Rugby News Issue 18 by Rugby News

Rugby NEWS

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 18 $5.00 (INC GST) Saturday, September 1 & Sunday, September 2, 2012

NORTHERN SUBURBS V EASTWOOD

Eastwood captain Hugh Perrett.

Northern Suburbs captain AJ Gilbert.

SEMI-FINALS

Parramatta captain Andrew Cox.

PARRAMATTA V MANLY

COLTS

PRELIMINARY FINALS (Page 19)

Manly captain Chris Cottee.

BarflyBuzz by Terry Smith

Don’t you just love a prop who breaks the defensive line and surges downfield like a runaway rhino? Like Cruz Ah Nu, loose-head for Northern Suburbs. He began his team’s 61 point second half splurge against Warringah last Saturday with 40 metre dash for a try and set up the next from the resultant kick-off with another long run. Every rugby team has its nicknames. For instance, Sydney University hooker James Riches is known as Rags. Norths have Panadol because Ben Matwijow is slow moving and Easts’ Rob McMicken is called Chicken by his peers. Let’s hear your best. The many sides of Tom Carter. Did you know that the Waratahs centre spends time in the summer months taking the Sydney University cricketers, who won the premiership last season, through strength and conditioning work? “Tom could have played first grade cricket,” says University official Geoff De Mesquita. Asked for his thoughts on Tom, University rugby coach Todd Louden said, “The most hated by the opposition but most loved by his team.” Okay, Easts missed the play-offs by a humble bonus point after losing their last eight games as a follow up to six straight wins, but word from Woollahra is that Mark Bakewell is certain to be retained as coach. Officials feel he did an excellent job in difficult circumstances. Now they will put on their recruiting hats. While their husbands were trying to outwit each other’s teams on the field at Woollahra, Sarah Fava and Hannah Harris played happily with their respective twins on the hill. Sarah is the wife of Northern Suburbs coach Scott Fava while Hannah’s husband Sam coaches Warringah. Scott and Sam have always been great mates, so it was remarkable that Scarlett and Anais Harris and Rocco and Olive Fava should be born six weeks apart. Published by: Eric Spilsted Publishing PO Box 987 Spit Junction NSW 2088 Publisher/Editor: Jim Davis 9969 9294 0411 242 535 jim.davis@rugbynews.org

Still on Sam Harris. A couple of weeks ago he had a run in fourth grade for the Rats in company with Peter Cullum, once a hard man for the Manly Sea Eagles and now first grade trainer for Warringah. Sam and Steve Menzies haven’t given up hope of the Beaver returning from Europe to have a run in a lower grade together with Steve’s half-brother Josh Gerrard. The Catchpole Medal? It will be held at the Manly Pacific Hotel on Friday week, the day before the grand final. Kick-off 12.30 for 1pm. History suggests it will be hung round the neck of a back-rower, halfback or fly-half. After all, they are the ones who get their hands on the ball more times than their colleagues. The Dave Brockhoff Medal for Coach of the Year is decided by a vote of the coaches and John Manenti, of Eastwood, Glen Christini, of Parramatta, Todd Louden, of Sydney University, and Scott Fava of Norths, and Cam Blades of Souths, all have had outstanding seasons. At one stage Brian Smith was mentioned as a contender for the Waratahs coaching job. However, the old Wallaby has joined forces with Shaun Edwards to coach London Irish. It’s official. The 2014 Golden Oldies World Festival will be played at Mar de Plata in Argentina from September 21 to 28, the first time the big event has been held in South America. But first the 2012 Festival will be played at Fukuoka in Japan starting October 28. Sydney Uni winger Sione Kaivelata, the big Fijian with a Jonah Lomu try-scoring touch, has done it again. Dropped to fifth grade after heading home for a week without informing the club, he bounced back by scoring two tries in a fifth grade semi-final against Norths on Friday night of last week and got another as a replacement in fourth grade the next day. That took Sione’s tally for the season to 28 in 17 games, one short of Peter Playford’s club record. Uni’s stats man Craig “Fizzer” Fear adds that Nathan Trist’s hat trick of tries in reserve grade lifted his total for the club to 123.

Photography: Paul Seiser 0412 168 959 paul@seiserphotography.com www.seiserphotography.com Stats Assistance: Steve Johnson

Features Writer: Terry Smith 0416 101 137 sybillas@bigpond.com Brendan Bradford 0416 838 391 bbradfordrn@iinet.net.au

A stunning try-scoring season with a hat-trick of hat-tricks.

MICHAEL HOOPER

Marlins winger Michael Hooper has mixed memories of playing Northern Beaches rivals Warringah. The 22-year-old speedster made his first grade debut against the Rats in 2010 but broke his nose in the first half of the local derby this season and was forced to the sidelines for treatment. The physios were unable to straighten his nose but Hooper returned to the field anyway with Hannibal Lecter-style bandages covering his face. Shortly afterwards, he copped a hit at the bottom of a ruck that actually straightened the nose back up. “The physio wouldn’t touch it so I had to get one of the Warringah boys to do it for me!” he recalls. Hooper’s willingness to play on in spite of the injury indicates his commitment to the side he’s played his club rugby at since the age of five. After attending St Pius College and representing the ISA first team, Hooper was in the Brumbies academy in 2009, starred in Colts for Manly and is now doing likewise for first grade – see his highlights reel on YouTube for proof. With blinding speed and an evasive running style, Hooper has scored a remarkable hat-trick of hat-tricks this season, taking him to third place in the try scoring table and giving him valuable ammunition in his battle with front-row try scoring rival Dane Maraki as the duo attempt to outdo each other with try celebrations. “At the start of the season the entire front row had more tries than the wingers and he was giving it to me,” Hooper explains. “Now every time either one of us scores, we just try to do the most elaborate celebration we can.” Hooper rates his hat-trick against Uni as one of his career highlights – as well as anytime he plays alongside brother, Michael – but stresses that while personal milestones are always pleasing, his late surge in the try scoring ranks is evidence of a well balanced team peaking at the right time of the season. “In the first half of the season it was our forwards who were really doing all the damage, but now we’re actually a very dangerous backline,” he warns. With a vocal crowd in support today and the side hitting its straps, watch for Manly and Hooper – minus the Hannibal Lecter bandages – to make a run deep into finals.

