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Top Four Cemented
By Ron Wood
With two games washed out this week, the top four has been further cemented with eight rounds left to play. The results from the three matches played this week sees the pecking order remain the same with the exception of Vikings dropping one spot to ninth on the Table. Under the Competition Rules for 2022 all teams involved in washed out matches receive two competition points. This comes about because there is no time available to replay washed out matches because of time restrictions placed on us by the big World Cycling event in Wollongong later in the year.
Competition front runners Shoalhaven took maximum points in their 36 – 7 victory over last placed Camden. George Miller crossed for three of his team’s six tries to see the Shoalies maintain a three point lead at the top of the table over Tech Waratahs.
Tech Waratahs had a comfortable 22 – 7 bonus point win over Shamrocks which saw Shamrocks cling to third spot one point ahead of Avondale. Avondale didn’t get things all their own way on Friday night when Vikings took the game right up to the Wombats, before a late five pointer secured Avondale a ten point win.
The top four Shoalhaven, Tech Waratahs, Shamrocks and Avondale are now seven points clear of fifth placed Campbelltown, with Bowral one point further adrift.
Match Results
Avondale 17 Def Vikings 7
Shoalhaven 36 Def Camden 7
Tech Waratahs 22 Def Shamrocks 7
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The Rogues Rant #316
June 30th 2022
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
By Ron Wood
It’s a busy weekend for our Junior Rep players this week. They will be participating in the NSWJRU Regional Carnival at Grantham Park, Seven Hills. There will be a total of five Boys and four Girls Country Teams involved over the weekend competing in a series of matches against Sydney based sides. At the completion of the Carnival the final sides for the City V Country matches will be selected for the weekend of July 31st in Bathurst. Good luck to all our Illawarrior players, we should know the final squads by Wednesday next week. The games can be seen on NSWRugby TV.
The Wallabies Home series of matches against England gets underway this week in Perth. Coach Rennie has given two players their first Wallaby Caps with Waratahs Hooker Dave Porecki and Brumbies Lock Cadeyrn Neville getting the nod for their first International matches. Japan based trio Quade Cooper, Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete have all made the starting lineup for the game in which the Wallabies will start favorites. It will be good to see Kerevi and young Len Ikitau together again in the centers. Kick off time is 7.55PM with the match to be live on Stan.
The IDRU Women’s competition will kick off this week. Wollongong University and Campbelltown get things underway at Wollongong Uni from 12.30PM Saturday. Teams are also coming together from Avondale, Tech Waratahs and with interest being shown from Shoalhaven now as well. Everything is moving in the right direction and IDRU Women’s Director Amanda Puckerage is confident things will continue to grow. For more information on how to get your team up and running, contact Amanda Puckerage on 0408 685714.
In local rugby this week there is one change of day and time with Vikings now hosting Avondale at Vikings Oval on Friday night with a 7.00PM kick off. All other matches are currently set as programed with 3.00PM starts. Five out of five for the Rogue last week so let’s see how we go this week. Vikings got back on deck last week against Bowral and were in the game until their condition let them down late in the match. Avondale had a hard one against Shoalhaven who produced one of the best performances seen in these parts for some time. With Vikings still having difficulties, The Wombats should be too good for the Blueys here. Avondale to Win. Bowral and Kiama are both sitting in the bottom half of the table but should put on a good match at Eridge Park. I don’t think there will be much between the two sides but I’ll go for a win for the home side. Bowral to Win. Shoalhaven really produced an entertaining performance last week with a big win over Avondale. With Camden anchored to the bottom of the table this could be another big score for the South Coast side. Shoalhaven to Win. University has Campbelltown at Home at Wollongong University. The students have some injury worries with some of their more experienced players sitting out injured at the moment. Campbelltown can produce some good football at times but consistency has been a problem for the Quinnies. This week however I think they can get the points. Campbelltown to Win. Match of the Round is between second placed Tech Waratahs and third placed Shamrocks at Saunders Oval. Tech Tahs are a big powerful side who have only lost once to Shoalhaven and deserve favoritism here. On the other hand Shamrocks have also only lost once this year to Shoalhaven as well. Everything points to a close encounter here but I think that Tech Tahs will prove too big and powerful for their northern rivals. Tech Waratahs to Win.
Rugby Diary
4th July IDRU Coaching Series – Andy Gibson: Team Defence, Structure & Skillset
6th July IDRU Coaching Series – Sam Needs: Scrum
9th July IDRU Round 13
Campbelltown V Shoalhaven
Camden V Vikings
Avondale V Kiama
University V Tech Waratahs
Shamrocks V Bowral
9th July IDRU Women’s Competition Round 2
University V Tech Waratahs
Campbelltown V Avondale
31st July City V Country Juniors. Bathurst
10th September IDRU Grand Final
All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.
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Respect Rugby Report Shortfalls
By Ron Wood
In a couple of earlier Rogues Rants this year I spoke of problems in the IDRU in regard to Referee numbers. I suggested that we should seek comment from Referees who have recently given active Refereeing away to determine just why the decision to stand down from active Refereeing was made. I have since had responses from the two Referees referred to in Rant #312, Ethan McIntosh and Andrew Strode. There responses are attached below.
Both Referees were subjected to abuse during the 2021 season. One event at which I was actually present was a particularly nasty example of the sort of thing that can and does too often occur. Both Referees followed the Respect Rugby Process as advised to do and submitted the appropriate paperwork to support their complaint. Both Referees expressed their disappointment in the manner in which their complaints were handled and the fact that there was no official follow up from the Respect Rugby Report.
There surely is something wrong with the system if the instigator of a Respect Rugby Report does not get any feedback at the completion of the investigation process. This must be corrected.
Both these young men in my opinion could quite possibly return to active Refereeing if they could be reassured that the process of dealing with the sort of abuse that they were subjected to was dealt with in a more efficient and consistent manner.
Their letters make for interesting reading and I’m sure that there would be other former Referees who have similar experiences and opinions.
Letter from Ethan McIntosh 9th June 2022
I chose to sit out this season for a number of reasons and many of these stemmed from a major incident of referee abuse at Campbelltown. While the incident itself was particularly ugly, I felt more affected by the circumstances around the follow up to the incident.
I felt let down by the manner in which the incident was handled by the IDRU Board. I feel certain that if the investigation of the incident had been handled by the IDRU Judiciary as normal, the outcome would have been quite different.
My own perception through last season was that, where incidents occurred, they seemed to be swept under the rug as quickly as possible to avoid ‘bad press’.
