Colleagues Rugby » Tim Cullen

Round 7 vs Lindfield

May 27, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Weekly news

Colleagues head back to Lindfield

It’s been a few years since the Blue Giants have travel to East Killara to take on the ‘Old Soldiers” of Lindfield.

Since being promoted from second division last year, the lads from the leafy north have proven to be worthy of the promotion.

Colleagues will enjoy another challenging round tomorrow at Soldiers Memorial Park.

Kick off times are slightly different to a normal away game. See below.

New Kick times @ Lindfield Soldiers Memorial Park on Tryon Road
East Lindfield.
• 4s – 10.30am
• 3s – 11.25am
• Colts – 12.30pm
• 2s – 1.45pm
• Junior Club Rugby Curtain Raiser – 3pm
• 1s – 3.15pm

Flash Back Friday – April 2011

In the lead up to 5 from 5 in 2011, Lindfield travel to Blue Giant Stadium and are met by a sea of red. Notice the comment by Lindfield prop’s team mate. Well into his 30s Bunsen is ready to deliver the same for Kentwell tomorrow.

Tough Round Against the Improved Petersham

It was a tough round for all Colleagues grade teams last Saturday when the much improved Petersham travelled to Woollahra.

Only Sutherland and Colties secured good wins for the home side. Judd and Whiddon both ended in draws, Burke had to kick a penalty goal on the bell to clinch a win, and Kentwell were not consistant enough to do the job.

Man of Match Performances

• Tom Borowski (7) – Kentwell
• Finn Hunt (7) – Burke
• Charlie Evans (7) – Whiddon (pictured)
• James Weaton (9) – Judd
• Cam Britten (10) – Sutherland
• Will Jackson (5) – Halligan
• Lachie Cobden – Barbour

Scores
• Kentwell 28 – 35 Petersham
• Burke 16 – 15 Petersham
• Barbour 36 – 15 Petersham
• Widddon 14 – 14 Petersham
• Judd 15 – 15 Petersham
• Sutherland 44 – 0 Petersham
• Halligan 17 – 0

Players can also access match videos on the Colleagues Player Portal. Details at the bottom of the newsletter.

The Manatee Mumble

Well what a week, the draws in Judd and Whiddon and a loss in Kentwell show that there is depth in Petersham this year which is great to see in the competition. I definitely felt it was Colleagues game to lose in all grades and we just couldn’t seem to convert pressure into points, credit to Petersham. On a positive note, a big shout out to Ryan Baitz this week for his starting debut in the Kentwell front row at last minute, great game mate!

This Saturday we play Lindfield away, this is their first season back in Div 1 after a long hiatus so will be great to give them a warm welcome back on Saturday. We need to aim up across the grades and this is a great opportunity for Colleagues to get our season back on track with a blue rinse!

Special mention this week to the headgear of Kentwell fullback Cronan Healy. It may be a little bit worn but its still hanging in there.. much like Cronan

Manatee out

Social Calendar

2016 Events

4th June – Old Colleagues Day v Drummoyne

16th July – Colleagues Black Tie Ball and fundraiser for the Australian Women’s Olympic 7s Team

30th July – Ladies Day 2 v Mosman

2016 Black Tie Ball

The Colleagues Black Tie Ball will be back again this season. The ball is on the 16th July at Dolton House on Elizabeth St in the City after our away match with Petersham. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out last years photos here

Round 6 vs Petersham

May 20, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Weekly news

Colleagues at Home to the Shammies

After a mix day of results a Mosman last weekend, the Blue Giants head back to Woollahra Oval tomorrow to take on Petersham. The Petersham Shammies who are coming 3rd on the Division 1 Club Championships will be tough opposition throughout the grades.

In fact Colleagues and Petersham are equal first in Whiddon Cup, both undefeated on 24 competition points after five rounds.

Forwards coach Jason Monteath is confident his boys are ready for what should be their most challenging game thus far. “Our boys are primed for a tough top of the table clash against Petersham.” Monteath said. “They’ve been very consistant so far this season so we’ll be looking to use our home ground advantage to cement our spot at the top of table.”

Whiddos will be boosting a strong forward pack with new the Colleagues pairing of Will Yeo (pictured) and Ben Griffiths in the second row and Rupert Ballenger and James Dan in the front row. They’ll be joined by the strong and experienced backrow of Bibby, Hunt and Evans. And although Nick Valentine has a number 3 on his back, he acts as a fourth backrower around the park.

For Burke and Kentwell it will be another tough round with further forced changes to the two starting sides. Kentwell suffered another hamstring injury to their starting five eight, with Toby L’Estrange coming from the field midway through the second half against Mosman. His replacement, the very experience Isaac Carey, will start in the 10 jersey this Saturday.

For Burke it will be a new but familiar midfield combination of Holmes, Mullany and outside centre Jack Hale. This midfield should have plenty of chances of success from the set piece, with towering second rowers Michael Woodward and Will Milward returning to the field after two weeks away.

Lower Grades Carry the Giants Home at Mosman

Out of the seven matches against Mosman last Saturday, Colleagues came away with four wins but losses in Halligan, Burke and Kentwell Cup.

With a couple of sperm whales in the second row, the Mosman first grade scrum was a force for the home team, causing the Blue Giants headaches throughout the match. That dominant scrum coupled with strong defence in and around the breakdown, never allowed Colleagues to get into the game.

