September 11, 1983
Preliminary Final Match - 1sts vs West Torrens
Collegians started off kicking with the aid of a stiff breeze. However, after an initial ten minute burst, we had too many walkers and certainly did not make the most of our opportunities. After a see-saw passage of play, Torrens conceded a penalty which Tony W. missed by about a foot from what was a well struck kick. This 'sighter" was all he needed and a similar penalty awarded a few minutes later was duly converted to put us up 3 - 0. With good lineout play, Torrens won a more than fair share of the ball and, despite valiant defence by our backs and an amazing display of covering and determination by Dave Stark, got themselves into field goal range and levelled the score, 3 - 3.
This spurred our blokes on somewhat and the sending off of the Torrens front row who had been having a big effect on the game,. swung the play our way. Good clean ball from the forwards saw a quick back line move and Mike Raymond followed up his own kick ahead to score a great try wide out. Tony converted and half time saw the score at 9 - 3 The second half saw a vast improvement by the forwards who showed the character necessary to be able to lift their game when they were needed. We still had some positioning problems and were occasionally put under pressure with Torrens kickers finding space too often. However, the forwards were able to win the pressure balls and excellent teamwork by the backs saw us get the touch line kicks in at the right moment.
A word should be said about the solid play by the backs who tackled any- thing and everything and virtually stopped the much vaunted Torrens backs from going for any damaging runs. Finally a good backline move saw a switch pass from Sean to Ross who went over for a well deserved try. Even John D. smiled at that one so Mick Campion took the opportunity to wander over to tell him he couldn't make training an Tuesday night, "I just wanted to tell you while you are smiling". Meanwhile, Tony had done it again and the final scure was 15 - 3
On to the Grand Final.
Old Collegians 15 : West Torrens 3.
Preliminary Final Match - 2nds vs Brighton
In what was a tight game with no tries the twos went down to Brighton 9 - 3 with our score coming from an Owen Clarke penalty. Although I feel that the better side on the day won. our fellows could certainly hold their heads up high.
The commitment and desperation showed by the whole team showed the pride they felt in taking the red and blue colours on to a finals field. With three or four of them suffering from the flu, we thought that we might need a few reserves, however, they kept going and it was only an unfortunate accident to Paul Cowans in which he ripped a muscle that caused us to use a re-serve. Highlights of the day were the desparate tackling and ball covering by Andy Whiteforde and the brilliant display by Jamie Perkins from first five.
These players were ably supported by the other backs who were all showing their abilities. Although the forwards were a bit outgunned on the day, they never stopped trying and Simon Clay in particular played his No. 8 position as it should be done. Although our hopes of four grand finals teams was not to be realised, I would like to thank and congratulate the Twos and their coach, Dave Gillard, for a most successful season.
Old Collegians 3 : Brighton 9
28th August 1983
First grade v Onkaparinga
After the first few minutes, we saw a fine try by Jamie Perkins, converted by Mick Campion. Then from a five metre scrum, Tim Campion crashed over for a good forward try which was not converted, 10 - 0.
From a scrum five metres from our line, the Onkas backs dropped the ball and we forced play back into their half.
Penalty to Collegians, good kick by Ross de la Motte in general play and a good tackle by Mike Cobb.
From a scrum, fast back line play saw Henry split their defence, unfortunately, the pass to Jamie wasn't held.
Score at this stage still 10 - 0.
Then after receiving a ball from the scrum, I was just in time to see big Dean out of the back of the ruck and put Ross in under the posts.
Conversion missed by Henry.
A line out and a penalty to us, run by the backs, strong high pass from Ross beautifully taken by Cobbie who palmed off his opposite number and despite the intentions of the Onkas lock to remove his neck, he scored the try. Conversion missed by Mick Campion.
Two penalties in succession to Onkas saw pressure back on our fellows. The second one resulted in three points. Once again forced to rescue the ball from the back. Score 10 ~ 3. Play again in Onkas half, and another good kick by Ross in general play.
Sean flattened after kicking the ball by, yes you guessed it. the Onkas lock. No penalty.
Half time score 10 - 3.
Kick off and we are back in their quarter. From a lineout, big Dean drove from. the front of the line and took the Onkas defence with him to score a try. Despite the sand, the kick was wide.
Some good play from Collegians was them run the ball from a five metre and take our line to Onkas half. Play right in front of me. saw me fall through the medical kit. Three penalties to us and Jamie just short of the line, in touch. Further pressure by Gary Power also just short. Some sloppy play for a while and then a fine try by Jamie Perkins. Conversion missed.
Play back in our quarter and once again the Onkas lock uses his elbow to assist.
Quiet passage of play and the ball moved up and down the field. No clear advantage although the backs
making some good runs. After quite a deal of back and forth stuff, Tim Farrah scores wide out off a Jamie Perkins pass from back over his head. The conversion in the form of a drop kick again missed. Come back, Tony Wynne, all is forgiven. Thank goodness full time came as we were starting to nod off. We can and will do better.
