Banger Banter 1st Quarter 2011

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BANGER BANTER JANUARY - MARCH 2011 WWW,OLDBANGKOKBANGER.COM

OLD BANGKOK BANGERS RUGBY CLUB

Over A Heinnie PADDY McKENNA From The Armchair

The Healthy Banger FITNESS LEVELS NEEDED TO PLAY RUGBY

Legends EDDIE EVANS

Stews Views

The Days Of Our Wives

The Ancient Quill

Banger Humour

Ask Nantida




“You

Will Always Be A Banger”

January - March 2011

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Message from The Chairman Andrew McDowell moving forward into 2011.

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Tates

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Coaches Last Word

2010 A year in review Peter Burgess resigns as Banger coach

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The Ancient Quill

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Stews Views

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Five Minutes

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Faces 2010

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Strewth

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Geoff The Chef

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The Days Of Our Wives

Banger Ancients play Saka Wakuyu RFC Japan Stewart Gorman writes about life back in England Quick questions to Simon Davis Photo essay Banger heads 2010 An Aussie enlightens us on rugby How to cook chicken Marengo Interview With Lieke Burghout - Lemmers

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Legends

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From The Armchair

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The Wall Of knowledge

The Eddie Evans story Where are you going to watch the World Cup ? The Shanghai Shaggers. Just who are they?

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Clubhouse

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The Healthy Banger

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Hartley’s Banger Humour

Whats happening at Wall Street Exercise for rugby Chris finds joke to brighten up your day

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uilding on last years success to going to be a exciting challenge for our club in 2011. Peter Burgess. our club coach for the last three years, is stepping down. With work and family commitments. Peter no longer has the time to devote to the coaching responsibilities. He has done a fantastic job in getting the Bangers to where they are now. Whoever takes over this role, has big shoes to fill. Training starts gain on the 16th January with one month to prepare for the Bangkok International Tens. This a tough tournament, so the Bangers will have to be at the top of their game to improve on last years performance. Someone asked me the other day “How good are the Bangers?” Its a difficult one to answer, as we represent many age bands and consequently, play three different teams, depending on the opposition. We are are still a social club and perhaps we should never forget that. How would we stack up against rugby clubs in Hong Kong or Singapore? Socially we are in the mix, however in competition football the Banger Colt and Vets would have their challenges. Simply, because both Singapore and Hong Kong have a larger expat community an indigenous player base to draw on, more clubs and a well organized and structured rugby competition. Having said that, the Bangers have come a long way since 2002, and our achievements in 2010 - our best ever - are a measurable step upwards. Winning the Royal Bangkok Sports Tournament was a feather in our hat however, we were unable to nail the Jewel In the Crown, the Thai Rugby Union competition. Yes we are on the right track and yes the Banger can and will achieve greater heights. Again a reminder. The Bangkok International Tens is our tournament. Volunteer and help Eddie Evans make this tournament, the showpiece of Asia. Don’t wait to be asked. 2011 will be the sixth year, the club has published the Banger Banter newsletter. It all started in 2006, when Trevor Day, Mark William and I were on the committee and tasked with finding sponsors. The newsletter was proposed as a primary vehicle to promote the sponsors. The rest is history. If you want to contribute to building a better Banter each quarter, please contact me.

Editor EDITORIAL : Roberto Guolo, Andrew Tatam, Peter Burgess, Rick O’Shea, Geoff McKenna, Kevin Hulton-Smith, Mike Laloli

CONTRIBUTORS : Andrew McDowell, Paddy McKenna, Lieke Lemmers, Chris Hartley, Ritchie Owens

PROOF READER : Roger Fitzgerald WEBMASTER : Jason Manning

PHOTOGRAPHY : Johnn Jaspers, Robert Brewer

The BANGER BANTER is published quarterly by the Old Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club for members, sponsors and friends of the rugby club. The Banger Banter is downloadable from the club web site. Members contribute all editorial and photography. The layout and design is provided by Ruck Graphics - a member of the Old Bangkok Banger Rugby Club

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Image : Robert Brewer


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I trust you all enjoyed the Christmas and New Year break. The Editor G reetings. has asked me to write a short note for the first Banter of the New Year. We have a busy two months ahead in preparation for the Bangkok International Rugby Tens on the weekend of the 11th-12thth of February. Please do whatever you can to support this event, as there is a lot of work behind the scenes to make this tournament the success it is. As you know it is a Banger hosted tournament and does a lot to enhance the reputation as a club, regionally and internationally. Shortly after the Tens, we have our unique and entertaining Captains Dinner, at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. This is a “must attend” event. Last year, the attendance was down. Please make the effort and support your club and be there. The dinner organizers, put an incredible amount effort into making it a memorable evening. No expense spared on the multimedia show they tell me. After the Captains Dinner, there will be the club Annual General Meeting, to elect new officers for the 2011/12 year. Make an effort to come along and give your support or stand and join the committee. Express your ideas on how the club should be run. The direction of the club depends on you, make sure your voice and vote are heard. Last year was special for the club and we must build on this. I was particularly proud of our achievements, in getting it right with a mix of rugby and social activity for all age bands including family and friends. That is what our club is all about. Finally, never forget to support our sponsors, their services and products, whenever you have a chance. They are extremely important to us. We could not organise the club activity and youth and education support programs without their generous support. Please make the effort. Let’s make sure whenever we all we meet, we know what we are all about and that is “Fun, Fraternity, and Friendship”. Yours in Banger Rugby

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fter the tremendous result at the recent RBSC Tournament, we came of age as a rugby powerhouse in the region. The question is how would we follow this up? Training did not quite continue in the same vein with some low turnouts although, those that did worked hard to keep the Bangers Ball on a roll. There have certainly been no shortage of events that have continued to keep us busy as a community. The Bangkok International 7s was tough on Saturday but Sunday brought it’s rewards as the brave, few and true played out of their skins to get to the Bowl final which was narrowly lost to a side full of reinforcements. Great to see many Bangers involved in supporting David Duffall in helping run of the event. The annual Bangers Golf Day lived up to expectations and a huge thank you to Jeremy Fairbrother and Grahame “Soi Dog” Fox for their organizational skills for this major vent on the club calendar (if anyone has found my Dunlop clubs, please do let me know!) Next up was a visiting Saga Wakuyo RFC from Japan who played superb Ancients Rugby and certainly made the Colts realize that at the age of 77, rugby is still possible! A great day with our friends from the Bangkok Japanese, allowing all three age groups in the club to have a run. Our first tour to Chiang Mai for their inaugural Chiang Mai Ten’s tournament, was well supported with over twenty Bangers making the trip by bus, train and plane. The train was certainly special as was the rugby and of course Superhero Saturday! Unfortunately, we lost the plate final but still came away with some silverware and should be pleased to have been the only team not to have lost to the eventual winning the Russian side.

