May 5, 2016 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
VALE Eddy Radford
It is with deep regret I have to inform Colleagues and Old Colleagues of the passing this morning of Eddy Radford. It seems that one of the best days for the Club (long Lunch) has been followed by one of the worst.
Eddy Radford age 83 was the second oldest of the Club’s life members. His involvement in the club spanned some fifty years. A wonderful human being in every aspect. Eddy greeted you every time with a warm engaging smile and an inquiring Colleagues rugby mind.
It would be difficult to do justice to Eddy in this space, suffice to say for those who knew him saw him as a club icon. Eddy’s influence along with his peers set the standards, ethos, traditions and style that continues throughout the club today.
Eddy was so respected by the N.S.W. Suburban Rugby Union they named a Division Three competition the Radford Cup after him.
All Colleagues send their sincere sympathies to the Radford family. Preparations are underway to recognise Eddy’s passing with an announcement and a minutes silence before the start of the Kentwell Cup game on Saturday.
Service details will be posted on the Club’s website when they become available.
Eddy’s life: Premiership player, Premiership coach, Committee Member, Honour Cap winner, Club President, Subbies Vice President, Premiership Kentwell Team manager 1980,82,84 can be found in Sky Blue Winters (Vance.S.Lowry 2013).
“A great Colleague, a sad day for the Club”.
Boothie
April 15, 2016 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
Dear Old Colleague
I am very sad to convey the news of the passing on Wednesday 13th April of Old Colleague Michael John Webster. Mike battled a rare form of leukaemia bravely to the end. Mike was just 66 ! Our thoughts go out to the Webster family, also the in-laws Caspers families at this time.
Mike played for the Colleagues Burke and Whiddon Cups at 5/8 and wing during the middle part of the 1970’s. Fellow player John Noice remembers him well saying “there wasn’t much of him but gee he could run and he was quick”. (Mike in his heyday played district first grade for Uni of NSW). Mike was highly regarded by his Old Colleague mates, his friendly and his demure nature endowed himself to every one who knew him.
Kentwell Cup Vs Drummoyne on Saturday to wear black armbands to recognise the passing of a quality Colleague.
SERVICE DETAILS
Wednesday 20th April
Funeral mass at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kogarah at
11 am and wake at the Ramsgate RSL.
Further information contact Mike Caspers 0408 449 809
April 15, 2016 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
2016 SEASON
Old Colleagues will see a reduced Kentwell Cup competition this year with just eight teams competing over 14 rounds and an early Grand Final on Saturday August 27th .
New (old) club in the competition is Lindfield Rugby Club (history repeating) with Brothers and Old Iggies “rebuilding” in Division 3.
Given the reduced format of this season’s competition the Club is acutely aware that every game and consequently every club championship point will come and go very quickly.
LONG LUNCH WED 4TH MAY
Long lunch bookings are building nicely for what will be a very interesting and entertaining afternoon. Celebrating twenty years since the Colleagues won 5 grades, this lunch will be a great opportunity to catch up with other winners from 1996 also I cant wait to see what MC Vince Sorenti comes up with also the words of wisdom from Wallaby Coach Michael Cheika. Please get organised and let your table captain know that you want a seat and that you have paid. All information is on the clubs website www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
VALE Dick Gooch
Sad to hear the passing last month of Old Colleague Dick Gooch. Dick the father of club stalwart Dave “Goochie” Gooch played in the premiership winning Kentwell side of 1950. The Kentwell premiership team of 1950 contained many Colleague legends, Dick Gooch a hard running centre included. Winning all but two games the 1950 Kentwell defeated arch rivals Mosman 3-0 in their Grand Final
Dick Gooch paved the way for many quality family members to be involved with Colleagues. Andrew Gooch, Nephew, 1996 Kentwell premiers (The Animals). Amanda Gooch, Granddaughter, canteen and long lunch hostess. Samantha Gooch, Granddaughter, regular ladies day attendee. Also Obi Gooch RSA. Thoughts go out to the Gooch family at this time.
