Holding’s Bits 13 April 2012

No More HodgieWelcome to the 2012 rugby season and the first ever edition of “Holding’s Bits”. My name is Matt Holding. Others call me Wonderboy, but I can assure I had nothing to do with this. I blame Hodgie and Tim Richards (with the aid of refreshments) for this nickname. I will hopefully provide you with something readable to have a glance over each week through the season in Subbies Rugby.In doing the ‘Bits’ for 2012 I am taking over from the legend, Hodgie. Big shoes to fill, I know, but we are planning some new additions to the column and these will be cropping up over the coming weeks. First up - each week I will offer a Trivia Teaser, with prizes on offer from time to time. This week, for two tickets to the Waratahs v Rebels match on 21 April:

WHO AM I?1. I graduated from Newington College in 20052. I made my test debut in 20083. I won the ‘Gatorade Bolt’ with a time of 11.10s4. I have scored 20 points for the wallabies5. My middle name is David6. I have won the ‘Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Award’

Answers to: wbamatt@hotmail.com First correct gets the tickets!

2012 PreviewPre-season had its share of excitement, with Balmain being invaded by the French, but now it’s down to the nitty gritty. Always hard to predict what’s gonna happen in Subbies, but let’s have a look, at least at some of the club movements and changes in divisions: In Div 1, Colleagues managed to sweep all before them in 2011 and won an astounding 5 premierships. Will the Woollahra club once again be the team to beat? The promoted Hunters Hill could be the goods, but no-one with any sense writes off Drummoyne. And they like to go under the radar, but I’m hearing St Pats have recruited well.Div 2 welcomes Petersham and Balmain into the fray, fresh from impressive seasons in Division 3 last year. St Ives will also be looking to build on their very impressive showing in Colts last season – after winning the most entertaining Grand Final of 2011.In Div 3, big changes in the Subbies divisional structure have seen the group grow to 12 clubs. Brothers are one of four clubs who have made the step up from the now disbanded Div 4 and will be looking to cement their spot in their old divisional home. Brothers’ opponents in Round 1 are Waverley, whose new pavilion looks spectacular. I’m sure the Div 3 clubs will relish playing at Waverley No.1 this season.Div 5 has also undergone big changes, and will see the battle re-commence between last year’s Div 6 big hitters, Redfield and Maccabi. Also in Div 5 is Fairvale/Lansvale RFC, the result of an amalgamation between the old Bankstown and Fairvale clubs. Div 6 welcomes Alexandria Dukes, playing out of Centennial Park. And Liverpool has reformed and will contest this year’s Meldrum Cup. A big congratulations to Chatswood as well, who celebrate their 100th Anniversary this year, kicking off the celebrations with a big pre-season gala day prior to Easter.

Good luck to all clubs this season, it certainly promises to be a great year. Remember you can always check all results and tables at www.rugby.net.au Also, Subbies has a Facebook page and is on Twitter: @subbiesrugby

Copying Subbies Club Tours?From Iain Payten in the Tele: “Why do the Waratahs hold an unbeaten record in Perth? Palu divulged more than his teammates would have wished when revealing their pre-match rituals in the west. "We stay right beside a casino, a few of the boys get a bit of time off, get away from their partners and spend a bit of cash,'' Palu said.

Rugby Tweets “Payto” is also on Twitter, and is one of a number of excellent sources there for rugby stuff. Get following!

“@iainpayten 4:19pm 11 Apr: I saw One Direction play in New Zealand last year. They lost to Ireland.”

Matt Rowley from www.greenandgoldrugby.com: “@MattRowley_ 9:54pm 12 Apr: Check this for a decent rugby commercial http://youtu.be/19cdZm-gLQw ”

And finally, just to get you in the mood for rugby, if you aren’t already - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcF_PryJFug (We’ll see you on Wed at the Judiciary if you tackle like some of the guys in that video! – Ed.)

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 20 April 2012

SUPER HEADLINES, TT WHO AM I, WEEK ONE ROUND UP, A TACKLING ARGUMENT, WILL CARLING, TWEETS & SOME VIDEOS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED. I APOLOGISE FOR THE QUALITY OF JOKES.

Wet WeatherObviously it is a bit wet around the grounds at the moment – so you club administrators can help out the Subbies staff by letting ‘em know of any changes as soon as they are confirmed.Everybody can keep up to date on the Subbies website for inevitable changes tomorrow.

Is it Super?This weekend sees the Waratahs take on the Rebels. The crowd might be boosted by Kurtley Beale’s return to the SFS where his Rebels will look to continue the Tahs inconsistent start to 2012. The Tele seems to think the ‘coach killing’ penalties are to blame for some of the frustrations NSW fans are experiencing! I wonder how many subbies coaches can sympathise with this.

B&F PrizesCourtesy of the Waratahs, your club has been given tickets to be used as prizes for your club's Best & Fairest players. That's a total of 540 tickets across five selected Waratahs matches - going to 54 Subbies players for each of those 5 matches. Thanks to the Waratahs for providing this great prize. We hope the 270 B&F winners (and their partners) enjoy some great rugby. Trivia TeaserCorrect answer to last week’s teaser was Lachie Turner. Well done to all those who got it right (there was quite a few of you!), but Ross Kerkham was first in so he scored the tickets to Tahs v Rebels. I had a great response from you last week - maybe it was too easy! This week I can again offer 2 tickets to a Tahs game, this time for the Waratahs v Crusaders Sunday afternoon blockbuster on April 29th at the SFS (KO 4:10pm).WHO AM I?

1. My brother’s name is Tyrone2. I once donated something from my body to charity3. My face appeared on a Rugby video game in 20054. I was born in a beachside suburb5. I played for my country before I played a game of professional Rugby.

Once again, send your answers to me at wbamatt@hotmail.com. Third correct answer gets the tickets!

The Round UpDiv 1Tries, tries and more tries, week one certainly didn’t disappoint! Spectators were treated to feast of points at Boronia, where Campbelltown edged a nail biter against new boys Hunters Hill with the scores finishing up at 34-33. Colleagues also notched up a bonus point 38-8 demolition of St Pats at Woollahra No.2. Drummoyne got off to a good start away at Old Iggies, the Dirty Reds wining a closely fought encounter 18-12 in the Kentwell. Knox Old Boys had a great day at Barra Brui Oval, cleaning up arch rivals Barker Old Boys in all grades and set down the marker for the rest of their campaign.Div 2

Newly promoted Balmain stole the headlines in Div 2, with the Muzzled Wolves winning all grades against Lindfield – they were no doubt helped by R. Cross turning out at #10! The Barraclough Cup also saw a thriller down at Hassall Park where the students of UNSW beat St Ives in another high scoring encounter, 34-28. There were also good wins for Oatley and Kings Old Boys in First grade over Newport and Petersham respectively. I would also like to mention a great effort from Forest who won 4 grades against Briars. This will have prepared them well for their encounter against UNSW this weekend.Div 3Brothers, in Div 3 again after being banished last year, are back with a vengeance, winning 4 out of 5 grades – in the Clark Cup they taught Waverley a Rugby lesson, scoring 45 points. But before they get too cocky, reigning premiers Blue Mountains scored a whopping 62 points at Macquarie Uni in the Clark Cup. James Richey scored an impressive hat trick and David Twomey had his kicking boots on, scoring 4 conversions and a penalty in addition to his try from full back. Div 5Fairvale/Lansvale won their first game as an amalgamated club in the Jeffrey and Noice Cups beating Harlequins, while Redfield (up from Div 6) started well - putting 40 points past Canterbury at Redfield College. Life in Div 5 wasn’t so kind to Maccabi who lost both grades to Roseville. Rhys Brooks kicked an impressive 6 conversions in the Second Grade encounter. Sydney Harlequins and Notre Dame will both be looking to get on the board when they meet at Wentworth Park this weekend. Div 6The Meldrum Cup in Div 6 always provides some very exciting Rugby and this season started with a bang. Liverpool and Alexandria Dukes both recorded wins in their opening encounters as newly formed/reformed clubs. Some of the Subbies crew made it along to McKay Oval and witnessed quite possibly the first ever Meldrum Cup match day program - needless to say it was read cover to cover! The topic of big wins comes up again as Dundas Valley poured on 66 unanswered points against Chatswood, whilst Sydney Grammar Old Boys topped that, winning 70-15 against Burraneer at Reg Bartley Oval.

Contributions?? Where are you?? If anyone out there in subbies land is heading to matches on the weekend and would like to contribute to the ‘Bits’ feel free to send me your stuff wbamatt@hotmail.com Any eyewitness accounts can always come in handy and I will never turn away any funny stories from the game. [The Editor might! – Ed.]

The ‘Spear’ Tackling argumentI came across this video whilst browsing. It is an interesting comparison of two similar tackles, but from two different eras. The first tackle was no penalty…good tackle…play on; the second by Digby was deemed illegal and earned him 5 weeks on the sideline. This video was posted in response to a Green & Gold Rugby article, ‘call me old fashioned by what a bunch of soft cocks.’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSUN9fVDBUcStriking a balance between player safety and recognising that rugby is still a contact sport is surely the only way to approach this debate, if it even is a debate. Football codes are battling to ‘out do’ each other and be attractive to fans. Safe play is not only the only acceptable way to base decisions but it also something that will never be reversed. If we want junior participation rates to keep up with other codes, rugby has to not only be a safe sport but SEEN to be a safe sport. It is imperative that the men behind the scenes come down hard on those who do the wrong thing. However – and this is equally important - consistency is the key. It will be interesting to see if Digby’s suspension sets a precedent for similar tackles for the rest of the season and beyond.

TweetsAnnoyed (@willcarling): Bloke on train thinks he is in Olympic 'type-a-thon'. Never heard someone hit the keys so loudly!! SHUT UP! It is not impressing anyone!!Energy Drink (@BalmainRugby): Remember Tang? Before the days of Gatorade, this was the tonic of the gods for pre-game hydration.

Don’t miss this...For those of you who didn’t get to see this crazy try, have a watch! I watched it at least 5 times and still can’t believe they got it down. http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n3/video/-/watch/28814994/amazing-match-winning-try/

Hodgie’s Jokes (he’s not actually sending them in, but we’re blaming him for the quality.)

Facebook recently announced they would pay $1 Billion for Instagram. Idiots! They could have downloaded it for free.

My mate just ‘tweeted’: “spending the night in with my girl”…I couldn’t help but chuckle. My Girl is a crap film!

The Hospital Chart Diaries:'The patient has no previous history of suicides'.'Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities''She stated she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce' [The ex-husband is feeling much better too! – Ed.]

I hope you all enjoyed the opening weekend of the season and the wet weather training this week.

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 26 April 2012

MICHAEL LYNAGH, WEEK 3 ROUND UP, ‘THAT TACKLE ARGUMENT’, REFEREEING, TRIVIA TEASER, AUS v NZ, TWEETS & DAD JOKES.

Michael LynaghSubbies Rugby wishes Michael Lynagh a speedy recovery after he suffered a stroke last week.The Wallabies have set up a page directing fans to where they can send their support to the much-loved former flyhalf:http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/FanZone/MichaelLynaghMessagesofSupport.aspxHere is a reminder of THAT dramatic ’91 World Cup Try that defeated the Irish:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYpJLPUlS74

B&F PrizesRemember, your club has been given tickets to be used as prizes for your club's Best & Fairest players. That's a total of 540 tickets across five selected Waratahs matches - going to 54 Subbies players for each of those 5 matches. Thanks to the Waratahs for providing this great prize. We hope the 270 B&F winners (and their partners) enjoy some great rugby.

Trivia TeaserWell done to Alex Ryan who bagged the tickets to the Tahs v Crusaders this Sunday afternoon! The correct answer was of course George Smith. The last two weeks I have gone for a ‘WHO AM I?’ but many of you are just too good! This week I ask: Who will score the first try this Sunday afternoon in the Tahs v Crusaders game at Allianz Stadium? (KO 4:10pm).I will take answers up until kick-off. If more than one correct answer is received the winner will be picked out of a hat. Remember, send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com, and get your tips in!

It’s gonna be a blockbuster afternoon of rugby on Sunday:2.00-3.00pm: NSW Rugby Skills Clinic & player signing session3.00pm: Curtain raiser – Qantas Men’s Sevens v New Zealand Sevens  4.10pm: HSBC Waratahs v Crusaders kick off

FULL DETAILS ON WARATAHS WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE

Round Up - Week 2Div 1A tremendous effort by Colleagues on the weekend saw them overcome Mosman at Rawson Park in 5 grades! Their biggest win came in the Kentwell and Sutherland grades with the Woollahra boys claiming 30 and 40 point victories. The Dirty Reds of Drummoyne had a fruitful afternoon as they also won 5 grades, dominating against Hunters Hill at Drummoyne Oval, with only 2nd grade slipping up. Campbelltown have shown they are a force to be reckoned with in the opening two rounds, they won on home turf this time beating Old Iggies 36-14. St Pats recovered from opening day disappointment against the reigning Kentwell premiers by overturning Knox 24-3.Div 2Lots of points at Old Boys Ground this week as Kings were beaten 42-31 by Oatley in the Barraclough Cup, KOB’s own version of events are also available: http://www.kobweb.org.au/2012/04/round-2-match-report-kobs-vs-oatley/.

Balmain again impressed, this time winning away at Newport 29-10 and the muzzled wolves are setting the early pace in the Div 2 Club Champs. UNSW continued a victorious start to the season when they matched up against Forest, revamped David Phillips the venue. Briars responded from losing 4 grades in Round 1 to score wins in the Barraclough, Blunt and Richardson Cups. The Lindfield and Petersham clash was cancelled and consequently will play for double points the next time they meet.Div 3A massive 53 points was the difference at College Oval as UWSH demolished Hornsby on a bad day at the office for the Lions who lost 4 grades. UWSH on the other hand, clearly loved the rainy weather; they also scored a 34-0 victory in 2nds! Hills impressed at St George, racking up wins in the top 3 grades. There was a close encounter at Lapstone Oval, where Blue Mountains beat Waverley 18-16. Brothers v Merrylands and Hawkesbury Valley v Blacktown were both rained off. These fixtures have been postponed until the 26th May, so put the dates in your calendars Ladies and Gents. Div 5Clearly nobody in Div 5 was doing the rain dance as all games went ahead. However, There was all change in the Jeffrey Cup as Maccabi scored their first win, notching up 40 points against Rouse Hill. An eventful encounter at Wills saw Canterbury get over the line 5 times and get two in the bin as they scored a 34-22 win over Killara-West Pymble. The R’s continued to blossom, Redfield and Roseville winning in both grades for the 2nd week running! The Redfield boys will certainly fancy their chances of continuing that run this weekend when they face Notre Dame at home. Sydney Harlequins easily disposed of the Crusaders in Round 2, putting 45 points past the Notre Dame boys.Div 6The Dukes of Alexandria ran in 9 tries against Chatswood at Beauchamp Park, life in Subbies Rugby must be pretty enjoyable at the moment. What about Sydney Grammar Old Boys?!?! They have already scored 122 points in two games. I guess it was all that summer cross country they did…29 points again for Liverpool and another back to back win for a new entrant to the Meldrum this year, they beat Clovelly at Burrows Park. Burraneer also did well to bounce back from that big loss to Grammar on the opening day by beating Manly Savers at John Dwyer Oval.

Bad Decisions!So some of you complain at some of the decisions made each weekend around the Subbies Competition, but it happens even at the highest level!Take a look at this blatant knock on that precedes a crucial try in the Brumbies v Bulls game in South Africa. Check this out if you haven’t seen it already, its on 2:10.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXw_KjP3jZs

That Tackle Again…So, following on from last week’s tackling argument, Rob Horne was sin binned and given 2 weeks by the authorities for this tipping tackle on Kurtley:http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/horne-banned-for-two-weeks/video-e6frf4pu-1226335751296?subcat=1111112039622It certainly looks like the correct decision from the footage. Hopefully we don’t see too many of this being reenacted in Subbies.

Hodgies Jokes‘The shinbone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room’

‘Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.’

‘Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.’

Tweets @ iainpayten Rob Horne yellow-carded for up-ending Kurtley Beale. He'll get anywhere between 1 and 62 weeks suspension.

@ mattparker200 Iain Payten, how many weeks did the ref in the Brumbies Bulls game get?? @ iainpayten Matt Parker, Waiting on that one mate. Few weeks in subbies couldn't hurt him. [Noooooooo – Ed.]

I hope you all enjoyed Anzac Day. Bring on the weekend!

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 3 May 2012

GET THOSE TEST TICKETS, GREAT DISCIPLINE, THE ROUND UP – A TRADITION IS BORN & A NUTTY CENTURION, LEGEND ‘MRS P’, SUPER FORM, STREAKERS

Get Your Test TicketsIn an exclusive offer to Subbies players & supporters, the ARU is giving you early access to tickets for the afternoon test against Wales at Allianz Stadium (SFS) on 23 June. The curtain raiser is, of course, the Subbies rep game against Queensland Subbies and there will be no club matches that day.The pre-sale offer is on NOW and runs only until next Mon. This is the best way to guarantee your seats at what will be a sold-out match.The Suburban Rugby contingent will sit together in designated “Subbies Only” bays.There are around 2000 Subbies seats available and if we buy all of them, the ARU will set up an exclusive “Subbies Bar” adjacent to your seats, with a full view of the ground (so no missing any rugby while getting a drink!)You can buy tickets through your club (contact your club secretary) or by following three easy steps:

Gather your mates Go to Ticketek from 9am Tuesday, 1 May Enter the magic password: SUBBIES (enter this where it requires your

MyRugby ID and you will be directed to the correct seating.)

Pricing:Adult $49Concession $32 (full time student or pensioner)        Child (4-16) $25Tran fee $7.95 (per order, NOT per ticket)

Pat on the BackA great weekend with the game played in the right spirit, so much so there wasn’t a send off in any grade - not only across Subbies but also Premiership and Juniors! Hats off to everyone who participated in any form of Rugby over the round.

Trivia TeaserIt’s a rollover Ladies and Gents! Nobody managed to claim the tickets to the Tahs v Bulls game at Allianz Stadium on Friday the 11th May. So I will offer them up again this week.Remember, send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com to be in with a shout of scoring the tickets.This week:Three Players have played 10 times for the Waratahs against Queensland in Super Rugby. Who are they?If you think you know the answer make sure to drop me an email and this time I will pick the first correct answer! So be quick and get your thinking caps on.

B&F PrizesRemember, your club has been given tickets to be used as prizes for your club's Best & Fairest players. That's a total of 540 tickets across five selected Waratahs matches - going to 54 Subbies players for each of those 5 matches. Thanks to the Waratahs for providing this great prize. We hope the 270 B&F winners (and their partners) enjoy some great rugby.

Week 3 Round Up

Div OneColleagues just can’t stop scoring! All 6 grades of a Barker Old Boys outfit were defeated at Woollahra with the Judd Cup side scoring 68 unanswered points. It is going to take something special from the rest of Div 1 to stop these boys lapping up another large tally of Premierships come September.It was also a great day for the ‘Redmen’ of Old Iggies on Saturday as they won 5 grades against Mosman at Ryde Oval. Kicking was the key in First grade; a closely fought encounter was won 19-10 with Alistair Grant scoring four penalties. Knox missed out in the Burke Cup but otherwise cleaned up in a fruitful visit to Beecroft who will be disappointed to have gone down in quite a few close games across the day. The exception to this was in the Whiddon cup where the Knox boys scored a half-century of points. Drummoyne also enjoyed their away day at Campbelltown, the Dirty Reds didn’t let the Knox boys out do them, also winning 5 grades and keeping in touch with the pack at the pointy end of the Div 1 ladder.St Pats travelled to Boronia Park to welcome Hunters Hill back into Division 1. A couple of weeks ago Bruce Robinson (Hunters Hill club coach & ex St Pats coach) organized for both clubs to play for a trophy every time they meet – and so a tradition has begun. (It was suggested the cup be named after Robbo, but as he rightly pointed out, “he’s not f#@%ing dead yet!”) The cup is awarded to the club that earns the most club championship points on the day - with a little twist - the post-match boat race is worth 20 points. In the inaugural head to head last Saturday, St Pats went to the speeches with just a 19 point lead. But they were playing a game they had plenty of experience in and so the Pats club captain walked away with a 39 point lead and the new, as yet unnamed, trophy. Div TwoClub in Focus – Balmain, by Club Captain Camo.Last weekend Balmain Rugby played host to Forest Rugby at Blackmore Park. With 6 grades on offer, it proved to be a smorgasbord of quality Rugby.The Day kicked off early with the 'Breakfast Club' (Halligans) in a tight and entertaining 10 all draw. It was great to see the two teams enjoying a beer with each other at the match’s completion. Next in line was the Filthy Fours - both sides had plenty of opportunities to close out the match, but were left kissing their sisters, with another draw (7 all). Balmain's player of the match was new boy and fullback, Sean Carroll, showing blistering speed and safety at the back. In the 3rd grade fixture, Balmain continued their undefeated run with a 17 - 7 victory. Balmain had raced away to a convincing 17 nil lead before letting Forest back into the match with a late try. The Muzzled Wolves best, fly-half Reece Kooijman, combining brilliantly with veteran centre and club treasurer, Michael King, who is the fittest he has ever been.The Balmain Muzzled Wolf Pups (Colts), sitting at 1-1, needed a victory to get back on track and that's exactly what was provided with solid 17-8 victory. Balmain's best was openside Flanker, James Curnow scoring a try and entertaining the Blackmore crowd with some cracking hits in defence. In second grade Balmain continued its sublime form with a 33-5 BP victory over Forest. The highlight being an 80 metre team try with the ball travelling through no less than 10 set of hands, with the gilbert eventually planted under the posts by Flanker, Captain & support play specialist, Kane Gilsenan. Balmain 2s are undefeated and currently lead the Stockdale Cup. In the Main game the undefeated Muzzled Wolves faced a determined Forest side looking to cause an upset. The first half was tightly contested with bruising defence and both sides looking to gain ascendancy. At oranges, Balmain had run in two tries, with the first to 1st Grade Debutant Winger Gilbert Modrau and second to Centre Ryan Cross, who scored his first try for the club to lead 12 – 0.

