RUGBY: Old Elthamians coach Garry Ralph helped coach a session alongside England captain Chris Robshaw and Conor O’Shea at Warlingham RFC.

Having recently qualified as a Level 2 coach through the QBE Coaching Club, Ralph was one of a selection of community coaches who attended this surprise session.

The visit was organised by QBE Insurance to launch QBE My Coach, a national competition that looks to reward coaches who have inspired and supported the success of amateur and professional players alike. 

Four lucky winners of the competition will receive a coaching session from a legendary rugby personality at their club as well as a place on the QBE Coaching Club, allowing them to become a Level 2 qualified coach.

Part-time head coach of Old Elthamians U16s, Ralph has recently joined Ravenswood School in Keston as a teacher.

He said: “I would say to any parent whose kids are into rugby, get your coaching qualifications as soon as possible.

“Clubs across the country are always in need of additional volunteers and coaches.

“There is a high dropout rate once kids hit the U16/U17 age group so it’s vital to keep them in the sport to ensure we develop the talent into the national pool.”

To make a nomination and enter the QBE My Coach competition, visit QBErugby.com

FOOTBALL: Jade Fawcett grabbed a hat-trick as Gravesham Girls & Ladies U15s trounced Parkwood 7-0 with Abby Hancock, Maisie Parnell, Freja Askew, and Alicia Stanley also on target.

Roisin Fuller ensured the U16s shared the spoils with Hawkinge 1-1, while Megan King (2) and Tatjana Seymour helped the U18s to a 3-1 success obver Lordswood.

However, the U10s and U12s both suffered heavy 5-1 defeats at the hands of Castle Colts and Grasshoppers respectively with Brooke Hutson scoring the sole consolation for the U12s.

TENNIS: Farnborough Tennis Club held its annual spring tournament on Sunday with 16 members taking part.

This is an American handicapped event to ensure everyone of whatever standard has the same chance of winning.

After five very close rounds, the winners emerged as Kuniko Sato and David Keegan.

Club spokesman Brian Keegan said: “They were presented with the Peter Fyfe Memorial Cup, which was being awarded for the first time after Peter sadly died during a club morning last year.

“I’d also like to extend thanks to Kuniko, Elvira Beacham, Nigel Holmes and Peter Sargent for organising this very successful event and for arranging the feast which ran in parallel with the tennis.”

FOOTGOLF: Dan Spice continued his recent run of good form by claiming victory with a phenomenal 16-under-par 56 at Wilmington-based Birchwood Park golf course's first official tournament of 2015.

SAILING: A trio of sailing clubs in south-east London are taking part in next month’s national Push the Boat Out initiative, which aims to encourage people to take up the sport.

Erith Yacht Club, Greenwich Yacht Club and Thamesmead YMCA Sailing Centre will offer free and low cost opportunities to get out on the water between May 9 and May 17.

Each open day and taster session will be different depending on the activities each club or centre offers.

News Shopper:

However, all Push the Boat Out events are geared to showcase what the sports are all about from the freedom of being on the water to the social buzz of club life and will highlight just how accessible sailing actually is to everyone.

All you need for any of the sessions are a change of clothes, soft soled shoes and a towel and the clubs/centres will provide everything else.

Booking is essential for some of the activities. 

Refreshments will be available and a friendly smile guaranteed as BBQs and other social activities also take place to give newcomers a warm welcome.

For more information, click here