– Brendan Bradford Photo: www.seiserphotography.com

Call it what it really is

Sydney Premier Rugby With more than 65% of Test and Super Rugby players in Australia coming from Sydney Premier Rugby competition clubs, this really is the Premier Rugby competition. And what better way to enjoy Premier Rugby than at the grounds, supporting your local team. SYDNEY RUGBY UNION.

Lions Tour 2013 - 30,000 plus supporters expected in Australia. by Jim Webster

With the club finals drawing to a close and the Castrol Edge Rugby Championship finishing soon after, we need to start looking toward 2013 – and what an unforgettable year it will be, especially with the tour here by the British & Irish Lions. That’s something not to be missed at any cost (as they were last here in 2001). So start arranging your work schedules, annual holidays, house renovations, baby arrivals etc so that you’re free to fully enjoy an unforgettable experience for all true rugby lovers. The Lions play ten tour matches, one in Hong Kong against the Barbarians on the way over, then nine matches in Australia. The three Tests will be on 22 June in Brisbane, 29 June in Melbourne and 6 July in Sydney, with other matches against the NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Melbourne Rebels, ACT Brumbies, Western Force and Combined NSW-Queensland Country in Newcastle. Believe it or not, but an Australian will have a serious say in everything that occurs on the Lions tour, because the head of media & communications will be Greg Thomas. He lives with his family in the Sutherland Shire, but his background is well and truly Welsh, having grown up with mum, dad and five siblings in Swansea. His late father Clem – who was a good mate of mine for many years – not only captained Wales but was a British Lion himself, a flanker on their 1955 tour of South Africa. After retirement, he turned to journalism, which is where our paths crossed. He even wrote “The History of the British Lions”. Sadly, he died suddenly on 5 September, 1996, a month before the book was first published. Greg followed his dad into journalism, became media and PR manager for the Australian Rugby Union and now runs his own specialist communications and media company. An obvious pick, you might say, to look after the interface between the Lions and the media. He 5 will have a communications manager (Christine

Connolly from Six Nations) and a media manager from one of the Home Unions working with him. The tour manager is Andy Irvine, the former Scottish and Irish legend, and Gerald Davies, who managed the 2009 touring team in South Africa, is chairman of the Lions this time around. While the official announcement of head coach is expected within days in London, it is understood to be Kiwi Warren Gatland, who hails from Hamilton and is currently coaching Wales. He says he relishes the Lions itinerary. “The great thing is that it’s the old-style tour, playing the five Super Rugby franchises and three Tests against Australia, as well as the game against Country. “It’s a great chance to mould players from four different countries together in such a short period. I think we get them for about a week before we go on tour and it’s a great experience.” The official announcement of Gatland’s appointment will take place in Iron Mongers Hall in the City of London – the same street where the 1888 tourists met prior to the first-ever Lions tour. Unfortunately, the original hotel is no longer standing. The 2013 Australian tour celebrates 125 years of the Lions and to commemorate the occasion they have released a heritage rugby shirt collection. Go to www.lionsrugby.com and then online shop to view them. Now, don’t leave it a minute longer before cementing your plans, or buying match tickets, because you simply won’t believe the support which the Lions attract wherever, and whenever, they go on tour. Thomas says that estimates put the number of British supporters who will be following the Lions around our country at “anywhere north of 30,000.” That will include official tourists (travel, plus tickets), plus independent travelers (tickets only) and, of course, backpackers. And if you think that number is an over-exaggeration then just remember that an official estimate of 40,000 fans (yes, 40,000 of them) followed the Lions to South Africa in 2009. “They generate amazing support,” says Thomas, and remember that Prince Harry has already pledged to be among those many supporters. 5

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‘If You Build It, They Will Come’

by Paul Cook

Season 2012 Should Provide A Handsome Legacy for Parramatta Rugby It may be the only time that Parramatta’s graveyard for visiting teams – ‘Death Valley’ – and the term ‘Field of Dreams’ are used in the same sentence but the infamous line from Kevin Costner’s 1989 baseball movie is particularly poignant when used to describe the current state of Parramatta rugby. On their knees as a club two years ago, the Two Blues have turned their fortunes around in almost miraculous fashion, to the extent that they are potentially only one hundred and sixty minutes away from a Grand Final. But win or lose in this weekend’s Semi-Final against Manly, their achievements in 2012 should ensure a handsome legacy to take forward into next season as the club continues to rebuild and – as head coach Glen Christini explains – success on the pitch is a powerful drawcard for the untapped potential on their doorstep.

says Christini “and the coach of that side who has been with them since they were under 12’s is coming on board into our colts program so it’s all about getting the right people involved. That’s part of the growing process as well, get our colts sorted, get the lower grades stronger and start pushing ourselves up the ladder in terms of the club championship – and that will happen.” For General Manager Michael Bell, offering their players and local youngsters an alternative education option is also a vital part of future plans. “We’ve got an arrangement with the TAFE Western Sydney Institute so now, people can come down on a Wednesday night, study at the ground, study on line and study at their pace with their mates without the pressure of a classroom situation. We’re showing our players and the broader community that we’re not just a football club, we’re trying to

Two Blues GM Michael Bell. Parramatta coach Glen Christini.

“There are a lot of younger people out there who are starting to notice our results, which has got to be positive in terms of guys thinking of coming into the club. Young guys are getting an opportunity here and with the culture that we’ve got, they’re having a great time playing for the club and that’s being seen.” With Parramatta’s Under 17 side winning the NSW Junior Rugby Union championship, the club has taken steps to try and integrate that local talent into their colts system. “We’re talking to those players” 7

help people get themselves into good careers outside football.” With former players looking to return and a burgeoning and fruitful partnership with Merrylands RSL laying the financial foundations on which to blossom, don’t expect the Two Blues renaissance to abate any time soon. “Long term, 2012 will be seen as the first year we made that jump into the top half of the competition.” Christini asserts. “It’s my ambition and wish that we’re there to stay now and I’ve said all along, in years three and four we want to be having a tilt at the title.” 7

Rugby NEWS

Special notice Due to situations beyond our control, Rugby News will cease publication after the September 15, Grand Final Issue. Published since 1923, the last issue of Rugby News will contain a number of feature pages on the program/magazine that has been synonymous with Sydney Club Rugby for 89 years. Thousands of photos and many thousands of words have been published on the greats of the game, wonderful young men who have just enjoyed the game and those who have contributed unselfishly, so much to rugby at club level. And many thanks are to be given to those who have supported Rugby News in the more recent tougher times.

