European (Russian) Rugby Taking a Back Seat

So, this weekend the Warriors were in Europe, well Russia and the club have clearly nailed our European intentions on the mast - it is not important.  So if the club feel that way then I will take a break from blogging about them and turn my attention to the Valkyries this week.

                               Sam Bree scoring

With the absence of a Warriors fixture it was great to head to Sixways on Sunday with my 2 youngest and get involved.

You may know that I am the kind of person that likes to be part of things and not just sit by and watch them happen, well hopefully my kids have inherited that personality trait too.

Having played tag rugby that morning at Malvern we turned up muddy and a bit tired, but we had jobs to do.

First up - sell match day programmes.

Now sadly the crowds at Valkyries games are less than at an A league game, but that certainly did not put off the team.  I am a bit perplexed about the attendance.  There were a few parents and family members, a handful of girls in rugby kit and maybe half a dozen men that I have seen at Warriors games - that was it. 

It's free! 

Ever wanted to get a girl interested in rugby?

Think your neighbour might fancy a couple of hours out?

What to do an age grade rugby social event that will only cost parents a cone of chips and a bottle of coke?

We (all rugby fans) need to embrace this sport.  In the most part the rugby is outstanding.  With professional standard coaching and facilities, it is only going to get better too.

The first half was not pretty.  The Valkyries were playing with the wind in their faces and that final ball or clever little move just seemed to fall short of excellence each time.

In part it was the bad kicking from them that kept us in the game going into half time.  Something needed to change and though she was not the only improvement, brining Heather Fisher on for the 2nd half was an inspired move.

Watch Her Try Here

If you follow me on Twitter @rugbyworcs then you will know I was pretty impressed by this try.

Aidan started reminiscing when she "bashed the Japanese players" at the Olympics.  I'm not sure if you watched the Olympic ladies 7's but there was some great rugby on show and Fisher left a lasting impression on my son.  He was so happy when he finally twigged that she is a Worcester player.

We also ran the East Stand lines with the team acting as ball boys and girl.  It is probably the first time my daughter has paid attention for an entire game.

Lets hope she was inspired and not just buzzing from the Diet Coke treat she had!

There is one thing that became clear to me on Sunday, our city needs to get behind the Valkyries.  Their style of rugby is exciting, their skills are evident, their passion, explosive attacks and determination in defence all make for a great rugby spectacle.

The details on the website are not great and there is no ability to forward plan watching their games thanks to venue details being omitted, but why not stick some of these dates in your diary and join Me, Aidan and Daisy in supporting the Worcester Valkyries?