| Well what a season we have had! Plenty of laughs, bruises, tries, tears and orange skins. The individual players and the team as a whole improved immensely throughout the year. It was really pleasing to see the older and more experienced team members often going out of their way to get the younger players involved. The side was always competitive and never over shadowed by any opposition. The team itself was based around a core group of very capable second year players. This back bone group included Apineru and Brandon Colins, Jack Cole, Jacob Hogan and Maverick Watkinson. Both the Colins lads are elusive runners and fine support players. Jack and Jacob are two very committed and competent |
The previous group was complemented really well by a cluster of gifted first year players including; Louis Pienaar, Des Raymond, Ryan Smith and Amaziah Mitchell. Louis is an extremely energetic and committed young man that never gives up or backs down. These attributes resulted in him being one of the team’s corner stone players. Des proved to be a very complete and competent player, possessing plenty of pace and a great skill set. Ryan consistently demonstrated immense tenacity and a never say die attitude that saw him being one of the sides best defenders and hardest workers. Amaziah processes the balance, pose and silky skills that exceed someone of his age. Whenever he was involved in play positive things resulted. All these players have enormous potential and added great value to the team.
The team also included a group of enthusiastic and entertaining young first years. This group includes; Bella and Caylis Collins, Oliver Anderson, Charlize Pienaar and Allan Raymond. Bella proved to be a popular team member with many of her peers becoming both protective and proud of her. See never fails to entertain with her infectious smile and robust character. After a late start to the season Caylis settled into the team pretty well and started to show glimpses of the potential we are sure he has. The ever vocal Oliver never hesitated to let everyone know he was on the team and ready for action, his openness and honesty was always refreshing. When allowing herself to get involved Charlize showed plenty of pace and good skills for someone so new to the sport. Allan proved to be a hard nut to crack and initially difficult to get involved, but to everyone’s relief he started to ask for the ball and to get the opportunity to run. It may have taken most of the season for this to happen but no one was happier to see it than his team mates and coaches.
With so many individuals being worthy recipients of the teams “most improved” and “most valuable” player awards, the coaches opted for a points system and the selection guidance provided by the player’s parents/guardians.
The hotly contested “most improved player” award was given to Isla Smith, who interestingly enough just bet her older brother Ryan for the prize. Isla improved dramatically throughout the year, progressing from being content on digging holes in the sandy point grounds to scoring some great solo effort tries. She also demonstrated the uncanny knack of being able to smell sizzling BBQ sausages from several grounds away and the preference to only ever eat oranges at half time on game days.
Terence “TJ” Gallen’s name was consistently put forward for the teams “most valuable player” award. From the very first to the last game of the year he was the team’s rock that others looked to for guidance and inspiration. He always played hard uncompromising but fair rugby. We see “TJ” being a valuable member of any future teams he joins and look forward to seeing him entering the competitive tackle rugby grades. Other players that scored well in this category include; Jack Cole and Des Raymond.
The coaches would like to thank the player’s parents and guardians for their assistance, help and support throughout the year. They also hope to see all this seasons players back next year giving it heaps across the various grades they’ll eligible for.
As a team we would like to acknowledge and thank the clubs management for giving their time to ensure the kids have the opportunity to get involved in the game. We would also like to thank the clubs sponsors for their valuable support that without we couldn’t play.
Team list;
Players: Oliver Anderson, Jack Cole, Caylis Collins, Bella Collins, Brandon Colins, Apineru Colins, Terence “TJ” Gallen, Jacob Hogan, Amaziah Mitchell, Charlize Pienaar, Louis Pienaar, Allan Raymond, Des Raymond, Isla Smith, Ryan Smith, Maveric Watkinson.
Coaches: Scott Cole & Anthony Hogan.