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Just back from leading Australia to it's silver medal performance at the Commonwealth games, and picking up the player of the tournament award on the way, James "Chucka" Stannard was straight into it, conducting an intense coaching session with the Palmyra squad in preparation for the Singapore Sevens commencing next Friday week.
Stannard concentrated on speed drills, defence, and set moves, and his skills and presence, as a former Palmyra player who had made it to the top, inspired the Pally boys in what was a very impressive training session.
Stannard indicated he was pleasantly surprised at the fitness level of the squad and was pleased at the skill levels on display, although he believed the lads were down a level or two in the physicality of their defence compared to that required at the international level. He stressed to the players the necessity of tackling aggressively when defending their line as in sevens there were no second chances and nowhere to hide.
The Palmyra boys have been engaged in two hour training sessions since the end of the regular season on a twice weekly basis, and for the last two weekends have been involved in practice games against tough opponents from within and outside the Paly club.
Whilst even the Western Force would be hard pressed to match some of the better teams competing in Singapore, Palmyra hopes to give a good account of itself and build on its reputation there as tough adversaries and gallant competitors.
The club is holding a quiz night this Friday at Tompkins Park commencing 7 PM to help raise the funds needed to send the team over.