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