It was frustrating to hear of other referee abuse cases through the season where there was either inaction or weak punishments handed down. It certainly didn’t make me feel supported by the district as a referee, instead having to rely on my referee colleagues. It became very apparent that following the Respect Rugby procedures as I had been instructed to do was a waste of time and they weren’t worth the paper they were written on. There appeared to be no follow up at all by NSW Rugby to ensure the IDRU was fulfilling their responsibilities in this process.
At the end of the day, it wasn’t an easy decision to step away, nor one that I took lightly. However, I felt that continuing to referee in such an environment and ‘put up with it’ would do nothing to break the cycle.
Signed
Ethan McIntosh
Andrew Strode Letter 24th June 2022
Stepping away from refereeing was a tough choice but I felt it was necessary to send the right message over ref abuse. I think it’s important to state that I didn’t stop because of the abuse itself – that doesn’t really worry me. I feel like I’m experienced enough to keep it in perspective.
What really concerned me and frustrated me was the inaction by the IDRU in using/following the respect rugby process. In fact, here we are in the middle of 2022 and I still haven’t been informed of the outcome of two of my reports from May and June last year. That process is there to protect and support referees and to have it so obviously disregarded is completely unacceptable.
Disappointingly, when I reached out to NSW Rugby to intervene and asked them to provide support and counsel to the IDRU to ensure that the process was followed, I did not receive a reply.
Ultimately, the difficult decision not to ref this year was more about the young refs. They need to feel like they are supported by all levels of the game and I saw too many examples last year where that just didn’t happen. I figured if I went back without any changes, it would send the wrong message. In not refereeing I guess I hoped that a strong message would be sent that there are consequences to inaction.
Signed
Andrew Strode
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Shoalhaven Emphatic Victory Over Avondale
By Ron Wood
Shoalhaven have issued an emphatic challenge to all their rivals for the IDRU Premiership title in an amazing all round performance against Avondale at Shoalhaven Rugby Park. In a game that remained scoreless for the first twenty odd minutes, the Shoalies exploded on the back of the incredible attacking talents of the Brandon Brothers to register a 49 – 5 win over Avondale.
With six rounds completed in the disrupted 2022 season, Shoalies sit at the top of the table unbeaten on the back of their eighteen match, two year winning streak. With a points differential of plus 175, the Shoalies are currently conceding just over 6 points a match on the back of their outstanding defensive structure. Throw in the freakish attacking skills of the Brandon brothers and Shoalhaven seem destined to figure prominently in the end of season matches.
In a solid early contest on Shoalies home ground the match was closely contested until the Brandon’s put on four incredible tries in the lead up to the break. Wingers Keiran and Mark scored twice each in conjunction with fullback brother Steven, playing havoc with the Avondale defense. Mark added four conversions for Shoalhaven to take a 28 – 0 lead into the halftime break.
Ten minutes into the second term Steven and Keiran combined down the western touchline with an exchange of passes resulting in Steven scoring on the left. Another conversion from Mark and the Shoalies were out to a 35 – 0 lead.
To their credit Avondale came out swinging putting plenty of pressure on the unflinching Shoalhaven defensive line. As it has been all season the Shoalies defense was up to the task conceding just one try to Avondale wingman Jesse Lang. With the hard running Avondale forwards putting plenty of questions to the Shoalies defense the breakthrough came at the sixty minute mark. Big No.8 Othello Heka Tera took play to within centre meters of the home side’s line. With big prop Tavite Amone running wide from the ruck, Leng, running off Amone, was able to score in the corner for the Wombats only score of the match.
Avondale continued to raid away but the Shoalies defense held strong on the back of unflinching work from their entire forward pack. Shoalhaven were once again led by Will Miller who took the three points in the IDRU Player of the Year Award. The Shoalies dogged work in defense and at the breakdown frustrated the best Avondale could muster throughout the match eventually taking its toll in the dying stages of the match.
With Avondales effort falling away under the pressure, George Miller made a strong run from twenty meters out to score a converted try for a 42 – 5 lead. With fulltime imminent Keiran Brandon completed the try scoring with a fifty meter runaway try after swooping on a loose Avondale pass.
In an outstanding team effort Will Miller’s contribution to the performance was not only physical but inspirational as well keeping his side’s minds on the job before he took an early exit from the match. Front Rower Alex Wilson put in a huge effort with great support from his backrowers Michael Raftery, Duncan Maddinson and No.8 George Miller. Busy Halfback Connor Trudgeon, who took two points in the IDRU Player Award, had a field day playing off the back of the dominant forward pack, with Fly Half Harry Hibbs and center Jack Watts giving the Brandon brothers plenty of opportunity to run the ball and do their thing in attack.
What can you say about the Brandon brothers? They thoroughly entertained the big parochial Shoalhaven crowd with their uncanny attacking ability. The whole side’s effort in defense and again at the breakdown laid the foundation for what the Brandon Brothers did and all the signs suggest that there is still more to come from the competition leaders.
Despite the unflattering score-line the Wombats effort was not without merit. Front Row brothers Anthony and Tavite Amone never flinched in taking the ball forward with back rowers Tuu Taanoa, Michael Malaki and No.8 Othello Heka Tera working well throughout. The effort of light weight Lock Jiah McKinnirey was rewarded with one point in the IDRU Player Award. Wombat centers Andre Itula and Nua Alone put in plenty of effort but were overshadowed by the Shoalies defensive effort on the day.
Shoalhaven 49 (Keiran Brandon 2 tries, Steven Brandon 1 try, George Miller 1 try, Mark Brandon 3 tries, 7 goals)
Def Avondale 5 (Jesse Leng 1 try)
Other Match Results
Campbelltown 31 Def Camden 29
Bowral 32 Def Vikings 19
Tech Waratahs 52 Def Kiama 19
Shamrocks 28 Def University 3
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The Rogues Rant #315
June 22nd 2022
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
By Ron Wood
Illawarra Rugby finished with three junior Country Titles after the Long Weekend Rep program and with in excess of fifty players gaining Country Squad selection this week the program can be considered quite a success. Six senior players made the Cockatoos Training Squad to prepare for the National Rugby Championships in Adelaide from September 28 to October 4th. Five Under 19 Colts players will be vying for the final squad for a series of matches against Queensland Country on the Gold Coast in July. The Junior squads are preparing for the annual City V Country matches to be played in Bathurst on Sunday 31st July. Congratulations to all players who have been included and good luck in your efforts to make the final squads.
It was disturbing to see Vikings forfeit their match last week with Tech Waratahs. I’m told the club only has 22 registered players on their books at the moment. There is an old rule of thumb that you need 25 registered players per team in your club to have any chance of meeting your commitments for a season. Vikings have gone from three teams and a dozen reserves three years ago to the shaky situation they now find themselves in. Let’s hope that the club can attract some more players to get through their commitments for this year. Vikings are certainly not the only club who’s numbers have been impacted by the uncertain times of the last couple of seasons.
