June 18, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
OLD COLLEAGUES DAY
Old Colleagues Day is Saturday week, Saturday 27th June and should have been in everyones diary underlined and called “big day”.The Blue Giants are taking on the high profile and top of the table Balmain Rugby Club.
Old Colleagues should report to Headquarters between 1.00 and 2.00pm for refreshment, top rugby nosh, great rugby and bravado!! At half time in the main game approx 4.00pm a toast will be proposed in the club house for absent friends with special regard for the late Bruce Diggle. Should be a great afternoon catching up with mates and watching the best that Suburban Rugby can offer.
Late breaking news hopefully Eddy Radford will be in attendance making his way down the coast after receiving a release for the afternoon from the Kincumber Bowling Club !
The big screen will be in operation in the Clubhouse for the early Super Rugby game. Those not going to the main game can head to Club major sponsor The Woollahra Hotel and watch the Waratahs in action on any number of TV’s.
SEASON HALF DONE ?
Hello, I think I’m suffering from a serious dose of not enough Blue Giant rugby. With a deferred washout round from May (now due 1st August against Iggys at home) and a Kentwell Game deferred (Date To Be Advised) against Brothers (A.K.A CBOBS) in June due to rep duties from both teams, plus the bye weekend just gone 13th June I’m entitled to feel unloved with just two Kentwell Games in a month.
While I’m on the subject of Kentwell games, massive disappointment was felt for the Kentwell team in the game against Drummoyne.
The boys led for most of the game only to let a loose pass go with a minute to go that found a Red sprinting 80 metres to score!! Ouch !!! (but as your coach would say “plenty of positives to come out of the game”, “ha we’re all still hurting coach) It was a great game, from the Colleagues except for the result however I am confident they can bounce back. (watch this space)
Still on season 2015 its an interesting proposition at the almost halfway mark that the Colleagues are running third on the Club Championship. It is a complicated formula to calculate where we really stand. I would suggest we must consider we have to play catch up full round, then a catch up Kentwell game and then subtract the bye round (no points), plus what is happening to the rest of the top teams!!! The Professor Sumner Miller catch phrase comes to mind “Why.. is.. it.. so ?” (Best if you say it slowly in a funny voice)
CONGRATULATIONS ZONE
Congratulations to Subbies Executive Director Mark Green who was this month honoured with a presentation to mark 20 years service to the NSW Suburban RUFC. Well done Greenie a great bloke and equally good administrator.
Congratulations in May to Alan Roberts father of Old Colleague the Late Ben Roberts who accepted an award presented to him by 2002 Bali Tour leader Old Colleague Lachlan Benson and President Richard McGrath on behalf of the Indonesia Rugby Football Union. (IRFU) The Late Ben Roberts who was killed in the 2002 Bali bombings has now been inducted along with other Indonesian based players killed at that time into the Indonesia Rugby Union Hall of Fame.
Old Colleagues should take the time to note the Ben Roberts Players Player Honour Board that is proudly displayed in the Club’s home change room. The losses and the horror of the 2002 Bali Bombings are remembered in true Colleagues style at the start of each season with the now legendary Bondi Tens Competition.
Congratulations to (circa) 1980’s Old Colleague Mick Halliday (who spent his cricket career playing for Old Cranbrookians) who will been inducted into the Legends of City & Suburban Cricket at a dinner at Tatts 16th July. (Mick’s scored more runs than a TARGET’ mannequin stocking) Well done Mick from all the Colleague cricketers who had to rescue the six stitcher from the Rose Bay Bowling Club. LOL
Congratulations to the king of Cottosloe (WA Rugby) Mike “Trembles” Twemlow who reports (his much better looking than her father) daughter Penelope has recently been appointed CEO of Energy Skills Queensland. Her appointment starts the day after his birthday !! 22nd June, easy on the celebrations Mike !!
OTHER NEWS
ANDO IN TOWN
Old Colleague, John Anderson (From John Anderson Trophy fame) will be over from the States in July for about 3 weeks. Ando and his wingman Tuba Kirkwood (making the rip 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. (i’m in)
WHO’S WHO’S IN THE ZOO ?
On the promotion and relegation front looks as though Hunters Hill are making a fair fist of second division and could possibly make that leap back into the Kentwell Cup. While we are talking Hunters Hill there is a proper barney going on with their council about a plan of management for their grounds including a small club house positioned between their two grounds. One HH counsellor was quoted as saying “They only want a Club House to stand around and drink beer !!” We wish them well in their endeavours Cheers !
Long Lunch Photos are up and can be found at
//www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/photos-2015/
FIGHTING FIVES (insert soap box here)
If I was a crusty old rugby cynic I would be asking why in the Kentwell Cup prestigious NSW Suburban first division (a compulsory 6 team comp) are Balmain, Brothers, Knox and most times Drummoyne each unable to field a 5th grade team. When this situation occurs the penalty against each offending club is a loss and 5 club championship points awarded to the opposition. If the quality of a club is measured by the strength of its lower grades then why not a stronger penalty for not fielding a 5th grade team ??
