Richard Wells

Richard was recently (November) elected President of the Old Blacks.

 

James Bradley

On Tuesday 15th October James and Tarsh Regler (??) were at Windy Point when the car they were in was sandwiched by two cars of low-lifes who demanded "everything you've got". James for his trouble had a screwdriver embedded in his cheek and has been in hospital getting the damage repaired. Unlucky to be assaulted in that way but lucky the screwdriver didn't go in his eye or his neck - his assailant didn't appear to have any particular preference. Get well soon James.

 

Presentation Day

Junior Presentation Day, Sunday 15th September at Tregenza from 12 noon with the presentations starting at 2pm - BYO lunch and drinks, BBQ available.

 

Ben Allgrove

Ben has his website running well with lots of news and photos. Pay it a visit at http://homepage.mac.com/allgrove

 

Life Member of South Australian Referees Association

Ted Apted was awarded life membership of the South Australian Referees Association. Congratulations Ted. Some more details would be good, someone ...

 

Presentation Dinner 2002

At Tregenza Clubhouse
Friday 27th September 2002

Hopefully someone will remember enough to write a coherent summary of the evening. It's not going to be me.
We will have lost a lot of our 2002 players for the 2003 season:

Jon Collins and John Ovenell are returning to Devon. Phil Howell had already left for overseas. Barratt "Barney" Bloxham is leaving for a working holiday in the UK and Europe. Andrew Ward returned to New Zealand in time for his 21st but before the Finals. The McMahon clan departed for Melbourne taking Jake (U8s). Nick Walsh & Andrew Emmanuel are heading back to Wales. You'll all be missed.

However, Juan is playing for us again in 2003. Very good decision.

I did, not for the first time as it happens, bore someone so badly she collapsed in a heap and had to be revived with fresh air and copious quantities of water. In my defence Mick and I were swapping motorcycle stories at the time - Mick having lost the top of one of fingers in a prolonged slide on top of it. The bike was a write-off, Mick less so.

The 'WOW' award, for the year, framed, went to Shane Clark.

Details of the Awards for 2002 can be found on the awards page.

 

2002 Grand Final

With three teams in the Grand Final on Saturday 21st of September, we won the 3rd grade premiership but lost the 2nd grade and 1st grade premierships to Port Adelaide.

The 2nd grade game always looked as though it was an even chance to win and the final score of 20 - 24 reflected this. In the 1st grade game, Collegians lost to a stronger side, with consistently strong defence spoiling our chances of scoring.

Congratulations go to Port Adelaide, to Steve & Helen Hall, the players and supporters, coaches and administrators.

They will be taking a great deal of satisfaction from the thought that their 2nd grade hasn't won a premiership in 46 years and despite a minor premiership win 50 years ago have never before won a premiership.

The last four years have seen Port Adelaide rebuild from a club with 3rd grade and 4th grade sides only to a club that has taken the 1sts and 2nds premierships.

This is a good result for the rugby competition in South Australia. Collegians look forward to meeting Port again in 2003.

Without detracting from Port Adelaide's deserved wins, Collegians has to accept that there may be a price to be paid for having the strong representation at State level that we had this year. Our 2nd grade side is a young team and yesterday's defeat can only be an incentive to win in 2003 - they have the ability, the will and the coaching skills.

... PH, 22nd September 2002

 

Michael Regler

Michael Regler has made it into the ACT Brumbies Academy. Michael played in our juniors' for a number of years and in our 3rd grade last year. Congratulations Michael. And to Michael's father Michael.

 

Coaches of the year for South Australian Rugby

Last year the super-coach for South Australia was our own Steven Boyd and this year the super-coach award goes jointly to Graham Raymond and Murray Curran. Congratulations to you both. And to those envious souls out there you had no chance, the award is decided, like a number of others such as the Eastwood Trophy, on a formula of points won and so on.

 

Nicole Quodling

Injured players may be interested to hear that Nicole Quodling has returned to Adelaide. She is bringing with her a baggage carrier with little if any rugby pedigree and of Irish persuasion. Thanks for the news from the front line David Quodling.
... Tregenza Times, August 2002

 

South African Day

South African Day On Sunday, 4th August the Club hosted a barbecue for ex-pat South Africans. Much South African lager (Windhoek) was guzzled, and then raffled off, to make them feel at home, Of course, having got them there, we had to have a bit of a game with them too - Crocs v Boks. The Boks took their players from the South Africans playing in various grades across the SA competition, as well as some juniors and a couple of ex-players. A couple of South African Collegians boosted their ranks, too. In turn, the 'Crocs' included a few first and second div players, and a token Froc. The game was of a good standard, with the exception of Jon Collins who, being slightly the worse for wear from his Saturday night efforts, limped on in his jeans and loafers. The scores were close. In honour of the spirit of the day, we had intended not to say who won, but that was before the final Tri-Nations Test. The Crocs won.
... Tregenza Times, Augst 2002

 

Tully

Many of you would know and love Jonesy's dog Tully. Tully regularly attends training and gently herds us all around the pitch. She is the sweetest border Collie in the world and is now also the face of the Royal Adelaide Show.

 

1982 Reunion

The Old Colls premiership team from 1982 reconvened for their 20th anniversary on the weekend of 24th August 2002. We have been unable to extract finer details of the event, which suggests that hi-jinx occurred. However, no-one so far has spilled the beans, and for the time being we can recite only the party line that a good time was had by all. The festivities included drinks on the Friday night, the day at Burnside on Saturday and on Sunday a day of veterans' rugby (ably assisted by a few underage Crocs and a willing Froc). The BBQ on Sunday featured Murray's mussel fritters, and an Irish band. We are willing to suggest that there are precious few Irish Bands who include Click Go the Shears, Living Next Door to Alice and Waltzing Matilda in their usual repertoire.

 

Tom Parsons

For those of you who played juniors and are now in the 17-19 age range, you will remember Tom Parsons. Not many of you would have noticed Tom now playing in the forwards for Burnside 2nds (and did I see him in the 1sts?). His mother Lorraine helped out at the junior level and his younger brother Owen also played for us.

The Parsons' were only ever on loan to us while their home club , Burnside, was getting it's juniors back up under the direction of the late, but great, Enzo Pilla. So, no surprise to see Tom, now bigger and leaner, at Burnside. It was a pity that Tom was really starting to play well two years ago which was the year he decided not to play and was a year we could have used him. However, we are pleased that we all contributed in some way to his rugby skills.

Tom is hoping to get into the navy. We wish you well in life and rugby and good luck in your career.
... PH 25/8/02

 

Starkie

On August the 23rd Collegians 3rds play Collegians 2/3rds. That is, Collegians play Collegians. Starkie gets a yellow card for "aggressive rucking and retaliation". He can't help himself.

 

Dominic Cosgrove

Dear Kim,
Thanks for the email. Great to hear all the news. You may be interested to know that Dominic Cosgrave who played for Old Coll's Under 12, 14, 16 and who recently went back to Adelaide and had a game for Old Coll's 2nds against Brighton played for the Gold Coast Under 21's against NSW Country Under 21's in a tough game won by NSW 24-14.

His old mentor Jesse James might enjoy that one.

 

Hugh Boylan

Congratulations to Hugh on being the Lions Club "Youth of the Year" for SA-NT for 2000-2001. Another (very quiet) achiever. Or am I the last to know?
If the link is lost above go to here.

 

u8s and u10s - June 2002

 

18s Friendly Game

On Saturday 8th June there are no club games because the state junior teams will be away. However, Brighton 18's are OC 18's in a friendly at Tregenza from 10.15 am. We would love to see some 16's join the team and all juniors are welcome to come and support.

 

State reps presentation

Old Collegians Lad's in State Teams - U12: Carl Coetzee & Jack Campion; U14: Alex Rokobaro, Angus Groves & Chris Hart; U16: Henry Boylan & Andrew Giles; U18: Leigh Marsland, Michael Lebbon &James "Kenya" Pinkerton.

A presentation for them at the club on Thursday night, 7.30 pm 6 June 2002.