The Burke Cup match was tight from start to finish but the visitors were fighting an uphill battle after two dubious yellow cards left the Blue Giants playing half the match a man down.

It was another tremendous defensive effort in the lower grades with Colleagues only conceding one try from third through to fifth grade. For the fifth game in a row our Whiddon Cup boys have kept their opponents tryless.

Man of Match Performances

• Duncan Boyd Jones (9) – Kentwell
• Jono Willis (2) & Joe Sangster (9) Burke
• Finn Hunt (7) – Whiddon (pictured)
• Mike Bentley (8) – Judd
• Angus Wilson (6) – Sutherland
• Elliot Hanna (2) – Halligan
• Harvey Duncan (12) – Barbour

Scores
• Kentwell 15 – 30 Mosman
• Burke 7 – 18 Mosman
• Barbour 55 – 24 Mosman
• Widddon 17 – 3 Mosman
• Judd 7 – 6 Mosman
• Sutherland 33 – 5 Mosman
• Halligan 0 – 26 Mosman

Players can also access match videos on the Colleagues Player Portal. Details at the bottom of the newsletter.

Player of the Round

Round 1 vs Knox

Charlie Henley – 2, Kentwell

Round 2 vs Drummoyne

Tom Lomax – 11, Whiddon

Round 3 vs St Pats

Tom Harbson – 9, Whiddon (pictured)

Round 4 vs Balmain

Lachlan Strachan – 3, Halligan

The Manatee Mumble

Giants!

Well the dream run has come to an end! After 3 blue rinses our Halligan, Burke and Kentwell sides were defeated by a well drilled Mosman outfit who were packing a bit of size across the grades. The loss was a good wake up call for the club, we are not going to stroll through this competition and need to aim up every week.

This Saturday we have Petersham at home which will also be a tough game. For the grades coming off a loss it’s time to rip in and show the rest of the competition that we deserve to be on top of the table.

In other news this week… special mention to James “Dog Nuts” Kennelly who debuted at Fashion Week on Wednesday.. congrats mate!!

Manatee Out

Social Calendar

2016 Events

28th May – WAGs Cocktail class & dinner at the Woollahra Hotel $90 per head (4 cocktails, two course dinner with wines). Email DB for a spot for your WAG daveburnett.aus@gmail.com

4th June – Old Colleagues Day v Drummoyne

16th July – Colleagues Black Tie Ball and fundraiser for the Australian Women’s Olympic 7s Team

30th July – Ladies Day 2 v Mosman

2016 Black Tie Ball

The Colleagues Black Tie Ball will be back again this season. The date is the 16th July after our away match with Petersham. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out last years photos here

Round 5 vs Mosman

May 13, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Weekly news

Colleagues out to have a Whale of a time at Mosman

With only one loss in four rounds from teams competing for the 2016 Club Champions, Colleagues head to Rawson Oval to take on bitter rivals the Mosman Whales for round 5. There is never any love lost between these two sides. Some say it’s the Rugby, some say it’s the Eastside/Northside battle and some say it’s the debate over who has the better Charcoal Charlies. It’s safe to say we win on all fronts.

Although the Blue Giants have had a successful start to the season, which also included a preseason win over Mosman, all Colleagues know that winning at Rawson Oval is no easy task.

Two sides that will be particularly keen to finish on the right side of the ledger, are the Burke and Barbour Cup teams who are playing out 2015 Grand Final re-matches. As coach Pete Minucos details below, the Burke Cup team will be almost a completely different outfit than the side that went down by 2 points at TG Milner last year. And as most colts teams, the Colleagues Barbour Cup side will also be a very new team to run out, hoping to recreate the success of the 2015 GF.

This week’s Kentwell Cup side will also see some changes from that that beat the defending premiers last week. Injuries to Dan Kelly, Mitch Mansfield, replacement centre Gus McGregor and the unavailability of new centre James McMahon will see inform Burke inside centre Jason Date (pictured) get his chance to impress the coaches in the top grade against the Whales.

“Jason’s recent form has been very strong. Good hard running and solid defence has been a trade mark of his play so far.” said Kentwell coach Ben Waters. “We are excited to see him getting an opportunity in Kentwell and feel sorry for his opposite from Mosman.”

This week’s Kentwell Cup side will also see some changes from that that beat the defending premiers last week. Injuries to Dan Kelly, Mitch Mansfield, replacement centre Gus McGregor and the unavailability of new centre James McMahon will see inform Burke inside centre Jason Date (pictured) get his chance to impress the coaches in the top grade against the Whales.

“Jason’s recent form has been very strong. Good hard running and solid defence has been a trade mark of his play so far.” said Kentwell coach Ben Waters. “We are excited to see him getting an opportunity in Kentwell and feel sorry for his opposite from Mosman.”

Burke Cup Grand Final Re-Match

by Pete Minucos Burke Cup Coach

Burke Cup sees a GF replay after Mosman upset the Blue Giants 23-21 in last year’s decider. Plenty of new faces in the playing roster means the pain probably lingers more in coaches Minucos and Ireland – with the memory of 70m intercept tries and 35m rogue field goals…

The 2016 Burke boys, however, are off to a flyer like the rest of the club. A few lads have been rewarded with a shot in Kentwell this week and there’s a new look back-line in particular.

