It was a tough weekend for all teams coming up against the PSA rugby powerhouse, Hale School. Although all teams missed out on a victory, the winning margin for the Hale boys is becoming less and this proves that we are improving. All teams gave a good account of themselves and for long periods in all games dominated for large passages of play but were unable to get over the whitewash!

Next week brings us to the halfway point in the season and a tough fixture against local rivals Aquinas. Hopefully the boys will take some positives from the weekend and look to improve and work on areas that weren’t so good, in the coming week.

On another note the Rugby Club always encourage parents to come along and support their boys. However I would like parents to take note that support from the sidelines towards the boys should always be of a positive nature; negative comments only undermines their confidence and in turn affects their performance. I would also like to remind parents of their conduct towards the opposition players and their parents as well. As the boys are encouraged to play the game in a sportsmanlike manner, similar behaviour is expected from all our parents on the sidelines.

All the best against the red and black!

GERAINT LEWIS

HEAD OF RUGBY
 

ROUND 6 5TH & 6TH JUNE

          2009 BROTHER REDMOND CUP COMPETITION & PSA RUGBY RESULTS

                     HS     v     TC                WC   v     AC                GG     v        SC

1st XV          28            8                    47          21                  19              17

2nd XV         25             0                    D            D                     L                W

Year 10        21           14                    L            W                   W                L

Year 9          45           24                    W            L                    L                 W

Year 8           27           10                   L             W                   W                L

 

MATCH REPORTS       

1st XV

Hale School 28  v  Trinity College 8

After our convincing win against Christ Church we went into the Hale game with confidence but we were under no illusions about the quality of the opposition. Hale came out with all guns blazing and we knew we were in for a very tough game.

Once we survived the physical barrage of the first ten minutes in which they scored a coverted try, we settled into a better rhythm and we eventually took the lead through a try from Lachie Spence. However Hale continued to control the game at their pace with a very fast and impressive back line. At half time the score was 14 to 8 so the game was not beyond our reach.

In the second half Hale moved up a gear with their forwards dominating our scrums, leaving us struggling to get ball. The one aspect of our game which was most impressive and which we definitley controlled was our lineouts. Congrats to all the line out boys for a big improvement from previous weeks.

In the last ten minutes Hale had to defend strongly as we found some renewed energy and pace, however we remained scoreless in the second half. In summary I think Hale's ability to control the game and play at their pace upset our rhythm so we never managed to play our game for any considerable length of time. Hopefully we will have learnt some valuable lessons which we will take into our battle with Aquinas this weekend. 

SEAN TAGGART

   

                                    BROTHER REDMOND CUP LEAGUE TABLE

                        Played  Won  Lost  Drew  Pts For  Pts Agn  Bonus Pts  Total Pts

Hale                    5          4         1        0         160           69              6                 22

Scotch               5          3         1        1         136           66              3                 17

Wesley              5           3         2        0        156           91              4                 16

Trinity                5           3         1         1        156          62              1                 15

Aquinas             5           2         3         0          99        150              2                10

Guildford            6          2         4         0          99         148              1                 9

Christ Church   5          0         5         0          20         231              0                 0

 

2nd XV

Hale School 25  v  Trinity College 0

Hale was a big game for the 2nd XV because it was the week where we could prove to ourselves that we didn’t just win on luck. Unfortunately we let ourselves down in many ways throughout the game. It occurred from the start with many of the boys going onto the field without their heads switched on thinking about the game and what their role was. It was disappointing to see that a team that could play strong rugby against its own 1st XV team at training couldn’t bring that into a real game. Hale ran in a number of tries in the first half but there were a few positives to take out of the first half with numerous cover tackles made by Jehan and Matt at fullback and wing respectively who many times were out numbered 3 to 1 and also yet again Michael’s lineout steals.

We went into the second half knowing that we had the potential to take the game back and lift ourselves off the ground. Although we did this for about 50 per cent of the second half it obviously wasn’t enough as we were unable to score when Hale were under pressure in their own 22m. Alas we can now move onto thinking about the next game and take many lessons out of this game against Hale. We now know that if we are going to match it with the top teams an improvement in fitness, attendance at training and tackling need to drastically improve.

JAMES WHELAN
 




 
Year 10

Hale School 21  v  Trinity College 14


No PSA team in our age group since year eight have ever beaten Hale, however on Saturday Trinity year 10's came very close. The boys were eager to beat the so far undefeated Hale rugby team and knew that they had nothing to lose. Right from the kickoff the boys played aggressive rugby and the play did not reach the Trinity half for the first twenty minutes of the game. The boys were guided by our inspirational captain, Mitch Boros who lead from the front, scoring two tries for Trinity both of which were brilliantly converted by Alex Blunt.

With our 1st XV watching on the boys rose to the occasion, and had Hale on the back foot. The lead swapped several times, but in the last seven minutes Hale went up by 7 points. The boys were eager but weary, and fatigue was starting to play its part, although getting close we failed to score. The referee blew the final whistle and although disappointed that we had lost, everyone felt that something new was coming and that we might beat Hale next time.

