14th August
2nd XV: Barossa 32 v OC 41
Best Players: Alfy Carlson, Matt Mooney, Charlie Neate
Tries: Sandy Taylor, Robbie Bell, Leigh Rebbeck, Alfy Carlson, Will McLeay (2)
Conv: Mike Otty (5)
U12s Waite Oval: Brighton B 22 v Old Collegians 10
Tries: Liam Westerik, Charlie Pickford; Conv: Nil
On a wet and windy day on neutral territory the boys faced Brighton B ( could there soon be Brighton C, D, and E).
A strong pep talk was given with only 12 players meant this was going to be a tough one. With the wind in the first half and some deft touches wiped out by tries from the Brighton backs (one to be precise) the boys were on the back foot.
However some incisive kicks and deft touches allowed Charlie's boys back into the game with the first Old Colls' try coming to the Captain in the corner. Lovely stuff. Great tackling from Ollie whose position had to vary from set piece to maul, with great backing from the forwards, meant Liam, back to his old form, scored a beauty in the left corner.
After half time we were practically over the try line to go ahead in the game with an overlap both sides.
Disaster, a turn over and yet again Old Colls' were left wanting with a break-away try followed soon after by another - yes, the same guy. A last minute disallowed-try to Joe Broughton brought excitement to the camp but tackling let us down again.
Of note - a great individual effort to stop one sure try was made by Charlie D after a 40m chase and was the highlight of the game.
Two more games to go. Lets step it up.
7th August 2010
3rd XV: OC 71 v Elizabeth 7
Best Players: Tony Mrwebi, Marc Fullager, Jim Denley
Tries: Jo Suttell, Simon Callaghan, Callum Montague (2), Jack Perks, Phil Osborne, Jim Denley (2), Tony Mrwebi, Marc Fullager, Burn
Convs: Paull Francis (8)
Women's XV: Woodville 5 v OC 15
Tries: Lusia Raikiwasa (2)
Conv: Tara Naige Pen: Tara Naige
U14s: OC 22 v Elizabeth 5
After battling all season to field a full team, it was fantastic to see the boys record their first victory of the year defeating Elizabeth 22 - 5. It was a hard fought victory that was based on an improved effort in defence and a willingness to fight hard for the ball at the breakdowns.
The influx of 5 new players has really given the boys a boost in confidence and it has also enabled us to start developing some teamwork and moves at training. Our forwards paved the way for the victory with hard running resulting in great tries by Nathan Ilic and Ben Grapsas, while Joe Colwell and Kaleb Joppich also crossed for tries after good lead up work.
All of the boys played very well and special mention must go to Will Plagakis and Paul Tsanaktsidis for playing half a game each for the opposition to even the numbers up. We hope we can continue the roll when we take on Barossa this weekend.
31st July 2010
Colts XV: Onkaparinga 45 v Old Collegians 15
Best Players: Blackall, Oliver Linder-Patton, Bernie van Altena
Tries: Perks, Sallis
In what was a truly disappointing and awful effort, our team provided little fight back against a disciplined and fast Onkas outfit.
Two early tries by Onkas through tackles which in recent outings would have resulted in a turnover, indicated it was going to be a tough experience at Wilf Taylor Reserve.
The scrum was under pressure throughout the day, the ball carrier never had sufficient support at the rucks to prevent turnovers caused by some good counter-rucking by the Onkas forwards and an inability to get the ball moving quickly when we had a penalty all led to a poor result which the team (and management) felt only too keenly.
Some good individual performances were not sufficient to get us over the line sufficiently. Some other good news was Nat Linder-Patton taking the field again after injury and the return of our man from the Republic, Bernie van Altena.
Two weeks of hard training and byes are needed before the last two games of the minor round.