Look for the back row of Greeny Boults and DT (pictured) to take it to these Whales and take another step towards reclaiming The Colleagues’ Cup.

Colties Grand Final Re-Match

by Richard Buttenshaw Colts Coach

This weekend sees the Colties take on one of the traditional foes in Mosman in what happens to be a Grand Final rematch from 2015. After a convincing major semifinal win by the giants mOsman proved to be a much stronger opposition in the final with Colleagues getting home by just 5 points. Although not travelling as well as previous years mOsman always manage to put on a show with their younger guys and wuill be looking for some revenge from last year.

As is the case every year we have mostly a new crop of chargers, however the inspirational captain Jack “piggy” Williams (pictured) is back to steer the ship in his 3rd year of colts and a couple of previous colts in Oliver Lembke and Josh Moloney have joined the coaching panel. After a relatively slow start to the season we are looking to build on some momentum gained during last week’s win over Balmain to keep charging up the table.

Third Blue Rinse in a Row

Well you couldn’t have asked for a better Saturday of rugby, to that that was delivered at Blue Giant Stadium last Saturday 7th May.

The crisp Autumn morning started with a bushfire haze from some back burning in the Blue Mountains, but that only added to the intensity to the first match of the day which saw Colleagues Sutherland (5ths) take on Colleagues Halligan (6ths) in a legitimate Halligan Cup competition match.

The Colleagues Halligan team lead by out inspirational clubman Rob Rush, playing his 200th match for Colleagues, used their underdog status to catch the Suthos boys by surprise. With seismic collisions coming in at every breakdown, side line spectators would not have guessed this was mate against mate. In a game that saw some tremendous defensive efforts, it was the Halligan boys that came away with bragging rights and the two tries to nil win.

As the day started off, it also finished with a match that kept the spectators’ eyes glued to the field. The Kentwell Cup match up saw our boys take on 2015 Premiers Balmain. The same match last season saw the away team notch up 60 points against the Blue Giants, but this season with a renewed sense of camaraderie amongst the players, the Kentwell team ensured this result was not replicated.

The Blue Giants almost had a perfect start with a try next to the posts in the first five minutes to fly eigth and captain Dan Kelly. But it was only after the try was scored that DK’s teammate noticed the discomfort the old skip was in. The last minute acceleration to the try line cost the 100+ Kentwell fly eighth his right hamstring. Thankfully the Blue Giants didn’t have to look far for quality replacements. New Colleagues Toby L’Estrange moved from 12 to 10, and charging centre Mitch Mansfield came off the bench into the centres.

From that explosive opening stanza to the final whistle, the home side controlled the game at every turn. Pin point cross field kicking by L’Estange followed by tremendous defensive lineout pressure caused the 2015 Premiers to cough up possession on numerous occasions.

The icing on the cake came when Man of the Match winger Alex Cheng split the Balmain backline defence with a well-executed set piece move to score under the sticks. The cheers of the 200+ ladies on the sidelines, the good guys secured a 31-17 win.

Man of Match Performances

• Alex Cheng (11) – Kentwell
• Hugh Campbell (5) – Burke (pictured)
• Archie Walter (9) – Whiddon
• Jack Hale (13) – Judd
• Elliot Wolgamont (15) – Sutherland
• Lachlan Strachan (3) – Halligan
• David MacIntyre (1) – Barbour

Scores
• Kentwell 31 – 17 Balmain
• Burke 36 – 6 Balmain
• Barbour 55 – 24 Balmain
• Widddon 46 – 0 Balmain
• Judd 26 – 6 Balmain
• Sutherland 0 – 10 Halligan
Professional photos courtesy of SPA Images from the Saturday’s matches can be found on our Facebook page. Cick here

Players can also access match videos on the Colleagues Player Portal. Details at the bottom of the newsletter.

Biggest Ladies Day Yet

by Jkel and Mkel

Last weekend saw the mighty blue giants take on their greatest challenge this season…. Ladies day! With 196 wristbands sold, surpassing our previous record by 50, it was always going to be a big day both on and off the field.

On the day there was 200 bottles of champagne consumed, 12 kegs of endeavour beer and the fridges were drunk dry. This was with the exception of the magners blonde which remains in the fridge. Seriously we need to be digging into those reserves for the next blue rinse so that the club doesn’t go bankrupt.

Special thanks must go to Tim Waddell, Goochy, Johnny Ryan, DB, DJ Manatee and Cam Ireland for making it all happen. Also to all the boys who pitched in for our guests pouring drinks, taking around food, selling raffle tickets and by just being good looking roosters for all the single ladies. Well done.

Until the second instalment of ladies day,

Photos from Ladies Day can be found on our Facebook page. Cick here

The Manatee Mumble

What can I say!

A blue rinse on ladies day, what a ripper! The sun was shining, girls everywhere and the blue giants belting Balmain in every grade, it doesn’t get much better. Special mention to the Whiddo boys, 4 games and have not conceded a point, great effort lads!

Ladies day was a success once again, a big shout out to Jon Ryan, Goochie & Leigh (awesome work on the operations) Dave Burnett (mad organising skills), Michael and John Kelly (music and marketing skills), Dave Wright (for the sparkling), Tim Waddell (for the food). On top of this was the work by the colleagues men throughout the day, it would not have been half the event it was without the solid contribution from everyone, a fantastic effort by all!!

