Juniors Finals

Under 18s

The Under 18s competition is struggling somewhat. There are only three teams, being Old Colls, Brighton and Onkaparinga. Our Under 18s are a small but dedicated team who have been consistently undermanned. Big thanks go to Dave Annandale from Souths for throwing his lot in with Old Colls all season. We hope to see him next year too.

It is worth noting that the Under 18s across SA were given the option of scrapping the competition, but chose to plug on.

Well done for their commitment to the game and their clubs in the face of such disappointing circumstances.

Under 16s

So good one week, so not the next. You play like you train and the U16s are proof. Poor attendance at training showed greatly in our game. Lack of team cohesion was the main reason for a season of results that did not reflect the abundance of talent within this side. A core of players showed commitment and dedication to the team which would have made senior coaches proud. Hugh, Derek, Simon, Tom, Michael, and Guy deserve rich praise for showing up week in, week out. Recent weeks have shown what we were capable of.

A monumental first win for the season came against the Vikings. 60 minutes of commitment and passion saw the Vikings capitulate to a team showing fiery self belief.

"Pig" (who some call Tristan) showed us what running as hard as you can will bring, Robbie tackled aggressively and made defence attack as result. Henry became the U16 Mailman – he delivered. Giles ran clever angles to make consistent yards. Oliver and Simon worked hard in the pressure positions of half and 5/8.

This effort was reproduced on a number of occasions but unfortunately we fell agonisingly short of victory. 2 point losses to Brighton and Souths could have altered the season had they been narrow wins instead. Tackling is an integral part of Rugby and Tim produced stunning tackles throughout the season. Dan followed suit and regularly brought down larger opponents. If only the teams tackling had been that consistent

The Under 16s competition consisted of six teams. Old Colls Under 16s unfortunately did not make the finals.

17 AUGUST 2002 – Old Collegians 0 vs Brighton 40

24 AUGUST 2002 – Old Collegians 12 vs Onkaparinga 62

Under 14s

The Under 14s competition in SA consists of only 4 teams. The OC U14s have had their work cut out for them in a competition where many of their opposition outsize them significantly. With only four teams, the u14s were always going to make the finals. However, that fact notwithstanding, their commitment and dedication are commendable.

17 AUGUST 2002 – Old Collegians 0 vs Brighton 24

24 AUGUST 2002 – Old Collegians 5 vs Brighton 12

 

MATCH REPORT

This week the Under 14s faced Brighton. The boys have been playing some fine flamboyant barbarian style rugby this year, but have always been lacking on some areas of their game.

After several weeks of intensive fitness training, we went into this game with our best chance of a win in 2002. Fly half, Jem Shimmield, led out a team full of fire that could finally live up to their full potential. After going down to an early try from some fat kid plating No. 8 for Brighton, it was up to some of the big guys in the Old Colls pack to bring them back into the game. "Big" Sam OConnell led front the front with some big hits. However, it was left to the smallest players on the pitch (Daniel Larcombe and Rory Sheppard) to keep the hopes alive with some fine try saving defence. Late in the second half after an excellent attacking move and a Gary Owen from centre Toby, Rory ran onto the ball and scored the try.

At one try a piece this was a very much deserved score line, and justice would have been done but for the fat kid scoring again in the dying seconds.

Under 12s

The Under 12s competition in SA consists of 8 teams.

The OC U12s have performed very well this year, and have some excellent players. They have won 9 of their 14 games and will play in the finals. It is worth noting that they have only lost to two teams, being Onkaparinga and Brighton Gold.

17 AUGUST 2002 – Old Collegians 5 vs Brighton Gold 34

24 AUGUST 2002 – Old Collegians 29 vs Brighton Black 12

 

MATCH REPORT

On 24 August the Old Colls Under 12s team ventured to a place called Dry Creek to play a Burnside/North Torrens team.

Riddled with injury, the Old Colls team could only manage to field a team of only nine (compared to a full team of twelve) but were boosted with a couple of the Burnside players. Throughout the first half, the Old Colls boys dominated possession thanks to the inspirational rucking and mauling work shown by the forwards (Andrew Bradley, Carl Coetcee, Jack Campion and Henry Stevens) and determined running shown by the backs, especially Edward Lucas and Rupert Weaver who ended up bagging a couple of tries each.

Towards the end of the first half and the first ten minutes of the second half, the boys lost their concentration and Burnside were coming back into the game by scoring a couple of tries. However, the Under 12 boys dug in, with a lot of great tackling shown by all players, especially Henry Stevens who in the space of 30 seconds tackled five Burnside players.

In the end the Under 12s eventually ran out convincing winners at 29 to 12. The best players on the day were Edward Lucas and Henry Stevens.