The Crusaders have added another Super Rugby title to their already overloaded Trophy Cabinet. They never looked in danger of losing the final last week in Auckland, thoroughly deserving the victory. The format of the Tournament this year has proved to be a success and will be continued in 2023, but what happens from 2024 onwards is still to be negotiated. Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan caused a stir during the week suggesting that Rugby Australia may go it alone in 2024 with our own domestic tournament instead of Super Rugby. I was one suggesting that Australian Rugby would be better off going it alone, but after the way the Super Rugby Tournament went this year and the improved showing of the Australian sides, I’m coming around to staying with Super Rugby. The real issue in Australia still remains what is going on at grass roots level and the career paths available for talented players.
There is an even clearer top four locally after last week’s matches. Shoalhaven have a three point lead over Tech Waratahs at the top of the table with Avondale and Shamrocks equal third one point away. University sits fifth, nine points away and if things go the way I think this week it will be much the same after Saturday. Campbelltown and Camden meet in Campbelltown for the battle of Macarthur. Camden are anchored at the bottom of the table and will still be there after this one. Campbelltown to Win. Bowral are drawn to play Vikings at Eridge Park. Bowral copped a bit of a hiding from Shoalhaven last week while Vikings didn’t make the field at all. Let’s hope the Blueys can rally back this week and get their season back on track. This is a hard one to pick but given the current circumstances I have to go for the homeside. Bowral to Win. Kiama hosts Tech Waratahs in Kiama. Kiama had a big win over Uni last week while Tech Tahs ended up having a week off. Tech Tahs have a few injury problems to deal with but I think they can still get the job done against the cows. Tech Waratahs to Win. Shamrocks and University are on at Ocean Park, Woonona. Shamrocks are missing a few of their top side at the moment and Uni are coming off a thrashing at the hands of Kiama. Hard to get a line on this one but I’ll go for the homeside again. Shamrocks to Win. Match of the Round is another top of the Table clash between Shoalhaven and Avondale at South Nowra. Shoalies unbeaten run continues and Avondale have attacking ace Andre Itula back on deck. This should be one very interesting match with both sides capable of putting on tries from anywhere on the field. I think though the best disciplined side will get the points here. Shoalhaven to Win.
Rugby Diary
2nd July IDRU Round 12
University V Campbelltown
Tech Waratahs V Shamrocks
Bowral V Kiama
Shoalhaven V Camden
Vikings V Avondale
2nd July IDRU Women’s Competition Round 1
University V Campbelltown
Tech Waratahs V Avondale
4th July IDRU Coaching Series – Andy Gibson: Team Defence, Structure & Skillset
6th July IDRU Coaching Series – Sam Needs: Scrum
10th September IDRU Grand Final
All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.
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Paul Tuala Heads A List Of 57 Illawarriors Selected For Country
By Ron Wood
Illawarriors Captain Paul Tuala is right at the top of the list of 57 Illawarra Players to be selected in NSW Country Squads after last weekend’s Country Championships. The Squads covering Seniors, Colts, Women’s, and Junior Boys and Girls age groups where announced during the week.
Wollongong University stalwart Tuala, is one of six Illawarra players named in the Cockatoos Squad to prepare for the short 2022 Cockatoos program. Tech Waratahs trio Stephen Schwenke, Misieli Sinoti and TanielaTuipulotu were named in the squad along with Matori Atunaisa from Kiama, and Jack Hobbs from Vikings.
Paul Tuala’s selection is well deserved after his standout performance in Tamworth for the Illawarriors. Paul has declared the 2022 season will be his final year in Illawarra Rugby and set a goal for himself to finish with another Caldwell Cup victory for Illawarra and Cockatoo selection. The Caldwell Cup victory evaded him but he will be over the moon to once again represent his beloved Cockatoos one more time.
Despite their side not winning a game in Tamworth last week five Illawarrior Colts players have made it into the Country Colts Squad. Jaxon Clark and James Hicks from University have made the squad along with Josh De Kok and Felix Talbot from Bowral. Also in the Colts Squad is Hugo Fay from Tech Waratahs.
At the Junior level Illawarra sides won three Country Championships in the Boys Under 14’s and Under 16’s, along with the Girls Under 16 side finishing as Joint Champions with Hunter. Thirty boys have won selection in Country Squads across the ages and fourteen girls were included in three Country Girls Squads.
The full list of Junior Country Representatives are:
Boys Under 18’s – Tyler O’Brien, Darnell Te Ahuru, Dom Uliana, Josh Parrish, Nate Makotsvana, John Koroi Jokatoma, Leo Malaesilia and Harry Velavatu.
Girls Under 18’s – Charlotte Basham, Hope Millard, Zali O’Brien, and Mia Walsh.
Boys Under 16’s – Jacob Colwell (Avondale), Ezekial Kennedy (University), Rico Ross (Kiama), Jack Tully (Tech Waratahs), Harry Middleton (Kiama), Callum Hodgson (Kiama), Nathaniel Gallagher (Camden), and Charlie Heidke (Kiama).
Girls Under 16’s – Veronica Agavale, Maria Paseka, Jayda Patrick, Tahlia O’Brien, and Bronte Wilson.
Boys Under 15’s – Ben Askew, Isaac Elliot, Jerome Gargoles, Glassie Glassia, Mase Hilcoat, Dusty Moffitt, Mason Norval, Riley Parrish, Hanare Reti, Noah Spiteri, Kai Wilson and Seamus Wood.
Boys Under 14’s – Brayden Lang, Ronel Marc-Ribucan, Lacom Poaching, and Max Sutton.
Girls Under 14’s – Angela Agave, Rebecca Cusack, Jacquelline Anna Scott.
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Shamrocks Hang On Over Campbelltown
By Ron Wood
In a game of two halves at Ocean Park, Woonona on Saturday, Shamrocks have hung onto a share of third spot on the ladder with a 19 – 17 victory over a strong finishing Campbelltown outfit. Shamrocks showing all their customary enthusiasm raced to a 19 – 5 lead at the break with the Quinnies lacking effort in the first period.
The second half was a different story with the Quinnies producing a much more vigorous effort holding the Rocks scoreless as they put on two second half tries. Both s ides scored three tries in a match that could have gone either way. Another workaholic defensive effort from the outweighed Shamrocks side saw the Rocks hold on over the last fifteen minutes of the match to get the all-important four competition points.
Shamrocks ran with a strong breeze in the first forty with Fly Half Ben Ridgeway contributing fourteen of their nineteen points. Ridgeway crossed first after twelve minutes as he ducked under a poor attempted tackle to score from twenty meters out. Three minutes later Rocks Captain Damien Clark, playing at No.8, took full advantage of some clever attacking play from jockey sized center Liam Rountree. Rountree ran the ball from his own half drawing several defenders before putting Clark free down the western touchline. Clark scored wide out and with Ridgeway on target with the conversion the Rocks led 12 - 0 after fifteen minutes.