OLD COLLEGIANS 30 : ONKAPARINGA 3.
Second grade v Onkaparinga
Team started two players short, in spite of which Tony Nugent scored after the first five minutes of play. Not converted. After ten minutes, Guy Lithgow elected to join the game to qualify for the only mention he, gets this week. Collegians penalised and after some discussion with the referee lost an extra ten metres. The net result was an unconverted Onkas try. 4- 4.
Onkas penalised for obstruction twenty metres out but the penalty missed. Shortly afterwards good ball out to the backs sent Tim Naylor over to ground the ball near the corner post, the try was unconverted, 8 - 4.
From a penalty a ball was spun out to Lindsay who, carrying five Onkas players and the ball crashed over with Paul Mayer off his shoulder to score. This try was converted and the score 14 - 4.
One more missed penalty and a half time score was 14 - 4.
Kick off and Onkas penalised for a late tackle on Peter Liebich which Owen Clarke slotted in to take College to 17 - 4. A tap penalty spun out to the backs, good quick hands resulted in another Tim Naylor try, again unconverted, 21 - 4.
Forwards winning good ball allowed Lindsay to chip the ball, kicked on by Nick Szuster who scored. Owen Clarke converted off the posts, 27 - 4.
Good pressure put on Onkas backs and a good run by Paul Mayer, again kicked on by Nick Szuster and another try this time not converted, 31 - 4.
Onkas then took a tap penalty, fed it out to their back line for a converted try, 31 - 10.
(After this point there is a change from Sanskritt to Aramaic, equally indecipherable::!)
Beautiful twelve metre pass to number 14 sent him over for a try, score now 35 - 10.
Another good run by number 14 resulted in him being stopped two feet from the line. Good ball and good work from the backs resulted in number 11 scoring between the posts. Converted by number 8 to take the tally to 41 - l 0.
No side was blown to make this the final result.
Old Collegians 41: Onkaparinga 10
Thirds v Roseworthy
As it was Roseworthy college holiday time, they did not have a full team and so we claimed a bye and four points. A friendly between various members of the Roseworthy team, the thirds, the fourths and even a few of Onkas fourths was arranged and played in quarters so that everyone could wear everyone else's shirts. The only problem was no-one told Tony that it was supposed to be a friendly and although many of the fourths had wanted to clobber the Onkas number 12, they had more control.
4th Grade V. Onkaparinga
As we received no report on the thirds match and two on the fourths, we have decided to print two versions, one from the sidelines and one from the field.
After a very spirited and disciplined first 38 minutes in which the smaller Collegian pack outplayed their verbous opponents, the score was opened with a great opportunist try from Chris Jaeger. Fellow housemate, Alex (the Pom) Copeland converted to give the home team a 6 - 0 lead at half time. This was quite a relief to supporters who had seen relatively easy penalties at the 10, 15, 20 and 25 minute marks go sadly astray.
The second half opened at a furious pace with Onkas scoring close to the posts in the first 5 minutes. This was converted, the score 6 - 6 and Collegians facing a huge task to regain supremacy. The next fifteen minutes produced a series of fierce mauls in which Collegians were momentarily reduced to fourteen players but all players rallied and if it were not for two near forward passes called by the referee and a penalty bouncing off 'he bar, Collegians could have sealed the game. However, sweet revenge was obtained in the thirtieth minute by Chris Jaeger who gathered the ball after a series of fine passes across the backline to score in the corner, the score 10 - 6 and the Collegians on the war path. The scene was now set to storm home and after winning the ball from second phase play the backline ran in their third try which was converted by Alex Copeland to give Collegians a 16 - 6 lead and a memorable victory.
This is written by a very gratefull halfback(-). For the first time this year, all eight forwards attempted and succeeded to play controlled tight rugby. Instead of having the usual twenty minute break, we had 4x5 minute breaks and thus didn't give the opposition time to get wound up. Before going off, Mike O'Connor had a blinder; Chris Jaeger playing break-away shone; Andy Kimpton dominated the lineouts; Chris Cushing never stopped pushing (but lock--); Eric Thiele cleaned up the ball and controlled it ; Dennis Hay (yuk) and Dan McCartan as usual were everywhere and worked tirelessly; and it was pleasing to have a non-stop "Mumbles" Henderson always bustling. The back are now a formidable unit in attack but defence lapses too frequently for final's football. Slick passing and backing up, Mike Beaton and Andy McKenzie made us look sharp and effective and their tidying up of the ball was a good lesson to the forwards. The two Ricks (wingers) are learning all the time and are proving to be very determined and competent players (still a long way to go, lads, so keep listening). The ever-reliable Dave Gaylard proved once again to be the safest full back in our division and Gerry Fogarty demonstrated the form that made him A-grade Premiership Five-Eighth last year. When he came on in the second half, Giles Firstbrook put in his best performance this year and "blew it". We now know he can run and are expecting it this week - Sherries or no sherries). Sandy Douglas and Alex Copeland came on as reserves and performed their duties well. All in all, a good performance to defeat the Minor Premiers but everyone needs to be at training and make more of a commitment on the field if we are to win the Premiership.
