OLD COLLEGIANS RUGBY UNION CLUB

Tregenza Times

29th October 2020

Premier Grade Old Collegians 22 vs Brighton 43Premier Reserve Grade Old Collegians 52 vs Onkaparinga 24 Third Grade Old Collegians 27 vs Brighton 23

Well that's a wrap for the 2020 Season on the playing front and what a way to wrap it up!!!Old Collegians Third Grade are crowned 2020 Premiers with an undefeated record throughout the sea-son. Their Grand Final was probably one of their toughest games but the team remained strong to the end to defeat Brighton.Old Collegians Premier Reserves Grade were also crowned 2020 Premiers after a stunning performance of running rugby against a strong Onkas team.Old Collegians Premier Grade came up against an on form Brighton and despite allowing Brighton to score twice early on Old Cols fought back to see the score at 15 vs 21 at half time in Brighton's favour. Brighton were just too strong in the second half, although the final score did not reflect the efforts of the Old Colle-gians team. Congratulations to Brighton on an outstanding season.

To the Old Collegians players, coaches and support staff who wore the Blue & Red on Saturday and throughout the season we are all so proud of you, you did the whole club proud. To the Old Collegians supporters you put in a big shift on Saturday for which we are truly grateful. THANK YOU Our full season will be reviewed in full at this weekends Junior and Senior Awards events but let's just say Old Collegians had a great season - 4 teams in a Grand Final - 3 Teams crowned Premiers - a Women's Team back at Tregenza Oval - growing numbers in the Juniors - a new clubhouse - the list goes on. What a season!!!!

In closing whilst the Senior Awards dinner is a sell out with a growing waiting list - the format of the Junior Awards allows for a bigger attendance so if you have not got your tickets yet please do so.

A great night was had by all, lots of fun, socialising, singing and celebrating, while all being Covid safe of course!.

Huge thank you to the following people who cooked up and served an amazing meal for players and supporters.

Mark GehanOscar Gehan

Russel GordonNate Sos

Sue ThewlisMargaret Paterson

Gordon CoweBarbara Finn

Chrisse Nightingale

Over 150 meals featuring an array of steak, sausages, bacon, onions, schnitzels, chicken Caesar salad, vegetarian lasagne and bread was on offer.

Thanks must be given to Rob Costanzo and the OC Committee for providing the meals for all in attendance, not just the players.

Also we acknowledge the donation of 2 kegs from Coopers who provided the players with “free” beer. I believe the contents disappeared in rapid time......

Grand Final Night

Old Collegians Rugby Union Football Club

Vision Statement:

To be South Australia’s leading and most innovative Rugby

Union Club, a strong community based club with a

spirited culture.

Mission Statement :

To build a framework that delivers sustainable, long-term success on and off the pitch for Old Collegians Rugby Union Football Club by including, engaging, encouraging and

supporting all Club members and supporters in every aspect

of the Club

Values:

Accountability Honesty Inclusivity Loyalty Respect

Summer Touch

Join us for our 2020

Senior & Under 18’s

Presentation

DinnerFriday 30th October 2020

7.00pm - 12.00am

In the New Clubrooms

Presentations & Dinner

Dress Code

Jacket & Tie—Cocktail Dresses

: Book before October 23rd for early bird price

Coopers Premier Grade Match Report

Photograph courtesy of AJWalwyn Photography

Old Collegians 22 v Brighton 43

Tries: Ruan Fourie, Kyle Fleetwood-Pieper, Alex RokobaroConversions: Ollie Horne (2)Penalties: Ollie Horne

The First Grade went back and forth against Brighton, trading points with them for much of the game, but ultimately were not able to hold them in the last 25 minutes. Old Colls were dangerous on attack when they kept ball in hand and recycled quickly, but were let down by several key dropped balls and missed tackles. Brighton punished on the counterattack whilst making few mistakes of their own, and also were able to make better use of the consistent tailwind in the second half.

Brighton set the tone early when Old Colls dropped the ball near halfway, running possession from the scrum, kicking a penalty into the 22 and hitting up midfield from the lineout for a try. Old Colls attacked after the restart but were held out, with Brighton clearing to consolidate on the 10m and working to the left wing where they found space and a path to a second converted try.

