Grand Final Match Report
By James Diack
Congratulations to all players and volunteers who contributed to the club's victory in the division 1 grand final for 2006. For Colls, Andy Farquharson, J. Hopkins and L. Rebbeck scored a try apiece, whilst Andy kicked five penalty goals in a 30-27 result. Played in warm sunny conditions against Brighton at Bailey Reserve on 16th September, the match stretched into extra time, during which each side scored a try. A penalty goal clinched the result for Colls with two minutes left to play.
Brighton opened the scoring very early in the first half when they exploited gaping holes in our defence and crossed the line for a converted try. We tightened our guard subsequently and, for a while, controlled play inside the opposition's territory. We won a substantial share of possession in this spell, retained and recycled the ball at the breakdown while displaying good ball handling in our attacking runs. Our reward came when we scored a hard earned try near the left hand corner flag. We spent most of the remaining first half defending our 22 against repeated forays from Brighton who appeared menacing when in attack. This tested our tackling ferocity and it was reassuring to see each of our players so committed to a strong effort in defence. Brighton scored another converted try before half time, but two penalty goals boosted our score, so we began the second half only three points behind.
Despite the warm weather, both teams raised their standard of play after half time. The forwards had even tussles in the scrums, while turnovers at the breakdown came only after strong efforts to retain possession. Several times in lineouts, Colls used a ploy of taking the ball down into a maul, driving it ahead and releasing the ball to the backs at an opportune moment after gaining fifteen or so metres. In their lineout wins, Brighton often used a flanker as an extra inside back to set the rest of their backs in motion, which caused us some anxious moments. We had enough variety and pace in our attacking runs to benefit from momentary lapses in Brighton's focus on resistance and we kept attempting to rip holes in their defence. Our support for the ball carrier was timely and reliable in most instances. Both teams scored a try in the second half and when we added our second penalty goal for the period, we were three points ahead.
We gave away a penalty kick in the last minute of the term. Brighton's easy shot at goal levelled the score, pushing the game into extra time. The standard and style of play carried on as before, though tension around the ground heightened. Colls scored first in extra time; a try resulting from some fast running. When Brighton evened the score again we needed more points to avoid losing to the minor premier on a count back. With less than two minutes left, Brighton transgressed and we kicked a penalty goal to seal the match result in our favour. Andy was goal kicker for the day, but every player contributed to the great achievement.
RESULTS - SEMI FINALS
Under 12's: Southern Subs 38 v Old Collegians 0
It was a great game - a pity the score didn't reflect it.
Under 14's: Vikings 10 v Old Collegians 10
A brilliant performance from the Under 14s in a drawn result which 20 minutes of overtime couldn't break. Unfortunately, OCs finished beneath the Vikings on the ladder so the Vikings progress to the Grand Final. It's a hard way to finish a year's rugby.
Under 16's: Brighton 17 v Old Collegians 0
While it's a pity they didn't progress on to the Grand Final, the Under 16s are a great team who've had a very good year.
Under 18's: Brighton 36 v Old Collegians 12
The Under 18s have had a challenging year and much credit goes to them for this strong finish. They never dropped their heads and they won the second half.
4th XV: Old Collegians 12 v Brighton 15
This was a very close game which could have gone either way. It was great result to get this far given the draw and our own numbers.
2nd XV: Onkaparinga 19 v Old Collegians 5
Our 2nd XV looked good this year, and deserved a stronger finish than this. We're very proud of how far they've come, but with 9 players out they had their job cut out for them in this game. If they were at full strength the game would have looked very different. Despite that, they played with courage and tenacity and were looking good when the game was cut short by an unfortunate injury to an Onkaparinga player.
1st XV: Brighton 20 v Old Collegians 14
Close and frustrating, our 1st XV have much more to give than this. They will meet Port in the Preliminary Final this weekend with the goal of redeeming themselves with a strong win, to meet Brighton in the Grand Final on 16th September.
(The Women's XV won by forfeit)
26th August:
1st Grade: OC 37 v Southern Suburbs 34
Best Player: Ben Suttell (Champs voucher)
2nd Grade: OC 55 v Southern Suburbs 5
Best Player: Jeremy Thewlis (Athlete's Foot voucher)
3rd Grade: OC 18 v Rams 22
Best Player: Matt Fuss (College Cup and the Bundy Jersey)
Women: OC 21 v Port Adelaide 0
Best Player: Lusia Raikiwasa (Athlete's Foot voucher)
4th Grade: OC 5 v Burnside 53
19th of August:
Other than the Triumphant First Grade... ouch!
