DIVISION I
Grand Final
Collegians 23 vs Brighton 20
Bailey Reserve, 13th October 2001
From James Diack
In a match that produced the best of what South Australian rugby union has to offer, Old Collegians won the division 1 championship for 2001 by defeating Brighton 23-20 in a close, thrilling encounter at Bailey Reserve on 13th October.
The members of the starting XV were as follows. James Bradley (Mr Reliable), Luke Turner (front row specialist), Christian Tedge (one of this seasons most promising players), Richard Czeglik (has deservedly made the number 4 spot his own), Kini Tavui (forceful in attack and a regular starter in the second row this year), Tom Secker (the teams high flyer), Ben Hamer, (sound performer), Andrew Beare (one of the teams courageous players), Ben Suttell (ever alert half back and fine play maker), Barney Bloxham (good judgement in the pivotal spot and the teams main goal kicker), Kevin Falzon (speedy winger), Gus Elliot (strong in the centres and always gives the big effort), this seasons captain Shaun Gough (nifty with a touch of class), Paul McFadden (always a good performer) and Sam Reynolds (fast running full back). All played exceptionally well in a game that demanded relentlessly sound defence and creativity in attack.
Both sides struggled for supremacy in the opening minutes. A strong, gusty wind blew towards the northeastern section of the pitch, the end towards which Colls played in the first half. When Brighton won possession, sometimes they used long cut out passes to shift the ball wide and tried to catch us off guard. We covered ground quickly and the opposition failed to break through. Brighton however, did strike the first blow to the score with a penalty goal. This jolted Colls into stronger action. We established a slight superiority in the lineouts and moved the ball ably through second and third phase play. True, Brighton did get some turnovers but we tackled hard and either regained the ball or forced them into giving away scrum feeds. From one such scrum fifteen metres out from Brightons line, our back row peeled away with the ball and Ben Suttell took the vital pass and scored our first try for Barney Bloxham to convert. Barney followed this up a little later with a penalty goal.
We kept the pressure up. We passed the ball skilfully, taking every opportunity to keep play inside Brightons 22. Barney featured in a great back line rush that ended with Sam Reynolds scoring our next well-earned try. A penalty goal to Brighton made the half time score 18-6.
This was a handy lead, but we needed a couple of tries in the second half to make the result safe. Brighton had the advantage of the wind and came back at us hard. Again, they swung the ball quickly to their fast outside backs but we cut off these avenues of attack with good tackling. Likewise, our opponents repelled our strong drives through the forwards and the centres. Brightons number 8 scored both his teams tries from forceful movents off set scrums near our line. They converted both tries.
In the interval between Brightons tries, we produced our best rush for the day. We won possession well and got the ball quickly to the centres, who made the breaks, found support each time and Paul McFadden scored the eventual try. This was the team at its best.
Late in the term, Brighton attacked strongly, needing just one try to take the lead. They came close to scoring several times, testing our defence sorely. A couple of forward passes at critical times gave us vital scrum feeds, which helped us to recover ground and when the referee blew the final whistle, play had been inside Brightons territory for several minutes. It was a magnificent end to a season in which the teams prowess grew week by week. Congratulations to all players and coaches Rob Sadler and Steve Boyd.
From the Sunday Mail, 14th October
Article by Gordon Armstrong
Old Collegians is the toast of SA rugby union after it's plucky 23-20 win against Brighton at Bailey Reserve yesterday. Old Colls, the minor premier, jumped into stride quickly to grab a handy 16-6 lead at half time.
But Brighton's trademark fighting qualities were to the fore in the second half as it clawed back in the windy conditions.
Collegins' win was their second in three seasons, while before today Brighton had won seven of the past nine senior flags. (Ed: I doubt the veracity of this !!)
Sean Gough and Kini Tavui were among the best for Colls, while John Natadra (two tries) was a key performer for Brighton.
Brighton fared better in the division two final with a 13-10 win against Burnside, while Old Colls kicked their day off in style with an impressive 19-10 win against Burnside in division three.
Old Collegians victorious in the SA Grand Final
from sarugby.rugbynet.com.auIIn the Division 1 grand final, Old Collegians staved off a tremendous and sustained period of pressure rugby from reigning premiers, Brighton, to take the flag by 23 points to 20.