24th July 2010
College Cup: Jon Collins
1st XV: Old Collegians 25 v Port Adelaide 19
Best Players: Jon Collins, Charlie Neate, Jack Macklin
Tries: Blake Giarola, Chris Bartlett, Juan Aguiar
Conv: Jack Macklin (2)
Pens: Jack Macklin (2)
2nd XV: Old Collegians 18 v Port Adelaide 36
Best Players: Austin Wakeham, Henry Boylan, Simon Allport
Tries: Will McLeay, Ryan Nielsen
Conv: Ben SuttellPens: Ben Suttell (2)
3rd XV: Old Collegians 20 v Woodville 10
Best Players: Jo Suttell, Derek Lewis and Justin Elder
Tries: Daniel Jackson, Marc Fullager, Tony Mrwebi
Pen: Paull Francis
Conv: Paull Francis
Women's XII: BYE
Colts XV: Old Collegians 53 v Vikings 15
Best Players THE WHOLE TEAM!
Tries: McDonough, Eames, Ito, Verlato, Enrico (2) Murrison, Matt Sallis
Pen: Mitch Sallis
Conversions: Laurendi (4)
In what was the first game of "Total Rugby" by the team this year, it was a cracking and exciting win. Beyond some slightly terrifying moments where because of a consistently offside Vikings team, we ran the risk of some looping passes being intercepted for an opposing try, the whole team played with poise, skill and speed. Our offshore professional Enrico scored two tries and showed breathtaking acceleration in doing so. Fraser Murrison's tackling was again lethal and impenetrable by the Vikings attack. Our new lethal hooker Kris Suttie (beyond a youthful indiscretion of not enough arms in a tackle) was all over the park, running the ball and again tackling without remorse.
A Great team game with 20 players available and some good signs for the big challenge of Onkas at home.
U12s v Port Adelaide
Old Collegians 12 v Port Adelaide Vikings 14
TRY SCORERS: George (1), Charlie (1); CONVERSIONS Ollie (1)
The U12's performance was less polished than normal and sadly we went down to a committed Vikings' team.
Lack of tackling and disharmony in the team contributed to the loss although the boys picked in the second half when they realised the game was slipping away from them. Great runs by George and Charlie kept us alive and if passes had gone just that bit quicker it could have been our day. The game was stop-start as infringements were delivered with tutorials on rules as part of the continuing education programme.
Onkers next week and the management team know this side easily has the capability to beat any team in the competition.
We need to go out full blast at training and take it to Onkers and show them how far the team has come this season.
17th July 2010
College Cup: Tony Mrwebi
1st XV: Old Collegians 41 v Woodville 21
Best Players: Paul Reynolds, Brad McDonald
Tries: Wayne Power, Rory Sheppard, Chris Bartlett, Alf Carlson, Juan Aguiar, Jon Collins
Conv: Juan Aguiar (3)
Pens: Juan Aguiar
2nd XV: BYE
3rd XV: Old Collegians 10 v Woodville 5
Best Players: Callum Montague, Tony Mrwebi
Women's XII: Old Collegians 17 v Woodville 6
Tries: Geraldine Haese, Lusia Raikiwasa, Elena Casciano
Conv: Tara Naige
Colts XV: Old Collegians 31 v NEDs 12
Best Players: Blackall, Suttie, Murison, Eto
Tries: Blackall (2), Perks, Forlese and Linder-Patton
A difficult game to describe with some terrific individual performances. Clearly we dominated throughout but because of some unusual handling errors, a failure to run the ball wide as well as we could and the like, we did not register on the score board perhaps as we should have.
This was exacerbated by the decision of the NED's coach to seek to end the game 13 minutes early by walking onto the field and indicating to the referee that because a number of his players were U16s, that the game would have to end because of duty of care issues.
This was done without any form of consultation with the Old Collegians coaching staff.
Three stand out performances from Ben Blackall with two big tries, Kris Suttie our mobile and big tackling hooker and Fraser Murison who never misses a tackle.
3rd July 2010
1st XV: Old Collegians 39 v Southern Suburbs 14
Best Players: Brad McDonald, Luke Bailey
2nd XV: Old Collegians
24 v Southern Suburbs 5
Best Players: Jack Campion, Simon Allport
3rd XV: Old Collegians 89 v Southern Suburbs 0
Best Players: Paull Francis, Marc Fullager, Robbie Bell
Tries: Robbie Bell (3), Francis (2), Mark Fullager (2), Geoff Hopwood (2), Rob Porteous, Derek Lewis, Matt Atterton, James Denley, Daniel Jackson, Ryan Nielsen Convs: Paull Francis (6), Ryan Nielsen
"Carpe Diem" (seize the day) appeared to be the call of the day when OC IIIs played North Torrens . Under the fresh leadership of Captain Joe Suttell and Backs Leader James Denley the team quickly gained control of the home turf and in the end notched up a 89 - 0 result.