1st Grade: OC 22 v Brighton 20 Tries: Jon Collins, Simon Burmester, Ben Suttell Conv: Suttell (2) Pen: Suttell
2nd Grade: OC 5 v Brighton 61
3rd Grade: OC 0 v Brighton 36
4th Grade: OC 19 v Brighton 22
Women: OC 5 v Souths 43
Under 8s: OC 20 v Vikings 30
Under 10s: OC 50 v Vikings 25
Under 12s: OC 7 v Vikings 31
Under 14s: OC 14 v Vikings 21
Under 16s: OC 19 v Vikings/Burnside 18
Under 18s: OC 3 v Onkaparinga 10
12th of August:
Women: OC 39 v Burnside 12
Best Player: Bec Manson
Tries, Tara Eliades (2), Kate Reynolds (3), Bec Manson, Lusia Raikiwasa
Convs: Tara Naige (2)
4th Grade: Bye3rd Grade: OC 12 v North Torrens 16 ; Best Player: Andrew Sheppard (won a Bundy "16th man" jersey) 2nd Grade: OC defeated Woodville by forfeit 1st Grade: Oc 33 v Woodville 20 ; Best Player: (College Cup and Athlete's Foot and Champs vouchers) Andy Farquharson ; Tries: Andy Farquharson (2), Michael Douglas, James Hopkins, Charlie Sheppeard. Convs Suttell (2) and Aguiar (2)
5th August 2006:
1st XV: OC 25 v Port Adelaide 20; (Tries: Ben Suttell (2), A Farquharson. Conv: J Aguiar (2), Pens: J Aguiar, Ben Suttell)
2nd XV: OC 22 v Port Adelaide 5
3rd XV: OC 37 v Brighton 0
4th XV: OC won by forfeit
Women's XV: OC 0 v Port Adelaide 5
29th July 2006:
1st XV: Old Collegians 48 v Woodville 8
Tries: Charlie Sheppeard, Ben Suttell, Job Collins, Ben Hamer, Peter Cross, Andy Farquharson (2) and Simon Burmeister.
Conversions: Juan Aguiar (4).
Best Player: Richard Czeglik
2nd XV: OC 20 v Woodville 0 (forfeit)
3rd XV: OC 3 v North Torrens 20
4th XV: OC defeated by Burnside Best players: Scott Rich, David Ludlow
Women's XV: OC 10 v Southern Suburbs 12 Best Player: Bec Manson
U8s: Old Collegians 20 v Onkaparinga 30
U10s: Old Collegians 15 v Onkaparinga 25
U12s: Old Collegians 19 v Onkaparinga 0
U14s: Old Collegians 5 v Onkaparinga 37
U16s: Old Collegians 5 v Onkaparinga 24
U18s: Old Collegians 22 v Onkaparinga 17
1st Grade:
Woodville might not win premierships but they are never an easy-beat, particularly at home. Last week they defeated Burnside for second time (we're the only other team to have beaten Burnside this year) and they are not to be taken lightly.
That said, this was a game we expected to win, and win it we did. Charlie Sheppeard and Simon Burmester were playing in the back row, while Ryan Neilsen was out with a minor injury. Leigh Rebbeck is also carrying a minor injury and his place was filled well by Harry Dobson.
Ten minutes into the game and a solid pushover try demonstrated our very good scrummage technique. It was grounded by Charlie Sheppeard and converted by Juan Aguiar. Jon Collins scored soon afterwards, under the posts from a quick ball through the forwards. Juan Aguiar again converted. 30 minutes in and Woodville scored under the posts against the play but failed to convert. A controversial penalty soon followed, taking the score to 14 - 8. Our third try followed from a quick throw-in and the ball spread to Andy Farquharson at inside centre who scored under the posts.
Ben Hamer beat several tackles and runs 50m to go down in the corner, taking the score at half-time to 26 - 8.