PLACE FOR PAPPY
Long time servant and life member of the Colleagues John Pappas, “Pap”, “Pappy” is looking to spread his wings and leave the family nest. Any generous Old Colleague who may have a solution to finding appropriate digs (small bachelor pad even side separate entrance room etc) (govt subsided rent allowance may be available) please email Paul Howard pb_howard@hotmail.com
Adrian Morris adrian1237@bigpond.com or Rich McGrath Richard.McGrath@hr-ss.com.au
OLD COLLEAGUE SIGHTINGS
Rumours abound that several Old Colleagues have been seen overnight “beving up” at the White Stag in Hong Kong. It seems some training is underway for the up coming Kowloon Rugby 10’s. Old Colleague Adrian “Spanner Morris” is leading the charge in the BOBS team also known as the “Busted Old Bastards”. To be continued…..
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
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
January 29, 2016 ·
Tim Cullen
·
Old Colleagues
HAPPY BLUE YEAR TO ALL !!!
Welcome to the February newsletter in January !
And guess what ? it’s back to work with the holiday season a vague memory and pre season training well underway. Hooray Footy is back ! Here it comes : Bondi 10’s next week, then Super Rugby 26th February, Shute Shield 19th March and the mighty Blue Giants season opener Vs Knox at home on the 9th April. Could you be any happier after a limp cricket season punctuated by a wet season that the amazon jungle would be proud of !!
On the Clubs Website the Annual Report for the 2015 season
Definitely worth a read ! Especially the coaching summaries in that reveal the level of expertise and management that underpin the success of the club. (Actually most of clubs the reports are there (70 years worth) and some make very entertaining reading.
//www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/annual-reports/
Bondi Tens
For Old Colleagues suffering summer rugby withdrawal make your way to Woollahra Park 2 & 3 for Bondi 10’s rugby starting the afternoon of Thursday February 4th & Friday 5th with the finals to be played at the SFS as part of the inaugural Sydney 7’s. Woollahra Park is looking fantastic. Come for a beer after work (last games about 8.00pm) and enjoy a hive of rugby activity and sensational atmosphere at HQ.
South stand (the party stand) tickets for the 7’s are available though the Bondi 10’s web site. If your game put a wig on and bev up!!!! For tickets follow the link below.
//www.trybooking.com/177821
1976 UK TOUR REUNION
Bradman’s touring team of 1948 were called the “Invincibles”.
The Colleagues touring Team of 1976 have been named the “Survivors”.
Geoff Robins has been busy organising this 40 year reunion and most of the “Survivors” have confirmed their attendance. Colleague greats such as the Ghost, Buncey, Weed, Streeter, Goochie, Morty, Dr Bob, Nipper Williams, Eddy, Ando,Tuba and more were part of this two month tour of the US and UK. (I can’t imagine the stories that could be told)
Where and when ? Woollahra Hotel 12.30 on Friday 26th February
Geoff will be collecting $60 each at the door for light food and a few drinks.
Old Colleagues from that era are also welcome to attend. Those Colleagues who have not made contact with Geoff please let him know you are a starter. EMAIL geoffrey_robbins@hotmail.com
Any one knowing the whereabouts of Jock Cameron or Steve Tolland please pass on the above details.
2015 SEASON BEGINS (Make a Diary Note)
The 2016 season draw is out and can been seen on the link.
//admin.fusesport.com/_uploads/res/132_11070.PDF
First game is at home Vs old foe Knox Old Boys Saturday 9th April. Its a big opener to the season Knox are bound to be looking to continue their good form as last seasons Grand Finalists.The Blue Giants on the other hand are looking to collect the points and defend their title as 2015 competition Club Champions
Other Dates
Long Lunch first week in May either Wed 4th or Fri 6th (TBA)
Old Colleagues Day 4th June
Barbarian Lunch
Lunch info from Old Colleague & Kentwell Premiership hooker Billy Johnson billofhealthsydney@gmail.com
Barbarian Rugby Lunch is on Friday 11th March 2016
Doltone House Elizabeth St (same venue as Long Lunch) for more info click on the link below.
//www.heartsinunion.com.au/newsletter-december-2015/
Great line up of guest speakers, will be a fantastic afternoon mixing with plenty of rugby tragics !
Merchandise on www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
“Sky Blue Winters” is available through the clubs web site
or at the club house at home games during the season.
Also a new range of merchandise can be purchased through the website.
A fantastic present for that special Blue Giant who has almost everything.
See you at the Bondi 10’s
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
December 13, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
Old Colleagues News December 2015
Annual General Meeting Report
Old Colleagues will be happy to know that 2015 was another successful season financially with cash reserves holding well considering the challenges faced running a large club. Congratulations to the Club’s committee and especially Goochie & Leigh (Goochie’s better half) and Hitcho for looking after the Clubhouse, the bar, merchandise and game day surrounds. Also former oldest and boldest Jon Ryan for being our best registrar for many years. With expenses encountered at every turn we are also lucky to have our treasurer Paul Howard (Howie) in control of the bean counting (And smiling as he goes after the Kiwi world cup victory).