 

Birthdays

Happy 30th birthday to Ben Suttell, our fearless first grade half back! Boof was in Perth with the Falcons on his birthday, and we're sure he raised a glass or two in celebration while he was there. A couple of weeks before, he played in Melbourne at Colonial Stadium in the curtain raiser to the Australia v France game. A contingent of loyal Falcon supporters called their encouragement from the stands. Their cries must have been contagious, because patches of Victorians took up the strange battle cry of "Boofy Boofy Boofy Oi Oi Oi" from all areas of the stadium. That, my friends, is fame.
Tregenza Times July 2002

 

Life Members

Our Esteemed Life Members, bless them, have been hard at work this year. They have sourced a Life Members' Honour Board (nothing wrong with a little self congratulation) and compilation is in hand. They are also setting about arranging a Club wine bottling - so they'll have something to quaff when they sit back and admire the new LM's Honour Board! In addition to these tasks, they are banding together and helping with raffles, and organising a talent night, the presentation dinner, a '82 Premiership Team Reunion and various other projects.
... Tregenza Times July 2002

 

John & John Enterprises & Escort Service

Apart from representing Collegians and State Rugby, the two Johns are putting in their time coaching our Juniors Under 14s. The following is a copy of their circular:

John & John Enterprises & Escort Service

We are currently experiencing an embarrassing situation. We haven't got enough money to pay our subs and buy the odd beer for our colonial buddies.

This may be due to the fact that England are no good at Soccer, Rugby or Cricket, but we believe it is that we are both ugly, overweight and speak with funny accents that nobody can understand.

To this end, we have decided to offer our services in other fields.

We are currently looking for any Job/ Task that you might be able to throw our way. We have studied Backyard Blitz and feel competent in any area of horticulture, especially cleaning up leaves or weeding. Home Improvement has given us the skills of a master builder and we are competent that we can paint any fence or fix things with nails and the World Cup has taught us how shit England really are at football.

We are even willing to act as hired help (ie. Butlers/Waiters) should you be thinking of having a dinner party.

We have our own transport so we can get to you without any problems, even at short notice.

So if you can help us in any way we would very much appreciate it.

You can contact us at the club on Thursday or Saturday nights or please call us on 0411 081 329 and ask for John.

John & John Old Collegians RFC

Can we do it? Yes we can..... If not we'll have a bloody good go!!!

 

Australian South African Society Day

On Sunday August the 4th there will be a barbecue preceded by a rugby match between the South Africans and the Crocs at Tregenza starting at 12.30. Murray's already expecting 100-140 people so it should be a good day. It's a family day so kids welcome.

 

The Campions go on holidays

Cyril & Joan go to Townsville to visit Keith Brownlow at James Cook Uni. When in Townsville, Cyril realised he'd left their front door open. Meanwhile the neighbours are screaming murder and robbery. Cyril rings Mick who rings Tim. Tim closes it. They can't go anywhere.

 

New rail

Murray Curran, Denzil Church, Ray Butler, Ben Rokobora and assorted other usual suspects recently came to the conclusion that the club's 'southern stand' was seriously lacking in reliable railing. Quite apart from being offensive to the eye and dangerous for the kiddies, it also left the motley crew with nowhere to safely rest their beer. Heaven forbid. Luckily, these men are (in the words of Harry Clarke) workers not shirkers. They fronted up on a recent Sunday and, with only minimum levels of argument, injury and profanity, set about installing a shiny new beer rest.
... Tregenza Times, June 2002

 

Jonathan Kenny

Jonathan is an Old Collegians who came up through the juniors to a promising rugby career until injury intervened. He is working as a jackaroo at Todmorden (closest town is Oodnadatta) with a 5am to 7pm working day, nights spent under the stars, good food, lots of sun and fresh air and is looking very good for it. Jonathan came out to Collegians while here in Adelaide recuperating from injuries received coming off his motorbike out there. He's looking very much the part these days and we all wish him well as a much loved Collegians man, son of Trevor and brother to Simon (now in the U16s). Keep in touch Jonathan.

 

State squad 2002

Old Collegians lead the way in state squad
'From the Ruck, Volume 3, Issue 1'

Old Collegians, Brighton and Southern Suburbs players have dominated selections for the state squad to prepare for the Australian Rugby Shield starting on June 18. New coach Stephen Boyd and his selectors have named 10 players from reigning premier Old Collegians. Unbeaten Brighton has seven representatives while Souths has five. Burnside's indifferent start to the season is reflected in the inclusion of only halfback Matthew James in the squad.

STATE SQUAD: Shaun Gough (c), Andrew Beare, Barney Bloxham, James Bradley, John Collins, Richard Czeglik, Phil Howell, Ben Suttell, Kini Tavui, Christian Tedge (Old Collegians), James Cope, Aaron Mattin (Port Adelaide), Shane Monds, George Taka (Onkaparinga), Craig Emslie, Mike Flett, John Natadra, Phil Noble, Neti Langi (Souths), Andrew Brown, Gerhard du Toit, Jack Glover, Will Hitch, Wayne Londema, Joshua Satala, Richard Wasely (vc) (Brighton), Matthew James (Burnside).

 

 

3rd generation Collegians player

At Old Colls, we are proud of our history and tradition and it is nice to know that it is being carried into the future. Under 12's player Jack Campion could be the Club's first third generation player. (We'd be happy to hear of any others ...). Jack's father and uncle, Mick and Tim were in the Premiership side in 1982 and in numerous other finals. They were also State Reps. Jack's grandfather, Cyril, was a committee member in the late 1950's/60's. He joined the club in 1954 and played as variously as a prop, hooker and breakaway. He played for Royal Navy in North Africa in an Inter Services Competition 1943, and played in the first, second and third grades between 1954 and 1963. and played in the Silverbacks. Despite the current lull of the Silverbacks, he retains the honour of being the Club's oldest playing member. Jack looks like continuing the family's name throughout the ranks of Collegians.
.... Tregenza Times, May 2002

 

Training has started, and the junior season will be under way on 4th May 2002.

Old Collegians will be fielding teams in all junior grades this year, and the support of the senior club is very much appreciated.

Anyone who would like to help should contact either (or both) of the joint Junior Co-ordinators (Danny McCartan 0412 849 004 and Robert Burgess 0418 815 217) or Sue Thewlis or Anne Bradley.

The Junior Club will also be hosting the Schools' Seven a Side Competition this year after an absence of at least seven years.

Under 8s
Coach - Duncan Armstrong
Duncan's two children are playing in the Under 8's for Old Colls, and he has kindly offered to coach the entire squad of grommits.

Under 10s
Coach - Janet Penhall
Janet has long been a supporter of the junior and senior club and it is great to see her taking such an active role this year with the Under 10s. Of course, there are a number of skills she will be required to build, and in that regard her friends are chipping in for a cattle prod.

Under 12s
Coaches - Mick Campion and James Bradley
Mick, father of Under 12 player Jack, will be assisted this year by James. James is a prop in our first grade. In coaching the Under 12s this year, James will not only be donating his valuable coaching services to his club but will also have the opportunity to beat the crap out of his younger brother, Andrew.

Under 14s
Coach - John Collins and John Ovenell
John Collins played for Colls in 1998 and is back again this year making his presence felt in the first grade along with fellow Englishman John Ovenell. Their experience, both here and in England, will be invaluable to the Under 14s.

Under 16s
Coaches - Stewart Douglas & Ben Hamer
Stewie and Ben coached the Under 12s last year, and are graduating to the Under 16s in 2002. We are sure that this decision has nothing to do with the later start on Saturday mornings ...

Under 18s
Coach - Andre Brummer
Andre isn't able to play for the club this year due to work commitments, but he has kindly offered to coach the Under 18s. Andre is a great club-man, and we're sure he'll do a good job.

... Tregenza Times, April 2002

 

Junior Scholarships 2001

Alex Rokobaro from last year's U12s and David Greenwell and Henry Boylan from the U14s took off to Camp Waratah in NSW on their Howard Clay and Joyce Spry scholarships for 2001. I have been promised a write-up by these boys - anyone who says Matt Burke isn't as good in real life as on the TV deserves to provide an explanation.

These two photos were taken at the clubhouse after the presentation of their scholarship jackets.

Alex Rokobaro, Henry Boylan, Joyce Spry and David Greenwell

 

25th February 2002 - Highlights of Camp Waratah - Alex Rokobaro.