The Banger Christmas Party was also well supported, with thirty Bangers enjoying a marvellous turkey dinner at our sponsors pub in Sukhumvit. Queen Victoria Bar & Restaurant. We are grateful to Heineken our prime sponsor, for the beer. This helped the evening to flow rather well! Another tradition was also upheld. The club assumed family christmas cheer mode, We played a Northern v Southern Hemisphere game early in afternoon followed by the Bangers Carol Concert in the Sky Lounge our home away from home. A huge thank you to all to the players and families for supporting one of my favourite Bangers events of the year. The special Vajiraudh Centenary Sevens on the 19th December was the last event of the Banger year. No silverware to report unfortunately. The Bangers players did the club proud in a challenging end to what has been the busiest year ever for the Old Bangkok Bangers rugby club. I would like us all to take a moment to remember why we enjoy being a part of the Old Bangkok Bangers and to ensure that the spirit that binds us is never lost or taken for granted. Finally, a special thank you to Pete Burgess who will be stepping down as Coach in the new year, after a marvellous stint at the helm. Thanks Pete and may good fortune and happiness follow you wherever you may go. You will ALWAYS be a Banger! See you back at training at Patana on Sunday January 16th. We all need to be there to prepare for the Bangkok International Tens. Also, any Banger that has some spare time on their hands, volunteer and help Eddie with organizing the this tournament. Onwards and upwards in 2011. Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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s many of you are already aware I will be stepping down as Coach of the Bangers in the near future. Work & family commitments are the primary reasons but after 3 years it is time to give another willing soul the opportunity to coach this great club. In recent years, we have achieved many things but I believe more importantly we have played more rugby at all levels (Colts, Veterans & Ancients) than previous years, while continuing to promote the club motto “fun, friendship & fraternity”. The Bangers are now a recognized club, within the Asia & wider pacific region, with many touring teams requesting games against the mighty Bangers when touring our fair shores. On a final note, I must thank the sponsors many whom have been supporting the club since I joined in 2006. Even during difficult economic times, these sponsors still managed to maintain their sponsorship which is important for our (any) club to function. Thanks for the great times & many more to come! Cheers,

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COVER STORY

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ver the years, the Bangers have had a number of exciting players join the club. Many stay, others just touch base, perhaps have a game and then you never see them again. One of those that has stayed is Ritchie Owens, who joined the Banger in early 2010, fresh from a season with his club in England Buckingham RFC He made an impression in his first game with the Bangers. A precise and a hard-hitting fullback and midfield runner with the rare knack of always taking his man out and making space for support players. Should you ever wish to understand the meaning of the rugby vernacular ‘making the hard yards’, spend 10 minutes watching him play. Ritchie radiates the kind of easy-smiling, charismatic confidence with absolutely nothing to prove on the paddock.

He was born in Portsmouth on the south coast of England. At the age of six his family moved to Milton Keynes He was educated at Kings Brooks School, Milton Keynes. Phil Jones was his coach and mentor at the school. “He persuaded me to play rugby and also made sure I stayed on the right track. He also influenced me to join the Buckingham RFC, after realizing that I had some rugby potential.” He was vividly remembers being the smallest and youngest on the team at school and being bullied by the senior heavier players. In the early days, the coach always put him our on the wing “I remember freezing my bollocks off and was left with numb fingers and toes on many occasions during the rugged English winters” Buckingham Rugby Club has quite a history. The club was established in 1933 and currently has three senior sides a women’s team and a legend of junior teams from colts down to youngsters. He is particularly proud of the clubs achievements. From league champions to cup winners in recent years, “The club just keeps going from strength to strength.” Once he joined Buckingham, he learnt the fullback trade and has played in that position ever since. He never lost sight of the club doctrine, the desire to always play at your best, not just for yourself, but for your team mates and club. One player that stands out above others who influenced him his early career was Jonah Lomu, “He was just massive and had gas to burn.” He will never forget when he just rolled over the English defence during a World Cup game. He remembers saying “ I want to be like that.” Ritchie is enjoying his rugby with the Bangers. “It a good standard of of club rugby playing and the social side of Banger life is just fantastic, When the Bangers get together for a beer, it’s never worth missing.” He brings plenty of enthusiasm to the Bangers, evident when first wore the club colours. As Peter Burgess the Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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club coach says “he is a very reliable and capable fullback both on attack, defence and loves to counter attack at anytime. Just a great asset to our club.” Outside of rugby he loves to travel and have been around the world twice in opposite directions “I think I have been to around 45 countries now, so it’s certainly a passion.” If he wasn’t playing rugby in Bangkok he would have found a football club. He id not the sort of guy to sit idly around. “Hate not doing anything.” Another sport he has an interest in is Muay Thai, the Thai martial art. Ritchie has very strong view on the current crop of english players in the round ball code. It really annoys him, that after the slightest knock they are rolling around in agony on the ground. “Just don’t get me started on their ambitious pay demands.” He did however, have a kind wrap for Paul Gascoigne, the English star from yesteryear. As he points out “he certainly knew how to party, just a shame he let influences off the pitch effect his career.” He cant wait for the World Cup. On England chances in the World Cup this year? “The English side have taken note from the southern hemisphere teams and learning that kicking away possession is not the way forward. Keep the ball in hand and play fast running rugby and England can beat anyone. England have great players. Have to work on the confidence factor and play as a team. Obviously New Zealand are the favourites, Lets not forget England beat Australia the second favourites so yes England can win the world cup. Look what the English cricketers have done.” Ritchie has been a real bonus to the Bangers, giving the club some depth in a position it was lacking. For the foreseeable future, he has made his mark and locked up the full back position. Long may that be. Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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O envisage the ne can well

