August 13, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
SAT 25TH JULY 2015 -COLLEAGUES
With a backs to the wall game for the Kentwell against Knox Old Boys, (above the Colleagues on the ladder) . The Kentwell heroes who defeated Hunters Hill, at TG Milner in 1980 arrived to add their support .
Guided by coach Iain Edwards (after several beers) all were ready to run on if needed ,to be led by captain “extraordinaire” John Anderson, visiting from the USA and not seen for many years by most .
It was a nail biting game and the support payed off when in the last 10 minutes the blue giants, inspired by the sense of spirit in the club house, put together a string of tries that saw them rub out Knox old boys — —
Well done to the players, this win will give much confidence to the team in their run up to the semis.
It was a great day for the 1980’s Kentwell and many memories were shared on that 1980 grand final win that demolished and demoralised Hunters Hill Rugby and firmly established the reputation of the Blue giants for years to come.
Great Day
Iain Edwards (Coach)
OLD COLLEAGUES NEWS AUGUST 2015
SUPER SATURDAY
This weekends game (Saturday 15th August) is the last game of the season proper. (before the finals series) This is due to the Blue Giant’s allocated bye game the following Saturday (22ndAugust).
I’m calling it Super Saturday and here’s why
It’s the Blue Giants chance to win this season’s Club Championship !
It’s another legendary Colleagues Lady’s Day
and it’s Bledisloe Cup on the tele afterwards in the Club House.
An afternoon not to be missed. (More happening than an ICAC mining licence enquiry!)
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CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
After a strong season the Colleagues are in a position to put away the second placed Mosman (2nd on the Club Championship Table) if they can Blue Rinse the Brothers Rugby Club (Formally known as CBOBS) on Saturday.
With all lower grades showing great form over recent weeks a Blue Rinse is entirely possible. The Club’s Kentwell Cup team has also come good at the right end of the season and has the feeling of a Melbourne Cup preparation roaring home for a finals berth and our 26th Club Championship (the second in five years).
Winning the Club Championship would be an outstanding result and a just reward for players, coaches and volunteers who have put in the hard yards this year. The Club would be aware that the opportunity to win the Club Championship is not something that happens every day. I am confident the boys can do it and make their mark in the Clubs proud history.
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CATCH UP WITH ANDO (& TUBA)
Great to catch up with Club Legend John Anderson at the Club House on Sat 25th July. Quite a few Old Colleagues were starters including members of the victorious 1980 Kentwell Cup Premiership Team. Photo below :
From left to right
Iain Edwards – Kentwell coach 1980,81,82,83, 84
John Anderson – CAPTAIN – 1980,81,82,83
Mark Martin – 1980.- remembered for playing the 1st half with a broken jaw and taking no prisoners much to Hunters Hill anguish.
Geoff Williams – 1980 ,82 – inside centre- who with straight running and deft hand continually put 5/8 Kevin Lane through on the loop and the outside backs into space.
Will Mortlock – 1980 ,81 – mercurial open side flanker –feared for his one handed Cumberland throws on the opposing 5/8 or what ever unfortunate he managed to lay his hands upon. Not known to pass the ball .
Tim Booth – 1980-,81 “reminiscing” on how great the scrum was – saved the day and drove the engine room in the 2nd half with short steps to demolish the Hunters Hill scrum once and for all.
DIARY DATES
Major Finals David Phillips Field, Saturday 29 August
Knockout Finals T G Milner Saturday 5 September
Grand Finals T G Milner Saturday 12 September
OLD BITS
Under the heading “ I almost made it without stuffing up” comes the story of Old Colleague Dr Bob Caldwell who after enjoying a fabulous Old Colleagues Day and then dinner and several reds with Old Colleagues at the Rose Bay Hotel decided to catch the bus home !!
Unfortunately for Bob he left a large bag of newly purchased Colleagues merchandise on said bus !! Bob was frantically calling Sydney Buses (with a major hangover) the next morning to no avail. If any one see a bus driver wearing a Colleagues kit you know where it came from!