 

3rd August 2002

Under 10s

Weather was fine, which was lucky as the forecast was for 13 celcius with rain and hail. We played Southern Suburbs, with a final score of 7 to 1. Our try was scored by Bill Meegan. Xavier Spizzo was the captain and made sure that the players all kept in their correct place on the field. The team played well. All players put in a good effort, particularly Hugh in the mauls. We must ensure that we win the ball after our hard work. Tackling improved this week, but we still need more practice! Well done!!

 

10th August

Fine day. We played Brighton. The score was 7-5 to Brighton.

Tries: Bill Meegan x 2, Hugh Barrett x 1 & Mackenzie Vann x 2.

Brighton only had 8 players and those missing were their forwards, so we played 8 a side. This was much harder, particularly at scrums with only 4 players in the backs. It was nevertheless a terrific match. Wednesday night mauling training is paying off. The team did really well, passing the ball more when getting tackled or when about to get into a maul, rather than hanging onto it. Ball retention was much better and support has improved. We still need to do more work on tackling.

 

24th August2

We played the Vikings. It was a sunny day. The score was 8-1 to the Vikings. It was a terrific and close match which is not reflected in the score, which even the ref made a point of saying. We had good strong mauls, and the said we were very strong in that area. Some great driving was done. Great work by almost all of the team who got in there when it counted. The forwards worked well and all the team made some terrific tackles. A wonderful try by Hugh Barrett too, well deserved.

 

17th August 2002

This was the U8's & U10's picnic day. Many attended the picnic organised and held at Glenelg. It was a nice gathering, lovely weather and a good catch up with the parents and families of the children. The kids enjoyed themselves having a bit of a scratch match.

Thanks go to Rebecca McCartan for organising this day.

Under 8's

Coach: D. Armstrong

The Great Eights!

There has been a fantastic effort at games over the last few weeks. There have been great improvements in passing, fewer off-sides and even some on field concentration! Both kids and parents are having fun. Ryan is one of the most improved, with several great runs. It's also good to see the girls, Louise and Bridget, giving it all. The Elder Statesmen, Jake, Pete and Noah, are solid as usual. Welcome back to Grayson and Tom.

 

6th July 2002

Under 10's

Coach: J. Penhall

OC 2 v Vikings 7

Weather was fine & sunny. We had 3 players unable to play (Darcy, Xavier, & Darren). Everyone now in the team has had the flu so it should be smooth sailing from now on! The Vikings lent us a player & we had Jake McMahon from the U8's too. Jake was captain. It was a great match & appeared very even, even though the score doesn't really reflect this. Tries scored for Old Colls by Mackenzie & Bill. The encouragement award went to Nick Bell, who is improving well.

OC v Brighton (yes, again!!)

Captain was Nick Bell and the Encouragement Award went to Chester Armstrong.

This was the best match this season, even though the score was 7 to 5 to Brighton. Darren Pinkerton (Speedy Gonzales) scored all of our five tries. Mackenzie did a beautiful run, almost ending in a try. Brighton scored their last two tries in the last three minutes. They are a good team to play against and we enjoy playing against them. The weather was fine, thank goodness after all the rain we'd had.

Some great tackling. The BEST tackle by Darcy Sadler against the largest player on the field and she did it beautifully! Bill Meegan hung on to a player and was dragged along for about six metres. Xavier made his best tackle to date.

Well done everyone!

Under 14's

Coaches: J. Ovenell & J. Collins

The Under 14s have been playing well, but are simply outsized by their opponents. Their coaches insist that all they need to be unbeatable is one big, fast kid. All the other teams have one, where is ours? Eh?

Under 16's

Coaches: S. Douglas & B. Hamer

We played Brighton with a full team for the first time, and played like absolute champions. We dominated possession and territory for most of the match. Unfortunately, a few lapses in concentration cost us points (full-blooded Collegians already!) and despite exerting extreme and continued pressure on Brighton's line, we fell inches short. The week after, we played Onkas and failed to continue our form. A poor first half saw us overrun by Onkas who simply ran straight and hard.

Outstanding running from Tristan, from the front row! Simon Kenny (second row) continues his great season with excellent lineout work and strong running.

 

29th June 2002

Under 10s

OC 1 v Burnside 5

Conditions: very muddy & wet. Captain: Hugh Barrett.

Good teamwork & defence for OC. Very slippy conditions. Mackenzie attempted a tackle and literally 'slipped" to the ground, just couldn't get a grip!! Had a little controversy with the U10 rules, as the ref was told that there were contested scums. We'll ensure that future ref's get a copy of the rules before the match!! Well played by everyone. Encouragement award went to Xavier Spizzo.