This week we have Mosman across the harbour, ensure your GPS is on as we venture into unknown territory over the bridge. Mosman are a very similar club to us and boast a bit of size in a couple of grades, they always seem to lift against us so we can’t rest on our laurels. Mosman are also in second place behind us in the Club Championship so we all have an opportunity to put a bit of daylight between us and the rest of the pack.

Rip in lads!

Manatee Out

(Mark Blackmore Club Captain)

Long Lunch 2016

There was an enthusiastic gathering of 200 Colleagues at the clubs annual Long Lunch. Premiership teams of 1996 (4 from 4) and 2011 (5 from 5) relived those magnificent triumphs with magnificent men. The days MC Vince Sorenti revelled in an off the cuff performance that saw the room with filled with tears of laughter as he shone the spot light on a variety of Blue Giant Legends.

Michael Cheika revealed his Colleagues philosophy of if you trying to be a good bloke you will be a good bloke and harden up. The Australian coach was no doubt impressed with the depth of knowledge of the questions and the manner in which they were asked.

The day was a great success as a fund raiser for the club and for catching up with old team mates. Look forward to seeing many more on Old Colleagues Day June 4.

Social Calendar

2016 Events

28th May – WAGs Cocktail class & dinner at the Woollahra Hotel $90 per head (4 cocktails, two course dinner with wines). Email DB for a spot for your WAGdaveburnett.aus@gmail.com

4th June – Old Colleagues Day v Drummoyne

16th July – Colleagues Black Tie Ball and fundraiser for the Australian Women’s Olympic 7s Team

30th July – Ladies Day 2 v Mosman

Woollahra Hotel renews Partnership with Colleagues

The Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Club and the Woollahra Hotel are please to confirm the continuing partnership between the two organisations in 2016

After 4 years of sponsorship under Ryan Hotels, the Woollahra Hotel’s new ownership, the Public House Management Group, confirmed earlier this season that they would renew the sponsorship deal with Woollahra’s most social rugby club.

The Colleagues playing community are thrilled that the partnership is continuing .

2016 Black Tie Ball

The Colleagues Black Tie Ball will be back again this season. The date is the 16th July after our away match with Petersham. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out last years photos here

Round 4 vs Balmain – Ladies Day

May 6, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Weekly news

Top of the Table Clash for Ladies Day

This Saturday the Blue Giants take on Balmain on the most distinguished and famed event day of the annual Australian sporting calendar, the Colleagues Rugby Ladies Day.

And as the Rugby gods would have it, the forecast is a sunny 25 degrees and the Colleagues and Balmain Kentwell Cup teams are on top of the ladder with undefeated records in 2016.

Over 100 ladies have already secured their Ladies Day tickets which includes champers and canapés from 12pm to 4:30pm, and all the Rugby man-candy they can look at.

Colleagues will have their toughest match of the season thus far in first grade as they take on the 2016 Kentwell Cup Premiers Balmain. Colleagues (14) sit one competition point ahead of Balmain (13) after three rounds of competition.

Inform Kentwell hooker Charlie Henley (pictured), who scored another double against St Pats last week said “Everybody always looks forward to playing in front of a big ladies day crowd. Hopefully Kentwell can knock off last years premiers and then the boys can have a red hot crack after the game also.”

Make sure you have a good view for this one folks, should be a cracker!

Kick off Times at Woollahra No.2 Oval

• Kentwell – 3.15pm
• Burke – 2pm
• Widddon – 1pm
• Judd – 12pm
• Sutherland vs Halligan 11am

Woollahra No.3 Oval
• Barbour 12:45pm

First Blue Rinse Since 2004

For the first time in over 10 years Colleagues has travelled to Hudson Oval Strathfield and left with a win in every grade. In what has always been a cruel venue for the visitors, the men from Woollahra were relentless last Saturday in claiming their first Blue Rinse at St Pats since 2004.

The Judd Cup Grand Final re-match was the tightest match of the day, with the good guys getting up by just a single try. The O’Sullivan and Monteath coached Whiddon Cup side completed third match of the season without conceding a single point. This is quite impressive considering the calibre of opponents Colleagues has faced this year.

Photos from Saturday can be found on St Pats Facebook Page

Man of Match Performances

• James McMahon (13) – Kentwell
• Michael Woodward (4) – Burke
• Tom Harbison (9) – Whiddon
• Sam Orders (8) – Judd
• Tom Weston (7) – Sutherland
• James Davies (8) – Halligan
• Sean Cross (15) – Barbour

Scores
• Kentwell 45 – 22 St Pats
• Burke 31 – 3 St Pats
• Barbour 14 – 7 St Pats
• Widddon 38 – 0 St Pats
• Judd 20 – 15 St Pats
• Sutherland 57 – 0 Petersham 6ths
• Halligan 15 – 5 Maccabi

The Manatee Mumble

What an awesome week to be a Colleague!

Blue rinse against St Pats at Hudson, hasn’t happened in over 10 years. An unbelievable effort by everyone involved, special mention to the “nuts and bolts” with a try on the whistle to win it… I reckon that winger who threw it out is still having nightmares!