discussions in the bars and rugby clubs in Tokyo, following the meeting between the Tokyo Saga Wakuyu RFC and the Old Bangkok Banger Ancients last November at Thammarsat University. The visitors expected to play the Colts, then an old boys team. They wore their colored shorts to denote their ages, and the tackle rules relating to each color. They had not, however expected to be confronted by a new set of rules, and a different style of rugby: The Banger Ancients Rules The explanation to their team - non English speaking - of the Grab-and-Hold Ancients rule was received with much trepidation. The over-seventies players were pointing to their gold shorts. The red shorts appeared to be less than impressed. All were laughing at the Aussie Gaijin giving a miming demo of the tackle/release. The Ancients turned out in force. We had seventeen starters, The visitors snuck in a few Black shorts to augment their limited numbers, as they had not planned for a full over-fifties match. The referee, non-english speaking, was as mystified by every-

thing about the rules except for the instruction that it must end in a draw. He did not - could not - take much part in the game, but he appeared to have as much fun as the players. The kick-off was commandeered by Superman and the game commenced in typical “softly” old boy style but after a few moves the Japanese began to recall their glory days of long ago, and all thoughts of self preservation were soon forgotten, Of course the Bangers responded in kind and everyone got into the spirit of a rather scrappy, but good-spirited melee. The result was two tries all. but nobody noticed. The Ancients motto is “Who cares who wins” The idea is fraternity and fun. The game was the first Banger Ancients match against another club. It was played in great spirit by both clubs and I’m sure the visitors will not soon forget the experience. It was very gratifying to see so many Ancients roll up for the match. The Old Bangkok Bangers RC should continue to foster and promote the Ancients level of the game. Other rugby clubs will surely follow and more inter-club matches will ensue. A common statistic used in rugby competition is the aggregate weight of the forward pack. In the Bangers / Saga Wakuyu game, we calculated on age. The aggregate of the two teams ages was 1,200 years. Thanks to all the Ancients who turned out for the game. You will be getting the call to arms early in the new year for more fun and frolic. Sunday afternoons at Patana School for training are encouraged. Look forward to all your support in 2011

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BANTER :. Been looking forward to this interview for sometime. Hard to catch you these days PADDY : Rampaging Babyzilla now takes most of my time. Hoping to redress the balance in the New Year. BANTER : Where are you from PADDY : Anglo-Irish hybrid. BANTER : So where do you call home? PADDY : Very much Bristol. The place of my emotional and intellectual epiphany. Unfortunately, also home to a particular brand of the game called cromagnon rugby, which scared me off for a while... BANTER : How old were you when you started to play rugby and what was the name of your first club ? PADDY : I was really, overly, exuberantly, morbidly fat as a youngster. Got into a Grammar School and was forced to play. Was leading try scorer for the first two years of Rugby – 60 scores in the first year. Then again, I was the same weight I am now, but I was playing against 11 year olds. BANTER : Do you have fond memories of those early days ? 13

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PADDY : Without getting soppy, rugby turned me from the butt of all the fat jokes, into a rather popular fat kid. If there was one thing that made me the person I am today, it was rugby, and realizing that I could actually be good at something. Oh, and I also learned to smash people who disagreed with me on the last point. BANTER : Where did you played your senior rugby? PADDY : Started at New Brighton, offered a contract in Australia, but the fun had been sucked out of rugby by training four times a week and playing twice a week; at the last minute decided to take the easy option and do a degree. Spent 10 years metamorphosing from a climbing instructor, computer nerd, then teacher until finally, I emerged from my chrysalis like a beautiful butterfly, but in the shape of a Banger. BANTER : Who has been the biggest influence on your career? PADDY : Mike Briers – inspirational, pipe-smoking, moustached, flat-capped First XV coach. First teacher to punch me in the face for being lippy. Fully deserved it too. Colin Bentley – one-eyed, rugby aficionado. Apparently chanted “Bigger! Faster! Stronger!” In his sleep. Tom Kerr – crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. BANTER : Who was your sporting hero as a kid? PADDY : Bill Beaumont, Jeff Probyn, Daley Thompson and Viktor Ubugo. One of my wife’s mates used to go out with the latter. He is now he is crossed off my list because she said he was rubbish. BANTER : What motivates you on the pitch? PADDY: Blood-lust. Showing off my kicking skills. Biting. BANTER : Any superstitions or phobias ? PADDY: Poo speckled pants are a must. I have a phobia of smiling French men.


“You

Will Always Be A Banger” PADDY : Bob and Heath told me about Fight Club, but the first rule means I can’t tell you. BANTER : Are you enjoying your rugby in Bangkok ? PADDY: Yes. Whole heartedly. Playing with 17 different nationalities, some of them even French, has been a whole new rugby experience, and brings home the meaning of fraternity in what can be a dauntingly international location. BANTER : I can’t help noticing you enjoy the social side of the game ? PADDY: I don’t enjoy it. I put myself through it to prove to myself that I love rugby. If you can put up with the Bangers just to get a game at the weekend, then you definitely love the sport. But more seriously, there is more good heart in the Bangers than any other club I have played with, and that translates into social fun. What’s not to love? BANTER : What are your other interests outside of rugby? PADDY: Cooking. With wine in hand. And music. BANTER : What’s the most important thing in life? PADDY: Appreciation of your situation. BANTER : Where would your ideal holiday be? PADDY : Thailand, Koh Tao, eating top notch Thai food, waiting to go diving. BANTER : Paddy. Thanks for you time PADDY: In with anger, out with love.