Old Colls settled and pushed back from a lineout on the 22, the backs going wide to Horne up the right wing and through several defenders, offloading to Fourie near the line and he stretched out and over the line to score. Campion secured the restart and Old Colls worked back to a good attacking position 30m out, where the backs hit the right wing again and Fleetwood-Pieper swerved his way to and over the line.

Brighton went back on offence and made several line-breaks, only to be thwarted by McDonough and Rokobaro sweeping defence in the backfield. They kicked for territory and were held up over the line by some desperate defence, but then drove over off the back of the scrum in front of the posts. Brighton kept the pressure up and were ominously moving again into the 22, until Nutt secured a key ruck penalty and turnover to defuse the advance. Rokobaro kicked for the lineout on halfway and Horne and Fleetwood-Pieper combined to get near the 22, where Horne kicked a penalty to reduce Brighton's lead at halftime to 21-15.

Old Colls misjudged the second half kick-off, dropping the ball and gifting Brighton the momentum that they exploited for a 40m run to a try down the left wing. The restart was put deep and chased well, leading to an Old Colls scrum 30m out. The backs went left and Horne and Fourie punched through the centres, as Rokobaro came through in support and finished, reducing the deficit to 26-22.

Unfortunately Old Colls again dropped the restart, Brighton ending up with a scrum on the 22 and their forwards kept the ball in close, grinding towards and over the try line. The last 20 or minutes were frustrating for Old Colls, who still strove forward and created several promising opportunities, including when Sadler was held up over the line following a charge-down and counter by Fleetwood-Pieper.

In the end more handling errors and missed tackles crept in once fatigue and the physical cost of having to run out against the wind took their toll. Brighton secured the win with two more tries close to the end, but Old Colls never stopped contesting, as McDonough charged down the final conversion attempt.

Tom SeckerTeam Manager

Reserve Grade Match Report

Photograph courtesy of AJWalwyn Photography

Old Collegians 52 v Onkaparinga 24

Tries: Jimmy Francis (3), Andrew Burgess (1), Ben Blackall (1), Makisacc Lapworth (1), Karl Edgar (1), Tim Atkins (1)

Conversions: Will Sadler (4), Ben Viljoen (2)

For the second time in 14 days Onkapringa presented a very competitive performance and were well in this match until the last fifteen minutes when, finally, we asserted the dominance that was lurking under the surface for most of the day and piled on 24 unanswered points for a comprehensive 52 to 24 back-to-back Grand Final victory.

A pretty even start, if you accept nerves and fumbles on both sides. What was clear, our dominance at the scrum. Not sure you could get a more diverse front row in terms of personalities and playing styles than Paul Cleary, Henry Hutt and Ben Blackall. But what do they say - strength in diversity - Paul's cool efficiency, Henry's guile and gab, and Ben's ferocious physicality. Al Ward and Gareth Roberts, solid behind them in the second row. Thewelcome inclusion of Makisacc Lapworth to the back row, at number eight, filled out the back row with theexperienced Andrew Burgess and Jim Francis.

Luck plays its part when we win the toss. There's a solid sou'wester blowing and we take the advantage to run into it. The risk, of course, is that Onka's could make ground off the boot. Well, we saw that in spades from the kick off return that pegged us back on our 22m line. We loose the line out and it's only the sternest defence and a well timed jackal by Macisacc that got us out of gaol. We've only played 2 minutes! Things settle. When we got the Onka's scrum moving back on their ball, indecision gave Karl Edgar the intercept. Karl got close to the line but not quite there. A penalty in right in front but we elect to play. Max Monfries is quick to move the ball right of the ensuing break down and the ball finds Jim Francis, courtesy of Henry Nutt, for a great try in the corner. The Red men are next to score when we loose concentration and they make the most of a quick line out to release their full back to the line. Conversion kicked and are behind 7 - 5. We score from a good restart when Sam Evans straightens, gets within inches and is good enough to find Andrew Burgess on the burst. This one is converted by Ben Viljeon. It's good rugby both ways now and Onka's regain the lead at the 20 minute mark with a converted try and then a Penalty goal. Another Penalty Goal opportunity but Onka's miss this one and we play out a tense 5 minutes, with Onka's looking the more dangerous, to half time trailing 17 - 12.