We also had the long lunch on yesterday, was great to hear the stories and history of the club from the old boys. After that I’m not too sure what happened…

This week we turn our attention to Balmain. Don’t let the current scores fool you, this is going to be a tough game across the grades. There will also be plenty of tail on the sidelines with Ladies Day and no one likes a loser so rip in!

A couple of points on ladies day, Colleagues are hosting this event and we all play for Colleagues. As such we are all hosts and NOT GUESTS. Everyone needs to pitch in – grab a bottle and make sure the ladies have a full glass (it makes for great entertainment later), pick up a plate and deliver some canapes, help to pick up rubbish throughout the day. This all helps to ensure the day will be success and the “Bankstown Yagoona’s” will taste sooooo much better!

Start firing up for Saturday Magnificent Men!

Manatee out

Mark Blackman – 2016 Club Captain

Long Lunch 2016

There was an enthusiastic gathering of 200 Colleagues at the clubs annual Long Lunch. Premiership teams of 1996 (4 from 4) and 2011 (5 from 5) relived those magnificent triumphs with magnificent men. The days MC Vince Sorenti revelled in an off the cuff performance that saw the room with filled with tears of laughter as he shone the spot light on a variety of Blue Giant Legends.

Michael Cheika revealed his Colleagues philosophy of if you trying to be a good bloke you will be a good bloke and harden up. The Australian coach was no doubt impressed with the depth of knowledge of the questions and the manner in which they were asked.

The day was a great success as a fund raiser for the club and for catching up with old team mates. Look forward to seeing many more on Old Colleagues Day June 4.

A Good Read – Uber Driver Diaries

Ladies’ Man at Ladies Day

“I pulled into the grounds of the Woollahra Rugby club and it was Gatsby-esque. The clubhouse was brimming with beauty. Swathes of lavishly dressed women poured into the venue like liquid silk. The sounds of laughter, raucous chatter and clinking champagne glasses echoed across the empty rugby field from the clubhouse. This is a party for the god’s I thought to myself as I parked the car. Alejandro and I departed company but fate would bring me back to this oasis soon enough.

I completed a further seven or eight fares when the call came in:

BEEP.BEEP.BEEP Johnny – 6 minutes

The address didn’t register with me right away, I just hit the navigate button and headed back to Rose Bay. It wasn’t until I pulled into the gates of the Rugby club I realised I was back at the party, but things had changed.” Read on….

POSH Tour

Great Posh Tour last weekend out to St Pats. Although the 1.5 hour drive up Parramatta Road to Strathfield made it feel like we were still traveling to Campbelltown, the jetlag did nothing to deter the performance of the Blue Giants on and off the field.

Social Calendar

2016 Events

28th May – WAGs Cocktail class & dinner at the Woollahra Hotel $90 per head (4 cocktails, two course dinner with wines). Email DB for a spot for your WAGdaveburnett.aus@gmail.com

4th June – Old Colleagues Day v Drummoyne

16th July – Colleagues Black Tie Ball and fundraiser for the Australian Women’s Olympic 7s Team

30th July – Ladies Day 2 v Mosman

Woollahra Hotel renews Partnership with Colleagues

The Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Club and the Woollahra Hotel are please to confirm the continuing partnership between the two organisations in 2016

After 4 years of sponsorship under Ryan Hotels, the Woollahra Hotel’s new ownership, the Public House Management Group, confirmed earlier this season that they would renew the sponsorship deal with Woollahra’s most social rugby club.

The Colleagues playing community are thrilled that the partnership is continuing .

2016 Black Tie Ball

The Colleagues Black Tie Ball will be back again this season. The date is the 16th July after our away match with Petersham. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out last years photos here

AGL Energy offer to Subbies Players

April 30, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Classifieds

Together with the Waratahs and New South Wales Rugby Union, we’ve developed a program to support grassroots rugby and local clubs.

This is an opportunity to earn $$ for your club and we strongly urge you to get this offer to your players and supporters, and your wider club community.

Your members get a discount on their energy bills, and your club earns money. Win-Win!

Summary:
›       Each person that joins the “AGL Waratahs energy plan” will earn their club:
»      $100 donation (electricity)
»      $50 donation (gas)
»      Up to $150 annually
»      Donation paid every year they remain on the plan.
»      Current AGL customers are eligible if they join the “AGL Waratahs energy plan”.
›      16% guaranteed discount off electricity bills.
›      12% guaranteed discount off gas bills.
›      Additional 2% discount if you have both gas and electricity with AGL.

The attachment is very thorough and explains the AGL Rugby Waratahs Program in detail and provides numbers and links for questions.

Sign up online at agl.com.au/rugby or call us on 1300 AGL TAHS (that’s 1300 245 824).

Round 3 vs St Pats

April 29, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Weekly news

Colleagues Head to Hudson Oval

Round three of the competition sees Colleagues head out to Strathfield to take on St Pats Old Boys.

Colleagues should be coming into tomorrow’s clash as favourites across the grades after clean sweeps against Knox at home in round 1 and the rare Blue Rinse at Drummoyne Oval last weekend. Saying that, getting a win against St Pats at Hudson Oval has always been an arduous task for the Blue Giants, no matter what team your in.