Along with treasurer “Howie” Club President Richard McGrath, Secretary Dave Burnett were all returned unanimously at the meeting. New Captain Mark Blackmore was elected for season 2016. “Blackie” has played for the club for several years coming up the grades from flanker to his rightful position at loose head prop in the Kentwell! Blackie was the 2015 Club’s Best and Fairest player. (Say no more). Many thanks to last seasons captain “Dingo” for his efforts muchly appreciated by all.
I would recommend Old Colleagues read the 2015 Annual report. Each individual report reflects the quality of the people involved in the Club this is the quality that underpins the strength of the club.
(It was also pleasing to see the number of players joining the 100 game club)
(The Annual Report will be up on the website shortly) www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
Merchandise the perfect Christmas Gift at www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
2015 Season and 2016 Season preliminary (unconfirmed)
Several items of interest for Old Colleagues. Its very much looking like an 8 team competition next year with Old Iggies electing to regroup in a three team competition and Brothers (Old CBOBS) being left out of the Kentwell competition due to lack of numbers (plus a number of other misdemeanours)! Lindfield are to be promoted from Second Division and their lower grades look to be strong going on last seasons performances.
In other news from the Subbies judiciary, the 2015 season saw the Dirty Reds be dirty once too often with too many red cards incurring a $10,000 bond mid-season which was forfeited by the end of the season. The Reds Kentwell Coach was also given the punt by the Reds board and their number one front rower has been banned from the Subbies competition for continued Red card infringements.
The Subbies Board has implemented several new conditions for players who previously played professional (inc overseas players ) rugby and want to play Subbies also the Subbies Board has outlawed the pathway from Subbies to any NRC club (Clashing with Balmain here) More specifics
in the Subbies Annual Report www.rugby.net.au and I’m guessing more discussion to follow.
VALE Charles Vandervord
I am very sad to report the passing of Charles Vandervord 18th November. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time including brother and Old Colleagues Dr john Vandervord.
Charlie played over 100 games for the club mostly as breakaway (flanker) during the late 50’s to mid 60’s, winning a Burke Cup Premiership in 1958. In 1967 he coached the Whiddon to a Premiership was elected Club Captain in 1968 and 69. Charlie coached the Burke successfully in 78 and 79 winning a premiership in 1978 (the writer’s first).
Charlie a life member of the Club was one of life’s rugby traditionalists, enjoying every game and taking every chance to tell you how best to play the game and how much better it was played in his day. Also Charlie was quite possibly the best dressed person I have ever known, he was a class act, old school values combined with a selfless attitude and a sprinkling of advice. A prominent Sydney solicitor he gave his time freely to help any Colleague with legal service (including this writer).Charlie also served on the Subbies and Sydney Judiciaries for many years dispensing penalties with enough circumstance to fill a book. During the late 70’s and early 80’s many Colleagues meetings were held in Charlie’s company boardroom. (which I remember contained a well stocked mini bar)! He certainly will be missed but never forgotten a a man of substance who gave much to the club. RIP Coach
Old Colleagues who would like to send a word of condolence to his brother John, Old Colleagues can email him on
johnvandervord@bigpond.com
Alternatively you can post a message on line for Anne and the Vandervord family
//www.legacy.com/guestbooks/smh-au/charles-vandervord-condolences/176633601?
On a Brighter Note
On behalf of the Colleagues Executive I would like to wish Old Colleagues and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year (Old Chinese saying “Pace yourself over Christmas, its going to be a long one” \_/ )
October 8, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
Old Colleagues News October 2015
Grand Final Day
Old Colleagues may already have heard, or read or viewed at the subbie’s webs site www.rugby.net.au the Blue Giants Grand Final day didn’t exactly go as planned. The day returned slim pickings of Silverware, just the two Cups from the five contested. Congratulations to the Fives (Sutherland cup) and the Colts (Barbour Cup) for their outstanding victories. Also to the Club as a whole for winning the 2015 season Club Championship (Bruce Graham Shield). In assessing the day each game was as close as it can get with all teams having their chance to win. Unfortunately as can happen in Grand Finals, the bounce of the ball, a fumble, a missed kick, a intercept, a forward pass, a collapsed scrum, a lost line out, an offside penalty or even a dodgy ref’s decision can mean the end of a seasons hard work. On the credit side each team played with skill and commitment and team spirit. (And all are vowing to return next season to have another crack).