A very positive vibe in the halftime huddle, a modest 5 point deficit and the wind at our backs so there's no sense of panic. The opposite in fact. Max was quick to use the wind and kicked us to the 5 m line. Inexplicably Onka's throw the ball long to where Benny Blackall is lurking. No stopping Ben from there! Makisacc was next to score and the lead jumped out to 24 - 17 just 5 minutes into the half. Not that Onka's where out of it - far from when they equalised the score 5 minutes later. Nervous moments then when big Al Ward received a yellow card. Onka's could not take any advantage from that and when Jim Francis scored his second try that was the start of the rout. Tries followed at regular intervals, first to the very hard working Karl Edgar, then Jim Francis for his hat trick - in a Grand Final no less - and finally Tim At-kins, who had been close several times prior. Will Sadler took over kicking duties from Ben Viljeon and slotted the last four conversions.

The final score of 52 - 24, whilst not a true reflection of Onkaparinga's effort and competitive play on the day, it was a testament to our better team play, for-ward power and consistently creative back line earning us this wonderfully win.

Doug MeinTeam Manager

Third Grade Match Report

Photograph courtesy of AJWalwyn Photography

Old Collegians 27 v Brighton 23

The day had finally arrived, the day every single player, reserve, and supporter had been eagerly awaiting. After an undefeated season so far spirits were high but they all knew the Grand Final was a different game altogether. The side we fielded today was unchanged from the qualifying final two weeks ago. With plenty of rest and training the lads were well prepared for anything Brighton could send us. Brighton coming fresh off a narrow win against Onkas last week had a couple of U18 players drafted up to help out on the field.

With Old Colls kick-off into a hungry Brighton forward pack and few successful phases saw Brighton advance. A ball fumble in a contested ruck and the ball was expertly stolen by Old Colls that well and truly made the most of it with backline dodges and weaves taking the ball most of the way up field. Interrupted by an Old Colls scum 5 meters from our try line, followed by a quick run and through some well found gaps for the first try of the game at the 2 min mark. The cheers rocked the ground. At the restart of play Brighton pushed back with more power and vigour than ever. Desperate to even the score and stay in the game. A fumble in their half saw Old Colls send the ball back to the right end of the field again. Two so evenly matched teams it was easy to see this game was going to be hard fought and won for whoever would be victorious. At the 10 min mark, without a score Brighton took a penalty shot for points that was followed up quickly by their first try of the match. The intensity continued right through the first half with the ball often changing hands. At the half time break Old Colls led 17-10, comfortable but not over yet.

Brighton brought no relief for Old Colls as the second half commenced. The play continued with intensity and passion from both sides and in much the same fashion. Turns were taken by each side to advance and land a score. It was clear that this game was going to come down to the wire. At the 60 min mark, Old Colls hung on by the thinnest of margins of 1 point. Nerves across the board were tense. Some relief came in the final minutes with a well-earned try by Old Colls expanding our lead to be more comfortable but still within recovery for Brighton. As minutes ticked down all effect was put into keeping Brighton down as they ramped up their intensity in the final fight of the season.

The whistle blew for the final time for 3rd Grade 2020 and the cheers on and off field rang out. The crowd erupted in celebration of the Old Collegians Grand Final 2020 3rd Grade Win closing out an amazing and undefeated season.

Well done lads.Dave PhillipsTeam Manager

Full game stream available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlnXyyRKutg&t=1128s

Junior Presentation Day

Thank You!

We say Thank You to Kate Denley and Tony Vu for their commitment to the Club and the Players.

Their Grand Final day commenced at 8.30 in the morning preparing the 3rd Grade and continued until after the final siren....

Know that you are sincerely appreciated.....

Winners are Grinners!

O’Neills OC Merchandise

The complete Old Collegians/ O’Neills Leisurewear range, including training jerseys and personalised gear bags can be ordered online via the O’Neills online merchandise store.

For all Old Collegians members when ordering online, it is imperative that you use the Club Specific Postage Coupon Code (OCON2020) at checkout which will remove all postage costs. Please note that delivery for individual orders placed through the online store can take a maximum of 28 days from date of order to delivery.