HIGHLIGHTS:
(1) Old Collegians 16, Onkaparinga 6.(2) Chris Jaeger scoring two tries(one as a forward, one as a back) and should be relegated to third grade for doing so.
(3) Michael Beaton outrunning the opposition to score (set up by good ball from the forwards and great backing up by Giles (an amazing high light).
(4) Glorious goal kicking by Gerry and Alex (2 conversions) - narrowly missed a few hard ones - bounding off the cross bar)
(5)Good tight forward play.
(6) Slick running by the backs.
Old Collegians 16: Onkaparinga 6
21st August 1983
THIRD GRADE V BRIGHTON
I arrived at the ground about halfway through the first half to find Grant stomping up and down the sideline mumbling to himself something about why we weren't putting in and taking the game up to the opposition. Not much more should be said about that half except to say that we were 6-3 up at half time (all penalties), but facing a stiff breeze in the second term.
During the break, it was decided to run the ball at every opportunity and put pressure on the Brighton back line. This proved to be the correct strategy. Our forwards got their act together and gave their lineout jumpers and half back some much needed protection and our backs pressured at every opportunity. With some inventive and stylish play, we gradually got on top of Brighton (who reverted to their normal under pressure tactics) and exposed holes in their defence. Good Mauling by O.C.s and a fine link pass from Phil Evans following an astute kick by Dave Glanville saw a quick move to the open and Sean Hopkinson went over for try in the corner.
Shortly thereafter our backs put the pressure on and Brighton, after fumbling a pass, kicked the ball back over their own line an John Barker followed up his initial pressure and out-sprinted the defence to score again. Final score 14 - 3.
Then we went up to their clubrooms for a compulsory drink 'cause they don't like losing - especially to us. Best players (in the second half at least) Dave Glanville and Mike Dalton in the backs and Doc Douglas and Paul Mayers in the forwards.
SECOND GRADE V. UNIVERSITY
If I tell you that the combined age of our front row was 124, it may give you a bit of a hint that we were scratching for players this week. A few injuries to the Firsts and a couple of drop outs from the seconds stretched our resources somewhat. However, with the help of John Davies, Hugo Klyn-smith and an injured Brendan McCartan, we managed to field a full team. I might add at this point that those three players contributed in a large way to what was, eventually, a comfortable win. A lacklustre first half, saw us hold a narrow lead into the wind but with no real purpose to our game. Fortunately, in the second half, many players lifted and began to perform the way they are capable of doing. We started to win the mauls, lineouts and scrums with relative ease because we had eight men helping each other and some of our tries in this half were a direct result of this extra effort. I can't really remember all the scores but I think Jamie Perkins, Nick Szuster ( or was it Tim Naylor-) John Davies and Paul Warren all scored tries and Owen kicked his usual few goals. Anyway, we ran out winners, 25 - 10.
Best players were Jamie and Brendan in the backs and John D. and Hugo in the forwards.
Just one more thing. We have only one round to go to end our Seconds season but you are all still required to play your best for the sake of club pride and to keep training to support our finals teams and to act, of course, as "the reserve grade" Premierships are won on club strength and support and we certainly need yours now.
Old Collegians 25 : University 10
Fourth Grade v North Adelaide
It seems we learnt some but not all of the lessons from the previous week. We forgot how to tackle for a long period and also had one of our usual lapses in concentration for ten minutes or so in the first half. Norths scored first with a try following loose play, however, it was wide out and they failed to convert. Also, from a scrum infringement, they scored the penalty points and took the sore to a 0 - 7 lead after fifteen minutes. This was during our bad period and we got over this with a fine try by Mike Beaton. For a change, we won clean ball from the lineout, the ball going out to the wing and Gerry Fogarty following up, passed to Mike who scored under the posts. Gerry converted and we trailed 6 - 7. Our second try also came from a lineout with Dan McCartan taking the ball, passing to Den Hay to Andrew McKenzie and then to Ricky Martinazzo who scored in the corner. Gerry converted to give us a 12-7 lead at the halfway. The start of the second half saw the forwards really looking for the ball and we pressured Norths line. The good maul saw the ball go to Gerry who popped up an easy field goal, 15 - 7.
Once we hit this lead, we seemed to lose concentration and scrappy play was evident to four minutes from the finish, Norths scored a try in the corner. They could not convert and the score remained 15 - 11 until the finish.
Good hard play was evident throughout patches of the game with Erie Theile, Dave Symons, Mike O'Connor and Den Hay having strong games. A feature of the game was the 7 - 0 tightheads by Mike O'Connor.
The backs all played well with Mike Beaton and Gerry Fogarty combining to form an exceptional link in the team. This win ensures a berth in the finals and from now on gaining a slot in the Fourths team will not be easy.
Old Collegians 15 : North Adelaide 11
FIRST GRADE V UNIVERSITY
Won 40 - 3 NO REPORT!