HOUSE KEEPING
Request for Old Colleagues to update their details or details of an Old Colleague who they played with or know. The Clubs website is designed so that details ie: email, phone, and era participation to be easily updated by Colleagues. Check out who you played with and if you can help by updating their details this will continue our efforts to track down Colleagues far and wide.
Go to
//www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/old-colleagues-member-list/
MERCHANDISE on www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
The Clubs history,“Sky Blue Winters” is available through the clubs web site or at the club house at home games during the season. Also a new range of merchandise can be purchased through the website. A fantastic present for that special Blue Giant who has almost everything.
Any news items Colleagues feel worthy of a mention in this almost monthly newsletter please shoot it through to me at tim_b@bigpond.net.au
Go The Colleagues
Boothie
February 17, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
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Weekly news
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Bondi 10s
As always, the Bondi 10s was a great carnival of 10s rugby hosted at the unofficial home of Subbies rugby, Blue Giants Stadium. For all those involved, it was a great success and a huge thank you should go to the organising committee, a job well done, and very much looking forward to next year (now that the hangover has nearly gone away).
Congratulations to Tattersall’s Club who took out the main event and the Gold Coast Breakers Old Boys who won the over 35’s competition (again), although over the weekend, there were plenty of winners.
Thanks to all the Sponsors especially the BOB’S sponsor the Bucket List at Bondi Beach which saw plenty of action from the BOBS and I’m sure a sizeable increase in cervesa’s over the weekend.
Don’t forget a big thank you to Leigh who was very busy serving in the fab new look Canteen (photo) and the bbq was also flat out serving outstanding tucker all weekend as well
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July 28, 2014 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
Ladies Day Saturday 2nd August.
Often preferred as a day to get together by the Old Colleagues. The delightful scenery on show around the club at this time of year seems to be a big attraction. Ladies Day is legendary and has been sponsored forever by Old Colleague Angus Logan. Thanks again to Jan Logan Jewellery, did you know they are in David Jones Castlereagh St Store as well as Double bay ? Check out the web site www.janlogan.com
Its been 25 years since the Burke of 1989 held the silver wear high. The band is getting back together for a reunion this Saturday (yes on Ladies Day), so I’m expecting a few laughs and plenty of refreshments on the balconey, could be a big day all round. For anyone choosing to watch the football expect fireworks right through the grades. The Blue Giants are preparing an old fashioned ambush for St Pats and its 1st vs 2nd in most of the grades. Bring it on !
Old Colleagues Day Story
Very enjoyable day had by all Old Colleagues Day vs Knox. Plenty of tough rugby played during the day, and it got even tougher in the clubhouse afterwards. Old Colleagues having to repel first the current Colleagues and then the Kiwi Colleagues in sculling races and teaching them both a lesson in that practiced art form !!
I had a call from Old Colleague Peter Ball who tells the story of how his father Aubrey Ball (Colleague legend and Life Member) had a great friend who played for Knox during the 1960’s. Aubrey during that time donated a perpetual trophy to Knox. For many years the Aubrey Ball trophy was presented to the Knox Best and Fairest player for the season. Aubrey not only generous but also a sense of humor !!
Great to see Old Colleague Geoff Travers on the balconey belting out instructions to his son Bill playing in the Burke Cup. Young Bill Travers looks to have all the skills of his dad plus a few more !
VALE: PETER DALEY
Peter sadly passed away on July 17th.
He played with Colleagues in the late 1960’s. Peter rapidly earned the name ‘Double Up Daley’ since his willingness to act as a reserve after he had played a full game was legendary. On one particular Saturday afternoon, after running out in Judd Cup, he managed to play in Whiddon, Burke and Kentwell. Needless to say he was quick to accumulate 100 games for the club.
A hard running centre/ winger, Peter scored many fine tries and won a Premiership in 1968 in Whiddon Cup.
As an accountant, Peter was a financial wizard and, with the help of his father Larry, transformed takings from the bar from a dismal deficit into a prosperous surplus in a very short time.
Peter was President of Queenscliff surf club for 15 years and used his administrative acumen, together with his skill as an all-round waterman, to great effect. He was also a great mentor and role model to the younger members.
It was a true testament to his popularity when over 1000 people, including various eminent dignitaries, attended his funeral service at St Mary’s Catholic Church at Manly on Friday July 25th.
We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Cherie, daughter Kellie and son Damien as well as the entire Daley family.
RIP ‘pee wee,’ You are sorely missed.