BANTER : Any pre-match routine? PADDY: No sex on match day. Not even with girls. BANTER : What do you do to get rid of nerves before a match? PADDY: Andrew Tatam. BANTER : If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be? PADDY: A burlesque dancer, maybe with a sideshow monkey act? BANTER : Second sport after rugby? PADDY: Mountain biking - downhill & fast -. (Falling off repeatedly) BANTER : If you were stranded on a deserted Island what three things would you take? PADDY: Family, a Henckels knife and the Larousse Gatronomique. BANTER : What is has been your best sporting moment on the field? PADDY : The final whistle after my first game back playing after a pretty nasty neck injury. BANTER : When you arrived in Bangkok, how did you end up playing with the Bangers ? Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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Old Bangkok Banger Rugby Therapist What’s all the fuss? It’s not as if your 11-year-old has asked you if he can try heroin or row single-handed across the Atlantic. I suggest you buy him some cheap boots – in case he doesn’t like it – and let him have a go. I imagine your son will play rugby until he is squashed in a scrum and then he’ll either get up and think “That was fun!” or “I’m never doing that again”. Either way he will have made his own decision and it seems to me that is more important than sparing your son a few bruises. Talk to the Old Bangkok Bangers coach, I am sure he can help you through this Prof Nantida Promsak

OBBRT

Nantida For the past six weeks I’ve been seeing a rugby player I met through a dating web site here in Bangkok. We get on well and things look very promising, however I lied about my age on the site I’m actually 35, not 31. He’s 29. I had planned to confess sooner, but one thing led to another and time flew. What should I do? Lying Through my Teeth This is an easy one to answer. I should tell you, it comes up often. Thai women can often look younger than their years. However you cannot delude yourself. You need to tackle this issue now. So I suggest when you are both next out for dinner or perhaps during a more intimate moment you tell him the truth. If he likes you I am sure it is not going to be a issue. You may find he is disguising his age also. You must however be prepared for the consequences. That is, the relationship is over. Nantida My 11-year-old son is keen to take up rugby at the weekends. We are not a sporting family and I imagine that he must have got the idea from watching the recent internationals on television. I believe that, like many children, he does not get a great deal of exercise and, while he is not particularly out of shape, I can certainly vouch for the fact that he does not do much at home beyond exercising his thumbs on a television remote or computer game console. I suppose I should be delighted that he wants to be running about in the fresh air. I recall however rugby players as boozy, boring and socially inept, and, to be honest, I’m also more than a little worried that he might get squashed under a scrum. Worried Mum 17

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Nantida I know what my rugby playing boyfriend is getting me for my birthday and I’m incredibly disappointed. I hoped he’d get me something sparkly and fun like a ring or a bracelet, but I happened to see him return home with a Montblanc bag the other day, so I guess I’ve got a fountain pen. I know it sounds spoilt and they are very expensive, but they are something he loves, not me; I couldn’t care less about what kind of pen I use. I’d much rather he spent less getting me something I actually want. Should I drop some heavy hints? Or should I just feign happiness on the day? Don’t Know What To Do He got you a pen. You wanted a bracelet. You are “incredibly disappointed”? When you open your present you shouldn’t need to feign happiness. Be thrilled that someone has bothered to buy you anything. One last thing: please don’t use your beautiful new pen to write to me ever again. Nantida My daughter has become romantically involved with an old friend of her father’s who is 23 years her senior. He played rugby with my husband for many years so their lots of male bonding here He’s a divorced father of two teenagers and quite the womaniser. She’s 30, so it’s up to her, but I disapprove. She isn’t interested in my opinion and her father refuses to say anything. What can I do? Tell Me The Truth This is tough advice, but your dispiriting situation warrants it. I think just back off. Summon up all your acting ability and play a sophisticated, seen-it-all-before, unshockable mother with a life of her own. Your daughter is 30 years old. Get a grip. I would try very hard to look the other way and wait until she comes out the other side.


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Stewart Gorman - London, Banger 2007 -10

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It is minus 5 at the time of writing but London has many similarities to the Bangkok I left in April with the streets being taken over by demonstrators although life continues as normal for most. Last year, I was celebrating my fiftieth at the Red and White with a trusty band of Bangers. Twelve months and my 51st was at the Stoop watching the Harlequins beat Newcastle. A scrappy game, but the live band afterwards with copious amounts of Guinness followed by spicy rum and rum and cloves led to talk of the Lions Tour to Australia in 2013. I ended up fantasizing about stopping off in Thailand. Unfortunately in the cold light of day it seems like beer talking as no-one has mentioned it since. Having seen how the professionals do it, the following weekend I went along for some grass roots rugby at Upminster. I took my 10 year old nephew along. On the way to the ground, he said he had played his first game of touch rugby that week and on arriving at the park he was more interested in throwing and catching a spare rugby ball than watching the matches. Not a bad judge as both games had uncontested scrums which spoils the whole idea of a 15–a-side game. The referee in the second team match was centre of attention refereeing in a coat. At first I thought his top may clash with one of the teams, but he proved to be a home ref by giving Upminster a penalty try for an indiscretion in the half Upminster were defending. I did check to make sure he was not from Thailand. While the level of rugby was debatable, my nephew has the makings of a natural full back, catching every high ball that came his way even jumping up to

collect them. He sent me a text later in the week to say he scored his first try but his team came second. A remarkable resemblance to his uncle’s career. The autumn highlight was England’s match against Australia. Very much like old times for me as I picked up a game for Wanstead’s Vets, the Desperados and lost by 5 tries to 1. The early kick off allowed us to finish in time to watch the England – Australia game. Unfortunately the other game Wanstead Desperados I chose to watch in a pub was against South Africa. They taught England a lesson that day and played like England did circa 2003 stifling the life out of the opposition. It’s was not free try scoring rugby. Still great to watch even though England were on the receiving end. Christmas is almost here and while I miss out on the Christmas carols at the Red & White and the Club Christmas dinner. I did see “Squeeze and the Lightning Seeds” in concert as a Christmas treat. Bangers, hope you and yours have a great Christmas and all the very best for 2011. Can I set your New Year resolution for you - win back the Weasel Cup at the Bangkok 10s. If it is not too late, could I add my congratulations to all involved in regaining and retaining the Soi 33 Cup and then going on to win the RBSC tournament. From the reports I’ve seen, it was a great all round team effort.