Colleagues and St Pats have played the same opposition in the opening two rounds this season. Both clubs had successful outings against the usually dominate Drummoyne, but where Colleagues were successful over KOBs, St Pats had a hard time of it, only getting up in 4th grade.
Kick off Times at Hudson Oval, Strathfield

• Kentwell – 3.15pm
• Burke – 2pm
• Barbour – 12:45pm
• Widddon – 11:40am
• Judd – 10:45am
• Sutherland vs Petersham 6th – 9:30am

Lyne Park
• Halligan v Epping 5th – 2am

Grand Final Re-Match for Judd

After Saturday’s easy Whiddon Cup grand final rematch win, it’s the Judd Cup boys taking on their grand final foes tomorrow.

In similar fashion to Whiddon’s championship loss to Drummoyne last year, Judd went down 17-15 to St Pats in the dying stages of the match.

The Campbell-Avenell and Sproats coached 4th grade side will have a few names that were on the field at TG Milner last September, notably the clubs 2016 leading try scorers No.8 Sam Orders and 2016 leading point scorer SP McGoldrick. These veterans will no doubt be leading from the front again in their quest for redemption.

Blue Rinse at Drummoyne Oval

It was a rare Saturday afternoon of rugby in Sydney’s inner west last weekend. The Blue Giants of Colleagues dismantled the usually formidable Drummoyne rugby club in all grades.

Some are saying its the first Blue Rinse at Drummoyne Oval since 2011, when then Kentwell hooker Billy Johnson snuck around the shortest of blindsides about five meters out to score in the last play of the game and club storwade Dan Kelly kick the conversion for the win.

Either way it was a great day for the Woollahra lads in Five Dock, with some champagne rugby being played across the park.

Photos from Saturday can be found on Drummoyne’s Facebook page

Man of Match Performances

• Dan Kelly (10) – Kentwell
• Cam Pattern (15) – Burke
• Tom Lomax (11) – Whiddon
• Jim Phillson (6) – Judd
• Eddy Washer (5) – Sutherland
• Matt Anderson (7) – Barbour

Scores

• Kentwell 41 – 18 Drummoyne
• Burke 12 – 5 Drummoyne
• Barbour 7 – 3 Drummoyne
• Widddon 31 – 0 Drummoyne
• Judd 29 – 5 Drummoyne
• Sutherland lost to Mosman 6th
• Halligan beat Mosman 5th

The Manatee Mumble

More to come next week .

POSH Tour tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the Colleagues annual Posh Tour. Time dress to impress. Top hats, pocket squares, monocles, all compulsory attire.

Buses leave for St Pats at 9am and 10:30am, returning to the Woollahra Hotel and Rose Bay by 8pm. Cost is $20 a head.

Social Calendar 2016

4th May – Colleagues Long Lunch

7th May – Ladies Day 1 vs Balmain

NEW DATE TBC – WAGs Cocktail class & dinner

4th June – Old Colleagues Day v Drummoyne

16th July – Colleagues Black Tie Ball and fundraiser for the Australian Women’s Olympic 7s Team

30th July – Ladies Day 2 v Mosman

Woollahra Hotel renews Partnership with Colleagues

The Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Club and the Woollahra Hotel are please to confirm the continuing partnership between the two organisations in 2016

After 4 years of sponsorship under Ryan Hotels, the Woollahra Hotel’s new ownership, the Public House Management Group, confirmed earlier this season that they would renew the sponsorship deal with Woollahra’s most social rugby club.

The Colleagues playing community are thrilled that the partnership is continuing .

2016 Black Tie Ball

The Colleagues Black Tie Ball will be back again this season. The date is the 16th July after our away match with Petersham. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out last years photos here

Real Estate – Gilly’s Bondi Flat

April 29, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Classifieds

Furnished two bed apartment in great bondi location. Comes with Internet, balcony, car spot and pool. 4 month lease with possible extension starting 11 May.
See link for more details.

Air B&B page

Contact:

niallgilhooly@hotmail.com
0413 537 307

Round 2 vs Drummoyne

April 15, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Weekly news

Blues Giants v Dirty Reds

Round 2 of the 2016 season sees the Blue Giants heading out to the inner west to take on the Dirty Reds. A formidable club over the years, Drummoyne will no doubt be looking to deliver much of the same for their first home match of the season.

For Colleagues, the top four grades will be looking to continue the solid start they made last week against Knox, with Sutherland and Barbour looking for their first win of the year.

One of the highlights of Saturday’s fixtures at Drummoyne Oval will be the 2015 Whiddon Cup Grand Final re-match between the two sides. TG Milner was the venue of an epic GF last year that saw the bad guys holding on to a 15 – 14 victory. Although tomorrow’s Colleagues side will look fairly different to the side that ran out last season, outside centre Morgan Jones (photo right) is one of the few returners joining the influx of new talent. Jones who put in a Man of the Match performance against Knox last week will be expecting a barrage of attacking players coming down his channel tomorrow.

Kick off Times at Drummoyne Oval

• Kentwell – 3.15pm
• Burke – 2pm
• Barbour – 12:45pm
• Widddon – 11:40am
• Judd – 10:45am
• Sutherland vs Mosman 6th – 9am

Rawson Oval
• Halligan v Mosman 5th – 10:00am
Jon Ryan will be on hand from 11am for any player that has not yet signed a 2016 rego form. All players must complete.

