Howard Clay started junior rugby with an announcement in the Tregenza Times of the 27th May 1985 for under 10's "Mini Rugby for under 10 year olds will start at Tregenza Oval on Saturday 8th June at 9.30am".
On the 24th March 1986, the Tregenza Times announced that "The Junior Collegians are in operation and O.C. is fortunate in having Peter Fairs, who has had vast experience with junior rugby, providing extra help to Howard Clay with the co-ordination of the Juniors. This year we hope to run U/8, U/10 and U/18 teams; people such as Graham Raymond will need support with the U/18."
Mini Rugby - by Howard Clay
From the Tregenza Times 12th August 1985
Last Sunday, 4th August, the under-8 and under-10 teams from Young Collegians were at home to Port Adelaide. It had poured overnight and early morning but the mid-morning break in the weather held long enough for the players to be back in the Club house enjoying hot dogs before the skies opened again.
Illness and social engagements reduced our usual contingent of sixteen players to ten. The under-10 team was:-
Ben Gray, Tom Rossiter, David Evans, Annika Evans, Stewart Douglas & Luke Turner.
With all players showing speed and determination, the under-10 had a good game with tries being scored by Ben Gray (3), Annika Evans, David Evans and Stewart Douglas.
The forty or so spectators then watched the under-8 team have a lively game. The Young Collegians team was:-
Mostyn Sparrow, Jeremy Prideaux, Joe Rossiter, Graham Smith and Luke Turner (playing his second game).
The tries were scored by Luke Turner (2), Joe Rossiter and Mostyn Sparrow.
The referee for both games was Les Mattin, a member of the Port Adelaide Club, who gave an able and consistent performance.
Quotes of the day:-
"I taught him everything he knows" - Doc Douglas
"More skill and dedication than the firsts" - Alan Spry.
Mini Rugby - by Howard Clay
From the Tregenza Times 9th September 1985
It was blowing a gale a week ago last Sunday (1st September) when the Under 8 and Under 10 teams played return fixtures with Port Adelaide at the Port.
Even the heavy showers did not deter the boys, who played with their usual determination and enthusiasm. Coach, Richard Waddicor, had to be restrained from taking his umbrella on to the field.
For the under 8 team, Stephen Coster displayed his speed to score two tries in what turned out to be a drawn game.
In the under 10 match, the juniors showed improved tackling to restrict Ports scoring chances, while scoring four tries themselves. Jason MacIntosh and Darren Turner got one apiece. Tom Rossiter, who scored twice, pleased the supporters with his running. He has an excellent swerve, which he used to effect, whilst in scoring his second try, he side-stepped inside to beat three defenders.
After the games, both players and supporters enjoyed the hospitality offered by Port Adelaide in their new clubhouse.
Junior Rugby. Report by Howard Clay. Tregenza Times 14th April 1986
Under 10 Team
In their first competition game, the under 10 team performed well to draw 20 all with Waratah under 10 team last Saturday at Parkinson Oval. Each team scored 5 tries.
For Collegians, two tries were scored by Tom Rossiter and three by Stewart Douglas. While Waratah had a decided height and weight advantage, the Collegians were the speedier side. This enabled them to match the Waratah score. The game was played in a very competitive, yet friendly, spirit.
Under 12 Team
As we now have the nucleus of an under 12 team, we have arranged a Sevens match with Waratah under 12's for next Saturday morning, at Tregenza Oval, commencing at 10.15am.
Junior Rugby Under Tens. Report by Howard Clay.
Tregenza Times 21st April 1986
A well drilled Port Adelaide team were too strong in the closing stages of the game for our under 10's last Saturday. Collegians scored first when Stewart Douglas ran almost the length of the field for a try. Port Adelaide replied with a try and were already looking the better team, Some fine tackling by Ben Gray helped to contain Port and our next try came from Tom Rossiter. Luke Turner put in some hard driving runs but the Port defence was solid. Just before half time Port got their second try to make the score 8 all at the break.
Although Ben Gray, Luke Turner and Tom Rossiter tackled strongly in the second half, the fast running Port players wore down our defence, scoring three tries to make the final score 20-8. Right on full time Jason MacIntosh had a good run but was pushed into touch just short of the line.
Junior Rugby - Saturday 3rd May. Report from the Tregenza Times 5th May 1986 by Howard Clay
The Under 10's were outgunned by Brighton, who won by 6 tries (24) to one (4). Although the junior Collegians never stopped trying and were not disgraced, Brighton had better team skills and cohesion. Our try was scored by the speedy Stewart Douglas. Ben Gray, once again, put in some strong tackles.
Our 5 under 12 players are now joining with Waratah players in competition games. Last Saturday, the combined team won on a forfeit.
