O L D  C O L L E G I A N S  R U G B Y  N E W S

Publication of the Old Collegians Rugby Football Club's Rugby News. Registered at the G.P.O. Adelaide for transmission by post as a periodical.

Editor: David Quodling 3 Cedar Avenue, Glenunga 79 3785
Ass. Ed: Sally Hancock 4 Vansittart Place, Beaumont 79 2667
Secretary: Tony Maxwell 37 Strangways Terrace, Nth. Adelaide 67 2719

THE 1971 PRESIDENT'S REPORT

I have pleasure in presenting my report for the 1971 Season, a most successful and a rewarding one from my point of view.

As everyone knows the First XV won the Premiership after a magnificent team effort in the Grand Final against Glenelg. We lost the first semi-final against this team and this loss (partly expected because of injuries etc.) proved to be a psychological advantage.

We knew we could do better in the Grand Final whilst on the other hand I was personally of the opinion that the boys were over-confident in the big game. In any case the team played magnificently. The tackling was superb, the tactics left the opposition nonplussed, the captaincy was first class and I think all will agree that the coaching of the team could not be faulted. Well done, Max.

The Seconds had a disappointing season but what a frustrating one it was for them. Injuries in all grades took a heavy toll as it was always the Seconds that suffered. I doubt very much if they had the same fifteen for two consecutive weeks all the way through the season. Frankly, I am in favour of our Second XV being the Club's "Second best team" not merely the "poor old Seconds" just because the S.A.R.U. fixtures don't suit our particular requirements.

The Thirds did well right through the season but were rather surprisingly beaten in the finals just when it appeared they had the flag at their mercy. A good effort just the same.

The "fighting Fourths" made it to the Grand Final only to be beaten by Elizabeth - the better side on the day. The Fourths did well to make the Grand Final as they met some pretty stiff opposition on the way.

All in all a great season once again with the teams in the finals and at one stage during the year all teams were on top of their respective grades.

In addition, we returned to our "home" ground at Linden Park in 1971. (Now known as Tregenza Oval.) It was a good feeling to return to the oval which had been levelled and grassed during 1970. Unfortunately for us, the grass was not sufficiently established to withstand the 11 inches or so of rain we received in the latter half of April and from that time on, the ground was virtually unplayable. Thick, smelly, oozy mud made conditions very difficult, even for training and it is a credit to the coach and those who assisted him, in addition to the players, that they were able to do so well. One wanders what could have happened if training facilities and conditions had been as good as some other clubs were fortunate enough to have on some of the more sandy pitches.

New 401 high goal posts were erected at Tregenza at the beginning of the season and in 1972 we will have a scoreboard. The Clubhouse is under way but difficulties have been encountered with top soil, filling etc. and it is hoped that the problems with footings (and some legal problems) will be overcome in time to get the building completed before May, 1972. The Club still urgently requires funds for the completion of its own Clubhouse and the generosity of a number of members is appreciated. Special mention should be made of the generous donations made by our Patron, Sir Norman Jude (and Lady Jude), Leigh Garner and a number of members now living in other states.

Due to the limited number of matches played at our home ground, the "girls" did not get enough opportunities to show the members how to really raise money by the "bucketful". They did, however, do a magnificent job at the stall and at the various social functions and our thanks go to the female supporters for a job well done. (The advent of pies and cans of soft drinks at the stall in 1971 was a real money spinner!)

Last but not least, my thanks to a wonderfully keen, hard working committee. Without these fellows you wouldn't have had such success on and off the field and it was very gratifying to see an average of 12 - 14 committee members at meetings which were held at least once a month. To the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Editor (and Assistant Editor) the Senior Vice President, other Vice Presidents who helped and last but not least the remaining members of the Committee, my thanks for making the 1971 season such a successful one and, for me, a gratifying one.

I regret that owing to increasing pressure of business, which will almost certainly result in more trips out of the State in 1972, 1 will not be standing again for the position of President. I take this opportunity of thanking you for the honour of being your President in 1971 and to my successor, congratulations and best wishes.

B.L. Hancock

SECRETARY'S REPORT

The First XV and the Fourth XV reached the Grand Finals this year - the first XV proving victorious. The Third XV were defeated in the Preliminary Final and although not reaching the Semis - the Second XV always represented a tough proposition for other teams. It is to be hoped that in 1972 the Second XV has a more stable playing force.

Congratulations are extended to those players chosen to represent the State against the Springboks. It certainly must have been an experience which will not be forgotten. The "knuckling white-coats" will probably not forget that match either. There were also other Interstate matches (including an Under 20 State side) in which we had representatives, and again congratulations are in order.

Apart from the physical side of the Club, there were many other achievements in 1971. Fund raising in various forms, including the sale of Pontoon Tickets, afternoon teas at Tregenza, and a Chicken and Wine Dinner, were actively pursued and supported. All these activities were made possible by "the hard-working lovelies" who really did an excellent job - so much so that we are considering opening an O.C.L.D. - "Old Collegians Ladies Deli".

The Clubhouse project is finally well under way after a few unforeseen problems with foundations and it appears likely that there will be a Clubhouse before May. 1972 is going to be a big year for fund raising, as we are still going to be short of our target, and whilst this may appear a financial drain an the occasions you are asked to "cough up" - bear in mind the satisfaction and facilities you and your family will have.

Ten management Committee meetings were held during the year, the following are details of attendances:

The Committee would like to thank Barney Hancock for his Chairmanship, throughout the year and also for the jumper repair service kindly offered by he and Shirl.

Thanks also to the Assistant Secretary - L. Evans, and the Treasurer D. Leslie for their hard work in all projects.

It is to be hoped that the influx of players and supporters will continue, and that 1972 again proves to be a successful season