Jim Davis Publisher/editor

Eric Spilsted Pty Ltd. 8

Sydney Premier Rugby

MATCH PREVIEWS It is not generally known that two years ago Dave Harvey signed to play with Eastwood. However, when Gordon protested that he still had a year to go of his two season deal, Eastwood tore up the contract rather than become embroiled in a legal hassle. Superboot Harvey promptly returned to Gordon and piled up 267 points for the season as a prelude to signing with the Western Force. Completing his stint with the Force, he joined Northern Suburbs, for whom he has been a key figure in contributing 102 points in the second half of the season. Today at Manly Oval he will seek to end the premiership ambitions of Eastwood, the club he came so close to joining. Old timers struggle to recall a season in which there have been so many highly exciting games and upsets at the club level, with much delight at the revival of two famous old clubs in Northern Suburbs and Parramatta. And it’s not over yet. With Sydney University adopting a new attacking strategy, departing coach Todd Louden warned rival clubs after last Saturday’s 42-12 eclipse of Manly that there is a thirty per cent improvement to come. Six tries and five of them scored by backs. However, the pathway to the premiership is a perilous one. After a weekend off, they face the winner of Eastwood v Norths in one of the semifinals. The other will pit Manly or Parramatta against Southern Districts, who went to Millner Field last Sunday and upset the Woodies 34-28. Following a string of narrow victories and losses, Norths, leading by a mere point a minute before half-time, erupted like a red and black volcano to win 75-17 at Woollahra. Now they head down the road on Saturday to Manly Oval to tackle Eastwood, who have won both of their games with Norths this season. Norths have thrived under the enlightened coaching of Scott Fava, who has been given a verbal undertaking he will be in the job next year. Urged on by a vocal home crowd, Manly the next day will bid to snuff out the attacking threat of Parramatta’s Two Blues, whose play under coach Glen Christini to sweep into fifth place has been a revelation.

by Terry Smith

Eastwood half back, Mick Snowden’s clash with his opposite, Chris Cottee will be worth watching.

NORTHERN SUBURBS v EASTWOOD If Eastwood are to retain the premiership, they will do it the hard way. The latest in a long string of misfortunes and overseas departures occurred in the 34-28 loss to Southern Districts last Sunday when hooker Chris Hill and back-rower Miles McCaffrey suffered season-ending injuries.

However, coach John Manenti later received a boost when told by Chris Alcock, the Waratah flanker who is heading to the Western Force, that he would be available for the game against Norths. “It’s getting tough,” said Manenti. “Norths will be a cock-a-hoop after their big win (75-17) over Warringah, but don’t be fooled by that splurge of points. They base their game around their defence and are pretty good at the breakdown. Dave Harvey is a danger at fly-half with his kicking, too.” Not surprisingly, Norths have stuck to practically the same side, with the only change being Bill Meakes for Western Force player Samu Wara in the centre. “It’s a tactical thing,” explains coach Scott Fava. “Bill gives us better potential this week. Apart from that, he loves playing at Manly Oval. Every time he plays there he turns in a man of the match performance.” Another danger man for Norths is winger Corey Brown, whose two tries against Warringah took his

total for the season to16, three ahead of his nearest rival. Previous matches: Round 1: Eastwood 20-17 (at North Sydney); Round 16: Eastwood 11-10 (at Millner Field) Tip: Eastwood

Manly centre Brian Sefania will test the Two Blues defence.

PARRAMATTA v MANLY No panic at Manly where coach Tim Lane has named an unchanged team as a follow up to the 42-12 drubbing at the hands of Sydney University last Saturday. However, Parramatta get a boost from the return at centre of the vibrant Dan Yakapo, who was on Australian Sevens duty last weekend.

Norths flyhalf David Harvey is a danger man to the Woodies. 10

Parramatta coach Glen Christini has no illusions about the difficulties facing the Two Blues, declaring: “There is no more difficult assignment for us than going to Manly to play Manly.” Naturally he is expecting a forward bombardment from the bigger Manly pack and has a high opinion of centre Brian Sefania. “They know how to attack the set pieces,”

said the New Zealander. “We’ll be trying to take them from Point A to Point B with the pace of our game.” Christini has switched fullback Daley Harper and winger MosesTavola “to put our pace in the right spots.” Looking to Manly’s loss to University, Lane said: “There were three or four bad reads in defence that led to tries. “ Any psychological scars from that will be countered by the knowledge that the Marlins went to Merrylands in Round 9 and disposed of Parramatta 26-19. Lane will warn his players to keep an eye out for centre Jesse Leota and Sosene Anesi, the former All Black who figures in a roving role from the wing. Previous match: Round 9: Manly 26-19 (at Merrylands)

next WEEK'S

GAMES

ELIMINATION finals Preliminary Finals (Day for each Final TBA after completion of Semi-Finals)

SATURDAY September 8 and SUNDAY, September 9

Southern Districts to play winner of Parramatta v Manly at T. G. Millner Sydney University to play winner of Norths v Eastwood at T.G. Millner

Tip: Manly Parramatta centre Jesse Leota should add some fireworks.