In the second half Balmain's dominance continued and although Forest defended admirably Balmain ran in a further 3 tries to Centre, Anaru Matthews, Winger Eramasi Rahim 'LittleDel' and No.8 The 'General' Franco DeLisa snaring 1 try each to take the honours 31-0. Combinations in attack are staring to develop, but most pleasing was the steeled defence shown by the Muzzled Wolves to keep a determined Forest scoreless. Balmain's best were Hooker, John Fonokalafi, Lock and Captain, Rob Wallace and Fly Half, Ben Ward.Credit also goes to current Barraclough medalist, Forest's Chris Ching, who played a blinder in a losing side and made things difficult for Balmain all day. Balmain 1s are undefeated and currently sit behind Oatley in second spot Barraclough Cup. The Muzzled Wolves also got up in the evening boatrace to take their standing to 2 -1. Special mention goes to Forest’s Club Captain, Adam Ennis, for being a great sport and tackling every skol request thrown at him by the Balmain crowd.This weekend Balmain travels to the 'The Kingdome' to take on King’s Old Boys in what promises to be an intriguing battle. Social media has been abuzz all week in anticipation of the clash, both Clubs have shown great promise in the start of the 2012 season and every grade is expected to go right down to the wire. Cheers,Camo If you would like your club to be next week’s focus, send your weekend wrap up to wbamatt@hotmail.com by mid next week.

Div ThreeI have been discussing the transition into new divisions for a few clubs in the opening rounds and a team that has started really well is Brothers. They won all 5 grades (including Radford Cup) and scored a bonus point in the Clark, Farrant and Campbell to boot. It has been a great start for the Blue & Golds and fans at Roseville Chase Oval saw what the rest of Division 3 has to look forward to when they visit over the remainder of the season. The Clark Cup saw some big wins again this weekend, the biggest being Epping’s massive points haul against St George. The Rams scored 88 points across the top two grades and disposed of St George with ease at Somerville Oval. Blacktown also had two superb wins in the Clark and Farrant Cups at Macquarie Uni. They got the 5 points in 1sts with an impressive 40-19 in an entertaining encounter. A special mention to Mick “Cashew” Donaldson who plays his 150th 1st Grade game for Hills this coming Saturday against Epping- let’s hope he goes nuts after the game.Div FiveThe Jeffrey Cup was littered with big score lines, not for the first time this season! Redfield continued their great start to the campaign, smashing Notre Dame 64-0, however they went down in the Noice in a 26-19 closely fought game. The matches were played on Friday night at Wentworth Park, with the two clubs playing for the newly minted “Holy Grail” in the Catholic Superbowl. Roseville smashed Rouse Hill at Francesco Reserve, 54-7 where winger Jordan O’Reilly scored a whopping 24 points. Harlequins asserted their dominance over Lane Cove with a 58-5 win in the Jeffrey, which was helped by the 46-0 drubbing in 2nds. The Maccabi boys enjoyed their visit to KWP, building on the win over Rouse Hill in Round 2.Div SixMatchday 3 in the Meldrum Cup saw plenty of action across 6 games. Alexandria Dukes were brought back down to earth with a bump after their winning start to their Subbies adventure. Sydney Grammar thrashed the Dukes 62-7 at McKay Oval #2. Ned Purcell again impressed scoring 3 tries and converting 7 to take his total to 29 for the day. Dundas Valley scored a valuable 27-6 victory at Manly Savers, bouncing back from their close loss to Rockdale. Clovelly scored 28 points in a home win over Rockdale and Liverpool got the points, albeit through defeault as Seaforth forfeited.

Terrey Hills and Dee Why played out a thriller; the Wolves of Terrey Hills came out on top at Yulong Oval winning 30-27. Chatswood were comprehensively beaten at Burraneer, continuing the ‘woods woeful start to 2012. Greg Morris scored a hat trick of tries as Burraneer scored 74 points to Chatswood’s 13.

Mrs P’s DayA massive well done to Merrylands for their fantastic day in memory of former Vice President, Helen ‘Mrs P’ Fraser, who was a much loved member of the Merrylands community. The club put on a fundraiser last Saturday, with Hills certainly playing their part as worthy opponents - their help and appreciation of the day was gratefully noted by the home team who were quick to thank their Subbies counterparts. The “Wolves” have decided to link the annual event to Pink Ribbon day as they feel this is a fitting way of creating awareness and remembering Helen. This move saw them raise around $7,000 on the weekend and everyone deserves huge credit for this awesome achievement. Pink socks were worn in all grades by the home club and the Wolves first grade auctioned off their Pink Jerseys for The Cancer Council. Here is a detailed review of the day:http://www.merrylandsrugby.com/main/page_sidebar_game_reviews.html

Super FormWe all know about the shenanigans that have gone on this week regarding player movements for next season, the Cipriani decision particularly strange considering the Rebels current lack of depth. (Except that they are finally enforcing a “no dickheads” policy.) However, Bob Dwyer focuses on the Brumbies recent plight and gives the men from the Capital some deserved praise!http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/dwyers-view-what-the-brumbies-are-getting-right/I can’t imagine what a Subbies coach would say if one of his players already started thinking about next season whilst this one is just getting into full swing!

StreakersI think we have all been to a game where someone has got their kit off and taken a stroll on the turf, but not many get treated to some big hits at the same time! Sale Shark’s Olly Barkley vs Drag Queen:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByhRg52FhwYStreaker v Samoan Sevens:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlGtwvdpXToI think Olly wins this one!

A Legitimate Ryan Cross Interview?Maybe not… http://www.kobweb.org.au/2012/05/2973/

Best Ad!Most of the good ads on telly get old pretty quick but this one is still so good - so just in case you missed it, here is the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens Ad from earlier in the year:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19cdZm-gLQw

TweetsKurtley Beale @kurtley_beale ‘Breaking news: Will Genia joining the Antarctic Polar Bears’

OldIggies Rugby @OldIggiesRugby

‘4th grade in for an early try. Not sure on the conversion as I am playing on the swings in the park’ [WTF? – Ed.]

Hodgie’s JokesIn the pub the other day I was telling that old joke about what you do if you see an epileptic having a fit in the bath? Answer. Throw in your washing. We were all having a good laugh about this when this big bastard tapped me on the shoulder and said, ''I don’t find that very funny. My brother was an epileptic and he died in the bath during one of his fits.” I said, ''Sorry mate, did he drown?'' “No,” he said, ''he choked on a sock.''

My friend drowned in a bowl of Muesli. A strong currant pulled him under.

I’ve got the best wife in England, the other one is in Africa.

A man goes to the doctor with a strawberry growing out of his head, doctor says ‘I will give you some cream to put on that’.

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 11 May 2012

REP SQUAD ANNOUNCED, WEEKLY TRIVIA, THE ROUND UP, BROTHERS UP CLOSE, THE RELENTLESS SHAMMIES, PREMATURE ERUPTIONS, HARD HITTING DOCUMENTARY

REP TEAMThe Subbies Rep Squad has been picked. After consultation with 1st grade coaches, over 80 nominations, and two trials involving 60 players, Damon Baffico and his management team have today announced a squad of 33 players. This training squad will continue to work towards our encounter with the NSW Country Cockatoos on 2 June. A final team of 23 will be announced on 28 May.Damon and his staff thank all clubs and players who made themselves available. Your co-operation, time and effort were much appreciated.Congratulations to all those selected and good luck for the final selection round.For everyone else, put this one in your diary: The Maher-Ross Cup Match, Subbies v Country, 5pm, 2 June at SFS, curtain raiser to Tahs v Hurricanes.

Subbies Rep SquadTony Barry ColleaguesMatthew Battishall OatleySebastian Burfitt RedfieldVinny Byrne BrothersJames Cant Old IgnatiansAdam Choice CampbelltownHenry Clark MosmanGreg Dunn CampbelltownDarren Firmin BrothersPatrick Gaivan Hunters HillBen Gordon BeecroftMitch Hardy St PatricksJake Havebond DrummoyneBill Johnston ColleaguesDan Kelly ColleaguesJames King St PatricksRob Lagudi King's Old BoysChad Maher St PatricksJoe McSwiney Hunters HillChris Newton DrummoyneGlen Packer CampbelltownVili Ratu BrothersMurray Scoles St PatricksPerofeta Silva St PatricksAnthony Sio CampbelltownJeremy Staunton BrothersCraig Thomas BrothersAndrew Vernon CampbelltownJohn Volckman ColleaguesGreg Wade BrothersJames Warwick-Smith St PatricksNick Watson ColleaguesNick Watt Colleagues

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to Brendan O’Kane who bagged the four tickets to tonight’s game at Allianz Stadium, Waratahs v Bulls. The correct answer to last week’s teaser was: Phil Waugh, Al Baxter & Chris Whitaker.This week’s question, for 2 tickets to the Tahs v Hurricanes, 2 Jun:Which Waratah has scored the most individual points in a game between the Waratahs and Crusaders?Send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Week 4 Round UpDiv OneAnother thrilling weekend of Subbies Rugby and what a game down at Rawson Park! Mosman and Hunters Hill played out a 26 all draw in the Kentwell, Henry Clark scored a hat-trick of tries for Mosman. Colleagues scored plenty of bonus points as they defeated Knox in grades one to four. This is becoming a very familiar feel when doing the bits and they have thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the division.The Dirty Reds of Drummoyne celebrated a successful Ladies Day with a 21-13 victory over St Pats at Drummoyne Oval. James King’s double for Pats wasn’t enough to prevent them going down and they will be looking to respond in the best possible way when they play host to rejuvenated Old Iggies next weekend. The Redmen were the most successful club in Div One last week, winning all grades against Barker OB. A certain Mick Bailey reliably informs me that they are primed to position themselves at the top of a hotly contested Kentwell Cup ladder come finals time. [He works for the Waratahs, he wouldn’t have a clue! – Ed.] Old Iggies scored 33 points to Barker’s 23 in a show of attacking rugby at Turramurra in 1sts, the Burke Cup side paved a good path however, thrashing BOBS 47-10.Div TwoI am never short of something to write about in Subbies, especially in Div Two. It is such an exciting Division and this week was no exception. Petersham were on the winning side of a great game at Melwood Oval as they ran out winners by a single point, beating Forest 25-24. The spoils were shared in the rest of the grades between these two clubs with Forest capturing the points in Stockdale and Richardson Cups.Balmain haven’t been far from the headlines in the opening weeks and they won the top two grades again on the weekend, snagging a bonus point in each as they scored a successful away day at Kings OB. Oatley continued their great start and they have flown under the radar slightly, going about their business notching up some valuable wins. They travelled to St Ives on Saturday and defeated the Saints 24-17 on their own turf in the Barraclough. A bonus point win in 2nds preceded this in what will please their coaches coming into their top of the table week 5 clash with Balmain. What a game that promises to be!Div ThreeClub in Focus – Brothers, By Club Captain Scott JamesAfter a few very lean years BROTHERS RUGBY has proven the time-honoured mantra that a winning season on the pitch follows hard work, and a successful off-season.  In early 2011 Brothers were graded as one of the clubs in the then functioning 4th Division.  After being a stalwart of 3rd Division for longer than anyone cared to remember it came as a rude shock to us that we had been relegated after years of below average performances. As anyone will tell you, change only comes when you admit you’ve got a problem.  A core group of players, ex-players and club supporters set out to turn the club’s fortunes around by re-building its foundations for success in Season 2011 and beyond.  After setting ourselves a number of goals last season we successfully made our way back into 3rd Division for 2012.  Further planning and effort has resulted in

the formation of a Colts squad, new player recruitment, and a revived club spirit that’d bring a tear to the eye of old CBOB’s everywhere.After four rounds, with one round postponed due to wet weather, the club has got off to a flyer of a start to the season.  All grades are playing well, with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grades winning their first three rounds, while 4th Grade and Colts have dropped a game each. The guys are really enjoying their Rugby, and most importantly playing for each other, while the spirit (mainly beer) off the field also going well, with some dubious bets made between some of the leading characters in the playing group.  As one 1st

Grader can attest to from last year, after having made a bet, which he subsequently lost, resulting in getting a permanent reminder in the form of a fellow player’s name tattooed on his backside…’a bets a bet!’Special mention to Dave Taylor who played his 300th game for Brothers against Blacktown last weekend. Well done, a fantastic achievement!You definitely don’t see too many ‘one club men’ in the professional game anymore.

If you would like your club to be next week’s focus, send your weekend wrap up to wbamatt@hotmail.com by mid next week.

Div FiveThere were some incredible results in the Jeffrey Cup on Saturday. Fans were treated to some Try Time at Roseville Chase Oval as Roseville scored tries running into double figures, beating Notre Dame 68-0. It was a similar story at Lofberg Oval as KWP were hammered by a Sydney Harlequins side that scored 73.Redfield won the battle of the promoted sides as they played out a thriller with Maccabi, who went down by 4 points in the Jeffrey Cup in an exciting encounter. The Maccabi boys will not be too dispirited however as they secured two points from the match, scoring 4 tries and losing by less than 7. Fairvale/Lansvale and Rouse Hill shared 62 points in a captivating draw at Fairvale High School. Rouse Hill’s Andrew Lima kicked well to salvage something from the game for his team.Div SixLiverpool and Sydney Grammar kept up their promising starts to 2012 with comfortable wins over Chatswood and Terrey Hills. The Grammar boys were rampant in attack and solid in defence as they shut out Terrey Hills and scored 49 points. Meanwhile a determined Liverpool heaped more woe on Chatswood who are yet to score a point this season. It was a close game involving Rockdale and Manly Savers at C A Redmond, Rockdale coming out on top, winning 31-26. Burraneer also held on to the tails of the pace setters in the Meldrum Cup by winning a tight game at Seaforth 20 points to 18.

Premature moments…Surely he shouldn’t have celebrated this early…but what a tackle!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TXM96VTilmM

This one is brilliant, I bet his teammates wanted to tear him to shreds.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1914XF8afo&feature=player_embedded

Shammies RelentlessPetersham have entered an inspirational video into the Kooga Relentless Competition. Enter here to watch the clip and vote for them.https://fb-238112.strutta.com/entry/265180?ref=feed&=f2wecd&refid=28&_ft_=qid.5739997742701555409%3Amf_story_key.-1001561894956083285

A Fantastic Documentary where Rugby Changes Lives: Ep 1

Stumbled across this Doco that came out not long ago. I have attached the first episode, as it is available on YouTube. Well worth a look! It is called School of Hard Knocks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=C2hoHKUBbbk#t=228s

TweetsBalmain Rugby @BalmainRugby ‘We're heading to Argentina on our End of Season tour next year so start saving! Cheap beer, tasty steaks, great clubs!’ [Cheaper than the $5 beers at Blackmore Park, I hope! – Ed.]

Alexandria Dukes @AlexandriaDukes‘Great news for all Dukes fans, @benn_robbo has officially become the club patron for 2012, please welcome him to the Dukes. Para Bellum.’ [He’s a prop. He won’t understand your motto.]

Randwick Rugby @GallopingGreens‘Tommy Weber on in 1st grade - water runner for both 4th & 5th grade. Played 2nd grade - now on for 1st grade - what a club man.’ [Good on ‘im, but happens countless times every Saturday in Subbies.] Hodgie’s JokesSo I went to the doctor the other day. He said, ‘You’ve got hypochondria’. I said, ‘Oh no, not that as well’.

I went to South America for a sex change last year.Uruguay?Not anymore.

My neighbour was banging on my door at 4am. Luckily, I was up playing my bagpipes!

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 18 May 2012

HEADACHE FOR RUGBY, HELP OUT HILLS, JOHN HOWARD, TRIVIA TEASER, THE ROUND UP, HARD KNOCKS, REHYDRATION, THE IMPORTANCE OF GRAMMAR

More than a Headache?Interesting ‘4 Corners’ episode the other night that you may have missed, explaining the dangers of head injuries in sport:http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/05/10/3499950.htmThe basic message – if concussed, a player must not play for 3 weeks. See full info here: http://www.rugby.com.au/tryrugby/Administration/ConcussionGuidelines.aspx

Hills Worthy CauseHills Rugby is holding a trivia night for one of their own.Hills player Alex Smith’s wife, Briony, was diagnosed earlier this year with a brain tumour. With a 15 month old son and plenty of medical bills, all Hills players and supporters are chipping in to help out.The trivia night is on the 2nd of June, if you would like to attend or maybe make a donation please contact the club via hillsrugby@ozemail.com.au

John Howard…On behalf of Deaf Rugby Australia:‘Deaf Rugby Australia is proud to announce the following: Hon John Howard OM AC has accepted to be the Patron for Deaf Rugby Australia. We are so excited about this announcement and look forward in working with Hon John Howard and the future of Deaf Rugby Australia’.Congrats to Deaf Rugby Oz. They’re involved with Div 3 Subbies club, St George, and are kicking a few goals at the moment, having recently successfully toured to Japan and now gearing up for a match in NZ in October. More info here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/108816035826001/403177389723196/#!/DeafRugbyAustralia

Trivia TeaserNo Winner last week! The answer was Mat Rodgers, with 28 points.Rollover it is then folks: 2 Tickets to the Tahs v Hurricanes on June 2nd at Allianz Stadium (KO 7:40pm). Remember, the Subbies Rep Side is up against NSW Country Cockatoos in what will be a hotly contested encounter! So make sure you are there nice and early to cheer on the boys.This week’s question is:Who was the last Waratah to captain the Wallabies (whilst playing for the Waratahs)?Remember to send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com to score the tickets. I will pick the third correct answer from my inbox this week.

The Round UpDiv OneClub in Focus – Colleagues, By Club Captain Nick JonesColleagues made our way down the M5 to see our old mates from Campbelltown last weekend. After a good couple of weeks it was exactly what we needed in order to really test the boys. If it’s something you know about a Campbelltown trip it’s that you’ll get a really tough game of footy followed by some of the best post-match refreshments in Suburban rugby. This year proved to be no different and the evening that followed was one to be remembered. We thought we had the day won at 3 games to 2 until we were done in the boat race for a 3-way tie!Coming off the back of a still unbelievable season 2011, we have been keen to continue our success by ensuring we put every effort into each performance. This takes a combination of hard work on the training paddock under the guidance of our

dedicated coaches, a lot of organisation and a huge effort every Saturday from the boys who get it done on the field. So far this year, our players have strung together a number of great wins and the losses we have had have come in great contests against strong opposition.This year, we are putting a huge amount of work into our colties side. They are a great bunch of young blokes who are very quickly learning about what it is to play for the club and when to close their mouths on a Saturday evening bus trip. It has been incredible to watch how a group of uni students from all over the state have formed a cohesive squad and are looking very dangerous in their competition that has been extremely tight this year.With the wet weather weekend actually being a bye for us, we are really looking forward to our first match against our old foes Hunter’s Hill next weekend. To welcome them back to first division we’ve even put on our first ladies day to ensure they can’t focus too much on their on-field activities. It should be a cracking day of footy and we can’t wait.With a good standing in the club champs and a couple of strong looking teams, we’re looking forward to the challenge of another great season and with all the joys that Rugby provides.

Yours in Rugby,

Jonesy – Colleagues Club Captain

If you would like your club to be next week’s focus, send your weekend wrap up to wbamatt@hotmail.com by mid next week.