Scorers :- Mike Cobb and Mike Raymond (two each), Henry Rymill, Sean Beaton, Tim Farrah and Dean Earl (one each) and Tony Wynne four goals.
8th August 1983
Firsts v West Torrens
Torrens in a steal
By Tom McLean
Adelaide Advertiser
West Torrens stole victory from under the nose of Old Collegians at Tregenza with a last minute Robert Hofmeyer try converted by full-back Andre Chislett to keep their 1983 unbeaten record.
Old Collegians won every aspect of the game except the points even dominating Torrens in the lincouts in the second half but failed to convert their possession into points.
Torrens' Don Harris, Henry Dyksman and Steve Cochrane were matched by Collegians Dennis Hayden, Dean Earle and Gerraint Compton in the lineouts but Collegians won the rucks and mauls convincingly as they did the set scrums.
Collegians' hooker Richard Waddicor won five tight heads to Torrens' two, but Collegians squandered scoring opportunities with Tony Wynne missing two penalty goal attempts and then Compton and de la Motte throwing try scoring chances away.
Collegians half-back Tim Farrah and inside-centre Sean Beaton did not allow the Torrens backline any space to move and under their constant harassment Torrens' usually slick back-line failed to combine with passes going to ground or forward. Colleglans led 3-0 at half-time through Tony Wynne's one penalty goal from three attempts, but 10 minutes after the restart Torrens' five-eighth Bill Porteous levelled the scores with a field goal from controlled scrum possession. Collegians regained the lead with a Paul Maher try from a line-out and crossed the line again through Sean Beaton but referee Bob Hogath disallowed the score failing to gain a clear view as Beaton went over in a mass of players.
Old.Collegians 7, West Torrens 9
SECONDS V WEST TORRENS
Did I tell you about my two tries- First for O.C.s and my first since 1968 zzzzzz.
Aw come on- wake up. fellas - don't you want to listen- Oh, alright, I'll tell you about the rest of the game. So.now you're awake - rotten sods. Well, the game started with our mob (not to mention their mob) decimated by illness. That amazing Welsh duo, John Davies and Dave Gilliard just happened to have their gear in the boot (I had to go home for mine) and we eventually took to the field with a full team.
Torrens couldn't manage that. During the course of the game, we scored 56 and West Torrens were lucky to score 0, so I won't try to describe each try. All players contributed well with Simon Clay and Paul Warren showing out in the forwards and Locky Andrews and Andy Whiteforde showing out in the backs although all the backs (particularly, the bald winger - "Freres Trabilsie" as one of the Torrens supporters put it) ran extremely well. (I lied about the winger but I'm writing the report)
Scorers were:- Locky Andrews (3), Roger McDaniel and Tim Naylor (2), and Simon Clay, Dave Austin and Andy Whiteforde (1 each) with the 'Boot', Owen Clarke warming up for the goal-kicking competition by scoring 6 conversions.
Old Collegians 56 : West Torrens 0
Thirds v Salisbury (alias the Blue Whales)
O.C.s kicked off to Salisbury who ran wide to gain 30 yds. First bit of freedom to Salisbury. Then 10 minutes of tight rugby with no real advantage either way. After this the writer started to get rather 'blotto' and things rather blurred. So we'll just concern ourselves with the highlights. Congratulations to Doc. Douglas, Mal Raymond. Dave Glanville and Paul Cowens for superb rugby. My apologies to Arch Younger (the Whale killer) - did he not know they were a protected species-- We thank Salisbury for coming off to abuse the spectators and allowing O.C.s to score. May we recommend that what the spectators say doesn't count but the points on the board do.
Best player :- Geoff Rymenas.
Old Collegians 24 : Salisbury 6
FOURTHS V SOUTHERN SUBURBS
We lost the toss and kicked off. After initial pressure from Souths, Dave Garlard with a good kick brought play back to the half way line. The forwards started to work together and soon were camped on Souths line. Twice more, we pressured the line each time resulting in a 22 drop out. From. an ensuing scrum we were awarded a penalty and Sandy Douglas, with unerring accuracy, put us to a 3 - 0 lead. From the kick off, Souths again applied pressure and play see-sawed up and down the field. However we gradually gained the ascendancy and from a tactical kick, we continued to pressure their line.
The editor has received a letter from one of the club stalwarts who is well respected by all. The letter was in reference to unfair criticism of referees contained in many of our match reports and also witnessed on the side line. While I, as one of the writers, cannot obviously agree with every point in the letter, I can, on reflection agree with the general tone. If I, or in fact any of our reporters have given the impression that we hold referees in disrespect or consider that any of the games reported have been unduly influenced by any referee, then I sincerely apologise. We all realise that refereeing is a thankless job, performed by people who probably love the game more than most and, we will endeavour to bear this in mind in future.
