Mission To professionally develop, administer and promote rugby in Victoria to maximise particiption, Contents standards, enjoyment, community support and success. Vision Victoria will be leader in Australian and International rugby on and off the field. Officers of the Victorian Rugby Union...... 3 President’s Report...... 4

Chief Executive Officer’s Report...... 6

Victorian Rugby Development...... 9

Senior Club Competition...... 12

Junior Competition...... 14

Judiciary Committee Chairman’s Report...... 17

2010 Final Club Results...... 18

2010 Final Award Winners...... 24

Victorian Referees...... 26

Victorian Representative Program...... 30

Post War Presidents...... 72

Board of Directors...... 73

Obituaries...... 74

Art Direction and Production, The Wall Partnership Appreciation...... 77

1 Victorian Rugby Union Incorporated Officers of the Victorian Rugby Union

EIGHTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT AFFILIATED CLUBS Patron Prof D DE KRETSER, AC, THE GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA President Mr T NORTH Ballarat University/St. Pats College Old Collegians Visy Park, Gate 3 Life Member J C BOX Bendigo J BURRIDGE (deceased 14 Dec 10) Second Floor Royal Parade Boroondara W F GILLIES Carlton North, VIC 3054 Border Army E L GRIMWADE Box Hill P HONE Telephone: 03 9221 0781 Cerberus E K JONES Cobram C TREHERNE Email: [email protected] Deniliquin G VAUGHAN Eltham Website: vicrugby.com.au J WOODHOUSE Endeavour Hills Footscray Board of Directors Mr T NORTH (President) Geelong Mr A BARNES (Finance) Harlequin Mr R BOYKETT Maroondah Mr K DE KRETSER Melbourne Mr P FIELDING (resigned 10 Dec 10) Melbourne University Mr J MARSHALL Melton Mr R WATSFORD Monash University Mrs E YANDALL Monash University Women STAFF MEMBERS (FT) Moorabbin CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Mr J CORNELL (until 13 July 10) Northern Mr R OAKLEY (from 14 July 10) Power House COMMUNITY RUGBY MANAGER Mr C BAMFORD Puckapunyal OFFICE MANAGER Miss M FORBES (until 1 August 10) Southern Districts Miss D FENNELL (from 20 Sept 10) Warrnambool HEAD COACH & DIRECTOR OF COACHING Mr J PHILPOT (until 1 Oct 10) Wyndham City DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Mr M WILSON (until 3 Sept 10) COMMUNITY RUGBY OFFICERS Mr C EVANS AFFILIATED UNION Victorian Schools Rugby Union Miss B HILL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS Mr T MITCHELL AFFILIATED ASSOCIATION Mr M MOTU Victorian Rugby Referees Association

AFFILIATED WITH Hon. AUDITOR TWB Chartered Accountants Australian Rugby Union Ltd Hon. Solicitor Mr D BOBEFF

2 3 assist us, in conjunction with the VRU volunteers, has ensured used for general meetings, board meetings and Tribunal hearings. the establishment of a real pathway for aspiring players. The The year also saw the appointment of Mr Ross Oakley as the VRU philosophy of the Rebels pledge has been and will continue CEO and subsequently he took on the role of joint CEO of both the to be embedded throughout the State in both the RaboDirect VRU and Melbourne Rebels. Ross’s background and experience Melbourne Rebels and the schools and club community. President’s Report will be required to ensure the appropriate alignment between the The Weary Dunlop lunches, which have been conducted by the two organizations is maintained. We also welcomed the appoint- VRU for the benefit of the Victorian community and have, this year, ment of Deirdre Fennell in her role as Office Manager. She has been run in conjunction with the Melbourne Rebels. This has led already shown her capabilities by attending to and handling the Rebels Board which has established a sincere commitment to record attendances and the July luncheon had 1350 people rigors of the organizational aspects of running a Weary Dunlop with the Victorian Rugby Community. In this sense, Mr Harold in attendance and the November luncheon, where the Rebels lunch. Mitchell AC, the Chairman, Leon L’Huillier, Bob Dalziel, Lyndsey were inducted into their ambassadorial role for schools and clubs 2010 The competition was successfully run by Charlie Bamford and his Cattermole, together with Gary Gray have always acted and displayed in front of 900 people in attendance. a year of MARKED CHANGES. team of Chris Evans, Bree Hill and Michael Motu. Tyronne Mitchell made decisions that displayed full respect for the Victorian Rugby Given the long and proud history of Rugby Union in Victoria, now The Schools Competition this year was also played in great spirit has filled the place left by Josh Philpot when he transferred over Community. The Rebels Board has a commitment to grow the dating back in excess of 100 years, this year has been one of with no one school having dominance. The year saw the grand to the Melbourne Rebels, where Tyronne now takes on the role game in this State. It is of utmost importance to the success of significant change, with the VRU, together with its affiliated clubs final success for the first time ever for Trinity Grammar School, of looking after the VRU Representative Program and is the key the community based game to a have a successful continuous and rugby playing schools, through the VSRU, embracing the who won the first XV premiership over St Kevin’s College for the link together with Mike Motu for our Rebel Rugby Development relationship with the Melbourne Rebels. In this light, the VRU and professional side described as RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels, first time in their history. Program. the Rebels have established a Community Based Agreement into our Victorian Rugby Community. This professional team will, which signifies the full level of co-operation. Grant Wason, who as the Victorian Volunteer of the Year, was also The year also saw one of our administrators Michael Wilson in February 2011, represent our State with the full support of our awarded Australian Volunteer of the Year by the ARU at the John taking on a new appointment as a Sports Co-ordinator at Xavier The VRU, in conjunction with the Rabodirect Melbourne Rebels Victorian Rugby community. Eales Award Night in Sydney held in October. College, at one of our Rugby playing schools. have also put in place the development concept of “Rebel Rugby” Much has been achieved by the VRU in its landmark association with strategies and concepts based on with mutual objectives. The continued success of the Pacific Island Program, run by our The VRU would wish to thank Michael for his long and outstand- with the Melbourne Rebels. Indeed, the close working relationship Islander community saw the successful running of the Pacific ing service and congratulate him on his appointment and wish between the two organizations will continue the great work in These include: Island Cup this October. The Program continues to be a significant him well for the future. developing the image of the game and the player participation in 1. To grow and promote the game of Rugby Union in Victoria demonstration of the cultural diversity of the Victorian Rugby We look forward to a new year which will see professional Rugby Union throughout Victoria. I wish to personally thank my in order to increase Rugby Union participation in clubs and Community. rugby played at the new stadium from February to July. This will fellow directors on the VRU Board, who, as volunteers, have tire- schools. We look forward to the opening of the Victorian Rugby State increase awareness of Rugby Union into our market place and lessly given up their time to assist in establishing a full alignment Centre at AAMI Park at its new location on Swan Street signifies great opportunities which we should all work co- between community rugby and with the professional side. 2. To develop a relationship and culture between organizations with mutual respect transparency trust, co-­operation and Melbourne. This centre will be available for use by every aspect operatively to ensure we maximize the benefits. The Board of the VRU has, at the November general meeting, good faith. of the Rugby Community and it is hoped that Referees, the VSRU, congratulated the affiliated clubs for the way in which they Melbourne Rebels and all affiliated bodies make use of the facility Tim North 3. To develop a more professional Rugby Union player playing have conducted themselves throughout this year of transition. throughout the year as their home of Rugby. The centre will be President,Victorian Rugby Union It is indeed encouraging that 21 of the 25 affiliated clubs were Super Rugby and international tests for the Melbourne represented in finals competition in the senior levels. As a stand Rebels and Australia respectively. out club, one can’t go past the Melbourne Rugby Club who, this 4. To ensure the success of the Melbourne Rebels, both on year, won four Senior Grade Premierships, with its Colts as Minor field competitively and off field commercially. Premiers. Melbourne won the Dewar Shield and Cowper Shield as 5. To ensure that the VRU be financial and operationally self this year’s Club Champion. It is a credit to their coaching staff and sufficient. administration that they were able to achieve these milestones. The culmination of the finals also led to a first time victory for one 6. To avoid where appropriate duplication of resources of the clubs in our growth corridors, Melton, in Juniors with the between the respective parties were practical. Under 14 B side. The Community Agreement also ensures that the Melbourne Needless to say, the depth of our competition is reflected in the Rebels will assist the VRU not only with the provision of funding numbers of players who participate. We all need to recruit greater but also with the provision of resources. numbers of participants. Without volunteerism in club administra- This year also saw the introduction of what is now described as tions, the VRU would not be able to function, especially given the the “Five Star Engagement” program where the Rabodirect Rebels challenges ahead. have been introduced into our community as Ambassadors. The VRU Board would also wish to recognize the Melbourne The way in which the Rebels’ resources have been allocated to

4 5 of the VRRA and club land and the topics covered the future Victorian Pathway in 2010, an increase from 2009 of 70 players directions of Women’s Rugby, particularly with the 7s game being having exposure to Representative Rugby. an Olympic sport from 2016. The Junior programs of U12, 13, 14, 15 had great success The Green Shirt Program for learner referees is proving to be interstate in their allocated competitions, while the U16 program Chief Executive’s Report a great success in its second year of operation. As well as was not as successful in their performances at the U16 National increasing the quantity of entry point referees to be appointed Championships. The U18 program was a mixed bag with our to Junior fixtures it has identified and fast tracked the new Division 1 and 2 teams not performing to their full potential. The referees who have demonstrated the potential to be appointed light at the end of the tunnel was the Presidents XV making the Sponsors own team assembled, from all over the world, play Rugby in the to senior fixtures. The clubs need to be thanked for recognising division 2 Grand Final. best competition in the world. We just cannot wait! the importance of this Program and assisting with the supply of In 2010 Victorian Rugby was supported by a wonderful family of The Senior programs were reasonably successful in 2010. The starter referees from within club ranks. A special thanks must go sponsors. U20s performed well in Newcastle and Adelaide, the Womens Personal Note to the VRRA for driving and improving the Program particularly Our partners included a long time supporter of rugby in this state, team produced an outstanding performance by winning Division 2 I would like to thank everyone in Rugby for welcoming a rugby Peter Hunt and Marika Vertzonis. Bankwest who have given tirelessly to the Rugby cause over in the Womens National Championships in June. stranger into this wonderfully engaging community, and allowing many years. Other contributors include Crown, Events Worldwide, me to play a part in developing Rugby to a new level in what Pathway The Senior men’s team performed well in the second year of the Simply Energy, AAMI, Gilbert, Ralph D’Silva Holden, P J O’Briens, I am sure will become a Rugby mad state with the arrival of It was a historic year for the Victorian Rugby Union in the ACT Pre-season competition; they were placed second at the Alpha Zeta Event Productions, Gold FM, Club Warehouse and the the RaboDirect Rebels. I look forward to meeting more of you Representative department with U13, U15 and U18 Presidents Southern States Championship and dominated their last match VRU clothing partner, KooGa. in the coming months and at the RaboDirect Rebels matches. XV programs introduced. Around 260 players were involved in the against the Australian Services Team to finish the year on a high.

WEARY DUNLOP Lunches This series of lunches continued its strong corporate and commu- HIGHLIGHTS OF 2010 nity association with three large lunches this year, the mid-year lunch attracting more than 1350 attendees, and culminating Community Rugby The Club Rugby scene in 2010 witnessed some excellent and in the presentation of the new RaboDirect Rebels team to the competitive matches at all levels, Junior and Senior. The Melbourne Victorian Rugby Community at our November luncheon in front of Rugby Club created its own piece of history with a highly suc- 900 guests. cessful season. It defended its 2009 1st Grade Premiership by These lunches are the envy of other unions around the country again winning the coveted Dewar Shield against Minor Premiers and continue to be expertly choreographed by Wani Wall always Southern Districts. It was also Premiers in the three other grades to the delight of the gathered crowd. We thank Wani for her it competed in and Minor Premiers in Colts. As a result of this and commitment to excellence and her dedication to provide an supported by a growing Junior Club Melbourne won the Cowper entertaining day for all attendees. Shield for the Club Championship in 2010.

Staff In the Country Grand Final Minor Premiers Puckapunyal, deserve a special mention by returning to competition after a four year During the year we had several employees move on to greener absence and narrowly defeating 2009 Premiers Bendigo 6-5 pastures, in the person of Jason Cornell, Michael Wilson who in the mud at Puckapunyal Army Base. The Junior competitions continues to make a contribution to our work, Michelle Forbes, culminated with the seven grand finals held at Mossfiel Reserve, and Josh Philpot, who has moved into a new elite program role Hoppers Crossing and being well hosted by the Wyndham City with the RaboDirect Rebels. Much work was undertaken this year Club. Congratulations should be extended to all clubs who to ensure that the new Super Rugby license was awarded to the competed in 2010 at both Junior and Senior level making for an Victorian market place and all on the staff played a role one way enjoyable and competitive season for all. or another whilst still undertaking their normal community work. This year the Australian Rugby Volunteer of the Year was won I thank all the members of staff for their dedication to their Rugby by Grant Wason of Victoria for his many years of service to the Community work. Northern Rugby Club and the wider community. Congratulations Looking forward to 2011 are extended to Grant for this wonderful and well deserved recognition. This will be the most exciting year that we have experienced in Rugby in this state with the RaboDirect Rebels playing their first The VRU was invited mid-year to attend a Womens Rugby year in the Super Rugby Competition. The rugby community is strategic planning workshop conducted by the ARU at the AIS in already abuzz with excitement at the prospect of watching our Canberra. Women Delegates from the VRU included members

6 7 The positive 2010 season has shown stronger states that • Rebels appoint VRU President (or nominee) as a Director of Victorian Rugby is on the rise and with improved processes the Rebels implemented in 2011, Victoria should be even stronger. • Rebels will become affiliated with the VRU Development • Rebels to provide a package of Game Day benefits to VRU Victorian Rugby Development An additional Secondary Schools Gala day was coordinated including an allocation of tickets and hospitality for VRU this year to that of 2009. 984 students participated in the VRU Board’s usage within the rugby community Walla Rugby Primary Schools Program and over 2000 students • Rebel Rugby to be the agreed community rugby mass participated in the EdRugby Walla Rugby in 2010. The Program market promotional brand Introduction in the increasing numbers at the clinics.Northern Rugby Union took place in the week leading up to the Melbourne Bledisloe Cup • Rebels to work with the VRU to establish appropriate and 2010 witnessed a significant increase in participation for the Football Club. match. relevant talent identification and elite pathway programs to development programs run in Victoria. The participation rate South/Eastern - participation numbers and levels increased from The Pacific Island Program (PIP) continued its success in 2010, provide a greater opportunity for Victorian players to play for within VRU Development Programs rose by 13% between 2009 all individual schools participating. Special thanks are extended to building on the solid platform put in place. The VRU in conjunction the Rebels and 2010. the teachers who have been previously involved in the program with the Victoria Police continued the successful Backyard Rugby • The VRU will take the lead with Community Development The major focus for the VRU Development program was the promoting rugby within their school environment, which helped in Program in Hume and Dandenong. An additional Backyard Rugby Programs and funding and the Rebels will ensure coaches Walla Challenge (Primary) and Rugby 10s programs (Secondary). the increasing numbers at the clinics. Program was established in Brimbank. and players are available as ambassadors to Victorian clubs Both programs are designed to introduce basic Rugby skills to State Championships - Thanks to the RaboDirect Rebels, the The VRU in conjunction with Noble Park SC have established a and schools for development and promotional purposes the schools through coaching clinics, culminating in a Gala Day VRU Rugby 10s State Championships 2010 finished on a high new VET/VCAL Rugby Subject in 2011.This is something which tournament held at the local rugby club. Each Gala Day involved • The two parties will share all membership lists and data note. Matt Cockbain, Stirling Mortlock and Richard Kingi all played will offer further opportunities for young people to increase their all schools that participated in the program and was managed by bases a key part in the running of the tournament. This certainly raised knowledge and opportunities within Rugby. VRU staff and rugby club volunteers. the profile of the VRU Rugby School programs and it is anticipated • VRU will take up office tenancy at Visy Park with the Rebels, The Pacific Cup Festival was again held in 2010 and was hosted The Pacific Island Programs (PIP) and the Back Yard Rugby that the partnership and assistance from the Rebels will continue with rental offset against Rebels usage of the new State by the Box Hill Rugby Club at Sparks Reserve. A festival of cultural (BYR) continued to be a stand out success among the Victorian to attract more to Rugby from within the school community. Rugby Centre at AAMI Park awareness with music, food stalls live performances and Rugby rugby community. The Hume City Council, local police and the • Weary Dunlop Rugby Lunches will remain the property of Partici- made for a very enjoyable day, again demonstrating the multi- VRU delivered the BYR program in the Hume community for the pants Teams Schools cultural nature of Rugby in Victoria. the VRU, but will be marketed by the Rebels, with the net past three years. The BYR program has generated interest in the Rugby 10s North/Western Region 320 16 9 proceeds going to assist the promotion of community rugby The VRU facilitated its first Running Rugby course in 2010. The community to re-establish the Hume Rugby Union Football Club Rugby 10s North/Eastern Region 380 19 13 in Victoria for 2011. Additionally a new Rugby Union Academy program was Running Rugby course is a club administrators’ course designed Rugby 10s South/Eastern 500 25 13 • Rebels will market a Game Day Weary Dunlop membership established to begin in 2011 at Noble Park Secondary College. for volunteers to improve the operational side of running a Rugby Rugby 10s State Championships 320 16 11 Club. This ARU Course was well received and is of significant package and the VRU will receive a fee to be used for This program is self funded by the school with the VRU assisting when possible with the help of RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels. value for our Islander based community of volunteers. community rugby activities The Rugby 10s Gala Days attracted 1,520 students to the game of Rugby. Commercial & Marketing Thank you again to everyone involved in Community Rugby RUGBY 10S We should firstly recognize the great work of The Wall Partnership throughout the state for contributing to a wonderful year of rugby, The Rugby 10s program in 2010 was divided into three WALLA CHALLENGE PROGRAM over many years for their support and work to assist the VRU in but we now look forward to a new era of rugby in this state with metropolitan zones. This split resulted in a significant increase in Walla Primary School Districts Gala Day - The VRU in 2010 the commercial market place. To Wani and Michael, thank you for the Melbourne Rebels in town and showing the necessary and participation. With the two zones in 2009, each zone had a wider conducted three Walla Gala tournaments and one Walla Rugby all you have done and the Rugby community wishes you well in willing support for community rugby whilst providing us with a geographic area to cover. However in 2010, VRU Development Expo Day. Two Rugby Pathway presentations were also delivered the future. new standard of world class rugby to enjoy. implemented a three-zone program. This made it possible to pick to potential PE students at Melbourne University and Victoria up other first time Rugby 10s schools within each of the three University (Melton Campus). The presentations provided an excel- During the year a Community Agreement was developed between Thank you also to the VRU Directors and to all the staff for what zones. lent opportunity to educate future teachers about Rugby with the the VRU and the RaboDirect Rebels that will assist the local rugby has been a difficult year with all the moves and new experiences objective to encourage their future participation in VRU Programs. community greatly in coming years. This agreement is a mile- to absorb, but we all look forward to serving the rugby community North/Western - saw the introduction of two new schools stone document which cements a lasting relationship between in 2011 with renewed vigour. Oberon Secondary College and Norlane High School from the Again in 2010 the Syndal District School Sports Association the professional and community sectors of our market and details Geelong region taking part in the program. Positive feedback was (SDSSA) invited VRU back this year to continue the good work the cooperative nature of our future together. Ross Oakley received from all schools involved in the program, which is a good produced last year. The day consisted of grade six students from Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Rugby Union sign for continued participation in 2011. six different Primary Schools. Catch and Pass, Walla Tag and The agreement includes: South/Eastern - participation numbers and levels increased from Try scoring were fundamental elements in the December Sports • VRU to assign ownership of the Melbourne Rebels name all individual schools participating. Special thanks are extended to Expo. A short game of Walla Rugby was played at the end of each and IP to the professional team in return for a major one-off the teachers who have been previously involved in the program session to give the participants an understanding and enjoyment contribution to Victorian Rugby promoting rugby within their school environment, which helped of Rugby.

8 9 Werribee Districts Primary Schools Walla Gala Day returned to the projects that will see the PIP program be the major focus of the Pacific Cup Festival Rugby within Victoria. The program is the first of its kind in this Program this year with additional schools hosted by Wyndham Victorian Rugby Union in the years ahead. The Western Union Pacific Cup Festival continued to prove a state and we envisage it will make an extremely positive impact City RUFC. Each school registered 8 teams consisting of 12 within its first year. The 2010 PIP Advisory Committee popular event amongst our Pacific Island communities. The students in each team. In total the Walla Gala Day had 300 events accomplished new heights with the multicultural atmo- • Mr. Tim North participants. sphere of all six Pacific Island nations. Unfortunately BYR teams Conclusion • Mrs. Ema Yandall The development of Rugby within the state of Victoria certainly Chelsea Districts Primary Schools Walla Gala Day drew tremen- could not attend due to the change of date, however a new entry • Mr. Nick McHale has its challenges, however with strong support from the club dous interest with seven primary schools participating. With all in the entertainment program “T-Rhythm” a local Polynesian band • Mr. Barney Manga community, Victorian Rugby schools, VRU Board, the Victorian Walla Gala days it is encouraging that teachers become involved spiced the atmosphere with their R&B Polynesian music. • Mr. Alan Latu State Government and a host of other support networks Rugby with refereeing the Walla games. This ensures both teachers and The final matches saw the Cook Islanders nudge out the Kiwis • Mr. Michael Wilson VRU has continued its successful emergence as on the sporting scene students learn new skills. in the plate final and with Fiji narrowly and aggressively beating • Mr. Mike Motu VRU in 2010. • Ms Melanie Nash the Tongans in the bowl final. The Samoans again took out the In total all four Walla Gala Days attracted approximately tournament for the third year in a row with a convincing win over The 2011 season is already shaping up to be one of the biggest 1000 students to the game of Walla Rugby. • Mr. Eric Tom Senior the Australians in the Cup final. yet with the introduction of the Melbourne Rebels to the Victorian • Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald sporting landscape. Partici- The VRU would like to thank everyone that made this day possible pants Teams Schools The PIP itself continued to be a great success in 2010 building on after the first wet weather postponement. Special thanks must The VRU would like to acknowledge and thank former Develop- Walla Northern Gala 120 10 3 the strong foundations established in previous years. go to Alan Latu who has organised the event since its inception. ment Manager Michael Wilson for his efforts in developing the Walla Western Gala 288 24 4 The newly named Pacific Cup Festival created another successful Alan and the Latu family have a long a proud history within the game of Rugby over the last seven years. Michael has chosen a Walla Ballarat PS Districts 120 10 3 tournament with fantastic crowds after it had been postponed a Victorian Rugby community. This event would not have been career path with the Sports Department at Xavier College and the Walla Southern Gala 456 38 7 week due to inclement weather. The VRU would like to thank the possible without the assistance of many support staff, particularly VRU wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Box Hill RUFC for their assistance in running such a successful Eric Tom Senior, Ema Yandall and the VRU Development staff. tournament. 2010 Participation Coach Education The 2010 participation figures showed a strong increase in the BACKYARD RUGBY program (byr) Pathway Presentations - Two “Coaching Kids Rugby” rugby path- Senior competitions, with over 2,500 participants playing the BYR was introduced in partnership with the Victoria Police in way presentations were delivered both to the Victoria University game, an increase of 9% form 2009. The Junior participation 2007 to tackle everyday issues facing the youth. The main objec- Melton and Melbourne University teachers. VRU Development and Women had a slight decrease in 2010 and the Schools 1 tive of the program is to build relations with the youth through representatives delivered educational theory/practical sessions. numbers slightly increased. rugby. The VRU would like to thank Victoria Police, VicHealth and Many student teachers had limited prior knowledge of rugby The Schools 2 participation increased by over 3,000 participants the Centre for Multicultural Youth for their continued support and union prior to these sessions, however they became experts by its in 2010. This was largely due to the increase of Primary Schools commitment to the program. completion. participating in Ed Rugby Walla Rugby Week. The week was a Special thanks are hereby extended to Leading Senior Constable The VRU would like to thank both Victoria University and great success as it coincided with the week leading up to the Jayne Guilmartin, Senior Constable Gerard Dickinson and various Bledisloe Cup Match on 31 July. The above graph for the Walla Challenge program demonstrates Melbourne University staff for their support in the promotion of government youth services staff for all their dedication and hard that there has been increase from the previous year. A number Rugby within their respective institutes. With the advent of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011 the VRU work in assisting the VRU with the program. of factors relate to the success of the program, however quality anticipate an increase in participation, particularly in the junior teaching and event organization is the most positive feedback. The program entered into the new region of Brimbank to partner Running Rugby age groups. The VRU in conjunction with the ARU facilitated the ARU Running Future competitions and zone tournaments will be part of a with the Keilor Police station. The program began slowly, however Rugby course in 2010. The course was held at Endeavour Hills Program for 2011. it increased to over 40 youth participants and up to 10 Police Officers. The program was well supported by local council and Rugby Club. 20 Club administrators attended the course. The All clubs within the program have worked extremely hard in de- youth support networks, to ensure community objectives were course is specifically designed for Rugby Club administrators and veloping relationships within their local primary school networks being met. Volunteers to assist with the administrative and operational side and this program provides an additional avenue of support. of running a Rugby Club. The course was a great success and the The BYR Program works with individual areas of Melbourne Police The VRU would like to recognize and thank the Northern, Wynd- VRU will look to facilitate two courses in 2011 force to ensure that sport makes a difference in these youth lives. ham City and Southern Districts clubs for their valued assistance It creates no barriers for participation and offers the community a and contributions to the Gala Days. Rugby Education real and sustainable pathway. Noble Park Rugby Union Academy will be established in 2011. Pacific Island Program (PIP) The Victorian Rugby Union would acknowledge Senior Constable The program seeks to engage students and teachers with the The Pacific Island Program is monitored and evaluated on a Eddy MacDonald from the Dandenong Police Station for his theory of coaching and administering rugby union. Noble Park monthly basis by the Pacific Island Advisory Committee. This tireless work in the introduction and direction of the program. Secondary is very keen to develop and foster their relationship committee steers the VRU in the areas in which they feel need Eddy has shown that when a community comes together, great with the Victorian Rugby Union. The students involved in the support. The 2010 committee were instrumental in a number of things can happen. program will work with and along side the VRU in developing