Div TwoThe rampant Balmain once again starred in the Barraclough Cup last weekend - the Muzzled Wolves scored a 50-10 bonus point win over Oatley in the top of the table clash at Blackmore Park. Balmain fullback Jared Trevathan had an enjoyable afternoon, notching 20 points for his side. The rest of teams in his club didn’t do to badly either, winning 4 from 5, the boys from Oatley grabbing a consolation win in the Blunt Cup. The rest of Barraclough was a lot closer - Petersham and St Ives played out an enthralling 20-all draw at Camperdown Oval, whilst Lindfield edged Briars at Rothwell Park, winning 29-26. The Forest boys got a much needed win thanks to some great kicking from Malatoese Vaeafe, beating Newport 27-15 at Melwood Oval. King’s Old Boys continued their solid start to the campaign, however they made hard work for themselves, getting over the line 25-21 against the students of UNSW at David Phillips.Div ThreeThe boys from the Mountains went top of the Clark Cup ladder on the weekend with a point packed victory over St George, winning 36-20 at Lapstone Oval. This win took them above Brothers who have a game in hand, both teams having a 100% win ratio so far. Hornsby continued their slow start to the season, losing 48-10, this time out at Merrylands - it is not looking good for the Lions who sit bottom of the bale, none from 5. Waverley had a great day, winning all 4 grades! (again.) Up against Macquarie Uni, they enjoyed comfortable victories in the Clark and Farrant Cups, scoring a combined 67 points. Blacktown and UWSH kept up with the pack in the top half with wins over Hills and Hawkesbury Valley respectively. The Warriors of Blacktown, claimed their victory in style at Yattenden Oval, winning 46-8, Brendan Weyland and Phil Duffey the standouts.Div FiveWell, what a day for Redfield and what a day to forget for KWP! Redfield scored a mass of 72 points and conceded none at Lofberg Oval in the Jeffrey Cup. John Wall scored a hat-trick of tries in an impressive win for the Division 5 newbies. Redfield

Rugby also enjoyed their Noice Cup game scoring another bonus point with a 25-13 win. There was a great game at Lyne Park where Maccabi were edged out at home by a determined Fairvale/Lansvale side who ran out 35-30 victors. Roseville kept pace with Redfield at the top of the ladder in the Jeffrey with a 31-25 win against Sydney Harlequins – so it’s neck and neck at the moment! Although only 5 rounds in, this will make for an intriguing battle at the season’s finale. Canterbury and Rouse Hill also scored victories on the road, beating Notre Dame and Lane Cove respectively. Div SixThere were some big winners in the Meldrum Cup from Saturday’s action. Let’s start with Alexandria Dukes, the Subbies new boys adding 63 points to their ‘for’ column with a big win against Manly Savers on the weekend. Dukes now sit on 14 points - a solid start to life in the Meldrum Cup. You can see their match highlights at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyHyOh470Mg&feature=player_embeddedIn another top of the table clash (#acrucialweekend?) Sydney Grammar edged out Div 6 new boys Liverpool 30-29 in a thriller at Reg Bartley Oval. Poor Chatswood…this time it was Terrey Hill’s turn to inflict a heavy defeat on the basement dwellers with a 76-7 defeat at Beauchamp. On field it has as yet not been a happy Centenary for the Stags, but I’m sure they are enjoying the off-field celebrations marking their fantastic milestone. Meanwhile, another entertaining game saw Clovelly win 37-28 at Burraneer, Boden Mackey having a particularly fruitful game scoring a try in addition to his kicking efforts. Dee Why scored an important victory down near the foot of the table as they overcame Rockdale by 3 points.

School of Hard Knocks DocoPart Two, following on from last week. If you’re a fan you can keep up via the YouTube link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZoGaO0jp4Q&feature=player_embedded

Worst Jersey?The Bulls Jersey on the weekend was truly awful…if you haven’t seen it yet, take a look: http://bigdaddyrugby.com/2012/02/17/the-bulls-pink-jersey-another-fashion-nightmare-in-pretoria/Normally this type of thing is done to promote a worthy cause, but this is just to please a sponsor. As www.bigdaddyrugby.com says – “I can just picture the stupid f^%k at some ad house in Cape Town who came up with this one.”Still scared off the Tahs on Friday night though, I suppose.

RehydrationOver a beer on the weekend, a friend of mine claimed that drinking milk actually hydrated your body better than sports drinks. Another friend piped up and claimed he cured his hangover by drinking two glasses of milk and going back to bed. I argued against this a lot. [Wonderboy knows quite a bit about hangovers – Ed.] Believe it or not, one of them took time out of his busy schedule to actually win the argument…so he thinks.http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Skimmed-milk-better-than-isotonics-for-post-sport-rehydrationThe Subbies Rep team will now be supplied with milkshakes at halftime.

TweetsWaverley Rugby Club @WaverleyRugby ‘Great to see former Wallaby and Waverley Old Boy @OwenFinegan on Twitter and following us! It's not Friday, but hey #ff’

Andrew Mulligan @ Andrew_Mulligan

‘After 12 rounds of Super Rugby in 2012 attendance is up 37% and TV audience is up 33% compared to 2011. # superugby ’

Alexandria Dukes RC @ AlexandriaDukes ‘Great to see 2 Dukes players in the top 20 Total Tries and Total Points listing for all Suburban Clubs. Awesome!!’

The Importance of Good Grammar“I helped my Uncle Jack off a horse.”  The capitals are critical.

Headline of the WeekNew York Times May 11, 2012

Hodgie’s Jokes

‘Last night, I went to a seafood night club…I pulled a muscle’

‘Statistically, 6 out of 7 dwarves are not Happy.’

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 25 May 2012

REP TEAM, NETBALL LINEOUTS, JIM WILLIAMS, TRIVIA TEASER, STAND OUT SEVENS, KEG KLASH, THE ROUND UP, ST GEORGE, THE MONEY TREE & ARVO GAMES

Rep Team ReminderThere’ll be a red-hot Holding’s Bits exclusive next week as we get a few words from some of the Rep boys about their preparation for the match against NSW Country in the curtain raiser on the 2nd June at the SFS. So make sure you check back next week.If you haven’t already done so, spread the word around your club about the Rep match. Hopefully we see plenty of you out in force supporting Subbies as we attempt to hang on to the Maher-Ross Trophy.

Helping HandsNetball seems to have taken a new twist or is this just the New Zealanders?http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/6955657/Northern-Mystics-adopt-lineout-lift-tacticThe Trans Tasman girls took a leaf out of the Rugby tactic book to gain an upper hand over their Melbourne counterparts…clever or a bit too sneaky?

An Evening with Jim WilliamsIf you fancy getting some tips from a rugby legend, then now is your chance. Jim Williams will be hosting a Coaching Philosophy evening at the Union Offices on Monday, 4 June from 6:30-8:30pm. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by 1 June to tim@rugby.net.au. No need to bring your wallet as this event is free! Jim has been around the office quite a bit recently as he takes up his new role of leading the Young Indigenous Australians Education Program that is being supported by NSWRU. Jim’s rugby background needs no introduction and this is an invaluable session for any Subbies coach.

Trivia TeaserWell done to Matt Davis, who gave the third correct answer to last week’s quiz. The answer, of course, was Phil Waugh. (The trick of the question was that it wasn’t a trick question; it threw a few of you off!)This week, I ask:What club did Jim Williams represent in 1997?Answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com to win 2 tickets to the Tahs v Hurricanes game at Allianz Stadium, 2nd June, KO 7:40pm. I will pick the first correct answer, so get in quick!

Stand Out Sevens The HSBC International London Sevens was played last week and here are some of the top tries, pretty impressive I think you will agree. I bet every Subbies club would want some of the pace that these lads have shown!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLU4kzMnuKs&feature=player_embedded

Keg KlashThere is a massive game this week in Div Two, as Petersham and Balmain lock horns in a traditionally big rivalry match at Camperdown Oval. There is definitely a friendly banter element to the clash however as both clubs’ pubs - The Toxteth and The Dicks – are putting up a keg on the result. Winner takes all. Now that’s an incentive!

The Round UpDiv OneNo Div One last week, but plenty to look forward to this Saturday!

Div TwoLast weekend saw some very interesting results in the Barraclough Cup. Despite a poor start to the season Forest won a nail-biter away at King’s Old Boys, 19-18. The win puts the Forest boys back on track and into mid table on 13 points. Oatley kept the pressure on Balmain at the top with a solid 23-15 point win against Petersham at H V Evatt Park. Ricardo Waerea (Oatley) and Scott Palmer (Petersham) both kicked superbly in this one.Oatley didn’t get too close to the Muzzled Wolves however, as the Balmain boys won comprehensively again, this time beating strugglers, Briars. And first grade didn’t get all the glory, with the in-form Balmain 2nds punishing Briars with a 66-0 drubbing.Elsewhere, Lindfield scraped past St Ives 17-15 at Soldiers Memorial Park, while UNSW won a high scoring encounter at Newport, winning 38-23.Div ThreeLet’s start with those blue boys from the Mountains. They are 6 from 6 in the Clark Cup and last weekend smashed Merrylands 54-8 at Lapstone. Ashley Livingstone and Brian Jones both adding doubles to their try scoring tallies. They are top of the table, although Brothers get a chance to catch up, with their Rd 2 washed out match to be played this week. And Brothers are on fire too, scoring a 40-14 win at Macquarie Uni. Their 2nd grade had a big win too. What a battle this will be when the top two meet. Waverley won all grades and will be happy with their form; they enjoyed their success at the expense of Epping who are now 5 points adrift of their opponents. Hornsby recorded their first win of the campaign and they would have enjoyed this one, upsetting St. George at Carss Park with a closely fought 24-22 win. Hills also had an impressive win at Hawkesbury Valley 37-7 and UWSH sent out a message to the top of the ladder with a robust 24-16 win versus Blacktown.The residents of Division 3 will be putting their feet up this week as a wet weather week has been scheduled. There are 2 catch up games though - Brothers take on Merrylands and Hawkesbury Valley entertain Blacktown.Div FiveClub in focus - Redfield College Old Boys After five long weeks on the road, the Redfield Old Boys finally made a welcome return home to host the well placed visitors from Fairvale/Lansvale.In a classically see-sawing game Redfield's 2nd Grade side played out a 17 all draw with Fairvale. Unable to convert a number of late opportunities, both teams deservingly shared the points. In 1st Grade, Redfield put in their best performance of the year to a race away with a 62 - 12 victory. After two immensely successful seasons in Division 6, Redfield have made the long overdue move to Division 5 in 2012.  This year the club is aiming to be competitive in both grades with a particular emphasis on our 2nd grade side that competes for the Noice Cup. By building and developing our 2nd Grade side, the club hopes to cements further expansion over the next two to three years. Based in Dural, the vast majority of the club went to school and played their junior rugby together at Redfield College, including 12 sets of brothers and one family alone boasting 5 brothers in one team. The club also has seen two former players in Benn Robinson and Bernard Foley now playing for the Waratahs. Retaining players year after year is challenging for any club, but with on-field success and good off-field camaraderie, we are hoping to create an enduring culture for the years to come. A new division brings new challenges but also an opportunity to make plenty of good mates within the club and also with other clubs long after the final whistle has gone. 2012 is a milestone year for the Redfield Old Boys. After entering Division 6 way back in 2002, our early years were littered with cricket score like defeats. But after some consolidation, a new coach and some much needed sponsorship, the Old Boys went back to back in the Meldrum Cup. This year in Division 5 the club has expanded with two teams and thankfully twice as many candidates to clean up the oval after each game! 

Thomas Tudehope - Club President (still trying to retire....) Div SixThe weekend saw the re-formed Liverpool lads hit the summit of the Meldrum Cup ladder with a high scoring encounter against Burraneer at Dwyer Oval. The 39-24 victory puts Liverpool in pole position - their 7 bonus points have certainly helped and they will be looking to use this strong start to push on for the remainder of the campaign. Manly Savers won a basement battle at Dee Why, winning 15-10 at James Morgan Reserve. Chatswood didn’t manage to gain ground on the teams above them as they got beaten 31-7 at Seaforth. It was a solid win for the home side who had Andrew Brent to thank for a great performance. Seaforth have a strange points difference for a team near the bottom, only -10, proving they are not too far away from winning games. Dundas Valley are in the fight for top spot and they kept up their challenge with a 36-22 win at Yulong Oval against Terrey Hills. Rockdale turned the Dukes to stone as they put 57 points past the Alexandria Club and used their home advantage at C A Redmond to good effect. Finally, Coogee sneaked past Grammar at Burrows Park, winning 15-12 in a close game.

St George in the NewsFollowing up from our piece last week about Deaf Rugby Australia - as most of you would probably already know, St George has a number of deaf players in its ranks. A great bit of exposure for the club recently, as they made the news: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/the-greatest-rugby-story-youve-never-heard/story-fn8ti7yn-1226362522161I have also attached a good little video news item: http://video.adelaidenow.com.au/2233337043/Mostlydeaf-rugby-team-make-it-to-the-top#.T7gnKmn_hLQ.facebook

The Money TreeAn interesting article at www.greenandgoldrugby.com this week about the state of the finances at Waratahs Rugby. Worth a read if you are interested in that sort of thing – and you should be, because a financially successful Waratahs means more money flowing to the community game. In theory. http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/waratah-finances-the-toughest-market-of-them-all/

More Afternoon Games?I think the general consensus is that we prefer afternoon games at the SFS. Well, the Tahs are pushing for more and the 10th most powerful man in sport agrees. In theory.http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/nsw-waratahs-may-get-one-or-two-more-afternoon-home-games-in-2012-aru-boss-john-oneill-says/story-e6frf4qu-1226364176011?from=public_rss&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Tweets@ brothersrugby 101 tries and 50 conversions... we need new kickers!! [Not sure your fellow Div 3 clubs would agree – Ed.]

@BlacktownRugby 6pm Thur: Training is ON!6.30pm Thur: Starting to think training is not on

@briarsgreenleesLearn about eating & drinking after sport... http://t.co/TIth8n1K [You need a LESSON in that? – Ed.]

@whiskeycully ‘If we (the Tahs) lose to the Cheetahs someone will go.' #nopressure http://t.co/3PWuYjRQ

@bobjcarr 8.30pm WedWhy was the Haitian revolution the most profound in history? Watching a PBS DVD on Toussaint Louverture.@iainpaytenBob Carr is secretly watching origin. We all know it.

JokesI visited the offices of the RSPCA the other day. Gee, it was tiny. You couldn’t swing a cat in there.

“Doctor, I can’t stop singing ‘The Green, Green Grass of Home’.” “That’s the Tom Jones Syndrome.” “Is it common?” “It’s not unusual.” [We’ve been getting complaints that the jokes are not lame enough. I assume those complaints will now cease – Ed.]

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 1 June 2012

AN EMOTIONAL GOODBYE, REP TEAM EXCLUSIVE, 500 GAMER, TRIVIA TEASER, THE ROUND UP, WHEN IN ROME, DUKES, RETURN OF THE JACKET, JOKES AND TWEETS

An Emotional GoodbyeThe ‘Bits’ tries to be a lighthearted look at life in Suburban Rugby, however sometimes we aren’t blessed with good news.Tragically, last weekend we lost two of members of the Subbies family: Andrew Heffernan from Hills RFC and Moape Ravuvu from Newport RFC. Andrew, aged 23, was killed near Castle Hill after being struck by a vehicle. At such a young age it is a big shock and we would like to pass on our best wishes to Andrew’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time.Moape Ravuvu has been a well-known, well-respected and well-liked member of the Subbies community for 14 years. He has played in the Subbies Rep team between 1999 and 2004 and won Kentwell and Barraclough Cup premierships with Newport. Moape collapsed after Newport’s Stockdale Cup match against St Ives on the weekend and died on Tuesday morning. He leaves behind a young family, whom Newport RFC will try to help in the years ahead. If you can help, or just for further info on Mo, please go www.newportrugby.com.au  Once again, this double dose of terrible news comes as a shock to everyone and it is at times like this that we all pull together as a Rugby community. Vale Andrew and Moape. Well played to you both.

Rep Team ExclusiveLast week I contacted Nick Jones, Club Captain of Colleagues, to try and get a behind the scenes perspective from some of the Woollahra side’s Representative Team members for tomorrow’s game against Country. Nick duly obliged and here is the exclusive chat with the Colleagues boys in the Rep Team, straight from a hard training session this week:To represent the NSW Suburban Rugby Union is the pinnacle of our competition, the largest in Australia. At Colleagues, we have a proud tradition of players representing at this level and this year is no different. There are six men from our ranks this year who have the honour of representing Subbies against the NSW Country Cockatoos. Within this contest lies a fantastic rivalry that has existed well before any of us graced the earth, but one that continues to grow in intensity and fuel the fire for fierce on-field battles and fearsome off-field engagements.All six blokes in the side are all very excited about the prospect of playing for Subbies. Dan Kelly (captain of Colleagues Kentwell and NSW Subbies) said that “it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our skills. Not many people realise how much effort goes into rugby at Subbies level and this team is a testament to that effort.” Asked about the honour of leading the side out this weekend Dan was quite excited. “It really is an honour to be chosen to lead a group of guys of this calibre.”The boys are expecting a very tough game. Billy Johnston is expecting to see a very tight game and knows that the team will go well on the day. “Once the sky blue jersey goes on, we are all working together” was his only thought when asked how it would be to run out with some of his fiercest opponents alongside him. Tony Barry knows that it will take a lot of effort at the set piece and is really looking forward to the rough and tumble that the country boys are sure to provide.Relative newcomer to the club and to Subbies rugby, Nick Watson, has a number of inspirations on the night. A former Newcastle Wanderer, he will be running out against the man who kept him out of the starting 7 spot for a majority of his Newcastle career. “It was one of those times where I was the young bloke trying to prove myself and he was the proven performer and best in the comp. Every drill in training we would do I would always try and get one up on him! It’s sort of a master v apprentice moment in that way!” Nick is also mindful of his roots and of those around

him. Nick (Newcastle), Billy (Alstonville) and Dan (Mullumbimby) are all from regional NSW, whilst Tony (Ireland) and John (New Zealand) are both from other countries. “That’s kind of ironic when you think about it. As a proud Woollahra Colleagues and Newcastle wanderer it will be great to represent Subbies but play against a team that I grew up admiring as a kid.”As we all know in subbies rugby, the job is not done until 1st grade full time has sounded and the boots can come off. When asked if the boys would be keen to keep the boots on in case Michael Foley gave them the call up, there were mixed views. Nick thinks the key to turning around the Tahs season is to “fulfil their ‘ranga quota”, which he is more than capable and willing to do. Dan is concerned with the amount of Australian five-eighths who have been pushed to the sideline this year and thinks that whilst he would happily do his duty, “it may be a very dangerous manoeuvre.” Hopefully the big boys in blue will be able to stay healthy and keep the Hurricanes at bay so the boys can enjoy the post-match refreshments in a timely fashion.Billy’s tip for Saturday night… “Subbies to win 33-18”, and with that forecast score, Nick has promised a “hat trick from Billy with something special up his sleeve for a post try celebration that will make Digby jealous!!”The club wishes our boys and all those playing in the clash all the best for Saturday night and thanks Subbies for their continued efforts in keeping rugby in Sydney so enjoyable and such a good standard.Cheers,Nick Jones, Colleagues Club Captain

Click here for full info re the Subbies Rep team and the match vs Country.

500 and CountingCongrats to Robert Handley, Blue Mountains fullback, playing his 500th game this Saturday in 4th grade for Blue Mtns against Blacktown. Well done, you crazy bastard!

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to Ben Mitchell who got the answer last week – Jimmy Williams played for the Warringah Rats! Ben won the tickets to the Tahs v Hurricanes match.This week, I ask:The Maher-Ross Cup, contested between Subbies and NSW Country, began in what year?You could win 2 Tickets to the last Waratah home game of the season versus the Brumbies at ANZ Stadium, 7th July.If you think you know, send me the answer to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Tele TAHS OfferFor the remainder of the season The Daily Telegraph is running a Subbies promotion, whereby the three clubs with the most sign ups to the daily newsletter online will each receive a signed 2012 Waratahs jersey to raffle, frame etc. More to come next week!