Minutes later Alex Sherwin pulled one back for the Quinnies scoring after several phases of strong forward play in the Rocks quarter. Capping off twelve frantic minutes of scoring Ridgeway chased through a kick to regain the ball and score and convert giving the Rocks a 19 – 7 lead after twenty five minutes of play. Both sides struggled to put any quality attack together as defense became the order of the day through to the break.
Campbelltown came out after the break with a different mindset with wingman Onisimoemosi Rokotuinasau setting the tone of the half with a strong run down the touchline in which he beat four defenders to score. Giant Quinnies No.8 Laitia Tuitatava began to dominate with some power running which troubled the Rocks smaller forwards.
Tuitatava’s impact on the game bore fruit at the midway mark of the half as he powered his way down the eastern side touchline to score and with the conversion by fullback Robbie Labalaba the Quinnies found themselves within two of the lead at 17 – 19.
All things suggested that the Quinnies were going to power away with the game but the fighting defensive spirit that the Rocks have become renowned for enabled the side to deny the best the Quinnies could muster in attack as the Rocks got away with the competition points.
Best for the Rocks were skipper Clark and hardworking forwards Xavier McDevitt, Dale Sullivan and Hooker Harry Devine in his 100th game. Halfback Corey Aylett provided extraordinary service to his outside backs, taking three points in the IDRU Player of the Year Award. Fly half Ridgeway remained busy throughout with center Liam Rountree and Fullback Ben Stewart also busy.
For Campbelltown No. 8 Tuitatava was prominent especially in the second term, with Flanker Saisamoa Laga strong and prop Alex Sherwin toiling all day.
Shamrocks 19 (Damien Clark 1 try, Ben Ridgeway 2 tries, 2 goals)
Def Campbelltown 17 (Alex Sherwin 1 try, Onisimoemosi Rokotuinasau 1 try, Laitai Tuitatava 1 try, Robbie Labalaba 1 goal).
Other Match Results
Avondale 45 Def Camden 6
Shoalhaven 47 Def Bowral 5
Kiama 42 Def University 17
Tech Waratahs Def Vikings by Forfeit
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The Rogues Rant #314
June 17th 2022
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
By Ron Wood
It was a big weekend of Rep Rugby last week. The Caldwell Cup was decided in Tamworth along with the Colts Under 19’s Country Championships and all the Junior age groups at various venues around the state. The senior Illawarriors finished third in the Caldwell Cup with a two win, one loss record for the weekend. Unfortunately the Colts had four losses over the weekend to finish at the wrong end of the Points Table. It was clear that both sides were under prepared for the tournament compared to their rivals. That’s understandable given that the weather problems we’ve experienced recently saw two trial matches and several training sessions washed out in the lead up to the championships. The Junior Illawarriors fared better with two Country Titles coming the Boys way and one for the Girls. The Under 14 Boys defeated Hunter 17 – 7 in the final while the Under 16’s also beat Hunter 21 – 7 to take the Country Titles. The Girls Under 16’s played a 7 all draw also with Hunter to be declared Joint Champions with the Hunter Girls. Central West won both the Women’s and the Colts titles in Tamworth, while Central Coast won the Caldwell Cup with a close final win over Central West 32 – 29 via a penalty goal in extra time.
The IDRU Board has formed a Working Group to take a look at the future of Illawarra Rugby. There are plenty of issues surrounding Illawarra Rugby at the moment both locally and in regard to where we sit in the game as a whole. After attending the Country Championships regularly over the last twenty odd years, I have come to believe that this representative model has become quite tired and at the risk of becoming irrelevant. That brings me to say what I have said a couple of times before. NSW Rugby and Rugby Australia for that matter, must seriously look at the whole competition structure of Rugby in NSW if Rugby itself is to remain relevant.
It’s Final time for Super Rugby this week with The Blues at home in Auckland against the Crusaders. The Blues can consider themselves very lucky to get away with the semi win over the Brumbies. The Brumbies started well with an early try only to see the Blues fight back with the brilliant Beauden Barrett very prominent. The last few tense minutes of the match could have easily seen the result go the other way. Unfortunately for the Brumbies the luck went with the Blues. I’m going to stick with the Blues to take the Final this week against the Crusaders.
Back to local Rugby this week with a couple of interesting matches to come. Camden hosts Avondale at Camden Rugby Park and will be up against it on current form. Avondale to Win. Vikings get to use Vikings Oval for the first time this year against Tech Waratahs. Tech Tahs have lost several players with injuries over the last two weeks but still should have too much fire power for the struggling Blueys. Tech Waratahs to Win. University and Kiama clash at Wollongong University. On form the Students should get the points in this one, but Kiama are capable of causing an upset. University to Win. Shoalhaven who take on Bowral at Shoalhaven Rugby Park this week will be looking for win number 17 on the trot. Bowral are down on experience in their side at the moment with the loss of several of their better players from the last few seasons. What the Blacks lack in experience they more than make up for in enthusiasm and will give Shoalies plenty to think about. Shoalies will continue their unbeaten run. Shoalhaven to Win. In this week’s Match of The Round, Shamrocks are hosting Campbelltown at Ocean Park in what will be an interesting contest. The Rocks will give up a lot of weight to the Quinnies but will no doubt give the big Campbelltown boys a hard time. I think the Quinnies can win this in a close one. Campbelltown to Win.
Rugby Diary
22nd June IDRU Coaching Series – Jay Tregonning: RWC Planning, Training & Scheduling, Team Culture
25th June IDRU Round 11
Campbelltown V Camden
Shoalhaven V Avondale
Vikings V Bowral
Shamrocks V University
Kiama V Tech Waratahs
2nd July IDRU Women’s Competition Round 1
University V Campbelltown
Tech Waratahs V Avondale
4th July IDRU Coaching Series – Andy Gibson: Team Defence, Structure & Skillset
6th July IDRU Coaching Series – Sam Needs: Scrum
10th September IDRU Grand Final
All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.
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Illawarriors Finish Country Week With A Bang
By Ron Wood
The Illawarriors started day two of the Country Championships pretty much where they left off from Day one. In the 3rd Place Play Off match in the Caldwell Cup against Far North Coast, the Illawarriors stumbled through the first half with handling errors and poor discipline hampering their chances of finishing the tournament on a positive note.
Their opponents Far North Coast went out to a 17 – 0 lead at halftime after crossing for three first half tries. The Illawarriors re grouped at the break and produced a second half more in keeping with expectations to run out narrow winners 20 – 17, securing third place in the tournament.