Club Championship Photo
Old Colleagues should view the Club’s Club Championship photo at www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
A wonderful photo on the occasion of winning our 25th Club Championship. All concerned at the Club should be very proud of their efforts and I would say that their would not be an Old Colleague who didn’t get a warm and fuzzy feel good feeling out of this photo. When looking back over the season two games come to mind that were major contributors towards the Club winning this seasons Club Championship. Both games were the Blue Giant Kentwell games against Mosman. One at the beginning of the season where we were down and out at half time and through punishing defence and go forward clawed our way back for a great victory. The other the second game against Mosman late in the season which was played in Icelandic conditions, The Colleagues showing guts and ticker to manage the conditions and the game right to the end for a memorable win !!
2015 Suburban Rugby Presentation Night
At this prestigious event held after the GF’s the Suburban Medalists from all divisions are announced, along with Coach of the Year, the Peter Kelly Medalist for Service to Rugby, and the Suburban Clubs of the Year.
And the winner is…………….. “Woollahra Colleagues Rugby Club”
This year crowned the Union’s Club of the Year (across all divisions) after another outstanding year on and off the field. (This award goes with First Division Club of the year). To be regarded by your peers and by the Union as the best Club is a great honour. The Award was accepted on behalf of the Club by Honorary Secretary Dave Burnett who had a great season. Dave gave credit to Old Colleagues and Club Stalwart Dave Gooch and wingman John Hitchen for their efforts. “Goochie” is to be congratulated for the way he presents the club house each week and the welcoming atmosphere for visiting teams he is able to create each home game.
Father and Son Continued
My Apologies a couple of admissions from the Father and Son Colleagues file (this was always going to happen). Prominent on Grand Final Day were Dad Big Gus Cook and watching his son Hamish in the Blue Giant’s premiership Colts team. Also (1980-90’s Kentwell Cup back rower) Pete Clarke watching his son Henry in the Burke Cup front row !
AGM
Annual General Meeting date to be advised.
…………………………………………………………………………….
As the silly season approaches I would like to extend a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year to all Old Colleagues.
“Go The Colleagues” (And the Wallabies)
Boothie
September 10, 2015 ·
Tim Cullen
·
Old Colleagues
First Division Club Champions 2015
Even with four Minor Premierships in the can we had to wait till the final round of the season for the outcome of the 2015 Club Championship. Colleagues held their breath contemplating their bye round while Balmain did us a favour by fielding their very very best Burke Cup team, and defeated Mosman and in doing so delivered the treasured Bruce Graham Shield back to its rightful home, headquarters @ Manion Ave. Old Colleagues who open their Sunday paper at the rugby sports classifieds breathed a sigh of relief and have enjoyed a buoyant few weeks knowing the Club was in good hands once again in 2015. Just for the record it is the Club’s 26th Club Championship in 82 seasons and its second within five years.
Grand Final Day TG Milner, Saturday 12th September 2015
The Club will have at five sides in Grand Finals on Saturday 12th. The Burke, The Whiddon, Judd, Sutherland and Barbour Cup (colts) teams are all through to the GF’s A victory for the Colts who have spearheaded the Club’s charge towards the Club Championship would be an outstanding and well deserved result. The Club is ready for the Nuts and Bolts to break their GF drought of nine years.
The Colleagues Burke, Whiddon and Sutherland Cup teams are looking to go back to back after their wins in the 2014 while the Judd Cup is looking to embarrass a formidable (Burke Cup looking) St Pats Judd Cup. (The Drummoyne Whiddon Cup also seems to have bulked up a bit as well with their centres both having recently played rugby in a professional capacity)
Games start at 9.00am wear the Sky blue “hue” ,come in numbers and support our great club.
(Can recommend the $5 bacon and egg rolls) and don’t forget a $10 donation to get in. (money well spent). Exact times at //www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
Troy Warfield in Sydney Town
Premiership Kentwell Cup Captain from that famous season 1996 (five premierships) is making an appearance in Sydney (after an extended period in the old dart) and is hoping to catch up with Old Colleagues (especially 1996 Kentwell ) upstairs at the Woollahra Hotel from 6.00pm Thursday 17th September.