Call this one ”completing the full circle”.Its probable Noicey’s grand son will be seen at the Colleagues next season. Reminiscing when Noicey first arrived at the Colleagues in 1960 he tells the story of the hard heads in the club telling him “you’ve got ability Noice but your too scrawny”. Noicey who completed his last year of schooling at the Colleagues was given a long neck of Tooheys (age 17) to “build up” and he’s never looked back. Apparently it was long necks only at the bar, rip the top off and straight down. (like the sound of that)
This bits about “The story of the Old Club House Bath” Talking to Old Colleagues about the big bath in the old club house. It was revealed that Old Colleague Geoff Robins was responsible for building and tiling the bath when he was Club Captain in 1976. The bath took about two hours to fill and it was always better to play in the Judd Cup and have a bath than in Kentwell and have a bath for obvious reasons. It was about this time that Michael Salmon painted the mural on the walls behind the bath depicting many characters in the club at that time. The mural shows Mick Stynes (the Kentwell Coach at the time) selling his soul to the devil to win the Kentwell Cup. The mural was rescued from the Old Club House and reproduced as a banner on the Old Colleagues web page. Mick Salmon a 1970’s fierce front row competitor for the Colleagues is now Australia’s leading kids book illustrator and author. See his fantastic work here
www.michaelsalmon.com.au
CONGRATULATIONS ZONE
Congratulations to Old Colleague (big but getting smaller) Jon Ryan who put his hand up to be club registrar this season. Jon has done an outstanding job of collecting the subs and his IT skills have been a great benefit to the “back end workings of the club” (see I know about that stuff). Jon on a many time winner of the clubs Oldest and Boldest Award has come good once again !!
Congratulations must go to the Clubs lower grades Burke, Whiddon, Barbour (Colts), Judd and Sutherland for all being Minor Premiers.The Judd Cup are undefeated with over 700 points scored and just 58 against !!
Congratulations to Mike Twemloe as his other daughter (one of the twins) announced her engagement to none other than Lachie Turner. All the best for their future and possibly a couple of speedsters for the Blue Giants in years to come !!
Next newsletter (September) I will be profiling each team’s finals campaign details, until then,
“Go the Colleagues”
Boothie
July 25, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
·
Old Colleagues
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
June 18, 2015 ·
Tim Booth
·
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
May 28, 2015 ·
Tim Cullen
·
Old Colleagues
April/MayMadness
Dear Old Colleague,
I’m just thinking what a start !! to the 2015 season the Colleagues have had. Its been a very busy couple of months, a rugby rollercoaster you could say. Here’s a quick look back on what’s happened in Colleagues world April /May 2015 and you tell me if there has been a more eventful start to a season?
- The season started a week late due to early Easter
- We then had a punctuation mark after round’s one and two with no round on Anzac Saturday.
- During this period the Colleagues players suffered the tragic loss of Burke Cup player young Nick Tooth
- All of round three across all Subbies Ist Division clubs was then washed out due to Sydney’s version of a North Queensland tropical cyclone.
- On the 8th May, 150 Old Colleagues got together at a highly enjoyable and successful Long Lunch
- The following Saturday 16th May, the Colleagues hosted a huge Ladies Day.
- And then an event that shocked many Old Colleagues. The very sudden and sad loss of great Colleague and friend Bruce Diggle.
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SEASON SO FAR
Take a deep breath because the early season form of the Club’s Kentwell Cup’s footy’s has also travelled a rocky road.
A rusty performance produced a loss to Balmain in the first round, followed by a great Kentwell win and a club blue rinse over last years premiers St Pats. Then an outstanding gritty Kentwell Cup win against competition front runners Mosman, followed by a disappointing loss to Petersham and an equally frustrating loss to Knox Old Boys. (albeit without 5 Colleagues playing with the rep side).
THIS WEEKEND Saturday 30th May we are back at home after a few weeks on tour and it is a big day for the club for every grade and the club championship .The club lines up against arch rivals Drummoyne and its a great opportunity for Old Colleagues to gather and support on the club house balcony.
There is no doubt that this years competition is an even one and the Colleagues Blue giants have the ability and personnel to see them right there at the end. (if they put it all together on the day). The Kentwell play an expansive aggressive and up tempo game a very exciting brand of Colleagues Rugby.
Rep Team
This season were are well represented in the NSW Suburban team with 5 players selected to play against NSW Country. Players selected Included half Duncan Boyd Jones, son of Old Colleague Oscar Boyd Jones (1980’s)
Diary Date
OLD COLLEAGUES DAY
Back to Colleagues Day is Saturday 27th June. The game against Balmain will showcase the best that is on offer in the Subbies Competition. High class players on both sides, Old Colleagues will definitely enjoy this clash. At half time in the main game Old Colleagues will raise a glass and toast the late great Bruce Diggle. (perhaps even a rugby song will be sung as a tribute ?)