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Where were you born ? London The name of your first rugby club ? Wasps What was your club nickname? N/A Did you ever play first grade rugby? No Where do you call home? Where Ever I Sleep Five words that describe you... Caring, Friendly, Fun Loving , Sporty What’s is a phrase you use often...? Effing Brilliant Are you superstitious? Somewhat What is the most surprising thing ever to happen to you ? Getting Posted To Thailand What’s a common misperception people have of you ? No Idea Whats your ideal night out ?. Being With Friends In a nutshell, what is philosophy of life ? That Nothing Is Impossible After a busy day what would be the perfect way to relax ? Drink a few Heinekens What motivates you to be focused and driven? Having clear objectives What’s your favourite food? Fish What is your greatest talent or party trick? Just being myself Book you are currently reading or have just finished: “I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell” by Tucker Max Favourite TV programme:? Discovery Channel Favourite Film:? Chariots Of Fire Most enjoyable holiday location:? Hua Hin Person you would most like to meet: ? Nelson Mandela Hobbies: ? Reading and music Biggest influence on career: ? Reading “Noble House” Best career advice you were given ? Move overseas Other sports that you played: ? Squash, Soccer and Cricket Best rugby memory: ?

England winning the world cup in 2003 Rugby player you admire most ? Martin Johnson Rugby team you admire most: ? Argentina Sporting event you would most like to attend: ? Ashes Test In Melbourne Three people you would invite to dinner ? Neslon Mandela, Margaret Thatcher And Bill Clinton

QUICK FIRE Comedy or action ? Action Books or films? Books Beer or spirits? Beer Fast food or healthy eating? Healthy eating Night in or night out? Night out McDonald’s, Pizza or street food? Street food Deep Purple or U2 ? U2 Heineken or Singha ? Heineken Blonde or Brunette? Brunette

FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND Best Airline ? Singapore Airlines Politics ? Boring Religion ? Buddhism Sex ? Females Reality TV ? Turn Off Red Shirts ? Liverpool Soccer ? Hairdryers Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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See I told ya. The Wallabies had a great tour to the northern hemisphere. Beating the All Blacks for starters in Hong Kong. Not just beat them, dismantled them. OK. we lost against England at Twickenham, Yes the Poms found a few holes in Wallaby backline. and played a perfect game of footy on the day. A disappointing loss however, the boys got over this quickly, and continued in their winning ways. Whilst the Chariots couldn’t string together another win. “Dingo Deans” has the Wallabies on track for a Finals slot in the World Cup this year. Mark my words. He has had to take a huge amount of criticism from “there should be an Ozzie coaching the Wallabies” camp. This has not fazed him. He has just got on with it. Look at the team three years ago and the team today. Its chalk and cheese. Better You gotta take your hats off to our antipodean cousins, winning the Grand Slam. They played some great footy. Sonny “Boy” Willams come into his own. His one hand passes had the sport writers looking for superlatives to describe his talents. Some have said he is even a better find than the great Jonah Lomu. A

bit over the top. As I write this column, the Poms gave the Ozzies a shellacking in the cricket test series in Australia. Crikey, whoever would have thought you would see the day when the Poms would win a test series against the men in the baggy green in Australia. It would seem Ricky Ponting’s days as skipper are maybe numbered. A year ago, he was untouchable. Shane Warne back as Ozzie skipper ?? Na. Too much baggage. What I cannot understand is. We set up the cricket academy in Adelaide a few years back, to identify young and up and coming talent. That is, batsmen and bowlers. Where are they? You watch, some heads will roll here over this. The rugby season is a couple of months. So I am going to take the opportunity to rest the liver, dry out, go into rehab and get involved in a fitness program. Its going to be a long season with the Six Nations, Super 15’s and the Rugby World Cup coming up during 2011. Have to learn to pace myself. See ya round Bazza

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or our French brethren amongst the Bangers, the following is the history of this truly classic French dish. Marengo is the name of the battle in which Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the Austrians on 14 June 1800. This battle unwittingly gave its name to a chicken dish that was cooked on the battlefield by Napoleon’s master chef, Dunand. The story goes that Bonaparte, who on battle days ate nothing until the fighting was over, had gone forward with his general staff and was a long way from his supply wagons. Seeing his enemy running away, he asked Dunand to prepare dinner for him.

The master chef immediately sent men of the quartermaster’s staff and ordinance corps in search of provisions. All they could find were a couple of eggs, tomatoes, half a dozen crayfish, a chicken, some garlic, oil and a pot. Using his own bread ration, Dunand first made a panade with oil and water, then having drawn and jointed the chicken, browned it in oil and fried the 22

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Geoff Mckenna - Banger Class of 2002

eggs in the same oil with a few cloves of garlic and the tomatoes. Then, over this mixture he poured some water and some brandy, which he “borrowed” from Napoleon’s flask, and put the crayfish on top to cook in the steam. The dish was served on a tin plate, the chicken surrounded by the fried eggs and the crayfish, with the sauce poured over it. Bonaparte, who after demolishing the whole meal without offering anybody else to share, commented to Dunand “you must feed me like this after every battle”. The originality of this impoverished dish lay in the garnish. Unlike “Chicken a la Provencale” which is sautéed in oil with garlic and tomatoes and was already registered in the Paris Directory (1796-1799), Dunand was well aware that the crayfish were out of place in this dish, and so later he substituted wine for the water and mushrooms for the crayfish. During the next battle when Dunand served the “new improved” version, Bonaparte said angrily “you have left out the crayfish. It will bring me bad luck. I don’t want any of it – you can shove it”. Of course, the crayfish garnish was immediately restored and it has remained to this day the traditional garnish for this classic masterpiece. ENJOY


“You

Will Always Be A Banger”

