau Latimer

One to Watch: Nathan Harris

Championship

The Championship is not without it's talent, and will be worth keeping an eye on, if not for exciting talent from this years Under 20s, then for some exciting combinations like Rene Ranger and Rupeni Caucau combining in midfield for Northland.

Here are the best of the Championship:

Southland Notable Players:

Super rugby regulars: Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Robbie Robinson

Upcoming: Taylor Adams (scrumhalf),

Northland

Super: Ranger, Caucau, Bronson Murray

Otago:

Super: Tom Donnelly, Ezra Taylor, Liam Coltman, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Buston Popoali'i

Upcoming: TJ Ioane, Michael Collins (inside centre), Fa'asiu Fuatai (Winger) , Teihorangi Walden (Centre)

North Harbour

Super: Ben Afeaki, Bryn Hall, James Parsons

Upcoming: Sione Mafileo (Lock), Jordan Manihero (Flanker)

Tasman

Super: George Stowers, Quentin McDonald, Tim Perry, Tom Marshall

Manawatu:

Super: Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Michael Fitzgerald

Upcoming: Jason Emery, Ma'afu Fia, Nic Stirzaker, Jade Te Rure (Outhalf)

Hawke's Bay

Super: Ged Robinson, Ash Dixon, Brendon O'Connor, Karl Lowe, Alby Mathewson, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell

Irish: Max Lahiff

Upcoming: Telusa Veainu, Gillies Kaka, Trinity Spooner Nera

Where to watch: 

Sky Sports will have all the games live, their coverage starts on Friday at 8.35am

Superbru:

For those who find following along is better if there's something to play for, join the SuperBru pool 

http://www.superbru.com/itmcup/pool.php?p=11111186

Pool name: World In Union 

Pool code: cutenear

Currie Cup: A Beginner's point of view

I'll admit, I've never watched Currie Cup rugby before. It's a back competition in South Africa, much like the ITM Cup in New Zealand, featuring regional teams, very similar to the Super sides. It is seen as a premier breeding ground for new talent to emerge in South Africa's ranks.

I will be previewing and reviewing the competition, from a first timer's point of view every week.

Format

The competition has two divisions; a Premier Division of 6 teams, and a First Division of 8. It's a round-robin format, with all teams in each Division playing their Divisional rivals both home and away. The top four teams in each division enter into a playoff to determine the winners of that Division. The bottom team in the Premier divison faces a relegation playoff with the winners of the First Division.

First Division

Western Province are the defending Premier Division champions, they make up the majority of what Super Rugby followers know as the "DHL Stormers", with a few additions. They will have a large number of Springbok absentees for the majority of the competition, with Eben Etzebeth, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh and Duane Vermeulen absent, the leadership will be left to the likes of Deon Fourie, Gio Aplon and DeKock Steenkamp. Demetri Catrakilis, who starred for the Southern Kings in Super Rugby, will be one to watch.

Irish interest will centre on Munster's new signing Gerhard van den Heever, who starts on Saturday in their opening game against the Blue Bulls, while Cheslin Kolbe, who excited many at the Junior World Championships, and Gio Aplon make up the exciting back three.

Western Province will be one of the strongest teams, with young Springbok prop Pat Cilliers on the bench this Saturday emphasising their strength in depth while their current Springboks are away.

Key player: Deon Fourie
One to Watch: Cheslin Kolbe

Free State Cheetahs finished last in last season's competition, and only remain in the competition by virtue of winning the promotion/relegation fixture against the Eastern Province. Their Super Rugby counterparts (along with the Griquas) has their best ever campaign, dazzling audiences and finishing in the playoff positions.

They will be without Springboks Coenie Oosthuizen, Adriaan Strauss, and Trevor Nyakane, but some Cheetahs stars in Lood de Jager, Lappies Labuschagne, Philip van der Walt, Sarel Pretorius, Piet van Zyl, Robert Ebersohn and Raymond Rhule.

Former Munster prop Wian du Preez, and former Connacht hooker Ethienne Reynecke also feature in the squad, who will look to mount a strong challenge.

Key player: Robert Ebersohn
One to Watch: Raymond Rhule

Natal Sharks, last years finalists, will hope to go one better this year. The Sharks also had a terrible Super Rugby campaign and could be suffering. Only lock Pieter Steph du Toit came out with his reputation enhanced.