Old Collegians v Southern Suburbs
A Souths lineout infringement resulted in Sandy Douglas having another attempt, but he failed to split the timbers. Again the play moved up and down the field and we were awarded another penalty some 35m out. This time Dave G. had a drop kick at the posts and we went down to a 6-0 lead. Some good rucking and mauling by Eric Thiele and Danny McCartan gave us a fair share of the ball and a couple of good backline movements saw us well om top of Souths. A good combination of backs and forwards put Ricky Martinazzo down the sideline (this time staying in the playing area) and he scored under the posts, making the score 10 - 0. The try was converted by Sandy, 12 - 0. This was the score at the halfway mark. The second half, in many ways, was similar to the first half with play moving up and down the field. Many more penalties were awarded to both sides for offside play. A good, tight, quick scrum resulted in one of these penalties being given to us but Sandy wasn't on target with his shot. Shortly afterwards the move of the game saw Andrew MacKenzie score the first of his tries, 16 - 0. The conversion failed. By this time, the team.had gained complete ascendancy over Souths, however, we just could not cross the line until we tried something different. This came in the form of a high ball from Peter Tokarski and Andrew McKenzie, backing up scored under the posts. Sandy converted, 22 - 0. The further 10 minutes were played with no further scores being added.
Points:- Ask Ricky if training with the forwards helps- Is Andrew McKenzie after Peter Tokarski's record- Watch the fourths next week at Tregenza to find out. Will Sandy's performance today see his name inscribed on the Dan Patterson Trophy
Old Collegians 22 .: Southern Suburbs 0
24th July 1983
Firsts V. Brighton
In a hard, bruising encounter, the Firsts went down to Brighton 18 - 4.
However there are still encouraging signs for us for the finals. At a coaching session on Tuesday night, the Brighton tactic of stretching our defence wide was discussed and plans formulated to combat this.
Unfortunately, while they played their part, we didn't play ours and their tries were each formed in this fashion.
Nevertheless, O.C.s took the game right up to them and had some early penalty attempts succeeded, the result may have been quite different.
Our backs did all they could to keep constant pressure on their opposition and were ably supported here by some fine covering work by the loose forwards. The tight five more than held their own in the set play, however, Brighton again seemed that bit faster to the loose ball and as is their normal style of play, managed to make it available to their backs a little quicker and more often than we were able.
One of the noticeable problems we continue with, is the throwing away of possession by passing loosely in tight play instead of going in to get the ball from each other.. As often as not, yesterday when we passed the ball in these situations, it was to the wrong coloured jersey.
A highlight for us was Mike Raymond's fine try when a well-placed kick caused the Brighton defenders to collide and Mike was able to regather and go over the line.
Two lowlights(lowlights-) were the face injury to Andy Seeker which we hope is not too serious and the sending off of Dave Stark for what was termed an illegal tackle. Although the incident happened on the far side of the pitch and therefore was not clearly seen by the writer, the general feeling of both sets of spectators was that while it was certainly a penalty offence, it was not deliberate and therefore did not warrant a send off. It appears to me that if they sent off everyone involved in a high tackle, we'd only have the referee and the last player tackled on the field as few games in S.A. are without these.
Anyway, a top game was generally enjoyed by the spectators. Best players for the day were Geraint, Guy and Dennis H. in the forwards and Tony and Henry in the backs.
OLD COLLEGIANS 4: BRIGHTON 18
Seconds V. Brighton
In what was a do or die match, the seconds showed the home crowd what they are capable of by outplaying both Brighton and one of the worst displays of higher grade refereeing I have ever seen, to.come out victors 10 - 3
After a start in which it appeared that O.C.s definitely had the wood over Brighton in the forwards, particularly in the set scrums and lineouts, the referee managed to even them up with some strange interpretations of scrum rules.
However, our play in the loose was sufficiently better to give our backs a few good runs at Brighton and one delightful move across the field saw Jamie given enough clearance to run around the defence and score wide out. Shortly thereafter, Brighton managed a penalty goal and half-time saw the score at 4 - 3 in our favour. The first half had plenty of highlights including the crashing runs of Nick and Pygmy and fine tackling by all the backs. Allied to the powerful forwards display, this set us up for a thrilling second term. The half time address was particularly notable for the toey attitude being displayed by the players as if they couldn't wait for the whistle to be blown to let them get back to take Brighton again. It was that attitude that won the game and, if maintained, will see us in the finals. After the break, we continued as we had left off and with Dean and Mike C. putting heaps of effort into the lineouts, continued to look dangerous. Although we had almost scored a few times, it was when we were deep in defence that the forwards started a rolling movement which was linked to the backs and saw Nick V. break through and outpace the defence for a 50 m. try under the posts. Owen, who is getting worried about his position being under threat from the "Boot junior", converted to make it 10 - 3 which was the final score. Again a grand team effort but special mentions to the evergreen Tim Farrah for a scintillating display both in ball handling and tackling and to Jamie Perkins who covered tirelessly all day. There were many positive aspects to the game but I believe the players know all about these so I will finish on a slightly negative note. The two things that must be worked on are:-
1) Our scrum plan was upset by the referee and by not listening to the coach at half time and not getting together to put his remedy into effect, we never regained the scrum dominance we should have.