In the second half, our fifth try came from Ben Suttell in the corner from 15m out, not converted. We saw some magic from Richard Czeglik, running down the wing and chipping ahead - what next?! We were penalised several times due to our uncontrolled response to Woodville's characteristic niggling, and also for mouthing off at the ref. (The ref for the day was Andy Collins, and while some on the sideline might suggest our reaction was justified, it was nevertheless undisciplined).
Farquharson gets Try Number 6 when our big tackles spilled the ball from Woodville's line.
With ten minutes to go, they were in our 22m for the first time this half, but to no avail. Try Number 7 came a great offload finding Jon Collins at full speed who in turn delivered to Peter Cross who scored one metre from the left post. The try was again converted by Juan Aguiar. With tries falling like autumn leaves, Burmester soon scored again, breaking through 4 tackles and running from our 22 to score our eight try in the last moments of the game and getting a laugh from the crowd for his victor's pose.
The final score was 48 - 8, a great result and gaining us the bonus point again.
22nd of July 2006:
Another good weekend with wins in the 1s and 2s and the lower grades playing very well notwithstanding their losses. At this stage, ALL FIVE senior teams are a good chance for finals, so keep up the hard work!
The College Cup and Athlete's Foot Voucher went to Will Mellor for his excellent debut captaincy of the 2nd XV.
1st XV: Old Collegians 26 v University 6
Best Player: A Farquharson
Tries: B Suttell, A Farquharson (2), Jon Collins
Convs: A Farquharson (3)
Uni started at a cracking pace, standing right up on our backs giving us little space to move. We started, as we've been doing lately, with a push over try. University has a few cracks at penalty, one of which makes the grade. 7 - 3. We scored a top try from Andy Farquharson thanks to a kick ahead from Ryan "Boo Boo" Neilsen. Collegians now settled in and played some good football. Another 5m scrum and another try, by the scavenging Ben Suttell at half-back. After half time, Uni spoiled our play a little and lots of to-and-fro eventually gets us a penalty. After a final Collegians Try in the top corner, unconverted, the final score is 26 - 6.
2nd XV: Old Collegians 25 v Elizabeth 3
Best Players: Simon Callahan, Joel Fudali
Tries: H Dobson, S Callahan, M Fullager, J Fudali
Conv: S Callahan Pen: S Callahan
3rd XV: Old Collegians 15 v University 22
Best Players: Justin Elder, Leighton "Taffy" Edwards, Tom Kies
Tries: Justin Elder, Lawrence Hartney
4th XV - Old Collegians 10 v Elizabeth 20
Best Players: Lenny Eilers, Halley Sparrow
Tries: Shane Connell, Lucas Elliot
Women's XV - Old Collegians 20 v Burnside/Elizabeth 0 (Forfeit)
Under 18s: Old Collegians 51 v Brighton 0
Under 16s and 14s: Bye
Under 12s: Old Collegians 58 v North East Districts 0
Under 10s: Old Collegians 20 v North East Districts 10
Under 8s: Old Collegians 30 v North East Districts 40
Results - 15th of July:
No junior results this weekend, school holidays.
Women - OC 10 v Port 5; Best Player: Lusia Raikiwasa; Tries: Kate Reynolds, Tara Naige
4th Grade - OC 0 v Burnside 22?; Best Player - Ben Rokobaro
3rd Grade - OC 0 v Roseworthy Rams 37
2nd Grade - OC 23 v Burnside 7; Best Player: Tim Sportan
OC has retained the Annual East Adelaide Challenge Cup.
1st Grade - OC 35 v Burnside 8
Best Player and College Cup: Jon Collins;
Tries: C Sheppeard, J Hopkins, J Collins, A Farquharson, R Czeglik;
Pens: A Farquharson (2); Con: A Farquharson (2)
A great weekend for OC with wins against Burnside in the 1s and 2s. Burnside were perched at the top of the table and had only been defeated once before this season. We have retained the Annual East Adelaide Challenge Cup between Burnside and ourselves for another year. The cup is donated by Mike Von Berg, a great clubman of both OC and Burnside.
We started on the attack with a big run from Czeglik and a penalty which we missed. A push over try put the first points on the board. We did not convert but followed quickly with a backs' run and a try from James Hopkins at Outside Centre.
The rest of the half consisted of to-and-fro and various kicks for penalty, taking the half time score to 13 - 3.