Thanks to Table Captains
I would personally thanks the table captains for their efforts organising people for this years Long Lunch. People are busy and not every one can go but without table captains spreading the word the Long Lunch wouldn’t hold the legendary status it does today. Table captain and Old Colleague support is invaluable and the success of these lunches will ensure the financial stability of the mighty Colleagues into the future. LONG LUNCH DATE FOR 2016 Is Friday 6th May (leap year Friday) Next year is the twenty year anniversary of the clubs 1996 huge season and the lunch will be a celebration of some historic victories. Same venue and funny man Vince Sorenti has been booked to entertain us (you…… little….. beauty)
(Photos of this years Long Lunch will be up on the clubs website in the next few days)
Merchandise
Don’t forget club merchandise is available through the clubs website. Ideal birthday or any occasion presents for that Colleagues who has almost everything.
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
May 12, 2015 ·
Tim Cullen
·
Old Colleagues
Dear Colleague
it is with sadness that I pass on the news that Old Colleague, Life Member and Club legend Bruce Diggle passed away this morning.
Bruce a champion of the Judd Cup scrum played from the mid 60s through the 70s notching up 300 games. A proud rugby hooker he always told me he could still remember every tight head he took from the opposition.(All 300 games !!!) Bruce was the imbodiment of the Colleagues spirit that pervaded the club in the old club house during the 60’s and 70’s. Some of the best memories of the old club house were a choir of Colleagues belting out a rugby tune as Bruce hammed the keys of the old upright piano. (eg Ive got friends of every kind)
For now hes a legend lost but in time a legend forever. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Committal service will be held at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, South Chapel, 12 Military Rd, Matraville, NSW, Australia on Monday, 18th May 2015 at 2:00pm.
Go The Colleagues
Boothie
April 28, 2015 ·
Tim Cullen
·
Old Colleagues
OLD COLLEAGUE NEWS APRIL 2015 LONG LUNCH UPDATE
LONG LUNCH
The 8th of May is coming toward us, unstoppable like an eight man scrum, a good driving maul, a well planned pick and drive, or even a speedy back with an unexpected side step !! (ha)
Bookings for the lunch are solid and we are looking like 200 fellow Colleagues will be attending and enjoying this season highlight event.
This years lunch will celebrate several premiership reunions. 30 years since that great Burke Cup Victory against Newport (pretenders) in 1985, also 10 years since memorable victories for the Burke and Whiddon Cups in their Grand Finals in 2005. So be prepared for an elevated level of victory fever and that old favourite, seriously, what do you reckon ? how good were we ?
Same Venue as last year and the year before and the year before ,etc
Big Tattersalls, 181 Elizabeth st City (AKA Doltone House 1st Floor venue)
1.00pm kick off just $150 per head (plus a few clams for the raffle)
Tim Horan is our guest speaker. (Lets see how he explains how the Reds are going this year?)
Names and numbers need to be finalised by close of business
FRIDAY 1ST MAY Just one week to have all names via your table captain to event supremo:
Jen Blair email jen.blair@iinet.net.au
Any Queries email Tim Booth : tim_b@bigpond.net.au
Please arrange payment ASAP
Payment details as follows
Direct Debit: Woollahra Colleagues RUFC WESTPAC – BSB: 032004 / ACCOUNT NUMBER: 990001
PLEASE PUT YOUR SURNAME & LLUNCH AS THE REFERENCE
in the bank transfer details
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VALE Nick Tooth
A young bloke I only met a few times during his first season at Colleagues. A quality young man who was an integral part of the Colleagues Premiership Burke side of 2014.
Nick played his rugby hard like so many of the country men who have played for the Colleagues before him. (Men who know no other way.) The special bond between Nick and his team mates and friends at Colleagues will never be forgotten.
It is unexplainable that an accident on the rugby field should result in his death. His passing would also be an unexplainable loss for his family and friends. What is real is that we have the memories of Nick and they will last forever.
Nick’s passing will have a profound effect on his Colleagues team-mates who now have an obligation to strive to be the best people they can be (like Nick was) and to continue to play the game he loved so much in the same spirit he did.
Go The Colleagues
Boothie
February 15, 2015 ·
Tim Cullen
·
Old Colleagues
HAPPY BLUE YEAR TO ALL !!!
Annual General Meeting Season 2014
Old Colleagues will be happy to know than the Club is in a strong financial position following the 2014 season. Congrats to the club committee, social committee and Dave “Goochie” Gooch and “John Hitcho” Hitchen with a continued fantastic effort managing the clubhouse and bar) As far as office bearers go
The club returned President – Richard McGrath and Treasurer – Paul Howard – New secretary Dave Burnett and also a new Club Captain, Damon Holmes AKA and more commonly known as “Dingo” were also elected at a well attended meeting !