TIPSTERS PANEL

Sean Maloney Fox Sports

Dilip Kumar Former ARU Chairman

Gordon Bray Rugby Commentator

Terry Smith Sports Journo

Jim Webster Rugby Journo

Brett Papworth ABC TV

Kerry Chikarovski

EASTWOOD

NORTHS

EASTWOOD

NORTHS

EASTWOOD

NORTHS

MANLY

second AND third GRADE SEMI FINALS MANLY OVAL 2nd Grade – Colin Caird Shield 1.15 PM

Saturday, September 1 Referee: Damien Mitchelmore (Qld) Assistant Referees: Anthony Moyes, Tim Wills

EASTWOOD

WARRINGAH

Blue and White

Green and White

Jed Gillespie Tannous Ferris Dylan Brass Andrew Clyne Steve Cummins Jordan Goddard Tom Ellem Joey Afualo Shanin Proctor Ben James Tim Williams Jack Hammond Tyler Spitz Nathan Powyer Jai Ayoub

1. Glen Pritchard 2. David Mason 3. Luke Preston 4. Nick Hughes Clapp 5. Jack Tomkins 6. Bruce Dando 7. George Wyllie 8. Rob Kelly 9. Timothy Donlan 10. Hugh Campell 11. Douglas Dalziel 12. Elliot Foils 13. Michael Adams 14. Matthew Bate 15. Josh Smith Coach/es: Sullivan/Johnson

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Coach/es: Nilan/Harrison

Referee: Jamie McGregor 3rd Grade – HENDERSON SHIELD Assistant Referees: Darren Bradley, Amy Perrett 11.50 AM

Eastern suburbs

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

Red, White and Blue 1. George Quigley 2. Sam Palmer 3. Thomas Kolo 4. Gabe Passmore 5. Digby Colley 6. Ben Willis 7. Lachlan Pigott 8. Bassanio Fonua

Blue and Gold 9. Hugh Brownhill 10. Blake Boulton 11. Arvan Anderson 12. Jack Denning 13. Saxon Fisher-Gray 14. Julian Attard 15. Jacob Murray Coach/es: Ben Rutherford

1. Matt Mafi 2. Dan Simpson 3. Guy Millar 4. Hugh Frazer 5. Kurt Larson 6. Harry Marples 7. Michael Pollastri 8. Geordie McSullea

9. Duncan Boyd-Jones 10. Jack Macklin 11. Mark O'Dare 12. Jack Marples 13. Levi Dodd 14. John Rudd 15. Alex Rokobaro Coach/es: Hudd/Roberts/Tehera

SYDNEY PREMIER RUGBY SHUTE SHIELD SEMI FINAL

MANLY OVAL

3.10 PM

Saturday, September 1

Referee: Andrew Lees Assistant Referees: James Leckie, Guy Grinham

northern Suburbs Red and Black

Cruz Ah Nau

Scott Podmore

Nick Lah

Rory Walton

Ben Matwijow

Pat Sio

Wil Brame

AJ Gilbert (C)

David Hardisty

EASTWOOD Blue and White

Marty Plokstys 1. Todd Pearce 2. Barry Fa'amausili 3. Tom Alexander 4. Mitch Lees 5. Gareth Palamo 6. Chris Alcock 7. (C) Hugh Perrett 8. Mick Snowden 9.

10.

David Harvey

Barney Wood 10.

11.

Corey Brown

Nick Reily 11.

12.

Chris Tuatara-Morrison

13.

Bill Meakes

14.

Peter Schuster

Mark Frost 14.

15.

Mitch Walton

Ben Batger 15.

Coach/es: FAVA/WILSON

Jimmy Hilgendorf 12. Cam Mitchell 13.

Coach/es: Manenti/Woodhouse 13

second, third AND FOURTH GRADE SEMI-FINALS MANLY OVAL

Sunday, September 2

2nd Grade – Colin Caird Shield 1.15 PM

Referee: Ed Martin Assistant Referees: Anthony Moyes, Michael Blair

RANDWICK

WEST HARBOUR

Myrtle Green

Red, White and Black

Sam Lolo 1. Pat Hodgetts 2. George Fifita 3. Tom Weatherall 4. Bryce Speechley 5. Adrian Duchini 6. Steve Bennie 7. Jack Tovey 8. James Helliwell 9. Lachlan McKay 10. Hugh Somerville 11. James White 12. Finau MakaMaka 13. Peter Falealeniu 14. Brenden Davies 15. Coach/es: Allan Wright

1. James Horrocks 2. Myles Hunkin 3. Adam Nixon 4. Scott Stevens 5. Bradford Kapa 6. Dan Corry 7. Daniel Midghall 8. Matt Coles 9. Barton Jones 10. Sai Vakarau 11. David Moore 12. Graeme Kolomalu 13. Macquire Tatola 14. Joe Tuvitu 15. Kiwi Kapene-Belcher Coach/es: Simpson/Agah/Gudmunson

Referee: Michael Hogan 3rd Grade – HENDERSON SHIELD Assistant Referees: Guy Grinham, Darren Bradley 11.50 AM

RANDWICK

EASTWOOD Blue and White

1. Marcus Ah Lam 2. Scott Templeman 3. Sam Needs 4. Nick Johnson 5. Jack Warfield 6. Chris Dan 7. Dave Piukala 8. George Kent

Myrtle Green 9. Matt Powell 10. Blake Sutton 11. Tom Lowe 12. Fili Pinono 13. Gus McEntyre 14. Tim McDonald 15. Robbie McGowan Coach/es: Moore/Ahearn

1. Tristan Goodbody 2. Tom Webber 3. Drew Ferguson 4. John Ellis 5. Scott Kennedy 6. George Lolo/Delohery 7. Todd Martin 8. Chris Barron

9. Brady Engert 10. David Wright 11. Andrew Wing Kee 12. Alan Thompson 13. Apenisa Vasutoga 14. Michael Gibson 15. Daniel Ella Coach/es: Mackey/Slyney/Sayle

Referee: Brendon Farrar 4TH Grade – HENDERSON CUP Assistant Referees: Buddy Kyle, Charles Hartsone 10.25 AM

Eastern suburbs

RANDWICK

Red, White and Blue 1. Rhys Ward 2. Matt Brewer 3. Alex Boronkay 4. Monty Hicks 5. Conor Keane 6. James Ormesher 7. Ted McGroder 8. Alex Munro

