Exciting time to be a Warrior
I am very proud to be part of the coaching team for Sandal Warriors at such an exciting time.
The beginning of the summer only seems like yesterday when we started our pre-season training. Training sessions started small with a handful of players meeting up on a warm sunny evening. The aim of each session has been and continues to be for everyone to develop and have fun doing so.

This core philosophy of “having fun while developing” is key in everything we do. The squad have quickly grown, and we regularly have 20 or so turning up to training each week, whether rain or shine, warm or cold. From the handful of players at the beginning of the summer we now have 34 registered players, as well as a couple of women training with us to improve their fitness and technical skills.
The women’s squad continues to grow, and you would be very welcome to join us. We train each Wednesday from 7pm at Sandal.

Our women's squad is a diverse group that includes players of all ages and skill levels. We have rising stars who were promoted from the previous season's U18 team, senior women who kept the dream alive through training and the occasional friendly in the last season, as well as new recruits and returning players who join the group almost every week.
In fact, one of the things, we are very proud of is the number of players within the squad who grew up playing for Sandal girls’ section.
Opening games have a promising start to the season
We have already played our first two league games, both away. The first was at Selby in very wet conditions. Despite a tough encounter against a team that had played together in the previous season, Sandal Warriors came away with a significant win, as well as a few bruises.

Our squad was made up of returning players, players from last year’s under 18’s and players making their full rugby debuts. Despite the weather, and the challenging opposition, Sandal Warriors thoroughly enjoyed the game and the win.

The second game involved a trip across to Malton. Despite injuries and only taking two substitutes, the Warriors were looking to take another win and were confident given the previous week’s results. The game started close, with neither team scoring in the first 20 minutes.
Malton was young, fit and did the basics very well as a team. They had also played as a team in the previous season. Malton scored the first try, and subsequent ones to go into half time with a strong lead. Despite Sandal Warriors starting the second half strong, Malton again took advantage of our mistakes.

Whilst the scoreline does not reflect the effort put in, I am very proud of the players and how we are developing as a team with each game.
At the time of writing, we are preparing for first home game which will be against Pocklington. Pocklington are another well-established team and so it should be an interesting game.

This season is already shaping up to be action-packed for the Sandal Warriors, while still having lots of fun. I look forward to seeing you at one of our games, or training sessions.
Chris Moseley
Co-coach Sandal Warriors