 

15th June 2002

Under 10s

OC v Brighton WE WON!!!!!

The team I said we could beat!! A great game played by all. Real team work. Some great runs by Nick Bell & Mackenzie Vann. Try scorers: Hugh Barrett 2, Darren Pinkerton 2, Bill Meegan 2, & Mackenzie Vann 1. It just shows you that the hard work put into training pays off!!

 

Sunday, 2nd June

The U14's played the state U12's at Tregenza as a friendly before the state boys go to Melbourne for Griff Hunt. We're not sure of the score, but we're pretty sure our 14's won because we heard them singing the club song downstairs!!).

 

1st June 2002

U10s

OC v Vikings. Captain: Darren Pinkerton. Encouragement Award: Mackenzie Vann.

It was nice to see an improvement in the teams' approach. They are getting to know their positions better. They have been drilling a lot on mauls & going to ground, and we hope to see more going to ground in the next round of matches. They are still working hard on tackling, too.

U14s

Brighton (46) v OC (0). It was the lads' best game yet. They are a great team, full of potential and coming together well.

U16s

Vikings (45) v OC (15). A good effort. We'd do much better if we had more numbers at training and on game days.

U18s

Brighton (39) v OC (12).

The boys are working very hard and putting up a feisty effort each week against teams with a full complement of players. As from June we will have a couple of extra players from Souths, but we are still looking for players

 

25th May 2002:

U10s

OC v Burnside. Captain: Chester Armstrong. Encouragement Award: D'Arcy Sadler.

The weather was fine. There were many mauls & we won a lot of ball. Great strength was shown by the forwards and some good drives. Even though we didn't score, the effort was terrific.

U16s

No game. Only a handful of our lads showed up. Tsk. tsk.

 

18th May 2002:

Under 10s:

OC v Souths? Encouragement Award: Darren Pinkerton.

Thanks go to Danny McCartan for coaching this game. It was wet, windy & woolly and was a pretty tough match just fighting the elements alone.

Under 14's

Coaches:  J. Ovenell & J. Collins

OC (0) v Onka's (42) - During the game, a tornado (we kid you not) ripped through the area, taking trees & roofs with it. The coaches didn't notice - must've been a very engaging game!

Under 18's Coach: A. Brummer

OC (0) v Onkaparinga (68). It came to our attention that there are more fathers in the Onkas U18s than there are in OC's first grade!

 

11th May 2002:

Under 8s

Coach: D. Armstrong

Onkas v OC - The brave U8s faced a more experienced and larger team from Onkas. There were many players who had learned from the first match to get onside or face "the electric fence". We were slightly outscored and at times a little confused by the field layout and coloured cones. Great effort and good chasing all game. Thanks again to the ref, Brian McMahon.

Under 10's Coach: J. Penhall

Onkas v OC. Captain was Mackenzie Van. Encouragement Award: Bill Meegan.
It was a very tough game against a very tough team. Collegians never lost hope and defended well. Quote of the Day: "Do I have to go in the scrum? The other team's all wet & sticky."

Under 16's Coaches:  S. Douglas & B. Hamer

Eliz v OC - We were 2 players short at start and then 1 player later. The boys put in an outstanding effort and dominated the first half of game, which was unfortunately not reflected on the scoreboard. Injuries and fatigue unluckily made the job much harder, but promising signs are showing for the rest of the season if we can find a few more payers.

 

4th May 2002:

Under 8s

Our junior Tregenza Times editor Jake Armstrong (who plays in the U8's) tells us it was great fun!!

Under 10s

An excellent game from the whole team, with tries great tackling from Darcy Sadler, Darren Pinkerton and Hugh Barrett. The Coach's Award for the week went to Hugh, and he gets a new pair of socks care of Physio Direct. Try scorers included Darren and Hugh.

Under 12s - 0 v 33

This was a fantastic game for our lads. Only nine Collegians faced the twelve Vikings, and despite the numbers still produced this great score.

Under 14s - 12 v 30

A disappointing result for the U14s, who in the future will no doubt put in the effort and commitment at training necessary to improve their game. Both Will and Jem had very good games.
It was noted that both coaches, and the manager Ben Rokobaro, got lost trying to find the pitch ...

Under 16s - 10 v 28

We only had twelve lads for this game, and more are needed! In the circumstances, those who turned up played very well in the 28 degree heat.
Onkas is apparently very hard to find, Ben Hamer was waylaid along with the U14s coaches!

Under 18s

In a very disappointing show of numbers, Collegians only had three players turn up for the U18s game. This was most unfair to the three who had made the effort. Some Brighton lads and the U16s bolstered their numbers to make up a seven aside game. Well done to Michael Lebbon, who scored the two tries.