Myrtle Green 9. Jock Brownhill 10. Richard Windle 11. Lino Fenukitau 12. Henry Williams 13. Wesley Lolo 14. Soichi Kono 15. Max Bailey Coach/es: Tyson/Frawley

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Cameron Kesby Sam Milgate Darren O’Shea (C) Eoin Scannel David Farrugia Matthew Slyney Delohery/Munro Morgan Bruhns

9. Michael Kaissis 10. Martin Kiernan 11. Peter Wright (VC) 12. Scott Malone 13. Kemble Leasusu 14. Nick Wright 15. Imran Masood Coach/es: Davies/Picone

SYDNEY PREMIER RUGBY SHUTE SHIELD SEMI FINAL

MANLY OVAL

3.10 PM

Sunday, September 2

Referee: Angus Gardner Assistant Referees: James Leckie, Tim Wills

PARRAMATTA

MANLY

Navy Blue and Royal Blue

Red and Blue

Nick Blacklock

Dane Maraki 1.

Trent Hoscher

Elvis Taione 2.

Chris Seuteni

Evan Olmstead

Ed Gower 4.

Adam Coleman

Greg Peterson 5.

Ryan Aniseko

Caydern Neville 6.

Rodney Ma'a

Kotoni Ale 7.

Andrew Cox (C)

Kaleb Rech

10.

Tom Woods

11.

Daley Harper

12.

Dan Yakopo

13.

Iese Leota

14.

Sosene Anesi

15.

Moses Tavola

Coach/es: Christini/Fasavalu/MacDonald

Jono Owen 3.

Tevita Metuisela 8. (C) Chris Cottee 9. Scott Daruda 10. Lui Siale 11. Peter Gilmore 12. Brian Sefanaia 13. Richard Hooper 14. Jacob Woodhouse 15. Coach/es:

Lane/Cummins 15

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GRADE RESULTS QUALIFYING FINALS

COLTS SEMI-FINALS Saturday August 25

Sunday August 26

Saturday August 25

Sunday August 26

Shute Shield

Colts 1 Randwick 36 Eastwood

Manly 20 Northern Suburbs

Colts 2

Southern Districts

Manly

Randwick 15 Northern Suburbs Colts 3

Sydney University

Eastwood

Randwick 8 Northern Suburbs

SHUTE SHIELD Top POINTS SCORERS end of round 16 H Angus (Wa)

Pts

189

R Saifoloi (SD)

164

T Woods (Pa)

160

B Batger (Ed)

136

S Treweek (WH)

125

A Sinclair (ES)

119

T Browne (Ra)

108

D Harvey (NS)

D Kelly (SU)

T Hill (G)

COLTS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Sydney Uni Norths West Harbour Randwick Eastwood Manly Warringah Gordon Easts Souths Penrith* Parramatta*

C1 456 360 390 306 276 372 252 228 162 90 72 0

C2 204 156 141 165 180 111 138 45 39 96 0 0

C3 118 80 60 114 88 30 22 0 40 50 0 0

Club competition points are calculated thus: SS x 15, Res x 8, 3rd x 5, 4th x 4, Colts 1 x 6, Colts 2 x 3 and Colts 3 x 2. *Parramatta deducted 12 points for late forfeit in Colts 1. *Penrith deducted 42 points for forfeits in Colts 2.

TOTAL 778 596 591 585 544 513 412 273 241 236 30 0

Manly Sydney University

12 Eastwood 42 Southern Districts

28 34

Northern Suburbs Warringah

75 17

18 17

Parramatta West Harbour

Colin Caird Shield Sydney University 44 Eastwood Randwick 26 Manly Eastern Suburbs 26 Northern Suburbs Warringah 27 West Harbour

14 22 16 26

J R Henderson Shield Sydney University 17 West Harbour Manly 20 Eastwood Eastern Suburbs 12 Northern Suburbs Warringah 9 Randwick

7 16 25 16

JR Henderson Cup Sydney University 43 West Harbour 19 Randwick 20 Manly 22 Eastern Suburbs 12 Northern Suburbs 28 Eastwood 8 Gordon (fft)0

SHUTE SHIELD LEADING TRY SCORERS end of round 16 C Brown (NS) S Treweek (WH) R Hooper (Ma) I Leota (Pa) T Mapesone (Pn) M McDougall (Ed)

14 13 11 10 9 9

O A H D S P

Ngungutua (WH) Roberts (SU) Angus (Wa) Feltscheer (Wa) Latunipulu (SD) Samu (Ra)

9 9 8 8 8 8

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Sydney Uni Eastwood Manly Norths Randwick West Harbour Warringah Souths Easts Gordon Parramatta* Penrith*

1st Res 3rd 4th C1 C2 C3 Total 870 560 315 268 456 204 118 2791 990 528 185 152 276 180 88 2399 915 408 220 152 372 111 30 2208 660 344 270 256 360 156 80 2126 420 384 270 208 306 165 114 1867 495 336 220 204 390 141 60 1846 570 296 200 76 252 138 22 1554 765 272 120 72 90 96 50 1465 480 376 215 152 162 39 40 1464 405 296 75 244 228 45 0 1293 720 112 140 36 0 0 0 996 300 80 25 60 72 0 0 495

*Parramatta deducted 12 points for late forfeit in Colts 1. *Penrith deducted 42 points for forfeits in Colts 2.