"1st impressions of the campsite at Narabeen - large with bushland; great cabins; big, hard pitch. I wondered if I was ready for the training ahead.
Training was hard and fast but not as difficult as I had thought. Lots of drills.
Rugby players I met were Nathan Grey, Matt Burke and Phil Waugh. Nathan Grey was my favourite.
At the end of 4 days I returned home with a number of new skills and new friends from different parts of Australia.
Thank you to the Club for giving me this opportunity."
... Alex Rokobaro

 

Lost e-mails

The website has two types of e-mail - those that go to the ocrfc account which is on the mail server and those that go to the web server, the same server that hosts the website. If you send an e-mail to the address at the bottom of every webpage from paul.horne@oldcollegiansrugby.org.au it goes to the web server, anything else such as hello@oldcollegiansrugby.org.au or ocrfc@senet.com.au goes to the mail server. Assuming a level of indifference to the website sufficient to justify no mail coming down from the web server I wasn't the slightest bit worried that I had had no e-mails from the website until I used it recently to 'park' some e-mails I'd brought across via another web account only to find I couldn't subsequently download them. After a number of calls to our ISP it transpired that when these web server e-mail accounts exceed their limit they lock up giving no error message, that there is a problem and that this is what they have done. I had set the limit to 2Mb and someone had sent in all innocence a large number of photos and so the account locked up. I have now increased it to 10Mb. So, apolgies to the senders of the 143 e-mails to whom I now owe a belated reply. ....... PH, 12th May 2002

 

Luke Gorridge

Someone who is inclined to believe he is related to Luke would like to contact him. Would Luke or anyone who knows his whereabouts please contact Paul Horne on phorne@cobweb.com.au

 

Aaron Clark dinner

Aaron Clark badly tore his cruciate ligament in the Crocs game against Onkaparinga a few weeks ago. Quite apart from tearing him away from his beloved rugby, it also created quite a problem for his working life. In a great gesture of solidarity dozens of Collegians met at the Astor for a pasta meal and a drink, with proceeds going to pay for Aaron's knee reconstruction.
.... Tregenza Times, May 2002

 

Mark Pickard balcony

In a recent presentation at the Earl of Aberdeen, our balcony was dedicated to the man who kindly paid for much of it - Mark Pickard. Thanks very much to Mark for his kind contribution to the Club. Mark is shown in this photo (to come) with Olly Porter (and Starkey playing silly buggers in the background). The balcony has made a real difference to the Saturday afternoons of our rugby viewing. While the gallant first battle and bleed before us, we sit back comfortably in the shade (when sunny) and shelter (when raining). All thanks to Mark. Mark was presented with a plaque, which you can see for yourself on display on the balcony while enjoying a leisurely pint or two.
.... Tregenza Times, May 2002

 

Kicking Competition

The kicking competition was NOT held on 11th May as planned. Three dates will be organised later in the year. It will be an opportunity for budding kickers to polish up their skills and have a go at winning the kicking trophy (awarded at our Presentation Dinner). The competition will consist of goal kicking from various points on the field, long punt kicks and punt kicking to a point. The three trials will be progressively weighted, with the highest weighting in the last trial. The competition is open to all, especially those who want to prove a point to their captains that they are the ones who should really be doing the kicking!

 

College Cup

The College Cup is awarded after our home games to the most deserving player from any grade. His (or her) peers keep it full and flowing until the end of the night.The Cup has been awarded to:

25 May - James Bradley
18 May - All of the Two-Thirds
27 April (v Uni) - BEC 'BOB' DERBYSHIRE-LLOYD
13 April (v Port Adelaide) - JOHN COLLINS

 

Idiot of the week

A new award has been initiated by the Crocs - the loser of the week award. The recipient is required to wear the yellow shirt for the following week or be fined, and is also to look after the chook for the week.
No-one looks after the chook, however.
The list of recipients (most recent to least recent) is:

Ben Rokobaro - 10th August - because they couldn't find whoever should have got it (?)
? - 3rd August
John Bell - for turning up - he arrived at Elizabeth only to pick his son Michael up from a juniors' match - "go on, John, we're short of players ..." - 27th July
Mark Bastian - 20th July
Jesse James - 8th June - vs Brighton at Brighton - for choosing the kicker
Phil - 1st June
Calum Mackie - 25th May - For having a go at everyone
Starkie - 18th May - Port Adelaide - for the usual lip, but worse;
Barney - North Torrens;
Stewart Douglas - 27th April - Souths - for getting a yellow card on his first run almost at the end of the match for charging;
Richard Waddicor - 20th April - Onkas - for treading on Jesse's dog;
Ashley - Roseworthy;
Shane Clarke - Brighton;
John Higgins - Elizabeth;
Ted Apted - at Burnside.

Congratulations to you all.

Jesse modelling the shirt - by the Heavies Bar, June 2002

 

Adelaide To Host Its First Ever Rugby International

Adelaide will host its first ever rugby international in June when France A meets Australia A as part of the Bundaberg Rum Rugby Series.

The Australia A team that played the Lions last year included Vodafone
Wallabies Graeme Bond, Nathan Grey, Scott Staniforth, Manuel Edmonds, Chris Whitaker, Phil Waugh, David Lyons, Justin Harrison, Tom Bowman, Rod Moore, Brendan Cannon, Cameron Blades and Patricio Noriega.

TV ratings suggest growing support for rugby in Adelaide, with a record 180,000 people tuning in to watch last year's Bledisloe Cup Test. The match will be played at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday 18 June, and is bound to be a poor night for Collegians in terms of attendance at training! Tickets have not yet been put on sale.

"There are thousands of rugby lovers in Adelaide who will jump at the chance to see this high quality match between the shadow Australian and French Test teams," Australian Rugby CEO John O'Neill said. "The decision to take such a top-class match to Adelaide is based on the strong growth of rugby in the local market and our desire to expand the game throughout Australia. When we first started taking matches to Melbourne and Perth, there were some people who said we would not succeed. But when you look at how successfully those cities have adopted rugby, with our annual Test matches breaking records each year, there is every reason to believe that Adelaide will embrace the game with similar enthusiasm."

 

Muzza & Mira

Congratulations to Murray and Mira Curran on their recent 25th Wedding Anniversary!
Murray & Mira would never had met had Murray not been fired as a Christchurch fireman. A good fireman he may have been but he did tend to ignore the warnings - one after greasing the pole, another after picking up an 18 gallon keg on the way to a fire (and storing it in with the hose) and a few more after that.

 

Injuries & illnesses

Harry Clarke:

We're all very sorry to hear that the much-loved Harry Clarke has been very unwell lately. The best wishes of the whole club are with you, Harry. Get well soon. It's just not the same without you - the Heavies' Bar is missing one of its barn doors ...
... Tregenza Times, May 2002

We're all delighted to see that Harry Clarke is up and about and out of hospital. He was at the Two-Thirds' game on 1 June 2002 and we gather from his energetic abuse of the referee that he is feeling much improved. We hear that when Harry was in hospital, his good friend Hamish Cranna paid him a visit. As Hamish wandered down the corridor of Harry's ward, an officious nurse collared him and cried "Harry Clarke! What are you doing out of bed!?" Seems a fair mistake to us.
... Tregenza Times, June 2002

Eyebrows:
A few weeks ago, young Ben Shimeld awoke from a drunken stupor to find someone had shaved off half of his right eyebrow while he slept. Funny, but very unkind. However, Poetic Justice has reared its ugly head. The culprit copped a knock in the head in the recent first grade game against Brighton, leaving him needing a number of stitches in his forehead - for which they had to shave off half of his right eyebrow.
... Tregenza Times, June 2002

Three rounds into the season and we can start to report on injuries.
Paul McFadden broke his ankle at training before the first game, and will be out for a good while. Aaron Clark badly tore his cruciate ligament in the Crocs game against Onkaparinga. James Bradley had his head split open playing against Onkaparinga, and had to have a number of stitches. Ben Suttell suffered, in his words, "a gaping head wound" which can be conveniently hidden beneath a square centimetre of tape. We always thought Boof's only gaping head wound was his mouth.
... Tregenza Times, March 2002

 

The women's end-of-season trip

Not much news coming from our women players about their trip away to the Yorke Peninsula. I suspect not much at all but they're falling back on the 'what happens on tour stays on tour' mantra which is a perfect way to suggest that a lot did happen. There are some photos and a powerpoint souvenir of the trip at the Frocs' website. What they didn't mention was an incident that provides further conclusive evidence that sheep recognise Kiwis. While all was happily rural with a mob of docile Aussie sheep investigating some of our local Aussie women, the arrival of Bob at the wire provoked from the sheep a brief effort of genetic recognition and a mass scattering to the far ends of the paddock.

