Annual Report 2009

Senior playing numbers dropped dramatically in 2009 and this is one of the main reasons for the many difficulties we faced in terms of playing numbers, strength on the field, numbers of volunteers and income (both subscriptions and bar income).

Undeniably, at times questionable discipline and commitment also affected our morale and on-field performance and these are issues which will need to be addressed by individuals as well as by the club as a whole if we are to move forward.
The 1st and 2nd XVs both missed the finals but played some great rugby at times during the year. Unfortunately both teams lost games they should have won easily and missed out on crucial bonus points by not winning "easy" games well enough; it cost them dearly in the end as both only missed playing finals on percentage.

The coaches, in particular Graham Raymond, did a tremendous job throughout the year and if more of the players had shown the same level of commitment to training and preparation we would have certainly had a different result. The 3rd XV coached by Barry Hickman once again had a solid year and did a great job to get through to the Grand Final again. Even though they lost, the experience some of the younger players gained through the final series will benefit them next year. The 4th XV only winning one of the six games they played, and forfeited many, so we are definitely looking for a better showing in 2010. The Women's XV coached by Rob Sadler played some entertaining rugby during the year and were very competitive in the finals. Hopefully the new players will be retained and Rob can take them to the next level. In Juniors we had mixed results across the age groups. However, as stated during preseason and early training sessions, the aim was to provide the children of our club with core rugby skills in a safe and enjoyable environment and if this resulted in premierships, then that was a huge bonus

We believe that trading this financial year has been affected by the significant decrease in player numbers. Despite those decreased numbers, subscriptions showed a marked increase thanks to the efforts of Justin Elder as regards collection - despite a drop in senior playing numbers in 2009, we collected 30% more in subs than in 2008. However, there appears to have been a significant impact on the business of the canteen and bar which together raised less in 2009 than in 2008. It may also be that the global financial crisis has had some impact on our income, with some members perhaps exercising more frugality in their discretionary spending habits at our bar and canteen. Sponsorship continued to be a critical part of the club's income in order to keep subscriptions down and cover the growing costs associated with providing rugby and facilities to our members. Several businesses and people provided much needed cash or in-kind sponsorship in 2009, and special thanks must go to Suzuki in the City, Physio Direct, The Feathers, Coopers, AqaOysters, Direct Interiors, Gordon Hazzard of Southern Plasterboard, Powerhouse Sports on the Parade, Retire Invest and a number of individual benefactors.

We were, as usual, dependant on a small group of dedicated volunteers who provided canteen services, line marking, ground set up and take down, cleaning and the many other jobs that provide an enjoyable environment for our players and supporters. The numbers of people prepared to assist in this way have declined along with playing numbers and it places a great deal of stress on those who remain. We would ask all members, as a minimum, to be considerate to the existing volunteers and, if they are able to, to help if they are asked, or better yet to volunteer without being asked. Too often people actively refuse to help carry something to the field, to tidy up after training, to run as touch judge for 40 minutes, to walk a raffle around, to help out in the canteen - but these jobs still need to be done and they are done by volunteers for the benefit of those who refuse to help themselves. Our special thanks go to all those who perform the mundane, regular duties which keep the club going. In particular, our undying admiration and gratitude goes to:

• Sue Thewlis and all who helped her in the canteen. Sue of course does everything else too, and we would be lost without her
• Jo Macklin and Jo Hodgson for all their hard work in the canteen
• Ted Apted for line marking, ground set up and take down, manning the scoreboard, managing the recycling and other numerous, thankless tasks
• Leighton Edwards for line marking
• Everyone who lent a hand with touch judging at any point!
• Paul Horne for his management of the website
• Justin Elder who has gone above and beyond with house and grounds and with subs collections.
• Peter Allen for helping with keeping our grounds tidy
• Stewart Douglas who has been a spectacular Club Captain
• Michael Lowe, Bec Manson and Kate Denley and their team who provide first aid and physiotherapy support
• Ian Walker who as an aside to his role as 3rd XV Manager also helped Danny with records and selection issues
• The club's paid "volunteers" Rebecca Derbyshire Lloyd, Rowan Mein, Michael Thomas, Phil Gold, Jess Turvey and others who worked behind the bar, and Anne Bradley for cleaning.
Thanks also go to our hard working and under appreciated senior and junior committees, Selectors, Coaches and Managers.