Collegians played the first half with a strong breeze at its back and the breeze was always going to be a major factor in the final result. Playing an intuitive style of rugby, devised by Coach Rob Sadler, the College men probed and tested for any weakness in the Brighton Tigers armoury. After an early penalty by Barney Bloxham, a weakness was found in the Tigers back row defence organization when a simple back row move from a scrum 8 metres out allowed the Old Colls half back Ben Suttell to ghost over for a simple try, converted by Bloxham.
Old Colls were so much in control and on a roll that they could quite easily have run away with the game had not the famous Brighton resolve and self-belief come to the fore.
Paul McFadden[Ed.: SAM] scored another try for Collegians, after a Wayne Londema penalty for the Tigers. Londema added another penalty for the Tigers to remain in touch at half time. With the strong breeze to be in Brighton's favour for the second half the tension was mounting for the spectator crowd of 2,300.
Brighton started the second half breathing fire after an inspirational speech from Coach Rob Brown. An early try to number 8 John Natadra, converted by Londema, from a scrum 7 metres out lifted the Tigers even further and the match was alive! A lapse in self discipline after a penalty, by the Tigers half back, resulted in the penalty being moved forward into kicking range.
Bloxham obliged and increased the red and blues lead. Colls, with a try to Sam Reynolds, moved further ahead but the Tigers still had some bite and kept pressuring the opposition.
The pressure told and another try from Natadra, converted by Londema kept everyone on edge but Old Collegians repelled the pressure to win the match and the flag.
Semi Final 6th October
Bailey Reserve
vs Port Adelaide
11 - 10
By James Diack
Collegians Firsts met Port Adelaide in the preliminary final on 6th October. This was a contest between evenly matched teams in which Colls survived a late onslaught by our opponents and won 14-13. The victory earned the team a game against Brighton in the grand final.
Apart from one costly mistake, our team had the better hand in the exchanges during the first half. Clearly, we wanted to win. We wasted no time in the lineouts, tussled strongly with the big Port forwards in the tight scrums and despatched the ball quickly to the centres. We won enough second and third phase possession to keep play in opposition territory for much of the term. We spearheaded our attack by driving forward in the mauls and by breaking through the centres, but Port met our strikes with solid defence. Port attacked through their forwards and by trying to use their fast outside backs to gain ground. Our defence responded quickly and, for the most part, executed their tackles effectively before Port players disposed of the ball.
Showers and strong gusty wind throughout the afternoon added further challenge to the teams with the swirling ball testing kicking skills in both general play and set shots. Our first score though, was a penalty goal kicked by Barney Bloxham. Our worst blemish came soon after this when we fumbled the ball inside our 22, were slow to respond in numbers and let Port through for an easy try. We regained composure, stepped up our momentum and, after some determined play by the team, Ben Suttell just managed to control the ball well enough to get over the line for our only try. Barney kicked another penalty goal to make the half time score 11-5.
Play continued in much the same vein in the second half except that Port had a more even share of the territory. Colls needed a score to make the margin safer and Port needed to score tries. Both sides created chances and looked dangerous at times, but strong defence prevailed; our tackling was consistently good especially when Port pressed hard inside our 22. Port kicked a penalty goal, which boosted their hopes, but we countered this with one kicked by Barney.
There were anxious moments in the closing stages as we held on to our 6-point under yet more pressure from Port. Desperation led to our incurring a sequence of maul and ruck infringements including 2 yellow cards (both were forwards) within a couple of minutes of each other. Port seized the initiative and their pack pushed over the try line. The conversion kick failed when the ball swirled well away from the posts and this let Colls off the hook as the referee sounded the final whistle immediately after.
from sarugby.rugbynet.com.au:
The 1s started slowly in the heat and failed to use copious amounts of ball efficiently - turning the ball over at critical moments. Brighton counter-attacked with venom using pace, skill and a slice of luck to grind out a 19 -3 half time lead.
Colls picked up the tempo in the second half and provided some good passages of play to whittle the lead back to 3 points mainly through penalties although Reynolds scored an opportunistic try. Brighton hung on by the skin of their teeth to go through to the Grand Final and Colls have to front up against Port next Saturday.