On the back of a seven to two penalty count and with front rower Clancy Donnan finishing the half in the Bin, nothing much went right for the side in the first half. Shortly after the break wingman Matori Atunaisa joined Donnan in the Bin as the side was forced to play for about seven minutes two players down. In adversity the players responded. Led by the legendary Paul Tuala, playing his last game for Illawarra, their effort lifted, with the errors disappearing from their game the side went to a new level.
While still one player short, one of their best players across the weekend Lock Jack Hobbs, charged over to score from close range off the back of Flanker Steven Schwenke’s strong lead up work. Within five minutes the electric Eli Sinoti raced away down the left sideline to score for a 10 – 17 score-line putting his side right back in the match at the 60 minute mark.
Far North Coast lost a player to the Bin as the Illawarriors took command of the match. Tuala literally played himself to a standstill in the final twenty minutes of the match. Tuala did it all himself swooping on a loose ball near the Far North Coast line beating several would be tacklers to the line to score. Another of the sides better performers across the weekend Tom Baker made no mistake with the conversion and the scores were locked 17 all with less than ten to run on the clock.
The clock was running down to the final moments of the match when the Illawarriors were awarded a penalty within kicking range. Tom Baker stepped forward and guided the ball through the posts for three points and a 20 – 17 lead. With seconds left to play the kick off restart was taken and immediately kicked into touch for the win securing third spot in the tournament for the Illawarriors.
Co Captains Tom Baker and Paul Tuala led all weekend from the front with strong displays from Jack Hobbs, Steven Schwenke, Hector Tapueluelu and Jake Kamire in the forwards. Out the back Eli Sinoti, along with his center partner Nano Katoa were strong with wingers Matorino Atunaisa and Angus Hodgson catching the eye.
The Caldwell Cup Final was won by Central Coast 32 – 29 over Central West.
Caldwell Cup Third Place Play Off
Illawarriors 20 (Jack Hobbs 1 try, Eli Sinoti 1 try, Paul Tuala 1 try, Tom Baker 1 goal, 1 penalty goal) Def Far North Coast 17 (3 tries, 1 goal)
The Illawarriors Under 19’s Colts finished their tournament with two games on Sunday. The Boys went down 25 – 14 to Hunter and narrowly 28 – 21 to Far North Coast. The Colts Tournament was won by Central West who went through the competition undefeated.
Colts Scores
Hunter 25 (5 tries) Def Illawarriors 14 (Palu Tausala 1 try, James Sykes 1 try, Preston Hanson 2 goals)
Far North Coast 28 (4 tries, 4 goals) Def Illawarriors 21 (James Sykes 1 try, Otis Bottomley 1 try, Palu Tausala 1 try, Preston Hanson 3 goals)
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Disappointment For Illawarriors At Country Championships
By Ron Wood
Despite a 50 – 3 victory over Hunter commencing the Illawarriors Country Championship campaign, the first day of the tournament at Scully Park, Tamworth turned out to be a disappointment overall for Illawarra Rugby.
The Illawarriors second outing in the Caldwell Cup contest resulted in a one sided 24 - 7 loss to defending Champions Central West. After successfully withstanding an energetic start from the Blue Bulls the Illawarriors took an early 7 – 0 lead after five minutes of play but from then on the match was dominated by the westerners.
Central West scored twenty four unanswered points to qualify for the Caldwell Cup Final as Illawarra failed to put any sustained attacking play together. The Illawarriors were forced to spend long periods defending against the Bulls well organized and committed attack with handling errors and three Sin Binings cruelling their effort to get into the game.
The Central West center pairing completely shut down the Illawarriors centers Eli Sinoti and Nano Katoa who had run riot over Hunter in the side’s earlier match. With the Illawarriors discipline deserting them the Central West side took full advantage never taking their foot of the accelerator throughout the match to thoroughly deserve their passage through to the Final.
Illawarrior Captain and veteran Paul Tuala put in a blinder in the early game scoring three tries and defending strongly throughout another one sided match in which Illawarra side scored eight tries. In this match Illawarra started poorly losing Lock Andrew Fiagatusa to a bad knee injury in the first play of the match, but eventually put on two first half tries. Taking a 14 – 3 lead into the halftime break, the Illawarriors ran in six second term tries to completely overwhelm a hapless Hunter side. The manner in which the side routed Hunter had all at the ground expecting a close contest against Central West which didn’t eventuate.
The Illawarriors will now meet Mid North Coast in the Caldwell Cup 3rd Place Play off at 9.40AM on Sunday.
The Illawarrior Colts Under 19 side had heavy losses in their two pool matches on Saturday. In their first match they led Central Coast for a long period of the match by 7 points to 5 only to fade late to go down 22 – 7. In their second match also against Central West the side was down 12 – 0 at the break but showed somewhat of a resurgence in the second before going down 24 – 0.
The Colts have two more Pool games on Sunday against Hunter at 8.50AM and Far North Coast at 11.50AM to complete their tournament.
Match Results
Seniors
Illawarriors 50 (Paul Tuala 3 tries, Steven Schwenke 2 tries, Grant Iles 1 try, Jake Kamira 1 try, Angus Hodgson 1 try, 1 goal, Tom Baker 4 goals) Def Hunter 3.
Central West 24 (3 tries, 1 Penalty Try, 1 goal) Def Illawarriors 7 (Ian Leota 1 try, Tom Baker 1 goal)
Colts Under 19’s
Central Coast 22 Def Illawarriors 7 (Jaxon Clark 1 try, Preston Hanson 1 goal)
Central West 24 (4 tries, 2 goals) Illawarriors 0
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Injuries Force Changes To Illawarriors Squad
By Ron Wood
Injuries have seen two key players withdraw from the Illawarriors Squad for this weekend’s NSW Country Championships in Tamworth. Country Cockatoos Fullback Aisake Tuevu from Tech Waratahs suffered a Displaced Fracture to his right arm in last Saturdays Round 9 IDRU Premiership match against Shoalhaven. Likewise Country Cockatoo and Vikings Flanker Dane Nethery has been forced to pull out of the Squad after recently suffering a knee injury. An MRI scan earlier this week confirmed that Dane had in fact broken a bone in his knee forcing his withdrawal. Both Illawarra star players will miss between four and six weeks of football with the injuries which have almost certainly ended their chances of further Country Cockatoo selection.
The Squad will travel to Tamworth on Friday morning to prepare for their first match of this year’s tournament against Hunter at 11.00AM on Saturday morning. In what is surely this year’s Pool of Death, the Illawarriors will then play defending Champions Central West at 2.00PM on Saturday afternoon. The best performed team in the Pool will qualify for the Caldwell Cup Final to be played on Sunday at 2.10PM.