 

Reports of the Crocs' end-of-season trip to Victor Harbor

Now that all reports of the Crocs trip are in and checked for their veracity I can only say that the rumours are true.
Some are best left unreported. However, they appear to share my distaste for that Scottish game as much as I do.
Mark's helicopter proved useful in ferrying the tired and hung-over from one tee to another. The golf-buggies found a new life in providing extreme-sport off the putting greens as well as a means of getting those power shots off the tee. The manager of the golf-course felt stirred enough to remoind the Crocs party of the purpose of a golf course. Muzza frightened a lot of locals attempting to use the golf-club's lavatory. I have no idea who broke the hotel door.

 

Semi-Finals

It was a magnificant day to see the 2nds and 1sts win against Brighton. It was particularly exhausting as spectators watching the scores alternate between win and lose. The post-match activities threw up a number of incidents worth mentioning - the following are just two of those:
Bernard and Trish decided to go to the Norwood Pub. But Bernard rarely wears shoes and Saturday was no exception so Trish drove Bernard up to Belair to his place to pick some up. After playing on his drum kit for a while and listening to some music they headed back to Norwood only to realise as they got there that they'd failed to get the shoes. So Bernard tried asking those in the queue to the pub if he could perhaps borrow some shoes or perhaps someone might have some spare only to be asked "to move along" by the bouncers who were convinced Bernard was a beggar. And no amount of explanation could convince them otherwise.
Jesse James has only vague memories of what happened. However, he is missing his teeth and believes they may be with his mobile phone, wherever that is.

 

Crocs and 2/3rds End of Season Trip

Departing Friday October 18th from Old Collegians Club rooms at 5.30pm.

Arrive 7-7.30 at Spectacular Victor Harbour after our bonding session aboard our luxury coach with light refreshments and one piss stop. The night is yours in the thriving metropolis of Victor Harbour.

After a sumptuous cooked breakfast 8-10.00am, warm up for our competitive but friendly Ambrose Golf tournament (prizes galore for longest drive etc..) Coach to depart 11.00am for 11.30am tee off. Bring your own golf clubs or favourite bat or stick.

Saturday Night Presentations and drinks will take place at the Hotel Crown 6.30pm, followed by a 3-course dinner. Prizes for the most outrageous tie and shirt for the night. (Beer, wine and soft drinks are provided from 6.30-9.30) On the town, out on the loose in Victor....

That sumptuous cooked breakfast again! Then take a lazy walk around the town visiting all the fabulous craft and antique shops. A chance to take home some beautiful home made jams for Mum. Or keep drinking. Afternoon trip back to Adelaide

Transfers Accommodation Breakfast/3 Course dinner/3 hour beer, wine and sof tdrinks Golf and good company for only $199 pp $50.00 deposit to Murray Curran by 22nd August

Support your team! Support your Club!!!

 

2002 Presentation

Friday 27th September. From 6pm. "Happy Hour" 6pm-7pm. Tickets $30. Dress: Dinner Jacket/Formal (optional).
Pre-sales only (over the bar). No tickets are available at the door.

 

Ben Allgrove's farewell

The clubhouse hosted Ben Allgrove's farewell on Sunday the 28th July. It was well attended throughout the day by Collegians people, Adelaide Uni people, people from Ben's work and sundry others. For those who've not been listening this past year, Ben is taking up his Rhodes Scholarship for 2002 at Magdalen College, Oxford. You've done yourself proud, Ben. And as you're untouched by vanity we can be assured nothing we say will make any difference.
I've lifted from Ben's website some photos that Ben took on the day.

Pictured: Barb Finn, Jill Allen and Janet Penhall;

Petria, Calum Mackie, Jamie Brennan;

Antonia, Emma, Ben and Vanessa

Pictured: Neil Bradley, Joel Fudali, Rob Porteous, Ben, Jamie Brennan, Ryan Nielson, Luke Turner

Ben with his parents

 

Harry & Hamish

Photo by Jesse James

 

Joyce Spry's 70th Birthday

Unbelievable it may be but Joyce celebrated her 70th birthday at the Astor Hotel on Friday 7th of June.
Those present included Joyce's son Peter and daughter-in-law, Richard Wells, Gary Fenner, Nick Smart & Ed Suttell, Ginny, Janet, the Finns, the Allens, Tedgie (always Joyce's favourite), Judy Brady, Denzil and others that I'll remember at some point.

It was a long day - starting at 2pm and finishing around midnight, for some like Joyce at the Earl of Aberdeen to watch the big screen game of England playing Argentina (soccer). The game was spoilt by one stroppy jock who had a good line in swearing at some of Collegians best but refusing to step outside. For some, like the author, it was back to the Astor where Jonesy, Emma Suttell and Simon Lipp were still celebrating the end of the week.

 

OC Super 12s Footytips

(Monday 8 April 2002 - top 5 only)
Jeremy Glasson 29
Faulknes 28
Andre Brummer 27
Stewart Douglas 27
Paul Kelly 27
Don't forget to pay your $5 fee! Free pint to each week's winner, and cash prize to overall winner. Register and join the S12s 'Old Collegians tipping competition. You will automatically be credited with all 'away games'. It's not too late to join www.footytips.com.au
... Kim Evans

 

Birthday party - Roman & Gus at the Astor

David Watson, an Englishman (now that's very cruel ... Ed) who has been playing on the wing in the Old Colls Seconds and is otherwise known as 'Roman', has asked me to forward this to all Collegians.
What a social young man. Collegians always seem to enjoy a 'do' at the Astor (one of our lovely, lovely sponsors) so I forward this to you, unsolicited, without remorse.
Don't worry - I don't plan to make a habit of it, but I've been particularly unpleasant to him lately and I owe him one. It will be a joint birthday party with Gus (a French student whose grammar is apparently appalling). So there you have it. Food, drink and DJ Ben Hamer all awaits upstairs at the Astor. 10th of May
At the Astor (Cr Gilles & Pulteney St)
8pm til late
.... Kim Evans

 

SOCIAL DIARY

SATURDAY - 11 MAY 2002 - CROC-O-RAMA

Old Collegians two Third Grade teams face off at Tregenza Oval
Bar Open - Spit Roasts - Entertainments
HAPPY HOUR - 5.00pm to 6.00pm

and in the evening . . .

MS COLLEGE 2002
See the likes of Czez, Boof, Juan and Graham prance about in frilly frocks and women's underwear. MC Cranna will be your guide through this night of debauchery.

 

College Cup

The College Cup is awarded after our home games to the most deserving player from any grade. His (or her) peers keep it full and flowing until the end of the night. On 23 March 2002 (the home game against Onkaparinga) the Cup was awarded to: JUAN AGUIAR

 

Oakbank

Oh, the joys of media ownership! That Murdoch bloke knows what he's on about. I am invoking my editorial privilege to withhold information about the club's trip to the Oakbank Easter Carnival. The annual pilgrimage went ahead as planned with about 30 Old Collegians (and their offspring) in tow. I was among them. I am prepared to confirm that there was a cooked breakfast, horse racing, a lovely sunny day, gambling, and massive amounts alcohol. Beyond that broad detail you're getting nothing from me. Partly because I can't recall much more. I can report that upon returning to Adelaide, many of the punters headed on to the Astor for a cleansing ale. Or ten. At least one Collegian, a visiting Englishman who shall remain nameless, found himself circling the city in a taxi in the wee small hours, unable to remember any address in town other than that of Bob Stafford-Lee. The taxi was duly directed, and Bob was awakened from happy slumber to remind him where he lived.
... Kim Evans

 

Helicopter & Dry Creek

The Crocs' game at Dry Creek on the 6th of April 2002 was interrupted by sponsor, supporter and player Mark Pickard taking delivery of his latest toy. Namely, a helicopter. We kid you not. He had the damn thing land on the second pitch during the middle of the game. The children ran through the middle of the game to see it. To quote one of the North Torrens lads "We knew you %$#@!& were opulent, but this is ridiculous."
... Kim Evans