Final score 16 - 19
There were some positives in Colls` second half performance and the chance to play 3 games straight without byes / breaks gives them a chance to get some rhythm back into their game. They are still a very good chance to take the flag - but will need to focus on ball retention and also provide some variety to their play.
Mind you they have to get past Port first which will be no pushover...
Semi Final 29th September 2001
Bailey
By James Diack
Three tries to Brighton in the first half and Collegians inability to finish attacking moves successfully were contributing factors to the Firsts three-point loss in the major semi final at Bailey Reserve in hot conditions on 29th September. Victory in the preliminary final will give us another match against Brighton; a game that we can win by maintaining a tight defence all day and by keeping cool heads when under pressure in attack.
Colls were on the defensive for most of the first term. Our forwards struggled to equal the fiery nature and strength of the opposition in phase play. The packs matched each other in set play however, and varied the line out formations effectively to give the backs the chance to get the ball away quickly. Brightons first try came when they spun the ball wide before we could react in defence. They had plenty of overlap, scored easily and managed the conversion. Barney Bloxham kicked a penalty goal but Brighton surged ahead with another converted try. This one was well earned and resulted from a powerful driving maul. Brightons third try was their last score for the day. The player intercepted a kick ahead and ran on to touch down easily.
From this point until the end of the game Collegians rallied. Barneys second penalty goal took the score at half time to 6-19 and a win seemed possible. In the second half, we held territorial advantage for a good deal of the time and won possession more quickly and convincingly. Sam Reynolds ripped Brightons defence to shreds with a 50-metre dash through centre field. Barney kicked the conversion from in front of the posts and later kicked his third penalty goal. We produced a number of attacking movements but could not cross the line for another try. Sometimes our attack broke down because we were slow to respond and set up the next phase when the opposition tackled the ball carrier, and sometimes because pressure from the opposition forced us into making handling mistakes. Although we lost this match 16-19, our performance in the second half showed that we are worthy of winning the championship by producing eighty minutes of consistently solid rugby.
vs Burnside
15th September 2001
At Tregenza
In the last match of the minor round on 15th September, Collegians hosted the Burnside Club. The division one teams had a hard fought match in which Colls maintained just enough superiority in overall play to outscore their opponents 35-24 and clinch the minor premiership.
Collegians gained territorial advantage early in the first half and tested Burnsides defence with a number of penetrative rushes. The seemingly inevitable break occurred and Ben Suttell scored our first try, which Barnie Bloxham converted. Although this was the only try in this term, Colls had good possession from set play, especially the lineouts, including wins from a number of opposition throws. There was solid tackling by both sides and there were tenacious maul tussles. Long kicking by our inside backs and the subsequent follow through put Burnsides full back under pressure. A relatively high number of penalties prevented continuity of possession from phase play. Barnie kicked one goal. Burnside kicked one too, making the half time score 10-3.
Barnie kicked a second penalty goal when Burnside infringed in front of the posts early in the second half, and the home team followed up with two fine tries. Gus Elliot touched down for the first, which culminated a combined rush that started just inside our half. Shortly afterwards we kicked for touch from a penalty and secured possession from the lineout five metres from the goal line. In the aftermath we drove play forward and Richard Czeglik grounded. We led by 22 points.
Burnside worked hard to reduce that lead. Winning a sequence of phases, they drove forward and scored a converted try - a just reward for persistence. Hitherto, Collegians defence had been adequate with most players tackling well and being quick to anticipate the direction of the ball carrier, but a momentary lapse let the opposition through. We struck back hard with another strong rush by our forwards that culminated with the gutsy Andrew Beare forcing through for our fourth try that gave us the vital bonus point. Ben Suttell converted and later kicked a penalty goal. Burnside scored a further two converted tries. Lets hope we dont allow our opponents to score tries and penalty goals in the finals!
vs Woodville
At Tregenza
25th August 2001
By James Diack
Collegians battled rain, wind and mud in addition to a determined pack of Woodville forwards at Tregenza on 25th August to defeat their opponents 34-17. Conditions did not suit fast running rugby, and although Colls failed to produce their best form, six tries to two was still a good days work for the home team. The next game away to Brighton will indicate further where our weaknesses lie and will be a good contest before the finals.