Tries and conversions came thick and fast with first points achieved 8 minutes into the game and then regularly afterwards. At times, it appeared, the reserves were gaining more exercise... running the kicking tee and drinks out to the players! Discipline and a higher level of pressure- both in the defence and offence games were readily evident.
Old heads of Gill.
Dalton and Porter played a supportive roll when on the paddock. Some eight tries were scored in the first half and the other seven in the latter. Golden Boots Paull Francis played his ever reliable game by converting six of these tries.
One of his tries - we think - was scored by a nose. Veteran Geoff Hopwood scored his first ever senior try (in fact, two) and accordingly received an audible "ra! ra!" from the sideline. Even Lighthouse Keeper Bell at #15 scored a try. There were some eighteen scrums (normally +/- 30 per game (18 with 12 resets)], 9 lineouts coupled by +/- 15 turnovers on the day, with OCs gaining the ascendancy - even on tight heads and University's throw- ins. It was pleasurable to see injured players Simon Callaghan, Justin Elder, Tony Mrwebi and Graham Raymond on the sideline supporting their fellow team mates.
26th June 2010
1st XV: Old Collegians 22 v Burnside 7
Best Players: Brad McDonald, Henry Nutt, Leigh Rebbeck
Tries: Chris Bartlett, Ashwin Thomas, Leigh Rebbeck
Convs: Will Sadler (2) Pen: Will Sadler
2nd XV: Old Collegians 6 v Burnside 17
Best Players: Ben Suttell, Mark Kelly, Sandy Taylor
Pens: Ben Suttell (2)
3rd XV: Old Collegians 13 v Burnside 27
Best Players: Jose Lemos, Marc Fulllager, Paull Francis
Try: Jim Denley Pen: Paull Francis Conv: Peter Skinner
On the last game of the first round, the 3rds experienced their first loss; against Burnside.
With a 7 - 1 win/loss ratio, the team is currently seated second on 34 points. This is a good ratio, considering that the team hasn't played the same players for two consecutive games.
The game score of 27 -13 perhaps doesn't portray the effort the lads put in, considering the weather coupled by injuries going in and endured during the game: Denley (broken finger), Raymond (hamstring), Mrwebi (shoulder) and (Atherton).
Englishman Skinner played his last game before returning to the "old Blighty": bon voyage!
Pressure in both offence and defence coupled by "reading" the opposition's game is still work in progress.
Women's XII: Old Collegians 5 v Souths 44
Try: Kate Reynolds
19th June 2010
1st XV: University 10 v Old Collegians 55
Tries: Brad McDonald, Alfy Carlson (5), Will Sadler, Chris Bartlett (2)
Convs: Sadler (3), Macklin (2)
This was obviously a good win against Uni but it could have been better. We let two tries through too easily, and the last 15 minutes were riddled with OC penalties. Much was pleasing about this game but a better performance will be required against Burnside next weekend - the two teams are tied on the ladder and the winner goes into the top 4.
2nd XV: University 0 v Old Collegians 50
Best Players: Jon Collins, Rob Papryzki, Mike Otty
Tries: Jon Collins (2), Sandy Taylor, Charlie Neate, Ben Suttell, Andrew Burgess, Chingy Mpala (and one penalty try)
Convs: Ben Suttell (4)
Both Uni and OCs were missing players throughout the grades due to it being exam-time, and the conditions were wet and heavy. Despite the challenges, OCs put in a great performance all round. This 50-0 victory was particularly pleasing as the two teams were tied (along with Port) for 3rd/4th/5th place on the ladder. OCs now sit at 3rd place. A victory against Burnside next weekend (currently in 1st place and undefeated) would be handy.