For the benefit of Old Colleagues I managed to catch a busy man Club Captain “Dingo” and find out more about him. Born and bred in Central Queensland he hails from Theodore !
Google says “Theodore is a town and a locality in the Shire of Banana, Queensland, Australia. At the 2012 census, Theodore had a population of 452” (“sounds like Beecroft WTF is Beecroft”)
Don’t let being born in Theodore fool you Dingo was educated at the Southport School and played his rugby there with half the present day members of the Queensland Reds. (I know what your thinking but I can tell you “Dingo” this number 10 can play).After that he was a long serving member of the Uni of Brisbane Club. A distinguished rugby career which nosedived with a season at the East Beasts before he saw the blue light across the creek and we are luckier for that happening.
Dingo is Operations Manager for Australian Meat and Livestock Reporting. Dingo is responsible with the help of 26 staff for the reporting of Beef and Lamb pricing at sale yards across Australia. Market information which is highly valued by stakeholders far and wide. Dingo is currently single (married to Colleagues of course) and is a resident of Double Bay. And how surprising “Dingo” doesn’t mind a refreshing rum at the end of the day either !
Post script (lol) Dingo scored a very remarkable meat pie in the very final minutes of last seasons Burke Cup Grand Final to sink the not so great St Pats Burke Minor Premiers. (Say no more, I’m a fan I still remember) Check it out //www.youtube.com/watch?v=UitFcB9lZ6M
Merchandise on www.colleaguesrugby.com.au
“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. Go to //www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/merchandise-2/
2015 SEASON BEGINS (Diary Date)
The Clubhouse and grounds are in great order for the start of the 2015 season. Pre season runs on Saturday mornings from North Bondi Surf Club have ended and club training is now underway. 6.45pm Tuesday and Thursdays (Old Colleagues with semi retired All Black trialist staff or mates take note, most welcome) Most players are returning for 2015 and are looking to get their hands on the Club Championship and G.F. silverware. FYI: First trial against Randwick on the 2nd Feb at Redmond Field Rockdale (Doubt there will be many spectators)
First Round is away against Balmain on the 11th April (Leichhardt Oval #2). The second round is home against St Pats on the 18th April and third round is after Easter at home 2nd May against Old Ignations. Full draw can be found at www.rugby.net.au
BONDI TENS 2014
For Old Colleagues suffering summer rugby withdrawal make your way to Woollahra Park 2 & 3 for Bondi 10’s rugby starting the afternoon of Friday February 13th and finals late on Saturday 14th take a position on the club house balcony with a beverage and enjoy some top running rugby. The Bondi Tens has gained a reputation for being a highly organized pre-season season event played in the right spirit for several very worthy charities. Old Colleagues would do well to put aside some time to watch the 10’s with Woollahra Park a hive of rugby activity and sensational atmosphere.
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VALE Paul Knight
Our thoughts go out to Paul’s family at this time. Paul who pass away recently (just 74) played in the Sky blue in the early 60’s. He was a member of the 1961 Kentwell Cup team. Old Colleagues of that era tell me he was a very good inside centre. Paul was known for keen sense of humor and I’m told “was a very likeable fella” Thoughts also with his son Will who also played for the Colleagues in more recent years.
VALE Charlie Adams
Younger Old Colleagues will be shocked to learn of the passing of Charlie Adams (age 48). Charlie passed away suddenly after a heart attack while washing his car on a Sunday afternoon. (message here). Charlie who had a big smile and a personality to match played in the Sutherland Cup not that long ago. Charlie enjoyed the social aspects of the Colleagues and was well known as a local at the Royal Oak and Dudley Hotels.A very sad thing to happen to a good man and will be missed by anyone who knew him.
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EMAIL DATA BASE
Remember if you are not receiving the almost monthly Old Colleagues newsletter then we haven’t got your current email address. Email member@colleaguesrugby.com.au with your updated details.
Looking forward to a Sky Blue 2015,
(See you at the Bondi Tens)
Go the Colleagues
Boothie
September 16, 2014 ·
Tim Cullen
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Old Colleagues
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4 Teams in the Grand Finals This Weekend
It is now time to contact your mates, don your blue gear and come and support the mighty Blue Giants this Saturday 20/9 at TG Millner.
There will be back to back Colleagues Grand Finals rugby from 9am to 3pm
- Burke Cup vs St Patricks @ 1:20pm
- Sutherland Cup vs Old Ignatians @ 11:30am (Field #2)
- Whiddon Cup vs Balmain @ 10:15am
- Judd Cup vs St Patricks @ 9:00am
Contact your old playing mates and make a day of it.