Woodville scored first. Winning a lineout, their forwards drove the ensuing maul towards our line, grounded for a try, and converted it. Colls held the upper hand for much of the remaining first half, despite poor ball handling and despite having difficulty in winning clean possession from lineouts in contrast to previous matches.
Our defence, for the most part, was sound and although the Woodville forwards were able to force us back at times, we pressured their attacking moves into making mistakes. The penalty count was high, and from one tap kick Gus Elliot, playing at number eight, crossed the line for our first try. Barnie Bloxhams conversion levelled the score. Shortly after, Paul McFadden ended a good back line rush with our second try. Woodville reduced the lead with a penalty goal before Gus scored again for Barnie to convert. Sam Reynolds extended our lead when he linked with the three quarters to culminate another fine rush taking the score at half time to 24-10.
Although Woodvilles back line attack never looked threatening, their forwards continued to play well into the second half; indeed, they kept us in our territory for a good deal of the time, but our defence withstood the attempted onslaught. Showery weather hampered both sides. We surmounted our difficulties late in the term and scored two tries to put the result beyond doubt. Paul used his strength and speed to beat 3 defenders for his second touch down. Scrum half Ben Suttell found space on the short side, drew the defence, found the back up and it was Gus who took the last pass for the other try. These were fine tries after we had done well to win possession and retain it. Woodvilles only score in the second half was a converted try just before the final whistle.
vs Port Adelaide
At Tregenza
11th August 2001
By James Diack
After a poor start, the Firsts came from behind to defeat the determined Port Adelaide team 32-25 at Tregenza on 11th August. With finals approaching rapidly, this match gave a clear indication of the tough opposition we can expect from Brighton, Port and Southern Suburbs who are the other likely contenders for the championship. The win has increased our chances of winning the minor premiership.
Port showed their determination with tight defence and by making few mistakes in attack early in the game. Collegians scored first with a penalty goal kicked by Bloxham, but Port then scored three tries in succession. The first came from a tap-kick penalty. The second came when we made a mistake that allowed the Port outside centre to kick the loose ball from near our 22-metre line and follow up quickly to win the race to gain possession. The third resulted from a good move that created space for the player to score near the goal posts.
Meanwhile, Colls were winning their share of ball from set play and trying to break Ports defence. We came close to scoring twice but on each occasion we had the overlap only to see the last pass go astray. Our reward came when one of our back line rushes led to Gough scoring our first try. Towards the end of the first half we drove play forward in a sequence of phases and Beare crashed over the line for a try. Two conversions by Bloxham and a penalty goal to Port took the score at half time to 17-22.
Collegians began the second half strongly and kept play in Ports territory for much of the remaining time. Czegliks try soon levelled the scores but Port regained the lead with a penalty goal. Both packs had difficulty in winning clean line out ball, although Colls came out ahead on the day. Likewise, both teams struggled to win second and third phases of general play to set up try scoring chances. . Collegians were particularly quick to tackle the Port inside backs; indeed tight defence prevailed generally and good covering nullified most turnovers.
Our territorial advantage kept Port under pressure and gave us a good chance of winning. Things looked good for us when Beare dodged defenders and grounded the ball to give Bloxham an easy successful conversion kick. The 4- point margin became 7 when Bloxham kicked a penalty goal late in the term. Yet another try would have been satisfying, but time expired. In the end, this was a fine result against one of the top teams. They will come back at us even harder in the finals.
vs Burnside
At Burnside 28th July 2001
By James Diack
Following their defeat by Brighton and then a bye, the Firsts put on a display of strong running rugby to beat Burnside comfortably at Parkinson Reserve on 28th July by 55 points to 22.
At the outset, Burnside drove play deep into Collegians half and maintained the pressure for a good ten minutes. They missed two easy penalty kicks for goal in this period as Colls defended doggedly. Collegians then started to control the lineouts, winning the ball a number of times from Burnside throw-ins. Our inside backs moved the ball out quickly and combined well to create holes in the oppositions defence. Falzon was the first to cross the line and Elliot followed soon after for Colls second try. The forwards also produced some good rushes and following one successful maul, Denley grabbed the ball, saw a gap and grounded for our next try. Burnside had some good moments too and scored two hard earned tries. Meanwhile, Denley scored his second try, and with Bloxham kicking 2 conversions, the half time score was 24-10.
