Old Colleagues News – December 2015

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” \_/ )