They are shorn their front row of the du Plessis's brothers and the Beast, while also losing Pat Lambie, Marcel Coetzee and Willem Alberts.

However, the likes of Lous Ludik, Lwavi Mvovo, world cup winning outhalf Butch James, Charl McLoed, Keegan Daniel and Jean Deysel remain, while some of their Super players like Craig Burden and Cobus Reinach make the bench this weekend for their opener against the Griquas.

Key Player: Keegan Daniel
One To Watch: Tim Whitehead / Cobus Reinach

The Blue Bulls are going through a transition phase, as they are losing Juandre Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dewald Potgieter, Jacques Potgieter, Morne Steyn, Jano Vermaak and Wynand Olivier, and that doesn't even include their Springbok representatives.

They still have the biggest depth, and are historically the most successful of the South African provinces. With Victor Matfield as forwards coach, and youngsters Handre Pollard and Tony Jantjies (brother of Elton) it will be interesting to see how they go, with next years Super Rugby in mind.

Key Player: Anyone left? Werner Kruger
One to Watch: Handre Pollard / Jurgen Visser

Golden Lions are fresh from winning the Vodacom Cup, South Africa's second tier competition during Super Rugby, and will be looking to mark their return to Super Rugby for 2014, with a strong showing here.

Strong performances from the likes of Elton Jantjies and Derek Minnie are central to their fortunes

Key Player: Derek Minnie
One to Watch: Martin Bezuidenhout

Griquas are almost definitely the weakest of the Premier Division teams, and will be without their sole star, Willie le Roux, while he is on Springbok duty.

Their fortunes weigh heavily on youngster Lourens Adriaanse, captain Ryno Barnes, centre JP Nel, Hilton Lobberts and Francois Bummer.

Key Player: Ryno Barnes
One to Watch: Lourens Adriaanse.

First Division:

The First Division features 8 teams; Leopards, Pumas, Border Bulldogs, Kings, Griffons, Boland Cavaliers, Eagles and the Falcons. The Kings are the champions from last year and will be the overwhelming favourites to repeat that feat.

The Kings feature the majority of the Super Rugby squad, with Schalk Ferraira, Steven Sykes and Sergeal Peterson there to ensure their favouritism. Their sole challenge is expected to come from the Pumas, for whom Shaun Venter had a great season from scrumhalf for the Southern Kings, and Demas shocked the British and Irish Lions 4 years ago for the Emerging Boks.

Super Rugby Semi finals

Now that's what Rugby is all about.

Two fantastically tense games, where the result was in doubt until the final whistle.

The Crusaders and the Chiefs served up a fantastic advertisement for Super Rugby, with a nailbiter right until the final few minutes, when Dan Carter revealed that drop goals are the one piece of skill not in his fort. A magnificent solo try from Israel Dagg was the pick of the action here.

The Brumbies narrowly beat the Bulls, with a try in the final few minutes, after the Bulls had seemed to snatch the victory from their Australian visitors.

One thing is for sure, it ain't over until it's over in Super Rugby this season.

But more on that later...

Super Rugby Review: The Qualifiers

Last weekend saw only two games in the tournament, who were supposedly the 3rd to 6th best teams in the competition. However, the Crusaders (4th) hammered the Reds (5th), while the Brumbies scraped by the Cheetahs early on Sunday.

The New Zealanders are getting into championship winning form at just the right time, with Dan Carter and Tom Marshall in particular producing fantastic displays. 38-9 to the Crusaders is a fair reflection of a game in which they dominated. Perhaps teams shouldn't be that dominant at a stage where only title contenders should, in theory, still be involved.

The Brumbies were fortunate to be through, with the Cheetahs missing a few key kicks. Perhaps having Johan Goosen back could have helped the Cheetahs again. They can be happy with their season, and it's even more remarkable when you consider they were down to their 3rd choice outhalf for the majority of the season.

Looking for to next weekend, there are THREE huge games. Three you ask? Yes three.

On Saturday morning, the Crusaders travel to the Chiefs in a mouth watering clash. The Chiefs are considered favourites, but I can't look past the Crusaders are in top form and hammered the Chiefs only three weeks ago 43-15. Liam Messam may have been missing that day, but it remains to be seen if his absence reduces the 28 point deficit.

Later on Saturday, the Brumbies travel to the Bulls. The Bulls will be without Jan Serfontain, who has had a marvelous season, and the Brumbies will fancy their chances, although they will have to improve hugely.