TV coverage of all Caldwell Cup matches this weekend is available through NSW Rugby TV. To access the TV coverage go to www.nswrugby.tv
The Full Illawarriors Caldwell Cup Squad is: 1.Clancy Donnan (Bowral). 2. Ian Leota (Tech Waratahs). 3. Taniela Tuipolotu (Tech Waratahs). 4. Jack Hobbs (Vikings). 5. Leighton Cowley (Kiama ). 6. Paul Tuala (University) Capt. 7. Andrew Fiagatusa (Tech Waratahs). 8. Hector Tapueluelu(Tech Waratahs). 9. Terry Fanolua (Tech Waratahs). 10. Tom Baker (University), Capt. 11. Angus Hodgson (Kiama). 12. Miieli Sinoti (Tech Waratahs). 13. Atelemo Katoa (Tech Waratahs). 14. Matori Atunaisa (Kiama). 15. Mawutu Akaruru (Tech Waratahs). 16. Keiran McCourt (Camden). 17. John Leota (Campbelltown). 18. Shane Meni (Campbelltown). 19. Sam Hackett (University). 20. Jake Kamire (Avondale)., 21. Stephen Schwenke (Tech Waratahs). 22. Corey Aylette (Shamrocks). 23. Ione Ionesesio (Tech Waratahs). 24. Grant Iles (Camden).
Coach - Sean Barrett
Asst Coach – Joe Aione
Manager – Mark Freund
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The Rogues Rant #313
June 8th 2022
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
By Ron Wood
It’s a big weekend of Representative Rugby over the upcoming Long weekend. The Senior Men’s, Women’s and Under 19 Colts NSW Country Championships will be played in Tamworth on Saturday and Sunday. Also over the weekend the combined Junior NSW Country/NSW State Championships will be played for both Boys and Girls at various venues around NSW including at Camden Rugby Park. Illawarra teams will be involved all over the place to endeavor to bring home some more Country and even State titles. I’ll be in Tamworth and will be keeping you up to date on the IDRU Facebook page with match up dates as they happen and with full Match Reports at the end of each day. You can also tune into TV coverage of the games in Tamworth through NSW Rugby TV. To get access to the TV coverage go to www.nswrugby.tv
There was an interesting aspect to the article during the week on Women’s Rugby on the IDRU Website and Facebook page. As of now the article has reached over 4,000 people on Facebook. The other regular contributions from the Rogue on Facebook have an average reach of 2000, half as many. That surely would suggest that there is strong interest out there for Women’s Rugby in the Illawarra. If anyone out there in Club land wants to know more about how to get a women’s team up and running at your club, contact IDRU Director Amanda Puckeridge on 0408685714.
The finals matches in Super Rugby over the weekend were interesting in so many ways. I really enjoyed the Brumbies win in Canberra which pretty much followed the same pattern as all the other matches. The impact of the various benches had on the matches was very evident with the replacement players finishing off things in all the matches. The big disappointment for me in Canberra was all the empty seats. It’s an indication of just where Rugby is in Australia. Twenty years ago you wouldn’t get a seat if you took too long to move when the Brumbies were playing a finals match in town.
Super Rugby Semi Final time and last week’s qualifying matches went completely as the form line suggested they would. The Blues and the Crusaders have been the form sides throughout the year. The Blues have lost only once way back in their first game of the year. The Crusaders have lost three times to the Chiefs, the Blues and the Waratahs. The Chiefs and the Brumbies have lost four times. Everything points to the Crusaders and the Blues winning this week and going through to the Final in a week’s time. My tips for the Semi’s: Crusaders and Blues to win.
Rugby Diary
11/12th June NSW Country Championships – Tamworth
NSW State/Country Junior Championships
18th June IDRU Round 10
Shamrocks V Campbelltown
University V Kiama
Vikings V Tech Waratahs
Camden V Avondale
Shoalhaven V Bowral
22nd June IDRU Coaching Series – Jay Tregonning: RWC Planning, Training & Scheduling, Team Culture
2nd July IDRU Women’s Competition Round 1
University V Campbelltown
Tech Waratahs V Avondale
4th July IDRU Coaching Series – Andy Gibson: Team Defence, Structure & Skillset
6th July IDRU Coaching Series – Sam Needs: Scrum
10th September IDRU Grand Final
All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.
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Women’s Rugby On The Move In The Illawarra
By Ron Wood
IDRU Director of Women’s Rugby, Amanda Puckeridge has confirmed a start date for an Open Women’s Rugby Competition in the Illawarra. Four teams will kick the Competition off on Saturday 2nd July with all matches to be played in conjunction with the Men’s draw in the former Third Grade time slot.
Teams will be competing from Wollongong University, Campbelltown, Tech Waratahs and Avondale and will play six Rounds before a final series culminating in a Grand Final on September 3 which is the Senior Men’s Semi Final Day.
Amanda also confirmed that Illawarra will be represented in this weekend’s Country/State Championships in the girls Under 14, Under 16 and Under18’s Tournaments. For several weeks now the younger girls have been competing in a Junior Sevens program with teams coming from Avondale, Camden, Campbelltown, Kiama and also a couple of composite teams from the Wollongong city area.
So the interest and numbers of players are growing amongst the girls and ladies and with the continued support of Clubs will no doubt become a regular part of the Illawarra Rugby Program. The Ladies game is on the rise right across the Country and with the Women Rugby World Cup coming to Australia, should continue to do so over the next few years.
The Illawarra Girls Under 16 NSW Country Champions from 2021.
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Shoalhaven Take The Points In A Classic At Saunders
By Ron Wood
In a tense, pulsating eighty minutes of football Shoalhaven have maintained their sixteen match winning streak with a hard fought 17 – 12 victory over a gallant Tech Waratahs at Saunders Oval. Shoalies last loss was against Tech Waratahs on the 20th September 2020, and it was Tech Tahs that pushed the south coast side right to the limit this time in an entertaining match.
Shoalhaven’s defensive effort in the scoreless second half of this match was near perfect. Tech Tahs threw everything at Shoalies in attack confirming their place on the ladder in a match that was worthy of a Finals contest. Tech Tahs lost representative halfback Terry Fanolua midway through the second term with a shoulder injury, which affected the side’s direction in the critical final stages of the match.
Tech started very strongly catching the Shoalies on the hop with their very physical and skillful approach to the task. For much of the first half Tech controlled the match testing the Shoalhaven defensive line like they have not been tested for some time.
Shoalhaven started the scoring with a penalty goal to Mark Brandon after four minutes to which Tech responded strongly from the restart. Tech regathered possession from the kick and their big forwards rucked the ball forward for three phases before big front rower Martin Matini Popole forced his way over for the try and a 5 – 3 lead.