10 11 placed Moorabbin. Harlequin, Endeavour Hills, Melbourne Uni and helped Melbourne scrape across the line, defeating Warrnambool Southern Districts also qualified for the Finals, with a six- team 7 - 6. Fly half, James Donohue from Melbourne was awarded the Finals format. Moorabbin and Endeavour Hills were the top two Best Player in the Grand Final. teams to qualify for the Preliminary Final. Southern Districts 2010 Senior Competition and Melbourne Blue also qualified for the Preliminary Finals. COUNTRY Moorabbin and Endeavour Hills showed their class to progress to Five teams entered the Country Grade competition in 2010. the Grand Final. Endeavour Hills jumped out of the blocks in the Puckapunyal re-entered the competition after a two year absence. Grand Final to take a short lead, before Moorabbin consolidated Bendigo, Cobram, Deniliquin and Border Army also entered in the second half to win by 19 points. Fly half, Lani Tiatia from teams. After a successful Pre Season Country 10s tournament, The 2010 season produced an increase in senior playing Southern Districts by 18 points, timing its best Rugby for the cul- Moorabbin was awarded the Best Player in the Grand Final. Puckapunyal and Cobram looked to be the teams to beat. numbers with over 2,500 players, an increase of 9% from mination of the season and being worthy back to back Premiers. Puckapunyal secured the Minor Premiership, 5 points ahead of 2009. This growth was noticeable with additional team entries Melbourne Centre Chris Slade was awarded the Paul Gascoigne 2ND DIVISION A GRADE Cobram. Bendigo and Border Army finished in third and fourth from Melbourne RUFC,(2nd Colts team and a 4th senior team), Medal for the best player in the Grand Final. Paul McKay was the A new look 2nd Division, comprised of three Grades with six position respectively. Puckapunyal defeated Cobram in the first a third team from Endeavour Hills with old Collegians from St officiating Referee for the Match and handled the game well with teams in each Grade. Footscray had an excellent season, going Semi Final in extra time to gain hosting rights for the Grand Final. Francis Xavier College, increasing numbers and a 3rd team his experience in big matches and expertise on display. through the competition undefeated to win the A Grade Minor Bendigo defeated Border Army in the second Semi Final and then from Footscray, 2nd teams from Geelong and Wyndham City Premiership. Endeavour Hills, Wyndham City and Geelong also went on to defeat Cobram in the Preliminary Final. Puckapunyal and Puckapunyal, re-entering the Country Competition after an PREMIER 2 qualified for the finals. Footscray defeated Endeavour Hills in the Defeated Bendigo 6 - 5 in extremely wet and muddy conditions absence of several years. Melbourne had a wonderful season in the Premier 2 Grade, finishing First Semi Final to progress straight to the Grand Final defeating in what turned out to be a close game of Rugby. Congratulations 13 points clear of Harlequin. Melbourne Uni and Power House Melbourne was the dominant Rugby Club in 2010 winning the Endeavour Hills by 24 points. Geelong defeated Wyndham City to Puckapunyal on their successful return to the VRU Country finished in third and fourth position respectively. Moorabbin and Cowper Shield for the Club Championship. This achievement was in the second Semi Final, to qualify for the Preliminary Final. Grade Competition and for the manner in which they participated. Southern Districts also had consistent seasons, narrowly missing the first time by Melbourne since 2000 and the ninth time since Endeavour Hills defeated Geelong in the Preliminary Final. Cobram too are to be congratulated for a highly competitive out on the Finals. Melbourne defeated Harlequin in the first Semi the inception of the Award in 1949. Melbourne received 451.5 Footscray continued their winning season defeating Endeavour season in which, at times, they demonstrated the capacity to Final to progress straight to the Grand Final. Power House defeated points, 95 points clear of equal second placed Harlequin and Hills in the Grand Final by 10 points. Luke Mears from Footscray win the competition. Bendigo was always the dark horse for the Melbourne Uni by 9 points in the second Semi Final. Power House Endeavour Hills. was awarded the Best Player in the Grand Final. Premiership because of its part Premiership record, but fell at the continued their strong run in the finals, defeating Harlequin in the final hurdle on this occasion. On its way, Melbourne won four senior Premierships including a Preliminary Final. Melbourne displayed some outstanding Rugby 2ND DIVISION B GRADE clean sweep of Premier Division. The Melbourne Colts team also defeating Power House by 21 points in the Premier 2 Grand Final. The B Grade competition comprised of four clubs’ second teams, WOMEN received the Minor Premiership. Melbourne Full back Eric Fransella was awarded the Best Player in namely Footscray, Endeavour Hills, Geelong and Wyndham City, Four teams entered the Womens competition in 2010. Footscray the Grand Final. and two Clubs first teams (Eltham and Melton). Eltham were the entered a team for the first time and had a good core of PREMIER 1 standout team in the competition winning the Minor Premiership experienced players. Box Hill, Monash Uni Womens and Power Season 101 of the Victorian Rugby Union was a wonderful year PREMIER 3 by 13 points. Footscray, Wyndham City and Melton rounded out House continued their development of Womens Rugby in Victoria with many close matches and a significant improvement in the Melbourne continued their success in the higher Grades finishing the top four. Eltham lost to Footscray in the first Semi Final and entering teams into the competition. Power House went through standard of play. Eight clubs competed for the Dewar shield in Minor Premiers in Premier 3, 14 points clear of Melbourne Uni. therefore had to play Melton in the Preliminary Final. Eltham the Home and Away season undefeated and won the Minor 2010. Southern Districts lead all the way in the home and away Boroondara and Harlequin rounded out the top four. Cerberus bounced back to win by 13 points. Eltham completed a wonderful Premiership. Power House defeated Box Hill in the first Semi Final rounds winning the Minor Premiership (McCarthy Cup) for the was unlucky to miss the top 4, finishing in fifth place 10 percent season defeating Footscray in the Grand Final by 18 points. Fly and Footscray defeated Monash Uni. Box Hill showed their first time in its history, 3 points clear of defending premiers behind Harlequin. Melbourne played a fantastic game against half, Isaac Haimona from Eltham was awarded the Best Player in experience to narrowly defeat Footscray in the Preliminary Final Melbourne. Power House and Harlequin finished in the top 4 after Melbourne Uni to progress to the Grand Final. Boroondara the Grand Final. to advance to the Grand Final. The Grand Final was a wonderful consistent seasons and Box Hill was also well in the race over the defeated Harlequin by 2 points in the second Semi Final to gain a match, at full time the scores were level at 17 all. The match course of the season for a finals berth, narrowly missing out. spot against Melbourne Uni in the Preliminary Final. Boroondara 2ND DIVISION C GRADE therefore went into sudden death extra time with Power House Melbourne continued their strong run into the finals, narrowly were triumphant defeating Melbourne Uni by 18 points to set up For the majority of the season the C Grade competition was scoring a try to win the Premiership 22-17. Flanker Malia Vaauli defeating Southern Districts at Riviera Park by 3 points in the an exciting Grand Final against Melbourne. Melbourne played a five-team competition including Warrnambool, Melbourne, from Power House was awarded the Best Player in the Grand Final. Major Semi Final to earn a spot in the Grand Final. Power House a fantastic game to defeat Boroondara by 9 points with Aloisio Endeavour Hills (SFX), St Pat’s Old Collegians/UB and Footscray. defeated Harlequin at Albert Park with a field goal in extra time Lafaete awarded the Best Player in the Grand Final. Warrnambool won the Minor Premiership in their third year in the in the Minor Semi Final. Southern Districts met Power House in VRU competition, narrowly securing the Minor Premiership over the Preliminary Final, displaying grim determination to hold them COLTS Melbourne. Endeavour Hills (SFX) and St Pat’s Old Collegians/ at bay in muddy conditions winning by 10 points under lights Nine teams entered the Colts Grade competition in 2010, an in- UB finished in third and fourth position respectively. Warrnambool at Holmesglen Reserve, thereby advancing for another crack at crease of two from 2009. Due to a large number of registrations, defeated Melbourne by 5 points in the first Semi Final. Endeavour Melbourne in the Grand Final. Melbourne entered two teams into the competition. Melbourne Hills (SFX) defeated St Pat’s Old Collegians/UB in the second The 2010 Dewar Shield Grand Final at Sparks Reserve was a Blue was the dominant team throughout the Home and Away Semi Final. Melbourne was to strong in the Preliminary Final to wonderful match. Melbourne demonstrated its class defeating season, winning the Minor Premiership 15 points clear of second gain a spot in the Grand Final. The strong Melbourne contingent

12 13 Scores were even, resulting in sudden death extra time. Power Niua Puaka from Wyndham City received best player in the Grand house attempted a penalty goal but the windy conditions proved Final. to strong as the goal was unsuccessful. Endeavour Hills scored a try in the dying seconds of extra time, to win the premiership. UNDER 16B 2010 Junior Competition Darryl Faamausili from Endeavour Hills was named best player in Seven teams started in the U16B competition. Due to a lack of the Grand Final. playing numbers in some clubs, a number of teams merged to ensure all players received regular Rugby. Geelong and Footscray UNDER 14B merged teams, so did Boroondara and Box Hill. These mergers The U14B competition was very close with three teams fighting proved helpful with both combine teams finishing in the top JUNIOR PLAYER PATHWAY - NON-COMPETITION accordance with the standard of the team. The U18s remained as for third and fourth position. Melton won the minor premiership four. Maroondah finished on top of the ladder closely followed The 2010 Pathway Program comprised of 35 teams. 19 teams one Grade. with 68 points. Melbourne finished in second position on 55 by Harlequin. The Grand Final told a different story with second participated in the Walla Program and 16 teams participated in points leaving Wyndham City, Eltham and Box hill fighting for the placed Harlequin winning the Premiership defeating Maroondah the Mini Program. Both age groups were a great success. The Age Group 2009 2010 last two spots. Wyndham City and Eltham finished equal, both 26 to 17. Ben Wheeler from Harlequins received best player in Walla and Mini teams competed every Saturday morning over a U12 16 14 with 52 points, Box hill therefore missed out on the finals by 1 the Grand Final. 14 week season. U14 15 15 point. Melton proved they had what it takes narrowly defeat- U16 14 13 The 2010 Pathway program was divided into two zones, a North/ ing Wyndham City 17 to 10, to take out their first ever Junior UNDER 18 U18 10 8 West and a South/East region. Teams competed in their zones Premiership. Agape Tuigamala from Melton was awarded the best The 2010 U18 competition was comprised of eight teams. The TOTAL TEAMS 55 50 throughout the 14 weeks. The VRU held two Combined Pathway player in the Grand Final. U18s played the final game on Junior Grand Final day. This was days throughout the year, whereby teams got the opportunity to the first time in a number of years that the U18s participated There was a slight decrease in team entries in the U12, U16 and play clubs from the other zone. Endeavour Hills and Footscray UNDER 16A at the Junior, previously playing at the Senior Grand finals. First U18 age groups as seen above. hosted the Combined Pathway mornings, which were a resound- Northern and Wyndham City were the two dominant teams in placed Endeavour Hills were eliminated in a nail biting Semi Final It is anticipated that Junior participation will increase in 2011 ing success filled with fun and enjoyment for all. the U16A competition. Both teams finished equal on competition loosing to fourth placed Wyndham City by two points. This saw with the advent of the Melbourne Rebels playing in the new Super points at the end of the Home and Away season but Northern won Wyndham City take on second placed Moorabbin, who had de- The Pathway Program games are played as non competition Rugby Competition. the Minor Premiership on percentages. It was no surprise when feated Northern in the other semi final. Moorabbin led early with matches with the sole focus being more on basic skills, fun both teams met again in the Grand Final. Northern looked strong a good try and held on to defeat Wyndham City 16 to 6. Gymme and development throughout the year. This year, Walla and Mini UNDER 12A from the start but the game slowly slipped away from them in Hewton from Moorabbin received best player in the Grand Final. teams were randomly selected to participate in the Bledisloe Cup Wyndham City proved to be a main contender this year making the final minutes. Wyndham City defeated Northern 29 to 20. pre-match activities at Etihad Stadium on 31 July. Footscray and it into a final in the U12s U14s U16s and U18s. Wyndham City Geelong played an exhibition match of Walla Rugby (U8s) and finished minor premiers and Endeavour Hills finished in second Northern and Moorabbin played a Mini Rugby match (U10). It was position. Box Hill and Moorabbin rounded out the top four and a memorable experience for these youngsters and all involved. all showed great form throughout the season. Wyndham City continued their strong form in the finals, winning the premiership Eltham and Boroondara waved the Australian flag proudly as they trophy, defeating Endeavour Hills 22 - 12. John Taunisila from lined the Guard of Honor for their heroes to run out onto the field. Wyndham City was awarded Best Player in the Grand Final. Josh Cooper from Melton U10s was selected to run the match ball out onto the field to start the game, an experience he will UNDER 12B long remember. Southern Districts proved to be to strong this year finishing on top The VRU would like to thank all clubs, parents and supporters of the ladder on 72 points. Melbourne finished in second place on for helping with the Junior participation and development. In 56 points closely followed by Footscray on 53 points. Eltham just particular, congratulations should be extended to Georgina qualified ahead of Boroondara who narrowly missed out on the Nelson from Endeavour Hills on being awarded the Junior Club finals. Southern Districts proved its minor premiership was well Administrator of the year. Well done on a great season, we look deserved winning the Grand Final defeating Melbourne 15 to 5. forward to seeing you all again in the New Year. Captain Oisin Clarken led Southern Districts to a victory and also received the award for the Best Player in the Grand Final.

UNDER 12 - UNDER 18 UNDER 14A The 2010 junior competition was comprised of 50 teams in four The U14A Grand Final had all spectators and players on edge. age groups - U12, U14, U16 and U18. The U12, U14 and U16 Power House who won the minor Premiership, met third placed age groups were split into an A and B Grade. Teams played four Endeavour Hills in the Grand Final. Second placed Northern lost competition matches in their selected Grade before the VRU its semi final to Endeavour Hills by 6 points. All hands were on completed a re-grading process to ensure teams were graded in deck when the final whistle blew in the Grand FInal.

14 15 Judiciary Committee Chairman’s Report

A spate of incidents in which junior players became involved in case five years ago, and for this the Committee would like to melees was a major source of concern to the Judiciary congratulate clubs, players, coaches and referees. Committee in 2010. It was especially pleasing to note that no player came before the By mid-season there had been three such incidents, prompting committee for abuse of a match official, continuing the excellent the Committee to issue a written statement in July deploring this downward trend in this type of offence over recent years, from development and urging all involved in junior Rugby to remember five in 2008, to one in 2009 and then none in 2010. the values that underpin the Game. The availability of DVD evidence has been extremely helpful. On The number of junior players who appeared before the Committee many occasions it has allowed the Committee to make more in 2010 was 19, and 15 of them were under-16 players. By nuanced decisions than are usually possible when relying only comparison, 8 junior players appeared in 2009, so it can be seen on written reports and oral evidence. On some occasions it has that the standard of conduct at junior - and especially under-16 meant that offences that would otherwise go unpunished are -level became a genuine area of concern in 2010. brought to account; on others it has led to more just outcomes than might otherwise have occurred. The total number of cases determined by the Committee rose from 41 to 47, but in another new and unfortunate development The commonest offences for which players were sent off in 2010 seven more players remain indefinitely suspended after having were punching or striking (27 cases) and dangerous tackling (10 failed to appear. Thus, a total of 54 players were sent off in 2010, cases). indicating a reversal of the downward trend evident in 2009. The incidence of illegal or dangerous tackling has been a The following table shows the number of cases to come before recurring problem over the past four seasons and indicates the the Judiciary over the past five years: need for coaches to pay more attention to safe and legal tackling techniques.

The Judiciary Committee and indeed the whole Rugby fraternity YEAR CASES suffered a deeply saddening loss with the death in May of Charlie 2006 73 Grieve. Charlie gave long and distinguished service to the 2007 34 Committee, of which he was deputy chair for five years.

2008 47 Not only did the Committee benefit from Charlie’s shrewd insights and no-nonsense approach, but many a player benefited from his 2009 41 advice, always given with straight-from-the-shoulder integrity. His 2010 47* is a great loss.

I would like to thank my fellow members of the Judiciary - Rod *Excludes 7 players sent off who did not appear. Stoller (Deputy Chair), Brian Batchelor, Diane Bradford, Stan Gyles, Sam Horgan, Bill Gillies, Benny Browne, Nick Pappas, and There was one Code of Conduct violation, and this resulted in a Campbell Thompson. As always, they gave generously of their six-month suspension. These violations are taken very seriously time, wisdom and expertise. by the Committee for two main reasons. First, the person is usually in a position to influence, or set an example, to younger I would also like to thank Charlie Bamford and Chris Evans for people. Second, violations of the code have the potential to bring their unwavering support and assistance throughout the season. the Game into disrepute.

In general, however, the number of cases coming before the Committee has continued at much lower levels than was the

16 17 2010 Final Club Results

2010 VRU SENIOR LADDERS AND RESULTS

PREMIER 1 PREMIER 3

POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % Southern Districts 17 13 0 4 0 429 290 0 0 10 3 13 65 147.93% Melbourne 17 14 0 2 0 603 127 0 1 11 2 13 74 474.80% Melbourne 17 13 0 4 0 471 251 0 0 6 4 10 62 187.65% Melbourne Uni 17 12 1 4 0 499 253 0 0 9 1 10 60 197.23% Power House 17 11 0 6 0 589 228 0 0 9 5 14 58 258.33% Boroondara 17 10 0 6 0 436 270 0 1 8 3 11 56 161.48% Harlequin 17 10 0 7 0 462 372 0 0 9 6 15 55 124.19% Harlequin 17 9 1 6 0 412 350 0 1 6 0 6 49 117.71% Box Hill 17 10 0 7 0 328 361 0 0 5 3 8 48 90.86% Cerberus 17 8 1 6 0 311 290 0 2 4 1 5 49 107.24% Melbourne Uni 17 7 1 9 0 411 449 0 0 6 3 9 39 91.54% Power House 17 4 1 11 0 225 300 0 1 2 2 4 27 75.00% Moorabbin 17 2 1 14 0 291 656 0 0 4 4 8 18 44.36% Moorabbin 17 3 0 14 0 282 665 0 0 5 0 5 17 42.41% Boroondara 17 1 0 16 0 287 661 0 0 3 5 8 12 43.42% Box Hill 17 0 0 11 0 143 656 6 0 3 1 4 -8 21.80%

Semi Final 1: Southern Districts 23 v Melbourne 27 Semi Final 1: Melbourne 25 v Melbourne University 5 Semi Final 2: Power House 37 v Harlequin 34 Semi Final 2: Boroondara 12 v Harlequin 10 Preliminary Final: Southern Districts 29 v Power House 19 Preliminary Final: Melbourne University 7 v Boroondara 25 Grand Final: Southern Districts 22 v Melbourne 40 Grand Final: Melbourne 31 v Power House 0

PREMIER 2 colts

POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % Melbourne 17 15 0 2 0 635 156 0 0 13 0 13 73 407.05% Melbourne Blue 16 12 1 2 2 466 196 0 1 11 1 12 75 237.76% Harlequin 17 12 0 5 0 553 235 0 0 11 1 12 60 235.32% Moorabbin 16 8 1 4 2 408 227 1 2 7 3 10 60 179.74% Melbourne Uni 17 12 0 5 0 504 295 0 0 9 2 11 59 170.85% Harlequin 16 10 0 6 2 409 340 0 0 11 1 12 60 120.29% Power House 17 10 0 7 0 474 306 0 0 8 0 8 48 154.90% End/Hills 16 10 0 4 2 435 227 1 1 8 1 9 58 191.63% Moorabbin 17 8 0 9 0 509 332 0 0 7 4 11 43 153.31% Melbourne Uni 16 9 0 6 2 402 280 0 1 5 0 5 54 143.57% Southern Districts 17 9 0 8 0 287 401 0 0 5 2 7 43 71.57% Southern Districts 16 6 0 8 2 296 232 0 2 5 2 7 49 127.59% Box Hill 17 2 0 15 0 187 686 0 0 1 2 3 11 27.26% Eltham 16 3 0 11 2 193 447 0 2 2 2 4 34 43.18% Boroondara 17 0 0 17 0 185 923 0 0 2 0 2 2 20.04% Melbourne Green 16 1 0 12 2 204 400 1 2 1 4 5 27 51.00% Boroondara 16 1 0 7 2 73 537 8 0 1 0 1 -3 13.59% Semi Final 1: Melbourne 29 v Harlequin 12 Semi Final 2: Melbourne University 10 v Power House 19 Semi Final 1: Melbourne Blue 5 v Southern Districts 10 Preliminary Final: Harlequin 0 v Power House 15 Semi Final 2: Harlequin 10 v Endeavour Hills 36 Grand Final: Melbourne 21 v Power House 0 Semi Final 3: Moorabbin 20 v Melbourne University 16 Preliminary Final 1: Moorabbin 30 v Southern Districts 3 Preliminary Final 2: Melbourne Blue 17 v Endeavour Hills 32 Grand Final: Moorabbin 36 v Endeavour Hills 17

18 19 2nd division a grade country

POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % Footscray 15 14 0 0 0 647 149 0 1 11 0 11 72 434.23% Puckapunyal 12 9 1 1 3 290 198 1 0 8 0 8 59 146.46% Endeavour Hills 15 9 0 6 0 417 262 0 0 7 5 12 48 159.16% Cobram 12 6 1 4 3 283 222 0 1 6 2 8 54 127.48% Wyndham City 15 7 2 6 0 394 381 0 0 6 1 7 39 103.41% Bendigo 12 7 1 3 3 322 247 1 0 7 1 8 51 130.36% Geelong 15 6 1 8 0 380 472 0 0 6 2 8 34 80.51% Border Army 12 3 0 8 3 234 256 0 1 3 2 5 34 91.41% Maroondah 15 6 1 7 0 368 362 1 0 5 2 7 31 101.66% Deniliquin 12 1 1 10 3 179 385 0 0 0 1 1 22 46.49% Monash Uni 15 0 0 15 0 192 772 0 0 2 1 3 3 24.87% Semi Final 1: Puckapunyal 12 v Cobram 7 Semi Final 1: Footscray 32 v Endeavour Hills 8 Semi Final 2: Bendigo 140 v Border Army 0 Semi Final 2: Wyndham City 8 v Geelong 10 Preliminary Final: Cobram 15 v Bendigo 27 Preliminary Final: Endeavour Hills 31 v Geelong 7 Grand Final: Puckapunyal 6 v Bendigo 5 Grand Final: Footscray 28 v Endeavour Hills 18 WOMENS

POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT 2nd division b grade TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT P W D L B B1 B2 B3 TOTAL % FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST Power House 15 13 0 0 0 672 97 0 2 11 0 11 63 692.78% Eltham 15 13 1 0 0 514 223 0 1 12 0 12 71 230.49% Box Hill 15 7 0 7 0 304 429 0 1 5 0 5 38 70.86% Footscray 15 11 1 3 0 591 207 0 0 11 1 12 58 285.51% Footscray 15 6 0 7 0 476 278 1 1 7 2 9 36 171.22% Wyndham City 15 7 1 6 0 392 362 1 0 9 1 10 38 108.29% Monash Uni 15 0 0 12 0 136 784 3 0 2 0 2 -4 17.35% Melton 15 6 1 7 0 353 332 0 1 5 1 6 37 106.33% Semi Final 1: Power House 22 v Box Hill 5 Endeavour Hills 14 3 0 10 0 282 405 1 0 5 5 10 18 69.63% Semi Final 2: Footscray 76 v Monash University 12 Geelong 14 0 0 14 0 129 732 0 0 3 1 4 4 17.62% Preliminary Final: Box Hill 15 v Footscray 5 Grand Final: Power House 22 v Box Hill 17 Semi Final 1: Eltham 18 v Footscray 19 Semi Final 2: Wyndham City 14 v Melton 27 Preliminary Final: Eltham 30 v Melton 17 Grand Final: Eltham 25 v Footscray 7

