Bondi Breakers Junior Rugby Union Club
2020 Yearbook
President’s Report Hello Bondi Breakers Family! Firstly, I would just like to say that we have been fortunate enough to complete a season this year in rugby. Back in March, when we were preparing for the season and all hell broke loose, I thought we had slim chances of playing any rugby this year. So a big congratulations to Nagle Park for organising a 9-game season (usually 14 games) on the fly, and also adapting to COVID regulations so our kids could get out and play! This year, there was a concerted effort to let the officials referee, have the parents support all team members and for positive encouragement from all. I'm very proud to say that our club were magnificent, and as a whole the other clubs were putting in a great effort also. So I thank everybody for that. Once again, the togetherness of the mighty Bondi Breakers shone through for all to see. No other club comes close to the tight-knit, family-orientated feel we have at our club. It's really great to see so many friendly faces down at Nagle each week. It felt very unusual and lonely that first Saturday after the season, knowing there was no rugby on in the morning! Secondly, I must congratulate each of the teams for their fierce competitiveness, bravery, fairness and results! I am pretty sure every team won more than they lost and from what I saw, every player made sure they helped each other and didn't let the team down. The Under 6's, coached by Coach Ryano, were one of the best drilled Under 6 teams I have seen go through the club. Mark's relentless pursuit of perfection with his unwavering determination to complete a set of passes was a pleasure to see bare fruit. They really became a force to be reckoned with and wowed spectators with their slick moves. Unfortunately, the Ryan family move north, so thank you Mark for all your efforts, especially the essay-length game round-ups on WhatsApp. That leads me to the invincible Under 7's! Undefeated for the season, the 7's were ground-breaking in their results. Not only did they beat teams, they annihilated them. What a talented bunch of kids! It was a real pleasure to be part of that team, and it's something they will remember for times to come. We'd like to thank Coach Az for his fitness regimes that pushed us over the line in those close games, Coach Vicky for keeping things together during crazy Thursday trainings and Hi-Viz Liz for always being there and all the help on Thursdays and Saturdays. There are literally too may stars to name individually, but both Jackson and Henry sadly leave us this year. Good luck to both families and thanks to the Tuttles for being great servants of the club. Please continue your rugby in the States!
President’s Report Big congratulations to the Under 8's, who started tackling this year. You couldn't have noticed really, as all players adapted brilliantly, and big thanks must go to Jono and Chris for steering the ship. Their undying love of the game and expert coaching resulted in only one loss for the year, but put them on top of the virtual table as champions. These guys will only get better, and there are some real stars coming through. If you ever get a chance to watch their games next year, it is guaranteed entertainment! That leaves the Under 9's, who superbly teamed up with our cousins at Easts Wallaroos. This created a super team, and a real togetherness and partnership was formed throughout the year. It was very rewarding to witness both clubs coming together and very satisfying to see a club with similar values such as ours. Our guys did exceptionally well and really played some advanced rugby. This is all thanks to Coach Mike, who single-handedly committed himself to teaching the team good fair rugby in a nice calm manner. We are extremely lucky to have him coach our kids. We farewell our Under 9's this year, which is a little sad as we have seen them come through the age-groups each year, getting better and better. But we wish them the best of luck and hope they continue to play rugby and hold the values learnt at Bondi Breakers close to them in sport and in life. Congratulations and good luck! Finally, I would like to thank those who do a lot of work behind the scenes with little reward. Without Ansilea and Lou, this club could not run properly. I know I say that often, but it can't be said any other way. The amount of time they sacrifice to help the club along is immeasurable. So a big thanks to you! As this was a strange year in terms of socialising, we unfortunately could not have our annual get together. This is a real shame, as our generous new sponsors - The North Bondi RSL - have the perfect venue for a shindig. The team up at the RSL have been superb and have welcomed us into their circle with open arms. Please go up and support them as much as you can in these tough times. You can save your membership fee in the first meal, thanks to the member savings! We will try to have a get together up there when restrictions allow it. Thanks to all the parents for sacrificing their time, and a huge thanks to all those talented kids who make our faces smile! See you next year! Toby
2021 Season We hope to see you all next season. We will begin planning in Jan / Feb so please look out for our updates on our Facebook page or the Bondi Breakers website: http://bondibreakers.club/
Under 6s
Coaches: Players:
Mark and Grant Alex, Ben, Charlie, Danai, Freddie, Harley, Jai, Jonty
What a great year for the Under 6s – most of them started having never played rugby, some never having played a team sport so Mark’s work was cut out for him. By the end of the season we had a well-drilled team who were rarely running backwards, showing good ball skills, and always solid in defence and determined to score a try. Alex – What a fantastic year – a veteran from last year, Alex is really solid in defence. He has improved his stepping skills, scores his fair share and has contributed to some great wins Ben – A great team player from Chile who moved back late in the season – a great team player with great potential – we will miss him Charlie – Throws himself into everything – shows great passion and is a great attacking player – well deserved the many golden boots throughout the season Danai – Consistent every single week - listens at training, gets stuck in at the weekend and has had a fantastic year – scoring tries and defending well. Can’t wait to see Danai in action next year. Freddie – Defends like a lion and gets stuck in. Always focused on the win and he scores and scores and scores! Harley – Runs well with the ball in hand – a good allrounder – and always up for a wrestle! Jai – Once he worked out what he needed to do, you couldn’t stop Jai – this boy has pace! Jonty – His first taste of team sport – and he thrived – always gave 100% in the matches and was really getting his feel for scoring by the end of the season.