2) In every team, there is one captain and one leader of either backs or forwards. Apart from genuine encouragement, these are the only two people who should be heard on the field and our talking, back-chatting and arguing out there yesterday, a though provoked by poor refereeing, could have cost us valuable points. So think about it, fellows. A star team and not a team of stars wins premierships. Let's take it from here!!
OLD COLLEGIANS 10, BRIGHTON 3
16th July 1983
Fourths v Brighton
Well the run of wins has been temporarily interrupted by a close loss. A fine day and no mud to speak, of (for a change) saw us win the toss. The first half was a very scrappy affair, no clean ball from either side from the rucks, etc. and neither backline put it together until at 35mins, a string of dummies sold by a Brighton player (and bought <missing text> .........
The second half started much better, forwards tackling and the backs drawing the man before passing. A kick though and a magnificent "barrel" by Phil Evans (Brighton player replaced) saw the ball come our way. Quick hands in the backlines and Chris Henderson over for a try not converted, 4 - 4. Play back and forth, them Brighton scored a try and bombed another by running back through the forwards and no-one tackling him, 4 - 10.
Late in the half, a break by Peter Tokaski to Mal Raymond following up then back into Chris Jaeger to dive over, conversion missed, final score 8 10.
Highs/ lows.
High:- Solid plays by D. Gaylard, P. Tokaski and A. Copeland.
Low :- Poor tackling and even poorer refereeing.
Points to note:
The forwards must work as a unit and all must pull their weight for the entire game. Forget the ref. (he's always right) and play on as best you can.
Laughs(-):1) Display of refereeing by Miller (formerly of Brighton)
2) Brendan McCartan shivering in his boots after threat by female(-) Brighton supporter. The song "he's a lady" was not written about her.
26th June 1983
Firsts v Onkaparinga
Collegians kick-off, the first score was a penalty converted by Wynne.3 - nil. Play see-sawing, intercept by Onkas stopped by good cover defence and a good tackle by Henry. Good backline move with an overhead flick pass by Mike Raymond but play called back. Good high kick by Onkas puts pressure on us but we get back to their half. Play stays around centre of the field until a good kick by Mike R. and follow up by Ross and Tony sees us with another penalty which Wynne converts, 6-nil. Good lineout work by the back row and a kick ahead to their 22. Tight head win and a kick overhead but over the dead ball line. Back to halfway. Good quick scrum and Mike takes the ball on the burst. Pressure on Onkas sees them not find touch. Big catch to Henry on to Andy Whiteflord , back to Henry and overhead pass to Raymond for a diving try. Great kick to Wynne, 12-nil. Onkas go for a break but stopped by a solid stark tackle Offside in scrum sees Onkas with a penalty in front, 12-3.
O.C.s under pressure but kick ahead. Ross takes out fullback and we get a penalty. Missed and touch by Onkas. Play back and
forth with good running by O.C. kept out by good kicking by Onkas. An absorbing first half with pressure by both sides and a good contest shaping up. Half time score 12-3.
Onkas kick off, long. Henry clears, more tight play and a good tackle by Geraint. Good back move to the sideline sees the Onkas touch judge getting carried away by things. Good tackle and run by Henry but a penalty to Onkas on the halfway. Doughty decides to have a shot but a good attempt misses. From a lineout Onkas pressures but a Wynne kick sees us gain. Good backline and great run Mike Cobb with Stark covering well. Onkas now decide (after a good solid clean game) to stir it up a bit but are penalised. O.C. drive up into their half. O.C. put on the pressure and gain a penalty after a fine chip ahead by Raymond and a good tackle. Good forward play gains us a 5metre but Onkas clear.
A kick to the open spaces, a race for the ball won by the two Mikes and Henry. Onkas pile on the pressure and force us back to our 22. They swing the ball around and eventually gain a penalty in front, 12-6. High kick sees Henry step through and pass to Whitey who picks up at ankle height and takes us forward. Good bounce sees Onkas clear but cover defence equal to the task and Geraint comes away with it. Good backline move and Mike R. goes for a sprint. A kick ahead and a late tackle sees a penalty to us. Converted by Tony,15-6. Another good backline move sees us gain territory but Onkas penalty on their 22. Back to halfway. Again a good run by the backs. A penalty to Onkas sees them down to our line but cleared to 22. More pressure and Onkas get a 5metre scrum. Good clearance by Whitey back to 22.
Onkas win the ball but sustained attack by loose forwards and backs forces them halfway. Great run by Mike Cobb stopped just short. Onkas clear but late tackle On Henry and penalty to us.
Wynn kicks another and full time sees us 18-6.
Another god effort ably rewarded and no doubt the forwards, in particular, will enjoy their beer after what was a bruising encounter. One final note:- Andy Seeker won good ball from the front of the line and I'm not going to mention his temporary loss of sanity, am I, Andy--
Old Collegians 18 : Onkaparinga 6.