2nd division c grade 2010 VRU Junior Ladders and Results POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 %

Warrnambool 15 10 0 2 0 498 135 1 2 8 1 9 57 368.89% UNDER 18

Melbourne 15 11 0 3 0 408 148 0 1 6 2 8 57 275.68% POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % End Hills (SFX OC) 15 6 0 5 0 364 198 0 4 5 1 6 50 183.84% St Pats OC/UB 15 5 0 7 0 250 406 1 2 2 0 2 30 61.58% Endeavour Hills 14 10 0 1 0 521 139 0 4 10 0 7 84 374.82% Footscray 15 2 0 11 0 235 533 0 2 2 3 5 23 44.09% Moorabbin 14 9 1 2 1 525 127 0 2 9 2 7 72 413.39% Northern Hill 15 9 0 5 1 527 343 0 1 9 1 14 70 153.64% Semi Final 1: Warrnambool 18 v Melbourne 13 Semi Final 2: End Hills (SFX OC) 12 v St. Pats OC/UB 5 Wyndham City Sth 14 7 0 4 1 459 212 0 3 5 0 10 68 216.51% Preliminary Final: Melbourne 20 v End Hills (SFX OC) 0 Sth Districts 13 6 0 6 1 404 260 0 1 6 1 11 56 155.38% Grand Final: Warrnambool 6 v Melbourne 7 Eltham 15 2 1 11 1 137 536 0 1 1 1 10 29 25.56% BHQ 15 3 0 6 1 159 457 4 2 2 0 4 26 34.79% Maroondah 13 1 0 7 1 72 463 6 1 0 1 4 3 15.55%

Semi Final 1: Wyndham City 24 def Endeavour Hills 22 Semi Final 2: Moorabbin 56 def Northern 12 Grand Final: Moorabbin 16 def Wyndham City 6 Best Player in the Grand Final: Gymme Hewton- Moorabbin

20 21 UNDER 16A UNDER 14B

POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % Northern 14 10 2 1 0 517 157 0 1 10 0 5 59 329.30% Melton 13 9 0 2 1 419 178 0 2 8 0 8 68 235.39% Wyndham City 14 9 0 4 0 495 210 1 0 11 2 12 59 235.71% Melbourne 12 7 0 5 2 329 217 0 0 7 0 12 55 151.61% Endeavour Hills 14 9 0 5 0 399 305 0 0 7 3 11 57 130.82% Wyndham City 13 9 0 2 1 412 196 2 0 9 0 7 52 210.20% Eltham 14 8 0 6 0 231 325 0 0 3 1 14 50 71.08% Eltham 13 6 1 5 1 289 246 0 1 6 0 10 52 117.48% Moorabbin 14 6 2 6 0 260 270 0 0 6 2 14 42 96.30% Box Hill 13 6 0 5 1 291 277 0 2 6 0 5 51 105.05% Sth Districts 14 7 0 7 0 270 424 0 0 6 1 7 42 63.68% Maroondah 12 2 0 9 2 204 379 0 1 2 1 10 35 53.83% Power House 14 4 0 10 0 342 418 0 0 7 2 12 37 81.82% Footscray 12 2 1 6 2 169 343 2 1 2 0 9 31 49.27% Box Hill 14 4 0 10 0 218 369 0 0 5 2 13 33 59.08% Harlequin 11 1 0 10 1 111 506 0 0 2 0 1 11 21.94% End Hills White 10 0 0 7 1 82 373 3 0 1 1 4 4 21.98% Semi Final 1: Northern 41 def Eltham 0 Semi Final 2: Wyndham City 43 def Endeavour Hills 12 Semi Final 1: Melton 41 def Eltham 5 Grand Final: Wyndham City 29 def Northern 20 Semi Final 2: Wyndham City 17 def Melbourne 15 Best Player in the Grand Final: Niua Puaka- Wyndham City Grand Final: Melton 17 def Wyndham City 10 Best Player in the Grand Final: Agape Tuigamala - Melton UNDER 16B

POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL UNDER 12A P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT P W D L B B1 B2 B3 TOTAL % Maroondah 11 7 0 3 3 354 178 0 1 8 0 8 64 198.88% FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST Harlequin 12 8 0 4 2 402 225 0 0 8 1 12 61 178.67% Wyndham City 12 9 0 2 2 405 99 0 1 8 1 11 70 409.09% Gee/Foot 12 2 0 8 2 203 274 0 1 2 1 9 37 74.09% Endeavour Hills 12 8 0 3 2 398 143 0 1 7 1 10 64 278.32% Boroo/BH 11 0 0 9 3 70 453 0 1 0 0 7 28 15.45% Box Hill 12 6 0 4 2 321 243 0 2 7 1 10 61 132.10% Melton 11 4 0 4 3 199 337 3 0 4 0 0 27 59.05% Moorabbin 12 8 0 3 2 380 144 0 1 9 2 1 58 263.89% Power House 12 5 0 5 2 315 293 1 1 5 0 8 45 107.51% Semi Final 1: Maroondah 52 def Box Hill/Boroondara 0 Harlequin 13 4 0 8 1 278 333 0 1 7 0 11 44 83.48% Semi Final 2: Harlequin 32 def Geelong/Footscray 7 Northern 12 1 0 4 2 65 393 7 0 2 1 0 1 16.54% Grand Final: Harlequin 26 def Maroondah 17 Best Player in the Grand Final: Ben Wheeler- Harlequin Semi Final 1: Wyndham City 26 def Moorabbin 5 Semi Final 2: Endeavour Hills 5 def Box Hill 0 UNDER 14A Grand Final: Wyndham City 22 def Endeavour Hills 12

POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT Best Player in the Grand Final: John Taunisila - Wyndham City TOTAL P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % Power House 14 10 0 3 0 531 140 0 1 11 2 13 72 379.29% UNDER 12B Northern 14 11 0 3 0 428 247 0 0 9 1 14 68 173.28% POINTS POINTS FORFEIT FORFEIT TOTAL Endeavour Hills 13 8 1 3 1 422 180 0 1 8 2 12 66 234.44% P W D L B FOR AGAINST FOR AGAINST B1 B2 B3 % Moorabbin 13 5 1 5 1 353 259 0 2 6 2 5 51 136.29% Sth Districts 12 10 0 1 2 392 97 0 1 9 0 9 72 404.12% Sth Districts 14 4 0 9 0 357 365 0 1 5 2 13 42 97.81% Melbourne 11 7 0 3 3 308 187 0 1 8 0 2 56 164.71% Boroondara 13 1 0 7 1 115 571 5 0 2 0 5 5 20.14% Footscray 12 7 0 4 2 318 214 0 1 7 0 6 53 148.60% Eltham 12 4 0 8 2 166 287 0 0 3 1 12 38 57.84% Semi Final 1: Power House 14 def Moorabbin 7 Boroondara 12 3 0 9 2 164 458 0 0 3 0 11 34 35.81% Semi Final 2: Endeavour Hills 26 def Northern 20 Grand Final: Endeavour Hills 15 def Power House 10 Maroondah 12 2 0 9 2 140 334 1 0 4 1 5 24 41.92% Best Player in the Grand Final: Darryl Faamausili - Endeavour Hills Melton 12 0 0 11 2 50 475 1 0 0 0 2 8 10.53%

Semi Final 1: Sth Districts 54 def Eltham 0 Semi Final 2: Melbourne 29 def Footscray 14 Grand Final: Sth Districts 15 def Melbourne 5 Best Player in the Grand Final: Oisin Clarken - Sth Districts

22 23 COMMUNITY RUGBY AWARDS FOR 2010 Points: Jeremy Solofa, Cobram. 64 pts WERE AS FOLLOWS Womens Tries: Saofaiga Saemo, Power House. 31 tries Victorian Volunteer of the Year 2010 Award Winners Grant Wason, Northern Rugby Club Points: Saofaiga Saemo, Power House. 155 pts Coach of the Year Distinguished Service Award Dai Edwards, U18 State/Schools President’s XV, & Moorabbin Colts Charlie Grieve

Charlie Grieve’s contribution to Rugby over many years has been CLUB PREMIERS RUNNERS UP Most Improved Coach significant. This started as a player, club coach and administrator Bob Windle, St Kevin’s College Under 12 B Southern Districts Melbourne for Harlequin Rugby Club. Under 12 A Wyndham City Endeavour Hills Club Administrator of the Year In recent times and in particular since 2002, Charlie performed Michael Gillard, Melbourne Rugby Club important roles for the Victorian Rugby Union as a volunteer at Under 14 B Melton Wyndham city tournaments, special matches and as Deputy Chairman of the Junior Administrator of the Year Under 14 A Endeavour Hills Power House VRU Judiciary. The role of Deputy Chairman was performed on Georgina Nelson, Endeavour Hills Rugby Club a regular basis and involved dealing and adjudicating on many Under 16 B Harlequin Maroondah difficult cases. On each occasion Charlie performed the role with Best Presented Junior Club of the Year professionalism and fairness demonstrating a clear intention to Under 16 A Wyndham City Northern Box Hill Rugby Club support referees in the deterrence of foul play. Victorian Rugby Under 18 Moorabbin Wyndham City Paul Gascoigne Award, Best Player in the Grand Final has benefited from Charlie’s contribution over a number of years Women’s Power House Box Hill Chris Slade, Melbourne Rugby Club and he will be truly missed. Country Puckapunyal Bendigo PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2010 Victorian and Australian Volunteer of the year Award 2nd Div C Melbourne Warrnambool (Based on 3, 2 & 1 votes from opposition clubs) Grant Wason 2nd Div B Eltham Footscray Premier Division: Brendan Goodwin, Harlequin. 20 Votes Grant Wason from Northern Rugby Club received the Victorian 2nd Div A Footscray Endeavour Hills Volunteer of the Year award. 2nd Division: Tamati Mana, Wyndham City. 12 Votes Colts Moorabbin Endeavour Hills Grant’s contribution to the Northern Rugby Club over the past 10 Colts: Kyle Cooper, Eltham. 22 Votes years has been exceptional in that he has been responsible for Prem Div 3rd Grade Melbourne Boroondara many of the hand on roles and his organisation and commitment Prem Div 2nd Grade Melbourne Power House Country: Jeremy Solofa, Cobram. 18 Votes has kept the Club functioning in some very difficult times. As well as his executive responsibilities through the week on training Prem Div 1st Grade Melbourne Southern Districts Women: Zerlina Dwyer, Footscray. 16 Votes nights etc, he has been regularly seen on Saturday mornings setting up the grounds, including line markings and barriers, LEADING INDIVIDUAL TRY & POINTS SCORER then organising the canteen, refereeing early morning junior & women’s fixtures, then coaching U18/Colts matches later in the The COWPER SHIELD awarded for the Club Championship was won by Melbourne Rugby Club. Premier Division Tries: Lewis Leaumoana , Box Hill. 11 tries day as well as acting as the Manager for senior grades up to 2009, later in the afternoon. He then in the early evening rings Points: Josh Blanksby, Power House. 123 pts PLACE CLUB POINTS through Club results and puts away equipment. Grant has done it all. 1st Melbourne 451.5 2nd Division Tries: Michael Gima, Eltham. 22 tries Grant is a cheerful, positive person who has managed his Club Equal 2nd Harlequin 356.5 Points: Luke Mears, Footscray. 169 pts through several highlights and some disappointments and is recognised as a true volunteer for the betterment of our Game. Equal 2nd Endeavour Hills 356.5 Colts Tries: Christopher Ling, Melbourne. 16 tries Up against each individual state recipient, Grant won the 4th Southern Districts 324 Points: Christopher Ling, Melbourne. 80 pts Australian Volunteer of the year award at the annual John 5th Moorabbin 307 Eales Medal Dinner. This is a fantastic achievement. Country Tries: Jeremy Solofa, Cobram. 8 tries and he will be truly missed.

24 25 Best New Referee in 2010: Mark Luatutu • Julian Smith • Robyn Taylor The Victorian Rugby Union Team Coaches Award • Mat Van Heerden Best Referee in Victoria 2010: Paul McKay • David Wall VRRA 2010 Referees Report • Ashley White The Bill Spring Award for the best Specialist Touch Judge in 2010: Paul McKay 20 years • Brian Batchelar INTRODUCTION One of the goals of the VRRA this year was to improve the conver- The Russell Craig Perpetual Trophy • Lindsay Cresswell Our thanks go out to all the Rugby Clubs in Victoria and the VRU sion rate of green shirt referees into fully accredited referees. The Presented to the Number One Ranked Referee in Victoria in 2010: • Clive Gow who allow us the opportunity to referee all games in Victoria in all table below shows that we were successful in achieving this goal. Paul McKay • Stephen Jewell competitions. EDUCATION PROGRAM Congratulations to all who were deservedly recognized at our The shortage of good numbers of referees and referee coaches in 30 years Our education program was consistent again this year with the annual dinner event held at the end of the season. Victoria provided the biggest challenge for us once again in 2010. following key activities: • David Cotterill However, with the continuation of the Green Shirt Program by the SERVICE AWARDS FOR 2010 • Stephen Russell VRU, a number of new referees were added to our ranks. Some 1. Annual update weekend with input from special guests Paul Congratulations to the following awards for service as a referee: • Philip Stewart green shirts from 2009 and 2010 stepped up to the challenge Marks and Ruhan Van Zyl which focussed on the key areas and and were outstanding this year. A number of our members law interpretations for 2010 10 years 40 years participated in the State Championships in Geelong and served 2. Referee Coaches forum with special guests Andrew Cole and our association with skill and should be commended on their Steve Walsh • Robert Edwards • John Middleton development. • Jeff Hamilton 3. Weekly training sessions conducted by Hamish Bertram • Sefo Poluleuligaga Achievements for 2010 4. Monthly education sessions managed by Mat Van Heerden • John Ryan Rob Osborn, VRRA President ( from a refereeing perspective) including some excellent guest speakers. Thanks to Boroondara & • VRRA member numbers totalled 124 for 2010 Melbourne Rugby Clubs for hosting us.

• We refereed approximately 1000 games of rugby (juniors State Championship Appointments (Div II) and seniors) Our thanks go out to all the Rugby Clubs in Victoria and the VRU • The Coaching & Grading (CAG) group created a total of 180 who allow us the opportunity to referee all games in Victoria in all reports for referees competitions.

• The Green Shirt programme in its second year was a huge Congratulations to the following members who proudly repre- success. Thanks to Marika Vertzonis and Peter Hunt for sented us at the State Championship at Geelong in 2010: their efforts • Kieran White

• State Championships at Geelong had several Victorian • Marika Vertzonis (AR) appointments • Other ARs: Beau-Dean Gosper, Oliver Kellett, Iain • Victorian Schools, VRU Junior & Senior finals were a huge Chesworth, Daniel Coelho, Hamish Bertram success and credit to everyone involved AWARDS FOR 2010 Green Shirt Program Statistics The Frank Lang Trophy for the Most Improved Referee in Description 2009 2010 2010: Oliver Kellett Total trained 68 72 Ed Sullivan Trophy for the Best Group Two Referee who Total trained & took the field 35 25 does a Grand Final in 2010: Beau-Dean Gosper Total L1 accredited 5 20 Total L2 accredited 0 2 Victorian Rugby Club Trophy for the Best Referee Coach % conversion rate 7% 28% in 2010: Peter Hunt Target conversion rate 20% 20% Best Clubman for the VRRA 2010: Marika Vertzonis

26 27

against the second placed Pool C team, Warringah who missed Harry, Dylan and Marcel score trys. With the score 14 to nil at out like us, in the semi final spot in similar fashion. This game half time the players were advised that the ACT Brumbies would proved a great build for the rest of the season, with the team come out hard in the second half. This was proven to be correct, again performing the best they had all weekend. The game but with great defence and again counter rucking, the possession Victorian U12 2010 State Team Report started well and this continued throughout the entire game with turned with the final score being a true reflection of how well the the final result, a win to the Vic U12 team of 29 to 5. There were players defended and attacked, even though the ACT Brumbies many highlights, and it was great to see the team unity and an stepped up their game. Players like Ryan, Yabaki, Kenneth, Trevor, improvement from our first game on Saturday morning. Again all Dieter and Sione again showed some great support and vision to players played to their ability, a great team spirit had been built back up fellow team mates to record this great result. It was an SELECTION PROCESS going to get better for the Vic team. With some dubious refereeing and they were starting to play as a team. The points from this all round team performance by all who took the field. Again Jason This year a squad of 23 players, out of 87 trialling players were decisions and the players not handling what was happening in game were - Marcel, Oisin and Harry 1 point each; 2 points to Tui and Nicholas converting the tries. once again selected to compete in the NSWJRU State Champion- regards to the decisions, the final whistle couldn’t come fast and 3 points to Sioni. ships at Camden and the Primary School State Rugby tournament enough for not only the players, but also the management team, in South Australia between, NSW, South Aust. and the ACT and supporters. The final score was 17 to 0, but at least the team Game 3 vs NSW (PSSA) RUGBY TOURNAMENT 2009 Brumbies for the converted award of being best Under 12 state managed to keep the score to a low amount, and restricted the -lost 39 to nil side in Australia. After many training sessions and competing in Randwick team scoring only 1 try in the second half, and some Game 1 vs South Australia The 3rd and last game of the round robin tournament, which training games and the NSW State Championships in May, the great attacking moves just falling short on 4 occasions of the Vic -won 49 to 5 was set to be a contest between two sides that were unbeaten team was ready and fit to play some good rugby. team scoring try’s. The second half performance was better then on the Saturday, was scheduled as the last game of the 2 days. the first, but we were beaten by a better well drilled team, and a The day started with an early rise at our accommodation by the NSW Junior Rugby Union State Championships The game was very much even in the first 10 minutes but slowly team that had obviously played together for a time. The players beach called Adelaide Shores, where we had 6 cabins to lay our Saturday morning arrived with a 6.30 am rise, fine cool weather the possession dried up for the team and NSW started to play that received the game points were - Marcel and Harry 1 point weary heads at the end of each day while in Adelaide. With the and a short bus ride to the Camden Rugby Union ground. The through their forwards and set up their backs, creating space for each; Nathan - 2 and Tui - 3 points. players all ready to make a name for themselves, our first game team prepared well in the warm up for the first game of the them to run and score tries. The highlights from our side from this Now for Sunday, where we awoke to another perfect sunny day to kick off the round robin tournament was at 8.30am. After a champs, against the team from the Hunter region. It was a great game were the defence and constant sniping by our half back and the team ready to make amends for the last game on Satur- 25 minute warm up and preparation the game started with some start for the team with the first try being scored in the first 3 Phoenix Hunt and the forwards never die attitude, especially Na- day. The team was determined to give everything for the support- great seesawing rugby. It wasn’t long before the team produced minutes of the game, and if this was of any gauge, it showed than, Tui, Robert and Oisin. The players did play well and after the ers and themselves to finish on a high after playing all the pool some great lead up work by the forwards to have our first try good signs for the weekend. The try was scored from 60 metres game the score was a reflection that the better team did win, but games. If we were lucky, and Hunter was to beat Randwick this of the tournament scored by Marcel Jonker. The team was now out by our 6 foot centre, Marcel. From there was more good work the Vic team only went down by 39 to nil. In the past two years morning, we had a chance to play in the semis. This game was on a high and every one of the 23 players became involved in the first 20 minutes with another try scored down the side line the scores have been closer to 70 to nil, so a big improvement. played at the same time as our game, so the boys had a mission throughout the game. The forwards were dominant and the backs by Harry, our fast-footed winger in the corner, and gave us a lead At the end of the game the NSW coaches praised our team as to score as many points as they could, to make sure the “for and ran well with ball in hand and supported each other. What was of 10 to nil at half time. The second half started off in similar the hardest and best team they have played in a number of years. against” was favourable if it came down to this in regards to semi really pleasing to see, was the team come together and form a fashion, and before we had finished the game a further 2 tries This was encouraging, as the gap between the two sides/states final spots. The players were all on a high and they took that into great base for the remaining two games. Some great tries were were scored and with the full time whistle being blown, the team has somewhat closed, and in future years with constant focus on the match. After a somewhat slow start, it wasn’t long before the achieved throughout the game, (Marcel x 4; Oisin x 2 and Siaosi, performed well in the first outing against some good opposition the basics from coaches and set pieces, the Under 12 state side score-board started ticking over with try after try. There was some Nicholas (Bam Bam) and Tim all scoring a try each with Siaosi to post a 22 to nil score line. Players that made their mark were will no doubt have a tournament title down the track.. good work by the forwards and also the backs started to throw and Nicholas adding the conversions. The constant hard running many, but in regards to the 3, 2, and 1 for the game, Becks - 1; the ball wide in the second half, and with only their own mistakes and defence by Nathan, Oisin, Callum, Ben, Kaine and Tui along Harry - 2 and Robert - 3. PROGRAM SUMMARY slowing the scoreboard down, the final whistle had the score line with some great work around the rucks and set pieces by the In summary, performances were outstanding in the NSWJRU After a 3 hour break it was off to play the biggest opponent in our at 53 to 12 and a great win for the last game of the pool games. other forwards provided a great base throughout the entire game. State Championships with 3 wins and 1 loss and great results pool “Randwick”. The biggest obstacle was trying to get the play- After the game it was realised that we would go into the playoff A great result to regain the Griff Hunt Memorial Trophy again. in the PSSA with clinching the Griff Hunt Cup from the South ers back up for a match, after sitting around, wrestling and walk- for 5th and 6th spots with the Hunter team just going down to Australians and also claiming the Stephen Larkham Shield for ing/running around in the beautiful sun. The players found it hard Randwick 12 to 0. From our last pool game, again a number of Game 2 vs ACT Brumbies runners up of the tournament. Well done to all the players, and to lift, and with the first whistle to start the game, it showed we players played well and all players did themselves and Victoria -won 38 to nil hopefully Victoria will claim the trophy back form NSW in 2011. were in for a hard game NOT physically, but mentally. The Rand- proud. The points from the game went to - Tui and Callum 1 point wick players, to their credit, defended well and also played good The second game started very much like the first game, with each; 2 points to Phoenix and 3 points to Oisin. PLAYERS AWARDS simple and well-drilled rugby. A try was scored in the opening the forwards setting the base through rucking and mauling, to With the final results in our particular pool B going to Randwick minutes and not converted, but just before the half time whistle, set up a try for the backs to convert. Again the hard work and Coaches Award: Oisin Clarken another unconverted try was scored. At half time the score was with 12 points in total, and the Vic team finishing on 10 points, great forward running by every forward who took the field, helped we had missed by a mere loss or 2 points of making the semi 10 to 0 to Randwick and with some light at the end of the tunnel, secure great possession for the half backs, Phoenix and Angus, to Most Valuable Player- Back: Marcel Jonker the players turned out and lifted for the start of the 2nd half. With finals. provide great service for the backs to capitalise on this mountain the second half now underway, it became obvious that it was not The last game of the tournament, for the 5th /6th spot, was of possession. Again the backs led by Marcus helped the wingers Most Valuable Player- Forward: Robert Valetini

30 31 VICTORIA U12 SQUAD 2010 SPECIAL THANKS In summary, performances were outstanding in the NSWJRU PLAYER CLUB State Championships with 3 wins and 1 loss and great results in the PSSA with clinching the Griff Hunt Cup from the South Sione Feofa’ak Tui Powerhouse Australians and also claiming the Stephen Larkham Shield for Victoria U13 2010 State Team Report Marcel Jonker Box Hill runners up of the tournament. Well done to all the players, and hopefully Victoria will claim the trophy back form NSW in 2011. Tim Davis Melbourne