2012 PREMIER RUGBY COMPETITIONS SHUTE SHIELD Eastwood Manly Sydney Uni Souths Parramatta Norths Warringah West Harbour Easts* Randwick Gordon Penrith

P W 16 14 16 13 16 11 16 9 16 9 16 9 16 7 16 6 16 7 16 4 16 4 16 3

D L Bon For Ag Pts 0 2 10 497 316 66 0 3 9 439 341 61 0 5 14 504 291 58 0 7 15 503 408 51 0 7 12 420 422 48 0 7 8 348 290 44 0 9 10 405 385 38 0 10 9 418 556 33 0 9 8 392 477 32 0 12 12 393 489 28 0 12 11 333 438 27 0 13 8 280 519 20

*Easts deducted 4 points for Rule 26 breach

COLIN CAIRD SHIELD Sydney Uni Eastwood Manly Randwick Easts* Norths West Harbour Warringah Gordon Souths Parramatta Penrith

P W 16 13 16 13 16 10 16 8 16 10 16 8 16 9 16 7 16 6 16 6 16 2 16 1

D L Bon For Ag Pts 2 1 14 664 327 70 1 2 12 566 313 66 0 6 11 478 331 51 1 7 14 496 435 48 1 5 9 417 402 47 0 8 11 415 411 43 0 7 6 380 356 42 0 9 9 428 364 37 1 9 11 450 498 37 0 10 10 442 478 34 0 14 6 296 592 14 0 15 6 266 791 10

*Easts deducted 4 points for Rule 26 breach

J R HENDERSON SHIELD Sydney Uni Norths Randwick Manly West Harbour Easts* Warringah Eastwood Parramatta Souths Gordon Penrith

P W 16 14 16 12 16 11 16 10 16 9 16 10 16 9 16 8 16 4 16 5 16 1 16 1

D L Bon For Ag Pts 0 2 7 465 156 63 0 4 6 309 199 54 0 5 10 562 263 54 0 6 4 307 246 44 0 7 8 377 236 44 0 6 7 328 215 43 0 7 4 311 275 40 0 8 5 323 298 37 2 10 8 287 390 28 0 11 4 211 359 24 2 13 7 187 479 15 0 15 1 148 699 5

*Easts deducted 4 points for Rule 26 breach

J R HENDERSON CUP Sydney Uni Norths Gordon Randwick West Harbour Easts* Eastwood Manly Warringah Souths Penrith Parramatta

P W 16 13 16 14 16 13 16 11 16 10 16 8 16 8 16 8 16 4 16 3 16 2 16 1

*Easts deducted 4 points for Rule 26 breach

D L Bon For Ag Pts 1 2 13 599 127 67 0 2 8 359 156 64 0 3 9 516 195 61 0 5 8 416 317 52 0 6 11 322 250 51 1 7 8 331 230 38 0 8 6 262 293 38 0 8 6 302 398 38 0 12 3 163 410 19 0 13 6 200 437 18 0 14 7 225 493 15 0 15 5 150 539 9

COLTS 1 Sydney Uni West Harbour Manly Norths Randwick* Eastwood Warringah Gordon Easts* Souths Penrith Parramatta*

P W D L Bon For Ag Pts 16 15 0 1 16 795 194 76 16 12 0 4 17 634 371 65 16 12 0 4 14 511 389 62 16 12 1 3 10 524 284 60 16 11 0 5 12 572 335 51 16 8 1 7 12 526 441 46 16 8 0 8 10 440 409 42 16 7 0 9 10 444 383 38 16 6 0 10 7 344 463 27 16 2 0 14 7 307 582 15 16 2 0 14 4 257 769 12 16 0 0 16 2 124 858 0

*Randwick deducted 5 points for rule breach *Parramatta deducted 4 points for late forfeit *Easts deducted 4 points for Rule 26 breach

COLTS 2 Sydney Uni Eastwood Randwick Norths West Harbour Warringah Manly Souths Gordon Easts* Penrith*

P W 15 13 15 12 15 11 15 11 15 9 15 10 15 6 15 6 15 3 15 3 15 0

D L Bon For Ag Pts 0 2 16 568 154 68 0 3 12 510 210 60 0 4 11 481 259 55 0 4 8 406 277 52 0 6 11 387 281 47 0 5 6 346 319 46 0 9 13 436 315 37 0 9 8 276 348 32 0 12 3 161 642 15 0 12 5 226 488 13 0 15 0 0 420 0

*Easts deducted 4 points for Rule 26 breach * Penrith withdrawn - all matches 28-0 forfeits *Parramatta not fielding a team

COLTS 3 Sydney Uni Randwick Eastwood Norths West Harbour Souths Easts* Manly Warringah*

P W 14 12 14 12 14 9 14 8 14 6 14 5 14 5 14 3 14 3

D L Bon For Ag Pts 0 2 11 414 123 59 0 2 9 318 149 57 0 5 8 314 222 44 1 5 6 262 192 40 1 7 4 224 215 30 0 9 5 195 304 25 0 9 4 188 290 20 0 11 3 139 294 15 0 11 3 127 336 11

*Warringah deducted 4 points for late forfeit *Easts deducted 4 points for Rule 26 breach *Gordon, Parramatta & Penrith not fielding teams

Rugby

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COLTS REPORT by Hamish McCathie

We are down to the business end of the season with teams battling it out to see who plays in the Grand final next week. There was a host of great games last weekend with the surprise packet being Souths in seconds colts who had a great come from behind victory over Randwick. First Colts: RANDWICK 36 V MANLY 20 This was a very physical game with the key being the battle of the breakdown. I talked about this battle between the likes of Tom Connor and Mark Baldwin from Randwick opposing the quick and physical Rhys Dombkins. Randwick won the fight for possession and ended up being too strong for the Marlins. Randwick tight head prop Tristan Healy scored two tries whilst Andrew Norton kicked four conversions and a penalty goal for a an eleven point haul for the Wicks. NORTHERN SUBURBS 34 V EASTWOOD 10 This was another improved performance from Norths. Norths played the entire game at a tremendous pace with high intensity and impressive ball security. They retained the ball for over 8 phases several times and consequently had 66% of possession. Eastwood coughed the ball up far too easily and thus were never able to sustain any pressure. The Woodies were down 3–8 at halftime but had already had to tackle their hearts out to stay in the game. The final score did not reflect the Woods' stoic efforts in defence although it did reflect Norths weight of possession and tactical superiority. Eastwoods best were Harry Byrnes, Rob Lagudi and Sione Fangia whilst for Norths Harry Hobden, Sam Figg were dominant with typical grafting performances and Harry Cleaver controlled the game well.