Play in the second half consisted of a mixture of good and bad patches for both sides. There were moments when Burnside looked dangerous in attack, but Colls defended well, forced Burnside into making mistakes and regained possession. In attack, we had more tactical options, supported by good backing up and safe handling by forwards and backs alike. Tries by McFadden and Falzon, and a conversion by Elliot pushed Colls lead to 26 points before Burnside managed to add to their tally of tries. Collegians put the match result beyond doubt when McFadden and Williams scored tries in fairly quick succession. Elliots conversion brought up the 50 points and, in the remaining minutes, the teams scored a try each.
At the end of the second round of the competition, we have won 13 of 16 matches, but still need to perform well to maintain a high position on the competition ladder.
vs Brighton
At Tregenza 14th July 2001
By James Diack
The Firsts long sequence of victories ended on 14th July when Brighton visited Tregenza and avenged their previous defeat with a comfortable 55-29 win over the home team. Although each side scored three tries in the first half, Brightons fast outside backs made sure of the result by outpacing Colls in the second term when the visitors scored five tries to two.
It was clear from the outset that this would be a difficult game for Colls to win. Collegians had to defend their territory early as the Brighton forwards pressed hard inside our 22. Play swung to the other end of the pitch when we gained possession and went on the attack with several good phases. We took advantage of a quick penalty tap-kick and the ensuing rush resulted in Browne scoring the first try of the match. Our lead was short-lived however, when Brighton chased a kick-ahead and grounded the ball in-goal. Ralzon scored our second try when he broke through Brightons defence after a strong rush by our inside backs. Our changed back line started the game tentatively but gradually grew in confidence against a strong defence.
Our forwards faced tough opposition throughout the match, particularly in the maul drives. They were pushed right back on two occasions and Brighton moved the ball out to score their other first half tries. Colls were still well in the hunt though, and came back solidly shortly before half time when Griffiths found open space for our third try. The difference between the teams scores at half time was the total of three conversions.
Collegians produced some good passages of play in the second half. We won our share of lineouts and scrums, but we had to work hard to retain possession when the defence closed ahead of us. We looked good when we moved into attack quickly, but this did not happen often enough to counter the oppositions stronger play on the day.
Brightons winning edge at this stage came from their ability to get the ball out wide, either by long passing or by kicking ahead, to their outside backs who cut through our defence at top speed. Their teams second half score comprised 5 tries, 3 conversions and a penalty goal. Collegians tries were both scored by McFadden who resisted tackles after some excellent work by the team to gain the ball and set up the move. Raymond and Austin kicked the conversions.
Collegians vs University
Waite, 30th June 2001
By James Diack
Collegians wreaked havoc at the Waite Institute ground on 30th June as the Firsts over ran the Adelaide University side in scoring seventeen tries and ten conversions for a final match score of 105-3. Both teams had players missing due to state representation but Colls were far too strong for University.
Stewart Douglas crossed the line for a try in the first three minutes of the match and Falzon, Williams, Elliot and Bloxham added further tries in quick succession. Including Bloxhams conversions, the score raced to 33-0. Colls were relentless in their aim of gaining and retaining the ball for long periods. The forwards combined well, being able to force the ball away from the opposition, drive forward through the loose defence and set up the next phase. University applied little pressure and lacked the skill and speed to establish penetrative passing rushes through our defence, which was rock solid on the day. Collegians, on the other hand, supported each other well to cut the opposition to shreds. We saw many back line rushes in which players ran fast and backed up well. With University being so weak on the day, it was a good training run for when we face stronger teams.
The score at half time was 55-3. The interest in the second half was to see if we could maintain the pace and set a team record score exceeding 100 points. Douglas, Falzon, Bloxham, and Suttell scored the first four of eight tries in the second half and these, together with five conversions, took our final score to 105 points. For the match, the try-scorers were Douglas (4), Elliot (3), Falzon, Czeglik, Suttell (2), Williams, Bloxham, McFadden and Neilson (1). Bloxham converted eight tries and Elliot two.