Get out early for some breakfast rugby to cheer on a very impressive Judd Cup team. Buses for players and supporters are leaving from the Club House at 6:30am, 8:00am and 10:00am.
Click here to read the Club Captains preview of each game posted on our website today.
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Where are those Blue Giants ???
Over the last month with your help we have updated our contact details for over 200 Old Colleagues.
We still need your help to find the remaining 700 (50%) who have played or coached at the club over the last 40 years.
To make it really easy, we have created a web page with the list of the Colleagues players organised by decade.
Click to view Old Colleagues List
Take a trip down memory lane and while you are there just click on a name you have contact details for. A welcoming email will be sent to them and they can unsubscribe if they prefer.
Go the Blue Giants !!!
(Tim Cullen – Old Colleagues Committee)
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Colleagues Classifieds
As part of our website overhaul, there is a new section on the website for Classifieds such as Business or Job Oppotunties.
To post an opportunity of any description on the website, please forward details to king.henry86@gmail.com or tprcullen@gmail.com
Classifieds Blue Giants style can be viewed here://www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/colleagues-classifieds/
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September 1, 2014 ·
Tim Cullen
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Old Colleagues
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Semi Finals Time
September is here and the Colleagues boys have just finished the regular season winning the Halligan Cup premiership for 2014 and also taking out 3 minor premierships in Whiddon, Judd (undefeated) and Sutherland Cups.
This weekend sees Colleagues with 5 teams in the Semi Finals at David Phillips Field, with only Kentwell missing out, running a very close 5th. The club also came second to St Patricks in the Club Championship.
Congratulations to all the teams this year, who have put in some very had work and again produced some excellent rugby.
Details of each of the games at David Phillips Field this Saturday 6/9 are as follows:
- Burke at 1:45pm: Colleagues[2] vs St Pats[1]
- Barbour (Colts) at 12:20pm: Colleagues[4] vs Knox[3]
- Whiddon at 11:05am: Colleagues[1] vs St Patricks[2]
- Judd at 10:00am: Colleagues[1] vs St Patricks[2]
- Sutherland 9:00am: Colleagues[1] vs Old Ignations[2]
The Preliminary Finals on 13/9 are at David Phillips Field, with the Grand Finals on 20/9 at TG Millner.
Please make an effort to get to some of the games during the finals campaign, as the boys really need our support.
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Your Help is Needed – Where’s Wally ?
We need your help ! The club has lost contact details of more than 70% of the 1400 people who have played or coached at the club over the last 40 years.
The club has invested in improving the website, outbound email and now needs your help to find the “missing Colleagues”.
To make it really easy, we have created a web page with the list of the Colleagues players organised by decade and whether we have their email contact details.
All we need you to do is review your decade(s) of players and click on the name and enter the email address of any contacts you may have. A welcoming email will be sent to them and they can unsubscribe if they prefer.
Please set yourself a target of finding and reconnecting 5 missing Blue Giants.
Click here to see and update member details
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Sydney “Colleagues” Convicts win the Bingham Cup
The Sydney Convicts have retained the Bingham Cup – the gay and inclusive rugby World Cup for the fourth time – in a 31-0 grand final thrashing of the Brisbane Hustlers.
Held for the first time in the southern hemisphere since it began in 2002, the bi-annual competition was contested by 24 teams from 15 countries.
Congratulations to the Convicts and all the volunteers who made the tournament a great success.
A special well done and thank you to Goochie and Hitcho and their helpers for operating the club house and running the bar and food through out the tournament.
Go the Blue Giants ! ! !
Old Colleagues Committee – Tim Cullen
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August 15, 2014 ·
Tim Cullen
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Old Colleagues
Change of games venue for Saturday 16th.
Games on at McKay Oval Centennial Park
This weekend Saturday 16th August is the make-up game against Drummoyne which was a washout from way back in Round 9. With just three games to go before the finals the Colleagues are on the march to T.G.Milner. As usual the dirty reds will be strong opposition right through the grades.
Games this weekend are at McKay oval in Centennial park. Currently Woollahra Oval is under renovation preparing for the Bingham Cup to be played there at the end of August. www.binghamcup.com.au for details.
Plenty of parking available, no seating but there is expected to be blue jerseys crossing try lines all afternoon. Please check www.colleaguesrugby.com.au this Friday afternoon for game times.
After the games, visit the Blue Giants Room at Johnny Ryan’s Woollahra Hotel (you could even walk there) for a few speeches, $5 Carlton’s, half priced meals before watching the first Bledisloe Cup game. Dose it get any better than that!
Go the Colleagues (and the Wallabies)
Boothie