(Tribute by Vance Lowry)
The French Chef” back in Paddington
Old Colleague and 1996 Kentwell Cup winning hooker Guillaume Brahimi will open the doors of his new restaurant – known simply as ‘Guillaume’ – on August 2. The new restaurant was formerly home to the age-old Darcy’s Restaurant. The menu promises to stick to the classical French cuisine Brahimi is celebrated for. The Guillaume success story is an inspiring one for all Colleagues, a great supporter of the Colleagues we wish him all the best in his new venture.
www.guillaumes.com.au
Marto Married”
Son of Old Colleague Mark Martin and brother of Old Colleague Will Martin, Old Colleague, self made England based publishing guru Tim Martin married Sarah Jones in the South of France this week. (A fair distance from Willow Tree near Quirindi) Congrats Tim and continue the good work keeping those poms on their toes. (Except for the misses that is)
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
July 15, 2014 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
Old Colleague News July 2014
Old Colleagues Day Saturday 19th July.
Old Colleagues to assemble at headquarters for the games against Knox Old Boys. All games are critical for Club Championship points and all games look to be hotly contested. The Club’s players are always highly appreciative of the support on the sidelines from Old Colleagues and a big crowd of Old Colleagues really promotes a home ground advantage.
Its also 30 years since the 1984 Kentwell and Burke Cup teams were victorious in their Grand Finals at Concord Oval. What better way to toast these great victories other than Old Colleagues Day.
“OLD COLLEAGUES DAY”
The Old Colleagues gathered, eighty years of stories to tell,
Of blood and beer and bravery that made the home crowd yell.
They came from near and far, with one reason all the same,
To remember that great club where they played the running game.
There was Jackson and Murchison from nineteen thirty three,
Then Storch and Barraclough in the early days they had the key.
Corlis, Noice and Harriden the club sings their reign,
and Anderson and Edwards in the eighties,
they made the Colleagues name.
They assembled to watch the battle, the Kentwell Cup at stake,
Young and old together a tradition there’s to make.
The sky blue of the Colleagues, against the colours of the round,
It was young and old together no backward step to be found.
And when the final whistle blows the curtain on the day,
When dust and dirt and referee has had the final say,
The Colleagues stand there tall having given to the core,
And then and there together “old and new would count the score”.
And later in the clubhouse when the air is running hot
And the opposition captain cries “Colleagues have got the lot”
An Old Colleague will tell the tale of the one that got away.
Cause its possible they say to beat the Colleagues at their game,
but with old and new together be certain;
“The spirit remains the same”
N.S.W. Suburban Rep Game Vs QLD Subbies.
John (Wal) Corlis and John Noice (Noicey) were both invited by subbies to hand out the Jerseys before the above fixture the curtain raiser to the Wallabies Vs France game at the S.F.S. Both Wal and Noicey are both former coaches of the subbies rep team, with Wal being the first ever coach of that team in 1966 which Noicey actually played in ! They must have done the trick as N.S.W. Captained by Colleagues Captain Dan Kelly romped home with an ten try defeat of QLD, 60-19. It was a all Colleague affair with N.S.W retaining the Barraclough Shield.
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
June 21, 2014 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
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)
March 23, 2014 ·
Tim Booth
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Old Colleagues
Long Lunch Friday 9th May
An early heads up for the clubs premier event of the year. The legendary Long Lunch is a major fund raiser for the club. By attending the long Lunch you are showing support for the club that provides many good memories and the creator of many lifelong friendships. Kick off 1.00pm Tattasall’s Club, Elizabeth St (as usual)
Please be aware that tickets to the long lunch are to be prepaid. Speak to your table captain about to reserve a seat and how to pay. Best advice is to get organized and do this earlier than at the last minute. Club Captains please email Jen Blair on jen.blair@iinet.net.au with your table names. Old Colleagues without a table email Richard McGrath on Richard.McGrath@hr-ss.com.au for seat allocation.
The Season Begins
Round one kicks off at home against Beecroft April 5th. The club has been training hard with good numbers, and has also played a very positive trial against Drummoyne in preparation for a strong season.
The second round is away against Old Ignations on the 12th April, no game over Easter and third round is the blockbuster at home also against competition joint premiers Balmain on the 26th April. (Fire up) Each month I will post old Colleagues news and game dates at www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/oldcolleagues
also on www.Linkedin.com
(Colleagues Rugby group) networking site which I encourage Old Colleagues to join.
Diary Dates
Sat 10th May Ladies Day
Sat 19th July Old Colleagues Day
News from the Suburban Rugby Board
In response to concerns from the majority of participants in the Suburban Rugby Competition the Board of the NSWSRU has made a decision to clarify the future direction of the competition.
“The NSWSRU Board is taking steps, phased in over the next two seasons, to reposition the status of Suburban Rugby: NSW Suburban Rugby will be declared amateur from 2015. The payment of players will be prohibited and penalties will be applied for any breach of the amateur status. The NSWSRB Has committed to the guiding principle that the SPIRIT of amateurism will prevail in suburban rugby”. More information can be found at www.rugby.net.au/news
In my opinion and the opinion of all Old Colleagues I have spoken to is that the NSWSRU Board is to be congratulated for taking this stance. I can hear you saying that the non payment of players will be difficult to enforce, however the actions of NSWSRB give clarity and moral guidance to those administrators unsure of the spirit of suburban rugby. (some of my best here)
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