Grand Final Re-Match for Whiddon

by Carl O’Sullivan

This weekend sees a grand final rematch with the magnificent men of Woollahra Colleagues taking on the old foe the Dirty Reds @ Drummoyne old at 1140. The 2015 GF was a nail biter with Drummoyne securing a penalty goal in the final few minutes to win 15-14, however the fact remains Colleagues had not beaten the Brumbies…I mean Drummoyne all year with narrow losses at home (15-17) and away (17-10) and in the GF.

2016 sees a new look coaching team with the return of Mark Ratcliff from hiatus for the past couple of seasons and the promotion of Jason Monteath from the Dome to the Throne. The influx of new players to the club has also seen some new faces in the Whiddon side including promising you talent Tom Lomax and Piri Cockbird joined alongside self-pronounced club legends Darren Thomas, Tony ‘fun time’ Kastelan, Nick Bibby, Stuart Hughes and the aggressive Nick ‘Flowers’ valentine. This Saturday also witnesses the virgin captaincy Ed Bradley* who’s aggressive and verbal elasticity will surely add to the contest.

All in all this builds to be a momentous clash between two proud and determined clubs looking for early bragging rights in 2016. Saturday could set the tone for the rest of the year and indeed, life in general.
*unconfirmed, but surely it hasn’t happened before

All Grades Up Over Knox

Man of Match Performances

• Charlie Henley (2) – Kentwell
• Jason Date (12) – Burke
• Morgan Jones (13) – Whiddon
• Tim Allworth (7) – Judd
• Eddy Washer (5) – Sutherland
• Olly Martin (13) – Barbour

Scores

• Kentwell 35 – 17 Knox
• Burke 17 – 8 Kox
• Barbour 0 – 7 Knox
• Widddon – 0 Knox
• Judd 45 – 0 Knox
• Sutherland 7 – 24 Convicts 1st
• Halligan 1st 17 – 0 Convicts 2nd
• Halligan 2nd 0 – 28 Waverly 5th

Subbies Rugby TV Commercial – “Its for Everyone”

Social Calendar 2016

The 2016 Colleagues Social Calendar is looking bigger and better than ever. Get the wife, girlfriend, Tinder match to lock these dates in early and spread the word.

30th April – Colleagues Player POSH Tour to St Pats

30th April – WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) dinner at the Woollahra Hotel with Cocktail making course. From 4pm.

4th May – Colleagues Long Lunch

7th May – Ladies Day 1 vs Balmain

4th June – Old Colleagues Day v Drummoyne

16th July – Colleagues Black Tie Ball and fundraiser for the Australian Women’s Olympic 7s Team

30th July – Ladies Day 2 v Mosman

2016 Black Tie Ball

The Colleagues Black Tie Ball will be back again this season. Likely date will be mid July. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out last years photos here

AGL Energy offer to Subbies Players

Together with the Waratahs and New South Wales Rugby Union, we’ve developed a program to support grassroots rugby and local clubs.

This is an opportunity to earn $$ for your club and we strongly urge you to get this offer to your players and supporters, and your wider club community.

Your members get a discount on their energy bills, and your club earns money. Win-Win!

Summary:
›       Each person that joins the “AGL Waratahs energy plan” will earn their club:
»      $100 donation (electricity)
»      $50 donation (gas)
»      Up to $150 annually
»      Donation paid every year they remain on the plan.
»      Current AGL customers are eligible if they join the “AGL Waratahs energy plan”.
›      16% guaranteed discount off electricity bills.
›      12% guaranteed discount off gas bills.
›      Additional 2% discount if you have both gas and electricity with AGL.

The attachment is very thorough and explains the AGL Rugby Waratahs Program in detail and provides numbers and links for questions.

Sign up online at agl.com.au/rugby or call us on 1300 AGL TAHS (that’s 1300 245 824).

Colleagues Online

Other than this fully informative newsletter, the best way to stay in touch with Colleagues news and events is on Facebook.

The club has a Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/ColleaguesRugby

and a private player communication group called the Colleague Player Portal www.facebook.com/groups/1505635469691088/

The player portal is the best way to ask around for rides to training or matches, borrow kit, see who’s up for beers, etc.

Round 1 vs Knox OB

April 8, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Weekly news

Grand Finalists travel to BGS for Round 1

2015 Kentwell Cup Grand Finalists Knox Old Boys travel to Woollahra Oval No.2 for round 1 this season.

The Blue Giants welcome a stack of new players to the club this year, all split across the grades. Running out in Kentwell for the first time will be second rower Callum Sauer, No.8 James Kennelly, centre James McMahon and wing Guy Stucky Clarke. Young scrumhalf Joe Sangster has also made the jump from last years premiership winning Barbour Cup side to the 1st grade team.

Other new players that have shown real promise this pre-season include Burke Cup flanker Tom Green, halfback Steve James, wing Mikey Mitchell, Whiddon No.8 Even Culhane and second row Will Yeo.

Kick-off times v Knox – Woollahra Oval No. 2

• Kentwell – 3.15pm
• Burke – 2pm
• Barbour – 12:45pm (Woollahra No.3)
• Widddon – 12:55pm
• Judd – 12:00pm
• Sutherland – 11am
• Halligan 1 – 10:00am v Convicts 2
• Halligan 2 – 9:00am v Waverly

All players need to fill in a 2016 rego form. Make sure you see Jon Ryan in the club house before taking the field. Subs and gear can also be sorted in the club house from 10am – 3pm.