The Round UpTrue to the Subbies spirit, this publication isn’t restricted to our First Graders and although much of the Round Up is directed that way in some weeks, I will reflect on our lower grades in this edition. So no mention of First Grade this week, but you can check out all the results if you haven’t seen them already at: http://rugby.net.au/extra.asp?id=5985&OrgID=7&menu=Div OneThe Div One boys were back on the field last week after their bye on 19 May. Colleagues pushed further ahead of top-of-the-table rivals Hunters Hill in the Burke Cup with a 24-5 victory at Woollahra. Despite this defeat, the men from Boronia Park

have had a good start in the Burke and sit 2nd with 4 from 6. However, they lost in all grades but the Barbour Cup on the weekend. The Sutherland Cup side did draw some positives from the game though, you will be pleased to know: http://www.huntershillrugby.org.au/onTheField/matchReports/2012/120526collegues.htmThe Dirty Reds of Drummoyne had the better of opponents Mosman in the Burke Cup, defeating the Rawson Park hosts 36-12. The rest of the day was fairly even though, Mosman taking out the Whiddon, Judd and Barbour encounters. It was one for the purists at Ryde Oval as Old Iggies drew 0-0 with Knox in 2nds - good job there were plenty of points shared around the other grades! The Redmen had the better of it, the home side only losing out in the Sutherland Cup. St Pats had a good day at Beecroft: they won 2nds, 3rds, 4ths and Barbour Cup. Barker Old Boys are struggling in the Burke this campaign, this time going down 22-5 at Campbelltown. They did fare better in the Whiddon beating the western Sydney outfit 14-7.Div TwoThere was a great game at David Phillips in the Stockdale Cup on Saturday and that’s where we start. UNSW beat Briars 45-26; the points were shared around the students as 6 different try scorers helped the home side to an entertaining victory. The Briars boys managed to get a 12-7 win in the Blunt but UNSW were the overall victors. Another team to only slip up in the 3rd grade Blunt Cup were Balmain. The Muzzled Wolves have pretty much swept all before them this season in Division 2 and are now 7 from 7 in the Stockdale Cup, a big achievement after stepping up from Div 3. The Black and Gold men enjoyed their Derby Day against old rivals Petersham and I’m sure the beers at ‘The Toxeth’ tasted pretty sweet come Saturday evening! Forest have also been impressive in the Stockdale this campaign - they have won 5 from 7 and sit 2nd top behind Balmain. The weekend saw them overcome Oatley 24-17 at H V Evatt in 2nds and despite being held to an 8-all score line in the Richardson Cup, they won all of the other lower grades. Newport and St Ives had a share of the spoils on Saturday, each winning 2 games outside of the Barraclough Cup. Newport came out on top in the Stockdale Cup with a bonus point 27-13 win. Kings Old Boys had wins in 2nds, 3rds and 4ths in addition to Colts as they had an excellent day against Lindfield. Their biggest win was 31-7 in the Colts Robertson Cup with 5 players getting a tick in the try scorer’s column.Div ThreeNo Division 3 on the weekend (there were a couple of postponed matches from Rd 2, but our highly paid Div 3 correspondent took the week off!) The Round Up will cover off the fixtures next week when the boys return.Div FiveThe Noice Cup has seen a stand out Roseville this season and they sit atop the ladder after 7 rounds - however they didn’t have to do much last weekend. KWP have withdrawn from the Noice and it’s because of this that Roseville could put their feet up in 2nds and watch the rest of the Noice comp battle it out to stay within striking distance of the leaders. Sydney Harlequins are the closest rivals after they beat Redfield in a close one at Waterloo Oval, Harlequins winning 11-7. Canterbury won a high scoring encounter at Wills Ground, beating Rouse Hill 45-24; Marijan Stojic scored a try of his own and slotted 5 conversions in his side’s victory. Fairvale/Lansvale remain level on 23 points with Canterbury as they beat Notre Dame 39-5 at Fairvale High School. Finally in the Noice, Maccabi handed a point scoring lesson as they dished out a 51-0 serving to the home side, Lane Cove. Evan Kassel scored 16 points as his team got back on track in second grade.Div SixClub in Focus- Alexandria DukesThe Alexandria Dukes have come a third of the way through their first season and with 3 wins and 3 losses you can say it’s been a mixed bag.  We are very proud to be one of the newest clubs in Suburban Rugby and would like to thank all the clubs who

have welcomed us throughout the trials and the opening 6 weeks of the competition.  We can't wait to meet the rest of our Division 6 opposition in the 12 remaining games. On and off the field we have wanted to be leaders, and on the pitch one of our wingers, Dennis Lee has made a big impact going into last weekend as the top try scorer in any grade in Suburban Rugby. The efforts in training and the game have been great and the boys should be congratulated for the way they have come together as a new unit thus far.  I’d also like to thank the players’ commitment off the field - achieving a great feat in selling 92 tickets to the Australia vs Wales game on 23rd June to friends and family.  Keep it up boys.One thing the Dukes do pride themselves on is being social and taking any opportunity to have some fun.  In the last week, the Dukes have been in the Manly Daily with their bus trip escapades at the Steyne Hotel after a win against the Savers.  This week, having the first of our wet weather weeks, and no wet weather games to play, what better way to spend the weekend, by having the first annual Wet Weather Weekend Pub Run.  The run consisted of 12 pubs plus one warm up pub for good measure and had a number of drinking rules, which fortunately (or unfortunately depending on whether you were dishing out fines) were rather well followed.  15 men and 1 woman started and the run finished at the Fortune of War with 18 Men and 5 women.  Then there was the obligatory cool down pub.  All in all, a great day.This weekend the Dukes take on the Clovelly Blowflies at McKay Oval No.2 in Centennial Park and host our first Ladies day.  The cost is free for the ladies and there will be great prizes from some of our suppliers and sponsors.  All are welcome from 2pm all the way through to the close, and there will be continuing ladies day into Ladies Evening at the Iron Duke Hotel, The Alexandria Dukes Band "Dr Squish and the Jimmy Chews".Para Bellum!!Cheers,Philip Tovey

Remember, if you want your club to be club of the week you can contact me at wbamatt@hotmail.com

Lovely LadiesCongratulations to Colleagues on hosting another successful Ladies Day on Saturday. My Boss reliably informs me they got mighty close to their target of 1000 Ladies - he was only there in an official capacity, of course!http://www.colleaguesrugby.com.au/

When in Rome...A great video that captures the essence of Rugby as Will Greenwood spends a few days on tour with a Rugby side at they visit Rome, in fancy dress of course.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xQlpFUOILfE

Return of the JacketA heartfelt plea from Petersham’s, “Nashy”, who wants a beloved piece of clothing returned. This from Petersham RFC’s newsletter:“Morning all,Sometime after half time of the 1st grade match on the weekend, my prized Petersham racing jacket has gone missing. It was last seen in the custody of the stand-in 1st grade manager, who shall remain nameless.If anyone has picked it up I would appreciate its safe return.  Obviously anyone wearing an oversized jacket on the weekend will be presumed guilty and spoken to.For incentive, there is/was a $2 coin in one of the pockets for the returnee. Obviously

anyone with a $2 coin will be spoken to as well. Nashy”

JokesWhat is the main cause of dry skin? Towels.

A Scottish bloke at my club is getting married and told me he was going to wear a kilt. I said, “What’s the tartan?” He said, “White dress.”

TweetsDr Justin Roe @ DrJustinRoe A Story for young # Rugby players: Caderyn Neville selected in # Wallabies squad. 3 years ago he was playing for Manly Marlins' 4th grade.

Rugby World Cup @ rugbyworldcup The latest IRB World Rankings, with a rise for the Cayman Islands after a # rwc2015 qualifier victory vs the Bahamas: http://bit.ly/JwrTJT

Michael Bailey @ MickBailey15 @ subbiesrugby V NSW Country kicking off at 5:15pm this Saturday at the SFS before @ NSWWaratahs play the 'Canes. # lockitineddy # grabacarlton

Cheers,

Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 8 June 2012

MAN V FOOD, REVEL IN REP TEAM WIN, DEAF RUGBY, TRIVIA TEASER, THE ROUND UP, MOAPE TRIBUTE, THE 500 CLUB, MR MOTIVATOR, TWEETS AND JOKES

Man v Food - Live on Twitter @subbiesrugbyThis Saturday sees the MAN v FOOD CHALLENGE for the Subbies staff!For those of you who are not familiar with the popular TV series, here is a not-so-little taster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqIWPvCgi9gOur challenge is to travel to as many Subbies venues as possible in one day and conquer all that your BBQ’s have to offer. Be warned, two of our staff members have disgracefully big appetites and will be on the hunt for some large portions. [I resemble that remark! – Ed.]All the “Man v Food” action (plus Subbies footy results) can be followed on Saturday LIVE through the Union’s twitter account: @subbiesrugby The club adjudged to have the best food will be announced on Sat night from the cardiac ward of St Vincent’s.It’ll be a bit of fun and, yes, we want to boost our followers on twitter. So take a moment to follow us – it’s dead easy. Just hit the link.@subbiesrugby gives its followers regular doses of Subbies rugby news, and some general rugby stuff – humorous and otherwise – that you may not normally see. Get your BBQ hats on ladies and gents, and see you tomorrow!

Rep Team Retains Maher-Ross CupMatch Report from Manager Extraordinaire, Peter Holt:Last Saturday, on a wet, cold and miserable night for rugby, the pride of NSW Suburban Rugby Union took on the best from the bush in the NSW Subbies v NSW Country fixture at the SFS.Following a rousing jersey presentation within the SCG and impassioned speeches from Captain and No10, Dan Kelly (Colleagues) and scrum half Vinnie Byrne (Brothers) on the pride and honour of representing NSW Subbies, it was game on. With the SFS in surprisingly good condition, considering how much rain had fallen, the early going was torrid with a high level of ball retention in the conditions. Duelling penalty goals in the 3rd minute to Country and the 6th minute to Subbies saw the score to 3-3 with both sides working over the other to gain the ascendency. Another successful penalty goal at the 15 minute mark to Kelly saw the score to 6-3. The kicking game of Kelly would be crucial as the game wore on.Country took the advantage at the 18th minute, with a well worked move from inside the Subbies half which saw Country No8 Mike Te Mona finish with a well-earned converted try for Country to lead 6-10.Subbies rose to the challenge and in the 22nd minute, on the back of continuous quality ball, wrested the advantage back after a Glen Packer (Campbelltown) bust saw the ball to the ever present No13 Perofeta Silva (St Pats) who busted another tackle to position his centre partner Chris Newton (Drummoyne) for the converted try and the 13-10 lead. From the opening whistle the Subbies engine room had more than held their own in all set pieces, the starting front row of James Warwick Smith (St Pats), Billy Johnston and Tony Barry (both Colleagues) unmoved in the scrum, Packer and Mitch Hardy (St Pats) rock solid in the row, loose forwards Matt Battishall (Oatley) and Craig Thomas (Brothers) covering kilometres with Adam Choice (Campbelltown) showing his versatility starting and punishing at No8.The remainder of the half came down to field position, ball control and defence. With Kelly and Byrne providing the kicking game, the quality of the chase from fullback Andrew Vernon (Campbelltown) and flying wingers Sebastian Burfitt (Redfield Old Boys) and Greg Dunn (Campbelltown) put Country under continual pressure. A string

of very soft penalties gave Country easy field position late in the first half but the Subbies defence and set piece kept Country at bay.Subbies extended their 13-10 half time lead in the 46th minute with a very well-rehearsed back line move. A delayed pop pass from Kelly to the flying Dunn saw the winger deliver a pin-point pass to the ever present Silva who in turn passed to Newton to score his second converted try of the game for a well-deserved 20-10 lead. The game took yet another twist with the sin-binning of Subbies loose forward Battishall in the 48th minute which gave Country the opportunity to get back into the match. Country scored two tries and a conversion during this period to take a 20-22 lead. If not for the quality of the Subbies defence and set piece, Country could have scored even more tries.With only 14 men on the field, Subbies struck back at the 60 minute mark with a great try starting in their own half. On the back of a huge tackle from Joe McSwiney (Hunters Hill), the ball went loose for the waiting Thomas to find Packer in daylight. Packer raced away before finding the ever supporting Dunn to send him on an uninterrupted 40 metre run for the converted try and 27-22 lead. Coaches Damon Baffico and Kristian Berghofer had already started to make the changes with Patrick Galvin (Hunters Hill) and the evergreen Jake Havebond (Drummoyne) taking the field. The class of Havebond and his experience taking centre stage in some crucial moments late in the match. Further changes saw Henry Clark (Mosman), Ben Gordon (Beecroft), Nick Watson (Colleagues) and Murray Scoles (St Pats) all get game time and keep Subbies in the hunt. Another string of soft penalties saw Country continually bombard the Subbies line time and again, with only resolute defence throwing them back. The desperation late in the match could be well summed up with the try saving tackle, on his own goal line, in the last seconds by second row forward Hardy.The final score line of 27-20 was a fair indication of the game. The Subbies Players’ Player award went deservedly to breakaway Craig Thomas, who was a stand out on the night followed by a host of other very good players. A truly magnificent team effort.On a night where the underdog got up, Subbies Rugby retained the Maher-Ross Cup for the second year running.Next, Queensland Subbies. Can’t wait.Peter J HoltTeam Manger

Listen Up – Calling All Deaf Rugby PlayersDo you know the eligibility requirements to play Deaf Rugby for Australia? Neither did I - and the answer may surprise. You qualify if your hearing is an “average of 25db” from both ears. For example, if you suffer from just a moderate deafness in one ear but have normal hearing in the other, you may qualify. So there are probably a lot more players than we realize who would qualify to represent their country through Deaf Rugby Australia. If you think you meet the requirements, or know a player who might, then contact Dan O’Halloran at office@brecon.com.auDeaf Rugby is on a roll at the moment, having successfully toured Japan last year, and taking on New Zealand this October. Be part of it if you can! There is a trial for the NZ tour on Sunday 29 July.

Trivia TeaserWell done to John Goh (yes, the ref!) who picked up the tickets last week with the correct answer to the Maher-Ross Trophy inception question - which was, of course, 2011.

Once again, I will offer two tickets to the Waratahs v Brumbies game at ANZ Stadium on the 7 July.A bit of history – and a double barrelled question this week - for you budding rugby trivia nuts out there:A Rugby League “immortal” played against the All Blacks. Who is he? And what year was the match?Send your answers (you need to answer both questions) to wbamatt@hotmail.com First in wins!

The Round UpThis week I am giving a bit of a plug to the Subbies Youth. I will be focusing my Round Up on the Colts in Divisions 1, 2 & 3 with a mixed bag of the results from Divisions 5 & 6. Don’t forget you can always check out all the Subbies results from each round at: http://www.rugby.net.au/extra.asp?id=5985&OrgID=7&menu=Div OneThe Barbour Cup provides a great platform for our Division 1 Colts to set their stall out for the top grades in Subbies and beyond. The Colts competition began as a midweek affair in 1990 and has been included in the Division One Club Championship since ’96. Currently, Old Iggies lead the way and they continued their sublime form on the weekend with a 21-12 victory at Hunters Hill. A positive points difference of 98 that compliments a 2012 track record of 7 victories in 7 games is a pretty impressive start. Hot on the heels of the Redmen are Knox, who disposed of Campbelltown 24-0 at Barra Brui Oval, whose only loss of the campaign came against the aforementioned top of the table Iggies in a closely fought 10-7 defeat. At the foot of the table sits Beecroft with just 2 points and are struggling to gain a foothold in a competition this year. Beecroft didn’t play on Saturday; however their scheduled opponents Colleagues have also struggled in the Barbour this year. The Woollahra based side are third from bottom with 1 win from 6 and have a relatively poor defensive record. Sandwiched between these two clubs are Barker Old Boys who were defeated by the determined Dirty Reds of Drummoyne 24-5 at Turramurra Oval. One try was enough as St Pat’s to beat Mosman 5-0 at Hudson Park, this allowed the home side to gain some ground on their opponents who are now just 2 points and 2 places ahead in the table. Mosman are now third with 22 points, followed by Drummoyne on 21 and St Pats sit fifth on 20 in what is a congested upper half of the ladder.Div TwoThe Colts Competition in Division 2 is the Robertson Cup. Donated in 1981, the Robertson Cup was not contested between 1988 and 1993, and it was after this absence that it became the youngsters’ prize. This year’s ladder has seen a noticeable split between the top and bottom - the upper half of the table making a significant sprint ahead of the rest. The two top clubs, Balmain and St Ives, contested the match of the round on the weekend, with the Young Muzzled Wolves coming out on top, scoring 17 unanswered points at Blackmore Park. Maxwell Granger had a good afternoon for his Balmain side, scoring 12 points, including a try. UNSW fell behind at the top of the table as they went down in a dour game at Oatley, losing 6-3; they now sit third in an extremely tight ladder summit. Newport scored a comfortable home victory over lowly Petersham, 34-10 at Porter Reserve. The defeat leaves the Shammies with just 1 point on the board from 7 games, while Newport are in the upper echelons, 3 points behind Balmain at the top. Forest heaped more 2012 misery on Lindfield as they inflicted a 12-7 score line on their opponents at Melwood Oval. Briars, attempting to re-ignite their season, won at home against Kings Old Boys. The victory leaves Briars on 11 points, however they are still quite adrift from Forest who enjoy a top half spot.Div Three

The Colts Competition in Div 3 comes in the form of the Radford Cup. (Not all Div 3 clubs compete, but Div 5’s Roseville does.) 2012’s ladder has Hills and Brothers neck and neck at the top and even though Brothers have played one game more, they are certainly keeping the pressure on the Black and Reds! Both sides won their games on the weekend. Brothers defeated Roseville, 26-19, at their shared home ground at Roseville Chase. Hills got the better of Blue Mountains, 15-9, at Lapstone Oval, with Matthew Brinnand scoring a try, conversion and a penalty to help his side to victory. Div FiveWhat a season Redfield are having! They are now 8 from 8 and look like they are going to go all the way this campaign. They got past a strong Roseville team at Redfield College on the weekend, winning 15-7. They are top of the table coming up to the half way point of the 2012 season and sit on 38 points in the Jeffrey Cup. Their opponents on the weekend presented a tough challenge and this will fill them with confidence that they have overcome arguably their sternest challenge this season so far. Fairvale/Lansvale and Sydney Harlequins are locked in a battle for third place at the moment, both on 28 points. The two sides won their weekend fixtures against Lane Cove and Rouse Hill respectively and will have high hopes they can push on for a top two finish. Canterbury and Maccabi played each other on Saturday and are both lying in mid-table after 8 rounds; Maccabi won this one however, 22-17 at Wills Ground. Roseville lead the Noice Cup competition, but suffered their first defeat of the campaign, losing to Redfield in 2nd grade. There was a big win for Canterbury over Maccabi, 36-7 the score line; while Fairvale/Lansvale thrashed Lane Cove 51-0 at Tantallon Oval to leave the home side bottom of the Noice Cup with just the solitary point on the board.Div SixThe top 3 of the Meldrum Cup ladder are separated by just 4 points going into round 9 this coming weekend. An interesting battle is shaping up for the latter stages of the season. My ‘deep throat’ inside source from the Judiciary tells me that Sydney Grammar Old Boys have been pinged 5 competition points for player rego irregularities and so are no longer leading the way in the Meldrum! They did however score a comfortable win against Chatswood defeating the winless side 32-7 at Beauchamp Park on Saturday. Second placed Dundas Valley jumped above Grammar as they scraped past Burraneer with a vital 22-19 win at John Dwyer Oval. Clovelly scored a somewhat surprising 25-0 win over Alexandria Dukes. Although the beach boys were above Dukes in the table, this is still an impressive win from Clovelly and they will be delighted with this win away from home. Maybe all the Dukes social activities in recent weeks took the steam out of them! Terrey Hills defeated struggling Manly Savers 26-10 at Keirle Park and Seaforth beat Dee Why 12-8 in the day’s other clashes.

Moape Ravuvu Tribute VideoA great video as a tribute to Newport’s Moape Ravuvu from the weekend:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN9CRIgp_9k&feature=youtu.beRemember, Moape leaves behind a young family, whom Newport RFC will try to help in the years ahead. If YOU can help, or just for further info on Mo, please go to www.newportrugby.com.au

The 500 ClubBlue Mountains’ fourth grade fullback and club stalwart, Rob Handley, played his 500th game in the Double Blue jumper last Saturday. After the presentation speeches, some hours and quite a few beers later he was overheard to say that he was looking forward to game number 600! I told you last week he was a crazy bastard! Well done mate. Awesome effort. Subbies Board member and fellow Blueys’

stalwart, Chris Moloney, presented Rob with a plaque from the Union. [How do you drink out of a plaque? – Ed.]

Mr MotivatorI wonder how many boxing gyms use promotional tools as strong as this one:http://www.thesfegotist.com/news/national/2012/may/22/best-ad-boxing-gym-ever-seriously-everHe’s got a Subbies rival in the motivation stakes. This uplifting email from a Subbies coach to his players has gone viral, as they say:I had a good long think today about what Saturday was. I don’t have any answers. Truth is, I’ve never experienced anything like what we put on the park on Saturday. The horrible truth is we are just a bunch of soft cocks with no aggression, no passion and no desire.I’ve never seen anything like this. In truth, we’d struggle to beat a bunch of drunken Irish sailors at a game of tiddlywinks right now.Is that what you guys want? WE SUCK. We are the lowest of the low. We have no pride. We are weak. We are pitiful. Aren’t we? We have nowhere left to fall to. Training this week is going to change in a big way. We are going to start again, with nothing. And I am going to teach you how to be strong. Bring your mouth-guards; and if I ever hear shit like “I’m sore”, I’m going to tell you to fuck off. I’d rather 12 men on the pitch who give a shit than 15 mewling pussies. If you don’t come to training don’t expect to get a game.Deal?I’m looking for replies here guys……not, “The coach’s in his cups again and I’ll keep doing what I want.”  I can’t physically describe how angry I am. How bottled my rage is……………Talk to me you soft cocks! Tell me you want something more than a hiding every Saturday! Reply All and give it to me!Your Coach.

