Training run with a slight difference

Rockingham Rugby Union Club are utilising some unconventional training methods to build on a disappointing 2012.

Rockingham’s senior side finished bottom of the WA Premier Grade ladder last year, with club stalwart Willie Van Dyk returning to the fold.

Under Van Dyk, the club held a hybrid rugby-football game with Peel Football League side Baldivis at Lark Hill last Thursday as part of their pre-season preparations.

The game was played with an AFL football, rugby players were allowed to pass forward – and Balvidis players could handball the ball.

Van Dyk believes the game made for a thoroughly worthwhile exercise.

“Having the smaller ball was a challenge for my boys because it was leather, there was more concentration needed … it was also good for fitness,” he said.

“The game probably benefited the football players but was about running into space, being aware of your surroundings and using peripheral vision.”

Van Dyk jumped at the chance to coach Rockingham’s senior side, saying he had “unfinished coaching business”.

“I actually did coach the boys in the 2008, and we finished fifth on the ladder, previously I’d been developing the juniors for 10 years.

“On and off, I’d taken First Grade, it’s a case of coming back and trying to finalise everthing I’ve tried to do.

“I reckon the standard has always been pretty good because the boys here won quite a lot of flags in junior rugby, and a lot of them played State rugby so there’s some good quality players there.”

The Kolbe College teacher said his top priority would be to improve upon Rockingham’s poor last-place finish in last year’s competition.

“It was quite disappointing and surprising, given the quality of players we had, so there can only be improvement,” he said.

“Training is going really well and the boys are sharpening up week by week. I’m quite happy with the skill levels picked up and the commitment.”

Rockingham will play Nedlands and Kalamunda in scratch games in the coming weeks.