Oisin Clarken Southern Districts SELECTION PROCESS we lost this first game 17 to 12 after being level at half time at This is the first time in Victorian Rugby Union history that an Under 12 a piece. A good start to the tournament, but this was one that Harry Jennings Powerhouse 13 State team has been named and able to compete against got away. other teams interstate. It was a proposal sent back on the 1st July Phoenix Hunt Powerhouse Game 2 was against a team that was well drilled and executed to the VRU to obtain approval to select a team of players, from well. The Townsville team played well and exploited our weak- Nicholas Donghi Wyndham City the current Under 12 and Under 14 state programs, that was nesses. Our players were alsoe tired from their travels and approved, to give these 21 under 13 state players the opportunity previous games. The speed and agility of the Townsville backs Siaosi Pulefale Moorabbin to represent their state for the first time. The main reason for and the forward momentum from the forwards helped Townsville forming this team was to fill a void in the representative program score a victory. The young Vic team did not give up and all 21 Marcus Tipene-Manukau Wyndham City for this particular age group, and commence the growth, learning, players continued to play well, but not well enough to win the a base and direction for future years to come for junior rugby in Jason Tanuvasa Northcote game. The final score was 22 to nil. Victoria. Hence no trials were held and to keep costs down in Angus Edwards Powerhouse regards to gear, the decision to take bottom age Under 14 players DAY 2 and top age Under 12 (all 2010 state players) was made by the The first game of the day was again at 11.00 am against another Robert Valetini Harlequins team management. In 2011 this will be changed. Brisbane divisional side, who were unbeaten from day 1. The Brisbane East side were again well drilled and were ready to play. Callum Kent Box Hill The team was made up of a majority of Under 12 players with 7 players actually 13 years of age and the remainder either 11 or The best thing about the Victorian side was that they came to Benjamin Collins Box Hill 12. So a great achievement for these under 12 players to back up play and play they did. With solid set pieces, great ruck work and after a weekend of rugby to play in this team to create history for the forwards providing great ball for the backs, it was a game Kenneth Leota Southern Districts junior representative rugby in Victoria. that just got away from us. Our backs made a couple of mistakes when attacking inside their opponents half that the opposition Ryan Hales Wyndham City capitalise on. At half time we were only down by 5 to nil. By the Queensland Junior Rugby Union State end of the second half and with great pressure and better rugby Tuiwaqa Tamani Harlequins Championships by the entire Vic team we finished with a score line of 12 to nil. Dieter Brand Box Hill DAY 1 This was not a true indication of the game with the score at 5 nil Our first game to kick off the championships was played against for 95% of the game, with a converted try on full time to the op- Kaine Todd Moorabbin a more then formidable opponent, the Brisbane South team. position. It was one we could have won, but again some mistakes With the rain not doing us any favours, it was about lifting the cost us the game. Yabaki Seeto Moorabbin Under 12 players, who just finished two days and 3 games of The second game of the day was against Darling Downs. Again rugby, and the addition of seven Under 14 players, to gel them Nathan Uili Northern Panthers it was mistakes that cost us, and now more then ever the fatigue and make them as one which in the end was not a too hard. factor was becoming evident. In saying this, the players did not Trevor Hosea Boroondara The game kicked off at 11.00 am on a firm surface and after 30 give up and with a shortened second half by 10 minutes, we went seconds we had scored the first try of the tournament straight Dylan Faamausili Melbourne away with a loss of 31 to nil. This was the last game of the round from the kick off and less then 30 seconds past. What a great robin and showed that even though we are competitive, some start to the game and the tournament, with a converted try. The mistakes did cost us the games, along with fatigue and the young players played well with great lead up and solid work in defence side not up to the same level as this under 13 Darling Downs Greg Coward Head Coach to have their opponents really worried and looking for answers. side. Our Vic side did have their measure but it was the fourth Throughout the game there was some great lead up work and game in this round robin and the humidity was now also an issue David Southwood Assistant Coach patience but in the end it was our execution and dependence on as well. Again a better drilled side won the match. individuals that gave us a loss that could have been a win if the Natalie Coward Manager work was finished off and the mistakes did not happen. In the end

32 33 FINAL DAY PLAYERS AWARDS VICTORIA U13 SQUAD 2010 Today was an early start with the first game to kick off at 8.30 am, for who would play off for 7th and 8th spot. The game was Coaches Award: Nathan Uili PLAYER CLUB a game against another Brisbane division (Brisbane North) who Most Valuable Player- Back: Joshua Coward Nathan Uili Northern Panthers were surprised by our team and how the Vic players lifted. This game again, was like the games against the other 2 Brisbane Most Valuable Player- Forward: Sione Tuipulotu Tuiwaqa Tamani Harlequins divisional teams, where the players lifted and showed some great rugby and determination. At half time the score was 5 all and the SPECIAL THANKS Ben Collins Box Hill second half was to be a great half of rugby. The forwards and It would be remiss to not finally mention my thanks to both David Callum Kent Box Hill backs combined to have the scores 12 to 10 at full time, with a Southwood (assistant coach) and Natalie Coward (manager) to Vic try scored right on time and conversion to come to draw the help make this a most successful trip and development program. Siaosi Pulefale Moorabbin game. It was unsuccessful from close to the side line and another Also, to the parents that supported the team and players, by close loss to a Brisbane team. coming to Brisbane and also throughout the training, thank you. Oisin Clarken Southern Districts Well done to the players and all looks good for the Under 13 Now to the final game of the championship, against Townsville, a Latu Tauolii Maroondah game for 9th and 10th spot of the Under 13 state championship. program in 2011 and beyond. This game was a one sided affair for Townsville, where the Vic Thank you to our sponsor and also the parents for paying Harry Jennings Powerhouse players were now rotated regularly and often because of the everything on time and making this trip and experience one the Henry Stowers Endeavour Hills humidity and the fatigue now apparent on most of the 21 man players will never forget. team. The final score gave Townsville the 9th position, but it was Also, to the VRU for granting us permission to take a team of Sione Tuipulotu Southern Districts good to have the Vic team score 2 tries and avenge the previous mainly 12 year olds up to play against 13 year olds. It is and loss to Townsville without scoring. The final score of 36 to 12 was Marcel Jonker Box Hill was a step in the right direction for VRU and the players who a great way to end 3 days of learning and experiences that this participated in the team and tournament. young Under 13 team will remember in years to come. Tim Davis Melbourne Thank you to the travel agency and Kirsten for arranging and TOUR PERFORMANCE SUMMARY changing flights Nicholas Donghi Wyndham City In summary, this was a great achievement by every single one Finally, a big thank you to Natalie’s family and friends, for opening Robert Valetini Harlequins of the 21 players, for many and various reasons. The guts, up their homes for accommodation, food and somewhere to chill determination and pride each of the players had in playing in this out during the down time. Without them the cost would not have Josh Coward Eltham Victorian Under 13 team was great to see and be a part of as a been so low. coach. As mentioned previously for such a young side (seven 13 Dylan Faamausili Melbourne year olds; fourteen 11/12 year olds) was a great achievement to compete in this state championship as an Under 13 team. I have Harry Gardiner Box Hill no hesitation in saying that this was a great learning experience Taeanu Henry Wyndham City for all involved and has set up a great base for future years of rugby in Victoria. This player base will form a great Under 13 Afe Haisila Endeavour Hills team for 2011, if the permission is given by the VRU to continue with this particular age group as a state representative team and Kaine Todd Moorabbin program. Trey De Zylva Moorabbin Finally, something that must be mentioned is the results from this program. Even though no wins were recorded, the losses against the 3 Brisbane divisional sides (South by 5, East by 12 Greg Coward Head Coach and North by 2) shows that the quality and rugby skills is evident in these players to make improvement. The praise and recognition David Southwood Assistant Coach we received from opposition teams and coaches in general and from opposition teams, in regards to the age of the Vic players, Natalie Coward Manager and the way the team played and performed, were also very, very favourable. David Southwood Assistant Coach

Natalie Coward Manager

34 35 very dangerous every time they ran with the ball in hand. The ACT Game 2 struck first with an unconverted try after 20 minutes, to which the Victoria vs South West Vics replied immediately with pressure put onto the ACT defence, resulting in a penalty kick to Irwin Samoa, who coolly slotted it Victoria started with a bang in game two, with an immediate over from 30 meters. Victorian U14 2010 State Team Report breakout from receiving the kick and great support play saw Jesse Leiataua outstrip the last line of defence to go over out Half time: ACT 5, Victoria 3.

wide. What then seemed to be a potentially easy game turned into The second half was a repeat of the first, with neither side having an almighty arm wrestle, with South West scoring the next two the upper hand. The Victoria tight five of RJ Sa`aga; Luteru Leota; able to cover this burden through fundraising and sponsorship SELECTION PROCESS converted tries whilst the Victoria game was once more riddled Lorenzo Fiu; Daryl Tiumeseve & Kai Hayward was dominant donations. Open and closed selection trials were held at Endeavour Hills with penalty errors and lost possession/poor ball retention in throughout the game and the defensive work of Rhys Griffiths Rugby Club on the 2nd and 9th May, with the final closed session The Victoria U14s travelled to Orange, NSW, to compete in the contact. The Vics slowly got themselves into the game and Daryl & Sola Laloifi drew praise from the large crowd. Neither side held on Sunday 16th May. A total of 82 Players attended the NSWJRU Championships, over the Queens Birthday Weekend, Tuimeseve muscled close to half time over to reduce the score. managed to breach each others defence and no game was called trials. June 11th to 14th inclusive. After a full day’s travelling, we finally South West again came back at them, and scored out wide. A late with the ACT side the victors. raid by the Vics reduced South West’s lead when Sione Tuipulotu From these trials, 28 players were invited to join the squad, with arrived at our last minute accommodation, the Orange University. Fnal score: ACT 7, Victoria 3. was rewarded for his good work and going over for the Vics third. a further player invited to also train with the squad, to assist with This was our base camp during our stay in Orange for the Half time South West 19, Victoria 15. Whilst not singling out any players for individual honours, his skills development. Championships. presentation caps were given to Rhys Griffiths and Sola Laloifi for Victoria faced a tough draw after being selected to play against The second half saw the Vics tighten their defence and everyone an outstanding weekends work. U14 2010 PROGRAM two of the top four seeded teams in the pool rounds. lifted their work rate, as the boys slowly asserted their dominance The pre-season was spent developing the largest age group over South West. Rhys Griffiths was attacking the ball at every oakhill college (nsw) tour report rep program for the U14s. Due to the size of the proposed Game 1 break down and produced much needed possession whenever Oakhill college, from Sydney, toured Melbourne July 1st - 4th program, the decision was made to run with a 28 player squad. Victoria vs Parramatta (2) South West threatened to score. Henry Hutchison cleverly created 2010, for a three game tour playing against local sides Southern Unfortunately, the proposed games against touring teams from space out wide for Tom Badcock, who drew the defence wide With limited preparation and no chance to play a couple of warm Districts U14s, Harlequins U14s and the Victoria U14s. The good Wellington (NZ) and Gordon (NSW) did not materialise, but before cutting back in to score an outstanding try. This galvanised up games before the Championships, Victoria’s fist game was people at Southern Districts acted as the host club and billeted additional incoming tours by South Australia (U15s) and an extra the boys, who applied more pressure from the kick off, and against the #2 seeded team, Parramatta. the visiting Oakhill boys for the first two nights of the tour, with game against Southern Inland in Wagga compensated for this. quickly got back into the South West 22, from where Joshua the rep players taking over the billeting duties for the third night. Right from the outset, Victoria was placed under pressure, but Kanongata`a crashed over for the fifth try. South West was not The final program was as follows: slowly came back into the game to match their more fancied giving up and then spent some time in the Vics half of the field. Game 1. Friday 2nd July • NSW State Championships, held in Orange, NSW, June opponents. Victoria’s major issue was ball security and discipline; Rhys again stole possession and Sola Laloifi, who pressurised the Southern Districts vs Oakhill 11th - 14th. with large chunks of valuable territory being lost each time we South West full back, allowing the ever-present Sione Tuipulotu to • Oakhill School (NSW) Tour, July 1st - 4th. gained it. Although the Parramatta team was gaining a wealth of score his second try of the game, chased a huge kick down town. Oakhill opened their tour with a game against Southern Districts • South Australia U15`s, July 9th - 11th. possession, resolute Victoria defence held them to only two. Final score South West 15, Victoria 30. and immediately from the kick off, came under intense pressure • Southern Inland, held in Wagga, August 7th. Unconverted tries, whilst good support from Sione Tupulotu saw from the Southern Pirates. A stranglehold of possession and • ACT, held in Wagga, August 8th. him crash over out wide. Parramatta leading 10 - 5 at half time. Standout players for Victoria were Rhys Griffiths at blind side, territory finally paid of for Souths who were rewarded with a The second half saw the same pattern of play evolve, with the for resolute defence and excellent ball winning skills, Henry In all, the Victorian U14 team members participated in 11 games converted try within 10 minutes. Vics going close several times only to turn over the ball at crucial Hutchison for outstanding defence and control of the back line, for the season, 7 of which were “official” U14 representative The next period of the game saw Souths give away a series of times. Parramatta extended their lead with a third try, only to see Brandyn Folau for both defence and attack, his opposite numbers games. penalties, which allowed Oakhill to slowly find their feet and come the Vics rally again and apply great pressure in the Parramatta were turned inside out several times trying to get a hand on him, back into the game. The Oakhill defence started to repel any 22. It looked very promising for the Vics, but the game took and Henry Stowers, who responded to the Coaches demands and 2010 NSWJRU CHAMPIONSHIPS Souths’ attacks and their scrum asserted their authority. Good a dreadful turn when a Parramatta player went down with a played an outstanding game. Major set backs were placed in front of the group within a week hands and support play led to Oakhill scoring the next three tries, suspected neck injury. Whilst receiving urgent medical treatment, of traveling to Orange, NSW, for the NSWJRU Championships. giving the visitors a 15-7 lead at half time. the game was called off after losing at least 7 mins after the Game 3 Firstly, the anticipated assistance of the NSWJRU in regards to The score line remained unchanged in the second half, as each allotted stoppage time. Standout players for Victoria were the half Victoria vs ACT (3) transportation fell through, necessitating the need to charter our coach tried multiple changes to the team looking for areas of back Mathew Euese for an excellent all round game, Sola Laloifi own coach for the long weekend. Then, the Billeting arrange- advantage. A great defensive effort by both teams kept the score at full back for great defence and return ball, and Luteru Leota, Game 3 was against the traditional old foes, the ACT Juniors, ments fell through when the local parents pulled out their support. board from ticking over. who turned in an outstanding game at hooker, a position he had seeded third for the championships. Another titanic game was With great assistance from Kerry Brady (NSWRU) and Terry-Lea never played before. played between the sides and soon the Victoria forward pack Final score: Southern Districts 7, Oakhill 15 Duffy (Orange university) we were able to use the Orange asserted its power and dominated several set pieces throughout university as a home base. Final score: Parramatta 15, Victoria 5 the game, winning at least two tight heads. This was tempered Game 2. Saturday 3rd July This placed great pressure on the U14 budget, but we were by a very well drilled and committed ACT back line, which looked Victoria U14 vs Oakhill

36 37 The main game on tour was the story of two halves. In the first Melbourne and playing a great weekend of rugby. We would also third try. SA was not to be outdone and again, after some excel- came up with the Vics’ first try by driving over from a maul. SA half, the Oakhill team put on a fine display of defensive tackling like to thank the Committee and U14 parents at Southern Districts lent pass and support work by the backs, they scored their fifth replied to score and convert before half time. and outstanding scrimmaging to outwit and disrupt any pressure for their outstanding hospitality, acting as hosts and billet families. try just before the final whistle. The second half saw both teams play some excellent barbarian the larger Victoria forwards were to apply. So effective was the I would like to thank the Victoria U14 parents for acting as billet Final score: Victoria U14 17 (Sa’aga, Hosea, Tuimeseve tries, style play, with repeated attacks at each other, with both sides Oakhill defence, the Victoria side appeared to have no go forward hosts on the third night, and also thank Mike Bull and Harlequins Badcock conversion), South Australia 25 going over the advantage line. Neither side dominated possession ball at all, & were ineffectual at the breakdown area. Although for stepping in at the last minutes notice and providing the game and both sides started to trade tries, with firstly Mark Euese scor- Victoria had no drive going forward, their defence also negated Best Player for Victoria, selected by South Australia & venue for the third game. ing his second try, then Josh Paver going over, closely followed by any threatened attacks by Oakhill. The injection of Brandyn Folau Ikapote Tupa`i Levi Dowie, finally gave Victoria some urgency and he finally scored Victoria Last but not least, we would like to thank all the referees and first try, giving Victoria a 5 nil half time lead. officials appointed to the games over the weekend, who did Game 2. Saturday 10th July Interspaced with SA ripostes’. The game entered a tense last few a fantastic job in officiating all three games and ensured they Victoria invitational U15 vs South Australia U15 minutes, where a missed conversion attempt y SA gave the Vics a Whatever was said at half time, combined with interchanges off were played in the correct spirit. These guys were a credit to the slender 1-point lead. However, the Vics finished strongly and tries the bench, saw an entirely different Victoria take to the field in association. With a fierce cross wind blowing across the pitch at Box Hill, the to Arjuna & the ever-present Ta Hosea finally saw the Vics over the second half. A lot more urgency was seen at all facets of the Invitational U15 side started very brightly against South Australia, the line. game, hi-lighted by the damaging Chuckle Sae, who picked up Victoria U14 & Invitational U15 South leaping out of the blocks and applying immediate pressure on a hat trick of tries. Victoria repeatedly made big in roads into the Final score: Victoria invitational U15 30 (Euese(2), Hosea, Dowie, Australia U15 July 2010 tour report the SA defence, using great skills to repeatedly drive over the Oakhill half and further tries to Nameli Ulusolo, Jesse Leiataua(2), Paver, Arjuna tries), South Australia U15 24 advantage line. Raids by Josh Paver and Irwin Samoa constantly Brandyn Folau and Josh Kanongata`a and conversions by Josh The South Australia U15 toured Melbourne July 9th - 11th, 2010, menaced the SA back line, and great support play from RJ Sa`aga Best Player for Victoria, selected by South Australia Coward and Josh Kanongata`a saw Victoria run out deserved for a three game tour playing against the Victoria U14 team and saw the Vics open the score when RJ drove over from a ruck R J Sa’aga winners. an invitational Victoria U15 side. The Victoria U14 parents acted close to the line. Right from the restart, a slick backline move saw On behalf of Victoria, we thank Warren Healey and the South Aus- as the host billet families for the SA boys and by all accounts, Final score: Victoria 44, Oakhill 0 Angelo Natoli break a couple of tackles, before Levi Dowie strolled tralia management team for bringing across an extremely good everyone enjoyed having the SA boys stay with them, with new through for the Vics second. SA re-gathered their composure and SA U15 side. We thank the referees for three greatly controlled For Victoria, Chuckle Sae was voted man of the match, whilst the and old friendships established for many years to come. kept pace with the Vics for the rest of the half, and was met by honours were split between Matt Brooks and Christian Theo for games and thank the Victoria U14 parents for the billeting and the dogged Victoria defence, led by Jack Kennedy and Liam Donald. excellent supper on Friday night! Oakhill. Christian, in particular played an outstanding game for Game 1. Friday 9th July The home crowd was expecting the floodgates to open, but SA Oakhill, backing up from his excellent first game. Victoria U14 vs South Australia U15 had other ideas! The visitors slowly raised the tempo of their Victoria U14 WAGGA TOUR AUGUST 7TH / 8TH REPORT game and showed what a well drilled side they were by not Game 3. Sunday 4th July The Victoria U14s took to the field against their slightly older op- The Victoria U14s travelled to Wagga Wagga, NSW, to compete in only holding out Victoria, but repeatedly making the Vics work Harlequins U14 vs Oakhill ponents, but more than matched them in size and endeavour. The a two match tour against Southern Inland & the now annual final hard in defence, as an enterprising SA back line constantly got first half saw Victoria at first take stock of the difference in size match against the ACT, which were the final games of the 2010 over the advantage line, ably supported by their forwards. Great At late notice, Mike Bull and Harlequins magnanimously offered to and speed of their opponent and took time to get into any rhythm U14 program. The boys also stayed overnight at the Borambola persistence and a hunger to win were rewarded by two tries, one accommodate Oakhill for the third game of the tour and Victoria during the opening Stanza. South Australia opened the score Sports and Recreation Centre, in readiness for the Sunday converted, whilst keeping the Vics scoreless, regardless of any allowed several of their players to be loaned to Quins, who were through some enterprising back line play, to go over wide out. game. Sadly, the full U14 squad was depleted, with players Rhys tactical substitutions made. A great win to South Australia at the shortened due to School Holiday shortages. After the restart, SA produced what was to be a theme of theirs Griffiths, Kai Haywood and Irwin Samoa missing through injury final whistle. The game was played in the true barbarian spirit, with plenty over the weekend, a very astute kicking game that saw large ter- and Henry Stowers away on school camp. of free flowing enterprising play by both sides made for a very ritorial gains made, constantly turning the young Vics around. SA Final score: Victoria invitational U15 10 (Sa’aga, Dowie tries), entertaining game. scored their second try through good possession and drive from South Australia 12 Game 1. Oakhill showed no tiredness from a hard tour, by constantly their forwards. This galvanized the Vics into an instant response, Best Player for Victoria, selected by South Australia Victoria vs Southern Inland threatening the Quins line throughout the game and their defence with the introduction of RJ Sa`aga making inroads through some Jack Kennedy was as effective at the games finish as it was from their first driving play, ably supported by Nameli Ulusolo & Frank Uini. RJ This game was always going to be a test of character for the was rewarded for his efforts by finally going over for the Vics first team, having to face a very competitive Southern Inland side after game on tour. Oakhill skipped out to a comfortable lead in the Game 3. Sunday 11th July try, converted by Thomas Badcock. From the restart, the Vics an early start to the day and a 5-½ hr coach ride to Connelly second half and was made to work hard to keep it as a fast Victoria invitational U15 vs South Australia U15 finishing Quins side hammered their line. applied pressure again and were further rewarded when Ta Hosea Park. crash over from a line out. Tui from Quins capped an outstanding game; when he crashed Game 2 showed that there was very little between the two sides, From the onset, Victoria gave itself no favours by giving away an over the line for a well deserved try to keep Quins in the hunt, but The Second half saw SA apply great pressure to the Vics and and game 3 was no different. The Vics made some positional early penalty for no arms in the tackle. However a series of busts Oakhill hung on to record their second win of the weekend. despite the great defensive efforts of Craig Semisi, Sola Laloifi changes for this game, proved worthwhile as SA put the Vics out of defence by Sola Laloifi and Mark Yantz gave Victoria some & Ikapote Tupa`I, SA extended their lead, scoring two more tries. under pressure with their excellent kicking game, keeping the much-needed breathing space. Southern Inland applied more Final score: Harlequins 20, Oakhill 29 The Vics never gave up though, and came storming back to apply Vic Full back Nick Stevens very busy in fielding these kicks, pressure and a poor kick out of defence brought Southern Inland On behalf of the Victoria U14, we would like to thank Martin pressure inside the SA 22, leading to a series of pick and drives supported by Mark Yantz and Tom Badcock at the back. The Vics to within 5m of the Vic line. However, after another stunning run Gillogly, his management group and the Oakhill boys for visiting by the forwards, allowing Darryl Tuimeseve to score Victoria’s applied pressure mid way through the first half and Mark Euese out of defence by Mark Yantz taking play into the opposition half

38 39 and a great turnover of the ball by the resolute Vic forwards finally The Victoria pressure was building and further incursions into mention to Tangaroa Hosea Senior and young son Trevor, VICTORIA U14 SQUAD 2010 saw Ta Hosea crash over out wide. Josh Coward narrowly missed the ACT half saw the ball passed out wide to Ikapote Tupai, who as team assistants, and Rika Sa`aga for his specialised PLAYER CLUB the conversion attempt. flashed over near the corner for the Vics fourth try. assistance with the forwards.