Seconds v Onkaparinga
We started into attack but again the ball handling not looking great. Wait! Good forward push, pressure on Onkas, quick passing with Nick Vordus going through to link with Mad Dog who breaks, tackles and slips to Tim Naylor for a good try, 4-nil. Kick off to them, Richard penalised for offside. Onkas try an optimistic kick but Richard clears to touch. Good Kick, Lindsay and
Fete takes a quick tap which sees us up to thier 22. They kick out but Shorty covers and outruns them to get back to 22. Handling has definitely improved. Some fine backline moves in evidence. Peter Moir running strongly off the scrums. Owen picks up from tight head win and breaks. On to Lindsay and a lightening pass to Shorty who sets up Paul Mayers for a string run in and a try, 8-nil.
Owen celebrates the birth of 'super Boot" with a fine conversion, 10-nil. They kick deep but Nick Zsuster clears well into their half.
Loose ruck after Gary 'superman" Powers flies into the pack (lucky that Onkas players ducked). Good work by Lindsay sees an extremely quick backline move giving Tim Naylor room on the wing. That's all he needs for another try, 14-nil. Tight five performing really well with good catching and setting up for the second phase. Good tap and backline move from a penalty stopped just short.
And again after a good switch pass by Richard Waddicor. Its very hard to write this with Julie Younger calling for Dick all the time:!
Penalty to us and Owen kicks another one, 17-nil. Arch, Dave Pridham and Owen covering heaps of ground and maintaining the pressure. Another tap and quick passing move knocked on over the line. Half time. After tons of good pressure we take the ball and good passing to Nick V. on the burst - straight through Onkas for a try under the posts which "The Boot" senior converts, 23-nil. Onkas win a scrum and Paul M. cleans up their centre with a good tackle. Nick V. scoops up the ball and over for another converted try, 29-nil.
More good play by the back row with Andy playing very well. Good features are Paul Cowan and Mad Dog setting up well and Mike Conroy's superb lineout work (as usual). Just as finished writing that Mike took a good ball from the line and the forwards combined to push him over for a fine try.
As usual, Owen converts, 35-nil.
Onkas decide not to retreive the ball but it didn't work as we had a spare.
Scrum and they kick over, Nick S. takes the ball and someone yells out ! 'straighten up.." He does and runs from our 22
to score under the posts. Owen shows us how to convert off the post, 41-nil.
Great backline move and lineout near their line. i~.ction replay and Mike C. scores again. Ho, hum!! Owen converts, 47-nil. Good play by Richard from front of line and another good creative backline move linking back to the forwards.
Into their 22 but a penalty gets them back to short of halfway.
Quick tight head win, Peter to Lindsay, to Pygmy and a big break then back to Lindsay for a try (converted, of course) 53-nil. Ball in our 22 but Nick V decides it's his turn again and takes off for a try. THE CONVERSION WAS MISSED (bloody poor kicking) 57-nil.
Kick off. Paul Cowan goes for a run, on to Arch, to Richard and link up with the backs, out to Shorty and a try in the corner, 61-nil.
Top team game, marked by excellent linkage between backs and forwards and an abject lesson in creativity.
Old Collegians 61 : Onkaparinga 0
18th June 1983
Thirds V Brighton
Despite the fact that two third grade stars, Tony W. and Mike R., seem to have earned first grade status, we arrived at "that place" with a strong line up (two reserves - would you believe-)
The old combination of Tim to Shaun B. to Dave Glanville is no mean line up when linked with the speed of Barker-Pattison-Pyper.
From the kick off "They" were made very aware that "They" would have to play like hell to keep us out.
After ten minutes we were up 6-nil with a top backline move, fast pass -out - out - out and John B. over as the logical outcome of pressure play. Converted by Glanville.
"They looked glum".
With "Them", however, the game is never won until the final whistle.
We played well up into their half for most of this period. Possession from set scrum played well up and lineout found us with the honours. But as always, "They" are "Big Ruckersl" (apologies for my spelling). "They" went over after a kick on and half time found us at 6-4.
Second Half. Still winning set play but unable to penetrate. "They" using the kick to gain heaps of ground. We kicked too but frequently into "their" safe hands. We failed to tackle (i.e. five of us missed) and over again by "Them" - converted, 6-10.
Later another try by "them", not converted, final score 6-14.
Lessons Learnt
(1) In the loose, "They" wanted the ball more than us,
(2) "They" rucked and supported better - a feature of all "Their" sides,
(3) "They" always spilled the ball behind,
(4) "They" won but we were not disgraced by any means.
Highlights
(1) Doc being first to the ball,
(2) the Ella move,
(3) Dave Symonds- anyone looking for a lead soprano--!!
Old Collegians 6 : Brighton 14
Fourths v Burnside
Generally a good game with a lot of effort from all concerned. Dave G. and Eric made a beautiful run down the wing to send Phil through for a try, 4-nil. Ricky did a solo turn from the halfway line which netted another try. Sandy converted, Mike O'Connor very nearly got one with a chip through and was only just beaten to the ball by Burnside backs. They scored but did not convert, halftime score 10-4. Soon after halftime, we had a converted penalty, 13-4. This was the final score. The forwards won a reasonable amount of possession and generally everybody worked hard for a well deserved win.