Troy amongst other things quoted Shakespeare in his after game acceptance speech. He deserved to as they won six in a row to win the title.
Reply to this email or Email Will Cummins (scrum doctor) on
willtrusted@gmail.com so we can get some idea for catering purposes.
Congratulations Zone (Father and Sons file)
Father & Sons Taylor
After many years of watching his boys from the sideline, Peter Taylor (Colleagues Burke and Kentwell 1980’s) decided it was time to pull on a jersey and run out with his sons Sam and James against Lane Cove at the ladies day last home game Halligan Cup match. Running around like he was in his 30s, Pete got stuck in to Lane Cove at every opportunity. The boys were heard saying “What does it mean when your Dad comes off the field dirtier than you” ? Well done guys fantastic effort.
Father & Sons Martin
A unique Colleagues father and son situation occurs on Saturday’s Whiddon Cup GF. Its a family affair with both Old Colleague Mark Martin’s sons involved. Will as the team’s forward’s coach and Tim as the go forward man in the second row in the pack. To top this very unique situation off, both Tim and father Mark have both played 100 games for the club.
Father & Son Holyman
Seen in the stand on major Finals day was no other than Ivan Holyman (Burke and Kentwell 1980’s)
Ivan was there running his eyes over his son the big unit James Holyman in the Colleagues Colts. James is following his dads tradition as a very talented rugby player.
Diary Date Presentation Day
The annual Colleagues Player Presentation Day is the last chance to nail a group beer in the name of the mighty Blue Giant Colleagues Rugby Club. Its on at the Woollahra Hotel again on Saturday 19th September from 1pm. Should be another legendary afternoon. Old Colleagues are welcome and not necessarily required to skull !!
See you at the T G Milner Grand Finals.
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
August 13, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
SAT 25TH JULY 2015 -COLLEAGUES
With a backs to the wall game for the Kentwell against Knox Old Boys, (above the Colleagues on the ladder) . The Kentwell heroes who defeated Hunters Hill, at TG Milner in 1980 arrived to add their support .
Guided by coach Iain Edwards (after several beers) all were ready to run on if needed ,to be led by captain “extraordinaire” John Anderson, visiting from the USA and not seen for many years by most .
It was a nail biting game and the support payed off when in the last 10 minutes the blue giants, inspired by the sense of spirit in the club house, put together a string of tries that saw them rub out Knox old boys — —
Well done to the players, this win will give much confidence to the team in their run up to the semis.
It was a great day for the 1980’s Kentwell and many memories were shared on that 1980 grand final win that demolished and demoralised Hunters Hill Rugby and firmly established the reputation of the Blue giants for years to come.
Great Day
Iain Edwards (Coach)
OLD COLLEAGUES NEWS AUGUST 2015
SUPER SATURDAY
This weekends game (Saturday 15th August) is the last game of the season proper. (before the finals series) This is due to the Blue Giant’s allocated bye game the following Saturday (22ndAugust).
I’m calling it Super Saturday and here’s why
It’s the Blue Giants chance to win this season’s Club Championship !
It’s another legendary Colleagues Lady’s Day
and it’s Bledisloe Cup on the tele afterwards in the Club House.
An afternoon not to be missed. (More happening than an ICAC mining licence enquiry!)
………………………………
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
After a strong season the Colleagues are in a position to put away the second placed Mosman (2nd on the Club Championship Table) if they can Blue Rinse the Brothers Rugby Club (Formally known as CBOBS) on Saturday.
With all lower grades showing great form over recent weeks a Blue Rinse is entirely possible. The Club’s Kentwell Cup team has also come good at the right end of the season and has the feeling of a Melbourne Cup preparation roaring home for a finals berth and our 26th Club Championship (the second in five years).
Winning the Club Championship would be an outstanding result and a just reward for players, coaches and volunteers who have put in the hard yards this year. The Club would be aware that the opportunity to win the Club Championship is not something that happens every day. I am confident the boys can do it and make their mark in the Clubs proud history.
……………………………………
CATCH UP WITH ANDO (& TUBA)
Great to catch up with Club Legend John Anderson at the Club House on Sat 25th July. Quite a few Old Colleagues were starters including members of the victorious 1980 Kentwell Cup Premiership Team. Photo below :
From left to right
Iain Edwards – Kentwell coach 1980,81,82,83, 84
John Anderson – CAPTAIN – 1980,81,82,83
Mark Martin – 1980.- remembered for playing the 1st half with a broken jaw and taking no prisoners much to Hunters Hill anguish.