But the game of the week is in Port Elizabeth on Friday night, with the Southern Kings hosting the Lions in the first of a two-legged playoff to see who enters the competition in 2014. This will be a humdinger, and the Lions have some of their loanees back, like Elton Jantjies, who could flourish when allowed to play the expansive rugby the Lions play, and the Stormers didn't.

In the fantasy competition, a huge tactical mistake from Ball Handling Hooker cost him 64 points, by not having Dagg, Stephen Moore, Liam Gill and Johan Sadie, although mistakenly putting Frisby ahead of Genia saved him from losing 6 points.

As it were, with two rounds left, Cillian Hogan's lead has been cut by 25 points, and he leads by 95.

Will it be enough?

Super Rugby Review : Team of the Ladder Season

Round 20.

Apologies for the delay, but the Irish sunshine demanded attention.

The final round of matches in Super Rugby decided who played who in the qualifiers/ semi's, and their were some great moments.

It's obvious that the Crusaders are coming into form at the right time, while the Rebels produced a stunning comeback after losing at halftime by 31-7. Other picks of the round included a stunning victory for the Force, featuring a massive brain fart from Toomua, and a mauling of the Kings by the Sharks.

Now that the regular season is over, I felt it's necessary to award some of the performances by players that didn't make the playoffs. So here's the team of the season.

15. Ben Smith / Charles Piutau / Israel Folau

By a distance the hardest decision. With the playoff contenders this would have been even harder after Jesse Mogg's fabulous season. Charles Piutau was wonderful, and brought a breathe of fresh air into a Blues side that really needed it, while Ben Smith was a one man show in Dunedin, albeit in a losing side. But because of the switch, and the fact he was still a one man show with more success, I have to give it to Folau over Smith. Knowing full well that I'll change my mind on this fourteen times in the next minute.

14. Frank Halai

Frank was superb, and a competition best of 10 tries shows how well the former 7's specialist is bringing those skills to the 15 man game. Spoken of in terms of All Black selection. Watch this space. Mention too for Kade Poki and Alpati Leiua.

13. Rene Ranger

Ranger was awesome this season. He is finally in a position where he can influence games, whether by scoring tries, "Re-a-RANGERing" people, or by showing he is one of the best centres in the world at the breakdown. Montpeiller are getting a player at the top of his game. Richard Kahui and Tamati Ellison were outstanding, but were injured more often than not. Mention for a similarly effective switch to 13 from Tim Nanai Williams

12. Jean de Villiers

Outside of the playoffs teams, Jean de Villiers had a strong showing at inside centre, but Christian Lealiifano and Jan Serfontein performed better.

11. Julian Savea

Not the greatest season from Savea, and the assault charge seemed to effect him mid season, but he still scored some great tries, and Israel Dagg still has nightmares about the Savea train rolling over him.
Mention for Hosea Gear who like Smith, did well to manage 8 tries in a struggling Highlanders team.

10. Bernard Foley

The main reason why the Waratahs were a joy to watch this year was this man. Foley ran the show at his new position at standoff, making people like Cam Crawford and Israel Folau look good. Michael Cheika has unearthed a gem.

9. Fumiaki Tanaka

Perhaps a little bit of bias here, and it's strange to think that a good few Highlanders feature in this team, but Tanaka was great to watch this season, and it's hard not to have him as a favourite player. Wales discovered how effective he can be when Japan shocked them in the second test this summer. TJ Peranara did well, and a return of 7 tries can't be laughed at.

1. Ben Franks

Away from his brother for the first time, Franks shone at the Hurricanes, finally getting some regular gametime. His 10(0)m try was a sight to behold, and backed that up week in week out with strong performances. Mention for Schalk Ferraria of the Kings, whose defensive hard work lead the way for some historic performances.

2. Ged Robinson

Another tight contest, with Deon Fourie and Bandise Maku impressing. But with Fourie playing well at flanker too, Robinson had more time at hooker to show what he's got, and as the high scoring player in fantasy Super Rugby, he deservedly gets this spot.

3. Angus Ta'avao

It's hard to pick out props, especially tighthead props. James Slipper and Ben Taumiuna have done well, but as part of the playoff teams are discounted. Ta'avao bagged a few tries, and looks to be one for the future.

4. Luke Jones

The Rebels second row are by far their strongest performers. Both Pyle and Jones get through a mountain of work, and both should be closer to Wallaby reckoning. Great seasons for both.