The second half saw a repeat of the first, with a series of raids by RJ Sa`aga Northern Panthers The ACT were not done and came back strongly, only to be • Events Worldwide (Kirsten) for their assistance in team Southern Inland were repelled by dogged defence. Victoria finally denied at the last minute by an immense defensive display travel arrangements throughout the season. Nicholas Gillies Harlequins got on a roll; with successive driving mauls putting the boys close from Sola, who, by games end, had made at least six try saving Josh Coward Eltham to the line and the ever present Anthony Uili drove through the tackles. Sola capped of an immense game by fielding an ACT kick The season 2011 will be a great opportunity to build on this pack to dive over for the Vics second try. out of defence, by slicing through on a 30m run to go over for his Paul Amataga Moorabbin team’s success and strengthen our ties and rivalry with the ACT, Victoria was narrowly denied a third try, when another stunning second. and to continue participation in the NSWJRU Championships. Brandyn Folau Southern Districts long range run by Mark Yantz, followed by a chip and chase saw Final score: Victoria 27 (Sa’aga 2; Laloifi 2; Tupai tries, Hutchison Tangaroa Hosea Boorondara him just beaten in the dive to the ball by a desperate Southern conversion), ACT 8 (try, penalty) Inland defence. Lorenzo Fiu Melton Outstanding players for Victoria: Final score: Victoria 10 (Hosea, Uili tries), Southern Inland 0 Ta Hosea, Sola Laloifi, Henry Hutchison, Lorenzo Fiu Kai Haywood Southern Districts Outstanding players for Victoria: Henry Stowers Boorondara Josh Coward, Anthony Uili & Mark Yantz Sione Tuipulotu Southern Districts

Game 2:Victoria vs ACT Mathew Euese Moorabbin U14 2010 PLAYERS AWARDS The final game for the Victorian U14 team was an absolute Chuckle Sae Powerhouse classic against the ACT. A sense of something special could be U14 Player of the Year: Tangaroa Hosea Henry Hutchison St Kevin’s / Melbourne felt during the relaxed warm up, with all the boys wanting to finish the season on a high note. Most Valuable Player- Backs: Sola Laloifi Latu Tauali Maroondah The game started brightly, with the Vics making an early break, Mark Yantz Southern Districts Coaches Award: Rhys Griffiths, Brandyn Folau only for the game to be stopped to allow Sola Laloifi to remove a Irwin Samoa Northern Panthers toddler from the field! From the restart, great work from Chuckle Joshua Kanongata`a Powerhouse Sae at the breakdown gave the Vics some much needed ball, but SPECIAL THANKS the Vics were put under pressure by a series of ACT raids and On behalf of the Victoria U14s, we would like to thank the Ikapote Tupa`i Endeavour Hills were only denied points by outstanding last gasp cover defence following people and organisations for all their help during the tackling from Sola keeping them out. However, the pressure took Jessie Leiataua Endeavour Hills 2010 season. its toll and the ACT finally crossed the line for a try. Sola Laloifi Northern Panthers

Victoria responded immediately and after demolishing the ACT Rhys Griffiths Eltham / Ivanhoe scrum, Matt Euese pounced on a loose ball and raced for the line, Major Team Sponsors: Frank Uini Endeavour Hills only to be pulled up short. However, from the ensuing Maul, RJ • The BFA Group, for their generous support. Sa`aga crashed over to score. Anthony Uili Northern Panthers • Core Electrical, for their generous support. The ACT attacked the Vics again and caught the Vics offside just Darryl Tuimeseve Northern Panthers out from the 22 and coolly slotted over the penalty. Luteru Leota Powerhouse Clubs & Associations Half time: Victoria 5 ACT 8. Tom Badcock Box Hill Victoria kicked off to start the second half, and as the ACT player • Endeavour Hills Rugby club, for allowing the squad to caught the ball, he was met by Ta Hosea, who drove him back use their facilities for selection trials & ongoing training Craig Semisi Northern Panthers 10m in the tackle! From the ensuing ruck, a break by Chuckle venues. Nameli Ulusolo Moorabbin Sae was supported by RJ Sa`aga, who went over for his second Ross Saunders Head Coach / Box Hill try of the match. The conversion by Henry Hutchison was • The VRRU for providing match officials for the selections successful. trials. Lachlan Strauss Coach / Southern Districts

From the restart, the ACT were slow to come up in defence when • VRU for their ongoing support for the Junior Rep Programs. Mick Stevens Manager Henry Hutchison sliced through, ably supported by Sola, who Murray Whitelaw Trainer / Southern Districts went over for his first. • All the parents for their help throughout the season, special

40 41 decision making allowed Downs to regain possession in the Vics 22. TOUR PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

The second half was a real arm wrestle with neither team able While reaching the semis was a positive, the actual semi result to take control. Most play was between the 22s. A difficult shot was disappointing. Opportunities were there to win and play for at goal was missed by the Vics. Ill discipline let the Vics down, the title. Both games against Downs showed that teams had Victorian U15 2010 State Team Report with players reacting to the continual sniping from several Downs researched the Vic’s strengths and weaknesses- a compliment boys. in itself. Many of the Vics are likely to figure in the 2011 U16 program and are sure to acquit themselves well. The game finished in a draw with both teams feeling they had let the other off the hook. PLAYERS AWARDS SELECTION PROCESS Final score: Victoria 11 (Maori try, Kajer 2 penalties), Final score: Victoria 5 (Maori try), Darling Downs 5 Due to the short time frame afforded to the group, there was Brisbane North 0 Coaches Award: Phillip Maori Elijah Emani and Jack Blair only time to hold one day of trials, which were held on 18th July. Best for Victoria were: daY 1, GAme 2: vs Townsville The trials was run strictly for the U15 age group, and given that Most Valuable Player- Backs: Nicholas Stevens After a full day’s rain, Victoria’s Eltham and Maroondah contingent daY 3, GAme 4(Major Semi): vs Brisbane South the U16 squad was still running around with large numbers, the was itching for a crack at Townsville, as the conditions of the Everyone was looking forward to this game, a chance to make management group were very pleased to have 69 players turn up Most Valuable Player- Forwards: Tangaroa Hosea pitch were right up their alley! And so it proved, with Alitasi the final! Unfortunately the Vics started slowly with South scoring to trial. Not only were the numbers good, but also the quality of Tuituiohu, Brad Graf, Josh guy, Elliot Bennie and Daniel Roberts early. This woke the boys up and the intensity lifted. Playing into Special Thanks players was at a good level too. revelling in the conditions. Although limited with attacking a strong wind the plan was to keep things tight. Strong runs from On behalf of the Victoria U15s, we would like to thank the From the trial, an initial squad of 21 players was selected, and opportunities, Bennie kept his opponent out of the game, whilst the forwards, with Ta Hosea prominent, regularly forced South to following people & organisations for all their help during the 2010 after reviewing the resources available, the final squad of 23 was the Vic back row of Hosea, Kennedy, Guy, O’Donnell and Wheeler dig deep. Set pieces were again good with Wheeler winning good season. announced to represent Victoria at the 2010 Queensland Junior snuffed out any possession/attacks for Townsville all game. The lineout ball and disrupting south. Team Sponsors: Rugby Union State Championships. momentum in the first half was all Victoria’s, with a mountain of Half time saw South up by 5 but with the wind at our backs the possession and territory, the Vics crossed Townsville line for three Vics were confident. Initially the game was even before the Vics • Schweppes; for the Gatorade © supply, c/o Julian Rapkins 2010 QJRU State Championships tries, two to Daniel Roberts and one to the rampant Tangaroa worked their way on top, the forwards laying a steady platform. The Victorian U15 was accepted to participate in the 2010 QJRU • Ocean/Earth; James Cregan & the team at Ocean/Earth Hosea, with a penalty and conversion to Puna Kajer. The last 10 minutes saw the Vics camped in their opponent’s 22; State Championships, September 20th - 22nd, held at Stockland for their generous supply of Surf Tee Shirts - our unofficial The second half proved to be a slog in the mud as the conditions however, small errors and decision making along with determined Park, Kiwana, on the Sunshine Coast. tour uniform! worsened making it hard to take control of the game. The Vics defence saw the Vics fail to capitalise. The final whistle came with • Barry Brothers for their generous support The team was accommodated at the Mooloolaba back packers kept plugging away and were finally rewarded with the fourth South winning 5 nil. for the duration of the Championships, sharing the complex bonus point try when RJ Sa`aga forced his way over. A disappointing end to a promising performance. It should be Clubs & Associations with teams from the Northern Territories and Papua New Guinea The score line was no indictor for the game, with Townsville noted TEN Brisbane South boys were selected to play for City (PNG). This arrangement naturally led to the players bonding with • Endeavour Hills Rugby club, for allowing the boys to use constantly pressuring everything at the breakdown and resolute against Country, with SIX of them receiving full Queensland each other at the games, culminating in a huge support for PNG`s their facilities for selection trials, ongoing training venue & defence constantly stopping several raids. We believe that in honours. The Vics can be proud. practice match. games on day 3. It was fantastic to hear the Vic’s theme song different conditions, this game may have been a classic. Best for the Vics: Ta Hosea and Nick Stevens sung out loud and hearing the PNG`s song in return! • Box Hill Rugby club for acting as hosts for pre-tour Final score: Victoria 25 (Roberts 2, Hosea, Sa’aga tries, Kajer presentation penalty, conversion), Townsville 0 daY 3, GAme 5(3rd/4th playoff): vs Darling Downs daY 1, GAme 1: vs Brisbane North After the letdown of a narrow semi final loss the team had to • Eltham Rugby Club, for acting as hosts for our last practice Game 1 started as a blur, with the Brisbane North side placing daY 2, GAme 3: vs Darling Downs regroup and switch back on. A reshuffled line up started slowly match & putting on an evening meal for the squads. Very immense pressure immediately in the Vics 22, with only with basic errors placing unnecessary pressure on the defence. Due to a quirk in the draw our only game was at 4.50pm. This grateful on a cold, wet, miserable evening! desperate defence keeping them out. North’s first clear chance It was a game that never really flowed with Downs again content made it difficult to keep the boys busy without tiring them out and • The VRRU for providing match officials for the selections came when they broke out down the right flank, only to be met to slow down the Vics’ ball. The scrum in particular was again keeping them focused. trial. by a classic bone shaking tackle from Nick Stevens to prevent dominant; however, this advantaged was never really used fully. a possible try. The Vic forwards, led superbly by Andrew Barber, A tight game from the start against a determined team who put • VRU for their ongoing support for the Junior Rep Programs. No score in the first half summed up the game. Incredibly started to assert their dominance up front and finally the Vics had in a bit of niggle, while not quite crossing the line to illegalities! the referee asked the Vics scrum to “back off” such was the • Events Worldwide (Kirsten) for their help in all the travel some go forward ball. Repeated errors made by North led to a The Vic forwards again dominated at scrum time, winning our dominance in this phase of the game! The second half saw more arrangements. penalty to Puna Kajer. This rattled Norths, who made eight tactical ball comfortably while disrupting Darling Downs ball. The break of the same. Neither team really on top. A late try to Downs saw • Mooloolaba Back Packers - An excellent accommodation substitutions at once, with Norths playing with 17 players for a down saw Downs spoil, slow our ball preventing any real flow to them come out on top 5 nil. venue, perfect for the team. couple of minutes before the referee was informed. the game. Shortly before half time sustained pressure thru the forwards created space out wide for Phil Maori to dive over in the SIX Downs players were selected to play for Country against City • QJRU - For accepting our application to joining in the Another penalty to Kajer saw the Vics go 6-0 up and the game corner to give the Vics the lead. with TWO receiving full Queensland honours. Championships opened up as both sides tried to gain the upper hand. After a series of mauls, Phillip Maori crashed over for the Vics only try. Downs responded promptly after a poor kick off reception and Best for the Vics: Ta Hosea, Andrew Barber and Daniel Roberts • Josh Philpot & Tyronne Mitchell - For helping get the U15

42 43 program up & running through the VRU board. Ross Saunders Head Coach / Box Hill • The support team of Rika Sa`aga, Ta Hosea, team aides Wayne Hull Coach / Southern districts & bus drivers, Nadine Dowie, & Murray Whitelaw, who’s invaluable help in atrocious weather conditions ensured Lachlan Strauss Coach / Southern districts Victorian 2010 U16 State Team Report that the boys spirits were always high. Rika Sa`aga Scrum Coach / Northern

• The small group of parents, family & supporters who made Mick Stevens Manager their voices heard during each game. Mark Graf Trainer / Eltham This Championship proved to be an ideal opportunity to Tangaroa Hosea (snr) Team Assistant / Boroondara SELECTION PROCESS we were anticipating a very hard game to gauge our develop- strengthen the VRU Junior Rep pathway and helped continue to Open selection trials were held on May 2nd and 5th at the ment as a team. The ACT ran out winners by 39-12 but it gave expose, encourage and assist individual players to perform at a Northern Panthers grounds at Thornbury with a large turnout a number of boys vying for final selection an opportunity to push higher, more intensive level, and would be considered an ideal VICTORIA U16 NATIONAL SQUAD of approximately 140 players. The large number of players and for a place in the team. I am pleased to say that the behavior and lead in to help build up for the U16 nationals. PLAYER CLUB the depth of talent encouraged the selection of 80 players to discipline from all the boys whilst away was excellent, whether on VICTORIA U15 NATIONAL SQUAD commence training in mid May with a view towards establishing or off the field. Thanks go to Mick Stevens from the Vic U14 team Ephraim Lesa Eltham an U16 development squad to participate in the Southern States for arranging the games and accommodation for this trip. PLAYER CLUB Moli So’ oaemalelagi Northern carnival in June. Our last game prior to the nationals was against another English RJ Sa`aga Northern Panthers Siotame Kavapalu Box Hill Unfortunately the U16 A development team did not eventuate college, The Bedford School, and was played at the Powerhouse Joe Letoga Northern Nicholas Gillies Harlequins / St Kevin’s due to the Southern States carnival not going ahead in 2010. It is grounds at Albert Park on Sunday 15th August. Once again the Sean Saunders Box Hill imperative for both the U16 and U18 program that this tourna- Victorian U16 players participated in the billeting of the Bedford Alitasi Tuituiohu Maroondah ment goes ahead in 2011 due to the difficulty for both of these players whilst they were in Melbourne. Also playing against Jonah Pua Wyndham Tangaroa Hosea Boroondara teams to get high quality matches leading up to their national Bedford on the day was a Melbourne High School invitational side Josh Della Maddalena St Kevin’s/Box Hill competitions. and the Victorian U18 State team. Ben Wheeler Harlequins Fereti Sa’aga Northern Closed selection trials were conducted on the Queen’s Birthday Being a large school and with rugby as one of their main sports, Joshua Guy Maroondah Josh Taylor Wyndham weekend in June and as a result of these games the squad was we were expecting a tough encounter against Bedford and they Will Rapkins Moorabbin Pat Toeta Melbourne High/Moorabbin reduced down to 40 players. did not let us down. As this was our last match before finalising the team for the nationals, a large squad was selected to give as Jack Kennedy Harlequins Hayden Whitelaw Southern Following the game against the Bedford School from England the many players as possible the opportunity to impress. Although final squad for the nationals, in late September, was announced Lochie O`Donnell Harlequins Niua-Finau Puaka St Kevin’s/Wyndham Victoria won the game, 24-0 it was closely contested and allowed on August 15th. Nigel Tanuvasa Northern the coaches to see how the players performed under pressure. Phillip Maori Powerhouse Prior to the nationals, a number of games were played against Kemueli Valetini Harlequins Thanks go to Rob Shields from Melbourne Grammar for organis- Sola Laloifi Northern Panthers opposition from two visiting English School teams and also the ing the games and billets and to Dean Xavier from Powerhouse Junior Laloifi Northern ACT U16 team. Puna Kajer Southern Districts for allowing us to use their grounds. Tuongo Samasoni Wyndham The first of these matches was against Dulwich College from Samuel Ikihega Southern Districts Liam Foster Box Hill England and played on Sunday 25th July at Scotch College. In The ARU National U16 Championships, Brad Graf Eltham the tradition of rugby at a schoolboy level, the Vic U16 squad Uelese Va Moorabbin St Ignatious College Lane Cove NSW participated in the billeting of the Dulwich boys whilst they were Daniel Roberts Maroondah Harrison Mahony Box Hill in Melbourne. The match was our first hit out as a squad and After months of training and preparation we flew to Sydney on Brandyn Folau Southern Districts Amanaki Holani Geelong we were looking for the boys to be challenged as this game was Sunday 26th September confident that we had the players to compete at this level. Our first game was eagerly anticipated by Elijah Emani Powerhouse Luke Marriott St Kevin’s the first step towards selecting the final team for the nationals. Even though Victoria ran out eventual winners, Dulwich ensured all and 10am on Monday the 27th could not come quick enough. Suaesi Iosua Endeavour Elliot Bennie Eltham we had to play the game out to the finish. Thanks go to Dylan Harry Pesaleli Moorabbin Mathew Botte Haileybury College Coleman from Scotch College for organising the billets and for the GAme 1: Sydney Juniors, Monday 27th September use of their grounds. Going into this match we felt that we had an opportunity to upset Jack Blair Southern Districts Sydney as it was their first game. Unfortunately we let them get David (Dai) Edwards Head Coach Our second game was against the ACT U16 team in Wagga Nicholas Stevens Box Hill away in the first half and even though we were more competitive Ruhan van Zyl Assistant Coach on Sunday 8th August and 27 players were selected from the in the second half Sydney won 34-14. Andrew Barber Moorabbin Greg Hanslow Manager extended squad to play. We travelled to Wagga by bus with the VRU U14 team, leaving on the Saturday morning and returning Levi Dowie Southern Districts Bryan Robertson Physio late on Sunday night. As the ACT was in our pool at the nationals

44 45 GAme 2: Queensland Red, Tuesday 28th September The boys were a credit to Victorian rugby both on and off the This was always going to be a difficult match, against the top field and should be congratulated on their behaviour. The ARU Queensland team and backing up from a game on the Monday. commented at the farewell luncheon that the overall behaviour Queensland ran out winners 45-7 but the boys were competitive was the best of any U16 national tournament and the Victorian and signs were good for our following matches. boys certainly contributed to that high standard. Victorian 2010 U18 State Team Report

GAme 3: ACT Brumbies, Thursday 30th September PLAYERS AWARDS The squad was quietly confident going into this match and with Victoria leading at half time we knew that the ACT would come Phil Gyles Medal for the player of the year: 2010 has seen 68 young Victorians represent their state during and direct rugby by the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team’s forwards back hard. This was a game where we were presented with many Moli So’ oaemalelagi the VSRU schools competitions. Victoria entered 2 teams into the saw blindside flanker Keron Kola Buckle barge over near the opportunities to win but unfortunately we had still not learnt that Division II championships held in Geelong and entered 1 team right upright for the first try of the match. Inside centre, Andrew VRU State Under 16 Best Back: Niua-Finau Puaka to compete at this level you must embrace every opportunity into the Division 1 competition held in Brisbane. Muirhead converted to give the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team a 7-0 otherwise the other team will, ACT eventually ran out winners This again shows what a great depth Victoria has in the rugby advantage. Shortly after the kick off a Lloyd Mc Dermott Team’s VRU State Under 16 Best Forward: Josh Della Maddalena 33-24. Everyone was disappointed with the result but our focus community. kick was charged down close to their line. A Victorian player dived now turned to our next game against NSW Country. on the ball and headed towards the line only to be bundled into SPECIAL THANKS DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIPS touch by a try saving tackle from outside centre Rendy Mam and GAme 4: NSW Country, Friday 1st October My thanks to the coaching and medical staff who were part of Victorian Schools Presidents XV reserve halfback, Jimi Jak Catmore. Even though we had lost two key players to injury, the feeling the team at the nationals, Dai Edwards-Head Coach, Ruhan van Midway through the second half both teams made a lot of within the team was that if we played to our potential a win was Zyl-Assistant Coach, Bryan Robertson-Physio. Victorian Presidents XV vs Lloyd McDermott changes. The momentum swung and Victoria went on the attack a very realistic goal. Once again even though Victoria led at half The match started in some slippery conditions with a strong Thanks also to the following for supporting the program in 2010, camping in the opposition’s half for 10mins, showing good con- time and playing good rugby we let Country back into the game northerly breeze favouring the Lloyd McDermott Indigenous Team. Murray Whitelaw-Medical support, Sandy Ash-Medical support, tinuity and determination, but some great defence by the Lloyd and they went on to win 27-15. The Lloyd Mc Dermott Team began the game by challenging the Paul Hamer-Coaching support, Northern Rugby Club-grounds for Mc Dermott Team and a good clearing kick saw them get out Victorians with a spirited war dance. The Lloyd Mc Dermott Team The entire squad was disappointed that we did not achieve our trials, Harlequins Rugby Club-Grounds and equipment for training of trouble. With this momentum shifted back with the Lloyd Mc started well dominating possession and territory with a strong goal of winning the Nick Farr Jones trophy, but I am confident that and games, Powerhouse Rugby Club-Grounds and equipment for Dermott Team. They controlled the ball in midfield waiting for a pick and go and kicking game, but some good line defence from all the players will benefit from competing at this level as they training and games. gap, showing good patience. Reserve halfback Jimi Jak Catmore the Victorian Schools lead to the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team being continue playing rugby. darted to the blind, he made half a break before off loading to unable to capitalise with points. inside centre Andrew Muirhead who ran 40m to score a good try. 10 minutes into the game, Victoria finally had the opportunity to The conversion was successful making the score 14-0. attack inside the opposition half. Some good build up work by The game finished with Victoria amassing a great deal of the forwards created some momentum and space out wide, but pressure on the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team’s line, displaying good a soft turnover from a poor kick option saw the pressure amount grit and determination. But they were unable to penetrate the to nothing. Some elusive runs from the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team’s Lloyd Mc Dermott Team’s defence and the score finished 14-0 to outside centre, Rendy Mam and strong runs off the back of the the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team. Both teams were guilty of trying to scrum by Alick Gaidan resulted in some good field position for the play dry weather football in wet conditions at critical times. This Lloyd Mc Dermott Team. However some great scrambling defence resulted in a lot of handling errors and loss of opportunities by Victorian Schools and big tackles by inside centre, Nuia Puaka saw the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team still unable to put points on the Victorian Presidents XV vs Northern Territory board. The game was played in windy conditions on a slippery surface. The first half was categorized by dominance in territory and The Northern Territory started the game with a strong wind possession by the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team. Some good forward at their backs and an eagerness to make up for their poor play was being constructed by the Lloyd Mc Dermott Team, and performance on Saturday. halfback Dean Phillips looked dangerous running from halfback. Victoria got off to good start dominating early possession and A good battle developed between opposite centres Rendy Mam, territory, displaying good poise in attack and defence. This domi- Lloyd McDermott Team, and Nuia Puaku, Victorian Schools. nance led to their first try. Their big pack won a scrum against the However, poor handling skills from both teams resulted in the head and number eight, Fereti Saaga made a strong run down score still being locked at 0-0. field before offloading to Tim Crundall who crossed the line for the The second half began similarly to the first half, the Lloyd Mc first try of the game. The conversion was missed. Dermott Team controlled possession and territory. Some tough The Northern Territory finally got their hands on the ball and

46 played a forward orientated game, concentrating on one out team kept their heads up and continued to fight even though they At halftime the Lloyd McDermott Team were all over the Victorian VICTORIAn schools president’s xv team forward runners. However the big Victorian forwards combated were clearly out of the game by midway through the second half President’s XV. With the ball they always looked threatening. Their PLAYER CLUB this with some massive tackles, but they couldn’t keep up this was good to see. They never gave up, showing great spirit and big powerful forwards were making half breaks around the fringes brutal defence and eventually gave away a penalty. The Northern resilience. A special mention must also go to their second rowers of the ruck and the backs were executing set plays with great Jacob Steinhart Trinity Grammar Territory turned down the opportunity to kick a penalty, instead Brad Hogan and Jackson Wright who worked tirelessly all game. accuracy and finding holes in the Victorian defence. This gave opting to kick for touch. The lineout was turned over cheaply and Victorian Schools Presidents XV 38 (Tim Crundall try, Jerry them a lead of 15-3 at halftime. Jesse Drummond Wyndham Rhinos the pressure was relieved. Mataupu try, Rhys Rumley try, Nuia Puaku 3 tries 4 con) defeated Victoria needed to come out firing in the second half if they were Dean Phillips St Kevin’s College Northern Territory Schools 7 (Jarrad Rees try, Brad Hogan con) Victorian, Fereit Saaga made another good run and put his to have any chance of winning, and that’s just what they did. team on the front foot. From their Victoria sent the ball wide and Good possession and concerted pressure on the Lloyd McDermott Matt Dewar St Patrick’s College outside centre, Rhys Rumley went over for a try. The conversion Team’s defence allowed them to score the first points of the Niua Puaka St Kevin’s College was missed. Shortly after the kickoff Victoria crossed for another Victorian Schools President’s XV vs Lloyd McDermott second half. Matt Dewar scored a close range try after a strong Rugby Development Team try. A piercing run from Victorian fullback Will Dewhurst, who pick and go. The conversion was successful. This put the score at Rhys Rumley Guiford Young College, Tas was eventually hammered in solid tackle by Jackson Wright, put The final of the Division II Championships was played out fiercely 15-10, and Victoria right back in the game. Victoria in a good position after a wayward kick started the move- Alex Faure Trinity Grammar by two teams that had not lost a competition game. Earlier in Unfortunately Victoria switched off after the try was scored ment. After some enterprising forward play prop Jerry Mataupu the week the Lloyd McDermott Team defeated the Victorians and the Lloyd McDermott Team scored from the kick off. Lloyd Jo Letoga Northern Panthers scored a try. The kick was converted by Niua Puaku. President’s XV 10-0 in a non-competition fixture. Since then, McDermott Team’s winger Tibian Wyles showed great athleticism Victoria once again found themselves in good field position and each side had won every game they played. It shaped up to be a to regather the ball from the kick off and charge down the left Chris Scott Scotch College looked like they were going to score another try when Noa Noa game worthy of a final. sideline to score a try, which included a well worked, perhaps Fereti Saaga Northern Panthers ran through a gap, but when the ball went to ground and the The Lloyd McDermott Team started better than Victoria. They rehearsed, swan dive. Andrew Muirhead converted. This stretched Northern Territory kicked long. A great chase from Northern controlled most of the territory, brought about by some good the Lloyd McDermott Team’s lead to 12 points. Moli Sooaemalelagi Northern Panthers Territory players signified that they weren’t going to give up kicks and ball running. However they were unable to capitalise Despite this, Victoria continued to push for a win. They displayed despite being down on the score board. The ball was toed ahead Tim Crundall Trinity Grammar on the early advantage due to some great clearing kicks and great energy and enthusiasm. This caused their third try. A huge and Northern Territory flanker, Jarrad Rees collected the ball and line defence from Victoria, but this defence couldn’t last forever deal of pressure put on a Lloyd McDermott clearance resulted Doug Murray Melbourne Grammar scored under the posts. Second rower, Brad Hogan converted and eventually the Lloyd McDermott Team crossed for the first in a charge down. Victorian Jesse Drummond collected the making the half time score 17-7 in Victoria’s favour. points of the match. The Lloyd McDermott Team’s winger Andrew loose ball and scored, displaying good footwork and pace in the Noa Noa Moorabbin Rams In the second half Victoria’s inside centre, Nuia Puaku was the Muirhead caught a poor clearance at halfway, he raced down the process. Nuia Puaku converted the pressure kick and reduced the James Habla Geelong Grammar stand out player. He made a long line break early in the half and left touchline showing plenty of pace. He then threw an inside ball Lloyd McDermott Team’s lead to five points. crashed over for three tries. The first try came from a slick back- to Ray Buchanan. Buchanan, just metres from the line offloaded Luke Crameri Brighton Grammar However, this was as close as Victoria would get to winning. The line play off a five metre scrum. The Victorian forwards fought well to prop Blake Cullen. Cullen drove his way over the line for the Lloyd McDermott Team turned the ball over from the kick off and for this opportunity showing good determination to retain the ball. first try of the match. The conversion was missed. John Batina Northern Panthers slowly progressed towards the Victorian line showing patience The conversion was successful. His second try came from similar Victorian President’s XV finally stopped the Lloyd McDermott and composure, and after a spirited build up by the forwards, Max Dawson St Kevin’s College circumstances. Victoria were awarded a penalty and kicked to the Team’s dominance of territory midway through the first half, lucky hooker Jordan Walker scored the decisive try near the right posts corner. The backs spread the ball wide from the lineout, and the Jerry Mataupu Endeavour Hills to only concede five points. They showed composure beyond their with only minutes remaining. The conversion was unsuccessful. Northern Territory defended it well. Puaku followed the play and years to work their way out of their half and pressure the Lloyd At the final whistle the Lloyd McDermott Team were ahead 27-17. Carrick Dalton Geelong Grammar from quick ball pick and go’d just metres from the line scoring McDermott Team’s defence. A penalty goal kicked by Nuia Puaku a try near the right post. He converted the try and extended They were undoubtedly the best team on the day and the most put them on the scoreboard, but the Lloyd McDermott Team still Moto Sofele Wyndham Rhinos consistent team of the tournament, not losing a game. If the Victoria’s lead to 24 points. lead 5-3. Victorian President’s XV’s concentration had not lapsed at critical The final try of the day was worked by the backs but credit must Will Dewhurst Melbourne Grammar The Lloyd McDermott Team responded well to Victoria’s points. stages of the game the score line could be different, but the Lloyd go to the forwards for creating the opportunity. They provided They scored two quick tries and showed off some of the form McDermott Team were the deserved winners of the champion- Maeli Sepelini Wyndham Rhinos good go forward for the backs to attack. Once the backs had they displayed on the previous day’s play. Jonathon Jones scored ships and out-played Victoria in the final. the ball they showed good execution in scoring a try. Nuia Puaku the first of these. From a 5m scrum in the right corner of the field, powered his way over to complete his hat trick despite a good Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team 27 (Blake Cullen try, the Lloyd McDermott Team’s backs hit the ball up in centre field. tackle being made on him by Northern Territory winger Jarrod Jayden Hodges try, Jordan Walker try, Tibian Wyles try, Jonathon David Edwards Head Coach Then they swept back to the blind side and created an overlap. Donovan. The conversion was successful making the final score Jones try, Andrew Muirhead con) defeated Victorian Schools Jones scored in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful. Marco Damico Assistant Coach 38-7. President’s XV 17 (Jesse Drummond try, Matt Dewar try, Nuia Halfback Jayden Hodges scored the other try. Jordan Walker took Puaku two con, one pen). Victoria clearly dominated the game. Their forwards provided a quick tap near the Victorian line. He looked like scoring himself, Tyronne Mitchell Manager a good set piece and the backs executed their plays with good but unselfishly offloaded the ball to Hodges to avoid being held Bryan Robertson Physio accuracy. Despite this the way in which the Northern Territory up. The conversion was unsuccessful.