 

Spry'd

For that last few weeks Joyce Spry has been seen stalking about the clubrooms with cunning in her eye and menace in her heart. That is, Joyce and other luminaries of the junior club have been enthusiastically recruiting coaches for our youngsters. You will find the complete list of 'volunteers' in our Juniors column. These new coaches were all found to be quite happy to lend a hand when they were approached. Mind you, we suspect that some of them were approached after the odd pint or two.
... Kim Evans

 

Richard Wells' 50th Birthday at Mutooroo

2nd and 3rd April 2002

It was a solid sort of drive from Adelaide to just this side of Broken Hill, which to those who know the area will immediately say 'Cockurn' but that ignores the 41km dirt road that goes to Mutooroo. Mutooroo is measured in square kilometres, it's stocked at 600+ acres to the sheep and it hasn't rained for 2½ years.
The reason for the 6 hour drive to this arid and mobile phone-less country was to get to Richard Wells' 50th birthday dinner to be held inside the shearing shed adjacent to the old homestead at Mutooroo. It was a fully catered, black-tie affair to be held on the Wednesday evening with a recovery brunch for the next day. Basically, a 6 hour drive for dinner, wine, good company and a taste of country atmosphere. And a 6 hour drive to contemplate the folly of too much alcohol waiting for the following day.
Richard has long been associated with both Collegians & University rugby clubs and was one of the Golden Oldies who took off for Toulouse last year. He could be spotted around town or the Astor Hotel for the subsequent 9 months wearing a beret and talking in French.
Richard's family, via the Waites, have owned the Mutooroo property for a few generations or so and Richard has a great affinity for the country out there. That would explain his fondness for RM Williams moleskins, those with studs for fasteners, so beloved of solid country boys like Richard & Denzil Church.
Despite all good intentions of taking a leisurely and thought-provoking drive I could see no real reason to stop for anything other than life-threatening necessities. The towns drifted past more towns than cars passing and after a very pleasant aeon of time had passed, a fluorescently bright sign announced the proximity of Mutooroo. This pointed to the right down a yellow-dirt road among isolated low-lying shrubs of a green long obscured by the constant camouflaging from the road-dust. Everything was yellow. Having forgotten about the joys of driving on country roads other than knowing from experience that the faster you go the less disagreeable are the ruts and corrugations it was an awakening adrenal experience to be reminded that the sign saying 'floodway' denotes not just the possibility, remote during a drought, of water but also the existence of the means by which that water, when it exists, is carried. Thankfully XD Falcon front axles are made of good Aussie steel and tend to hang in there after the temptation to snap in two has passed but my still rampant prejudice against japanese cars imagined, with pleasure, a graveyard of Adelaide-based off-road cars coming up behind me later in the day.
I got to Mutooroo early at 2.15pm and apart from annoying with idle-chatter those trying to do some work, had little to occupy me. Then it was discovered that the caterers had brought no soft-drinks with them, interpreting Richard's comment that there was no room on the menu for soft-drinks to mean literally that there will be no soft drinks at all rather than there was no room on the printed menu for the word 'soft-drinks' to be printed, as Richard had meant. A trip to New South Wales to get the soft-drinks meant a round trip time of 1½ hours and my intention to fill the car up with petrol while there was frustrated by the non-existence of leaded fuel in this part of the bush.

There were four tables of ten people per table set up in the shearing shed. Two weeks prior to this there had been 20,000 sheep through the shed getting sheared. That is a lot of sheep doing what sheep do before shearing having been done not so long before. The smell had almost abated by the night. A 10 stand shearing shed is a fair size so the tables and catering area looked quite in place. It's not very often a shearing shed ever gets vacuumed and I'm sure the sheep next year will be considerably impressed.
The entrée was from a plate of mixed kangaroo meats, one smoked, one similar to cold european sausage and another not dissimilar to ham. This was followed by a main course of mutton which was superb. All food was cooked in one of the large wood-stoves in the old homestead.

Collegians was represented by David Bevan, Denzil Church, Chris Pearl, Joyce Spry, Edward Suttell, Jeremy Uther and myself.

There was lots of the usual bullshit that happens when people get together. A few good speeches, including Richard's. The juke box went on until 3 or 4 in the morning but I had long before headed for bed. Unfortunately next door's snoring kept me awake. To avoid being catatonic the next morning I sloped out to sleep under the stars for 1½ hours until the sun woke the flies and the bull-ants.
On the way back to Adelaide I couldn't procure leaded fuel from any petrol station until Yunta and had before then imagined being stranded with no water, no mobile, no taxis and no ATM. Not that the latter would have helped.

However, great place, great party. It was a pleasure to get out there.

 

Crocs's First Feed

The Croc's barbecue held at the club on Saturday 9th February was a success of a day. As well, the players in the scheduled cricket match between Christian Bros and a team from Golden Grove were brought out of their cricketing trance of mental oblivion by the contributions from an unexpected gallery of spectators. They earned cricketing credibility by being streaked by a cart-wheeling Andy Dalton. Although aesthetically handicapped as he was in his natural state by the effects of the cold weather, Andy still put on a good demonstration.
... Kim Evans

 

Oztag Winners!

The final of the summer Oztag season was held on 8th March. For those of you who are not familiar with Oztag, it's a cross between touch footy and rugby league and it started as a summer training sport for Rugby League types. In SA, it is run by Stewie Frew and Brian McMahon, two Old Collegians themselves. Last year, Old Collegians dominated the field, with a Collegians team winning the mixed division and the award for most tries scored over the season and Ben Suttell won the medal for Best On Ground.

This year, Old Collegians fielded a team in the open division as well.
The mixed team were Runners Up in the Mixed Grand Final, the open team won the flag in their division, and Ben Suttell (again!) won Best on Ground in the open division grand final. Great results! The Open Grand Final was particularly exciting. Our lads were never ahead for the whole game, but in the last five minutes of play scored three quick tries, levelling the scores at 7-7 and resulting in overtime and another 20 minutes of play. In overtime, Old Colls scored nine tries (four in quick succession by the much lauded Mr Boofy) to the opposition's one, leaving the final score at 16-8. The Cup was accepted on the team's behalf by our newest Collegian - Juan Aguiar, who is visiting from Argentina and will be playing for us this season.

... Kim Evans

 

Footy tips

Footy-Tips: The Winner
Stewart Douglas - Disco Stu won a carton of beer for his efforts, which he generously shared around. Big thanks to Andre Brummer for organising the comp and especially for donating the booze!
The Final Top 10
1 Stewart Douglas
2 Jeremy Glasson
3 Paul Kelly
4 Ian Woodstock
5 Sean Faulkner
6 Andre Brummer
7 Richard Czeglik
8 Ivan Skibinski
9 Kim Evans
10 Fiona Brady

 

PAY YOUR SUBS!

No pay, no play. We mean it. Get registered and pay up ASAP.
Players - $200
Players (Student) - $160
Social Member (voting rights) - $90
Social Member (no voting rights) - $50

 

WHAT DOES THE CLUB DO WITH MY SUBS?

Based on the subs for an ordinary, playing, non-concession senior from figures in the 2001 OC Annual Report. 14% is spent on first aid, 6% on jersey cleaning, 34% pm Insurance and 46% on SARU Fees. As you can see, the subs, and don't go towards paying for rent, rugby kit, balls, electricity, phone bills, contents and building insurance, maintenance, etc. We rely on sponsorship and the bar to pay for those costs. Plus,
the club has to pay your SARU and insurance fees, even if you don't pay the club. We think you get the picture.

 

CROCS & FROCS

The 'Croc'-ization of the Club steadily continues in addition to the two squads of 'Completely Relaxed Old Collegians to be fielded by the Crocs this year, they have also adopted the women's team. Ben Suttell's irreverent suggestion that the ladies be called the 'Cracks' was summarily dismissed. The gallant group of girlies will instead be known as the Female Rugby Old Collegians - the 'Frocs'.

Third Grade Status

As planned, the Crocs are forging ahead with two teams in the third grade this year. A reliable source tells us that they are now pretty sure of sufficient numbers for the 'Two-Thirds', and have even been getting a full(ish) squad out to training! The Third grade in SA is sporting ten teams this year, namely Brighton, Elizabeth, North Torrens, Port Adelaide, Burnside, Onkaparinga, Roseworthy, Southern Suburbs and Old Colls 1 & 2. Look out for the big games on 11 May and 17 August when the Crocs and the Two-Thirds go head to head!