The first 20 minutes in the second half reaped no score for either team until a successful penalty kick from Andy Farquharson. Good attack down the right wing brought a forwards into play in front of the posts and a try from Jon Collins, converted by Andy Farquharson again. The best try of the day followed with a top run from Juan Aguiar and a little kick through - guess who was backing up and scored? Andy Farquharson, who also converted. Burnside scored next, but we followed again with a fine forwards' try by Richard Czeglik.
8th July 2006:
OC 1st XV 50 v Onkaparinga 0 [Tries: Hopkins, Collins (2), Rebbeck (2), Hamer, Hall, Aguiar. Conv: Farquharson (5)] Best Player (Athlete's Foot Voucher) - Ben Hamer College Cup (Champs Voucher) - James Hopkins
OC 2nd XV 7 v Onkaparinga 22 Best Player: Jeremy Thewlis
OC 3rd XV 20 v Onkaparinga 10
8 July 2006 - Old Collegians 50 v Onkaparinga 0
Despite recent wins we had to play this game well; Onkaparinga's recent form has been very good. There was lots of "to and fro" early in this game with honours fairly even and lots of kicks not finding touch. Suddenly we strung 3 phases together in Onkaparinga's half and Juan Aguiar jinked and swerved to get a try in corner. Now with our tails up we started to show some good structure. Just about the whole XV got their hands on the ball as it went from right to left and back to right for five points under the posts, and an easy conversion. Cyril Campion said it's the best try we've scored this year. The conversion was good. We were hungry for more points and Jonnie Collins, showing his England U19s form, with short legs really pumping crashed over at speed under the posts. This top try was again converted, the score standing at 19 - 0 after as many minutes.
The game then see-sawed up and down the park with lots of forwards action. Just before half time a kick to the corner was chased down and passed through some smart hands to who else but Jon Collins again!? This time he uses his body strength and beats grasping hands to score under the posts. The conversion is good. Half time: OC 26 v Onkas blot.
I decided at this point that the Onkaparinga coach would be giving his forwards some stick. Well guess what? They came out and bashed us in that vital area, gaining ground with well drilled forwards doing plenty of work but good tackling by our defence prevented any score. We got up the field to their 22m, and Ben Suttell took a quick tap and produced his "backflip" which Ben Hamer anticipated nicely to score under the posts again. Converted by Farquharson. 33 - 0.
The Onkaparinga forwards could not keep up their earlier pace and attacking ball started coming easier to our backs. It crosses our back-line to Jame Hall on the far wing who is fast but nearly fails by trying to come inside too soon. He scores with a determined effort. Again Farquharson is deadly and converts for 40 - Nil.
Another excellent try on or near the wing by Lee Rebeck's solo effort makes it 45 - 0. In the last minutes the ball is well handled across the back line and gives Lee the opportunity to get his 2nd try. The game closes at 50 - 0, with a bonus point for 8 tries. The troops are happy, the supporters are happy and fifty points make a big difference to the for and against totals.
1st July 2006:
The First Grade won 23 v 11 (against Brighton), with tries to Christian Tedge, Jon Collins and Rob Porteous, 2 penalties and 1 conversion to Andy Farquharson. (How often are the tries scored entirely by the front row?)
Best Players: 1st XV - Jon Collins (Athlete's Foot Voucher) 2nd XV - Marc Fullager
College Cup to Peter Cross Juniors Athlete's Foot Voucher - Rowan Mein of Under 18s
Scores for the 3rd's: OC's def Brighton - 19 to 12
Tries : 1 x Iain Everiss, 2 x Bren Sinnott.
Conversions & goals: Halley Sparrow & Matthew Fuss
Scores for the 4ths:
OC's def Brighton - 15 to 0
All our junior teams other than the Under 18s beat Burnside.
1st July 2006 - Old Collegians 23 v Brighton 11
This is a huge result in light of A) our first game against Brighton this year and B) how we see ourselves in relation to them for the rest of the season. Brighton must have been shell shocked after less than one minute to find themselves 5 points down. Farquharson with two kicks saw our pack 5 metres out, pushing over their line to score. The game then settled down to a series of penalties which took the score to 5 - 3, 8 - 3, 8 - 6, 11 - 6 until we showed our better all-round play going in for another try to make it OC 18 v Brighton 6 at half time. In the second half, Jon Collins scored a top try within 1 minute of the kick off, close to the posts. Much excitement followed as the game seesawed up and down the park but it took 39 more minutes for the score to change. Brighton was helped by a lot of whistle and finally crashed through for an unconverted try to leave the field at 23 v 11. A great result!