And In Other News, Les Boyd Replaces David Gallop ……………From Subbies Sponsor Rugby ENews (www.rugbyenews.com)“Tongan Bad Boy Surprisingly ElectedSerial bad boy Epi Taione has surprisingly been elected as chairman of the Tongan Rugby Union. The 33-year-old beat the Pacific Island nation's Prime Minister, Siale'ataongo Tu'ivakano, in a hard-fought campaign to claim the role. Taione's ascension into a prominent off-field role is an unexpected development for a player whose colourful playing career was chequered by disciplinary problems. In 2006, Taione left England in a cloud after receiving an 18-week ban for biting during a Heineken Cup clash between Sale and Munster. He made a couple of appearances off the bench for the Sharks in 2008 before being slapped with a six-week ban for head-butting 'Canes lock Jeremy Thrush in Wellington.”

Och Aye. See You, Jimmy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QwRDXu0jao

Div 6 Makes the Back PageJust some more Subbies publicity!http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/bye-bye-weekend/

Tweetscameron day @ dtrain29   Sporting names that should end with a question mark....Matt utai? Rudy gay? Chris alcock? Michael beer? Shane Watson? 

Iain Payten @ iainpayten   Bryce Lawrence dishing out advice to the front rowers. Next week: Robert Mugabe on sustainable agribusiness.

Manly Rugby Union @ manly_rugby   Judging by the foot of standing water I don't think there'll much in this pitch for the spinners.http://twitter.com/manly_rugby/status/208782763862654977/photo/1 Jokes

Did you hear about the TV antennas that got married last week? The wedding wasn’t up to much but they had a great reception.

I saw a bloke the other day trying to steal my socks off the washing line…I went out to confront him, but then I got cold feet.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 15 June 2012

MAN v FOOD, TRIVIA TEASER, THE ROUND UP, TOP OF THE TREE, A GREAT VENDING MACHINE, FANCY FOOTWORK, GOVERNANCE OF THE HIGH AND MIGHTY, BLOKES WITH A BIT OF BOTTLE, TWEETS AND JOKES

Wet WeatherMessage from the Union Office:Obviously it is a bit wet around the grounds at the moment – so a quick reminder for club administrators about wet weather procedures.You should be contacting your opposition to work out contingencies:

If it’s your home game and your ground is closed, find an alternative ground. If you can’t find an alternative, see if your opposition’s ground is available, or

if they’ve got an alternative. Don’t sit back and wait – contact your opposition and make plans. And let the office know of any changes as soon as they are confirmed.

Man v Food - The AftermathWell...what a day that was! We started at 9:30am from the Union office, four of us in tow, bellies rumbling, to source the best food in Subbies. I must admit I wasn’t preparing myself for a pie for breakfast, but my God it was good - Petersham’s offering for the day was all meat (not the only time we would say that throughout the day.) From there it was onto St Pats for a 10.30am beer and some red frogs, believe it or not, before we travelled to Hills for a bacon and egg roll. Next it was out to Kings and the infamous ‘Sarge Burger’ - conquered by our eventual winner, former Subbies employee and current huge eater, Harry Morton. The Ram Burger was up next at Epping, where the chef was definitely enjoying himself as he cooked up a storm. Another sausage followed at Old Iggies before we travelled to Hunters Hill, where the boss sampled the rissoles and the rest of the gang chipped in with a soft serve ice cream. It was a hot dog at Drummoyne, before the eventual runner-up, and well-named “Whale Burger” was tested at Mosman. Lindfield’s Quad Meat Soldier Sandwich was stacked full of all kinds of meat as we made a flying visit to Tryon Rd, before tripping to UNSW, where the winners laid on a made-to-order feast, accompanied by a sublime cupcake! We then headed further east to Clovelly for a sausage, and a beer out of the famous big toilet esky, before (thankfully, finally) finishing at Waverley for a cold beer - but unfortunately the food had sold out...Biggest Food Haul – Harry Morton: 1 pie, 5 sausages, 2 steaks, 2 rissoles, 5 serves of onion, 5 eggs, 5 serves of bacon, 12 serves of bread, 7 beers. Plus other condiments – cheese, onion, ice cream, frogs, coleslaw.....Winningest Burger: UNSW’s Mega BurgerA great day out was had by the staff and we would like to thank all the clubs visited for their hospitality. If you didn’t manage to follow us on the day on twitter, you can always keep up to date in the future on everything that happening in Subbiesland: @subbiesrugby

Trivia TeaserWell done to John Salisbury (who I am told is a bit of a trivia nut) who answered last week’s question correctly: Bob Fulton played for Combined Services against the All Blacks in 1968. Ref Salisbury grabbed 2 tickets to the Waratahs v Brumbies encounter at ANZ Stadium for his correct answer.This week - for three tickets - I ask three questions:

In what year did the Wallabies become the first Australian team to achieve a ‘Grand Slam’? Who was the team manager? Who was credited with the push-over try against Wales?Remember, all answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com to be in with a chance of getting the tickets! This time I am offering 3 tickets to the same game, but need 3 correct answers.

The Round UpDespite visiting quite a few grounds, we didn’t actually see too much rugby on Saturday [hard to do when you’re face deep in a burger – Ed.] but here is the weekly wrap, where I will be looking at the first grades sides across the five divisions.Div OneBarker Old Boys stunned Hunters Hill at Boronia Park with a very surprising 55-7 win over the home side. The battle of the bottom was easily won by the Barker boys who were pretty convincing in every department! Meanwhile, at the top, Colleagues won the all important game at Drummoyne Oval, although it wasn’t by much. The men from Woollahra scraped past the Dirty Reds, 20-18, in a tight encounter. This gives Colleagues a 4 point lead at the top of the Kentwell - helped by their 6 bonus points after 8 rounds. Old Iggies overcame 3rd placed Beecroft at Ryde Oval in a 26-19 win; the home side has Alasdair Grant to thank for some impressive kicking. The 7 point win puts the Redmen back in touch with the leaders, while Beecroft missed the chance to close the gap on Drummoyne. St Pats and Campbelltown who are sandwiched in between the aforementioned teams played out an enthralling game at Hudson Park. The saints were the eventual victors, 25-15. Finally, Mosman crept away from the bottom of the ladder as they beat Knox, 17-11. The Whales will want to build on this and will be looking to use this important victory as a springboard for the remainder of the campaign.Div TwoThere were impressive away wins for the top 2 in the Barraclough this weekend with Balmain and Oatley both winning. UNSW took on the Muzzled Wolves at David Phillips Field and couldn’t match their visitors, going down in a convincing 48-12 defeat – someone called Ryan Cross getting a double! Oatley had it a bit tougher but still managed to get past Lindfield by 10, winning 39-29 in a high scoring game at Soldiers Memorial Park. The win puts significant daylight between 2nd placed Oatley, who sit on 36 points, while Lindfield in 3rd are 12 points behind on 24. Kings Old Boys put Newport to the sword at home, winning 44-15. Mitchell Harris successfully kicked 8 times to maximise the points for the Kings outfit. Petersham also took full advantage of their home venue as they surpassed Briars’ 18 point effort by scoring 34 of their own. It was a solid win for the Shammies and it leaves them firmly in mid-table. Forest got the better of St Ives at Hassall Park - a close game ended in a 13-10 win for the visitors. St Ives will be worried about their position come the halfway stage of the season with just 1 win from 9, but they haven’t been cut-adrift just yet and are only 1 point behind Briars.Div ThreeWhat happened in the Clark Cup this week? There were some huge score lines in a very eventful day in Div 3. We start at Yattenden Oval where a rampant Hills side defeated bottom placed Macquarie Uni, 61-5. The tries where shared across the team in what was a thoroughly convincing performance - surely the coaches will be asking where that has been for all 8 rounds? Hills are 22 points off the top in mid-table and will look for a repeat of that win against Waverley next weekend, who sit just one place above them on the ladder. Hill’s Bondi based opponents next Saturday enjoyed a big victory of their own, beating Merrylands 55-14, in front of the impressive new Waverley Pavilion that is being officially unveiled at the end of the month. Blacktown won a thriller against Hornsby at Alwyn Lindfield Reserve, the game finished 44-24. Brendan Wayland certainly helped his side’s cause, scoring

over half of his team’s points, notching 24! Unbelievably, UWSH’s Jeffrey Ryan bettered this, getting 27 points as his team defeated St George 42-14 at Carss Park. Epping only managed 3 points at home to Blue Mountains who got 19; the defeat leaves Epping on 15 points and in 7th place. Finally in the Clark we look at the McQuade Park encounter between Hawkesbury Valley and Brothers. The away side kept their 100% record as they defeated Hawkesbury with a solid 22-12 win, the Brothers boys have won 8 on the spin and look destined for glory this season.Div FiveRedfield smashed Rouse Hill 68-0 in a rampant display to assert their dominance at the summit of the Jeffrey Cup. A standout kicking display from James Moore saw him grab 18 points for his side with 9 conversions; clearly the kicking tees have got a workout in training in the last few weeks! Roseville sits 4 points behind the leaders and kept up their strong start with a 25-14 win over Canterbury at Roseville Chase Oval. Jordan O’Reilly was the standout scoring 2 tries, a conversion and a penalty to get the win for his team. Fairvale/Lansvale thrashed KWP at Fairvale High School, 72-14. Four players scored 10 points or more in a great spread of points. I’m sure there was a party in front of the test for all the big winners in the Jeffrey last weekend! Maccabi defeated Harlequins 20-5 at Lyne Park while Lane Cove scored a 37-8 win over Notre Dame and Wentworth Park.Div SixLiverpool continues to lead the way in Div 6 after Sydney Grammar’s point deduction in the Meldrum Cup; they managed to get past 3rd placed Dundas Valley, 22-5, at Sir Thomas Mitchell Reserve. The result leaves Liverpool 1 point ahead of Sydney Grammar at the top of the ladder, and they have a match in hand after their Rd 7 match was washed out. Saturday also saw a thrilling 19-18 win for Terrey Hills over Burraneer at Yulong Oval. The win puts Terrey Hills on 22 points, however they are 7 points behind the 4th placed Clovelly, who had a big win on the weekend. The Blowflies easily disposed of Dee Why at the picturesque Burrows Park defeating the visitors 45-6, with 7 different players getting a try! Seaforth ran riot against Alexandria Dukes, smashing 53 points past their opponents who could only manage 10. Meanwhile, at C A Redmond, Rockdale inflicted another defeat on Chatswood. The home side ran out 36-14 winners, placing them in a mid-table position with 4 wins from 7 games. If they were to secure a bonus point win in their game in hand (admittedly against Liverpool), Rockdale could be right up there!

Top of the TreeI thought I would give you an update on the top 5 try scorers in Subbies and also the top 5 overall point scorers, so here goes:Tries:

1. Sebastian Burfitt- Redfield (12)2. Brendan Lane- Blacktown (12)3. Tom Gorman- Hills (11)4. Dennis Lee- Alexandria Dukes (10)5. John Wall- Redfield (10)

Total Points:1. Jared Trevathan- Balmian (110)2. Jordan O’Reilly- Roseville (92)3. Steven MacDonald- Terrey Hills (85)4. Nathan Ezekiel- Maccabi (84)5. Gaven Duncan- Blue Mountains (79)

RugBeer

I love a vending machine as much as the next bloke and this really is a great idea...maybe we should start a campaign to get them in pubs in Oz! http://mashable.com/2012/06/12/tackle-this-vending-machine/

Richie McGaw is a CheatWell ... probably not ... but still quite funny: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZB9TuTJ9UY

Fancy FootworkA lovely bit of control here as the Welsh Wizard uses an unorthodox trick before diving over...great 7’s try! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WYpE_IJXXAs

Last Ditch TackleCheck out this try saving tackle in the French Semi. The Referee’s here in the office don’t agree he was offside in the fall out from it though!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhhkwBYCJN8&feature=player_embedded

TweetsJohn Morrison @morroj Tim Richards on fire in Man vs Food eating at every Subbies venue - come to Concord for ABC TV game City v Country Grt burgers @subbiesrugby

Drew Mitchell @ drew_mitchell Thinking of pulling on the sacred colours of Balmain this weekend!!

Iain Payten @iainpayten Disappointing. All that hype and Greg Bird didn't bash Seal.

JokesThe winning entry in the radio station competition: ‘Who can give their wife the best nickname?’: ‘Harvey Norman’ - because there has been no interest for 36 months.

Grandpa lost his tongue in the war....he doesn’t like to talk about it.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 22 June 2012 BIG DAY OUT, RAIN REJIG, TRIVIA TEASER, MORTLOCK TRIBUTE, THE ROUND UP, RANDY REF, DAD’S ARMY, BIG HIT, TWEETS AND JOKES

Big Day for SubbiesOK, so the Subbies v Cockatoos rep game was a gentle warm-up for our boys – it’s now time for the main show! Tomorrow, we take on Queensland Subbies at Allianz Stadium in the Wallabies curtain-raiser. Hopefully you all have your tickets sorted as they are now all SOLD OUT. Now, the Wallabies game will be good but I know there will be plenty of you keen to start early in the Subbies Bar in the Stadium. Come along and cheer the boys on as they attempt to take the Barraclough Shield for the 2nd year running. Kick-off is at 12:05pm with gates opening just in time to grab a pie and a cold one before it starts. It’s going to be a full-house at the SFS on Saturday, so here is some travel advice from the ARU:http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/GameDay/GettingToTheGame.aspx

A massive thanks to all Subbies Clubs who purchased tickets for the weekend - it promises to be a great atmosphere. We have sold almost 2,000 tickets to sell out the “Subbies Only” bays – so the exclusive Subbies Bar at the Paddington end of the ground is certain to be rocking. In addition to your seat on Saturday, Subbies patrons get a Hahn Super Dry Promotional voucher for the 4 best pubs in Paddington. Your voucher entitles you to a FREE Hahn Super Dry at any of these Paddington Pubs:

Grand National Hotel Paddington Inn The Imperial Hotel The Royal Hotel

It is only with this level of support from the Subbies rugby community that we will continue to get these deals and promos from the ARU – and that could be great news for next year’s Lions tour!

Subbies Team to Play QLD: 1. James Warwick-Smith (St Patricks), 2. Murray Scoles (St Patricks), 3. Tony Barry (Colleagues), 4. Mitch Hardy (St Patricks), 5. Glen Packer (Campbelltown), 6. Matthew Battishall (Oatley), 7. Craig Thomas (Brothers), 8. Adam Choice (Campbelltown), 9. Vinny Byrne (Brothers), 10. Dan Kelly [c] (Colleagues), 11. Greg Dunn (Campbelltown), 12. Perofeta Silva (St Patricks), 13. Chris Newton (Drummoyne), 14. Sebastian Burfitt (Redfield), 15. Jake Havebond (Drummoyne).Reserves: 16. Chad Maher (St Patricks), 17. Patrick Galvin (Hunters Hill), 18. Nick Watson (Colleagues), 19. Viliame Ratu (Brothers), 20. Joe McSwiney (Hunters Hill), 21. Ben Gordon (Beecroft), 22. Henry Clark (Mosman), 23. Andrew Vernon (Campbelltown).

Re-Scheduled GamesDue to weather and Rep commitments in recent weeks we have a few rescheduled games coming up soon:Div 1:Tues 26th June-Knox v Campbelltown (1st Grade Only) - Barra Brui Oval 7:30pmHunters Hill v Old Ignatians (1st Grade Only) - Boronia Park 7:40pmSt Patricks v Mosman (1st Grade Only) - Hudson Park 7:15pmDiv 6:Fri 22nd June-Dundas Valley v Syd Grammar Old Boys - Granville Park 7:30pm

U85kg:Sat 23rd June-Mosman v Dee Why - Rawson Park 10:30amWed 27th June-Dee Why v Beecroft - James Morgan Reserve 8:00pmSydney High OB’s v Lindfield - Boronia Park #2 8:00pmHunters Hill v Mosman - Boronia Park #1 8:00pmRadford Cup Colts:Sat 30th June-Hornsby v Blue Mountains – Cliff Oval 1.30pmRoseville v Hills – Roseville Chase Oval 12:45pm

Trivia TeaserWell done to Michael Fahey who scored 3 tickets to Waratahs v Brumbies with his correct answers last week: In 1984 the Wallabies became the first Australian team to achieve a Grand Slam. Charles “Chilla” Wilson was the team manager. And Steve Tuynman scored the push-over try against Wales.I thought I would bring a rep team aspect to this week’s question. Once again there are three more Waratahs v Brumbies tickets up for grabs, with another triple barrelled question, so you have to answer all three correctly to be in with a shout:QLD Suburban last beat our NSW Subbies Rep Team in what year? Who was the Captain for NSW that day? Who was the coach?Remember: send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com to be in with a chance of winning.

Stirling Mortlock TributeA great tribute to the Big Man that was posted in Green and Gold Rugby... http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/farewell-stirling-mortlock/

The Round UpThe heavens remained open in the latter stages of last week and thus created quite a few postponements on Saturday. I take a look at the games that made it on last weekend, across a variety of grades.Div OneThere were postponements in the encounters between Barker and St Pats, Colleagues and Old Ignatians, and Beecroft versus Hunters Hill. Therefore, it was down the remaining four Div 1 clubs to provide the entertainment across the 6 grades. Mosman travelled out west to Campbelltown and did not come away with the desired result in the Kentwell, the game ending 13-6, meaning the hosts remain in third after impressing on home soil all season. The visitors did however manage to get the better of the Harlequins in the Burke and Whiddon Cups in two close match ups! 2nd grade saw the Whales of Mosman victorious 10-5, while 3rd grade won 10-6. The colts Barbour Cup was an even lower scoring game, Campbelltown winning this one 5-3. Knox took on Drummoyne in the rest of the day’s action, with Drummoyne taking out a reasonably comprehensive victory in 1st Grade, winning 44-13. The Dirty Reds also managed to sneak past the Knox boys in the Burke cup, in a close one, coming out on top in a 12-5 victory. However, it was Knox who won third grade with a similarly tight match taking place, Knox having the upper hand, 13-5. A 19 point win gave Drummoyne another comfortable win in the Judd cup after two big Knox wins in the Sutherland and Barbour Cups, 20-0 and 28-8 respectively.Div TwoWe definitely had a bit more luck getting the games on in Div 2, with only Kings Old Boys & Petersham not getting a run. The Barraclough Cup saw 4 pretty convincing wins, including from the top two - Balmain and Oatley. The muzzled Wolves got the better of Lindfield at Soldiers Memorial Park as they won 47-5. The big win keeps

Balmain’s 100% record intact. Second placed Oatley travelled to Newport’s Porter Reserve and came away with a 32-6 victory. Robert Bushell scored a hat-trick of tries to steal the show and Oatley remain 8 points behind the leaders, on 41 points. Forest got a massive win under their belt at Briars - Rothwell Park playing host to the 57-0 encounter. The Forest boys will be delighted with the score line and have taken advantage of a vulnerable Briars defence. A third placed UNSW were victorious over bottom placed St Ives, beating their visitors 32-11 at David Phillips. The 2nd grade Stockdale Cup saw a similar story for Balmain as they were winners again but St Ives and Newport got wins leaving them locked in a mid table battle at the half way point of the campaign.Div ThreeThere was just three fixtures in Div 3 over the weekend, with the teams at the top in the Clark Cup taking full advantage of their games being given the go ahead. Brothers made it 9 from 9 as they thrashed St George 50-0 at Roseville Chase Oval, with Darren Kapene scoring 15 points in the rout. Epping travelled to Hawkesbury Valley and the encounter saw the away side come away with a 24-7 victory. Second placed UWSH played host to Blue Mountains at College Oval and the home team took thorough advantage of their surroundings, winning 30-10, Mitchell Gibbs scoring a brace. The results leave Brothers in top spot with a 10-point buffer, quite a lead! 2nd

grade will have something to say about their club mates getting all the praise though as they disposed of St George, scoring 73 unanswered points. Hawkesbury Valley edged out Epping 14-13 in the Farrant and UWSH failed to overcome the challenge Blue Mountains threw at them, going down 22-20. Colleagues Convicts inflicted defeat on the Brothers boys in the Nicholson Cup, winning 24-0. Epping beating the Hawks by the same margin. Div FiveOnly the Notre Dame and Rouse Hill game fell foul to the weather in the Jeffrey Cup as the top 2 were involved in thrilling encounters. 1st placed Redfield beat Canterbury 26-24 at Wills Ground. In arguably the game of the round, Paul Limbers captured the win for Redfield with 3 tries. However, Roseville weren’t so lucky, going down 19-17 at Maccabi. The home side stepped up at Waverley Oval and got an impressive win over the second placed outfit. Roseville are now 8 points behind top of the table Redfield and will have to turn on something special to overturn the deficit for the top spot. Fairvale/Lansvale kept up their bid for 3rd with a comfortable win over Sydney Harlequins; they defeated their opponents 33-12 at their new ground, Cherrybrook Park. Lane Cove scored a rare big win, thrashing KWP 48-3 at Tantallon Oval. The Noice Cup also saw an away win for Redfield, 25-12 at Canterbury, while Roseville managed to overcome Maccabi 17-0, Fairvale/Lansvale also won their 2nd grade encounter, 14-7.Div SixGame in Focus - The Burnt Bridge Cup, Seaforth v Manly SaversThe Burnt Bridge Cup was played between Seaforth Raiders & Manly Savers on Saturday 16th June. Not much other footy was being played this day, Marlins were away at Parramatta, Colts were canned, so one could have thought a big crowd would gather. You see, there is a bridge at Balgowlah that goes over the Burnt Creek Deviation - if Manly come to Seaforth, or Seaforth go to Manly to play, both of us have to go over the Bridge. So the Burnt Bridge Cup was born in the first season of the Seaforth Raiders, some 6 seasons back.The game was played in drizzly rain, with the lights required at Keirle Park.Early on, the game was played tight and tough in the forwards till the teams decided to start throwing the ball around, proving what all smart rugby followers know - Meldrum Cup games are exciting and skilful! Well this day belonged to the Raiders, running out winners 29-5.By Troy Andrew- Seaforth Raiders

There were only 2 other games in the Meldrum Cup last weekend and the closest of these was at Yulong Oval. Terrey Hills beat Clovelly 10-6 to remain 5 th on the ladder, Clovelly will consider this a disappointing defeat as they missed the chance to gain some ground on the top two, Liverpool and Sydney Grammar, who didn’t play. Clovelly sit 3rd on 30 points, 2 behind the leaders, however the Blowflies have played two more games and the leaders will be expected to take points from these games in hand. Remember, no games this weekend other than the BIG one, NSW v QLD. If you’re not able to get there, make sure you follow all the LIVE rep match action on Twitter: @subbiesrugby There will be expert commentary from our high tech strategic analyst who also happens to be the editor. [And who is happy you didn’t misspell ‘analyst’ – Ed.]