Geoff Williams – 1980 ,82 – inside centre- who with straight running and deft hand continually put 5/8 Kevin Lane through on the loop and the outside backs into space.
Will Mortlock – 1980 ,81 – mercurial open side flanker –feared for his one handed Cumberland throws on the opposing 5/8 or what ever unfortunate he managed to lay his hands upon. Not known to pass the ball .
Tim Booth – 1980-,81 “reminiscing” on how great the scrum was – saved the day and drove the engine room in the 2nd half with short steps to demolish the Hunters Hill scrum once and for all.
DIARY DATES
Major Finals David Phillips Field, Saturday 29 August
Knockout Finals T G Milner Saturday 5 September
Grand Finals T G Milner Saturday 12 September
OLD BITS
Under the heading “ I almost made it without stuffing up” comes the story of Old Colleague Dr Bob Caldwell who after enjoying a fabulous Old Colleagues Day and then dinner and several reds with Old Colleagues at the Rose Bay Hotel decided to catch the bus home !!
Unfortunately for Bob he left a large bag of newly purchased Colleagues merchandise on said bus !! Bob was frantically calling Sydney Buses (with a major hangover) the next morning to no avail. If any one see a bus driver wearing a Colleagues kit you know where it came from!
Call this one ”completing the full circle”.Its probable Noicey’s grand son will be seen at the Colleagues next season. Reminiscing when Noicey first arrived at the Colleagues in 1960 he tells the story of the hard heads in the club telling him “you’ve got ability Noice but your too scrawny”. Noicey who completed his last year of schooling at the Colleagues was given a long neck of Tooheys (age 17) to “build up” and he’s never looked back. Apparently it was long necks only at the bar, rip the top off and straight down. (like the sound of that)
This bits about “The story of the Old Club House Bath” Talking to Old Colleagues about the big bath in the old club house. It was revealed that Old Colleague Geoff Robins was responsible for building and tiling the bath when he was Club Captain in 1976. The bath took about two hours to fill and it was always better to play in the Judd Cup and have a bath than in Kentwell and have a bath for obvious reasons. It was about this time that Michael Salmon painted the mural on the walls behind the bath depicting many characters in the club at that time. The mural shows Mick Stynes (the Kentwell Coach at the time) selling his soul to the devil to win the Kentwell Cup. The mural was rescued from the Old Club House and reproduced as a banner on the Old Colleagues web page. Mick Salmon a 1970’s fierce front row competitor for the Colleagues is now Australia’s leading kids book illustrator and author. See his fantastic work here
www.michaelsalmon.com.au
CONGRATULATIONS ZONE
Congratulations to Old Colleague (big but getting smaller) Jon Ryan who put his hand up to be club registrar this season. Jon has done an outstanding job of collecting the subs and his IT skills have been a great benefit to the “back end workings of the club” (see I know about that stuff). Jon on a many time winner of the clubs Oldest and Boldest Award has come good once again !!
Congratulations must go to the Clubs lower grades Burke, Whiddon, Barbour (Colts), Judd and Sutherland for all being Minor Premiers.The Judd Cup are undefeated with over 700 points scored and just 58 against !!
Congratulations to Mike Twemloe as his other daughter (one of the twins) announced her engagement to none other than Lachie Turner. All the best for their future and possibly a couple of speedsters for the Blue Giants in years to come !!
Next newsletter (September) I will be profiling each team’s finals campaign details, until then,
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
July 25, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
Old Colleagues Day Wrap
A great turn out for Old Colleagues Day on a crisp clear “Sky Blue Winters Day”. Old Colleagues who attended spanned 5 decades representing thousands of games played for the club.
A toast at half time in the main game was made to absent friends and a great rendition of the High Noon theme “Do not forsake me oh my darling” was sung by a passionate Colleagues choir to honour the memory the Late Bruce Diggle. It was certainly a highlight of the day and brought back fond memories of Bruce belting out singalong favourites on the piano in the old clubhouse.