All team wear is available to order in kid’s sizes, 5 - 6 up to Size 13 and Adult sizes S - 4XL (jackets up to 5XL). For sizes outside of this range, please contact the club directly. If you are looking to order a size online which is not showing as available, it means that this size is temporarily out of stock.

Please recheck after a few days. If still not in stock, please contact the club.

O’Neills – Old Collegians RUFC Online Merchandise Store Link:

www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/rugby/rugby-union/old-collegians-rugby-club.html

Our Deepest Sympathy

On behalf of the whole Old Collegians Family we extend our sincere sympathy to Sue and Ian Thewlis, Jeremy, Melanie and their partners, on the sudden passing this week of Sue’s father, Mr Brian Howes.

Our love and thoughts are extending to Sue, her brothers and their families.

Club Merchandise

You can now register and pay for your Social Membership online via our website. At the top of the home page, click on “Membership” and enter your details and payment. It is simple, quick and easy to follow. https://oldcollegians.rugby/

For those you cannot use this system please find a Social Membership Form on page 11.Fill it in, make your payment via credit card and the send form to Old Collegians Rugby Union Club, PO Box 164 Glenside 5065 or email to seniorregistrar@oldcolls.or.au

It’s a whole lot easier now! A Shop facility has been added to the Old Collegians web-site.

Since Covid-19 we have all become very familiar with purchasing items on-line. Now we can access our Merchandise via the OC SHOP facility, with the ability to pay direct with credit card.

Do you need a new Beanie, Umbrella, drink bottle, tie, stubby holder, or scarf.

https://oldcollegians.rugby/shop

Watch this space! Specials will be announced!New items will be added! What would you like to beable to purchase in your Club Colours?

Forward your suggestions to Club Secretary:Jo Rogers: secretary@oldcolls.org.au

Can You Assist Old Collegians?

Social Membership 2020

To our Old Collegians Friends and Members

Help your club overcome the difficulties of 2020. With a drastically shortened season and reduced funding sources, the Old Collegians Rugby Football club needs your support to keep your club viable and to be able to provide a quality rugby experience for the community.

The COVID-19 restrictions have hit sporting clubs around the country very hard. Your club has not been spared and has experienced a drastic reduction in essential income this year, however, the usual expenses of running the club have remained.

Your club needs your support to continue to provide and develop your club and continue to provide a high-quality sporting and social environment for many years to come.

You can make a difference by making a tax deductible donation.https://asf.org.au/projects/old-collegians-rugby-football-club-inc/

Australian Sports Foundation

Attention:all players!

Are you ready for the 2020 season?

Do you need a new pair of Shorts and/or Socks

Available to purchase at the Clubrooms in the old Gym area :

Wednesday and Thursday’sOnce training resumes.

Old Collegians MerchandiseOC Committee, Coopted Members & Volunteers for 2020

President

Rob Costanzopresident@oldcolls.org.au

0408 806 445

Secretary

Jo Rogerssecretary@oldcolls.org.au

Director of Rugby

Danny McCartanrugbydirector@oldcolls.org.au

0412 849 004

Senior Registrar

Simone Linder-Pattonseniorregistrar@oldcolls.org.au

0434 050 436

Assistant Secretary

Sue Thewlis

Grievance Contact

Dave PyperCo-op member to committee

Senior Selector

Graham Raymond

House and Grounds John Denley

Old Colls Players Trust

Michael McCreaOli Porter

Vice-President

Chris Killickvicepresident@oldcolls.org.au

0410 005 315

Treasurer

Jarrod Deakintreasurer@oldcolls.org.au0409 780 431

Director of Junior Rugby

Nate Sosjuniorrugbydirector@oldcolls.org.au

0458 949 676

Players RepresentativeStrategic and Financial

Jeshua GrahamCo-op member to committeejeshua.graham@gmail.com

Policies and Constitution

Dave Phillips

Senior Selector

Doug Mein

Member Protection Officer

Jaye Gordon

First Aid Co-ordinator

Kate Denley

Child Safety Officer

Jaye Gordon

Business Partners for 2020

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Copper