Walshy Looking for Some ……. TreatmentUp and coming young ref, Steve Walsh, clearly felt the physio was worth saying hello to on the weekend...smooth! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFv_VSBYtr8

Ever Embarrassed By Your Folks?Well let’s hope no-one in Subbies needs their Dad to step in for them on the footy field... http://www.rugbydump.com/2011/11/2258/imanol-harinordoquys-father-joins-fight-against-bayonne

LaaLaa-LandA massive hit from Casey Laulalaon on Owen Farrell in the Baa Baas v England game at Twickenham: http://www.rugbydump.com/2012/06/2615/casey-laulalas-big-hit-on-owen-farrell-baabaas-vs-england

TweetsABC News Breakfast @ BreakfastNews Stirling Mortlock tells @ Adam_Freier it's time to retire & he won't be doing a 'Johnny Farnham' http://bit.ly/Mz85Bl

Alexandria Dukes RC @ AlexandriaDukes 92 Dukes and Duchesses looking forward to meeting up with all the other subbies clubs at the @ subbiesrugby bar at the Wallabies.

Iain Payten @ iainpayten Adam Byrnes has won another appeal. His $5k fine for criticising Tom Carter quashed by SANZAR. Must still pay $2.5k costs.

JokesDid you hear about the fat, alcoholic transvestite? ….. All he wanted to do was eat, drink and be Mary.

My wife has been missing for around a week now. The Police have told me to prepare for the worst, so I have been to the charity shop to get all her clothes back.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 29 June 2012 DAN ‘THE PATRON’, REP ROUND UP, TRIVIA TEASER, PM MATERIAL, MIDWEEK MADNESS, WALLABIES WRAP, BRAZILIAN RUGBY, REFEERES REALITY CHECK, TWEETS & JOKES

Dan the PatronNSW Suburban Rugby Union is delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Moore as the Union’s official Patron. Dan is no stranger to Subbies as he has a huge record of positions with the Union:

Judiciary Member 1988-1990 Judiciary Chairman 1991 Board Member 1990-1999 Clubs, Competition & Rules Sub-committee 1993-2010 Deputy Chairman 2000-2003 President 2004-2010 Life Member 2006

Dan is our first Patron since the year 2000 and it is fantastic to have a much loved member take the position. His first official duty is to open Waverley’s new Pavilion this Saturday at Waverley Oval when the Bondi based club takes on Blacktown in 3rd

Div.Congratulations Dan Moore!

The Rep Round UpNSW v QLD. Subbies v Subbies. Wallabies curtain-raiser. It was massive. It was brilliant. It was a huge win, topping off a hugely successful rep season. Read all about it here:http://www.rugby.net.au/newsitem.asp?id=14929

Trivia TeaserA rollover this week - Nobody managed to get the triple barreled question from last week! The prize will go out again this time around, 2 tickets to the Waratahs v Brumbies game at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 7th July:Who was the last Waratah to score a try against the Brumbies?Remember, send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com to be in with a chance of scoring the tickets!

Subbies Sound GoodWhat a great day out at the Wallabies v Wales game on Saturday, the Subbies Bay was pumping and the bar certainly got a work out. Hopefully you all got to use your Hahn SuperDry vouchers before or after the game in Paddington! A big thank you to those who got in early and supported Subbies in the curtain raiser and there certainly was a great atmosphere at the Northern End of Allianz Stadium when the Wallabies kicked off! Kenny Brown from Waverley did his bit for the Subbies bay; I calculated his effort at 3.75 seconds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYmJG3V8JGYI think we have a future Prime Minister on our hands in Kenny as this is a pre requisite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5mBShX9fdU

Midweek MadnessWith the disruptions of the weather and the Rep game last weekend, many of you probably haven’t taken to the field for a week or two. Well, all is back this weekend; all 5 divisions are raring to go in what should be a bumper weekend.There has been a few catch up games in the last week, starting with Dundas Valley and Sydney Grammar last Friday night. Grammar came out on top with an 18-8 win

in a fiery game under the lights; the result puts the victors back on course for the top of the ladder. Last Tuesday, St Pats downed Mosman 10-0 in the Kentwell Cup catch up game, a solid win for the home side who had James King and Robert O’Reilly to thank for their win. Also on Tuesday, in the Judd Cup, Mosman had a bit more luck, beating Campbelltown with 20 unanswered points.Next week sees one more of the remaining Kentwell catch-up games as Hunters Hill face off against Old Ignatians on Tuesday 3rd July.

Joyous June?So it seems that overall it has been a pretty satisfactory June for test Rugby fans, Wallabies beating the Welsh in each of the three games off the back of that Scottish blip in horrendous conditions. An interesting piece on G&G Rugby about 6 pointers from the series: http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/six-things-we-learnt-from-the-june-internationals/After a poor season in SuperRugby for the Waratahs we will all look to the Wallabies to provide the excitement in Sydney’s top end Rugby. It will be very interesting to see how the Wallabies fare against what was on Saturday, a very rampant, on form, All Blacks side in the Bledisloe on the 18th August.

Club Championships So FarOk, so a quick update on who is leading the Club Champs in each division:Div One-

1. Colleagues 15562. Drummoyne 13523. Old Ignatians 1149

Div Two-1. Balmain 20802. UNSW 13833. Oatley 1289

Div Three-1. Brothers 20582. Blue Mountains 14353. UWSH 1226

Div Five-1. Redfield 15122. Roseville 13723. Fairvale/Lansvale 1280

Really Ref?Check out these two Referee calamity moments…always good for a laugh!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFG-jtvkihs&feature=player_embeddedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7JsJCabDl8&feature=player_embedded

Brazilian RugbyIts growing in popularity…well not just yet:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20o_FX3A4xo

TweetsBalmain Rugby @BalmainRugby At Leichhardt Council meeting to discuss grounds for 2013. Better not have us swear alliance to the queen! #drabcarpet

Michael Bailey @ MickBailey15 "Train hard boys, think about the KFC on the way home". # motivation

Jokes

Last night I reached for my liquid Viagra and accidentally swigged from a bottle of Liquid Paper...I woke up this morning with a huge correction. 

My girlfriend said she was leaving me due to my obsession with the 60's group The Monkees. I thought she was joking........ And then I saw her face.

I tried tap dancing once; I broke my ankle when I fell in the sink.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 6 July 2012

SUBBIES TV, TRIVIA, HAVE YOR SAY, WONDERS OF WAVERLEY, THE ROUND UP, KRAZY KIWIS, LUXURIOUS LUNCH, CLUB IN FOCUS, O’DEAR O’CONNOR, TWEETS & JOKES

Subbies TVSubbies TV has hit the web! The first ‘real’ episode was recorded last Tuesday with our very own Editor making a guest appearance, albeit with more makeup on than Lady Gaga. This week has a far more prestigious guest in Damien Fitzpatrick, who answers a few questions about his playing career as well as giving his predictions for the Kentwell Cup. This week’s episode is available now: www.rugby.net.au You can also contact ‘Ninja’ and the boys at rugbystuff@subbiestv.com.auThe weekly show is a great plug for grassroots rugby and the Subbies TV boys have put a fair bit of time and effort into developing a great product. We wish them well in attracting a regular audience each week, only after everyone has read the Bits though!

Trivia TeaserSubbies TV co-host, Nathan "Chunk" McCullum, has worn a different club shirt in each of the Subbies TV episodes - name all of them.The prize today is probably the best offered so far – a signed, leather bound, deluxe edition of the bestseller, “The Game for the Game Itself – The History of Sub-District Rugby in Sydney.” Answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Player Survey – If You Don’t Vote, Don’t BitchWe ALL, from time to time, have had a whinge about various things in rugby. Now here’s your chance to tell the ARU – officially – what you think. This player survey is open to current and past players, so go for it:http://www.rugby.com.au/tryrugby/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1760/ArticleID/6952/Default.aspxSurvey closes Monday 16 July.

Wonders of WaverleyBy Rob Willoughby, President, Waverley Rugby ClubAnyone who’s travelled to Waverley Oval during the past few years would have been greeted by the demountable change rooms, single toilet/shower block and shipping containers used as club storage – not what one would expect from a club based in the heart of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.Thankfully those days are now over and although it’s been a long time coming, the new Waverley Park Pavilion was officially opened last weekend on June 30 th as Waverley took on Blacktown at home. NSW Suburban Rugby Patron Dan Moore was on hand for his first official assignment to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. The new pavilion is an impressive sight, and in addition to the obvious – state of the art change rooms, kiosk & club rooms - we are already seeing huge benefits in the form of increased player numbers in the men’s and women’s grades, with an approximate 20% increase overall from last year.Two weeks ago Waverley took up 180 of the Subbies allocation to the Australia vs Wales game - the most tickets sold by any club. Club Captain Kenny Brown was featured on last week’s Holdings Bits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYmJG3V8JGYThe increased player base has seen us record four consecutive clean-sweeps in May against Hornsby, Hawkesbury Valley, Mac Uni & Epping – a feat not achieved before in my time with the club.You can never put your finger on one particular thing, but this year we’ve had to start from scratch with a new committee, new president, and a change of 1st Grade coach

- with life member Tivoli Endemann’s return having a positive effect as he lives and breathes Waverley Rugby Club.Being based in Bondi means the club suffers from the transient nature of its membership, so it can be a bit of a lottery from one year to the next, but the new Pavilion will hopefully mean we are able to hang on to the better players that come to the club.We’ve had a tough few years after being relegated from Div 2, only just surviving in Div 3 over the last two years, and now it feels like we’re getting back on track. We’re currently placed 5th in the Div 3 club championship with all grades in the top 5 of their respective tables, with everything to play for. Onwards and upwards from here!

Happy Havebond BirthdayA very special Happy 40th Birthday mention to Subbies Rep and Drummoyne fly-half, Jake Havebond. Our very accurate records indicate that Jake is by far the oldest 5/8th ever to appear in the Kentwell Cup - and he looks every bit his age! Hope you enjoyed your birthday yesterday mate. The Round UpIt was back to normal for Subbies this week with all 5 divisions hitting the park on Saturday. Plenty of action and a few upsets along the way!Div OneWhere else to start other than the marauding St Pats and their fantastic win over Colleagues at Hudson Park. The home side produced a dominating display to dispatch the Woollahra Sky Blues in a 33-3 victory. The five home tries were shared around the forwards and backs – this one the best:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LarqXjnAbw&feature=plcpThe victors are only five points behind Colleagues in 4th place and look a good bet as a dark horse contender for something special in the finals series. The Colleagues boys’ downfall left Drummoyne grinning as they now occupy top spot, although they have played a game more. The Dirty Reds got the better of Old Ignatians at Drummoyne Oval, winning 29-17, on what was a bad day for the Redmen as they went down in 1s, 2s and 3s. The other team sniffing around finals contention is Campbelltown, who are proving that home form can be a great advantage. They played host to Hunters Hill at the weekend and beat them, but only just! Subbies representative Adam Choice scored a try of his own and converted three as he scored 11 points to help the home side to a 21-19 victory. The Harlequins now sit on 28 points in 3rd place. Barker Old Boys went down to a mid-table Knox side at Barker College, the score finishing 17-3. The results leaves Barker with just two wins from nine and they will look to amend the defeat against another team outside the top four when they take on Beecroft who were turned over by Mosman on Saturday. The Whales had too much for the travelling Beecroft boys and Adam Rugg’s effective kicking proved the difference as Mosman ran out 20-13 winners.Div TwoThe top two are still shining in Div Two, with some strong performances from the front runners in the Barraclough Cup. Undefeated Balmain breezed past opponents Newport at Blackmore Park, scoring 47 unanswered points to maintain their 100% record this season. Jared Trevathan again had a great game, scoring two tries and six conversions in the home side’s devastating display. Oatley remain on the leader’s tail however as they have only dropped points once this season. Their great form continued as they got one over King’s Old Boys at H.V. Evatt Park. The bonus point win still gives Oatley a chance of catching the leaders, however it looks like Balmain are running away with it. Lindfield remain third in the Barraclough after they took a 20-8 victory away from Petersham’s Camperdown Oval. The defeat leaves the home side looking over their shoulder as only five points now separate the bottom four. Briars still prop up the ladder after their agonising defeat to St Ives at Hassall Park.

The basement dwellers went down in a closely fought game, eventually ending up on the wrong side of a 34-28 score line. An even closer game was contested at Melwood Oval, Forest overcoming UNSW by just the one point, beating the students 18-17. These two sides are locked in a battle for 4 th place and the victory allowed Forest to gain some valuable ground on their rivals, they now sit just two points behind.Div ThreeClub in Focus - Epping RamsLast Saturday marked ladies day and a massive day for the club against UWSH in addition to a Halligan match against Colleagues. Colleagues got that one 35-7. The rest of the day was a bit of a mixed bag. Fours narrow loss, Threes scored a much needed win, Twos put on a brilliant display to win 35-7 and first grade was much closer than the score indicated with UWSH getting that one 30-14.To mark ladies day the Rams wore pink socks to raise money for breast cancer as well as for injured player James Toottell who suffered a serious injury after a tiny head knock in a trial this year.The crowd was huge, the Ram Burgers were plenty and even West Coast Coolers made a return, and that saw the large crowd of ladies enjoying a day of Champagne Rugby in the sun.2012 Thus FarThe Rams have a new sponsor this year – The Royal Hotel at Top Ryde – and what a great little pub it has been so far. Looking forward to many more evenings up at the Royal!A whole club CPU (Compulsory Piss Up) after our home games against Waverley saw the Rams board the party bus wearing their worst suits for a night at the Wenty Dog Track.On the field the Rams have seen a few new players down. So far it would be fair to say 2nd Grade have been the team to beat this year, playing some great rugby. However, Firsts and Fourths are looking pretty good and we are anticipating some good results in the coming weeks. Barring first grade, the Rams have all new grade coaches this year as well.The good stuff just keeps on getting thrown at the Rams with Hornsby’s surprise inclusion of Matt Dunning. (This comes after our fixture against Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell in 2010 against Balmain.) He didn’t mind a few comments made about the fact the canteen had run out of pies and The Rams were able to give it to him on the park (although some photos may suggest it has gone elsewhere). For some reason the turnout of ladies wasn’t as high as the Balmain game – I don’t know why.Events coming up at the Rams

Epping Rugby and Netball Club Trivia Night on the 14th July A possible return of the biggest event in Subbies Rugby – RamPower in later

July. This would definitely be Subbies’ best (only?) male beauty pageant. If it goes ahead, this is one event not to be missed.

January sees the Rams heading on their first tour of Europe – we’ll be heading to England, Ireland and France on a 21 Day extravaganza.

Cheers,John Carters, Epping Rugby

Div FiveWhat a great weekend in Div Five! Saturday saw some big wins and some narrow defeats in an action packed day of Subbies Rugby. We start at Francesco Reserve where a thriller took place between Rouse Hill and Maccabi - the home side coming out eventual winners 27-26, with Johnny Pati kicking four penalties to help the Renegades to victory. The battle! for 2nd place on the ladder took place at Roseville Chase Oval as Roseville took on Fairvale/Lansvale in what turned out to be a nail biter. Roseville will be hugely disappointed with the final outcome as they suffered a

narrow 24-21 loss (after a premature full time whistle.) Fairvale/Lansvale now occupy 2nd spot on the ladder and are now really finding their form. There was a big win on the road for a commanding Canterbury as they punished KWP at Lofberg Oval. Shanon Beardmore went on a try scoring rampage, putting four over the Kilara-West Pymble line in his side’s 53-11 win. Sydney Harlequins put forward their finals credentials with a massive 53-5 win over their visitors, Notre Dame. The result leaves Harlequins one point behind fourth placed Maccabi, an interesting battle to keep your eye on over the remainder of the season. Redfield continued their Jeffrey Cup dominance with a devastating display against Lane Cove at Redfield College. James Moore again showed his point-scoring prowess notching 22 points in the victory. Div SixSydney Grammar returned to the summit of the Meldrum Cup ladder on Saturday as they defeated Seaforth in a good game at Reg Bartley Oval. Nicholas Garling kicked three conversions and two penalties to aid his team in their 32-23 victory. However, second placed Liverpool are looking good and have two games in hand over the Grammar Old Boys. Their cause was helped with a convincing 51-10 win over Manly at Keirle Park, Sione Mafi getting a hat trick of tries. Manly’s season is petering out and they have only managed six points from 10 rounds, a disappointing return and they will be looking to salvage some pride over the remainder of the campaign. Third placed Clovelly had quite the reverse, an extraordinarily big win, 95-0 over Chatswood. Boden Mackay scored 10 conversions in addition to his try to seal 25 points of his own, while Peter Timmons crossed the line four times! Clovelly now sit just two points behind Liverpool, while Dundas Valley are ticking along nicely. An impressive 52-26 win over new boys Alexandria Dukes puts them in a decent spot going into the remainder of the season. Terrey Hills also remain in finals contention as they overcame the weekend challenge given to them by Rockdale. It was a close game at Yulong though, the home side scraping through in a 31-26 nail biter. Dee Why and Burraneer can’t be separated, either on the ladder or on the field. The two sides played out an 8-all draw on Saturday and are both locked on 19 points in a mid-table stranglehold that will most likely restrict them from having a challenge at that top four this year.

O’Dear O’Connor I am always quite surprised how infrequently this occurs in HT/FT interviews where players have just finished playing. Swearing happens so often on the field of play and to suddenly change into ‘TV interview mode’ must be quite strange sometimes. Anyway, James O’Connor didn’t quite manage the transition on the weekend:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDRLS4RXaUQ&feature=player_embedded

Hawkesbury’s Luxurious LuncheonA great cause and a great idea - get on board with your mates and get a table sorted for what will be a great event. Hawkesbury are donating money for Hawkesbury Rugby and the Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust:http://www.rugby.net.au/newsitem.asp?id=14937

Krazy KiwisKiwi’s showing off their tricks of the trade…is it real?http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6rMRz4eMe5Q

Injection of PaceOh how the Waratahs could do with a bit of pace like this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvp0Rgmv4k4&feature=player_embedded

TweetsNSW Suburban Rugby @ subbiesrugby

“@ Ye_Olde_Ref : Soccer is 90 minutes of pretending you're injured. Rugby is 80 minutes of pretending you aren't." [The Ed ordered me to put this in - with a gun to my head...]

BrothersRugbySydney @ brothersrugby Congratulations to Matt Gibbs who played his 300th game for Brothers on the weekend. Well done mate.

Jokes“Jesus loves you.”A nice gesture in church……….. a terrible thing to hear in a Mexican prison.

The police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid and the other one was eating fireworks. They charged one and let the other one off.