June 2006:
It's great to have our Falcons back, but we also want to thank all those guys from lower grades who've stepped up over the last couple of months to keep the home-fires burning. Their hard work and commitment makes us proud.
Despite some losses, we've been pleased with the start to the season and proud that we have the depth of talent and commitment that allows us to field four competitive teams even when the Falcons are called away. Well done to all concerned. The week of 20th May was particularly hard work at Old Colls; all teams played away fixtures against strong sides, we were on three different grounds and our numbers were badly depleted due to injury and the Falcons' game that night.
Enormous credit to everyone who backed up for higher/lower grades and to the coaches, managers and selectors for managing to spread our boys around and still keep four teams on the pitch.
Special thanks to a couple of blokes who dashed across hill and dale to play for both the 4ths (at Brighton) and 3rds (at Onkaparinga); Owen Osborne & Nick Bossy managed full games for both 4ths and 3rds, while Lucas Elliot managed a full 4ths game and 60 odd minutes of the 3rds (not bad for a bloke in his first season of rugby), not to mention Priddo who managed a full 80 on top of 15-20 as a reserve for 4s.
... Tregenza Times
17 June - Old Collegians 23 v Port Adelaide 19
Although more structured than last week, this match was a bit too close at the end. Our line-out did not work well and Port got more ball than they deserved. We played the first half well, including Simon Burmeister having his first game for the year. Callum Mackie put in a great effort; other players to show great form included Jon Collins, Ben Hamer and Ben Suttell. On the other hand, not so good was Port's ability to run 2 five-pointers around our wingers late in the game and with conversions, reducing our handy lead to only 4 points on the final whistle! For the record, our score was strung together by Andy Farquharson (18 points) and Jon Collins (5 points).
24th June 2006
OC 1st XV 39 v Southern Suburbs 31
Tries: Lee Rebbeck, Andy Farquharson, Callum Mackie, Ben Hamer. Pens (5) and Convs (2): Andy Farquharson; Best Player (Champs Voucher) - Andy Farquharson; College Cup (Athlete's Foot Voucher) - Ben Suttell
OC 2nd XV 20 v Southern Suburbs 10
Best Player: Michael Douglas
OC 3rd XV 13 v North Torrens 22
Tries: Bren Sinnott (2); Best player: Bren Sinnott
OC 4th XV - forfeit by Southern Suburbs
OC Women's XV 0 v Southern Suburbs 37
3rd June 2006
OC 1st XV 17 v Woodville 30 (Tries: Rebbeck, Suttell and a penalty try; Conv: Farquharson)
College Cup - Jon Collins
OC 2nd XV 54 v Woodville 17
Best Player - David King
OC 3rd XV 56 v Roseworthy 7
Best Player - Dave Avery
OC 4th XV 5 v Burnside 31
Best Player - Leigh Marsland
Women's XV 5 v Port 19
Best Player - Imogen Hume
27th May 2006
1st XV - University 13
v Old Collegians 42 (Tries: L Rebbeck(2), R Czeglik, J Collins,
C Sheppeard, A Farquharson, Convs: A Farquharson (3),
Pens: A Farquharson (2))
2nd XV - Elizabeth 18 v Old Collegians 3
3rd XV - University 18 v Old Collegians 7
4th XV - Elizabeth 21 v Old Collegians 22
Women's XV - Southern Suburbs 10 v Old Collegians 17
20th May:
Match Report for 1s:
Here we go again; seven regular first grade players against a hard
hitting, slick Burnside XV who have only one out to state duties. Four tries to
our one in the first half, all converted.
Our forwards did well but when Burnside put together two or three phases we were
in trouble. Good efforts by our half, Quentin Manuel, and Juan Aguiar doing a
lot of work.
At half time the score was: Burnside 26 v OC 7. In the second half started with an early try for Burnside, and converted. Another to try Burnside, from a broken tackle. And another. And another. And another. Full time: Burnside 61 v OC 7. The knockabout side put in a gutsy effort but Burnside had too much class.
A dark day indeed. This was always going to be a hard week; all teams played away fixtures against strong sides, we were on three different grounds and our numbers were badly depleted due to injury and the Falcons' game that night.