Collegians vs Southern Suburbs
At Tregenza 23rd June 2001
By James Diack
The Firsts beat Southern Suburbs 36-17 on 23rd June at Tregenza. The team has now defeated every side in the competition and, if its success continues, should be in the top three at the end of the minor round.
Collegians gained plenty of possession, maintained territorial advantage for most of the first half and made Southern defend vigorously. Colls sought to rip the defence to shreds but solid tackling often closed the holes that appeared. However, it was not long before Richard Czeglik forced his way over the line to score the first try. There were evenly fought battles in the lineouts but when we won cleanly, Ben Suttell set up some great back line rushes in which Gus Elliot and Paul McFadden combined well and used their speed to advantage. McFadden score two great tries in succession. Then it was Elliots turn after he received the ball from a quick tap-kick penalty. Douglas converted one of McFaddens tries and the half-time score was 22-0.
Southern opened the second half strongly. Their forwards were determined to take control and drive us back. They have one of the fastest back-lines in the competition and looked menacing at this time especially when they used their speed to score an easy try. This gave Colls reason to tighten play. We looked the better team for a while as we retained possession for long periods. We pushed forward well in the mauls and were rewarded when we got the ball away and flanker Browne scored a fine try. Substitute half Tim Austin set up the next try which gave Paul McFadden a hat trick for the day. Douglas and Bloxham kicked conversions to take the score to a commanding 36-5. However, for the third game straight we allowed the opposition to score in the closing stages. Although beaten soundly, Southern did not give up. Their fast men got away from us twice in the last ten minutes and scored a try each time.
Collegians vs Port Adelaide
At Port Adelaide 16th June 2001
By James Diack
The firsts outclassed competition leaders Port Adelaide by scoring five tries to one in the match at Port Adelaide Reserve on 16th June. Collegians dominated all aspects of attacking play and forced the opposition into making many mistakes by reacting quickly in defence when Port attempted to move forward.
Collegians raced to a 12-0 lead in the opening ten minutes of the first half. The team set up a good back line movement near the half way line that enabled the centres to gather speed and rip through the defence and we scored a brilliant try under the posts. A similar movement that set up our second try followed quickly afterwards. Our next score was a goal from a penalty kick right in front of the posts.
Most of the play in the first half took place in Port territory and this was due largely to tenacious play by our pack. They secured the ball well whenever it was forced loose and then set up the next phase. They made Ports lineout throws look inept by either forcing errors or by taking the ball from them. In contrast, Colls won our throw-ins quickly and cleanly, enabling our halves to drive us into attack.
The passage of play that resulted in our third try started just outside our 22-metre line. We carried the ball in excellent passing movements that out-paced and out-witted our opponents. We scored in the corner. A second penalty goal took the score to 23-0. The only time that Port looked dangerous in the first half was when there was a sequence of scrums 5 metres from our goal line. Each time they pushed over we held the ball up. Port eventually caved in to resistance and we cleared the ball away.
Port attempted to take control of matters in the second half, but we maintained strong pressure almost continuously. Our players tackled well and gave Port little opportunity to move into open space. We had more options in attack. Whenever a player was in trouble, support from teammates moved in quickly. A series of driving rushes and mauls deep into Port area resulted in our next try. Then after we won the ball from a Port lineout throw, we took play forward and Kini Tavuli grounded the ball. Port Adelaides only score came in the dying stages of the match. The final score was 37-5.
Collegians vs Onkaparinga
At Tregenza 9th June 2001
By James Diack
The Firsts scored nine tries in an easy 55-5 victory over Onkaparinga at Tregenza on 9th June. The scorers were P. McFadden, A. Beare, (2 tries each) K. Tavuli, S. Gough, D. Rouse, S. Douglas and J. Walton. (1 try each). S. Douglas kicked 5 conversions. The best players named were S. Reynolds, A. Eliot and A. Beare.