Old Colleagues attending included the following:
Jeremy Ingall, Tony Kent, Mitch Duggan, Graham Rush, Chris Dyce,Tony Ryan, Chris Rowston, Andrew Draper, Mick France, Pete Griffiths, John Bunce, John North, Eddy Radford, John Boyce
Bain Kelly, Bob Caldwell, Nipper Williams, Glen Turner, Dave Allman, Andrew Addinal, Roger Smith, Iain Edwards, Michael Clifford, Neil Glynn, Ron Harriden, John Beckett, Phil Parbury, John Noice, Jock Sutherland,Wal Corlis,Vance Lowry, Dave Green, Harvey Welman, Bruce Donald, Dave Gooch, John Hitchen, Sam Sproats, Justin Crawford,Richard Byrno, Benson, Andy Campbell, James Bush and Tim Cullen (apologies if I’ve missed anyone, something to do with an unusual loss of brain cells on the day)
Additional note: Phil Parbury sent a message saying “It was a most enjoyable afternoon and thanks for the Colleagues hospitality”.
On The Paddock
The club as a whole is looking particularly strong and in contention for the club championship. Still a long way to go and its all hands on deck for a nail biting finish. The Blue Giants need to be well ahead at the last round which is a bye (no club points)
Our Kentwell Cup have been hampered with injury and recently have had to play two catchup games and a regular round in the space of two weeks. This is a draining commitment and I can’t remember playing on a Saturday/Sunday since the 1980’s. I’m anticipating the Kentwell boys will make a charge for the finals with the team looking more settled over the next few rounds. One team that deserves mention is the Judd Cup who are having some sort of season. Undefeated at round 12 with an unbelievable 532 points for and 42 points against !
Late news the games against Mosman which are critical towards club championship standings are almost finalised after the Sat games (Kentwell and Burke) then tonights games Thursday 23rd Whiddon Cup and Judd Cup we look to be taking the lions share of the Club Championship points with the Colts to play next Tuesday night!
Looking a Bit Forward “For Your Diary”
Home games include Sat 25th July Vs Knox, the following weeks catch up round at home against Iggy’s then away against the Dirty Reds, then home against Brothers (CBOBS) then a bye round to finish the competition before the finals start. So certainly at the business end as they say.
The Bye Round
“The Quandary of the Bye”
Talking about the bye round begs the question.’What to do on the bye round?” Do you own up to the misses ? And forfeit a treasured Sat afternoon doing jobs round the house?, tell a half truth “I’m off to the footy” (and go and watch someone else play)? or a partial truth I’m sure there was footy on that TV in the corner of the local pub.???? Its the $64 dollar question and I’ve got just four weeks to decide !!!!! (any suggestions welcome)
ANDO IN TOWN
Old Colleague, John Anderson (From John Anderson Trophy fame) is over from the States at the moment for about 3 weeks.
Its been confirmed Ando and his wingman Tuba Kirkwood (making the trip from Cowra) will be down at the Club for the games against Knox on the 25th July. Ando is looking forward to catching up with any Old Colleagues with a comparable home game leave pass.
Gift From God ?
After 19 years in the Kentwell Cup, including three club championships in the early 2000 St Ignation’s Old Boys are destined for this seasons wooden spoon. It is however fortunate that because there is only 9 clubs in this years competition there is no relegation from the top division.The dogs are barking though as Hunters, Lindfield and Barker old boys are going head to head each week to see who has a shot at the top grade once again. And next season the pressure will be on to stay.
Congratulations Zone
Its Blue Giant babies galore (and I remind you its not always easy to keep up to date with this type of action) However in recent weeks Old Colleagues have been busy. Former Giants Captain Nick Jones and his wife Kate have produced a ittle beauty Tess and she’s just 17 years away from the 2032 Ladies Day (possibly on Mars by then) and a boy “Freddie” to former Club Secretary and Kentwell Cup Premiership winning Giant, Frank “the tank” Coorey and tank wife Zoe. As Supreme Chancellor Palpatine said about Anakin Skywalker, in the Star Wars “We will watch your career with great interest.”.(Freddie)
Forest Rugby for convincing their council to build an all weather rugby field on their number two ground. Due for completion this year ready for 2016 season I’m looking forward to having a look at the surface. ??
The Colleagues Canteen and BBQ
Congratulations to the team looking after the tucker at Blue Giant Park. Leigh and Goochie and BBQ chefs are producing some of the best food of any rugby club in Sydney (I know I’ve tried them all) Well done guys my stomach salutes you !!
Don’t forget Colleagues Merchandise and the Colleagues Book availible at the clubhouse and christmas will be upon us sooner than you think !!
See you at Blue Giant Park for the run to the finals.
Go The Colleagues
Boothie