While we ended 2009 without premierships and without much money, we did win some awards! Kate Reynolds of the women's team won the state awards for Best Woman Player and Best Woman Tackler, Tara Naige was the Most Improved Back in the Women's State Team, Chris Bartlett won the state award for the Best Colt and thanks to the hard work of many people (but particularly Ted Apted) we won the state award for best prepared ground facilities. Special mention also goes to Mitch Sallis, one of our Under 18s, who scooped the pool for junior referee accolades at the South Australian Rugby Unions Referees Association awards night - Mitch won a couple of awards and was appointed to referee a grand final. The West End Trophy also remains with us, on a technicality. SARU have changed to rules so that the annual award for championship club goes to the senior club with the most premiership points across all grades; it is no longer based on contribution to the union as a whole. As a result, we will retain the now defunct West End Trophy, at least for the time being, while the new Coopers Cup goes elsewhere.

The club is proud again to have had many state representatives: Black Falcons - Tim Wonders, Luke Bailey Chris Bartlett (Mike Lowe as Physio); Southern Warriors - Tara Naige, Kate Reynolds, Alice Kelly, Kristie Hume, Nadia Blake, Kim Evans (Kate Denley as Trainer); Junior Falcons - Chris Bartlett, John Muchan, Darcy Pfiztner, Tom Alexander, Charlie Neate, Jack Campion, Tim Chew.
Our especial thanks go to our committee members who are not seeking re-election:

• John Absolon has retired as Registrar. It has been a challenging role for John, particularly this year as he was not playing any more and not around as much, and his life made other claims on his time. We thank him very much for his hard work and his commitment to us in spite of those challenges. In his time as registrar we moved completely onto the ARU's RugbyAdmin system and although it will not be obvious to 99% of you, this has greatly streamlined our registration and record keeping processes.
• Stewart Frew has resigned from the role as our Director of Junior Rugby. Naturally, he will continue to be involved as a coach, a father and a supporter, and for that we give thanks. Stew has done an amazing job over the last few years. The great legacies of his Junior Committee are that the junior and senior clubs are now linked and moving ever closer and that the parents have been brought into the club in record numbers, which not only adds to our immediate culture and environment (and coffers) but will undoubtedly also bear further fruit in years to come in the form of more volunteers, better involvement etc. The best any administrator can ask is that he leaves the club in a better place that they found it - that he took the ball forward. John and Stewart can make that claim with pride.
• Graham Raymond is also retiring, but only from the roles of Head Coach and Vice President. Graham has taken up other roles instead with us, namely as Player Liaison and Selector. Nonetheless, we thank him for his hard work and commitment over the last few years and look forward to his hard work and commitment in his new roles!
• Mike Lowe, who has been club physio and club sponsor for 12 years is also retiring from his personal involvement with us. Physio Direct will continue to sponsor Old Collegians and we will continue to be supported by Amit and Anand who have assisted throughout Season 2009. Michael's contribution has been overwhelming in the last 12 years. There would be very few players who have not benefited from his assistance. He has helped us get players back on the paddock in record time, and allowed us to ensure that their injuries are managed properly and responsibly. Michael advised us at the beginning of 2009, and despite the advance warning it will still be a shock to wander downstairs or up to the 1st XV sideline and not see his familiar and friendly face. That said, we suspect (and hope) that we will still see Michael around a lot. We particularly and sincerely thank him for training up Amit and Anand over the last season thereby ensuring his own succession. Michael was made a Life Member in 2007, and if we could make him a Life Member twice over we would!

To be frank, 2009 wasn"t the greatest of years at Old Collegians. Only the 3rd XV made Grand Final and at the end of the club's financial year the best we could say is that our head is still above water. While we Didn't take home any premierships, we have taken home some lessons. Those lessons have been the impetus for needed and important changes in the way we do things and our expectations of each other in 2010, which we hope is going to be a better, brighter year.

Kim Evans
President