The police station toilet was stolen. They have nothing to go on.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 13 July 2012

FOXY SUBBIES, TRIVIA, THE ROUND UP, WOLVES vs SHAMMIES, THAT FIELD GOAL (AGAIN!), BLEDISLOE PREVIEW, TWEETS & JOKES

Subbies TV Debut on FoxSubbies TV continues to gain exposure. Ninja, Marley & Chunk, the brains behind the venture, started it only a few weeks ago and they’ve been everywhere - I have now seen them in the tunnel at the Tahs v Brumbies game, they’ve been out at Knox, they’ve braved the cold at U85kg matches, and now they’re on the critically acclaimed Fox Aurora Channel (183 on Foxtel) on Tuesday night. Well done boys, keep up the good work. You can catch the latest episode of Subbies TV right here: www.rugby.net.au Also, be part of it yourself - send them the good stuff about your club: rugbystuff@subbiestv.com.au Trivia TeaserThe winner of last week’s question was Subbies life member, Damian Henry – he knew that Subbies TV co-host, Nathan "Chunk" McCullum, had worn club shirts from Mosman, Iggies & Drummoyne on the show. Damian very kindly turned down the prize of a signed, leather bound, deluxe edition of the bestseller, “The Game for the Game Itself” – so we sent him two copies. This week’s question, for the sensational prize of a Subbies tie - Which Subbies club is celebrating its centenary this year?6th correct answer sent to wbamatt@hotmail.com gets the irreplaceable fashion item.

The Round UpDiv OneA (moving) picture speaks a thousand words.Div TwoThe top two in the Barraclough Cup both ran out winners again on the weekend in another show of strength at the Subbies second tier summit. Oatley flexed their arm at Briars on Saturday, winning 41-28, although the home side gave their 2nd placed visitors a run for their money at Rothwell Park. It was a great day in a so far great season for Oatley as the club won 4 grades and look set for a date with powerhouse Balmain come the 1st Grade finals in September. The Muzzled Wolves again won their top three grades in a comfortable afternoon against Forest. The Div 2 team to beat of 2012 kept their 100% record in the Barraclough Cup by beating Forest 37-12 at Blackmore Park, the venue being moved due to the weather. The men in black and gold now sit at the top of the ladder in 1’s and 2’s and look a sure bet for a position in next year’s Div 1. Petersham enjoyed a good win at UNSW to move away from the bottom of the ladder. The Shammies defeated the Students 24-18 in a close encounter. The remainder of the grades were split, with UNSW getting the better of their Camperdown counterparts in the Stockdale and Richardson cups. Kings OB and St Ives also shared around the points throughout the grades, however Kings were the victors in 1st grade in a 28-13 win on the School’s main ground. St Ives managed to take the points in 2nds and 4ths. Div ThreePlenty of points were scored in the Clark Cup on Saturday with some fantastic encounters taking place. We start at Carss Park, where St George defeated Waverley 42-29. Dane Grabbe kicked superbly to convert all six St George tries and effectively take the game away from Waverley. The result leaves St George in 6 th

place, however they are still 9 points adrift of last weekend’s opponents having played a game more. Macquarie Uni were desperately unlucky as they came out on the wrong side of a 25-22 score line against Hawkesbury Valley. The visitors crossed the line four times and sealed an important win against the bottom of the table club. The victory edges Hawkesbury Valley away from the bottom and they now have 15

points, however they have played a game more and will have to keep looking over their shoulder in the coming weeks. Brothers continued their 100% record by defeating Hornsby 31-10 at Roseville Chase Oval. The Brothers boys have now won all 11 games this season and have racked up and incredible 439 points in the ‘for’ column. In 2nd place are UWSH who won a thriller against Merrylands at College Oval. Mitchell Gibbs and Ryan Jeffrey were the standouts for the home side scoring 14 and 15 points respectively to help their team to a 39-36 win. Blue Mountains sit 3rd

and they held their one point advantage over 4th with a 32-18 win over Hills at Lapstone. We finish at Somerville Oval where a determined Blacktown beat Epping 26-21. Blacktown are now fourth on 35 points from 10 games and they must be slightly surprised not be higher, having won 7 from 10.Div FiveThere were only four games in the Jeffrey Cup last weekend as the Notre Dame/Roseville encounter fell foul to the foul weather. We begin the Div 5 round up at Francesco Reserve where Fairvale/Lansvale continued their recent good form against Rouse Hill with a 35-20 victory. Vaine Kino won the coolest name of the week award in Holdings Bits in addition to scoring 15 points for his side in their win. Sydney Harlequins took KWP to the sword as they smashed their opponents 52-0 at the re-arranged venue of Lofberg Oval, Steve “Croc” Irwin shining again for the Harlequins. Canterbury jumped into 5th place on the Jeffrey ladder as they overcame the challenge thrown at them by Lane Cove, winning 18-13. The Noice Cup encounter between these two sides was a bad tempered affair with a few send offs and a tight score line, the game eventually going the way of the home side, 17 points to 15. There seems to be a runaway leader in a few of the comps in Subbies this season and in the Jeffrey Cup it is Redfield who are taking the Division by storm. They remain top of the tree in a so far faultless season after they beat last season’s Meldrum GF opponents Maccabi 38-19 at Redfield College. Subbbies Rep, Seb Burfitt, got an impressive hat trick of tries in the victory.Div SixA Division 6 encounter also didn’t pass the inspection and the fixture between Burraneer and Alexandria Dukes subsequently didn’t get played on Saturday. Perhaps Terrey Hills wish their game with Liverpool didn’t go ahead as they fell to a heavy defeat at Dwyer Oval. The home side punished their visitors in a 52-19 win that puts them just 2 points behind ladder leaders Sydney Grammar Old Boys having played 2 games less. If they can keep this form going, which now stands at 8 wins from 9 games, they have a real chance of securing that top spot come seasons end. The team they will most likely battle for the accolade is the aforementioned Grammar who kept their part of the Meldrum bargain, defeating Rockdale 23-5 at C A Redmond. Dundas Valley kept in touch with the finals-chasing pack as they scored a dogged 12-3 win over Dee Why at James Morgan Reserve. Clovelly, who remain just above Dundas in third, won the battle on the coast as they came out 24-20 victors against Seaforth. The Blowflies are another team having a good season and are by no means out of the race - a strong sprint into the finals could see the season end pretty well for the Burrows Park boys. We complete the round up this week at Keirle Park where the Chatswood v Manly Savers game was moved back to Manly due to the Chatswood surface being unplayable. Manly certainly didn’t waste the unexpected home ground advantage and Chatswood succumbed to their 11th loss of the campaign in a 54-15 defeat.

Another Balmain v Shammies BattleTake a look at Balmain’s entry in the Kooga Relentless competition:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI2dz_RDwxo&feature=player_embedded. They are rivalling Petersham’s entry that was featured in the Bits earlier in the year:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATObR5GYeREWho do you think will win?

Unexpected SuccessWith Matt Dunning now running around for Hornsby, I thought it about time we put up a quick video of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx6PdqBTVnE Surely not many forwards slot a field goal and are then truly gutted when it actually goes over!

What Can We Expect In The Bledisloe Battle?A good article on GG Rugby for the upcoming series in August:http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/win-bledisloe-lord-knows/

TweetsPaul Cully @whiskeycully What impact will Patricio Noriega's departure have on the Wallabies scrum? The party line is that it has been improving in recent years.

@ Trentos86 2012 karma sutra to have a new position called the Julia Gillard - just climb on top and do absolutely nothing. #timagrees

Iain Payten @ iainpayten Aaah the internet. Avondale wee-gate story went viral y'day, mainly US. Biggest yarn on Tele site by a gazillion hits. http://bit.ly/SeMdka [A MUST read if you haven’t seen it yet, but don’t get any ideas you Subbies players! – Ed.]

JokesTwo cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other, “Does this taste funny to you?”

Our ice cream man was found lying on the floor of his van covered with hundreds and thousands. Police say that he topped himself.

I pointed to two old drunks across the bar from us and told my mate, "That'll be us in ten years." He said, "That's a mirror, you dickhead."

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 20 July 2012

HELP KEL, WHO AM I?, U85KG GF, OLD BUGGERS, ROUND UP, TERRIFIC THURBO, VOLLIES, CUTTING EDGE TRANSPORT, GREAT GROUND, SLAP A STAR, TWEETS AND JOKES

Help KelUnfortunately we have had our fair share of bad news this year already but we tragically lost another Subbies player last week. Kel Crockett of Killara West Pymble RFC was just 30 years old and has no family to organise his funeral. KWP are looking for some help to organise a service and get Kel back to his hometown of Cooma. Any help anyone can give is greatly appreciated and it is another time where we can all pull together to help one of our own. For full details follow the link:http://rugby.net.au/_uploads/res/7_7234.pdf

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to Harry Maniatis at Canterbury who won the Subbies tie last week. (Wanna see you wearing that next time you come in for Judiciary, mate!) He grabbed the trendy fashion item by knowing that Chatswood is celebrating its centenary. This week sees the return of Who Am I?I have played 11 times for the WaratahsI once played for some PiratesI Prop-ably weigh about 120kgRemember all answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com This week’s prize is a Waratahs Backpack!

Finals FootyThe U85kg Grand Final took place at Rawson Park on Wednesday night, Mosman taking on Beecroft. The Whales of Mosman were sipping the champagne after taking the title with an entertaining 21-6 win. Flying Winder ‘Arizona’ Moore bagged two tries to compliment Henry Wood’s classic counter attacking effort to put the game beyond doubt. This was the fourth time the two clubs have met in the GF of the U85’s and it is now split two apiece, however Mosman are ahead overall having tasted glory in 07, 09 and now 2012 since the Competition’s inception in 2006.

Stags CentenaryWhat a fantastic achievement, a great milestone for any club to achieve. The celebration of Chatswood’s Centenary will be capped by a dinner on the 11 th

August. Click here for more info.

Subbies TVAvailable on Foxtel Channel 183 under the alias ‘DIY TV’ and here at: www.rugby.net.au

The Round UpDiv One

I start the Round Up this week at Drummoyne Oval where an important game for both sides ended up in a 53-12 mauling in favour of the home side. The Dirty Reds of Drummoyne defeated the Campbelltown Harlequins in a result which has very different consequences for each side. The visitors, Campbelltown, are now without a win in the last 2 weeks and their finals charge has taken a severe blow with two disappointing defeats. Drummoyne, who have been on a great run, now find themselves at the top of the Kentwell Cup by 9 points having won 10 of their 12 games this season. Colleagues sit 2nd with two games in hand and Drummoyne will have to keep up their mid-season momentum to stave off a fightback for top spot from their Woollahra rivals. Colleagues kept their part of the bargain with an entertaining 45-32 win at Turramurra Oval. 7 tries were shared amongst the winners; the coaches will probably have something to say about the 4 they conceded though! One team that are hitting the finals charge with pace are St Pats, they disposed of Hunters Hill 53-7 at Hudson Park. Sitting in 3rd, Pats are looking good with 8 wins from 11 and will be fancying their chances against the top two come September. The remaining two games in the Kentwell were close affairs, Mosman edged past Old Iggies 28-20 at Rawson Park, while an improving Beecroft side came out on top when they travelled to Knox. The visitors took a 24-20 victory away from the school to leave them looking quite healthy in 4 th

spot.

Div TwoIn the Barraclough there are always plenty of points and this weekend was no different, with a total of 199. Lindfield moved their matches to Wakehurst Rugby Park to play host in the 3rd v 4th battle against UNSW. The away side took the comp points with a 20-0 win. The students take 3rd place and although they are a country mile away from Oatley in 2nd, they will hope they can cause an upset come finals time. Down at the bottom, Briars put 36 points on the board against basement battlers Newport, who managed only 20 in a high scoring game at Rothwell Park. The win takes Briars to 3rd from bottom and onto 19 points. Forest and Petersham are both locked on 26 points after their game on Saturday, the Shammies coming out on top 21-5 at Camperdown Oval. It’s really tight in the middle of the table and Kings Old Boys also sit on 26 points, however they were convincingly beaten by leaders Balmain (you can catch KOB’s version of events here), who were rampant again…52-0 the final score. Oatley kept their fine season going with a 33-12 win over St Ives at H.V. Evatt Park.

Div ThreeClub in Focus - St GeorgeThe season started slowly in the southern suburbs for St George.  Moving up to Div 3 came with its own set of problems as the usual off season player drain saw a lot of talent try their luck with Premier grade clubs.   The saviours came in the form of "The Deadly Duo", new 1st grade coach Kruger Roache and a revitalised club stalwart Pele Papalii.  Between them they have lifted the clubs sagging fortunes at the start of the season to be semi-final contenders in both 1st and 3rd grade.  2nd grade have also now formed a core group of skilled players who will cause plenty of heartache to aspiring semi final contenders through the final four rounds. Beware!

A clean sweep on Saturday at MacQuarie Uni saw 1st grade record their biggest win of the season, 66-19.  Big games from skipper Tutuila Tuala, centre Mata Roache and front rower Steve Misa put a big smile on Coach Kruger’s face at last.  2nds ran in five first half tries to record their best result of the season with a 31-14 victory, with the old bull Sifa Lea at his rampaging best backed up all the way by No.8 James Lesui. 3rds came from behind to snatch a 19-14 win in the final minutes thanks to a bullocking Sean Moe try to keep their semi final hopes alive.The club has really turned it fortunes around with a resurgence in 1st grade with many of the old crew coming home recently.  The efforts of Pele, his sister Maureen and brother in law John have also been a key factor in that revival - they have brought a real sense of family and community to the club and it’s a happy place to be.Rob Rangi – St George Rugby

Div FiveThere were some big wins for the 2012 Jeffrey Cup newcomers last weekend and we start at Lyne Park. Maccabi got their pre match preparation just right as they thumped KWP 71-0 on Saturday, Nathan Ezekiel bagging 24 points in the process! The big win leaves Maccabi on 39 points from 13 games, just 2 points behind Roseville who are 4th. Rouse Hill managed to upset the aforementioned Roseville with a stunning 36-3 win at Roseville Chase Oval, throwing a cat amongst the pigeons in that race for a finals berth. The record point scoring of this season may well go to James Watson, the Redfield winger managed to score 4 tries and 8 conversions in a sensational performance for his side as they beat Notre Dame 83-3 at Wentworth Park…well done sir! The encounter at Cherrybrook Park was a bit closer as Canterbury scraped past Fairvale/Lansvale 17-14. Canterbury are level with Maccabi on the ladder and an intriguing battle will take place come the final round of the regular season when the two sides face off. At Tantallon Oval, Lane Cove were turned over by Sydney Harlequins in a 24-5 score line that leaves the victors in third spot. Harlequins can’t catch Redfield by the looks of things but could certainly catch Fairvale/Lansvale who are just 5 points ahead.

Div SixPerhaps the closest of all the Subbies divisions, there is some fantastic competition taking place in the Meldrum Cup this year! It was all about being at home this week as all the hosts tasted victory in a big weekend. We begin at beautiful Burrows Park as the Clovelly Blowflies took apart Burraneer in a 64-15 win, Boden Mackey stealing the headlines again as he notched up 20 points for the victors. Sydney Grammar maintained their slender lead at the summit of the ladder with a 20-15 win over a brave Alexandria Dukes side who gave the home side a stern challenge. Grammar lead by just the solitary point, but a hungry Liverpool side have 2 games in hand. It certainly doesn’t look like they will do the leaders any favours when they attempt to overturn the deficit either, especially if this weekend was anything to go by. The 2 nd

placed side defeated Rockdale 36-7 at Dwyer Oval to keep the momentum going. Dundas Valley remain in the hunt for finals fever as they got a solid 22-0 win under their belts over Manly Savers at Sir Thomas Mitchell Reserve. Over at Bantry Bay Reserve Seaforth have bragging rights over Dee Why as

they won 35-14 to put them 6th. It looks as though they might be too far away from the top half to challenge for end of season honours but some more performances like last weekend and you never know. We finish with a team that will still fancy their chances, Terrey Hills. Their comprehensive win over Chatswood leaves them 7 points off 4th place going into Round 13 and a win at Dee Why next weekend could push them closer to taking over Dundas Valley.

Remember you can catch all of the results and latest ladders at http://www.rugby.net.au/extra.asp?id=5985&OrgID=7&menu=

Save the Date!The Annual Subbies Presentation Night will be held on Friday 5 th October at Hotel Pullman Hyde Park, formerly known as Marriot Hotel (same place as last year.)It is always a great night and we look forward to celebrating the success of Subbies with you later in the year. So don’t go booking a weekend away or something just in case you’re in line for a prestigious award!

Terrific ThurboScott Thurbon will play his 300th game for Epping this weekend against Macquarie University! Beginning in 1997, the breakaway has won the Club Man of the Year an outstanding 5 times and is an integral part of the Rams, serving as secretary from 2005-2011. Also on Scott’s Epping resume are Club Groundsman and 4th Grade coach responsibilities - let’s hope he can add to his 9 try scoring games on Saturday and the boys can get him over the line. It is worth noting that Scott is about to enter his prime at the grand old age of 32!Well done Thurbo!

Valuable VolliesAll of our clubs rely heavily on volunteers and no matter if you think you have got it down to a tee there may be something your club is missing. Below are a few links to help clubs with their volunteer practices:Recruiting volunteersKeeping volunteersRewarding volunteers

Travel TroubleWe unfortunately see a fair few serious injury reports in the office here, but this one caught our eye for the country ingenuity involved - Tamworth Pirate, Michael Sheedy, took a bit of a knock and needed to be carted off the field. By stretcher? Medicab? Nope – a ride-on lawn mower!

Great Ground NameThere are many great little grounds in Subbies but not many are taking advantage of the local business as much as these guys are: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-18786163

Redfield’s Promo

The Boys over at Redfield were pretty keen to get the girls down to Ladies day and they went as far as making this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdiOXGCWolERedfield have been superb so far this season and have already claimed some 2012 honours, bringing home the Catholic Superbowl, having beaten Notre Dame over two rounds. [They ain’t gonna win ‘The Voice’ anytime soon, though. – Ed.]

Slap a StarA light-hearted (we think) section this week from the boys at Green and Gold Rugby on rugby stars we have always wanted to slap. Check it out:http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/rank-most-punchable-current-rugby-players/

TweetsCameron Crawford @ camcrawford1 I’m off to the Tahs. Thanks to @ BrumbiesRugby for the last 2 yrs and introducing me to pro footy. Looking frwd to a new challenge in Sydney!

Paul Cully @ whiskeycully Incredible disclosure on NZ tv tonight. The TMOs don't have HD screens like most of us at home. Small, standard definition screens.

KOB's Rugby @ kobweb Don't want to call it early, but it looks like for the first time in 7 weeks we will have... TRAINING!! # watchoutunsw

Iain Payten @ iainpayten Might pop over to Waratahs HQ later and see how that moat and drawbridge is coming along.

NSW Horrotahs @ NSW_Horrotahs Just drafting the press release: "WARATAHS FOIL BRUMBIES PLAYOFF HOPES"

JokesWhat do you call a woman with one leg?Eileen. What do you call a man with no legs?Neil. What do you call a man with no arms and legs in the water?Bob. What do you call a man with no arms and legs on the wall?Art. What do you call a man with no arms and legs under a car?Jack.

 What do you call a man with no arms and legs in a hole?Doug.  What do you call a man with no arms and legs on a kitchen shelf?Herb. Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 27 July 2012

WET WEATHER WEEK, KILLARA KASH, BLEDISLOE BUILDUP, GRAND FINALS IN JULY & THE ROUND-UP, AMAZING AFRICANS, TRIVIA, BORNEO 7’s, LANE COVE, HUNKERING TAHS, TWEETS AND JOKES

Wet Weather Re-SchedulingIt’s a wet weather weekend in Div’s 3 & 6, with the following make-up matches scheduled:Div 3:

Sat 28 July Hills v Waverley Yattenden OvalBlacktown v Merrylands Alwyn Lindfield ReserveHornsby v Mac Uni Waitara Oval

3.15, 1.20, 12.15, 11.15Div 6:

Fri 27 July Burraneer v Alex Dukes John Dwyer Oval    7.30pmSat 28 July Rockdale v Liverpool C A Redmond FieldSun 29 July Liverpool v Alex Dukes Dwyer Oval

Killara Kash!Big congrats to Killara West Pymble for raising $10k for their teammate, Kel Crockett, who tragically died earlier this month. I am sure it fills everyone involved with Subbies with immense pride to be able to raise such support for one of our members. Well done KWP and everyone who was involved in raising this much needed cash to get Kel home!

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to all those who got the trivia teaser correct last week. The answer was, of course, Paddy Ryan. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner and Lauren Van Aanholt will be carrying around the Waratahs backpack. This week’s question:The Bledisloe Cup has seen how many drawn matches since its inception?The prize this week is a classic gold Wallabies scarf. Remember, all answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Building up to the BledisloeIf you fancy getting out and about over the coming weeks when you’re not playing footy then have a look at what’s going on in the Bledisloe Festival in Sydney:http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/FanZone/BledisloeFestival.aspx

The Round UpThe Grand FinalsSome of you may not be aware, but we have already had two GF’s in 2012, with both the U85kg and Radford Cup having been decided. Congratulations to Mosman (U85kg Premiers) and Hills (Radford Cup Premiers). Both games were great spectacles for Subbies Rugby and you can read all about them right here.