Onkaparinga forced Collegians to defend vigorously following the kick off as they gained the ball from Colls and retained possession in several ensuing phases of play. We gave away a penalty in front of goal but the kick hit the right upright, rebounded into play and from there we drove play deep into opposition territory. Colls were in attacking mode now and soon broke through for the first try. Onkas attempted to counter attack, but again we gained territory and made the break through the centre for our second try. Collegians dominated the rest of the first half. A cut out pass led to an excellent break that almost resulted in our third try save for a knock on close to the line. Then the forwards rushed the ball through for a score near the corner. Our next try followed a quick line out throw that saw Onkas badly out of position to let us cross easily. Shortly after, strong pressure by Colls against Onkas inside backs enabled us to grab the loose ball after our opponents had won a scrum fifteen metres from their line and we were over for another try. The half time score was 31-0.
The only aspect of play in which Onkas matched us was the set scrumming but we prevented them from using the ball by moving into position quickly to defend strongly and tackle vigorously, thereby regaining possession. We won the ball from lineouts, scrums and mauls quickly and cleanly. Then our players moved the ball forward well with adept passing moves or judicious kicking. Good support for the man with the ball is a pleasing feature of play this season as is our ability to make position and receive kicks from our opponents.
Collegians went further ahead with another converted try in the second half. Then came the play of the day. After we had fought for possession and won it well, we created an opening, allowing a 50-metre run through at least four opponents deep into Onkaparingas territory. We retained the ball and the next passing movement culminated in a well earned try. This was followed by further two tries as Colls continued to attack strongly. Late in the game, Onkas tried to break through several times but met stubborn resistance. Then almost at the end, one of their players seized a loose ball near the line, caught us off guard and scored their only try.
Collegians vs Brighton
At Tregenza, 26th May 2001
By James Diack
The Firsts followed their great win against Brighton with a similarly resounding victory over Burnside 46-19 on 26th May. With a total of six out of eight wins so far this season, Collegians should be proud of their efforts, but need to keep winning to retain a high position on the competition ladder.
Both sides contested possession in the first half keenly. Despite showery conditions, ball handling was good as players tried hard to find gaps in the oppositions defence. This season, Collegians have strong runners in both the backs and forwards with the ability to drive play forward and make the vital breaks for try scoring. Burnside defended strongly during this period of play and when they set up their attacking moves they ran well and tested our capacity to tackle effectively. We succeeded in this task and the teams restricted each other to one try by half time. The high number of penalties was a disappointing aspect of this half. Burnside was more successful than Collegians in kicking for goal and this helped them to get to a 19-8 score.
The match continued in the same vein early in the second half but Collegians were gaining the upper hand. They won clean ball from lineouts and scrums and retained possession by supporting the ball carrier. They moved play forward through several phases until the breakthroughs came. The 11-point deficit became a 2-point lead that soon extended to 9 points; yet Collegians did not relent. They kept applying the pressure and in the closing stages scored tries in quick succession to race to a commanding 46-19 triumph. For the match, McFadden, Rouse, Reynolds, Czeglik, Gough, Beare, and Tavvi scored tries. Williams and Raymond kicked goals.
First Grade match report 12th May 2001
Brighton at Brighton
By John Denley Our lads were confident that the hard work put in on the track would pay off handsomely and provide Linden Gunn with a fitting farewell victory.
It has been rumoured that Old Collegians had not won at Brigthon since 1851. All memories will now have to be revised up by 150 years to May 12th 2001.
The game commenced at a frenetic pace with Old Collegians dominating the play and soon rewarded with two tries by Andrew Beare and Linden. A short time later after a magnificent passage of play involving many players our new recruit Kevin Falzon showed blistering off the mark speed to touch down on the far side of the field.
Fifteen nil at Brighton was not enough according to those in the know on the sidelines.
Within the space of 3 minutes two mistakes from Old Collegians resulted in two unconverted Brighton tries and the score line looked more ominous.
To our credit these errors of judgement seemed to spur our team to greater heights and during the last ten minutes of the first half James Denley and Shaun Gough both crossed the line and Linden converted each for Old Collegians to lead by 29 to 10 at half time.
An obvious change of game plan by Brighton saw more forward play in the early part of the second half. This seemed to put us off our game plan but we defended well and it was not until 20 mintues into the second half that Brighton scored and unconverted try to bring the score line closer.
Once again we settled and an inspiring try by Kini Tavui (converted by Linden) placed the game beyond doubt with 15 minutes to play. The last 15 was tough and our injuries started to take their toll with 5 subs on the field. A last minute try to Brighton saw the final score line 36 - 20.