Shoalhaven responded quickly with one of their best George Miller scoring after a strong individual weaving run from thirty meters out. Mark Brandon converted and Shoalhaven led 10 – 5 after ten frantic minutes of football.
With an interesting contest at the scrum and with both sides performing well at the breakdown the pace and quality of the game was being enjoyed by the big crowd of supporters from both clubs. The Tech forwards were getting the upper hand creating plenty of opportunities for their creative backline with Eli Sinoti causing the defense plenty of concern with his power running.
Shoalhaven Fly-Half Harry Hibbs’ kicking game came to the fore as he continually turned the Tech Tahs side around with his prodigious kicks, but the Tahs forwards continued on with their strong work eventually taking play deep into the Shoalies quarter where Hooker Ian Leota finished a strong drive to score for Tech. With a conversion from Sinoti, Tech retook the lead 12 – 10 with twenty minutes gone on the clock.
With a composed and experienced Will Miller taking the lead the Shoalies effort slowly started to build and with a string of penalties for the visitors they managed to build pressure on the home side. Within seconds of the break, mercurial points scorer Mark Brandon made his presence felt. During some unstructured attacking play Brandon got the ball in the infield and sweeping left found a hole in the defensive line and speared through to score from thirty out. With Brandon converting himself Shoalhaven took the lead to the break at 17- 12.
There were no points scored in the second stanza but this did not detract from the quality and entertainment value of the match. Shoalhaven clearly reassessed there effort of the first half coming out after the break with an even stronger defensive resolve. It’s been their defense and their work at the breakdown that has taken them on their unbeaten run over the last couple of interrupted seasons and it was their defense again that came to the fore in this match. Tech Tahs continued to attack throughout the second half but the work at the breakdown from the Shoalies players right across the field was outstanding.
With Will Miller, who took three points in the Illawarra Player of the Year Award, showing all his experience and above all composure the Shoalhaven players responded to the task ahead of them. Loose Forwards George Miller and Duncan Maddinson were not far behind Will Miller with their work at the breakdown very ably supported by big Locks Michael Dun and Michael Raftery. Harry Hibbs made a welcome return to the side and centers Jack Watts and Mathew Stewart did well counteracting their talented opponents. The Brandon brothers, well they were once again the Brandon brothers contributing much to the Shoalies attack with Mark Brandon contributing twelve of his sides points for the match.
Tech Tahs can take plenty from the match and proved that they are to be reckoned with in this year’s Premiership. Halfback Terry Fanolua is a key component of their side and hopefully the injury this week is not too serious. But it is their forward pack that creates the opportunities to attack led by Captain Bryn Edwards at 7 and backrowers Hector Tapueluelu, Paul Vakaruru, while up front Lachlan Hurry and Ian Leota contributed much this week. Tech’s attacking potency is undeniable with Fanolua, Fly Half Elia Morisio, Sinoti and Fullback Aisake Tuevu, all causing problems for the Shoalies defense.
Bryn Edwards was awarded two points in the IDRU Players of the Year Award and Steve Brandon one point.
Shoalhaven 17 (George Miller 1 try, Mark Brandon 1 try, 2 goals, 1 penalty goal)
Def Tech Waratahs 12 (Martin Matini Popole 1 try, Ian Leota 1 try, Eli Sinoti 1 goal)
Other Match Results
Bowral 43 Def Camden 25
Avondale 31 Def Campbelltown 7
Shamrocks 32 Def Kiama 31
University 34 Def Vikings 14
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Illawarra Colts U/19 Squad Selected
By Ron Wood
A squad of 23 players has been selected for the Illawarrior Colts Under 19’s to compete at the NSW Country Championships over the June long weekend. It is hoped that a further two players will be added to the squad before the trip to Tamworth is undertaken. The Squad will be under the guidance of Coaching Staff Steve Talbot, Peter Makene and Nick Coombs.
The Squad is : Uoka Vaalotu (Campbelltown), Terry Asafo (Campbelltown), Nui Fuka (Campbelltown), Felix Talbot (Bowral), Trent Bourne (Vikings), Ben Keldie (University), Jack Sprod (Camden), Hugo Fay (University), Preston Hansen (Avondale), Palu Tausala (Avondale), Hugh Winning (Shoalhaven), George Valevatu (Camden), James Sykes (Camden), Isaac Davis (Tech Tahs), Jaxon Clark (University), Ashton Mason-Benn (Avondale), Patrick Starr (Camden), Lincoln Thompson (University), Charlie Stevens (Bowral), Max Poynton (University), James Hicks (University), Thomas Star (Bowral), Josh De Kock (Bowral).
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The Rogues Rant #312
June 1st 2022
Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.
By Ron Wood
It looks like we might have a few more games up at Hannaford Oval in Wilton before the season is over. With the local Councils and IDRU clubs across the district ruling grounds out of play it’s likely that things won’t be anywhere near normal for some time yet. The ground at Wilton is in exceptional condition as we saw last Saturday when after four games were played, the ground looked as if no games had been played at all. The ground was only established about five years ago and obviously the latest drainage solutions included as the ground looked like it had not had any of the recent rain on it. Rugby Chairman Steve Tresidder tells me that he has been able to secure access to the ground for Saturdays going forward into the season so it looks likely that we will be back to Wilton again in the future.
There was a fair bit of feedback from last week’s item regarding Referee numbers in Illawarra Rugby. In particular I had several enquiries as to why the two Referees who were mentioned in the item had decided to step away. We can’t afford to continue to loose talented Referees like these two. In fact many Referees have been lost to Illawarra Rugby over the last ten years at a young age. Referees who figured in Grand Final appointments and who would have been expected to have been around for another ten or twenty years. Perhaps we should get it from the horses’ mouth as to why they made their decisions to give it away. There seems to be real issues in the modern game that discourages a long term commitment to the role. Watch this space!
The Dexter Porter Blood Cup is underway again for 2022. The competition will run from June 1st through to the end of winter on the 31st August. As usual when you go to give blood at any of your local Red Cross Blood centers just mention your favorite club to have your donation registered in the Blood Cup Count and support your club’s effort in this year’s count.
The Illawarriors Squad has been announced for the Caldwell Cup tournament in Tamworth over the long weekend. Twenty six players were named but one withdrawal has already been confirmed. The experienced University Hooker Wayne Ngati has had to pull out after suffering a broken hand that will keep him off the field for several weeks. I don’t know if there is any precedent in the fact that one club Tech Waratahs has supplied eleven players to the squad. Well done to Tech Waratahs. Unfortunately several key players were forced to make themselves unavailable due to work and personal pressures on the back of the recent uncertain times. The boys under the guidance of Head Coach Sean Barrett will travel to Tamworth on Friday week and can expect some stiff opposition in their pool where they will oppose Newcastle/Hunter and Central West. Watch for progress scores on the IDRU Facebook page over the long weekend.