The Prodigal Returns

The familiar, and long missed, face of Ray Butler has returned to Old Collegians. Once again he has taken up the reins as women's coach, and their increasing numbers at training are testimony to the success he is already having in that regard. He is not unassisted in his efforts. During each training session he enlists the help of an old friend he calls "Mr Hill".

The Women's Competition

The women's rugby competition in SA looks likely to consist of four ten aside teams this year. Although Port Adelaide may field a new team, it looks likely that the 'Burnside Bunnies' will fold despite having absorbed the players from the failed teams of Elizabeth and Woodville in the last few years. Similarly, Onkaparinga and Brighton (once so strong) folded last year and their players spread through the other teams (including our own Susie). Despite this ebb and flow of women's teams, the Frocs (as they are now known) remain strong in numbers and commitment, if not always in results! This year, they again have a few new girls to add to their numbers. A big welcome goes to Amanda, Rachael and Emily. The Frocs attribute their stability to the support of the club, which many other women's teams have not been as lucky to have.

The Frocs at the Sevens

The Frocs (at least, a few of them) had their first outing for 2002 at the Elizabeth Seven's Carnival. With only eight available players on the day, they performed well - but more work is needed before they even begin to approach their full potential. Special mention must be made of Lucia's bone crunching first tackle on a Port Adelaide girl!

OC (24) v Port Adelaide (0)
OC (0) v University (17)
OC (0) v Southern Suburbs (19)

Crocs Gear

The Crocs have had the presentation of their uniform for 2002 at the Earl (their sponsor and their second home). In addition to shorts, socks and jerseys, this year's gear also includes caps, polar fleeces, polo-shirts and spray jackets. The grateful Crocs send their thanks to all their sponsors, including (but not limited to) The Earl of Aberdeen, Suzuki in the City and Nepenthe Wines. The Crocs all look very spiffy in their new gear. Now, if we can just get them to stop spiling their beer on themselves .... Tregenza Times

August 2002

The Frocs have been training with the Two-Thirds of late. It would be fair to say that both teams have a new appreciation of each other, and it has given Thursday night training a whole different flavour. By the way, the Frocs categorically deny that one of them was deliberately and repeatedly squirrel-gripping Two-Thirds' scrumhalf, Nick Malone. He's making it up.
The Frocs found themselves with a scheduled competition bye on the week of the Div 1 game against Uni. They took the opportunity to do some team bonding, and took themselves off for lunch and a movie. The movie of choice was Bend it Like Beckham, a comedy about an Indian girl who wants to play soccer. It has apparently been a favourite for women's teams of every sport. The girls really enjoyed the movie, but they were unanimous in a point of confusion. They love their Coach, Ray Butler, and wouldn't trade him for any other, but they want to know whether all women's soccer teams are coached by young, attractive, available Irishmen. It hardly seems fair.
On more Frocs news, at the tail end of the season they have finally secured themselves a manager and a hell of Manager she is! Bronwyn had tagged around with the team for most of the year as a supporter, and was recently persuaded to formalise her role. Her very first week on the job she turned up with oranges at half time which had not been seen in years and were not immediately recognised. Once the stunned confusion faded, Bronwyn became a goddess in their eyes. Ray is also happy a mouth full of food is about the only thing that can keep them quiet during his half time talk!
... Tregenza Times

 

Elizabeth Sevens - 2 March 2002

The Elizabeth Sevens Tournament served as a training run for a number of Old Collegians first and second grade lads. The team included Sandy Roberts (Captain), Ben Hamer, Jason Waretta, David "Roman" Watson, Don Brown, Juan Aguiar, Stewart Bright and Joel Fudali.

The limited numbers had their toll on the boys' energy levels, and they performed adequately in the circumstances. The only significant Collegian's injury of the day was to Sandy Taylor. Sandy's ribs were broken in the last game of the day. He does not expect this to keep him from starting the 15 a side season on time.
The Old Colls' scores in the minor round were:

OC (7) v Burnside (22)
OC (19) v Pt Adel (14)
OC (5) v Moata (43)
OC (24) v Woodville (19)

College earned a place in the Semi Final for the Plate, playing Elizabeth and winning by a convincing margin. In the Final for the Plate Colls played Onkaparinga and lost 23 to 13. Onkaparinga's efforts were assisted by the fact that their opponent in the Semi (Port 2) had forfeited.
The Cup was won by a Victorian Team, Moata (beating Burnside).
Brighton and Southern Suburb Clubs were unrepresented on the day in the men's competition.

 

Brock James

May 2002:

Brock will fly out to Perth this Friday 31 May 2002, to go into a camp prior to proceeding to South Africa, as part of the Australian Under 21 squad.

YOUNG CONVERT GETS SEVENS CALL-UP
Story By: ARU
Date: 27/2/2002

Former Lismore rugby league player Milton Thaiday has been called-up to represent Australia in the Ricoh Sevens Squad to play in Beijing and Hong Kong next month.

Thaiday created widespread interest when he was chosen to play for the HSBC Waratahs against Auckland in a pre-season trial on the 8th February.
Until that match Thaiday had played only one Rugby game for the Waratah Bees.

Sevens team manager Glen Ella said the selection of Thaiday is consistent with Australian Rugby policy.
"The Australian Sevens team has been a rich breeding ground for current Super 12 and Test players," said Ella.
"Look at someone like Tim Atkinson who made a stunning debut for the ACT Brumbies against Queensland at the weekend.

"Only a few weeks ago he played a vital role in winning the Brisbane Sevens for Australia.

"Milton Thaiday has plenty of raw talent and attacking flair and he can only benefit from exposure like this on an international stage."

RICOH AUSTRALIAN SEVENS SQUAD
James Couper (c) QLD
Luke Foster QLD
Matthew Giteau ACT
Peter Hewat QLD
Brock James NSW
Peter Miller NSW
Patrick Phibbs NSW
Christopher Siale NSW
Nigel Staniforth NSW
Milton Thaiday NSW
Morgan Turinui NSW
Timothy Walsh QLD
Julian Gardner Coach
Glen Ella Manager
Alan Davies Physiotherapist

The Ricoh Australian squad will assemble on March 9 for tournaments in Beijing 16-17 March and Hong Kong 22-24 March

 

Logan Edwards

From the Christchurch "The Press":
by John Coffey, 2002

Logan Edwards, whose inspirational performances and leadership had much to do with Canterbury becoming the top rugby league province in the early 1990s, will be back in red and black this season.

After a colourful career, which took him to the Auckland Warriors, Adelaide Rams, three British clubs, and even into the South Australian rugby union side, Edwards, 33, has returned to Christchurch "for good" and is training with the Canterbury Bulls.

He is not available for pre-season fixtures on February 12 and 17, but is keen to play throughout the Bulls' third Bartercard campaign.

"I've had enough of being belted around by those Australian sides, "laughed Edwards yesterday. " Those sorts of games are more or less for the younger blokes. I just want to get my fitness up for the Bartercard Cup."
After making his debut at 19 in 1988, Edwards was loose forward and frequently Captain of Frank Endacott's Canterbury teams, which displaced Auckland on the top rung of provincial rankings.

Auckland desperation was such that coach Owen Wright stacked his team with professional players returning from Britain for the 1993 first division final, but they were humbled 36-12 in front of 10,000 ecstatic Canterbury fans at the Addington Show Grounds.

Edwards played in two tests on the 1993 Kiwi tour of Britain and France, two against the 1995 French tourists, and one in Australia later that year. In recent years he has played for Rochdale Hornets, in England, at Bathurst, in New South Wales, and as a rugby centre and five-eighth for the Old Collegians club in Adelaide.

"I had the cartilage taken out of my left knee in Sydney last year. But it didn't stop me having a game of rugby for the New Zealand Navy, after I bumped into some of them in a pub, and league for New South Wales Maoris against the Auckland Residents.

"The knee's okay now, I just have to get over a pinched nerve in my shoulder,"Edwards said.

Bulls coach Phil Prescott has welcomed Edward's return, but coach and player are at loggerheads about where Edwards should make his comebak for Canterbury.