Although we played up a level, the team still has areas to work on including fitness, and spreading the defence. Our work at the rucks was very good and the tight five worked extremely hard. Congratulations boys.

Thanks must go to Mr. Hailes our coach, Mrs. Fogliani for supplying the halftime snacks and all the supporters especially our 1st XV.

CHRIS CORDER
 




 

Year 9

Hale School 44  v  Trinity College 22

On Friday Trinity played against Hale, and suffered a loss but gave it their best shot. It was a tough game with Trinity putting everything they had into it and were competitive for large periods. There were a few stand out players on the day for TC, with Matt Dondas, Mitch Scott-Rogan, Rawdon Hume and Tim Ronchi all scoring tries, and Sean Grogan kicking two out of three conversions.

Better luck this week boys!

CHRISTIAN BIGNELL

 

Year 9 Magic

It was a tough game against Scotch. We didn’t have a full team and Aquinas were also there to make up the numbers. We combined with Aquinas and it was very tough trying to combine two completely different game plans. 1st XV player James Rees was at the game and ended up coaching us. He helped us to work together and play as a team. I would like to thank James for all his help. In the first half of the game were down by four tries. But in the second half we worked together as a team and they only got one try. It was a tough game but everyone gave it their all and we came out with a good result.

JACOB REES

 

Year 8

Trinity College 10   v  Hale School 27


We knew by far that this game was going to be the toughest game of the season and we needed to go in with a positive attitude remembering to tackle hard. With only one training session before the game last week we put in all our hardest work practising defensive work and running through many drills unopposed. The training session ended with the words of Mr Shanessy “That was the best training session yet”. That definitely lifted our confidence for the game.

Friday came and we were nervous and excited at the same time. We found out that Luke Hutchinson would be leading us out as captain. We walked out on to the pitch and faced our opponents and started the match. We won the toss and decided to kick. This kick was great, as Angus Gillespie gained us possession. After many plays we spun the ball wide. This turned into a great play of quick hands and ended in the hands of the raging number 8, Angus, diving over the line for a magnificent try. This definitely raised our confidence. The game got harder as we were being sucked into the play leaving Hale’s fast winger to get some easy tries. But then we went hard and got another amazing try from our great half back Conall Taggart. The half ended with 2 tries a piece.

In the second half the backs were still getting sucked in which again handed the Hale wingers opportunities to score easily. The confidence of all our players went right down as we realised that it was over and that we couldn't live up to our desire to win. The game ended at 27-10 to Hale. Key players of the match were; Conall Taggart, Jakob Phoebe and our captain Luke Hutchinson.

Bad luck boys, but lets make this the only game they beat us in.

FINLAY KOENIG-LUCK




TIMES FOR GAMES FRI & SAT 12th & 13th  JUNE AGAINST AQUINAS

Year 8 at Aquinas Friday at 2pm

Year 9 at Waterford Friday at 2pm

Year 9 Magic at Aquinas Friday at 2pm

Year 10 at Aquinas Saturday at 9.00am

2nd XV at Waterford Saturday at 9.30am

1st XV at Waterford Saturday at 10.45am

RUGBY HOSTS MORNING TEA

This Saturday it is the turn of the rugby parents to assist with the setting up and serving of morning tea during the seniors' games. We will require help from 8.30am. It is expected that during the 2nd XV game the 1st XV parents will act as hosts and vice versa during the 1st XV game. If everyone chips in the morning will run smoothly. Please remember we are hosts to Aquinas and make parents and boys feel welcome.

APPAREL ITEMS

The Rugby Club would like to apologise to parents who are still waiting on rugby apparel ordered for their sons. Unfortunately Canterbury are taking much longer than expected to process our orders. We understand your frustration at the delay and appreciate your patience as we try to sort things out. It is anticipated that items will arrive in a few weeks.

1st & 2nd XV PARENTS SOCIAL GET TOGETHER

As the season is marching on a few mums have to decided it is time for the parents to have a bit of fun. All parents of boys in the 1st and 2nd XV are invited to dinner and a few drinks on Friday 26th June at the Mount Henry Tavern, 27 Manning Road, Como at 7pm.  We have chosen this date as Trinity have a bye that weekend. Could those who are interested in attending please contact Jackie Connelly at  Jackie_2@optusnet.com.au so we can confirm numbers.
 

AUCTION ITEMS

An auction will be held  at the Rugby Award Presentation Dinner. Donations of prizes will be gratefully accepted. Could those who are willing to donate prizes or who are able to organise a donation please contact Trinity College Rugby Club President Darren Taggart at darren.taggart@taggart.net.au Smaller items will be part of a silent auction with the larger items being auctioned off as part of the evening's entertainment. All profits go directly to the Rugby Club for the  benefit of all our players. 

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