48 49 Victorian Schools 2nd XV The build up to the try featured great grit and spirit. Outside Wilcox score the match winning try in the corner. The conversion The match started evenly, with both teams having an equal share centre, Issac Taulelei crossed the line in near the ruck after a very was missed. of territory and possession, but it was Victoria that struck first. Victorian vs. Northern Territory direct build up. After a good build up of Victorian forward dominance near the Western Australia Schools 8 (Tom Wilcox try, Jack Ellis pen kick) Conditions were once again very greasy and slippery. Despite South Australian line, outside centre Alan Faalauau collected the The final score was 39-12 to Victoria, but the match was a lot defeated Victorian Schools 2nd XV 7 (Sam Williams try, Tim this, a very entertaining style of rugby was played. The Northern ball at the back of the ruck and drove over the line to add to his closer than what the scoreboard signified with some poor lapses Carmon con). Territory team lined up against a much bigger team when they impressive try scoring record. The conversion was unsuccessful. throughout the game costing the Northern Territory dearly. played Victorian Schools 2nd XV, but they did not appear to be Victorian Schools 2nd XV vs. Victorian Schools Victoria also had their fair share of chances to score points. The intimidated in the slightest way. Victorian Schools vs Western Australia Schools President’s XV two most promising of these from the first half came from strong Victoria started very well crossing for an early try off the back of Conditions were a lot better on the second day of play. Underfoot The second game of the day was an epic struggle between the rolling mauls. The first was driven 20m before losing momentum a great lineout. A slick back line play saw powerhouse outside it was a bit slippery, but the sun was shining. A reasonable wind two Victorian sides in the tournament. The match was played just metres from the line. The second came from a 5m lineout. centre Alan Faalauau sprint 40m to score the opening try of the advantage favoured Western Australia in the first half. out in atrocious conditions. Victoria II had the wind advantage in South Australia managed to maul the ball to the try line but a poor the first half. They put enormous pressure on the President’s XV game. The conversion was successful. Faalauau was in on the Western Australia had a spirited start, controlling early possession handling error at the back cost them a certain try. defence, playing the entire first half of the game in the first, but action again when he made a clean line break from a kick return. and territory. This lead to the first points scoring opportunity of At halftime the score was 5-0 to Victoria. Both sides were very the President’s XV water tight defence was outstanding. Victoria II He unloaded the ball to another player, but a poor handling error the game, a penalty goal shot. Western Australia fly half, Jack much still in the contest, but if South Australia were to come could only manage a 3-0 lead at half time. The penalty goal was resulted in a try going begging with the line open. Ellis made no mistake, giving Western Australia an early lead 3-0. back, they would need to show the back line flare that had served kicked by Tim Carman. Victoria made a promising response. They made their way down Victoria continued to dominate possession and territory after them so well in the previous games. field showing good patience and continuity. Continual pressure The second half was very physical, either team unwilling to give making their way down field again. The forwards gave good Victoria started the second half well. Their big forward pack made gave them their first attacking opportunity of the game inside the an inch. Only one clean line break was made. Victorian Presi- go forward with some effective pick and go before Faalauau good ground up the centre of the field, and some surging runs opposition half, a five metre scrum. The backs shifted the ball dent’s XV Noa Noa went through the ruck and looked like he was scored his second try down the blind side. The conversion was from flankers Aaron Wendt and Blain Brown put them in good wide and outside centre, Allan Faalavaa made a half break, and going to score. Only a desperate tackle to stop him by Victoria II’s unsuccessful. It appeared as though Victoria were going to field position. Victoria continued to use the forwards, pick and gos managed to offload the ball to Sam Williams who went over for a Rudi Yakapo prevented the try. dominate the game all day, but the Northern Territory fought back and one off runners to consistently take them forward. Winger, try. Tim Carmon converted and Victoria held the lead at 7-3. hard. Their first opportunity with the ball in the opposition half President’s XV kicking tactics were incredibly effective. It gave Alex Tuilau eventually scored a try from a pick and go. The was promising. Inside centre, Israel Mofalesi ran straight and The remainder of the half was contested very evenly. Good them a domination of field position and gave them good attacking conversion was again unsuccessful. hard, carrying three Victorian players with him over the line. The scrambling defence from Victoria denied Western Australia from opportunities. A penalty goal kick from President’s XV inside South Australia hit back well. They dominated possession and Northern Territory converted. The score stood at 12-7 in Victoria’s capitalising on the wind advantage. The constant handling errors centre, Nuia Puaku evened the score midway through the second applied good defensive pressure when they didn’t have the ball. favour. from both teams prevented running rugby and any real attacking half. The President’s XV continued to attack with aggressive These traits brought about their first try. Victoria dropped the ball threats out wide. Some Individual highlights from the first half running and clever kicks. This earned them another penalty goal The Northern Territory relaxed in the final 10 minutes of the half near their own line after enormous pressure was put on their ruck was some good ball running from Victoria’s Stefan Prelevic and opportunity inside the opposition’s half. But this time the kick was and Victoria capitalized, scoring two tries. Inside centre, Dan and halfback. South Australian fly-half Billy Macklin collected the Western Australia’s Allan Faalavaa. much harder, 5m in from touch and 35m out. Nuia Puaku lined Cullinane showed good strength when he fended and went over ball and scored a well earned try in the right corner. He converted up the difficult kick and was successful putting the President’s XV for a try which was set up by a good run from blind side flanker, A few stern words in Western Australia’s camp appeared to have his own try and put the score at 10-7. into the lead for the first time 6-3. been muttered because they seemed to come out a different Stofan Peevecic. The other try came from a stolen lineout near South Australia put itself back into the game with this try, but team after half time. Western Australia started the second This change in score sparked Victoria II into action. They lifted the Northern Territory line. Winger, Alex Tulau crashed over for a they fell asleep after the Victorian kick off. Victoria turned the ball half well, looking to move the ball wide and playing with a fast the tempo of the game and applied enormous pressure to the try in close to the ruck. At half time the score stood at 24-7 in over inside South Australia’s half. Victoria sent it wide and speedy intensity, but it is hard to keep this style of rugby up when you’re President’s XV defence. However the President’s XV showed Victoria’s favour. winger, Jordan Dadzie shot down the line, he offloaded to Blain playing into the wind. Victoria played smart rugby and used the extraordinary fight and grit holding Victoria II out and holding onto The second half began poorly for the Northern Territory with Brown. Brown drew in the South Australian fullback and passed to wind well putting a real emphasise on kicking the ball long. their lead. The game was a very tough physical encounter. Both Victorian winger, Alex Tulau collecting a cross field kick and Alan Faalauau. Faalauau scored his second try of the game near The forwards showed good determination to hold onto the ball teams showed great mateship and determination in the way they scoring in the right corner. Victoria continued to dominate quickly the posts. Stefan Prelevic converted to make the final score 17-7 mounting a lot of pressure on Western Australia, and eventually played and fought until the final whistle blew. scoring another try. This time fullback, Tim Carman made a pierc- to Victoria. made a break. Big number eight, Epati Pailia ran through a gap ing run from a kick return. He linked up with support and followed Victorian Schools President’s XV 6 (Nuia Puaku 2 pen) defeated near the ruck and found himself in space, but Western Australia’s Victorian Schools 2nd XV 17: Alan Taalauau 2 tries, Alex Tuilau the ball. It found its way back into his arms and he crossed for a Victorian Schools 2nd XV (Tim Carman pen). Isaiah Rehutai made a fantastic one on one try saving tackle that try, Stefan Prelevic con) defeated South Australian Schools 7 (Billy good try. kept Western Australia in the game. Victorian Schools 2nd XV vs South Australian Schools Macklin try con). Victoria’s final try was scored by Faalauau. He crossed for his With this tackle the momentum swung and Western Australia Both sides had had a disappointing campaign thus far. Victoria third try after running a good inside line off Ryour Caston- Joios. went on the attack. A huge clearing kick and good chase put a was the strong favourite to win the Division II Championships and He ran straight back into the forwards and steam rolled through lot pressure on Victoria and resulted in Western Australia being South Australia, despite playing some good rugby, were yet to win them leaving a path of destruction behind him. The conversion awarded a scrum five metres out from Victoria’s line. The backs a game. was missed and the score stood at 39-7 to Victoria. hit the ball up in the centre field. Then Western Australia came Conditions for rugby on the final day of the championships were The Northern Territory scored a deserved try late in the game. back down the blind side and a cut out pass saw prop, Tom very still. Although it was cold there was no wind, always a bonus.

50 51 VICTORIAn schools 2nd xv team VICTORIAn schools 1st xv team VICTORIAN SCHOOLS 1st XV MATCH 3 The 2010 Division 1 Championships was held at Ballymore, Bris- Following on from the great game the previous day, the players PLAYER CLUB PLAYER CLUB bane. Expectations were positive, with a strong lead up program were buoyant of beating the combined states team. That hope Kane Walker Moorabbin Rams Jordan Prainto Geelong Grammar incorporating multiple tours, internal games and a couple of sold was quickly quelled, as players struggled to get up 2 days in a hit outs against the Brumbies. row to make an impact on the game. Joseph Perese Wyndham Rhinos Jarrod Eberhart Southern Districts Combined States 31 defeated Victoria 5 MATCH 1 Fred Sa Moorabbin Rams Justin Marsters Try George Amosa Moorabbin Rams The first match against NSW 1 was expected to be a tough one, a Aaron Wendt Moorabbin Rams Lachlan Simpson St Kevin’s College chance for the boys to realize what the speed and intensity of the MATCH 4 game will be at this level. The boys stared slowly, but came back The final match was against arch-rivals Western Australia, who Puke Morehu Southern Districts Edwin Maka Endeavour Hills well in the second half, before losing a man to the sin bin, which had been beaten heavily in every pool match. A loss would enabled NSW 1 to put more points on the board. Stefan Prelevic Moorabbin Rams Connor Hallewell Moorabbin Rams consign the loser to the wooden spoon, something neither team NSW 1 55 defeated Victoria 13 wanted in the first effort in the division 1. Victoria dominated the Blain Brown Wyndham Rhinos Jordan Fowles Moorabbin Rams Jordan Schmidt Try first half, scoring 2 tries amongst a game plan to attack wide. Rennie Molimau Conversion, Makesi Stowers 2 penalties The second half was a complete reversal, with Western Australia Epati Paila Endeavour Hills Cameron Iviiti Wyndham City exerting a great deal of pressure on the Vic boys and dominat- MATCH 2 Blake Davis Melbourne Uni Andy Molimau Moorabbin Rams ing the tight area of the game. In the end, the draw was a fair The second match was against the eventual winners of the result - both teams each won a half of football - but left both Ryder Easton - Jones Brighton Grammar Makesi Stowers Northern Panthers competition, Qld II. The players had a real crack in this match, teams reflecting on what the challenges and opportunities are in bouncing back strongly to take it right at Queenslanders. Victoria completing against the best in the country. Alex Tuilau Footscray Jordan Schmidt Moorabbin Rams had their chances to win the game, but ended up just short, Best players during the week although they most certainly had served notice to the rest of the Dan Cullinane Moorabbin Rams John Pepa Northern Rams Rennie Molimau, Justin Marsters, Edwin Maka, Mico Oliver, teams that the Victorians were more than ready for this level of Connor Hallewell, Andy Brown and Alan Faalavau. Alan Faalavau Endevour Hills Justin Marsters Moorabbin Rams competition. Andy Brown also has been rewarded for his excellent all round Qld II 27 defeated Victoria 26 Jordan Dadzie Moorabbin Rams Albert Aiolupotea Northern Panthers play and leadership with selection in the Australian A team to Alan Faalavau 2, Rennie Molimau, Edwin Maka Tries contest Fiji. Tim Carman St Kevin’s College Rennie Molimau Moorabbin Rams Rennie Molimau 3 conversions

Nick Carter St Kevin’s College Mitch Dean Ivanhoe Grammar

Robert Pavan Xavier College Jack Fitzgerald St Kevin’s College

Tui Tunimanofo Cobram Rugby Fenika Amataga Endeavour Hills

Andrew Saxon Southern Districts Glen Salter Southern Districts

David Andrivon Moorabbin Rams Alan Faalavau Endeavour Hills

Rudy Yakopo Moorabbin Rams Tipene Pihere Wyndham City

Sam Williams Marcellin College Mico Oliver Scotch College

Angus Mitchell Southern Districts Turi Uini Moorabbin Rams

Cliff Viliamu Head Coach Greg Fergus Head Coach

Josh Philpot Assistant Coach Mike SIlcox Assistant Coach

Ema Yandall Manager Paul McKay Manager

Leki Sisifa Physio Andrew Anstee Physio

52 53 U20 State Team 2010 Victorian Women’s State Team Report

Selection Process Selection Process positions. Mel would say, as an experienced teacher and coach, Jesse Malinton Moorabbin The selection process was combined with the Senior Men’s The Victorian Women’s Rugby 2010 was coached by the team this was ok but still a struggle and for a beginner, a nightmare, program consisting of open trials. Interest was outstanding with AJ Sheck Harlequins of Melanie Nash and Annie Hopkins and managed by Natalie however Anna adjusted well. over 80 participants playing to hopefully be successful in making Kyle Marsters Moorabbin Weglarz. Steve Tea mentored the coaching team and it was A major achievement to get there in the end, as we took in some the Victorian U20 State Team. overwhelmingly agreed that Steve did a great job in supporting ways a very inexperienced team and it was best for us to play Max Slater Melbourne and guiding us. in Division 2. Mel spent hours on the phone trying to get players Victoria vs NSWC Reuben Rolleston Moorabbin We approached this year with a professional attitude and from the from Lloyd Mc, ACT, SA and finally, with help from JP, WA. Victoria Colts 19 lost to NSW Country 26 Nathan Pailia Endeavour Hills start indicated to the women that we intended to send a team to Southern States Tournament nationals that wanted to contend and take the opportunity of play- Game 1: Friday 4th June 6pm Frank Matue Melbourne University Victoria Colts 32 def South Australia 25 ing for their country seriously. We asked for serious commitment Victoria versus South Australia Michael Masoe Melbourne University both in training and fund raising, we also expressed that drinking We played all Victorian players apart form Debbie Hodgkinson Victorian Colts V NSW Country was not an option until after the tournament. Not popular, but we in the first half, scored 19 points second half, made dramatic Brent Milczuk Eltham Nelson Bay, Newcastle. were not there to make friends, but to develop rugby players. changes and did not score also kept SA out. Sao was not an Victoria Colts 12 lost to Western Australia 29 Ryan Raubenheimar Harlequins A number of the more experienced players decided to withdraw asset. She is fit, but needs to learn running lines and what to do in contact. Easy to run through players in Victoria, but when up Special Thanks Andy Molimau Moorabbin support however the more focused players still committed to against equal skill, she lacks talent. Sophie was amazing and her My thanks are extended to Mark, Basil, Eric, Tyronne, Dave, Paul, training and our ethos. We tried to implement a fitness program Scott O’Gilvie Melbourne vision is excellent - a natural playmaker at full back. Taxi a little Bryan from the U20s staff and also to Josh and Mark for their for people, two tier so that people could build up, but few actually sluggish, but strong in the set-piece. Anita impressive and so was guidance and assistance. Michael Hunt Moorabbin followed this. Lou, Bree and Taz. It was our first win for the tournament and a We also ran Saturday sessions pre season and then moved to one Jarrod Eberhardt Southern Districts good ego boost that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. U20 state team night a week closer to the tournament. We have no support form Vince Foulena Endeavour Hills PLAYER CLUB clubs as to provision of grounds, a major issue and finally Box Hill Game 2: Sunday 6th June 10.30am Makesi Stowers Northern and Footscray offered their facilities, extremities of the city and Victoria versus Australian Services Reg Stowers Melbourne University ridiculous for people to get to on time. Against AUS forces, we really clicked. The back three, Shorty, Toese Mose Endeavour Hills Jack North Harlequins The dedicated made it and worked hard, we would particularly Sophie and Niki were amazing, Bree added speed and Tam Reni Lautolo Moorabbin like to express our thanks to those who made it every week even steadied every thing at 10. The forwards were awesome as a Cameron Beatham Boorondara pack and even with changes did not falter. We kept Sao off, she Chris Leaumoana Harlequins if they were injured. Netani Qicatabua Melbourne University was not required and does not know the game plan or plays!! Melchizdek Taisi Boorondara The coaching staff met each week planned sessions and inevi- Final score: Victoria 29 Australian Forces 5 Peter Samu Boorondara tably had to change these due to the lack of numbers or specific Meilani Tiatia Moorabbin 2010 Australian Women’s National Game 3: Monday 7th June 8.45am Ben Dixon Southern Districts Championship NSW Development versus Victoria Sinave Washburn Southern Districts Mark Robinson Head Coach DIVISION 1 DIVISION 2 It was quite a tough game. We had the upper hand most of the David Hardisty Melbourne University Basil Api Assistant Coach Sydney Australian Services time but could not convert to points. Mel took the decision to remove Sao and put Niki on the wing and in the end she kicked Stewart Woodhouse Boorondara Basil Api Assistant Coach Queensland NSW Development and we won by 3, a gamble but the penalty was always coming Michael Lalotoa Moorabbin Ian Gillies Manager NSW Country South Australia and we needed a score. We had many opportunities to score a try and Sophie went over the line but was disallowed by a dubious Lui Seaualuga Powerhouse Bryan Robertson Physio Brumbies Victoria line call! Kereti Losi Melbourne University Dave Rundle Physio Northern Territory The result was fantastic as we won our Division, and as we asked

54 55 the girls, they gave back the Victorian Shirt in a better state than Thanks to Kate Sedgwick, AIS Events Coordinator, Tessa Pentony, they had received it! Championship Director and Matt Grimison, Manager’s Liaison, for assisting me in the ropes of the manager’s role as it was my Special Thanks first year. Staying at the AIS was amazing and facilities just perfect for all Team spirit was awesome, even with no alcohol involved, with a Victorian Senior Men’s 2010 Report aspects - recovery, food, DVD watching with team and fun. The few old heads and good old fashion rugby fun. staff were very helpful and organised when it came to assignment of rooms, timing of sessions and assistance for food when we Support staff, physio Mick Patel and people who helped us were playing away games, overlapping the kitchen times and any through the year (Suli and Rachel) made things easier. 2010 was a watershed year for the Victorian Senior State Team. • The shift in playing philosophy to be aligned to the Rebels, last minute changes. The promise of a Super Rugby Team coming into Melbourne pro- creating a point of difference which was driven home in 2010 Victorian Women’s Rugby Team vided a much needed injection of excitement and hope for players the highlight of the year, the victory against South Australia in the local community, who turned out in droves for Open Trials • The improvement in quality of the team, punctuated by POSITION FIRST NAME LAST NAME CLUB that were held at Eltham Rugby Club. In previous years, finding turning a 34 to 26 victory over South Australia in 2009, to an extended squad of players who were keen to represent the Prop Natalie Reid Monash University RUFC a 64 to 27 demolition state had proved problematic - this was no longer the case. Over Hooker Tuputausi Sae Powerhouse RUFC 75 players turned out to the trials, which added to the foundation • Lua Vailoaloa taking out the Bob Banks Award for the Players Player Award Prop Pama Lavea Northern RUFC group of players from the previous seasons. Immediately, this created competition for spots and selection headaches - positive Lock Jihane Homman-Ludiye Monash University RUFC These highlights give credence to the strong evolution of Rugby issues that the coaching and management staff had not had to within Victoria that 2010 represents. However, 2010 is merely Lock Anne Marie Collins Northern RUFC deal with in previous years. part of a new beginning. With the Rebels in town, it provides new Flanker Emily Lyons Monash University RUFC Following on from this trial, a preliminary squad of 35 was chosen opportunities. These opportunities will only be captured with hard Flanker Loanna Lelei Powerhouse RUFC to train in preparation for the upcoming fixtures. Further to this, work and dedication. Flanker Soafaiga Saemo Powerhouse RUFC we were able to secure games, mostly outside of the club compe- There is no doubt that the Senior State team is now, more than Scrum-half Anita Brickle Monash University RUFC tition, happily meaning that many players who were not keen to ever, a vital cog in the development of Rugby in this state. 2011 play, were now interested. will no doubt offer further excitement and challenges for the Flyhalf Niki Cook Powerhouse RUFC The squad was a solid mixture of established players and younger community as a whole. Centre Bree Hill Footscray RUFC players coming through, again, an ideal result for the state. The TransACT Cup PRESEASON COMPETITION Centre Sophie Silbery Box Hill RUFC initial games were again in the ACT preseason competition, the Centre Joanne Linklater Monash University RUFC TransAct Cup, our second foray into this tournament. Mid year, Wests vs Victoria The Victorian Senior State Team had their first competitive hit Wing Marie Soisoi Box Hill RUFC we had a tour to NSWC in conjunction with the colts, which was a hugely valuable fixture. We were also able to commit at the end out on the 10th April in the TransACT Cup - ACT’s Preseason Fullback Tammy Jacoby Monash University RUFC of the season to the Southern States Championship in Adelaide, Competition. The Vics were seeded 8th after their first foray in Prop Peeti Te-Kurupa Western Australia RUFC which was an opportunity to trial with the players some of the 2009, and were to play the 2nd seed, West’s, first up. The team Prop Tamara Jackson Powerhouse RUFC Rebels playing philosophies, which paid significant dividends. met at Boroondara Rugby Club in the early hours of Saturday morning to take the bus trip north to Albury, where the Steamers Hooker Danielle Parker Western Australia RUFC Highlights of the year included: were again kind enough to host the teams. Lock Tracey Cassidy Footscray RUFC • The weekly competition through the high number of Being the first hit out against an unknown team is always hard Lock Debby Hodgkinson Western Australia RUFC interested players to plan for, but the focus of the day was to play direct and test Centre Stacey Kilmister Western Australia RUFC out the relatively new combinations within the new structures • The improved performance within the TransAct Cup Wing Derelyn Chua Western Australia RUFC that were filtered down from the Rebels coaching staff of Rod • The exposure of youth to the Senior Team - we exposed Macqueen and Damien Hill. Wing Hemoata Purukamu Western Australia RUFC some dozen colts players into the senior team, including a The players were excited about this first opportunity and couple of U18 players enthusiasm was high. The game started at a lively place, with the Coach Melanie Nash • The pathway for some of our players that occurred - Lua Vics immediately taking it to their experienced opponents who Asst. Coach Anna Hopkins Vailoaloa and David Hardisty, whose performances were starting their 2010 campaign following a strong pre-season. throughout the year were excellent, both progressing to The scrum started very well against a larger pack, with our front Manager Natalie Weglarz play 1st Grade Rugby in Sydney (both players are still row of Jeff Leolofi, Captain Christian Brown and Scott Baker Trainer/Physio Bhaumic (Mic) Patel strongly linked to Victorian Rugby) taking control.

