Matt Riley
06/10/07 10:32
Name: Matt Riley
Position in club: Tight Head Prop
How long have you been playing/coaching rugby?
18 years What first interested you in the game?
My incompatibility with other team sports, always seemed to be getting sent off until a school master introduced me to the game. Always enjoyed watching it but never considered playing until a few school friends introduced me to the game and school and club rugby. How long have you been with Oakmeadians?
7th season
What is your favourite thing about playing/coaching rugby?
The crazy people you meet, the game draws in people from all walks of life towards a collective goal, which you don’t get in any other sport And the worst?
Sunday mornings
Who is your favourite professional player and why? Two golden oldies are who have inspired me Kees Meuws and the legend that is Jason Leonard. In propping terms I’m still new to the position and at the time I was learning the trade from scratch these two were at the top of their game. Leonard for scrummaging and Meuws for being the first modern day prop, one that could run, catch, pass and still have the energy to scrum and lift.
Mike Garrett
27/09/07 18:11
Name: Mike Garrett
Position in club: Loose head prop
How long have you been playing/coaching rugby?
I have been playing rugby since I was at school, with various mini retirements.(Yes I have been playing rugby longer than some of my team mates have been alive!!!)
I played for a Bristol club (BAC) & thought I had given up for good when we moved south. My son’s joined Oaks & I started coaching with the Acorn’s….then I came training with the Old Git’s….then occasional games with the 3rds….into the 2nd’s when they were short & now in the first XV squad. Yes, that is the wrong way round especially as I promised my wife I would only play occasionally.
What first interested you in the game?
Can’t remember – never was any good at history…..
How long have you been with Oakmeadians?
Coaching….5 years, playing 3…with a move into the first XV squad at the start of last season.
What is your favourite thing about playing/coaching rugby?
Playing – being part of a team….
Coaching – when they finally get the point of the thing you have been shouting about all season….
And the worst?
The pain….at 38 I have more to ache after each match. Although my body forgets my age as soon as I am back park & the whistle goes…
Who is your favourite professional player and why?
Martin Johnson – I used to play at second row til I slowed down so he is a bit of a hero to me It is an unglamorous, grunt position and it was great to have such an inspirational player & leader to look up to. He could lift a whole team (and the World Cup obviously)
Jack Hennings
04/04/07 11:54
Name - Jack Hennings
Position - Blindside Flanker
Jack has been at Oaks for 1 season, taking over as captain of the Men’s First XV earlierthis season. He plays at No 6, a position he describes as “utility forward”.
Jack began playing rugby at secondary school when an inspirational PE teacher took the 12 year old Jack and helped him change direction. He enjoyed playing so much he also joined his local U13 squad (Colwyn Bay), swiftly moving on to the North Wales squad where he was a fixture ‘til he was 18. During that time he also had trials for Wales – but they all lost out when he moved to Sheffield!
Whilst in Sheffield he played for Sheffield Hallam University as captain of the freshers team. Again one club was not enough so he also played for Rotherham Academy, at the time a premiership club. Moving on to Sheffield Tigers he joined the squad on a trip to Twickenham when they played in the intermediate Powergen Vase.
What is your favourite thing about playing rugby?
Rugby! And the friends that you make whilst playing rugby. Also the lifestyle is great.
And the worst?
There is nothing bad about playing. I play because I love it. I am very passionate about playing. Even training on a cold wet evening doesn’t bother me – the Peak District is colder & wetter than Bournemouth any time.
Who is your favourite professional player and why?
Sebastian Chabal (Sale Sharks & France.) He has an amazing awareness of play during the game. Plus a great strength when he is playing well.