On The Paddock
Just about half way through the season and lots to report since the last old Colleague News. The club got out of the blocks at a tremendous rate starting the season playing bright football throughout the grades and leading the club championship. Records tumbled in the Kentwell Cup game Vs Campbelltown as skipper Dan Kelly kicked 12 from 12 (new record) and Changa scored 5 tries (equals his old record) again ! Unfortunately some cracks in fortress Blue Giant have emerged and a couple of losses in the Kentwell and Burke Cups has seen us slide down the points table. Old Colleague regulars are staying positive and are confident the Kentwell in particular can return to the sort of form we saw at the start of the season. Congratulations to Dan Kelly who was again chosen to Captain the Subbies rep side and “big Tim” Sawyer who also made the squad.
Old Colleagues Day 19th July
Calling on all Old Colleagues, pass the word around. 19th July is back to Blue Giant Park day. Games against Knox Old Boys will be closely fought all day and plenty of food and refreshment will be available. A great opportunity to catch up with mates even organise a reunion, can you believe its 30 years since those great Kentwell and Burke teams of the 1980’s !
Long Lunch Wrap
Fantastic afternoon had by all. Special thanks to all the table captions who took time out to organise a table of blue giants (older version). Support from table captains is an invaluable help to put the lunch together. Thanks also to Club Pres Richard McGrath and Jen Blair and her girls who really spiced up the afternoon ! Not forgetting entertaining guest speaker, Andrew Mehrtens and M.C. supremo Toby Lawson. Supporters of the long lunch will be happy to know that the lunch raised a healthy profit. Old Colleagues wanting to attend the long lunch and for some reason can’t at the last minute should be reminded that Doltone House who operate the Tatt’s function space require accurate numbers one week out from the event. Meaning crying off from the lunch directly effects the bottom line profit. Photos from the lunch can be viewed at www.colleagues rugby.com.au
Colleagues Archive news
Happy to report the club is very close to having a complete set of Annual Reports. Great work from Old Colleague Tim Cullen as these reports have been scanned and digital files are now being kept for prosperity. We do however need the 1987 and 2000 reports to complete the set. Colleagues history “Sky Blue winters” (Vance Lowry) is available for $50 including post by contacting Tim Cullen. Email tncullen@gmail.com or at the club house on home games saturdays.
Vale John (Jack) Mesley
John graduated from Cranbrook School in 1962 and joined Colleagues in 1965 where he represented the club in both the Burke A and B sides. He was a very talented 5/8 with a prodigious boot which he used to great effect. He was a wonderful support player backing up to score many fine tries and then proceeding to convert them. John had very good hands, quick acceleration off the mark and the uncanny ability to straighten the back line and get Colleagues moving.
John played in the Burke A Grand Final which was narrowly won 10-5 by Trinity Old Boys.
He was the last surviving of the Mesley brothers (Peter and Dick had sadly passed earlier) and this trio of gifted sportsman had all represented Cranbrook in both the 1st XV and 1st X1. John passed away after a relatively short battle with cancer.
(Information with thanks to Vance Lowry)