56 57 The breakdown was a scrap, with Wests eager to throw plenty of As a consequence of this, perhaps it was no surprise to see the 6 tries against us this year have come from our sluggish work in The team looked much better when they played direct and up the bodies in, which meant that Lua Vailoaloa at halfback was only Whites score almost immediately from kick off. This short, sharp this area. middle, splitting the defenders to create that space both sides getting scrappy ball to pass onto the backs. Indeed, the weight of jab to the Senior Team served to wake us up to the fact that we of the ruck. It was outstanding to see forwards and backs alike Other than that, the pleasing aspects of the game were our strong possession was very much in favor of Wests, who were not only were facing a very tough opponent. From this, the game started participate in this intricate catch and pass, which was too much character to repel the opposition’s attacks, the flair by which winning the breakdown battle, but were benefitting from a heavy out quite scrappily, which was not helped from our end with a for the opposition to cope with. our players are prepared to throw the ball around and offload in penalty count and some wayward handling from the Vics. When couple of injuries within the first quarter to players that would not contact and the structural gains they are making within the new The Uni Norths team showed excellent endeavor and never gave we did have the ball, we showed some outstanding attacking take any further part in the day. Both Elliott Bull (TH) and Cloud game plan for them. up, scoring a couple of tries themselves which served to ensure flair. In particular, Lemi Faimoa, an early replacement for Basil Faimoa (Inside Centre) were gone for the day within 15 minutes. the Vics maintained their focus. Low tackle focus remains an Api who dislocated his shoulder, took the line on out wide and Add to this the team being disrupted by the starting centre, Samu 3 point went to Jeff Leolofi for his dominance at the scrum, and area of improvement for the team, which will be necessary in the scored 2 excellent tries in ensure that whenever Wests went Taufa, having some issues with making the bus on time, and it his work around the park, especially with the ball in hand, 2 to coming weeks against stronger opposition. ahead, the Vics were breathing down their necks. Ben Dixon was was ominous early, 7 points - and 3 key players down, before the Ryan Carmichael for his incisive runs and 1 to Scott Baker, who busy in the backrow, with Ryan Carmichael at fullback returning ref blew the whistle for the first drink. was again excellent in terms of his scrummaging, leadership and Christian Brown had a great game, not only as captain, but also the barrage of kicks from Wests with aplomb. Towards the end work in the tight. around the park and was rewarded for his mobility with 2 tries. A quite stern talking to by the coach at quarter time to address of the match, the Vics came level at 19 all, with a few minutes Orisi Kabuyawa continued on his good form and made some that fact that the Whites were smacking us hard in defence and The Vics have the weekend off due to ANZAC day, and will to go. Sadly, off the kick off, Wests responded to place us under incisive runs, scoring 1 but being denied another. Gab Navuni the breakdown, and that we were missing two many 1 on 1 be turning out for the clubs to celebrate the first weekend of immediate pressure - some inexperience from the squad allowed enjoyed his return back to the state team with a strong game, tackles, meant the players went out into the 2nd quarter, crystal competition. Hopefully they can take back their enthusiasm to the them to score again and despite a strong rearguard action, the as did his Melbourne Uni team mate, Tai Talia who spent the day clear of the focus points. clubs and add immediate value to the competition. whistle beat us in mounting one last attacking raid. Despite some making tackles and cleaning out. From this point on, the team slowly, inexorably, exerted them- All the best this weekend, may your players listen to your excellent signs, the team was unable to build phases and sustain Points for the day were distributed 3 pts to Sami Taufa for his selves. As the game went on, the Vics dominated the physical eloquent speeches, no one get injured and the rugby gods smile pressure. It what was a scrappy armwrestle, the Vics proved we midfield, direct route 1 tups up the centre, 2 pts to the skipper contest more and more, also sticking their tackles. upon your game plan. would be a more than competitive team in the comp, and if we and 1 pt to young Sean Robinson, who was excellent in the can address our ball security and composure, should be able to This physical domination was illustrated very clearly by the Victoria 29 def. Queanbeyan 21 lineout, busy around the park and was keen to clean up some 1 post a couple of wins. extreme dominance in the scrum contest. The front row of Jeff Tries: Brown, Leota, Hardisty, Lemi Faimoa, Ryan Carmichael percenters. Player of the day, without doubt, was Semi Matavwra, who domi- Leolofi, Captain Chris Brown and Scott Baker devoured the Cons: Sefo 2 In short, not a complete performance, as discipline and handling nated every facet. He was busy around the park, hitting rucks and opposition. It was a pleasure to see tight head after tight head errors are still an area to work on (we have given away 50 penal- making some incisive runs, whilst also single handedly controlled reeled of, as well as the Whites scrum appearing to actually have Victoria vs Uni Norths ties in 3 games - although the amount has been coming down the lineout - from both teams. He was not only rewarded with a a desire to go backwards, so successful they were at this. Ollie The Senior State Team had enjoyed a productive week on the each week), but the dominance at set piece and breakdown, in try, but the 3 points - for being the best player on the park from Williams was having such a good game in his welcome back to track in preparation for their game against Uni Norths. The conjunction with the blow out on the score board, gives evidence either team. Lemi was given 2 points for his attack, with Scott State Rugby, that he allowed the 7 remaining forwards whilst he memory of the loss last year in Canberra to the same team was to the fact - the Vic boys had an excellent day at the office Baker taking the single point for a strong all round game. It was was off for a rest in the bin for being too physical, to win a tight vivid in the minds of the management staff and players, which representing Victorian Rugby. fantastic to see many players in the team representing the state head by themselves. the whole team was eager to reverse. The pre match brief was from Division II Clubs - Ant Simmonds (Wyndham), Richard Mills to dominate the physical contact, thereby getting into the game Victoria 51 def Uni- Norths (ACT) 10 What this meant was Mark Robinson, Scrum Coach, was having a (Eltham) and Lemi (Endeavor) all playing in their first state game. early in a productive and direct way. This was to be a challenge to Tries: Christian Brown 2, Samu Taufa 2, Bushy Stevenson, Ryan small celebratory jig on the sideline, and was last seen chuckling Wests (ACT) def. Victoria 24 - 19 the players, given the absence of senior leaders, Scott Baker and Carmichael, Ben Dixon, Orisi Kabuyawa, Semi Matavura Con: deliriously to himself at the success of his charges. Ollie Williams, both tight 5 players. However, what was pleasing, Ioane Sefo 2, Maradona Farao 1 Tries: Matavwra, Faimoa (2). Sefo 1 con, Faimoa 1 con. Semi Matavura was again proving to the state coach he was a was that this opportunity was taken well and truly by those play- player of rare talent, with Bush Stevenson being an outstandingly ers who had the pleasure of representing the state this weekend. Victoria vs Gungahlin Eagles Senior State Team Report busy nuisance to the opposition. In the backs, Dave Hardisty was The team travelled early in the day direct to Canberra, with The Vics continued to enjoy total ownership of the opposition at Vs Queanbeyan providing good width to the backs, who launched some strong expectations high of winning it’s third outing in a row. The players scrum time, often times dismantling them in a similar fashion to Following on from the narrow first up loss to Wests, the Senior attacking raids down the flanks. Orisi Kabuyawa was making knew this was going to be a tough hit out against a quality a child kicking down the sandcastle he build at a family day out Team was very keen to make amends and get its first win on the deep inroads and worked well in tandem with Ryan Carmichael team that was near full strength. However, this was reason for at Portsea beach. The players enjoyed the fruits of this graft, by board for 2010. Again, after a protracted bus ride, the players at the back. Ryan is a full back that attacks first, thinks about excitement, not concern, given that we entered this competition throwing the ball around like a basketball team. This endeavor arrived at the Albury Steamers to the welcome sight of some local kicking second, is quick runs good lines and is busy. Effectively with the express purpose to be tested. The game started at a to throw the ball around and find space was pleasing, but what matches being played. everything the state coach is after in a fullback. Today was a day much higher intensity than previous weeks and our set piece needs to come is a little bit of composure, along with a dash of that he let no one down - he ran viciously and searched for work was immediately tested. In earlier games, our scrum in particular Perhaps the beautiful afternoon sun, the local footy, the friendly patience. This combination of strong physical contact, a dominant voraciously, and deserved his excellent try. had dominated the opposition, but this fixture it proved to be an locals and the sizzling BBQ served to take the oomph out of the set piece and a willingness to chuck the pill around meant two Achilles heel. players, as the warm up was sluggish at best, with the players As the game went on, the Vics exerted more and more authority, things: First was a lot of turnovers and dropped ball, but more im- seeming to think more about a good result, than focusing on how and came from behind to run over the Whites by 5 tries to 3. One portantly, was some outstanding tries where the players worked Gungahlin put the boys under immediate pressure at set piece to bring that result about. area to work on, is defending quick taps, as 3 of the oppositions the ball to space and outflanked their struggling opponents. and breakdown, which turned the game rapidly into a high-octane

58 59 arm wrestle. The senior state team responded early with some Sunday 3rd of October. team it took a while for the team to find its rhythm, but find it they PLAYER CLUB excellent phases of physical and direct rugby, only to let the did with the team always finding that bit extra to ensure that, after The SARU is to be congratulated on their hosting of the tourna- Eagles off the hook with some disappointing catch and pass losing the lead early in the first half, they hit back quickly that ment which ran smoothly, effectively and efficiently throughout. Harley Whaikawa Melbourne University skills. In the first half, the coaches counted no less than five they were never headed again. The SARU staff, tournament management, referees and officials Christian Brown Melbourne University golden opportunities to score what would have been some game were without exception helpful and accommodating. The ASRU were wonderful hosts providing an open bar and BBQ defining scores. However, as so often happens when one does after the match before presentations. Discussions afterwards Elliot Bull Melbourne not take these opportunities, the opposition could see that the The VRU representative sides added 2 extra days to the proved insightful as ASRU want this match to become an annual door was indeed ajar. Gungahlin were patient. They maintained tournament timetable to enable us to travel to Adelaide by bus Semi Matavwra Southern Districts fixture. on Thursday Sep 30th and return to Melbourne on Monday Oct the pressure on our set piece and at the breakdown, despite the Angus Hamilton Harlequins Vics scoring first through and intercept try. 4th. The players are to be thanked for being able to arrange extra Victoria 52 ( Bradey, Jones, Taufa, Slade 2, Mose 2, Latu 1 tries - days out of their work week to travel as a group. Jones 6 conv ) ASRU 38 EJ Tyrell Boroondara It was this consistent pressure from the Eagles that would eventually wear the Vics down. What became clear was that it Victoria V South Australia Iliesa Bolalailai Power House was a Rep Team against a club team. The standard of rugby during the tournament was very high with Conway Brady Southern Districts The Vics had plenty of talent and showed plenty of flair and spikes the senior side defeating SA on Friday 64 to 27. The seniors had David Hardisty Melbourne University of adventure from individuals. What they were confronted by was SA well in hand at all times. However it was clear the state side a close knit team, who did things in units and groups. had not played for a while as a number of chances went begging Ben Jones Melbourne early and SA took full advantage. The first 15 minutes were When they were under pressure, they galvanized like a team who particularly rusty after which the state side became increasingly Orisi Kabuyawa Moorabbin had been together for a long time. When the Vics were under more cohesive and started to exhibit patience and play to the AJ Sheck Harlequins pressure, the cracks started appearing. This led to the team being game plan. It was clear from this point that SA was going to well behind on the scoreboard into the 2nd half, as Gungahlin had struggle to remain in contact with the Victorian score. Once play- Chris Slade Melbourne their tails up and were playing some excellent rugby. Our defence, ing to the game plan Victoria played most of the game in the mid Alipate Ratabuli Southern Districts particularly in the midfield, was sloppy and when this was 50 and attacking 22 with very few limited visits to its defensive combined with a penalty count against us, poor catch and pass 22 usually as a result of relieving kicks by the SA side. Craig Cowley Melbourne University execution and average ball security, it was clear why Gungahlin were enjoying a glut of possession. Victoria V Western Australia Alan Latu Power House As the game went on, the gap between the two teams increased. The senior then played WA on Saturday losing to WA 69 to Vic’s Graham Scott Melbourne A valuable lesson to the state team on what they need to be 5. However whilst the result appears one sided it was the case Gab Navuni Melbourne University mindful of when coming up against club teams in solid competi- of 2 halves for the seniors. The senior side was well and truly in tions. the game until around the 35 minute mark, unfortunately missing Nathan Paila Endeavour Hills 2 or 3 scoring opportunities when the travel day and having to As ever, some of our quality players stepped up. It was great back up within 24 hours of playing their first match started to Scott Ogilvie Melbourne to see Mikey Lauleong return to form with a stoic game. Best take its toll. The WA side was fresh and playing their first game players were Orisi Kabuyawa who, again, was a standout in his Mike Hunt Moorabbin of the tournament. Their frustration at not being able to get over attacking flair down the flanks, second best to Lua Vailoaloa, who the Victorian side was evident in the first 35 minutes. The second Bryan Scott Power House despite being under pressure at the breakdown, did some excel- half was a different story as the Victorian side’s tiredness became lent mopping up, with the best player going to Ryan Carmichael Nathan Paila Endeavour Hills increasingly evident throughout the half allowing gaps to open who attacked space with his audacious runs and provided and notwithstanding some concerted scrambling defence. Brendan Goodwin Harlequins excellent entertainment for the crowd. Samu Taufa Box Hill The following week is the final game of the state program in this Victoria V Australian Services Rugby Union Match section against NSW Country in Newcastle, there are no more The Victorian team played the Australian Services Rugby Union Lani Tiatia Moorabbin scheduled games till after the Club Final. side on Saturday 9th Oct at Gaza Barracks, Bandiana, with the Victorian team posting a score of 52 points to record a victory Toese Mose Endeavour Hills Gungahlin 43 def. Victoria 12 over ASRU who scored 38 points. Tries: Lemi Ati, John Tanuvasa Con: Ioane Sefo Tom Gilbert Power House The Team again travelled by bus to Bandiana and the game was Albert Aiolupotea Northern Southern States Tournament - South Australia played in warm to hot conditions similar to Adelaide the previous The Victorian Senior State Side played in the ‘2010 Southern week. The match was played in good spirit but was a very physi- Jack North Harlequins States Championship’ which was hosted by the South Australian cal encounter with both sides playing strongly and forcefully at Albert Aiolupotea Northern Rugby Union (SARU) in Adelaide from Friday October 1st to the ruck. As there were a number of colts players playing in this

60 61 of February, where a presentation dinner was held at Melbourne PLAYER CLUB/SCHOOL Grammar to wrap up the program. Newly appointed Melbourne Rebels Assistant Coach, Damien Hill was there to present the AJ Sheck Northern players with their certificates and also the awards to the players. Alan Faalavaau Endeavour Centre of Excellence The Optumus Award was given to the best or most deserving Albert Aiolupotea Northern player across the COE, whilst the Delectus Award was bestowed upon those players deemed to the pick of the bunch in their age Andy Brown - Molimau Moorabbin group. This was based on attendance, attitude, work ethic and Anthony James Melbourne Grammar behavior. Congratulations to Justin Marsters for receiving the The 2009/2010 Bankwest Centre of Excellence (COE) was a provided the best young players in the state with an off and pre Benjamin Dixon Southern Districts Optumus accolade. huge success for Victorian Rugby. The second year brought many season coaching program, that would educate and condition Cameron Iviiti Moorabbin changes, the format tinkered with after significant learnings from them over the summer. In addition to the thanks to Bankwest and the schools, a huge the first year.. thanks to the staff - many of whom were volunteers - who Connor Hallewell Moorabbin Over Christmas, the players were given a fitness and flexibility contributed their time. Mark Rowe as Manager, Dave Rundle and Players from all across the state were selected in an extended program to follow, as well as a food diary to ensure they main- David Hardisty Melbourne Paul Percy as Medical staff, would be rewarded by their progres- training squad in the lead up to Christmas, following the October tained their testing results from the work done in the first phase Edwin Maka Endeavour sion into the Rebels staff. Coaches such as Greg Fergus and Matt start date. There was positive synergy with the location of training of the induction. A squad of final selected players returned to Cockbain also made solid contributions to the program which was Ephraim Lesa Eltham at Xavier College. The players knew they had the opportunity training in the new year with a program focused on conditioning, greatly appreciated. to train with the best in the state at a key location, where the core skill and a large number of competitive games. The players Feriti Saaga Northern Wallabies train in the lead up to their Melbourne Test Match. In were split up into different teams with the names; Melbourne City There could be no doubt that the systems put in place under- George Amosa Moorabbin addition to Xavier, the players had the advantage of being able Trams, Ocean Road Apostles and the Flemington Gee gees - all neath the banner of the COE would become the foundation, Gus Hamilton Harlequins to utilize another big contributor to Victorian Rugby, Melbourne icons of Victoria. and blueprint for the Rebel Rugby program which would follow Grammar, by training on the all purpose surface of their soccer after the awarding of the Super Rugby license to Victoria. It is Ioane Sefo Northern Significantly, it was wonderful to welcome the first female pitch. Thank you to both Cam Matthews at Xavier and Rob Shields testament to the hard work of the VRU, the huge support from the member of the COE, Silei Poluleuligaga, who was in training for Jack Fitzgerald St Kevin’s at Grammar for their assistance. Peter Leahy and Bankwest again community and the strength and direction from the VRU Board the Wallaroos’ attack on the World Cup. The COE ran until the end Jack DeGuingand Harlequins that ensured the success of the COE program. Special mention to Tyronne Mitchell from the VRU, whose input, coaching and leader- Jarrod Eberhardt Southern ship within the program was simply outstanding. Quite simply, Jeff Park Harlequins the program would not have been a success without his passion Jerry Tapuala-Unasa Melbourne Uni and his ability to create a fun and challenging environment for the John Tanavassa Melbourne Uni players in which to perform. Justin Marsters Northern The hope and expectation is that one of the names below will become the first resident of Victoria to reach the professional Makesi Stowers Moorabbin level. Time will tell, however at the minimum, the players can look Melani Tiatia Northern back on their efforts with pride in being part of a truly exciting Mikey Lauleong Moorabbin period in the history of the Victorian Rugby Union. Moli Sooaemalelagi Melbourne Uni Josh Philpot Nathan Paila Northern Director of Coaching, Victorian Rugby Union Nepa Faimoa Endeavour Niua Puaka Endeavour Optumus Award: Justin Marsters Patolo Toeta Wyndham

Delectus Open: Ben Dixon Rennie Lautolo-Molimau Moorabbin Rueben Rolleston Moorabbin Delectus 18s: Connor Hallewell Sakaria Noa Moorabbin Silei Poluleuligaga Southern Delectus 16s: George Amosa Stephen Fepuleai Melbourne Uni Turi Uini Moorabbin

62 63 VSRU Representative Teams Management Staff 2010

Open 1st XV Open 2nd XV Open 3rd XV U17 U16 U14

Victorian Schools Rugby Union Manager Paul McKay Ema Yandall Tyronne Mitchell Tyronne Mitchell Nick Baff Leigh McKee

Coach Greg Fergus Clifton Viliamu Dai Edwards Marco D’Amico Bob Windle Tim Fry

Assistant Coach Mike Silcock Josh Philpot Marco D’Amico Blake Fisher The VSRU had 7 teams registered in 2010 but several of the 3rd Patron Mr Bob Dalziel and 2nd XV’s were based on small numbers and forfeited the Physiotherapist Andrew Anstee Leki Sisifa Bryan Robertson President Mr Stephen Meek season after the commencement. The season finished with 67 Assistant playing teams where the largest school is St Kevin’s with nine Terry Arai Hon Sec/ Chair Mr Kevin Culliver Manager (leave June to October) teams and some emerging schools have one team. The teams Tastour Tour Matt Senior Hon Treasurer Ms Michelle Amos will be playing in 9 playing divisions/ age groups with a total Manager population we believe to be approximately 1450 players. Schools Mr Peter Lewis such as second tier Marcellin College has a constant five teams College and Southern Inland U18 prior to the Championships. The anston School, Bedford School, St John’s School (Leatherhead) Mr Brian Hendry showing the game can flourish in a school with support and a Victorian team played hearty rugby but after losing all its matches and Ysgol Gyfun Bro Myrddin (Wales). The resulting successful Executive Mr Stephen Russell dedicated group of staff and parents. in the pool stage drew the 7/8 play-off with WA. number of hosted billets by VSRU and VRU families was a credit Mr Robert Shields to the dedicated families who believe that the off field benefits The awareness of rugby and its benefits in the general public will The Victorians assisted Tasmania by not only sending its U14 and Mr Simon Haigh of rugby are worth the effort. The VSRU thanks all those families benefit all schools trying to develop the game. It is imperative that U16 teams on its annual tour to the Apple Isle but also sent a immensely. programs are generated that harnesses this new-enlightened newly created U17 to play the Tassie u18s as well. The weekend At last the Victorian rugby fraternity can say it is the 15th team awareness for promotion and increased participation. The annual was magnificent again for all and well hosted by Launceston Some other matches will be played between Melbourne schools in a new expanded Super 15 competition. The VSRU stands with test match in Melbourne continues to draw large crowds and the where the u17s lost, but the VSRU u16s and U14s won their and the visiting schools. Many schools have inbound visitors such our other Victorian rugby supporters in advocating that we will Bledisloe Cup on July 31st was no exception creating a huge matches and trophies. Tassie u14 also played in Melbourne a few as, Daramalan College ACT, Trinity Grammar Sydney, St Andrew’s drive forward with development to help promote the franchise for promotion for the game when a full house went to Docklands weeks later on wonderful trip for the boys. Sydney, Marist College Canberra, to name a few. Melbourne Victoria. The Government of Victoria supported the bid and has Stadium. schools are touring to all points in Australia and overseas as well. assisted the VRU who in turn worked with the private business The inbound visits for matches in July and August include Bry- consortiums to bring the team to Melbourne under Chairman We are committed to providing the best coaches possible to meet Harold Mitchell. The team is coached by the great Rod Macqueen, this interest in rugby by our youth and besides maximizing our and the CEO is Ross Oakley famous for his work in creating training of our own Victorians we are dedicated to the assisting the AFL from the VFL and taking the AFL to the other Australian of interested coaches from the teaching profession in NSW, Qld, cities. The team will be housed in the new state of art, world best UK and NZ to relocate and become coaches in Victoria. Any practice 40,000+ seat stadium for sports played on rectangular coach from these areas and is a teacher should constantly scan fields. This stadium will provide one of the best stadiums in the employment opportunities in the 15 VSRU schools to be a teacher world to view Rugby Union and would be used to play Tests of and thus improve the schools rugby. smaller crowds and Super Rugby when in Melbourne. The two The 2010 was a watershed year for Victoria at the Australian new outside fields will also be employed by the VRU and VSRU Championships. At the 36th Australian Schools Rugby Champion- for other matches of rugby. The VSRU is proud of the number of ships Victoria fielded THREE teams where the Victoria II team players who having played rugby in Victoria in the VSRU teams played at the Division II event which was held as a full residential over recent years now play for many Super 15 teams, Australian carnival at Geelong Grammar School from Friday 25th to Sevens, Under 20s and Senior 1st Grade teams in Australia. Thursday July 1st. As a result of Tasmania not being able to field The very solid position of the game in Victorian needs consolida- a team a Victoria 3rd XV was hastily created with a Tasmanian tion and expanding in order to continue to develop. Of the many boy playing as well and it too competed at the Championships. things that could make a difference the most vital is the availabil- The 3rds defeated the 2nds in the pool stage but lost the final ity of rugby coaches and further to this, teacher rugby coaches at to the Lloyd McDermott Indigenous XV team. Big news that rugby schools. The ‘Relocation of Rugby Teachers Scheme’ and Victoria played in the Division I event in Brisbane from July 6th the ‘Rugby Administrator in Schools Scheme’ utilised in 2008 bolstered the enthusiasm of all in Victorian Schools rugby with proved a benefit to the development of the game in Victoria and new management appointed and training regimes put in place we need them returned. including matches to be played with ACT Schools, St Edmunds

64 65 VICTORIAN SCHOOLS’ RUGBY UNION REPRESENTATIVE TEAM RESULTS 2010

VSRU open schools VSRU Open 3rds

DATE LOCATION OPPOSITION MATCH RESULT SCORE DATE LOCATION OPPOSITION MATCH RESULT SCORE

Lloyd Mc Dermott 1/06/10 Harlequins Harlequins Presidents XV Trial Won 36 to 5 26/07/10 Geelong Div II Champs Loss 17 to 0 Indigenous XV

24/04/10 Albury Southern Inland U18 Tour Loss 27 to 26 28/07/10 Geelong NT Div II Champs Win 38 to 7

12/05/10 Endeavour Hills VRU U20 Trial Won 12 to 5 29/06/10 Geelong VSRU 2nd XV Div II Champs Win 6 to 3

12/06/10 St Edmund’s Coll ACT Schools Tour Lost 30 to 28 01/07/10 Geelong Lloyd McDermott XV Div II Champs Loss 27 to 17

13/06/10 St Edmund’s Coll ACT Schools Tour Lost 35 to 5 25/07/10 Scotch College Dulwich College, UK Friendly Loss 20 to 15

06/07/10 Brisbane NSW I Champs Loss 55 to 13

08/07/10 Brisbane Qld II Champs Loss 27 to 26 VSRU 17

09/07/10 Brisbane Combined States Champs Loss 35 to 5 DATE LOCATION OPPOSITION MATCH RESULT SCORE

11/07/10 Brisbane WA Champs Draw 10 to 10 14/08/10 Launceston Tas U18 Tour Loss 21 to 15

25/07/10 Melbourne RUFC Bryanston School, UK Friendly Win 7 to 5 15/08/10 Launceston Tas U18 Tour Loss 17 to 7

MGS hosting at 15/08/10 Bedford School, UK Friendly Loss 29 to 27 Powerhouse RUFC VSRU 16

DATE LOCATION OPPOSITION MATCH RESULT SCORE VSRU Opens 2nd XV 14/08/10 Launceston Tas U16 Tour Loss 15 to 12 DATE LOCATION OPPOSITION MATCH RESULT SCORE 15/08/10 Launceston Tas U16 Tour Win 33 to 19 24/04/10 Albury Southern Inland U18 Tour Loss 28 to 27

Endeavour Hills RUFC 12/05/10 Endeavour Hills Trial Lost 22 to 12 U18 VSRU 14 13/06/10 Goulburn Southern Inland U18 Tour Win 56 to 10 DATE LOCATION OPPOSITION MATCH RESULT SCORE 26/06/10 Geelong NT Div II Champs Win 39 to 12 14/08/10 Launceston Tas U14 Tour Draw 17 to 17 28/06/10 Geelong WA II Div II Champs Loss 8 to 7 15/08/10 Launceston Tas U14 Tour Win 12 to 5 29/06/10 Geelong VSRU 3rd XV Div II Champs Loss 6 to 3 12/09/10 Melbourne Tas U14 Tour Win 29 to 20 01/07/10 Geelong South Australia Div II Champs Win 17 to 7

St John’s School, 21/07/10 Marcellin College Friendly Loss 17 to 15 Leatherhead, UK

25/07/10 Melb RUFC Bryanston School, UK Friendly Win 50 to 10

66 67 VSRU U16 UK, Ireland and UAE TOUR The tour was again very worthwhile not only in terms of rugby Finals Day 2010 Results The tour departed on November 27, 2009. There were 42 boys development for all the boys but also for the wealth of life experi- from 23 schools and 6 staff touring on the 9 match site 28 day ences obtained along the way. The VSRU has an enviable record MATCH tour. Matches were played with 1st and 2nd XV touring teams at of this and other international tours occurring for over 30 years 5th v 6th 1st XV Div 2 Carey Grammar 19 def Ivanhoe Grammar 0 all locations except playing the United Arab Emirates U16 in Abu and this was again a success.

