Old Colleagues have asked what happened on Grand Final day ? Here are a few thoughts.
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Writing this newsletter I am still numb with what happened on Grand Final Day 2016. As most Old Colleagues would now know the Blue Giants fought their way through the semi finals to find themselves with four teams in the big dance (new words for Grand Finals). The day offered much with perfect weather and a mid week rain event (more new words) producing a fast track fit for enterprising rugby.
The Judd Cup were first off the blocks (at the crack of dawn) against the usual St Pats Old Boys retirement village team (1000 games played by their front row). The game progressed as follows: after an initial 10 minutes where the giants were under pressure from the big Pats pack, finally we got the pill and never looked back with the fleet footed Blue Giant backs scoring some great tries!! Pats tried to come back several times but a resolute Colleagues pack led by Colleagues stalwart Chris Meharg defended stoutly and put up a blue defensive wall go you good things in the end wining 36-10 (Revenge after losing narrowly last year)
Next came the Whiddon Cup, could they reverse the poor playagainst the Mosman Whales from the major semi??? Well I would have to say that they certainly had the intensity and commitment however Old Colleagues at the game were still shaking their head long after the final whistle asking how a team could loose virtually every line out and every kick in the game and still win?? It was a real nail biter with the score Blue Giants 12- Mosman Whales 10 for most of the second half. A try on the bell and the Whales were out of their depth, final score 17-10. In the end total Commitment to the cause had overcome technique! (Revenge for Whiddo’s after losing narrowly last year)
The Burkies were next and the Colleagues were on a roll ! They came out firing scoring a early try and then another. Big second rower Michael Woodhouse causing damage all over the park. By the time Mosman woke up to what was going on the Giants had got some good rhythm and structure going and after putting up the blue defensive wall plus a late try to the good guys the score was 22-6. A scoreline reflecting for the state of play plus throw in (Revenge after losing narrowly last year)
The Colleagues crowd had grown by this stage for the main event. A long tunnel and some serious chanting brought the Colleagues Kentwell Cup onto the ground for what would be an epic final.
Mosman leading the comp for most of the season and minor premiers would be tough to toss but right from the outset you could feel the Blue Giant energy. Both sides putting on early points and nothing between two evenly matched sides. Skipper DK goes in under the posts and the Giants lead 19-14 at half time after playing out of their skins. Second half the same. Colleagues are all over the Whales like a barnacle rash. DK kicks two penalties its 25-14 still 20mins to go hopes are high for a magic finish. Suddenly Mosman get possession from broken play and score out wide 25-19 no conversion and then again Mosman drive over out wide, 25-24 but with time running out the feeling is still that the Colleagues will hold them out. A long range Colleague penalty kick hits the cross bar gallant reserve hooker Jono just misses gathering the ball under the posts, Mosman go wide again and reach the other end of the field, get a penalty shot and kick it to win, whistle goes Giants lose 27-25. “Wham bam cup jumps out of the can” !!
Still stunned and still feeling the pain of a magnificent team who represented the Club so well in the 2016 season. I say “hold your heads up Kentwell lets not forget the Bruce Graham Shield this season it is yours”, your Kentwell points ultimately made those magnificent men, the Blue Giant Colleagues the Championship Club of the year.
“Go The Colleagues”
Boothie