Prescott is keen for him to resume his old backrow duties in the forwards, while Edwards would prefer to play in the backs. Negotiations could continue for some time leading up to the Bartercard Cup.

... clipping courtesy of Janet Penhall

 

The Welsh are coming

Welcome back, Nick Walsh. Nick and a friend, Andrew Emmanuel, (from the same village in mid-Wales) arrived on Saturday 22nd June and promptly returned to the club that afternoon. Nick nearly made Adelaide Airport security's day when they discovered a large collection of pills in his washbag and decided to send the pills off to the lab, Nick to the police station and submit his baggage to a thorough search. After five hours the pills were found to be what Nick said they were, vitamins and prescription drugs.
However, the healthy beef sandwich in his luggage didn't overly impress Customs and they are likely to fine him for it. Nick and Andrew are planning to stay and play for Collegians for the next few months.

 

Streaking

The Croc's barbecue held at the club on Saturday 9th February was a success of a day.

As well, the scheduled cricket match between Christian Bros. and a team from Golden Grove, were brought out of their cricketing trance of mental oblivion by the contributions from an unexpected, for them, gallery of spectators and earned cricketing credibility being streaked by a cart-wheeling Andy Dalton, although aesthetically handicapped as he was in his natural state by the effects of the cold weather, still putting on a good demonstration nontheless.

 

New players

There are a number of new players from countries across the globe who are attracted to Collegians having heard of our successes in 2001. Word travels far.

Richard Waddicor being supported by Mick Renfrey with Adrian Reynolds in attendance - both Mick & Adrian are with us courtesy of the Army.

 

Club photos

The club photos, 30+ of them, have returned to the club having been re-framed by Richard Wells.

The photos were taken down last year to be scanned and then, in theory, immediately returned to their original frames. The photos were, however, not in a good state - a number were water-stained, others were deteriorating from the acidic backing used while the rest were suffering from the effects of being badly-framed to start with - a product of one of the club's working bees of the past. So the decision was made to re-frame them all.

The idea was that Richard & I would scan the photos and then re-frame them or Collegians and then do the same for University. The framing would be done at material cost - this translates to a cost in the low hundreds as opposed to a total cost of over three thousand dollars. We had no sooner pulled them out of their frames when Richard was diagnosed with cancer and went in for an operation followed by an intensive course of chemotherapy, which is still continuing at this date (February 2002).

So, they are now back and we owe Richard a debt of gratitude for preserving what cannot be replaced. Amongst the photos was a lineout photo from the 1960s featuring amongst other notables, Mick Finn. The photo had been used as a backing for another photo. It is now framed for the first time in it's history.

Not part of the original photos, but part of the club's long & overwhelmingly illustrious career, is a small collection of photos that have either been donated to the club since I started the website and curating (!) the club's history or ones I bought copies of from the archives of the Adelaide Advertiser - a great one of Howell Witt in front of the 1928 Rugby Tourer raffle prize, for instance. These also need to be copied and framed - when funds permit.

...... PH, 8th February 2002

 

2002 Season

At a match meeting on November 19th the Clubs agreed to the competition format for the 2002 season. There will again be nine team divisions 1 and reserves. The premiership will be over 2 complete home and away rounds, covering 18 weeks. The premiership competition will commence on Saturday March 16th and the minor round will conclude on August 24th.

The premiership finals will be contested over 4 weeks by the top five teams in each division. An innovation for those clubs not contesting the premiership finals is the implementation of "Bowl and Plate" finals played concurrently during the first three weeks of the premiership finals. There will be a break in the premiership competition for the duration of the five weeks of the Australian Rugby Shield competition. A "mid season" competition will be conducted during that break where all clubs and teams will compete for the full five weeks. The format for this competition is still to be determined.

All of the above news items were taken from the SARU website - SARUgby.rugbynet.com.au

 

World Cup Game in Adelaide

After a strong bid by the South Australian Government, it looks likely that Adelaide will host some matches in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. We have never hosted a rugby Test, but apparently the SA Government's financial incentive to the Australian Rugby Union was significantly greater than rival offers. Rumour has is that a Adelaide will host multiple World Cup pool games over a weekend carnival at Hindmarsh Stadium. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth are also expected to host World Cup games in Australia, which is sharing the tournament with New Zealand. Confirmation of the match venues and schedules will be made soon, with a major media launch expected in a couple of months.

 

Pre-Season Training

Training starts at the club on 5 Feb at 6:30pm, and then every Tuesday & Thursday. IMPORTANT DATES: Level 2 Coaching Course 1 March 2002, Elizabeth Sevens - 2 March 2002, Preseason trials for team squad selection - 9 March 2002, Season starts - 16 March 2002

 

Steve Boyd - New coach of the Falcons

Steven Boyd has been appointed Coach to the Adelaide Falcons for the next two years. Originating from Wellington NZ Steve brings with him a wealth of rugby knowledge and experience. As we know, Steve has just completed a season as joint coach of Old Collegians helping Rob Sadler lead our fighting firsts to victory in the South Australian Premiership. Steve has played and coached rugby at a high level and has a Degree in Physical Education majoring in Psychology of Sport and Leisure. In other appointments, Brett O`Neill is the Manager, Michael Lowe (another Collegian) is the Physiotherapist and Graham Mudge is the Sports Trainer.

 

Crocs Latest (26th January 2002)

The crocs "first feed" for 2002 will be at the clubhouse ... Sat February 9th from 1:00 pm - bar open with a small donation/raffle for the BBQ and any BYO salads very welcome.

2002 will see an expanded "Croc" squad, comprising of 2 teams :

- the crocs - competitively social and

- the "two 3rds" socially competitive

The aim is to ...
be successful as rugby teams
enjoy Rugby
enjoy the after match festivities (and in between)
help ensure everyone gets a regular run
support the club and our sponsors

The organisational team include luminaries such as:
- Muzza / Graham / John Brady
- Gazza / Richard the Registrar
possibly even Jesse to help dig out the Young Guns??
and more ...

Absolutely everybody welcome - players, supporters and alickadoos.
Come and find out what fashion statements the crocs and 2/3rds are planning.
Let us know if you are interested but can't attend!!

...... Richard Waddicor

 

Memorial Plaque

The Club is organising a memorial plaque for Collegians who lost their lives in active military service. We already have Malcolm McQualter's details, but if anyone knows of any other OC servicemen, please contact Ted Apted with the details.

 

Left

Roman Off
Our reigning Ms College, David "Roman" Watson, has gone back home to sunny Glasgow (or thereabouts). Large amounts of beer were drunk in a final toast to him, and the 7 foot cardboard Bundy Bear in the clubrooms went missing. We're assuming he didn't try and smuggle it home in his hand luggage.
... Tregenza Times July 2002

Goughy Offy
Everyone's favourite DJ has done a runner. Shaun Gough, who was captain of both the Falcons and the OC first grade, received an offer he couldn't refuse from his employer and has had to move to Queensland with very little notice. We'll miss those 'silky smooth tones", Goughy!
... Tregenza Times July 2002

Kini
Added to our increasing list of mid-season defections is Kini Tavui. Kini is now working and living in the Port Adelaide area, and is unable to get to the club for training any more. We'll miss you Kini.
... Tregenza Times July 2002

Talk of Goughy & Kini leaving us is a litte premature. Kini will be playing for Collegians for the rest of the season (at least) and Goughy has been spotted hanging around the dressing-room. People do have difficulty leaving us which is understandable ... PH 13th August 2002

 

Emma Suttell

Sunday 1st December Emma Suttell leaves for England to meet up with Jon Collins in Devon. Sometimes you've just got to do what you've got to do. We wish you both well.

 

Returned

Dan Pryor returned for Europe in November 2002 but is planning to head for Sydney after Christmas.

 

Pre-matched

David Pack and Robby Love engaged to be married!