Don’t forget the first of the Coach Education Events is coming up next Monday 6th June. Monday’s session will be conducted by the Waratahs Skills & Development Coach and Junior Wallabies Attack Coach, Shannon Fraser. Shannon’s lecture will cover Attacking Game: Playing Unstructured in Shape. To register go to link below. https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSd2FMnARO7.../viewform...
A couple of unlikely results in Super Rugby last week didn’t impact the final eight but changed things a bit on who plays who in the Qualifiers. The Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies are all now up against Kiwi opposition, with the Brumbies the only one at home. The home advantage is big this week and I think the home sides can all win. The Reds results against the Kiwi sides have been a bit disappointing and they are up against the Crusaders on Friday night for the second week running. The Crusaders should win well. Crusaders to Win. The Waratahs have the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday after getting a bit of a touch up at the Hands of the Chiefs about five weeks ago. They have put up strong performances the last three weeks and will be a real challenge for the home side in Hamilton. This is the game this week that may cause an upset but I have to go for a narrow win to the home team. Chiefs to Win. The all New Zealand Qualifier is The Blues and Highlanders in Auckland. The Blues have won their last thirteen games including two narrow wins over the Highlanders. This one will be close again but the Blues will win. The Blues to Win. The Brumbies are at home on the back of three recent losses, not the best of form to take into a Final series, but I think they can win this one on their home ground. The Brumbies to win.
There is likely to be more disruptions to the draw locally this week. Hopefully with no matches next weekend and some clear sunny weather predicted we may get back to some form of normalcy for Round 10 on the 18th June after Country Week. Let’s have a look at matches as they stand on Wednesday at 2.00PM. Bowral are down to host Camden at Eridge Park and on form should get the win. Bowral to Win. Kiama and Shamrocks are set for Kiama Showground. A difficult one to get a line on with both sides showing inconsistency with their form. I’ll lean toward a Rocks win here. Shamrocks to Win. Vikings are set to host Uni at Vikings Oval. Both sides have had mixed results and will be keen to get the points here. I think I’ll go with Vikings to win a close one. Vikings to Win. Avondale are home to Campbelltown at Gerry Cappetta Oval in what will be an interesting contest between two big sides. In what would be considered an upset I’m going to go for a Quinnies win. Campbelltown to Win. The standout Match of the Round this week is between top of the table sides Shoalhaven and Tech Waratahs. Shoalhaven are facing a real challenge here to their long unbeaten run in Illawarra Rugby. This game could go either way but I’ll go with the Shoalies. Shoalhaven to Win.
Rugby Diary
6th June IDRU Coaching Series – Shannon Fraser: Attacking Game
11/12th June NSW Country Championships – Tamworth
NSW State/Country Junior Championships
18th June IDRU Round 10
Shamrocks V Campbelltown
University V Kiama
Vikings V Tech Waratahs
Camden V Avondale
Shoalhaven V Bowral
22nd June IDRU Coaching Series – Jay Tregonning: RWC Planning, Training & Scheduling, Team Culture
4th July IDRU Coaching Series – Andy Gibson: Team Defence, Structure & Skillset
6th July IDRU Coaching Series – Sam Needs: Scrum
10th September IDRU Grand Final
All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.
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Tech Waratahs Supply Eleven To Illawarriors Squad
By Ron Wood
After a severely restricted start to the season, Illawarriors Head Coach, Sean Barrett has announced his Squad to compete for the Caldwell Cup at the NSW Country Championships tournament in Tamworth over the June long weekend.
Tech Waratahs have supplied eleven players in the 26 man squad to make the trip. With a long list of players making themselves unavailable for selection, there are no players selected from the Competition leaders Shoalhaven. The next strongest selection numbers come from University with four, Kiama with three and one or two each from Bowral, Camden, Campbelltown, Avondale and Vikings.
Many of last year’s squad who fell just one game short of the Caldwell Cup Final have retained their spots in this year’s squad.
“The squad has a mixture of experienced players and exciting new talent to represent Illawarra. Players like Dane Nethery from Vikings and Eli Sinoti from Tech are again setting the standard and we welcome back experienced players like Jack Hobbs and Clancy Donnan into the playing group. This experience is welcomed with the exciting talent and prospects of Angus Hodgson from Kiama and Grant Iles from Camden. “
The championships format is different this year with all 9 zones split into 3 pools. “ The pool set up is different this year and we fought really hard for all Teams to play on the Sunday to put themselves in front of the selectors for a position in the Cockatoos squad.” Illawarra rugby Acting President John Msters stated. “For those players on the fringe of selection to not play on Sunday was an oversight, but with everyone guaranteed a game on Sunday these players will continue to impress.”
“We have gathered a great group of staff for the Colts and Seniors led by Sean , experienced Senior Coach Joey Aiono and with Simon Hackett looking after the forwards. The Colts Coaching staff are led by former Illawarra, Country and Waratahs Forward Bowral Steve Talbot and these guys are really doing a great job, despite the issues regarding ground availability.”
Illawarra are drawn Newcastle-Hunter and defending Champions Central West in their pool.
“It’s a tough ask with 3 of the strongest zones in the one pool but if we play to our potential we can do well. We have some great depth in the forwards and the backs will be well led by Tom Baker and Eli Sinoti.”
The full squad is:
1. Aisake Tuevu Tech-Waratahs
2. Andrew Fiagatusa Tech-Waratahs
3. Angus Hodgson Kiama
4. Atelemo Katoa Tech-Waratahs
5. Clancy Donnan Bowral
6. Dane Nethery Wollongong Vikings
7. Grant Iles Camden
8. Hector Tapueluelu Tech-Waratahs
9. Ian Leota Tech-Waratahs
10. Ione Ionesesio Tech-Waratahs
11. Jack Hobbs Wollongong Vikings
12. Jake Kamire Avondale
13. John Leota Campbelltown Harlequins
14. Keiran McCourt Camden
15. Leighton Cowley Kiama
16. Matori Atunaisa Kiama
17. Mawutu Akaruru Tech-Waratahs
18. Miieli Sinoti Tech-Waratahs
19. Paul Tuala Wollongong University
20. Sam Hackett Wollongong University
21. Shane Meni Campbelltown Harlequins
22. Stephen Schwenke Tech-Waratahs
23. Taniela Tuipolotu Tech-Waratahs
24. Terry Fanolua Tech-Waratahs
25. Tom Baker Wollongong university
26. Wayne Ngati Wollongong University
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