Under 7s
Coaches: Players:
Liz, Aaron, Vicky and Toby Ben, Cohen, Duke, Henry, Izzy, Jackson, Louis, Marlon, Mason,
• Brave Ben - a powerhouse in defence, you chase down the opposition each week and never ever give up. You are incredible in attack and always pick your way through the pack to the try line We love watching you dive for the line and are very excited to watch you tackle next year. • Courageous Cohen - you have grown and grown this season and are unstoppable in defence. What proud moments for all the coaches when you scored your fantastic tries. Getting better and better each game. • Daring Duke - what a season! We can’t believe it’s your first year playing rugby. You have amazing speed on the field and you are courageous in defence. You listen so intently in training, and have been a delight to coach. What a wonderful talent and one to watch for the future. • Heroic Henry - one of the kindest players on the team and one of our strongest in defence. You are fast and furious with the ball and side-step your way through the opposition. You always have a sunny smile on your face and a word of encouragement for your team mates, we have loved coaching you this season. • Incredible Izzy - you have dazzled us with your twists, turns and amazing speed. Your ferocious face in defence has frightened many teams and your passion for scoring tries is unrivalled. Untouchable for most of the season, looking forward to seeing you next year! • Just in time Jackson - you are a force to be reckoned with. You are lightning fast in defence and always able to find space with the ball. You have truly made magic in the second half of the season and are a pleasure to watch. • Lightning Louis - you have hot stepped your way through every pack and are one of our most talented try scorers every week. You impress the crowds with your fancy footsteps and are unstoppable when you set off for the corner. • Magnificent Marlon - you have impressively grabbed the game with both hands and quickly become a proficient player. You skilfully pick your way through the defensive lines and run a great line with the ball. Congratulations on a fantastic season for your first year. A master in defence! • Marvellous Mason - The more times you played, the better you became. Your enthusiasm grew on match day and you became really focused on your defence. We also saw glimpses of your lightning speed and hopefully get to see you in full flight! Thank you to all of you for the laughter, smiles and passion. We look forward to seeing all your sunny faces back next season and taking the Under 8s by storm
Under 8s
Coach: Players:
Chris & Jono Felix, Harry, Henry, James, Ollie, Spike, Thomas, Zac (plus Bennie, U7s)
Felix the Fearless - Felix was a welcome addition to our squad this year and made an immediate impact with some fearless tackles …always putting his body on the line he got more knocks , bashes, scrapes and black eyes than the rest of the team put together ..but always came back for more and never left the team a man short. A great start to his rugby career James the Jamas … always backing up off a late night sleep over James quietly went about his business but made an outstanding contribution to the team this year. He has grown with every game …solid in the tackle on the left flank , tireless at the pick and drive and providing great excitement with his penetrating runs and amazing tries. Most improved player throughout the season and a great asset to the team Henry the High one… a towering stature Henry found his rightful position in the lineout and scrums, never dropping a lineout or missing a heel he made the position comfortably his own, throughout the year developed the passion for running with the ball and developed his full frontal tackling game that had the opponents running sideways. A great platform to develop his game on Harry the Hot Stuff – Leading the defensive line he has been the cornerstone of our tackling machine and his scintillating runs and outstanding tries have proved to be the matchwinner on many an occasion . Our speed machine was just too hot to handle and deservedly gets the joint Player of the year award. Ollie the Orchestrator.. Ollie picked up where he left off last season and provided the spark and pace to open up defences with countless crowd pleasing tries. But it was at the breakdown and in defence at full back , winning turnover ball and delivering bone crushing ,covering tackles that showed how his game has developed this season. A worthy joint recipient of the player of the year award. Spike …well …The Spike …. Made the right wing position his own this year, solid in defence spiking the opposition wingers into touch , demanding the ball and setting off on scintillating runs whilst perfecting