Dhabi being a stand alone match. Regrettably the VSRU Sevens has been cancelled as schools will 3rd v 4th 1st XV Div 1 Melbourne Grammar 10 drew Xavier College 10 no longer allow matches of football codes so soon after summer. Reigate Grammar (Reigate, England) Grand Final 2nd XV St Kevin’s College 10 def Xavier College 5 The 15 a Side Carnival on April 17 was for 16 teams on 2 pitches A Team: VSRU 12 def by Reigate 26 for the Open Age at Geelong Grammar. On another sunny autumn Special Brighton Grammar 43 def St Francis Xavier 0 B Team: VSRU 5 def by Reigate 31 day on the shores of Corio there was plenty of colour and action 3rd v 4th 1st XV Div 2 Melbourne High 47 def St Patrick’s Ballarat 7 Sir Thomas Rich School for the 13 schools competing. After much ado about progression (Gloucester, England) in drawn Semi Finals (both) the Scotch XV played off against 3rd v 4th 2nd XV Geelong Grammar 31 def Melbourne Grammar 5 A Team: VSRU 13 def by St Thomas Rich 18 Geelong Grammar and won the Cup while the Plate was won B Team: VSRU 27 def Sir Thomas Rich 0 by St Kevin’s College. The season culminated on August 7th at 5th v 6th 1st XV Div 1 Geelong Grammar 7 def Scotch College 5 Haileybury College who hosted a very spectacular day of rugby Grand Final 1st XV Div 2 Marcellin College 24 def Haileybury College 17 Glantaf School (Cardiff, Wales), for 10 matches where St Kevin’s 2nd XV won the 2nd XVs Final, A team: VSRU 0 def by Glantaf 60 Marcellin College won the 2nd Division Final over Haileybury and Grand Final 1st XV Div 1 Trinity Grammar 26 Def in extra time from 19/19 St Kevin’s College 19 B Team: VSRU 20 def Glantaf 12 Trinity Grammar won the Grand Final over St Kevin’s College. It was Trinity’s first appearance in the 1st XV Grand Final and Malahide RUFC/Castleknoock College scoring so well in the wet they forced a draw in regular time (19 rugby schools with primary schools re-enact the Walla rugby and and support this venture for the young U18 players. Try rugby programs so successful years ago into the life of these (Dublin, Ireland) -19) and then scored in extra time (26 - 19) to win the Cup. The Union wishes to record its thanks to two officers who have existing rugby schools. A Team: VSRU 14 def Castleknock College 6 decided to not seek their positions again in 2011. Michelle Amos B Team: VSRU 25 def Malahide RUFC 7 The critical shortage of referees will again be felt in 2011 by has been the Treasurer for 3 financial years and has been associ- schools that are endeavouring to recruit more but a more direct ated with rugby in general at several schools including Scotch Limavady Grammar (Nth Ireland) and more substantial payment scheme is hoped to attract more College, Whitefriars College and Haileybury College for over 10 A Team: VSRU 0 def by Limavady 1st XV 32 to the cause. years. Leigh Atwood from Trinity Grammar has been the Fixtures B Team: VSRU 8 def by Limavady 15 Seemingly the hold of St Kevin’s on all (4) Cups in 2008/2009 and Ladders Secretary for 3 years and this complicated and time was over as they won 2 in 2010 with the 2nd XV and the U15 Throughout the year we will also embrace the government, ARU consuming job has been done with flair and expertise - we thank Kelso RUFC (Borders, Scotland) Cups. The U16 Div 1 was won by Geelong Grammar School and and VRU programs that raise awareness of rugby in using the him for his efforts over the years. A Team: VSRU 18 def by Kelso 32 the Div 2 by Haileybury. legacy of the raised interest in rugby. B Team: VSRU 37 def Kelso RUFC U16 3 On January 7th 2010 the VSRU mourned the passing of one its Melbourne Grammar School held a Sevens carnival on Sat 10th On June 10th Lachlan O’Brien, St Kevin’s College 1st XV player most ardent supporters in the form of Brother Francis Irenaeus July at MGS where six schools participated in an Under 16 and sustained a serious spinal injury while participating in a training Lady Manners School Mc Carthy PhD, OAM, former Headmaster of Parade College, Open competition - Melbourne Grammar, Geelong Grammar, drill at the school. Lachlan’s resilience under such adversity (Derbyshire, England) Christian Brothers College St Kilda and St Kevin’s College, was Marcellin College, Xavier College, Brighton Grammar, St Patrick’s is inspirational and his love for the game unyielding. He has A Team: VSRU 41 def Lady Manners 8 for a period Victoria’s delegate to the ARFSU and hosted at his College (Ballarat). This was a wonderful event staged in the returned to the school for some visits in his wheelchair and we all B Team: VSRU 50 def Lady Manners School 0 school Parade the inaugural Australian Championships in 1975. middle of the long break to keep up the skills and enthusiasm. look forward to him starting back at school in 2011.A Foundation This month another of the original teachers who formed the VSRU Pate’s Grammar (Cheltenham, England) Thanks to the Referees Association and the MGS parents for has been established for the support of Lachlan in his life ahead passed away. Mr Norman Maggs of Geelong Grammar and then A Team: VSRU 17 def Pates Grammar 15 contributing to an exciting day of rugby. and donations can be made via the website http://web.stkevins. Yarra Valley Grammar - who won the inaugural VSRU Premiership B Team: VSRU 12 def by Pates Grammar 25 vic.edu.au/LOF.htm or by contacting the school. Our continued excellent working relationship with the VRU will Cup in 1991 at Yarra Valley, passed away. He and all those who cement the work done on building a great foundation for all the The ASRU has successfully conducted the Division II Australian did so much for the Union are sadly missed. United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, UAE) schools community and their officers will spend much time on Championships at Geelong Grammar School for many years as A Team: VSRU 22 def UAE U16 14 the development programs of the VSRU and their own programs a full residential program. This has been a wonderful event to Kevin Culliver Management were: in target schools which should further enhance the position of have been held in Victoria over the years but regrettably the ASRU Chair VSRU, 5/11/10 Graham Swinton - Team Manager (St Patrick’s College), rugby in the state of Victoria at schools level. A great hope is have had to change the format due to the ever depleting financial Charlie Bamford - Head Coach the re-emergence of the midweek competition utilising the new strains of running the Union. In order to maintain the inclusion Andrew Anstee - Physiotherapist Melbourne Rebels Super 15 franchise name so as to entice the of the VSRU 2nd XV, along with the WA 2nd XV the VSRU/VRU Matt Senior - Assistant Coach (St Kevin’s College) 25 schools or more who have lots of rugby players at them but have offered to utilise the resources at hand to assist run the David O’Brien - Assistant Manager (Marcellin College) no formal competition to play in whether this be 10/12 or 7 aside Championships as a home-hosted (billeted) event in Melbourne Kevin Culliver - Tour Manager (St Kevin’s College) is for the future. It is also perhaps time, with funding, that the 8 in 2011. The Victorian rugby community will be asked to dig deep

68 69 Schools and teams competing 2003/2004/2005/2006/2007/2008/2009/2010/ projected 2011 SCHOOL 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 NOTE: It must be remembered that many schools were running teams in previous years with as few as 12 players on their lists. The reports for 2010 suggest where a team used to run with few players the average team now consists of 20 and more players which boosts the playing numbers more. U/13 I U/13 U13 II U/13 U/13 I U/13 U/13 U/13 SCHOOL 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 U/13 U/13 U/14 I U/14 I U/14 U/14 I U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U14 II U14 II U/15 Scotch U/15 I U/15 U/15 U/15 U/15 6 U/15 6 U/15 I 8 U/15 I 1 7 U/16 I 7 6 6 6 College 0 U/16 I U/16 I U/16 I U/16 I Carey U/16 U/16 U15 II U15 II U/16 II 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st U16 II U/16 II U/16 II U/16 II Grammar 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 2 2 2 2 2 2nd,1st 2nd,1st U/16 U/16 I 3rd U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st School 2nd,1st U16 II 2nd,1st 2nd,1st U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/14 I St. John’s U/14 U/15 U/15 U/15 Brighton U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 1st 1 2 2 2 2 U/14 II College 1st 1st 1st 1st Grammar U/16 3 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 6 U/15 6 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 6 7 U/15 School 1st U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/13 U/13 I U/13 1st 1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 1st 1st 2nd,1st U/13 I U/13 U/13 2nd,1st U/13 I U/14 I U/13 II U/14 I U/13 U/13 U/13 II U/14I U/14 I U/13 II U/14 Ii U/14 U/14 II U/14 U/14 U/14 I U/14 II U/15 U/13 St. Kevin’s U/14 U/15 I U/15 I U/15 U/15 6 U/15 6 7 U14 II 8 U/15 I 8 9 9 9 U/15 II 8 Geelong U/14 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 College U/15 U/15 II U/15 II U/16 I U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/15 U15 II U/16 I Grammar 3 U/16 6 3rd 4 3rd 4 3 3 3 3rd 4 3rd 4 U/16 U/16 I U/16 U/16 II 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st U/16 U/16 3rd,2nd School 3rd,2nd 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st U/16 II 3rd,2nd 3rd,2nd 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 1st 1st 2nd,1st 1st 1st

U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/14, Ivanhoe U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/15, U/15, U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14 St Patrick’s U/16, Grammar U/16 3 4 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 0 1st 1 U/16, 3 U/16, 3 U/16, 3 4 U/16, 3 U/16, 3 U/16, 3 U/15 College 1st XV, School 1st U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 1st XV 1st XV 1st XV 1st XV, 1st XV, 1st XV, 1st 2nd XV 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st

U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13, U/13, U/13, U/13, U/13, U/13, U/13, U/13, U/13, U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 Trinity U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14, U/14, Marcellin U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 5 U/15 6 U/15 5 Grammar U/15, 5 U/15, 6 U/15, 6 U/15, 6 U/15, 6 U/15, 6 U/15, 6 U/15, 6 U/15, 6 College U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 School 2nd, U/16, U/16, U/16, U/16, U/16, U/16, U/16, U/16, 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 2nd,1st 1st 1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st

U/13, U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13 U/13, U14 I U/14 I U/13 U/13 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/13, U/13, U/14 Melbourne U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14 U/14, U/14, U14 II U14 II U/14 U/14 U/15 U/15 U/15 U/15 U/14, U/14, U/15 Grammar 4 4 5 5 U/15 6 U/15 6 U/15 6 U/15 6 U/15 6 Xavier U/15, U/15, U15 I U/15 U/15 I U/15 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 4 U/15, 6 U/15, 5 7 9 9 7 U/16 I 8 7 School U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 College U/16, U/16 I, U15 II U/16 I U15 II U/16 1st 1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st U/16, U/16, U/16 II 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 2nd,1st 1st U/16 II U16 U/16 II U/16 3rd,2nd 2nd,1st 1st 3rd,2nd 2nd,1st 3rd,2nd 3rd,2nd 2nd,1st 1st 1st 1st 1st Melbourne U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 U/16 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 St Francis High School 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 2nd,1st 1st Xavier 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 College U/13, U14 I, Mentone U/14 U14 U/14, U14 II, U/15 U/14, U/14 U/14 Grammar 0 1st 1 U/16 3 U/16 3 2 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 1st 1 U/14, U/15, U16 I, 1st Haileybury U/15, U/15 U/15 School 1st 1st U/14 1 U/15, 3 4 U/16 6 U16 II 6 4 4 College U/16 U/16 I U/16 U/16 1st, 1st, 1st 1st XV 1st XV 2nd XV 2nd XV Mowbray U/16 0 1st 1 2 College 1st TOTAL TEAMS 43 56 65 71 71 71 68 70 67

70 71 Post War Presidents Board of Directors

1946 - 1947 Dr W.H Ward BOARD Union NAME Position Meetings Meetings 1948 - 1952 Mr C.A.M West Tim North SC President 10 4 1953 - 1954 Capt. J.M Armstrong, C.B.E, D.S.O., R.A.N.

1955 - 1956 Mr P.T Roberts, D.S.O Tony Barnes Finance Director 9 2

1957 - 1964 Mr G.W Ramsden Rick Boykett Director 8 3 1965 - 1975 Mr G.G Hunt, M.B.E., T.D.

1976 - 1979 Mr G.A Silley Keith De Kretser Director 7 1

1980 - 1991 Mr C.A Rowlinson John Marshall Director 10 2 1992 - 1995 Mr W.J Sturrock

1996 - 2005 Mr W.F Gillies Rick Watsford Director 7 2

2006 - 2010 Mr G. Gray Ema Yandall Director 8 3 2010 - Mr T. North

Peter Fielding Director 7 3

2 Meetings (Jan Ian Ray Director 1 and Feb)

2 Meetings (Jan Gary Gray President 1 and Feb)

10 Meetings (As Ross Oakley Director/CEO VRU director and 4 then VRU CEO)

NOTE: No Board Meetings were held in January or September.

72 73 Obituaries

Ken Alexander in a pivotal role on the famous Kokoda Track in Papua. Stan was Michael Grant many years. decorated for his gallantry in the P-NG campaigns and later Member, Melbourne University & Melbourne Rugby Clubs Melbourne Rugby Club Charlie was, in every sense, a truly outstanding person who gave served in Borneo. Ken Alexander passed away Monday June 7th 2010. Ken was Mike Grant passed away at the Alfred Hospital on Monday 26th daily expression to the qualities of decency, fairness, honesty, a Welshman who immigrated to Australia as a teenager and After the War he returned to the Power House Club and served April 2010 after a fall. Mike had been a stalwart of the Melbourne good humour and compassion. Whether it be in his various roles as: husband and father; long-serving member of the Police played his Rugby for Melbourne University and Melbourne in the as Club Captain in 1947 and First Grade coach in 1953. He was Club since he joined in 1971, both as a player and an administra- Force; friend or neighbour; or Rugby man, Charlie lived out these 1950/60s. a Life Member of Power House RUFC. Stan’s involvement with tor. Even though he only played two third grade and fourteen fourth grade matches, he served Melbourne for many years as a qualities naturally, completely and without affectation. He played for Victoria as a breakaway (Flanker) for a number the parent body Lord Somers Camp was a lifelong interest and committee member, coach and team manager. of seasons, mainly in the back row starting in 1958 and played he remained a staunch advocate for the work of the Association against the British Isles on 23 May 1959, being defeated 53-18. to the last. Mike was on the side line every week cheering on the players and Kevin Heath He continued to play for Victoria throughout 1959, 1960 and in he will be missed by the Club and his mates. Stan was much loved and widely revered by all who knew him. He Box Hill Rugby Club 1961 played in the Victorian team against Fiji. He played in the was the oldest living Wallaby at the time of his death. Victorian team that on 10 May 1961, defeated Queensland 14-9 Kevin passed away on 8 May 2010 aged 67 years. Charlie Grieve at Manly Oval and then played NSW the following week. Kevin joined the Box Hill RUFC in 1962 and played in the Reserve Life Member, Harlequin Rugby Club & Deputy Chair- Ken played for Melbourne Rugby Club after he left University in Jack Burridge Grade side that won the Premiership in 1965 which resulted in man, VRU Judiciary 1961. He played a total of 69 games for the Club. VRU & Footscray Rugby Club Life Member the Club being promoted to 1st Division Premier Grade). He went Jack Burridge, Life Member of the Victorian Rugby Union, died on Charlie Grieve passed away on 13 May 2010 aged 58 years. on to represent the Club in 1st and 2nd grade until he was 34 Tuesday December 14th 2010 after a long illness. Jack was 88 Charlie joined Harlequin Rugby Club as a young man in the early years old and then went on to play Social Grade. Stan Bisset MC, OAM years of age. He was also a Life Member of Footscray Rugby Club 1970s. He was, without a doubt, one of the finest locks to play for Life Member, Power House Rugby Club Whilst playing in Social Grade with the Box Hill “Unquenchables” where he served on the committee throughout the years and also Quins going on to play approximately 200 First Grade matches. Australia’s oldest Wallaby and a Wartime Hero Kevin played where ever the Club needed to make up the served as Secretary and Vice President of the Club. Charlie captained First Grade for a number of seasons and also numbers to ensure the game could be played, especially in the Stan Bisset died on Wednesday October 6th 2010 on the Sun- played in excess of 50 games for Victoria in an era where teams Jack was first elected onto the VJRU Board by Dr Stan East in the last 10 years - despite two partial knee replacements. He played shine Coast at the age of 98. Stan was one of the heroes of the in which he played regularly beat the ACT and, on one famous 1960s and from there he progressed to become a long standing all of the 1994 season with a heart condition which resulted in a Kokoda in WWII, and was an inspiring figure, proud to have fought occasion at Olympic Park, came within a couple of points of VRU Board member. He served as Manger of the Victorian Under coronary by-pass in November that year and maintained that the and played Rugby for his country. He was a genuine sporting hero defeating France. 16 state team from 1971 to 1974 and then served as Manager exertion of rugby kept him alive! who blossomed into a military hero in the cauldron of war. of various Victorian Under 18, Colts, Under 20 and Under 21 Upon his retirement, Charlie went on to become Harlequin Club In 2008 at the age of 66, Kevin played as a stand in hooker for Below is a short note from Power House Rugby Club regarding teams until 1985. Captain and President. In these roles, Charlie’s wise stewardship, 2nd grade against Melbourne and also turned out on several the late Stan Bisset MC, OAM, MID. his considerable leadership acumen and his great and abiding The Victorian Rugby Union awarded Jack Life Membership in occasions for 3rd grade. In 2009 he participated in pre season love for the Harlequin Club were obvious to all. Charlie was sub- Stan Bisset, a Victorian, was Captain of the Power House RUFC the 1980s for his long service to Rugby and also made Jack trials to make up numbers and ran on for both 2nds and 3rds sequently made a Life Member of the Club. Charlie’s contribution in 1937, and captained the First XV which won the Premiership its property steward. In 2000 Jack was awarded the Australian briefly before his diagnosis of having cancer. The last time he took to the Club continued unabated as a wonderfully supportive guide in 1938, a mere five years after the Club’s foundation. He was Sports Medal for his services to rugby. the field was the social day match in 2009 as part of the fiftieth selected to play for the Wallabies in 1939 along with Andrew and mentor for Club coaches and administrators. anniversary celebrations of the Club. He is reputed to have played Jack also served as press correspondent for the Footscray Rugby “Nicky” Barr and Max Carpenter. All three were playing for the Charlie Grieve was the Deputy Chairman of the VRU Judiciary a game every season from 1962 until 2009. He has probably the Club for many years, ringing around for the results on Sunday Power House RUFC at the time of their selection. The team sailed from 2003 to 2009. In addition he was a regular volunteer at longest continuous playing record of any member in the club until mornings typing them up on his old manual typewriter and deliv- to England on what was to be the most ambitious tour undertaken special matches and tournaments during this period. He was held the time of his death. ering them to the local papers offices. Footscray is one of the few by an Australian side to that date, but never played a game as the in great respect within the Rugby community and, as a member clubs in Victorian Rugby with a comprehensive record of players Off the field he was the loyal Clubman, every Club’s “Jack of all Wallabies, due to the outbreak of WW2 which virtually coincided of the Judiciary, was a strong supporter of the profile of the game and games that played for the club which was started by Jack in trades” and the perfect volunteer for any task. He did whatever with their arrival. in the deterrence of foul play. 1967, and these records are so complete that even people who was requested of him with humility and passion for the Club and On return to Australia, Stan volunteered and served in the Second only played 1 game are recorded as Footscray players because of The VRU, in 2010, awarded Charlie a Distinguished Service Award the game he loved so much. He was always there to encourage AIF in the 2/14th Bn, which fought in the Middle East and then Jack’s thoroughness. (DSA) for his contribution to Rugby in the wider community over the juniors, senior players and assist anyone who needed a hand.

74 75 Kevin Heath was a legend at Box Hill and to honour his contribu- Ewen was one time President of the VJRU, manager of various Appreciation tion over many years the Club’s Best and Fairest Award is named interstate Junior tours and organiser of many incoming visits by - “The Kevin Heath Medal”. Junior teams; he probably lost count of the numerous interstate visitors he billeted in his Mitcham home. Kevin Heath will be sadly missed but his spirit will live on forever. Ewen was a gregarious character; a cheerful and enthusiastic administrator, coach and manager who inspired many boys to Norman Maggs keep playing.

Norman Maggs passed away on 22 October 2010 at the age It was a loss to the Club when, along with a number of others, he of 87 years. Norman arrived from Wales at Geelong Grammar left the Box Hill Club to help form the Croydon Club (now named School in 1959 via Jordanville Technical School, which did not Maroondah) in 1971, which assisted the wider growth of Rugby in play Rugby. He taught and coached rugby at GGS until 1966. Victoria at that time. When Yarra Valley Grammar School opened, where he was Head of the Middle School, Senior Master and Master in charge of Rugby and coach of the Rugby teams, he soon commenced a rugby team. He retired in 1987, the longest serving foundation teacher at Yarra Valley

By 1991, Yarra Valley won the first VSRU Premiership, the 7s, the 10s and the Under 16 Competition, the only school to ever do so. The rugby ground was named in his honour. When rugby was no longer played there and the ground decommissioned, his name was taken down. His greatest regret. Norman was a supporter of Croydon, (now Maroondah), Box Hill and Power House and regularly went to watch their matches. He had served in the RAF as a navigator over Malta, West Africa and the Middle East. He was a schoolboy five eight or half back at his village school in Blackwood in his native Wales and Carmarthen University and was a member of the Welsh Choir in Melbourne.

A charming man, good judge of a rugby player and universally liked by all.

Ewen McPherson Box Hill Rugby Club

Ewen McPherson died on 8 December 2010 as the result of a car accident. Ewen was a former Footscray RUFC member who had moved to Mitcham and was called on to assist the Box Hill Club in the early sixties when it was experiencing rapid growth in all grades.

In 1965 and 1966 he was Coach of the 2nd XV as well as being Vice-Chairman of Juniors in 1965 and Chairman of Juniors in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.

76