5. Hugh Pyle

See Jones

6. Steven Luatua

What an outstanding breakout year for the 22 year old. Luatua was everywhere on the field, and New Zealand may have their heir apparent to Jerome Kaino's slot as the world's best blindside.

7. Wimpie van der Walt

Everything good about the Kings was epitomised by Wimpie van der Walt. Often running the ball two or three times a move, or tackling up to four times a play, Wan der Walt was tireless in his work, and the Kings would have been hammered as would have been expected much more without him.

8. Scott Higginbotham

Possibly the biggest loss to Australia this year, but after a slow start, "Higgers" showed that he can be a one man team, and all of the best parts about the Rebels this year came through this man. They may have been better without James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, but Scott Higginbotham takes them to new levels.

Fantasy

A huge performance from Cillian Hogan puts him further clear, and within touching distance of yet another victory. Plenty to play for over the next three weeks though. Other than the top two, only 5th and 6th have yet to be decided with Murray Kinsella battling Peter Corley for the spot.

Super Rugby Review Round 19

With only one more week to go, a lot of things were decided this week, amongst all the excitement, there was a 93 point game to feature before the Lions won the third test.

Crusaders 43 - 15 Chiefs

The Crusaders showed they are a champion side, putting in the performance against one of the competition contenders that keeps them in the hunt for first place in New Zealand. That they are still in the hunt after playing quite poorly, and now are coming into form should spread fear into the other playoff teams.

Hurricanes 44 - Highlanders

What a game. This showed both the best and worst of the Highlanders this season, after they raced into a healthy lead, only to squander it, then race back into a commanding lead, only to nearly squander it again, all while their poor discipline rendered it's ugly head yet again. The highlights are a must watch.

Cheetahs 34 - 13 Blues

This result confirmed that the Cheetahs made the most of their spectacular season by reaching the playoffs for the first time, while simultaneously consigning the Blues to nearly-rans. It was a much improved season from them, but it won't count for much. Ball Handling Hooker will be cheering on the Cheetahs in the playoffs.

Southern Kings 12- 24 Stormers

This result was consigned to not matter after the Cheetahs result as both teams now have nothing to play for. The Kings will play the Lions in a relegation playoff soon, while the Stormers will finish outside the playoffs and lose a lot of their top players like Joe Pietersen and Bryan Habana.

Bulls 20 -19 Sharks

A late charge from the Bulls kept them atop the ladder, in what could be an important position. A solitary point will confirm them as home semi-finalists, while finishing top means that they will host the final, should they get there.

Key games next week:

With only the order of the playoff contenders to change, these are the games that will affect standings;

Crusaders - Hurricanes - Expect the Crusaders to win, probably with 5 points.

Blues - Chiefs - Expect a narrow Chiefs vicotry giving them 1st in NZ.

Waratahs - Reds - I think the Tahs could sneak this one while the Reds are without Genia and Horwill

Force - Brumbies - Brumbies to win, possible bonus point

Stormers - Bulls - Bulls to win by a multiple of 3.

Probable playoffs:

1. Bulls v ( Brumbies v Reds)

2. Chiefs v ( Crusaders v Cheetahs)

Fantasy.

Another spectacular week brought Cillian Hogan 98 points clear of Ball Handling Hooker in the race for first place, with only 4 weeks to go. While Garbhan is 260 points behind, and will be fighting with Connacht Man for 3rd.

Head to Head league.

With 8 points the difference between 1st and 2nd, and the difference between 2nd and 3rd, it's likely to remain that way. the battle for 3rd, 4th and 5th will go on between the Weshties, Les Mecs and Multiple Scoregasms.

Ref Report: Greystones 7's

A Guest post from Cillian Hogan

Up to this weekend just gone, I had never attended a sevens event in any capacity and I was delighted to receive an invite to referee in the inaugural Greystones 7's. I was very keen to test myself in the shortened version of our game and jumped at the opportunity.

Tournament KO was penned in for 1:30. With the third and final Lions test starting at 11:05 it became a very easy decision to watch the match in Greystones' clubhouse. I arrived at 10:45 and proceeded to watch an appropriate amount of match build up while meeting with and chatting to many familiar faces from around the province. Despite one or two technical issues with the projector during the opening minutes we all got to see the match until the result was beyond doubt.