Second Colts: SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 29 V RANDWICK 15 This was a great result for Souths as they finished eighth on the ladder and now play Sydney University to see who goes to the Grand Final. MANLY 24 V NORTHERN SUBURBS 23 This was a great performance from the Marlins who outplayed Norths on the day. Third Colts: SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 25 V RANDWICK 8 Uni were way too good although Randwick get another bite of the cherry this weekend against Eastwood. EASTWOOD 15 V NORTHERN SUBURBS 10 These two teams have been side by side all year and this was another tight game. THIS WEEKEND First Colts: SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V RANDWICK Last year this same game went into extra time. I think this year is going to be just as close. Once again Randwick’s Tom Connor and Mark Baldwin hold the keys to Randwicks success whilst Uni are strong all over the paddock. I just sense that Connor and Baldwin’s skills will see the Wicks cause an upset here. Tip: RANDWICK WEST HARBOUR V NORTHERN SUBURBS Norths seem to have regained momentum after a rough trot whilst West have been consistently good over the last four or five weeks. Wests have the power upfront whilst Norths are classy all over the paddock. Look for Norths centre Jack Cameron to prove a handful for the Pirates. Tip: NORTHS Second Colts: SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS. Tip: UNI EASTWOOD V MANLY. Tip EASTWOOD Third Colts RANDWICK V EASTWOOD. Tip RANDWICK 19

COLTS PRELIMINARY FINALS FORSHAW RUGBY PARK 1st Grade Colts: 3.00 pm

Saturday September 1

Referee: Simon Moore

Assistant Referees: Richard Goswell, Julian Pritchard

RANDWICK

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

Myrtle Green

Blue and Gold

Alex Epa Iosefa Ben Selby Tristan Healy Jesse Harris (C) Will Munro Mark Baldwin Tom Connor Jock Armstrong Mark Bannon Andrew Norton Nathan Roye Rennie Lautolo Aiden Anderson Giorgio Phillips Sam Muller

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

1. Tolu Latu 2. Tim Reid 3. Rhys Brodie 4. Sam Jeffries 5. Sam Quinn 6. James Nonu-Carling 7. Stuart Goodman 8. Benn Melrose 9. Jake Gordon 10. Jock Merriman 11. Matthew Hulme 12. Jonathan Vaux 13. James Dargaville 14. Declan Smith 15. Stuart Dunbar Coach/es: Farrer/Haigh/Cowley

Coach/es: Harvey/Mills

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS Red, White, Sky Blue and Black

Blue and Gold 2nd Grade Colts: 1.35 pm

1. Jack Wallace 9. 2. Alex Batho 10. 3. Ezrah Amituanai 11. 4. George Macarthur-Stanham 12. 5. Matthew Simpson 13. 6. Richard Quigley 14. 7. Tom Shaw 15. Coach/es: 8. Duncan Yates

Referee: James Christian Richard Draper Cameron Mason Adrian Hangaana Finlay McDonald Scott Goodman Daniel Potts Jack O'Connor Rivers/Jackson/Daley

Assistant Referees: Guy Sainsbury, Antony Hastie

1. Matagi Sau 2. Elijah Suter 3. Kruise Gillies 4. David McGrath 5. Kevin Weeks 6. Liam McDonnell 7. Albert Hemopo 8. Tyrone Siita

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

David Riecheman Jack Keppel Will Tokaduadua Damon Browne Mitch Ryan Dan Brown Jono Brown Coach/es: Suter/Hewitt

COLTS FINAL RANDWICK

EASTWOOD

Myrtle Green

Blue and White

3rd Grade Colts: 12.00 pm

1. Hagan Butler 2. Jarrod Oharra 3. Michael Celona 4. Sam Taylor (C) 5. Sam Kenny 6. Jack Leger Ryan 7. Sam Tooth 8. Jack Musgrove

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Referee: Andrew Hackett

Cameron Terry Leo Gordon Ross Glasson Jackson Raymond Jake Kefford John Weatherall Tom Windeatt Coach/es: Kaissis/Palmier

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Assistant Referees: Aragon Heppel, Ed Godbold

Seb Contreras 9. Taylor Mathieson Andrew Walker 10. Ben Graham Tom Marwick 11. Tevita Alipate Angus McCaffrey 12. Ben Eisenhuth Peter Brush C 13. Beau Sorbello Michael Salvador 14. James Coller Cameron Del Moro 15. Brendan Maxworthy Coaches: Weeks Ed Tootell

COLTS PRELIMINARY FINALS FORSHAW RUGBY PARK 1st Grade Colts: 3.00 pm

Sunday September 2

Referee: Julian Pritchard

Assistant Referees: Will Houston, Richard Goswell

NORTHERN SUBURBS

WEST HARBOUR

Red and Black

Red, White and Black

Max Jones Will Weeks Harry Hobden Declan Carroll Hugh Sinclair Sam Figg Tom Irons Ciarin MacWhite Michael Dowsett Harry Cleaver Blake Murray Michael Freeman Jack Cameron Jack Grant Chris Smith

1. Dave Lolohea 2. Stan Ta'ufo'ou 3. Allan Alaalatoa 4. Rob Kennedy 5. Harrison Orr 6. Brendan Newcombe 7. Brendan Post 8. Dan Elsom 9. Max Page 10. Jack Debreczeni 11. James Blackwood 12. Maake Moala 13. Joe Tafili 14. Josh Dransfield 15. Tim Hansen Coach/es: Ferris/Alaalatoa

Coach/es: ARCHIBALD/HALL

EASTWOOD

MANLY

Blue and White

Red and Blue

2nd Grade Colts: 1.25 pm

1. David Fangaloka 2. Mitch Blacker 3. Nigel Vaifale 4. Manasa Rokosuka (C) 5. James Forrest 6. Harry Byrnes 7. Ace Ngshiu 8. Allan Fepuleai

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Referee: Ben Wawn

Jared Lewthwaite Matt Parkinson Nick O'Connor Daniel De Santis Nick Burke Ben Kaafi James Martin Coach/es: Fairful/Fangaloka

Assistant Referees: Antony Hastie, James Christian

1. Alex Brand 2. Scott White 3. Jake King 4. Spencer Deck 5. James Kingston 6. Harry Fletcher 7. Liam Burke (C) 8. Kitione Latu

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Max Beer Benji Dixon Josh Carolan Jack Eades Ryan Squires Ross Bird Mike Howard Zak Beer Coach/es:

NSW SUBURBAN RUGBY UNION 2012 GRAND FINALS DAY Saturday 22nd September T.G. Millner Field 146 Vimiera Road, Eastwood Division One Grand Finals 9.00am Judd Cup 10.15am Whiddon Cup 11.40am Barbour Cup (Colts) 1.20pm Burke Cup

3.00 pm Kentwell Cup The Kentwell Cup Grand Final is shaping up as a blockbuster contest with the likely contestants having a win each against each other through the season. Come to T. G. Millner for a wonderful day of entertaining, grass roots rugby.

