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