BANTER : We are interviewing wives of Banger players,. The Banter thought you may like to have your say LIEKE: I am over the moon with excitement! BANTER : We wrote a story about your husband a few Banters ago, so fortunately we are lucky to know a little about you. LIEKE, Not sure if I had the honor to read this piece about Christo. I hope he kept it decent. BANTER : Where are you from in Holland LIEKE, I come from a very small village called Hippolytushoef. About 6000 people live there and they all know each other very well. Both my parents are entrepreneurs. My mom runs a bookstore and my dad a print shop. My mom is also into politics. It was not a hard choice to leave the nest young and study in Amsterdam when I was 16 years old. I didn’t need my old folks to know about all my adventures. BANTER : How and where did you meet your fleet footed husband Christo ? LIEKE : I met Christo in Amsterdam where we both studied to become Physical Education teachers. It was love for him at first sight. I forgot him after the first meeting. It was love for me at the second meeting!!! BANTER : Christo has taken a few knocks this year. He well known at local hospitals. Do his rugby related injuries concern you? LIEKE; Of course I don’t like to see him get hurt at

all. I remember Christo and Roberto received head injuries during the Pattaya International Tens. Roberto was well taken care of by the sideline by first aid attendants however, Christo ran back onto the field after covering his wound with duct tape and continued playing. The worse injury this year with to his eye. I am normally present at every game but wasn’t able to be there to watch this one. I receive a phone call from Christo after the match. He was really happy because the Bangers had just won a very tough game against the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. After I congratulated him I asked him what time would he be home. He then informs me that he are on their way to the hospital. 36 stitches around the eye Crazy, Yes I was concerned. BANTER : You seem to enjoy the club social life with the Bangers. Not too many function you don’t attend LIEKE; I wholeheartedly enjoy hanging out with the Bangers. I love sports and watching rugby. The Bangers are a very nice bunch of people who have always made me feel welcome. The only social functions I miss are those that I am not invited to… BANTER : We notice you are expecting an addition to the Lemmers family. Whats it going to be - boy or girl? LIEKE; Three more weeks and then we will know for sure…. However doctor told us that we are expecting a girl. BANTER : How long have you been in Bangkok now? LIEKE; Four - five years. Gosh, that is a long time! Banter : What are some of the challenges you faced moving here? LIEKE; The move from Holland was not easy. Dutch bureaucracy was harsh, having to cancel all kinds of memberships, contracts etc. We have a small apartment in Amsterdam that we are renting out while we are living here in Bangkok. It was especially difficult to find the right people to rent our apartment too. We did not want anyone who was going to turn it into a marijuana factory !!!! BANTER : Do you enjoy the cosmopolitan life of Bangkok? LIEKE; Bangkok is great. I love living here. When we first arrived we couldn’t get our heads around how big this city is. The school where we started was located on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 184 and our hotel was on Ramkhamhaeng Soi 42. We thought we could walk to the Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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school from the hotel. After an hour we only made it as far as Soi 64. We realized this was not a good idea and gave up. Even now, after 4,5 years we still are surprised about the size of this city. The highways, expressways, the toll ways. I never really know where I am. BANTER : Some women have reservations about moving to Bangkok because of what they have heard about the place. Did that faze you? LIEKE : I didn’t really fully investigated Bangkok before moving here. I thought it would be great. Nice weather sandy beaches and great traveling. This is still my opinion. BANTER : Are your Thai language skills improving by the day? LIEKE; My Thai-English has improved alot! Languages are not my strong suite. I know enough Thai to direct a taxi driver to where I need to go, order drinks and food. I can haggle a bit, yep I know my numbers. When I was teaching at Ruamrudee International School I was almost able to sing the national anthem. BANTER : It is often said the western spouse become invisible in Thailand often have a lot of spare time on their hands. Your thoughts? LIEKE; Invisible ? I have never heard of this before. Christo and I both came to Thailand to teach at an International School. After 2 years I was hired by Bangkok Patana School to become their Head Coach for Gymnastics. This job does not leave me with a lot of spare time on my hands. I work full time and overtime and I enjoy every bit of it. The holidays are great and we use these normally to travel and to see the rest of the world. This Christmas holiday will be the first time ever that we are homeward bound. BANTER : The cliche laden view is that Bangkok is seedy and not the ideal posting for a western women. Your thoughts ? LIEKE; I don’t really have an answer to this question. If a western woman wants to find a partner she is better off going elsewhere. Most single men in Thailand seem to end up with a Thai bride. BANTER : Describe your socializing style ? LIEKE; beer-bar-chitchats (in Dutch: “slap ouwehoeren”) BANTER : Whats a favorite place to met friends for a social drink ?

LIEKE; I love dinner parties and drinks with my friends at home. When we were still living in Amsterdam we would to this often. It is quite expensive to go out for meals in Amsterdam. BANTER : And your favorite restaurant ? LIEKE; At this moment, I only dig western food. That has everything to do with the pregnancy. Before, I could eat all different types of food but now I only like to eat western. Actually a sandwich with cheese is on top of my list. Ridiculous I know. Ask me again after this little cloggie has left the oven. I might have a better answer then. I also like the kroketten en bitterballen from The Green Parrot but again this is a pregnancy thing….. BANTER : Name one place in town that everyone should check out at least once? LIEKE; Cheap Charlies BANTER : What has been one your highlights this year? Lieke; I know I should say. When we found out about the new arrival, or when Christo dropped on his knees on the beach of Koh Samed, or the wedding at Ban Rak in October but that is no fun for your Banter readers so I will say The Bangers winning the RSBC Trophy. BANTER : Describe your favorite recreational activities here? LIEKE; Watching the Bangers play rugby! Pool side. Chilling out at home. Cooking. Cycling in Khao Yai National Park. Dining out in fancy restaurants with great friends! BANTER : Finally any advice to other expat women thinking about relocating here LIEKE; Just do it! I have never regretted this. BANTER : Thanks for your time

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Eddie Evans was Canada’s most capped front row rugby player of all time with 50 caps. Upon retirement, he made Bangkok home and established EXtreme Sportswear and the Bangkok International Tens

E

ddie launched the first Bangkok International Tens in 2006. This year’s tournament will be the sixth one. The tournament every year goes from strength to strength. A remarkable achievement. What was his inspiration for launching another rugby festival, after all, there are a plethora of them around the Asia region? Simple. Eddie had played in tournaments around the planet, and wanted to bring the better elements from these tournaments to one he envisioned being held here. His prime motivator was to support rugby development in the Kingdom and of course, the opportunity to give back to the sport, that occupied a big part of his life. During his career he made friends with many well known players around the rugby globe. These connections have helped and frequently rugbys international elite rock up to the tournament annually in either a playing or support capacity. Feedback from visiting teams over the years have really help develop the tournament. Teams have indicated they enjoy taking part in this professionally organized event and the opportunity to compete and socialize in an exotic world class destination. Eddie’s move to Asia is well documented. After playing against the All Blacks in France in the quar-