3rd XV: University 0 v Old Collegians 84
Best Players: Justin Elder, Tony Mwebe, Jo Suttell
Tries: Elder (3), Lewis (2), Osborne, Jackson (2),bFullager (3), White, Ory
Convs: Francis (4), Callaghan (2)
On a dour and inclement Saturday afternoon, the 3rd XV excelled once again on the paddock with a mammoth 84-0 against Uni. Best players were Justin Elder with three tries and Tony Mwebe and Jo Suttell for good ground work all day. Next weekend's game against Burnside will be a clash of the titans - neither team has been defeated this year and have scored the same number of bonus points, but Burnside's for/against is better than ours...
Women's XII: Old Collegians 0 v Woodville 17
Best Players: Bec Manson, Dani Shiers, Danni Di Girolamo
The girls played hard and well, but basic ball handling let them down and they missed their regular backline (Tara, Lusia, Kate and Geraldine - exams and holidays. Harrumph!) leaving other girls playing out of position from No. 9 outwards. No such excuse next weekend!
12th June 2010
Good News Week - U16s OC 39 v Eliz 7
Hit pre-game by injury to LLoyd Allison and Matt Bautz put the 16s under instant pressure. Despite this we made 15 players on the field. A hard first 5 minutes with an enthusiastic side eager to put their weeks training efforts into practice saw the pressure on Elizabeth grow. Solid work from the forwards and backs allowed us to dominate filed play and possession.
Unfortunately early in the first 1/2 we saw with concern a groggy William M leave the pitch with concussion after another big tackle. A backline re-shuffle and the ever-calm Hamish at Half continues his slick ball distribution. Great rucking and drive from Lachlan gives us go-forward momentum. Ned just back from injury finds himself thrown into the front row and for his efforts he gets an Elizabeth boot and stud clean on his back. We were all relieved that he got up and after a spell off the ground took to the field again. The three amigos , Nutt, Sean and Sam rampage around the breakdowns and give the opposition no leeway. Alex showed great support play and courage which resulted in some hard-won ball and secured rucks. Daniel from the second row had a text book classic pick and run from the base of a ruck to nearly get to the try line , what an effort. Ollie finally got a good ball which he managed to give one of his trademark runs to, to cross the line and score. As usual the engine room front row , Peter, worked at 100 % all day and as is so often the case was not fully rewarded for his efforts , well done Pete. Matt Noonan for the first time in a few weeks saw some ball and made the most of a few powerful runs deep into attack. Another workhorse Tom L was rewarded with a well earned try this week.
A "Larkham" like run by the lanky ranga saw Chester in for a good confidence boosting try. Nutty was unlucky to not convert more off his boot , but as was said he hasnt had much game practice at kicking this year. Tom A in the dying seconds of the game gave a strong run down the line for what would have been a "video ref" look the grounding which would have been a good reward for a solid game had it been allowed.
A truley gutsy team effort , and a very spirited "team song ". their opposition were good in defeat and played with a tough fairness we would expect. 2 weeks to recover. Well done. All happy !!
Under 14s - Sat 5 June
Elizabeth 20 (won by forfeit) def Old Collegians 0
Scratch match (10 a side)
Old Collegians 32 def Elizabeth 15
Although we had to forfeit the game, there were some very positive signs to come out of our trip to Elizabeth last Saturday. We were seriously undermanned with 5 players unavailable due to sickness or family commitments. Elizabeth kindly lent us a player and we played a 10- a -side scratch match that we won 32 -15.
This was a real confidence boost for our boys as we have struggled for numbers from the outset of the season and we have been on the end of some heavy score lines in recent weeks. Our forwards, led by Lachlan Pridham, Nathan Ilic and Danny Towill paved the way for the victory with some hard running and an improved effort in defence. Our backline is also starting to see some more ball with Joe Colwell and Anan Eto combining well in the halves to give Scott Gear plenty of opportunities to show his powerful running game.
Will Plagakis and Paul Tanaktsidis also had their best games for the season and are developing a better understanding of positional play each week. It was fantastic to see our new player Caleb Joppich score two tries, his first try coming from his very first touch of the ball in a game of rugby.
Hopefully this improved effort by all players will be a turning point in our season and we can build on this performance in future games.