Oh, all right. They're engaged to their respective girlfriends, not to each other. For those who don't remember Packy, he played with us in the 1998 premiership and took off in 1999 to join the British Army. He still holidays in Adelaide and has a run for us while he's in town. Robby Love's studies and work kept him from playing regularly last year, but he's been seen around the club lately so we hope to see a determined return to the pitch for him. Congratulations to them Robby, Dave and their respective fiancés. And, as we say to all prospective Collegians couples, "Quick, breed more juniors."
... Tregenza Times, May 2002

 

Matched

Liz Dean will be marrying Martin Gaf, a 6' 2" black-belt karate player, at Aldgate on the 23rd of November. Despite what some of our guys were telling you about the longevity of marriage, I'm sure you'll be very happy.
... PH 14th November 2002

Gus Elliott, last years super-centre has finally been and got himself married to the lovely Anna. The wedding was held in Finland, where Anna is from, and they couple will settle down in Melbourne. There were a few Collegians in attendance at the ceremony, including Jack Walton and Sara Keating (nee Lasscock).
... Tregenza Times, August 2002

Congratulations to Sara Lasscock in her recent marriage to Damien Keating (who is a very nice boy, even if he is an Aussie Rules player). A large contingent of Collegians took off to Bendigo for a long weekend of weddings, parties, anything. This was much to the horror of Rob Sadler who lost a number of his first grade for the first game of the season! Collegians also featured in the ceremony, with Esme Thomas doing a reading and Fiona Brady being the Matron of Honour. The bride used to play for the Frocs before she broke her ankle, and was most often seen sporting the No. 2 jersey (we're carefully avoiding the other terminology for that position, for the sake of decency). In keeping with her skill-set, she chose to throw her bridal bouquet into a lineout of her ex-team mates, much to the bewilderment of the largely Victorian crowd!
... Tregenza Times, April 2002

It's official. Sean Faulkner is a sneaky git. Friends and family were invited to an engagement party for Sean and the lovely Keren. It was held at Keswick Barracks on 9 March 2002. To everyone's surprise, the underhanded Croc suddenly asked everyone to gather around the fountain and witness his wedding instead! Congratulations to the happy, but devious, couple!
... Tregenza Times, April 2002

Congratulations to the newly wedded Mr Greg and Mrs Maxine Moran. Maxine, who used to be a Dunn, is, of course, the hooker for the OC women's team. People who have not met Greg may nevertheless remember his brother Fraser who played for OC a couple of years ago. Both the bride and groom were very pretty in their respective frocks. Maxine looked uncharacteristically serene and composed. Those Collegians who attended are delighted to report that Maxine did not belch even once during the vows. However, her behaviour at the reception is best left undiscussed, other than to quote the bride herself - "You can dress me up but you can't take me out." Warm wishes to them both!
... Tregenza Times, March 2002

 

Pre-hatched

Sian & Jeremy Uther of the Astor Hotel and, in the case of Jeremy, the Crocs, are expecting their first in April/May 2003. Congratulations to you both. They've also put the Hotel on the market, which is a sad thing for those of us who drink there.

Ben & Fi are pregnant. There's something very fertile about those Crocs. This baby will be a very, very special Collegian. Firstly, he or she will be a third generation Collegian (just ask proud grandparents-to-be Judy & John Brady). Secondly, for the first time in the club's history this bouncing baby will be a full blood Collegian - both parents play for the club (although Fi is sitting out this year, for some reason). We're taking 20 year bets, short odds only, on the Bradys prodcuing a front rower. (P.S. Ben turned 27 last week too and his loved ones popped in to drink with him and not set fire to him - Happy Birthday, Benny-Boy!)
.... Tregenza Times July 2002

 

Hatched

Baby Wells
Richard and Sue Wells are grandparents
To quote Richard:

Mary had a little lamb
It's fleece was white as snow
Vanessa had a little boy
He's 8 pound ten, you know.

Baby Boy(d)
Collegian, Croc and Falcon's Coach Steve Boyd had a brand new son on ?? July! Warm congratulations go to Steve, Nicole and big sister Annie. We understand that Zac Henry John Boyd weighed in at about 9.5 lb, and that everyone concerned is doing just fine.

William Alexander Suttell was born at 12.29am on 7 May 2002 weighing 2.095kg, and his brother Thomas James Suttell weighing 2.4kg followed at 12.30am.
On 8th May 2002 (a day after Jo and Ginny Suttell - props always lag behind their flankers) Richard and Yorta Pardoe welcomed another pair of twin boys to the world. We are reliably informed they go by the names Tane and Henri. We are not sure whether they are identical, like the Suttell boys, but we are guessing they're at least pretty similar. Welcome to all four little blokes. We look forward to seeing them in the 2020 first grade team!

A son, Angus was born to Brian 'Comet' (player of the 1990s) and Fiona Marshall at 4:33am Friday December 7, weighing 4147 g (thats 9 pound 3 in the old money), was 51 cm long and an impressive 38 cm around the head. From Brian "He has red hair and everyone at the Mater Mothers Private thinks he looks like his old man, though I am inclined to think he is much better looking. Fiona was knocked about by the long labour and eventual C section, but is now up and about and contending with a feeding monster".

 

Monty Farrah

It is with great sorrow that we report the tragic death of Monty Farrah.

Monty was 22 at the time of his death. The Farrahs are a great old Old Collegians family. Their photos can be found on our walls and their exploits are told at the bar. Monty was no exception.

Monty played in the juniors club for many years before moving to Melbourne with his family. He was a good friend to, and is deeply mourned by, many of the lads now playing in our senior grades. Monty was studying industrial design at MIT and about to leave for Milan to complete his degree. He had travelled widely and experienced much that life has to offer. He was a bright, free spirit with a fervour for life and love of people.

His death is a loss to us all. Our most sincere condolences are extended to Monty's parents Tim and Barbara and to his brother Tom. Monty will not be forgotten.

 

 

ALLAN 'WAL' SCOLLEN

It is with great sadness that we offer our condolences to the family and friends of Wal Scollen. In February, Wal was taken tragically in a motor vehicle accident. Wal played fullback for Old Colls in 1998, and many attribute the premiership in that year to Wal's right boot. Wal is shown in the attached photo (centre, front) after the 1998 grand final. Our thoughts are with Bec, and the family.

 

Sandi Jenni

Sandra Louise 'sandi" Jenni has been killed in a motorbike accident.
She played for the women's team in 1998 and 1999 (and on and off in 2000) and is reputed to have had the best kick seen on any woman in SA

The following photograph was taken for the 1998 Women's premier team.

Sandi was killed in South Australia on Saturday August 31st. She will be buried in her home town of Burnie in Tasmania. She leaves her father Bernhart, mother Bronwyn, sisters Katrina and Rachel (her twin), brother-in-law Zef & Russell & neice & nephew Luke and Chloe.

In the photograph below Sandi is on the right.

 

Enzo Pilla

Enzo Pilla did much to support Burnside RFC over the years and especially with the Juniors. He was born in Circello, Italy 12th July 1955 and died in Adelaide 8th August 2002. Husband of Robyn, father of Stephanie and Marc.

His funeral was held at St. Ignatius, Norwood on the 12th August and was attended by at an estimated 700 people. There was opera playing quietly in the background but when his coffin came into the church it was accompanied by The World in Union, the anthem to the 1995 rugby world cup followed by the Burnside Juniors in full kit (apart from the boots).
It was good to see so many faces from other rugby clubs in Adelaide at Enzo's funeral service.

 

Lee Freer

It was a shock to hear that Lee Freer died on August 30th. Lee was a great supporter of the game through a number of clubs including most recently Collegians. She was a devoted mother to Chris and to Jason. Her funeral was held on Friday the 13th September at Enfield, well supported by junior players that Lee had managed as a team manager or had partly-adopted or both. She was a wonderful woman and will be missed by the rugby community and people from all walks of life. She was 43 years of age. There was a good ovation given by Barnsie. It was all quite emotional.
Typical of the way Lee brought up her boys was shown by a judiciary I was involved with a few years back. Chris, or "Weasal" to most, including his mum, had been cited for striking. Having just been subjected to a procession of "not me's" from those preceding Chris, the dialogue went something along the lines of:

Jesse: OK, Chris you been cited for striking, what's the story?
Weasal: Yes, well I hit him three times but I reckon only one was a good one.
Jesse: Well, that's not what the ref says
Weasal: Well what does the ref say?
Jesse: He says you only hit him once.

His penalty, a week's suspension, was one that reflected his honesty more than anything else, especially since his coach had been herd urging him to deny everything, "not me", going into the judiciary.

... PH, 15th September 2002