Molong Magpies Rugby Union - 2019 Season Wrap by Jock Haynes The Magpies celebrated their presentation night on Saturday 31st August at the Bowling Club. It was a well attended event with around 60 players and supporters and expertly MC’d by club stalwart Ben Redfern. The season was highly successful with the team ending equal top of the ladder with Wellington after the competition rounds, and only losing out on the home major semi-final due to having one more loss than the eventual, and deserving premiers, the Redbacks. It was therefore somewhat disappointing, that the Magpies lost their two semi-finals to be knocked out prior to the Grand Final. Since rejoining the Northern Oilsplus (previously Graincorp) Back Row – Dean Butler – Coach, Graham Hobbs – Coach, Kyle Travis – Coach, Jordan Packham, Matt Steventon – President, Karen Hobbs Competition four years and Charlotte White, Liam Bridge. Front row Josh Peffer, Jack Whalan and Mitch Brown ago, the Magpies have been the most - Mary Mulhall for all of the ongoing functions she - Coach’s Award Mitch Brown consistent and possibly continues to perform. - Junior Club Person Liam Bridge most unlucky team. They lost grand finals to Trangie (who - The UPA staff for running the canteen on game days. - Senior Club Person The Social Committee, couldn’t even field a team this year), then Narromine in Jock Haynes for managing the accounts. comprising Karen Hobbs, Charlotte White & Em Ferguson the first two years. The last two years has seen them Rob Ferguson as registrar, for managing to work Central West Honours finish second on the competition table but losing semi- Oilsplus Highest Points Scorer Mitch Brown finals to deny them another shot at the title. Geurie and through all the intricacies of the registration process for - Oilsplus Best & Fairest Josh Peffer (as voted by Wellington were premiers in 2018 and 2019 respectively, the players. - Kyle Travis for his assistance with the Rugby App. referees) and it’s interesting that no team has won two years - Charlotte White for being team physio and strapper Both Zac White and Josh Peffer were picked in Central running in this period, so it could well be Molong’s chance and trying to keep everyone together. West, touring NZ with the squad and playing in their in 2020. Matt made special mention of Karen Hobbs for the successful country week. The consistency of performance is a credit not only Jordan Packham was selected in the Central West to the players, but also the coaching staff, with Graham tireless work she has done this year, including: - Managing the merchandise. Colts and also played at country week. Hobbs being involved in each of those four years. Long - As secretary, keeping the general committee meeting Wallas (Juniors) serving players Dean Butler and Kyle Travis joined him minutes up to date, as well as the social committee. A further detailed report will be made next week, but for 2019 and it is telling of the positive nature of the club - Her late drive to attain further sponsors when we 2019 saw the restart of the Magpies Wallas teams with that such individuals want to continue to serve. teams in Under 7s, 9s and 11s. New President Matt Steventon stepped up this year, knew that Wallas would be proceeding. - Collating player game stats going back to 2010, which Matt Steventon and former Magpie Brett Murdoch were taking over from faithful servant of the club, Greg Travis, has enabled the celebration (from that time onwards the instigators and from very small beginnings and low who was in his second stint in the job. Matt’s energy and obviously) of game milestones for players, particularly expectations in late 2018, the juniors morphed into a commitment this year has been outstanding and he is resounding success with over 50 youngsters representing looking to continue developing the club and ensure its those who have hit the 100 mark. - Being available and assisting at every game/event. the three teams in the Central West Wallas gala days. ongoing strength. Particular events that occurred during the year In his speech Matt made particular mention of Brett, Before moving onto the players and their were: but also the following: presentations, during his speech Matt thanked many The inaugural Ian Hanrahan Memorial Day was U7s: Tori and parents like Jim Schroder teaching the people, and below is a list (with apologies to anyone not played against Canowindra, recognising the tragic kids basic skills that will prepare them for the following included): - Patrons Julia Welsh and Bob Sullivan and the passing of a valued community member and player. This years of junior rugby. day also raised over $2000 to assist Ian’s family through U9s: Mitch Brown, who was there every Thursday and hardworking committee members. this difficult time. Lachie Sullivan who helped make it happen on Thursdays - All of the wonderfully supportive local sponsors. Old Boys Day and Sponsors Day, which included an and Sundays. - The coaches (who have been mentioned above). Old Boys game against Emu’s third grade. U11s: Bruce Nancarrow and Graeme “Rabbit” Wilson - Team captain Josh Peffer. Ladies Day which incorporated White Ribbon Day who brought the youngsters through, creating a very - Club captain Zac White. - Greg Travis for his continuing involvement, particularly and involved the Pankhurst family. The club has donated successful team. $1400 from this day to the White Ribbon Foundation. It Matt also mentioned not only the significant time around the ground presentation. also included Wallas home games against Orange City. investment from helpers and parents, but also the - Peter Evans for his continuing involvement, including Club Awards financial outlay the Magpies have made in the Wallas, assistance with Wallas. - Best & Fairest (sponsored by Freemasons Hotel): with the understanding that they are the future of the - Liam Bridge for his assistance, particularly with the Josh Peffer game in the town. gate on game days. Players Player (sponsored by Komatsu) Josh Peffer - Andy Sullivan and Graham & Karen Hobbs particularly, - Highest Points Scorer Mitch Brown (120 points) but also everyone who cooked on the BBQ at Wallas on - Most Improved Jack Whalan Thursday. - Most Promising Jordan Packham
JERSEY SPONSORS
Oilsplus McCarron Cullinane Pac-Crete Sheridan Road Rail Truck Hire Cabonne Constructions
SHORTS SPONSORS
Ray White Emms Mooney Prime Lime Central West Gravel ATS Equipment & Services
GENERAL SPONSORS Freemason’s Hotel Bridgestone Service Centre Molong Pharmacy
Thanks to our sponsors Molong Bowling Club Canobolas Glass Vince Christopherson Fencing & Spraying Parkview Hotel Coronga White Suffolks Molong Express Komatsu Yates Baker McLean Shane Brown Transport Molong Bakery Molong Readymixed Concrete Zac White Building Spar Supermarket Molong Tyre & Mechanical Reid’s Transport
Noonee Angus First Choice Credit Union J & S Express Rolfe’s Molong
JUNIOR SPONSORS
Sweetness Café Molong Waroona Murray Greys Optus Business Centre The Rural Centre Hunky Chunky Pies Canobolas Eggs Eggs Molong Motor Inn Ray White Emms Mooney QT Beauty
Josh Peffer – Best and Fairest of the Oilsplus Cup Group; Matt Steventon – President Molong Magpies; Mitch Brown – Highest Point Scorer for the Oilsplus Cup Group. MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 12 September 2019
7