ter finals of the second Rugby World Cup in 1991, he was approached by IBM (Japan) to play the game professionally in Japan. His first visited Thailand was in 1995, and enjoyed it so much he regularly spend a month here when the season in Japan ended. Discovering there was rugby being played in Thailand, he joined the British Club Rugby Club. Over the years, he developed strong friendships with the Bangkok based rugby fraternity. Five years ago, Eddie left the British Club and joined the then fledging Old Bangkok Bangers Rugby Club. His impact was immediate. He gave the forward pack some cold steel, a quality the pack had been seriously lacking at the time. During his professional career, he also played with Blackheath in England and with Auckland Grammar in New Zealand. Eddie played in three Rugby World Cups with Canada and featured in the qualifiers for a fourth. One single World Cup moment for Eddie would be scoring a try against England at Twickenham. That was back in the days when props didn’t score tries. Eddie retired from the professional at the end of 2001 and Thailand seemed the perfect destination and the opportunity to set up his own business, EXtreme Sports. EXtreme Sports expertise is producing specialist rugby kit. His timing was perfect. New fabrics were introduced and Eddie cottoned on to this quickly. Instead of traditional heavy cotton jerseys, shirts made from “state-ofthe-art” fabrics, featuring high-tech sublimation prints tailor made in the way that meet the precise specifications of his worldwide customer base. Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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his question is on the lips of more of than few people these days and dominating rugby conversations around Thailand, as the countdown continues down to the World Cup Rugby extravaganza in New Zealand later his year. Since Thailand lost the South African SuperSports television sports feed in 2010, there is real concern amongst rugby aficionados that Thailand could be left “rugbyless”, during the biggest event on the rugby sports calender in 2011. Publicans at the prime sport watering holes around town have tried a selection of others internet sports feeds to keep patrons happy. This has not been easy. The signal strength is erratic and locating such a server is haphazard and the picture is generally not high quality. myp2p.com is regarded as one of the best of the internet feeds. Astro Television, a subscription service out of Malaysia, appears to be head of the heap and apparently will be showing the ABC Sports coverage of the World Cup rugby. Sky Sports are also apparently coming on board and the SuperSports rugby transmission is not dead in the water yet. Setana Sports, the international transmission broadcasters out of Ireland, have opened offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and have have been in talks with True and Cable Thai Holdings. As we go to press the Banter cannot report any progress here. I guess what nobody can figure out, is why TRUE would not be interested in picking up the rugby transmission without all these hassles. One would have thought, it would have a good little earner for them. Every bar in Thailand that call themselves a bar, would more than likely pay the subscription fee to satisfy their punters. Even if you 27

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don’t like rugby, arm benders would watch a game or three if their country was involved. Lets reflect for a moment on the final two World Cups ago, when Australia played England in the final. You had to book a table to view the game in some popular watering holes around town otherwise, it was standing room only. The other mystery is, whilst rugby is not the predominate sport in the Kingdom, it is played by the armed services, the police, universities, colleges and select high schools throughout the country. Some would argue, rugby is a “hiso” sport here, with influential Thais involved in the game. who know how to shake, rattle and roll when it comes to getting things done. This is just not Thailand issue. It affects other parts of Asia also. Thousands of expats and locals could be deprived of watching the greatest game on earth. There is some pressure out there. A Facebook page “Bring Back Rugby” is dedicated to lobbying for a return of rugby to our screens, and/or seeking efficient alternative ways of watching rugby. We don’t care who you support - rugby is beyond borders Do your bit and email your provider better still, spam em !


“You

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very year, Wall Street Bar & Grill receives e-mail, advising that the Shanghai Shaggers are coming to town for a snooker, darts and golf challenge against the real vintage Bangkok Bangers. That is, the original founding members of our club. The Shanghai Shaggers, just who are they ? For the uninitiated, their name could put the fear of more powerful being into you. Their name does have a ring about it and rhymes well with Hells Angels, Outlaws and Bandidos. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let me explain. In 2002, when the the Old Bangkok Banger Rugby Club was just getting off the club off the ground, a match was arranged against the Shanghai Shaggers, a touring rugby club of like minded expats from well - Shanghai. They had been around a few years but had never toured to Bangkok. This was the first match the Old Bangkok Banger Rugby Club startup ever played. Its still talked about reverently six years later. Its not recorded who won the game, because nobody can seem to remember the score. In those days, the Bangers were genuinely old, with all the playing personnel definitely over 45 - pushing 50 -. No passport or birth certificate checking was needed. There was even a pacemaker or two amongst the players Not many of the Shaggers, of the class of 2002 live in Shanghai these days. They have moved on to greener pastures. Which generally means, they have gone home to their country of origin. However, the friendships made in those early days, have remained strong. The Shaggers gaggle roll up in Bangkok with their cues, darts and golf clubs from around the planet, meet at Wall Street and take over the Wall Of Knowledge, for the first of many drinks. The Banger senior establishment are relegated to the fringe tables whilst the Shaggers are in town. Over the next two or three days, the teams are locked in combat over snooker, darts and golf. Winning is not element of the contest. So they say. Its more about stretching the truth, long lunches, drinking and tall stories. At the end of the day the Shaggers, pack up their cues, darts and clubs and go back to wherever they come from. Its all over for another year. This all happened, because of a rugby game ten years ago.