29th May 2010
1st XV: Old Collegians 16 v Onkaparinga 24
Tries: Alfy Carlson
Conv: Jack Macklin Pens: Jack Macklin (2)
Best Players: Brad McDonald, Chris McDonald, Charlie Neate
College Cup: Christian Tedge
2nd XV: Old Collegians 20 v Onkaparinga 12
Tries: Ben Suttell, Chingy Mpala
Convs & Pens: Ben Suttell
Best Players: Ben Suttell, Matthew Atterton, Simon Allport, Tim Chew
3rd XV: Old Collegians 7 v Onkaparinga 0
Try: Will McLeay
Convs: Graham Raymond
Best Players: Joe Suttell, Andrew Ory, Turon White
Under the prevailing conditions, OC 3rd XV in the main tried to win. Defence was dynamic and the team showed an improvement. It is fair to say that the final score doesn't reflect the effort put in by the team overall.Women's XII: BYE
Colts: 1st XV: Old Collegians 19 v Onkaparinga 7
This is the first time our 18s have beaten Onkaparinga since 2007, and the first time this group of players have beaten Onkaparinga in their entire rugby-lives. Great result! Well done to the whole team.
Under 16s: Old Collegians 0 v Onkaparinga 49
Bravely the U16s prepared to take on a well drilled Onka s team. This year happily a smaller and lighter Onka s side than many previous years, but what they lacked in size they made up for in commitment for the ball and handling skills. The side was happy to have Ollie Linder-Patten back from injury, giving speed and great tackling in the centres. Once again an excellent effort from Will M at fullback with more of his textbook tackles. Matt Bautz made his presence felt in and around the scrum with solid defence and a few busting breaks. Sean Gilligan showing a fierce endeavour in his ball security and support, with many turnovers and strong tackles also. In general a growing air of confidence and self belief is evident and needs to be encouraged. We still need to be seeing a little more commitment and drive at the breakdown.
The boys now have to realise they are capable of going in hard without getting hurt (as some of us had learnt the hard way years ago you can get hurt by the opposition by not being prepared to go in hard). Over all there were patches of good play and good decision making throughout the game. At no stage did the boys drop their heads and kept working hard all game with no reserves to bring on they were spent by full time.
Always happy to see them come off the ground having given it a go and later as playing group wanting to hang around and watch the U18's.
Under 14s: Old Collegians 0 v Onkaparinga 84
No report or other details received from manager
Under 12s: Old Collegians 12 v Onkaparinga 32
Tries: Charlie Pickford (2)
Conv: Hodgeson
Best Player: Charlie Pickford
In the wet and windy conditions there was an air of nervousness amongst our gallant warriors. Onkaparinga, at the top of the league and well known as a formidable outfit looked menacing. Surely having taken it to the different oppo in previous matches this was going to be a close fought contest. Team tactics were discussed pre-match and the boys trotted onto the ground. First few minutes looked good, ball against the head and down the back line. However the slickness seen in practice eluded the team and suddenly the power of the Onkas flyhalf unleashed their centre to cut through them like a swathe. One could feel the Old Colls heart was not in it and the mana of ONKERS had made even newcomers wary. Two more quick tries and some interesting interpretation of lineout rules led to shock and awe against our psychologically paralysed warriors. However before half time they awoke and great driving, running from Josh and combined forward play resulted in a great driving try to Charlie. Could this be the renaissance?
Strong words to the boys on not allowing them to be mesmerised by the clearly talented No 10 had little effect and a quick try pinched with impunity from our drive led to one more for the team from Reynella. Half-way through the second half the lads regained some spirit and we saw what might have been. Another try to Charlie and again some good driving from the big lads with better, quicker ball out wide helped to regain some pride. A defeat to the Onkas steamroller was a huge blow for this talented mob. But we know we can do much better! You know you let yourselves down. We have great driving forwards, with Rhys and Charlie leading the charge, magnificent backrowers who tackle like boys possessed, the half back combo are second to none, clearly talented centres and I think the most devastating back three I've seen so far in the comp. So don't be overawed by anyone in the comp boys, YOU can easily take them on and win! Next time will be different....... I want to hear that song again....
Under 8s: Old Collegians 40 v Onkaparinga 35<
Tries: Matthew Gomersall (2), Maxwell Linton (2), Harry Rogers, Tom Suttell (Tom's and Harry's tries were their first ever!)