With five or so minutes left in the Lions game we (the referees) left to get changed and then met up with the ref coordinator where our tournament jerseys were handed out and we were split into teams of three to look after the three pitches the matches were to be played on. There were two pitches for eight mens teams (one pitch for each group of four) and one pitch for the women. I was placed on pitch one in front of the clubhouse. We then had a brief chat about the sevens specific laws, the need for accuracy at the breakdown and we were then told who'd be in the middle for the first matches.

I had hoped for a gentle ease into the day but I got the nod and was up first for the game between pre-tournament favourites The Wild Geese and UCD. Having never had proper touch judges before I felt compelled to have a bit of a prematch brief stating the usual instructions that I had been told when running the line for Ulster Bank League games. "Your primary job is to rule on matters of touch and touch in-goal” and “if there's any foul play put out your flag and I'll lead the chat at the next break but keep up with play as touch is still your primary task." I also added that as this was my first time with touchies I'd probably forget about them so if they had anything for me just shout. The game itself went off without a hitch despite both teams wearing blue, with The Wild Geese winning reasonably comfortably while UCD acquitted themselves very well. I was blowing hard enough at half time and the instructions from my touch judges were to watch the offsides during set piece. I felt much better at full time having got over the initial shock from the pace of the game. I submitted the match score card to the pitch coordinator and we were on to next match.

For the next few games I ran the line which was enjoyable being able to primarily watch the action with a few sprints intermittently down the sideline. A bad injury on the women's pitch (which required an ambulance) allowed us to take our time with the schedule as we were aiming for the playoffs of both the men's and women's tournaments to be played in order on pitch one. The heat was a bigger factor during the day than I had anticipated and Greystones were great at providing a hydration station for the officials stocked with plenty of water and red bull.

There was plenty of chopping and changing with who was doing which match during the course for the day but my next game in the middle was between The Wild Geese and Trinity. I was feeling physically comfortable in this game at half time and received some small positional advice from my touch judges. The game at this stage was very close with Trinity playing very well if relying a little heavily on individual efforts, while The Wild Geese we poor in the first half by their standards. The second half was going fine with The Geese scoring a good few tries but about halfway in I had a pretty bad blunder. The Geese were in possession when I had got in the way of play and like most times when a ref gets into a spot of bother it usually gets worse. I tried to get out of the way by sprinting through a gap in Trinity's defense but this just allowed the ball carrier to follow me through before he got a pass away. At that stage my back was to the ball and I was unable to see it. The Geese then got the ball wider still and were in. Thankfully I blew it up as my own mistake, apologised to both teams and restarted with a scrum to the team in possession. I was annoyed with myself for the big error but knew there was no point dwelling on it. Neither team had been disadvantaged by it once I’d called it back but it never looks good and gives the impression of incompetence.

We had a break after this match as the group stages were over and this gave us a chance for a burger, to rehydrate and a rest. Some would say the rest was needed but I felt it was an opportunity to seize up and that's just what happened. My own liquids intake for the day had been poorly managed and when it came to restarting with the finals I found it quite hard to get loose and going again.

I was given the second semi-final of the cup in the knockout stages which was personally very pleasing and I felt rewarded for what I thought had been a strong day overall from me with the whistle. The match was between two of Greystones' entries. One side was made up of their U21s squad while the other was consisted of senior players. The game started with a very quick pace to it which benefited the younger lads as they scored a terrifically finished try in the early minutes. While attacking on the left hand side of the pitch they kicked deep into the 22. The defensive player was shepherding the ball over the try-line for a 22 dropout when the chasing player managed to dive and stretch, beating the defender to the grounding. It happened in a flash and I can safely say that had I been a bit lazy and not chased the kick hard myself, I would not have been able to make the call. The young lads built their scores early and it wasn't until the second half that the senior team were able to get back into the game. This was my best game of the day. The Greystones U21 team won the match and continued onto the final.

The day itself was a great occasion to be part of. A lot of stalls were in Dr. Hickey Park selling sweets and cakes etc. There were bouncing castles (for children), there was music played on the PA system and we were fortunate to get the weather that we did. I'd like to thank the organisers and volunteers form Greystones RFC for running a great event, for giving the referees their full support throughout the day and making sure we wanted for nothing.

Congratulations to Railway (women’s plate winners) Blackrock (women's cup winners), Trinity (men's plate winners) and The Wild Geese (men's cup winners)

While this was my first sevens tournament I certainly hope it's not my last.