Social Calendar 2016

The 2016 Colleagues Social Calendar is looking bigger and better than ever. Get the wife, girlfriend, Tinder match to lock these dates in early and spread the word.

30th April – Colleagues Player POSH Tour to St Pats

30th April – WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) lunch at the Woollahra Hotel 1pm.

4th May – Colleagues Long Lunch

7th May – Ladies Day 1 vs Balmain

4th June – Old Colleagues Day v Drummoyne

16th July – Colleagues Black Tie Ball with Australian Women’s Olympic 7s Team

30th July – Ladies Day 2 v Mosman

2016 Black Tie Ball

The Colleagues Black Tie Ball will be back again this season. Likely date will be mid July. Stay tuned for more details.

Check out last years photos here

Colleagues Supporting Rainbow Laces Round

The Blue Giants will be wearing some of the 100,000 pairs of rainbow laces have been handed out to professionals and amateurs for what is being called ‘the Rainbow Round of Sport’.

Former Colleague and Sydney Convicts President Andrew Purchas is the co-founder of the Pride in Sport Index, and said these kinds of statements must be made more often, because homophobia continues to plague sport in Australia and around the world.

Old Colleagues News – March 2016

March 15, 2016 · Tim Cullen · Old Colleagues

Long Lunch Wednesday 4th May 2016

Its that time of year again. We are Long Lunching in Blue Giant style again.
Club President Richard McGrath has performed several miracles organising Wallaby Coach Michael Cheika as our guest speaker and also Australia’s funniest man Vince Sorenti as master of ceremonies. This will be a lunch not to be missed. Not only for the quality of entertainment but also because it is an opportunity to celebrate the Blue Giant successes of 20 years ago! (5 premierships for 1996, in a year where we came 5th in the Club Championship !) All 1996 premiership players have been contacted and we have received a great response with reunion table bookings happening everywhere. Contact your 1996 coach or team Captain to reserve your seat. Alternatively contact your table captain from last year, or if you are a neville no friends then contact the Pres or myself with your story !

This function is a prepaid event. (Who wants to be be in a queue at the door when icy cold refreshments are being served inside). Please get organised, contact your table captain indicate how and when you will pay. Make sure your name goes into the bank transfer details to alleviate any confusion (or the possibility of paying for someone else) if you are transferring dosh.

Details- $200 prepaid
Time- 1.00pm
Where- Tatts, Elizabeth St,
Dress- Jacket & Colleagues tie (or near offer)

Booking form can be found here
//www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/Colleagues%20Long%20Lunch%202016%20Booking%20Form.pdf

(Preferred method of payment is supply of VISA information)

Any queries contact by email
Richard McGrath: Richard.McGrath@hr-ss.com.au>
Tim Booth: tim_b@bigpind.net.au
Jen Blair: (to confirm bookings) jen.blair@iinet.net.au

SEASON UNDERWAY

Pre season training is well underway (thirsty work i’d say). First trial was played last weekend 12th March against Easts, and Chatswood and from all accounts the Giants are shaping up well for the 2016 season. Clubhouse and grounds are looking a treat. The addition of some new bar furniture should make way for some very comfortable afternoons watching the Blue Giants go round.

Interesting a few law changes for this season one in particular that will change an aspect of scrummaging play !

Law 20.11 When a scrum is legally wheeled through 90 degrees, this no longer results in a turnover. The scrum is reset with the same team feeding the ball, regardless of who had possession at the time of the stoppage.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Couple of Birthdays of note during the last month.

John “Wal” Corliss was surprised by 30 or so friends at the Rose Bay Hotel to celebrate his 80th Birthday. Many memories and a great deal of reminiscing over dinner for Wal (who can tell a story). Wal who had no idea about the event was met with a friendly ambush and was left speechless at the surprise (did you say there’s a first time for everything ?) A great night had by all!

Another Old Colleague Hugh “the rock” Urquhart (Kentwell Cup Premiership 1996) also celebrated a memorable Birthday recently. More than100 friends gathered in fine style at the Royal Sydney Golf Club for his 50th. On a warm February night on the lawn over looking Rose bay, with the band playing retro hits, the champagne flowing and an array of personalities from all walks of life regaling stories of the host it certainly was a special night. Speeches were suburb (some say the best ever delivered at the Club) including Old Colleague Life Member Toby Lawson weaving his magic leaving guest spellbound and calling for more !

REUNION REPORT

17 Old Colleagues from the 1976 world tour attended the “Survivors” Reunion. Colleague luminaries attending included, Hitcho, Goochie, both Dave and Mike Caspers, the Weed, Dr Bob Caldwell, Bob Allagna, Ando, Morty, Nipper, Dave Allman, Dessie Hill, Steve Streeter (Wallaby Old Colleague), Doug “Tuba” Kirkwood, Northy, Buncy and organizer Geoff Robins.
A few speeches were made who ever had something to say about the tour (nothing that could be reproduced in print) and general feeling from the group was to have further reunions happening keeping mortality in mind. (ie survivors are getting long in the tooth)

Drinks kicked off at midday and Geoff reports he left at 7.30pm and there were still 6 or so going strong in typical Colleagues style.

Diary Date
April 9th First home game against Knox
See you then

Go the Colleagues

Boothie

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