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Clubhouse

Rick O’Shea

Old Bangkok Bangers players were looking forT he ward to the seasonal break. It’s been a full on year with trophies aplenty. The annual Bangkok International Sevens was another success this year with the Banger Colts acquitting themselves well, More silverware. The highlight for the Banger Ancients, was the visit from the Saka Wakuyo Rugby Club from Japan. The Ancients played against them in the main event of the afternoon. There were a couple of 70 year olds in the Japanese side who were no slugs. The game was drawn, two tries each. The curtain raisers featured the Banger Colts who started slowly and trailed for most of the game before powering home for a win and the Banger Vets who beat their Japanese opposition in another close game, A social event followed at the posh Emporium Suites in Sukhumvit. The following weekend, the Banger Colts ventured up to the north of Thailand for the Chiang Mai Tens, a new tournament on the Banger calender. Another great tour and the lads managed to bring home some more silverware for the overladen trophy cabinet at Wall Street. And to tail it all off, there was Vajiravudh Centenary Sevens. No silverware here, but a great day out Socially, the club had large turnouts at Banger Christmas Party and the very popular the Banger Family Carol Night. We had the Shanghai Shaggers in town recently for a little golf, snooker and darts. For those to young to know, the Shanghai Shaggers were the opposition in the first rugby match the Old Bangers ever played. It looks like we are losing our coach, Peter Burgess. His job responsibilities have changed and is not available to put the time in this season. Anybody interested in applying for the job, send your resume to Captain Tates (Tom are you there !!!) Nearly forgot the Banger Golf Day. Another great day. Team Chesa were the tournament winners. Nobody was feeling any pain when they got back to Wall Street late in the afternoon to watch some test rugby. As soon as training resumes in the new year, the club will have its hands full preparing the squad for the Bangkok International Tens in February. This is our tournament, so we need to get behind Eddie Evan’s, to make sure it will be another world class event. The Yellow Bellies RFC from Hamilton New Zealand are returning to Bangkok for a game against the Banger Ancients. This takes us back a few years. They were the first team form NZ to play the Bangers in the early days. Again, thanks to all those Bangers that made 2010 unforgettable. This year is going to be even better. Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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“You

who has plays rugby knows it is a sport A nyone requiring multiple skills and a high level of fit-

ness. The following is a list of tips that will help you maintain the fitness level needed to play an entire rugby game. KEY AREAS AND MUSCLE GROUPS Rugby is a game of endurance. However, power, speed and strength are keys areas to train in order to survive the ordeal that is a rugby game. The important muscle groups include: Shoulder and Neck Muscles. Those muscles take a lot of impacts from tackles and scrums. You will also be using them if you lift other players during line-outs. Lower Back Muscles. Those muscles are vital because so much pressure is put on them. When you’re in a scrum, maul, bridging, lifting or tackling, a lot will rely on these muscles. Having strong legs is good, but if your lower back can’t stand the pressure of you pushing forward then you are going to lose all your momentum. Abdominal Muscles. Your core is important because of the stresses you are going to put your body through. Gluteal Muscles. Also known as your butt, those muscles give you a surprising amount of power. A flat rear does not make a good rugby player, but it will prevent you from improving your power. Alternate your workout between cardio and strength training. For rugby, this means build endurance but also build strength, though not just through going to the gym. Drills and skill work will help. They will also train those muscles until the actions associated with rugby become second nature. Other Tactics It’s a common sight these days for men to take yoga or Pilates. In some cases, men have taken ballet to work on their speed, balance and agility. Incorporating different types of activities into your workout can only strengthen you. Other sports that are helpful to rugby training include basketball and water polo. Wrestling, judo and other contact martial arts that focus on placing your opponent on the ground are fantastic for rugby players. Training in such sports will help you learn how to leverage your weight, as well as improve your balance. For those doing individual drills, the addition of weights strapped to your ankles or wrists is never 32

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a bad idea. Just remember to take them off if there is going to be contact. A few minutes throwing a ball with an extra pound or two strapped to your wrist and in no time you’ll feel like you can throw that thing the entire length of the Exercise Endurance will come, particularly the more you play, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect it when it comes to working out. Strength, speed, agility and balance along with the various skills such as passing, kicking, tackling and running are all necessary for rugby, but these are also things that will come in short spurts. So when it comes to training, work on building up the ability of your muscles, not the size. Bigger in rugby doesn’t always mean better.

Quick Fitness Tips Make sure you have a full range of movement in your body. You will be able to move faster and apply more force in contact if you can extend all your joints in synchronisation Look at using platform based lifts for maximal strength deadlift, squats, cleans and snatch. Use dumbbells, medicine balls, sandbags for working across different angles and speeds. Before working on straight line speed, work on landing and stopping techniques. Rugby speed is more about start/ stop and restart again, your ability to do this under control will help prevent injury. Look at your position and how far you move at each sprint. The back 3 will move fast over 20 metres more than 40 times a game. That doesn’t mean that you go out and do 40 metre sprints 20 times in a row, but you will have to practice repeated sprints. Plan your week and your month so that you concentrate on one thing at a time, with another aspect of fitness being a supplement. If you try and do everything at once you will either be ineffective, or get injured.


“You

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Aussie BBQ Facts of Life: Men and Cookout

Visiting A Fortune Teller DURING a shopping outing in Ireland with her sisters, Agnes O’Brien sneaked off to visit a fortune teller of some local repute. In a dark and hazy room, peering into a crystal ball, the Mystic delivered grave news. “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just be blunt: Prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a violent and horrible death this year”. Visibly shaken, Agnes stared at the woman’s lined face, then at the crystal, then down at her hands. She took a few deep breaths to compose herself. She simply had to know. She met the fortune teller’s gaze, steadied her voice and asked her question. “Will I be acquitted?”

We are about to enter the barbie season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime Aussie outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion: ROUTINE • • •

Winning A Bottle Of Whisky ‘Tell me, Ronan, how did you manage to get so very drunk last night?’ asked the parish priest. ‘Well you see, Father, it was like this. I got into very bad company after winning a bottle of whiskey at a raffle.’ ‘But you were with Mick McGahey, Ryan O’Toole, and Patrick McCann and they don’t drink.’ ‘Dat’s what I mean, Father...’

The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the inter-

ference of the woman. Here Comes The Important Part: THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL •

Game Of Cricket Explained In order to assist the French who are not familiar with the game of Cricket, we offer this explanation • Cricket is a game in which there are 2 sides one out on the field, and the other in. • Each man in the side that is in goes out, and when he is out he comes in, then the next man goes out until he’s out and then he comes in. • When the side that is in is all out, the side that has been out goes in, and the side that was in goes out and tries to get out the side that went in. • Sometimes there are men still in and not out when the side that is in is finally out. • When both sides have been in and out, including those not out and no longer in - that is the end of the game . .”

The woman buys the food. The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.

The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat

Important again: THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN. • •

The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table. After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.

And most important of all: EVERYONE PRAISES THE MAN AND THANKS HIM FOR HIS COOKING EFFORTS. •

The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ‘her night off.’ And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there’s just no pleasing some women Banger Banter JANUARY - MARCH 2011

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