Lineouts were the major problem - it was basically a gift to Burnside every time the ball went in.
Two Quotes:
(1) Burnside second row after crashing over our line for a disallowed try "Forty years of rugby and it's the first time "I've got this far, I should get one for effort."
(2) Burnside forward after Dave G. found touch for the umpteenth time, "Kick, kick, effing kick. I'd like to chop his effing legs off"
Old Collegians 13 : Burnside 4
7th June 1983
1st Grade v Burnside
Our kick off - a probing passage of play which resulted in a lineout. Over the back to Dave Starke, on to Geraint Compton, a maul, a penalty to us & Tony Wynne gets three points.
Their kick off - another maul, Locky kicks ahead after charging down a Burnside kick, a bit of confusion, Guy impeded & then hit by Vern Owen (one of many punches being thrown at this stage). A classic fall results in a penalty to O.C. which misses.
A lot of toing & froing including Tony Wynne being late tackled, a few good moves by both backs & forwards including one after a good lineout take from the front by Andy S.
The Burnside No.3 swings a punch and O.C. gains another penalty. By this time O.C. are deciding that a bit of aggression in return might be in order but we are penalised after a late tackle by a Gerry who shall remain nameless on a player who has already been mentioned.
Eventually after what was the inevitable all-in Dave Starke & the Burnside hooker won the raffle & retired to the showers. Probably the only thing the Ref could do at this stage but it was a pity that it was let get to that level.
Back to the game - a good run by Henry (Charles Atlas) Rymill results in a maul, a pass over the top by Wynne, a good hard run by Ross who draws a tackle, feeds wide & covers in the resulting maul to score a try. 7~0
More good play including the first of many tight head wins to Tony Nugent more of a brilliant tackling display being put on by the backs, in particular Ross, and hard running typified by a Guy Lithgow move up the wing. All this & another good kick ahead by Tony W. (off his left foot Grant) results in a lineout 2yds out from which Geraint scores. Converted by Wynne. 13-0. Half Time.
We start off the second half in the same vein & a late tackle on Wynne sees Geraint (who makes that man's boots - ) score a long penalty. 16 - 0.
Burnside then went on the attack for a while and gutsy play by Mike Cobb saw us clear the ball off our line. Lots more play but the highlights of the second half were; a great backline move - Locky to Tony, Gerry, Henry, Ross, Gerry (again) & on to Guy for a try and a 20 - 0 lead. An intercept by Ross in the last minutes from the half way followed by a weaving run through the opposition and a try. 24 - 0.
The game was a turning point for the players & I am not going to attempt to pick best players as everyone played to his position and did exactly the job he was picked for. Dennis Hayden and Dean Earl deserve special mention for their superb lineout work as, in fact do all the forwards. Locky was well looked after with no opposition being able to break through on him.
The backs put up a gutsy & at times dazzling display of hard running & tackling and it was indeed a pleasure to see the way the whole team finished the game off.
Well done, team!
2ND GRADE vs BURNSIDE
Let down at the start with no keys or gear being provided the 2's were fairly disorganised when we took the field.
Taking advantage of this Burnside with some good play quickly took a 12 - 0 lead. After this 0.C. settled down and played the sort of game they are becoming noted for with good cohesion & endeavour by the forwards backed up by very good positioning & running by the backs.
Peter Moir although becoming more and more battered as the game wore on was sending out good passes and enabling the backs to get a run on. Owen scored with a couple of penalties and we were back in the game. With forwards such as Paul Anderson & Dave Pridham firing & Whitey coming into the game from full back the stage was set for what turned out to be the try of the match.
After a kick ahead by Burnside & a resulting maul win to O.C. Tim Naylor, running from the blind wing, joined a backline move on our 22. Taking the ball on the burst he ran straight through the opposing backline. Then it was a 75 yard dash for the line which Tim won by a short half head & a fine try was the result.
O.C. finished the game all over Burnside but although reducing the deficit to 15 - 10 they ran out of time. With a bit more support by the club they may have scored a well deserved win.
3RD GRADE vs ELIZABETH
Unfortunately our roving reporters never seem to get back from Womma but from what I hear they weren't too keen on reporting this anyway.
O.C. won a scrappy game 20 - 13 with Tim Farrah scoring a spectacular try and a welcome return from injury for Mike Raymond. Apparently we did not control the game well & only scored when we managed to make them play at our speed.
4TH GRADE vs UNIVERSITY
Same reporting story as above. We won narrowly against a bigger pack and due I believe in no small part to the magic feet of Dave G. at the back. The opposition captain was heard to order his backs to stop kicking at the fullback. The answer was "We're not! He's just bloody there!" Another highlight of the game I hear was the tender ministrations of the stand in team manager Jane Cushing.