the devastating “in your nose “ Spike hand-off “ to leave the defences reeling. Terrific improvement over the season getting better with every game; a great team player but may need to work on his wolf call ;0) Thomas the Train …. Taking the express up the left wing or the bullet up the right Thomas knows where the try line is and flys towards it at full speed…nimble off his left or darting off his right he has developed his side step to perfection, and become more confident with every game…now demanding the ball he has earned the right to play with the big boys. Zac the Zappy – Zaccy has incrementally developed his game this year ; with his safe pair of hands and the lineout platform at the start; to Ball carrier and penetrating runner by mid-season with his double try haul a standout moment of the year to his new found zappiness for tackling that he developed for the final series. All the attributes to take his game to the next level. Bennie -The Braveheart …Bennies boundless enthusiasm to mix it up with the big boys from the bench has been a great asset to the team ; and has allowed us to always be at full strength for the championship playoffs. Mobile with ball in hand and often first to the breakdown but it’s the tackle that makes him tick and the more hits he makes the happier the rest of his weekend. Suspect he may make a big impact next year.
Under 9s
Coaches: Players:
Mike Anastasia, Bill, Cormac, Harrison, Jackson, Jesse, Lachlan, Marlo, Oscar, Ryker, Rhys, Tyler
The combined Wallaroo Breakers have been an amazing team to coach. Together they have some exceptional natural skill with dedication for continual improvements. They work hard together and have created an excellent team spirit in a short period. A successful season overall with each player improving and giving 100% every week. • Anastasia: A fantastic season for Anastasia. She has improved all around and shown no fear in tackle, and straight and strong running with the ball. Her tries have been self-made and shown hunger for the line. • Bill: Injured early in the season Bill came back with great speed and excellent ball skills. He is a natural player with excellent skills across the board. Always eager to get on the field and give it 100%. • Cormac: Cormac is a highly dedicated and regarded player in the team. Throughout the year he has given 100% at training and games and been the team mate that is always at your back ready to help you push through for the ruck. • Harrison: This year has seen Harrison come into his own with some exceptional tries scored with crafty ball running and speed across the field. He has worked hard throughout to improve his tackle game and this season has definitely been Harrisons best yet. • Jackson has shown to be an all around exceptionally skilled player. He puts his body on the line for every tackle and ball carry. His trademark blue head gear is always the first into the ruck and his dedication to the game has seen some excellent all-round play. • Jesse: Jesse’s ball stealing ability has resulted in numerous tries throughout the season. His tackle game has improved throughout and he continues to be a great asset to the team. • Lachlan: A natural player with a great work ethic, Lachlan has excelled in offence and defence alike finishing the season as the highest try scorer. He is always there in support of his team mates and shows great overall knowledge of the game. • Marlo: Marlo has stepped up this year and shown his great agility and speed with the ball. He can be relied on to get into the ruck and come away with the ball, setting up his team mates for tries. • Oscar: A reliable and consistent player who gives 100% every game. His natural talents in attack and defence have been incredible. A natural leader, Oscar has rallied the team well without a coach on the field. • Ryker: Ryker has shown throughout the season to be a strong and straight running ball carrier. His commitment to getting into the rucks has shown great improvement as has his tackle game. • Rhys: His passion for the game has seen Rhys develop some great skills this season with agility in attack and support of this team mates in defence. Rhys is always ready to play and give his all. • Tyler: Tyler is a quick little ball carrier that zips around the field showing excellent support of his team mates. He has been a fearless tackler throughout the season against players twice his size. A great all round player and massive asset to the team.
And finally a big thank you to… To our amazing sponsors – North Bondi RSL Their first year sponsoring the club showing their support for local communities and kids sports.
Our coaches and all the other parent volunteers supporting the kids and the club week on week – we couldn’t do it without you!!