Enormous credit to everyone who backed up for higher/lower grades and to the coaches, managers and selectors for managing to spread our boys around and still keep four teams on the pitch.
Special thanks to a couple of blokes who dashed across hill and dale to play for both the 4ths (at Brighton) and 3rds (at Onkaparinga); Owen Osborne & Nick Bossy managed full games for both 4ths and 3rds, while Lucas Elliot managed a full
4ths game and 60 odd minutes of the 3rds (not bad for a bloke in his first season of rugby), not to mention Priddo who managed a full 80 on top of 15-20 as a reserve for 4s.
Also thanks to our entire bench of Andre "I used to have knees" Brummer, Michael Bell (who both had full games for the 4s) and James Henderson who managed a solid 40+ for the fourths (which was, as I understand it, his first ever game of rugby).
1st XV - Burnside 61 v OC 7 (Try & Conv: Juan Aguiar)
2nd XV - Burnside 15 v OC 10
3rd XV - Onkaparinga 36 v OC 0
4th XV - Brighton 33 v OC 5
Women's XV - Burnside 27 v OC 20
U8s - OC 20 v Onkaparinga 35
U10s - OC 5 v Onkaparinga 20
U12s - OC 33 v Onkaparinga 42
U14s - OC 5 v Onkaparinga 31
U16s - OC 5 v Onkaparinga 41
U18s - OC 7 v Onkaparinga 17
13th May 2006:
No match reports.
1st Div - Onkaparinga 31 v OC 15 (Tries: J.
Thewlis, J Aguiar, Conv: Aguiar, Pen: Aguiar)
2nd Div - Onkaparinga 24 v OC 17
3rd Div - Onkaparinga 10 v OC 18
4th Div - Bye
Women - Port Adelaide 5 v Old Collegians 0
6th May 2006
First Grade
Brighton 42 v Old Collegians 17 (Tries: Juan Aguiar (2), John Grime. Conv: M
Douglas)
With 11 players out of our first grade due to state commitments and injury, it
was always going to be a tough game at Brighton. While the result was
disappointing, it was a great effort in the circumstances.
We lost the toss and Brighton elected to kick with the wind. The first try of
the game was scored after a kick was knocked down, with Juan running on.
Brighton's pressure against the run of play saw them over the line for a try
too, drawing the score level at 5 all. The second 20 minutes of play was mostly
pressure from Brighton playing in our half. There was good tackling by Old Colls
but finally got over the line for a second try, which was converted taking the
score at halftime to Brighton 12, Old Colls 5.
Brighton scored quickly in the second half, with Old Colls conceding too much
ball at the breakdown. Brighton stepped up the pressure and scored again on a
penalty kick and another try. We were now in a defensive mood and did not have
enough determination. John Grime scored a try against the run of play, and Juan
scored his second try spotting a gap under the posts after a great line out.
This brought the score to Brighton 27, Old Colls 17. Brighton created an overlap
and scored in the corner. Brighton, now on a rampage, scored twice again with
Old Colls offering little defence against their right wing and Brighton showing
excellent continuity of play.
Second Grade 0 v Brighton 20
Third Grade 0 v Brighton 74
Fourth Grade 37 v Brighton 3
Women 12 v Souths 15
U18 24 v Burnside 27
U16 - Bye
U14 14 v Burnside 43
U12 7 v Burnside 37
U10 20 v Burnside 15
29th April 2006
1st Grade: Southern Suburbs 17 v Old Collegians 37
Another win away from home in an uncharacteristically strong start to the
season finds Collegians' finest on top of the ladder, sharing that honour with
the New and Improved Burnside.
With no Falcons' fixtures this week we had full use of our state
representatives for the whole game. However a wake-up call for Old Collegians
came quickly, the game starting with Southern Suburbs pilfering the ball,
scoring and converting. James Hopkins was taken off with a hamstring injury,
replaced by Brydon Twedell (who had already played a great game for the 2nd
grade). We missed a penalty in front but John Grime soon scored under the posts
from a well constructed attack. Farquharson converted, bringing the scores even
at 7 each. A great pass from Charlie Sheppard soon put John Grime over the line
for his second try of the game (and as a result Grimbo has now scored as many
tries this season as he did in all of 2005!). Souths took the ball into us
strongly for a number of phases but our defence was strong and we regained
possession. After a great run by Juan Aguiar, Lee Rebbeck scored out wide. The
conversion was unsuccessful. Souths scored a penalty goal on the half time
whistle, taking the score to Old Colls 17 v Southern Suburbs 10.