22nd May 2010
1st XV: Port Adelaide 39 v Old Collegians 37
Tries: Wayne Power, Christian Tedge, Chris Bartlett (2), Charlie Neate
Convs, Goals & Pens: Jack Macklin
Best Players: Tim Wonders, Chris Bartlett, Rory Sheppard
We were very good in attack but questionable in defence. With the ball we look great but our work-rate without the ball was poor. We played thirty great minutes of footy - pity about the other fifty. Will need to do much better against Onkaparinga who are undefeated so far in 2010 and just beat Brighton.
2nd XV: Port Adelaide 31 v Old Collegians 25
Tries: Chingy Mpala, Ashwin Thomas, Will McLeay, Rob Bell
Convs & Pens: Ben Suttell
Best Players: Tim Chew, Simon Allport, Ashwin Thomas
For sixty minutes we played to their game plan, in the last twenty minutes we played ours. In that last twenty minutes we looked unstoppable. We scored three tries in ten minutes, but it was too little, too late. Lesson, anyone?>/p>
3rd XV: Port Adelaide 12 v Old Collegians 36
Tries: Justin Elder (2), Jon Collins, Jo Suttell, Turon White, Will McLeay
Convs: Graham Raymond(2), Paull Francis
Best Players: Justin Elder, Graham Raymond, Jo Suttell
We played with tolerance and without anxiety. We stuck to our game plan and achieved all our personal and team objectives. Great work-rate from Justin Elder and great leadership fro Jo Suttell.
Women's XII: BYE
Colts: 1st XV: Vikings 17 v Old Collegians 19
Tries: Perks, Eames and Hopkinson
Convs: Laurendi (2)
Best players: Blackall, Murison, McDonough and Perks.
In what was easily the team's worst performance in season 2010, we struggled against an aggressive Vikings pack. Our scrum was in trouble for most of the day with the Vikings scrum regularly turning us. In turn the backs failed to get clean ball and when they did, they fell into the trap of attempting to make big single man line breaks with limited success. As with the Souths game, we played down to the other side's game with obvious results. Another disturbing aspect of the game was the sluggish start and very poor tackling. All in all a lucky result. Much more is required of the team for next week's home fixture against Onkas.
U16s:
The Under 16s are setting themselves up to have a good year and have had solid performances in the first games of the year. They have all clicked together as a solid and high spirited team .Their support of each other on and off the field is good and improving week by week. The team are really enjoying and appreciating the efforts of two very skilled and approachable coaches in [Hammer] G Raymond and Crossy [ P Cross].
As a parent and ex-player of the club ,I am thrilled to see a group of juniors being now coached excellently by young players from my latter playing days. Makes me feel very old.
As always with the U16s they are a difficult age group where we have struggled a little with numbers; but we do have a good core of players.
Importantly we welcomed some recent U14s who came up and are coping very well with the change of pace and intensity. We also have a few 2nd year U16s and are thankful for their return.
The boys train twice a week and are putting in similar efforts as the senior grades do in training, as set out by Hammer and Crossy. Skills and fitness have improved and their ability to continue to work under pressure and when exhausted, which comes through in games by being able to do the basics well .
Despite not having a win under their belt for 2010, they have improved week by week .
Collegians' 17 v Port 57
They played against a 22 man squad with only 14 players [through injury and sickness] and managed to score 3 tries with 2 conversions. Their opposition was a larger and faster Vikings team who managed to score 57 points. The game was considerably closer than the score showed. There were a couple of exceptional efforts with Matt Bautz [2 tries] and numerous bone jarring tackles around the park. For the second or third week in a row some of the technically best /most brave tackling the bench has seen has been carried out by William McLaughlin [who is close to the lightest player on field ]. The forward pack all dug deep this week and rucked well,secured good ball and made good gains. The backs saw a new line-up with Sam Boon [1st yr U16 ] at IC run hard and straight who may have bought a ticket out of the forward pack with his exciting performance.