Fond farewell to Linden Gunn from all the players and supporters of the Old Collegians. It is quite possible that we have not seen the last of Linden for this season and we certainly would welcome a return at any time (particularly around finals time). See ya later Linden.
Report from the Sunday Mail - May 13 2001
Traditional rivals Old Collegians thumped Brighton 36-20 in the Division 1 match of the day. Led by early aggression through its forwards Old Collegians won plenty of ball for fly half Shaun Gough to let his backline loose.
This power and aggression led to two well worked tries to Collegians. Brighton fought back well and half time replacement John Natadra scored early in the second half to keep Brighton in the game. The turning point came when 120kg forward Kini Tavui ran through three defenders to score a 40 metre try.
DIVISION 2
April 7th: Port Adelaide at Tregenza Old Collegians 53 - Port Adelaide 12
REPORT BY JAMIE BRENNAN
After a disorganized start to the 2001 season with defeats to Lizzies and Onkas, the 2s came to life against Port Adelaide 2s with a solid performance all round. We were blessed with the presence of Jack Walton and Kini Tevui playing their first games of the season, which added to the abundance of young talent already making their mark in the 2s. After this performance it looks like being a season of hope for now and the future. Having lost my first two games as 4th Grade Coach in 1999 and again this year - the omens are looking good.
DIVISION 3 - THE The Crocs
Grand Final, 13th October 2001
By James Diack Those of us who arrived at Tregenza early enough to watch the Crocs play their matches this season were treated to entertaining rugby from a band of guys that possessed a wealth of experience and talent. I certainly made a point of watching at least the second half of their home games. The SARU web site records show that the Crocs played 21 matches for 17 wins and 4 losses, scoring 730 points while having 223 points against them. This gives an average match result of 35-11. This was free scoring indeed! The team won the minor premiership with a total of 83 championship points, well ahead of second placed Burnside on 70 points from (according to the web site) 22 matches. The Crocs cruised home against Burnside in the semi final with a score of 40-7.
The grand final on 13th October at Bailey Reserve against Burnside proved to be a tougher assignment. Heavy showers and a strong, gusty wind that blew diagonally across the pitch challenged all players to produce their best kicking and ball handling skills. Play in the first half got off to a vigorous start as both sets of forwards set about winning and retaining as much possession as possible. The Crocs gradually established a general supremacy over our opponents that we maintained for most of the term, as we produced some good rushes from backs and forwards. Burnside rarely looked like scoring tries until after half time. The Crocs however, scored three fine tries for the match. The scorers were Joe Suttell, Jason Wereta and Graham Raymond. Graham converted the two tries that we got in the first half to give us a handy 14-0 lead at half time.
The Crocs had to ward off a much more determined Burnside team in the second half. The latter rebounded with a much tighter defence that enabled them to get more turnovers in phase play. Tries came from their number 8 and half back, taking the score to 14-10. This was one of the most testing periods that The Crocs had faced this season. A little earlier, proceedings had overheated to the extent that the referee showed some yellow cards, but after players returned to the pitch we raised our standard of play. Not only did we prevent Burnside from crossing our line again, but also we produced some good passages of attacking play, one of which resulted in the try that increased our lead to 9 points. There was little time left and when the referee blew the final whistle The Crocs had won the division 3 championship. Congratulations to everyone involved in the team.
April 7th 2001
April 7th: Brighton (2s) at Tregenza
Old Collegians 41 - Brighton 3Its great to see so many legends out on the pitch together, all of them clearly enjoying their rugby. The scores speak for themselves - the Crocs are pulverizing their opposition and have yet to be seriously challenged. The are perched on top of the table, and look likely to stay there. So far, they can proudly claim to be the clubs class act this year - with arguably more talent than any other two teams combined. There are a host of fantastic individual performances, which shall go unproclaimed in this forum - we instead leave the stories and accolades where they belong, told by the lads themselves around the bar.
WOMEN
REPORT BY HAMISH CRANNA
April 7thGreat support with the ball carrier. Excellent ball retention but lack of concentration is costing us tries. We have 65% of the ball but we are not running for the gaps. When we do this we will beat anyone. The signs overall are very encouraging. Our attendance at training is the envy of all other sides.