The second half started with lots of to and fro until we scored a penalty (courtesy of Andy Farquharson) taking the score to 20 - 10. Jon Collins had a great game, stealing Souths ball and hitting it up strongly. Farquharson sold the dummy and scored in the corner (unconverted). We fell asleep for a while and let Souths break through three tackles for a converted try under the posts. A top sequence of play from our backs saw the ball pass through Juan Aguiar, Michael Douglas and to Farquharson who scored again in the corner. We continued with a great passage of play, with a kick being followed up well and picked up by Kini Tavui who rampaged through and scored under the posts. Farquharson successfully converted. Final score: Old Collegians 37 v Southern Suburbs 17.
1s - OCs 37 v Southern Suburbs 17
Tries: John Grime (2), Andy Farquharson (2), Lee Rebbeck, Kini
Tavui
Conversions (2) and Penalty: Andy Farquharson
The Harrish Award: Jon Collins (he BOG award given by Harry and
Hamish - A $50 voucher from Mortar and Pestle, the ex-barman (Locky)'s
cafe).
Old Collegians and Burnside are on top of the ladder.
2s - OCs 35 v Southern Suburbs 5
Best Player: Joel Fudali
3s - OCs 8 v Barossa Rams 26
4s - OCs 51 v Southern Suburbs 0
Women - Burnside 24 v Frocs 15
Best Player: Kristie Hume
22nd April 2006
1st Grade: Port Adelaide 39 v Old Collegians 46
A great start to our 2006 campaign with a win in an away fixture against
an impressive Port side.
While we are always proud to see our boys represent South Australia and
thoroughly support the effort of any Old Collegian who does so, there is no
doubt that it causes us some strain during the weeks of the Australian Rugby
Shield. It is a mixed blessing to have seven of our first grade selected for
Falcons' duty in 2006. It is a great honour for us and them and they will bring
their improved skills, fitness and ideas back to their club, but there's no
doubt that we miss them when they're gone. Our state representatives were due to
play Darwin in a trial game on the day after this game but were permitted to
play for the first 40 minutes. We fielded five of our Falcons on the pitch for
the first half (Jon Collins, Andy Farquharson, Ben Hamer, Charlie Sheppeard,
Christian Tedge) but were missing two for other reasons (Simon Burmeister and
Kini Tavui). By contrast, Port fielded stronger players in the second half. The
result was, as they say, a game of two halves. Old Collegians dominated the
first half convincingly and then farewelled its Falcons from the pitch and held
on like grim death to keep that lead until the final whistle.
We kicked off and from first play, and won possession and held it for
three phases, scoring in the corner after only two minutes. This set the pace
for the rest of the first half. After a successful Port penalty attempt, we
quickly put together a great backs' move creating an overlap, scoring again and
converting, taking the score to 12 - 3. An excellent and elusive run by James
Hopkins resulted in him scoring under the post, converted by Andy Farquharson
and taking the score to 19 - 3. Christian Tedge soon scored from a maul and
Farquharson converted from near the sideline; 26 - 3. A great run by Andy
Farquharson saw him beat four tackles, with Charlie Sheppeard taking the last
pass and scoring. The conversion hit the post; 31 - 3. Czeglik scored again from
open play, but the try was not converted; 36 - 3. To finish what had been a very
one-way half, Port scored against the run of game but failed to convert, with
the score at half time being 36 - 8.
In the second half we replaced Collins, Tedge, Hamer, Farquharson,
Sheppeard with King, Hopgood, Hartridge, Thewlis. Ben Suttell and Lee
Rebbeck also came off in the second half, replaced by Peter Cross and Joel
Fudali. The half started well with Ben Suttell intercepting a Port pass right in
front and scoring, although missing the conversion. However, our depleted pack
was not as effective and we began to show signs of strain. Nevertheless, a great
forwards' push saw Suttell score in the corner, taking the score to 46 - 15.
Port then strung together four tries, variously pushing us off the ball and
charging through our defence. Final score: Old Collegians 46 v Port Adelaide 39