All in all a great team performance, with good dedication and spirit
Worth watching and give these hard working boys a cheer
U12s: Old Collegians 15 v Port Adelaide Vikings 10
Try Scorers: Paddy Barry, George Campbell, Josh Walker
Best Player: Alex Kambanaros
I apologise for the lack of reporting but up to Saturday the U12s had lost to Southern suburbs (second half only), drew with Brighton (5-5, was that really a try at the end?), beaten NEDs (26-10, the start of the crunching tackle) and so to Port Adelaide.
The smell of the turf pervaded the nostrils deep in the historic centre of Port Adelaide. This time Old Colls' were doing the pillaging into foreign territory. A sunny day with nearly a full compliment (one shall remain nameless, lost in the depths of Woodville) strode onto the park. The first 10mins resembled the Somme with the visitors bogged down on their 5m line, heroic tackles asunder from Rhys, Charlie and the rest of the pack kept the score down. Could they survive this pressure?
Suddenly lineouts worked, the ball moved to hand even from close to their own try line and the Vikings knew they had a game. They rumbled, down the field and with Harry, Seb and George running, tackling, linking with Liam the terrier tackler. Great running from Ollie, Charlie and of course the deadly 3 of Alex, Josh and Joe were set off by Bailey (stand in for Joseph, watch me head).
A cracking ruck enabled fleet of hand and guess who popped up at centre, big Charlie obviously sampling centre field with the pretty boys, drove through right field. Eventually down he went but popped a beautiful ball to Paddy who snaked in hardly noticed for the first glorious try (disclaimer; he is my son). The game had turned, first half over, Vikings in disarray. Was it the piquant of the Elderflower cordial in the water bottles, the gently infused Navel oranges or big George's entrance?
Colls' fired and tries came quickly to George and Josh. Jimmy Hooker burrowed, new George W got his first real taste of the game played in heaven and Jack supported Alex in his great try saving tackles as well as runs down the wings. Well done Harry, Evan and Callum. Two quick tries from Vikings as they unleashed their big backs made the supporters nervous. We held on, the whistle blew and suddenly with banter and the team song resounding outside the changing rooms it was clear to all here was a team effort with the team having formed.
Lets hope for a great season.
15th May 2010
1st XV: Woodville 16 v Old Collegians 18
Tries: Chris Bartlett (2)
Conv: Will Sadler Pens: Will Sadler (2)
Best Players: Alex Berce, Luke Bailey, Rory Sheppard, Chris Bartlett, Andrew Burgess
All in all the defence was outstanding and won the game. The scores were relatively even throughout and our energy and work rate in last five minutes won the game with a team-try after the 80th minute. Our decision making needs improvement. More importantly, we must work on discipline regardless of the factors outside our control. We can complain about six or seven penalties against us that were arguably unfair, but there were another twenty that were justifiable - twice as many as Woodville gave away, and many for backchat. Spectators and players who criticise the referee just draw our attention away from what we can improve on, and do us no favours when the next 50/50 call comes round.
2nd XV: BYE
3rd XV: Old Collegians 31 v Woodville 21
Tries: Jim Denley, Robbie Bell, Marc Fullager (2), Dan Jackson
Convs: Graham Raymond (3)
Best Players: Graham Raymond, Paull Francis, Tony Mwebe
Women's XII: Burnside 51 v Old Collegians 7
Try: Kate Reynolds Conv: Tara Naige
Best Players: Lusia Raikiwasa, Bec Manson,Daniella Di Girolamo
A much better and more competitive game than the scoreline suggests. Much better tackling across the whole team, and great performances from newbies Dani, Danni and Mel!
Colts: NEDs 5 v Old Collegians 43
Tries: Perks (2), Posala, Blackall, Grant, Eames and Mat Sallis
Best Players: Mitch Sallis, Perks, Hopkinson and Barrett
In another powerful performance, OCs triumphed over a determined, aggressive and physical team. A feature of the game was the scrummaging with our pack regularly turning a powerful NEDs scrum. We were also able to neutralise their aggressive counterrucking and retained possession of the ball although our scrum half Eto was, for the first time this season, under pressure from the NEDs' scrum half who was regularly offside. A great feature of the game was that the team ran and ran all day. Another strong performance from Jack Perks who scored two tries in close succession breaking the NEDs' line. Some clever work from Mitch Sallis and Hopkinson with some very deft kicking of the ball and terrific running ensured a very good result for the team.