ACTIONPHOTOS by Seiser Photography | www.seiserphotography.com

Norths captain and No.8 AJ Gilbert hits top gear in the Shoremen’s very impressive 75 – 17 QF win over Warringah.

Southern Districts second rower Jed Holloway makes a rollicking burst in their win over Eastwood.

The engineer has excelled in the engine room.

MARTY PLOKSTYS Marty Plokstys is a no-nonsense, archetypal workhorse of a front rower. Letting his on-field exploits speak for themselves, he downplays the praise he receives from others. “I’m not a man of many words,” he says. “I let it happen on the field, just head down and try not to be noticed too much for the wrong thing.” Two years ago, he was noticed for the right things by Woodies coach John Manenti who recruited the 115kg prop from Gordon to T.G. Millner. Plokstys – who grew up in the area, went to Riverview and now lives in Ryde – says the decision to switch clubs was made easier by fellow forwards Chris Alcock and Jared Barry also making the move. The first game against their old side last year tested their mettle though. "There were mixed feelings in that game, I think we all got a bit of a touch up," he says. But in true fashion, Plokstys got on with the job and by the end of the season had won a minor premiership and more importantly, the Shute Shield. "The GF win in overtime was brilliant, but hopefully we can do a bit better this year and win in a straight 80 minutes, none of this extra time,” he jokes. A mobile forward with punishing defence, Plokstys can play loosehead and tighthead – he prefers the number one jersey though – and has even packed down in the back row in the past. His hard work ethic is readily seen of the field too as he maintains a busy schedule of footy and his job as a construction engineer, where he is currently overseeing an upgrade of some of Sydney’s major highways. As with many club rugby players, the work-rugby balance is a tricky one for Plokstys but with the finals in full swing, he’s typically fully focused on amending last weekend’s loss to Southern Districts. “No one’s about to panic, it’s just about regrouping as a team, putting our heads down and getting a win on the board and making it through to the next round.”

– Brendan Bradford Photo: www.seiserphotography.com 27

WILSO’S WHISPERS by Bob Wilson

In last Sunday’s 3rd grade Semi-Final between Randwick and Norths at Merrylands RSL Rugby Park, Randwick back-rower George Lolo was injured and stretchered off before being taken to hospital after he suffered a neck injury. After both teams shook hands a Norths player called both sides together in a circle with arms around each other and said words to the effect " We have just been through an injury to one of our players, Seti Tafua and we know what an effect it can have on his mates. We share your concerns and wish him a quick recovery and join in wishing you guys good luck for the next game". What a great show of camaraderie and things like this make Rugby such a great game ! George is feeling a lot better now but it is good the correct precautions were taken by the officials and medical staff. In a follow up to last weekend’s column on the Myall Coast Mudcrabs coached by former Manly & Warringah player and coach, Ian Felton and ex Gordon 1st Grade hooker, Hugh “Flash” Gordon. The Mudcrabs did win the Grand Final against Old Bar 17-10 to claim the Lower Mid North Coast Competition. Celebrations for the players continued until Monday morning while Felton and Gordon were really feeling the after match festivities as they made it to sunrise on the Sunday. They said “We are too old for this much partying, it was like the old days but we were a lot younger back then and could handle it ”. They weren’t sighted for a few days. Well over 1,000 people turned up for the game with most of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens in attendance. The game was a lot more entertaining than the match played at Eden Park later that afternoon. Former Manly President and player, Frank Ellis sadly passed away last week. He was President of the club from 2003 to 2006 and presided over the Club Centenary celebrations in 2006. The Marlins wore black armbands last weekend to pay tribute to Frank. Our thoughts are with the family and his many friends. 28

More terrible news with former Randwick player, Peter Newham passing away recently after suffering from bowel cancer for several years. Peter was captain of the 1st Grade Colts back in 1982 as well as representing the Sydney Colt’s that year before entering Grade the following season. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Ron into the Police Force before becoming a detective where he served in Regional NSW for many years. Peter was also a more than useful cricketer and to leave us at the age of 50 is far too young. Best wishes are extended to his family and friends. Norths A.J. Gilbert played his 50th First Grade game for the club last weekend. Head coach Scott Fava said “AJ came to Norths midway through the 2010 season and right from the start you could tell he was going to be a good club man. He is an inspiration to his team mates on the field as he never takes a backward step and has worked hard to develop his leadership skills. Congratulations to AJ on a well deserved fifty 1st Grade games". In a vote of confidence, West Harbour have re-appointed John Lomax as Club Head Coach for the 2013 season and the club is now calling for applications for all coaching and ancillary positions reporting to the Club Head coach. Apparently a club had to forfeit it’s Lower Grade semi-final match last weekend as many of the players were away at a team-mates Bucks Night on Hamilton Island and didn’t make it back in time for the game. I reckon this would be a first for a semi-final no appearance. Randwick Rugby Club’s Jim Dubos organised the Randwick City Council Year 5 & 6 Rugby 10’s Tournaments at Latham Park recently. As it was the first taste of Rugby for many of the boys each team were given three pre tournament training sessions. Some great rugby was played with all teams improving as the day progressed while Randwick Legend Jeff Sayle on hand along with CEO, Tony Lewis to present Certificates to all players. Also in attendance was former Randwick great and Wallaby Gary Ella who was representing Randwick City Council. I f you have any stories or news please email bobw@wireless2way.com.au or call: 0438 416 222.

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