DVD’s of the Radford Cup GF are available from Subbies HQ, priced at $30. Simply email your order to mark@rugby.net.au (Include cc details & postal address.)Div OneIt was a ‘Red Rinse’ on Saturday for Old Ignatians as the boys from Ryde Oval managed bonus point wins in all grades against Barker Old Boys - a monumental effort. The Kentwell Cup encounter saw Old Iggies notch four tries to see off the visitors, 25-10. Campbelltown Harlequins got back to winning ways at Fortress Campbelltown, where they also notched 25 points to Beecroft’s 8. The victory sees the hosts move onto 32 points but remaining in 4th place, now just five behind St Patricks, who were edged out by the determined Dirty Reds of Drummoyne. The Hudson Park encounter finished 28-23 in the away side’s favour and was a crucial win at the top of the Kentwell ladder for the visiting side. Drummoyne lead the way with 50 points, eight better off than Colleagues, who still have those two games in hand. It is a tricky situation to be in for the Woollahra boys - Drummoyne keep putting the pressure on by winning their games, but Colleagues will know that there is still a lot of Rugby to be played this season. The sky blues did their current form no harm last weekend however, as they beat Knox 34-5 at their temporary home ground, Tempe Reserve. The closest game of the weekend in the top grade came at Boronia Park where Hunters Hill edged past Mosman 24-22, both teams scoring 4 tries in a great advertisement for Subbies Rugby!Div TwoClub in Focus – King’s Old BoysIt’s been a pretty lean season on the field for KOBs in 2012, and we are now locked in a bitter scrap with a few other clubs to avoid relegation. Against UNSW last weekend we endured yet another hard round, falling in every grade except 3rds. Our 3’s have been the shining light for the year, and now look set for a finals tilt. They have won the last five games on the trot and are clearly hitting form at the right time. If I were a betting man I’d certainly be looking at their odds and considering investing my hard earned (I presume all the major betting houses are offering markets on the Blunt Cup). Our fourth grade side (the heart and soul of the club) was looking the goods halfway through the season, but lost a few stars who went to investigate lucrative offers from overseas clubs (or so I was told, but from their photos it just looks like they are having a holiday). Firsts were also on the verge of a finals campaign, but their momentum has slipped away in recent weeks. A prime example of this was their game against Balmain, which was neck and neck until the Wolves ran in nine tries inside the last two minutes to take the game 52-0. 2’s and Colties have both had their moments, but have struggled with a wildly varying playing roster and an infrequent training regime. In light of these on-field disappointments we have had to look off the field for our major victories - the first annual ‘KOBs Regatta’ was held, featuring boat racing crews from every grade (again won by 3rd grade). The Back to White Day was a success, with our first grade chalking up a great BP win against St Ives on the picturesque White Oval. Our annual Cocktail Night is coming up and promises to be a cracker. So, much like the 2012 Waratahs, it has been a season that can be described as patchy at best. Also much like the Waratahs, our head coach has been

offered a job at the Western Force, but I think they are just desperate for anyone at this point. Our ambition now is to avoid relegation, and looking at the talent currently in all grades you’d be a brave man to suggest we aren’t a very good chance of doing that - starting with Forest at Melwood this weekend!Cheers, Hugh Cavill, KOB’s Chief ScribeDiv ThreeHopeful Hornsby were looking to overturn their undefeated visitors, Brothers, in the first Clark Cup game we look at - and boy did they come close! The Waitara Oval game saw a brave Hornsby outfit almost deny Brothers their 13 th

straight win - but it wasn’t to be, with Brothers winning 13-11, and continuing to sit atop the tree on 64 points. Epping had a good day when they travelled to Macquarie Uni, thrashing their hosts in a 55-12 romp; they also didn’t do too badly in 2nds and 3rds either, scoring plenty of points in their victories. UWSH kept their grip on 2nd place with a 29-12 win over Merrylands at Holroyd Sports Ground. They are not that far ahead of a determined Blue Mountains side, who sit 3rd. The men from the Mountains won a thriller against Hills at Yattenden Oval, 32-26, and have the same 10 from 13 record as UWSH who are only ahead on bonus points. The Clark Cup finals are sure to be as exciting as usual! Blacktown are in finals contention as they chalked up a solid 32-12 win over Hawkesbury Valley at home. They are now 4 th and have a game in hand on the teams above them. We finish Div 3 with an impressive St George who disposed of Waverley with a devastating 30-point win at Waverley Oval. St George travelled to Bondi looking to make up some ground on their opponents, who are just ahead on the table, and they made the scoreboard tick over with a 51-21 win. Div FiveLively Lyne Park played host to another HUGE Maccabi win in the Jeffrey Cup on Saturday. What has happened to these boys? They have notched up an incredible 160 points in the last 7 days - and last weekend Notre Dame felt the brunt of the Maccabi drive towards the finals. Nathan Ezekiel gets quite a few mentions in the Bits for his splendid kicking stats and once again he came up with the goods, slotting 12 conversions and bagging a try of his own. The Maccabi boys will now be hoping they can overturn Sydney Harlequins’ lead of four points to push into their spot. Harlequins are unlikely to shift without a fight and they punished Canterbury at Waterloo Oval, 43-19. The loss for Canterbury may have just ruled them out of end of season action as they were somewhat cut adrift from the chasing pack. Redfield just can’t lose, maintaining their season-long winning streak with a 16-3 win over Fairvale/Lansvale, and are now 14 from 14! 2nd placed Roseville are 16 points behind, but that did not put them off as they won 24-12 at Lane Cove, with Jordan O’Reilly scoring two converted tries. Elsewhere in the Jeffrey Cup, Rouse Hill had a good win at KWP, notching 6 tries in a 36-19 win at Lofberg Oval. Div SixA special mention to Burraneer this week - they put in a super-human effort against the comp leaders, Sydney Grammar, at John Dwyer Oval. The Burraneer boys have had some bad luck this campaign, losing a whole host of key players and their influential blind side flanker suffered a season ending

broken ankle in Saturday’s game. Despite the defeats and a desperate injury situation, the boys had it in them to take the leaders of the competition the whole way, eventually losing the game by just two points, 34-32. Great effort, fellas. Second placed Liverpool would have been cheering the losers on all the way from McKay Oval as they are looking to return to the summit of Div 6 ahead of Grammar. Liverpool did themselves a favour as they overcame the challenge of Alexandria Dukes, winning 36-17 to keep the pressure on in Subbies tightest division. (Liverpool play two games this weekend to makeup their washed out earlier rounds.) Clovelly Blowflies had a big win at C A Redmond, beating Rockdale 50 points to 17. The third placed outfit is hot on the heels of the top two, with the Blowies now on 52 points - not far away at all! Dundas Valley in 4th are also keeping their part of the bargain. They took on Chatswood at Beauchamp Park and came away 31-13 winners. Seaforth racked up a second straight win as they convincingly beat Manly Savers at Keirle Park, while Terrey Hills defeated Dee Why 20-10 at James Morgan Reserve.

Lane Cove’s Trip Down Memory LaneLast weekend Lane Cove held a special event to open their revamped Trophy Cabinet. In addition, the world premiere of the DVD of the club’s story was shown to a packed house. If you are interested in ordering a copy, or finding out more about the history of this great Subbies club, contact Rob Sinclair: robnjo@bigpond.net.au.

Flagging Hell - Opposites in the OlympicsIt was an almighty cock-up at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Wednesday as the North Korean Women’s Football Team didn’t take the field due to officials placing the South Korean Flag up on the big screens. Can you think of two worse countries to mix up? ………..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhg82eihkbo

Amazing AfricansCheck out this epic battle between the two African Rugby powerhouses Madagascar and Namibia:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sxARXRqSHUAOur very own Mark Green, Executive Director of Subbies, is a life member of the Namibian Rugby Union. [He doesn’t look Namibian, does he? – Ed.]

Borneo 7’sThe Borneo Sevens & Asia Pacific Women’s Sevens are being hosted at the Sandakan Rugby Club in Borneo, October 27 & 28, 2012. The organising crew is providing free accommodation and meals during tournament days and there will be cash prizes while playing Rugby in the Rainforest. Sounds pretty good to me.Could be an interesting trip, but you might want to get planning quickly if you fancy it: http://borneoeagles.com/

Tahs Hunker in the Bunkerhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FELhmfOluE&sns=em

(You know what Homer says … www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DYje57V_BY )

Muzzled Wolves Moving to Rome?Balmain RFC has had a terrific season but is looking relentlessly forward. Since re-forming in ’05, the club has been making great strides in Suburban Rugby. In gaining the support of the community through their home games actually being in Balmain, the Muzzled Wolves are even hoping for a push into the Shute Shield in the future! It seems the Inner West Courier still thinks League is the only sport though, as they listed it incorrectly in their paper. http://inner-west-courier.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/balmain-has-eyes-for-a-colosseum/

The Reds Post MortemMatch Report on the Reds game - outclassed and end of a dynasty suggests Steve Timms of G&G Rugby: http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/instareview-reds-v-sharks-the-dynasty/

TweetsBrothersRugbySydney @ brothersrugby Weekend Stats Time: 16 tries scored vs Hornsby. 9 to the backs, 7 to the forwards. 9 were converted. Season conversions at 51%.

Before:Chris Garry @ chrisgarry1 Hopefully the @ Reds_Rugby do not make a mistake as critical as this on the Suncorp Stadium pic.twitter.com/azSl4604After:Chris Garry @ chrisgarry1 Success! The paint brush is out at suncorp stadium. Considering Campbell Newman's record this government worker is gone pic.twitter.com/YYwFT75i

JokesDid you hear the story about the axe that couldn’t be used for climbing?It was an anti-climax.

So I said to the Gym instructor, "Can you teach me to do the splits?” He said, "How flexible are you?” I said, "I can't make Tuesdays."

The man said, “I'm going to chop off the bottom of one of your trouser legs and put it in a library.”I thought, “That's a turn-up for the books."

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 3 Aug 2012

FINALS, BOXING TRIVIA, MASSIVE MILESTONE, THE ROUND UP, SOUTHERN HIGHLAND SEVENS, JIM’S JAUNT, CALL ME MAYBE, TOTAL POD, TOURS, TWEETS AND JOKES

Finals InfoThe 2012 Subbies Finals Series is not too far away. Division Three and Six begin on Saturday 25th August. You can get the Subbies Finals Schedule for all divisions right here: http://www.rugby.net.au/newsitem.asp?id=14954

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to Greg Jones who bagged last week’s prize of a Wallabies scarf for knowing that there have been four draws since the inception of the Bledisloe Cup.I am giving away a fantastic framed Muhammed Ali photomontage to this week’s winner. This great prize is courtesy of our sponsors, ‘Icons of Sport’. This week’s question:The 11th most ‘punchable’ rugby player wants to get into Boxing. Who is he? To be in with a chance of winning, send your answer to wbamatt@hotmail.comIcons of Sport are also offering a special Subbies offer on your framing needs, see the flyer: http://www.rugby.net.au/_uploads/res/7_7239.pdf

Massive MilestoneOne of our long serving Subbies boys is achieving an immense landmark this weekend. Jay ‘Wally’ Goodman is playing his 300th Subbies game for Beecroft against Colleagues. Beecroft Coach Richie Ballard will be the first to congratulate his mate after the game on Saturday. In preparation, he gives him a good wrap below:“Jay has rugby running through his veins and was a very passionate Beecroft Junior when, in 1998, he formed part of the inaugural Beecroft Rugby Club as a gangly second rower. As a member of a senior rugby club, Jay was taken in by everything it had to offer, enjoying the off-field antics as much as the on-field play. This was when “Wally” was created after spending every weekend for the next 2 years at the Scaife party house.With his natural body shape taking form, Jay moved into the front row and established himself as a permanent fixture in the 1st grade side, playing nearly 150 first grade games in the toughest position on the field. Over Jay’s 300 game career he has had a great commitment to training, his teammates and the club. He’s played in finals football in all but 3 years and is now playing more games than ever, backing up other grades like a true club legend. It is only fitting that the planets have aligned and Jay will lead the 1st grade side out tomorrow, becoming the first Beecroft Rugby Club player to hit the 300 game milestone. Well done Wally!”

The Round UpDiv One

It went from a ‘Red Rinse’ to a Ryde Oval Massacre as St Pats came away with a HUGE win in the Kentwell Cup against their all-too-kind hosts Old Iggies. A thoroughly convincing performance from Pats was reflected in the final score line of 76-6. (Halftime score, 13-6!) It was no less than the visitors deserved after a commanding display which saw Fly Half Matthew Hurley rack up an astonishing 36 points! The big win will reverberate around the Kentwell Cup and if teams didn’t know Pats were a force to be reckoned with then they will surely sit up and take notice. There was a far closer game played at Headen Park where Beecroft and Drummoyne played out a thrilling 22 all draw. The result for Beecroft keeps them within touching distance of 4 th

placed Campbelltown who went down 49-29 to 2nd placed Colleagues. The Woollahra boys will be cheering the fact Drummoyne missed the opportunity to take maximum points from their game and they are now in a strong position to hit the competition lead with those two games in hand. Hunters Hill got an impressive victory under their belt as they stole victory, beating Knox at Barra Brui Oval. This result coupled with a home defeat to Mosman leaves Barker Old Boys rooted to the foot of the table. BOB’s have just 2 wins from their 13 outings so far this campaign while Hunters Hill have racked up two straight wins to pull themselves away from the bottom.Div TwoClub in Focus - OatleyIt’s been a fairly successful season for the Oatley Lads to date. The guys have taken on a greater responsibility for the running of the club, we’ve had an influx of new players, increased sponsorship, and a change of attitude towards training, paying subs and on-field behaviour. While no one is perfect, the lads have gone a long way to rectifying the problems of past seasons by trying to make the experience for refs, our opponents and their supporters a far more enjoyable one at Evatt and all should be congratulated.On the field, 1st grade has been the shining light of the club winning all but one game. The boys in 1st grade have been playing an impressive brand of hard and uncompromising rugby, which has been a joy to watch this year. This has seen the crowds return to the hill at Evatt Park, including current and former Wallabies Rob Horne and Gary Gainsford.A big factor to the club sitting 2nd in the club championship has been the resurgence of our Colts team. For the last couple of years, the lads have been unfocused, ill-disciplined and a hard bunch to coach and manage; however with a new coach and management structure, the boys have grown into the season. The team has gone from easybeats in the past couple of years to a team that are genuine semi-finals contenders.The club is looking forward to the last few weeks of rugby, with our Old Players Day and Sponsors Day scheduled for the 18th of August. We’d like to wish all clubs in 2nd division all the best for the rest of the season and semi-finals.Cheers and Beers,Justin “Bags” BarattaDiv ThreeIt was a bit quieter than usual in the Clark Cup last weekend as it was a catch up for this season’s wet weather. I can’t start anywhere else than Waitara Oval where a 2nd half blitz saw Hornsby rack up a monumental win over Macquarie Uni. The final score line of 112-12 did not really reflect the whole

story as Macquarie Uni battled through the second period with just 12 players. However, Hornsby still had to put the points on the board and Kingi Pupu certainly did that, scoring six tries and two conversions for a personal total of 34. Painting the finals picture in Division Three, it is clear that the top five teams are pulling away. St George lie in 6th place but both Blacktown and Waverley recorded wins on the weekend which sees any hopes of a late finals surge creeping away from the Saints. Waverley’s victory came at Yattenden Oval, the home of Hills. The catch up game finished 17-13 to leave the Bondi Boys in 5th spot on 40 points from their 13 games. Blacktown got past Merrylands, 31-17 in an entertaining encounter at Alwyn Lindfield Reserve. The win takes the Warriors onto 45 points, just one behind 3 rd placed Blue Mountains. Div FiveRound 15 was an important weekend in the Jeffrey Cup as several sides took vital points off close rivals. The story of 2nd place took a new twist when Roseville faced Sydney Harlequins at Roseville Chase Oval. The Harlequins executed their game plan perfectly to take away all the points in a 43-12 victory. The win moves them into 2nd at the expense of their opponents. Maccabi also gained a crucial win as they notched a 42-14 bonus point win against Fairvale/Lansvale to storm into 4th and a finals spot! It is the culmination of an impressive upturn in form for the Maccabi boys and they will hope to take this momentum into the tail end of the 2012 campaign. Redfield continued their perfect season as they thrashed Killara-West Pymble 82-0 at Redfield College. The runaway leaders now have 72 points from 15 games; they have to be favourites to go the whole way. Canterbury also felt home sweet home as they enjoyed a big win at Wills Ground. The hosts racked up 67 points to Notre Dame’s 12 to take the win, Brett Harwood crossing the line three times. Rouse Hill also got in on the high point scoring action as they ran out comfortable winners over Lane Cove. The Francesco Reserve encounter saw the home side score eight tries that were spread throughout the team. Lane Cove, KWP and Notre Dame look cut-adrift down the bottom of the Jeffrey Cup ladder as we enter the latter stages of the season.Div SixLook out for the Liverpool leaders! The aid of an Alexandria Dukes forfeit (the replay of the postponed Rd 9 game) helped Liverpool as they took a commanding lead in the Meldrum Cup. Earlier in the weekend, they managed a 34-18 away win over Rockdale at C A Redmond. The Dukes did play their ‘other’ re-scheduled game against Burraneer but went down 32-26 in a close one at John Dwyer Oval on Friday night. The new calendar certainly hasn’t helped Sydney Grammar, who, having suffered a mid-season point deduction, slipped into 2nd placed and are now nine points behind Liverpool. What a great finals series in prospect!

Southern Highlands 7’sBowral Rugby & Lifeline have created an end of season Southern Highlands 7’s tournament. Dan Vickerman is ambassador for the event, which is part of the Tulip Time Festival Program. The tournament will take place on Saturday 29th September at Elridge Park, Bowral. See the flyer attached for more details: http://www.rugby.net.au/_uploads/res/7_7243.pdf

Support JimSponsor Jim Williams in the City2Surf this year. Jim is aiming to reach $15,000 for the ‘A Start in Life’ charity. You can donate Online right here: http://www.fundraise.city2surf.com.au/Williams_Jim305

Total Rugby PodcastSign up to the Total Rugby Podcast on ITunes, a great way to keep up to date on World Rugby affairs when you are on the move or in the office http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/total-rugby-podcast/id152021401?mt=2

End of Season Tours with ISTDon’t go anywhere until you have checked the latest and greatest deals from our sponsors IST http://www.rugby.net.au/newsitem.asp?id=14900

Lane Cove DVDAs mentioned last week, Lane Cove RUFC has put together a fantastic DVD of their history. A preview is available here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cqy2OTRev8If you wish to purchase a copy, contact Rob Sinclair at:robnjo@bigpond.net.au

Lao Rugby- Great AdvertisingThis song has been ‘covered’ quite a bit, by a few different people but take a look at Lao Rugby’s version http://www.youtube.com/laorugbyThink I still prefer the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders style though… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIkJFG5Zm6E

TweetsBrett Gibson @ brett_gibson : I think Ric Charlesworth is the breath of fresh air Moore Park (tahs) needs as director of Rugby

Simon Burrows @ simmoperth @ thewesternforce Alright, no time to waste. Is this Foley chap on Twitter and if not, why not??

Funny Failhttp://bit.ly/OCJyOP

JokesToday, my wife walked in on me and her sister making love in front of a mirror. I said, “I know what it looks like.”

She was only a whiskey-maker, but he loved her still.

Did you hear about the fire at the circus? It was intents.

I’ve got a few good unemployment jokes. They need some work, though.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 10 Aug 2012

LIFEHOUSE, SYDNEY IRISH, TRIVIA, PLAY UP PARKIN, SUBBIES TV, SUPER SEASON, THE ROUND UP, OUCH OLYMPICS, WALLABIES FAN DAY, JOKES AND TWEETS

Chris O’Brien LifehouseKnox Old Boys Rugby is hosting the ‘Brothers IV Brothers’ day on Saturday 25th August at Knox Grammar School. The event is taking place to raise awareness and funds for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Knox will face off against Mosman and hope to get as many players, veterans and supporters to attend as possible to also give support to two Knox players who were recently diagnosed with cancer. Further details are available here.

Sydney IrishThis week I contacted Val Baynes from Sydney Irish, Subbies newest club, to find a bit more about how the club was formed and what is planned for the future. Val was kind enough to provide a bit of a write up about the Club and how the idea came about:“Well, if we’re going to be in Sydney, let’s have fun! There’s plenty of press about the economic woe in Europe, Ireland especially, so it’s not surprising to any of us that there are a lot more ex-pats in Sydney. Our idea, as most good ones are, was formed over many discussions in many pubs. Eventually, enough talk made us take action and we formed Sydney Irish Rugby Football Club in January this year.”Not to dwell on sob stories, but a lot of the Irish population are here for work. The sunshine, beaches, bars and the Aussies love of sports are just something we’ll have to adapt to... I’m sure we’ll manage. As work dictates our free time, we felt very strongly that the NSW Suburban Rugby Halligan Cup was a great way to get a few games under our belt, without a need for excessive training and time requirements. The next big step is to register teams for next year’s comp.Our aim is to create a rugby club that is fun and welcoming to all. We are called Sydney Irish RFC because it just so happens that most of the original founders are Irish. We hope to use Ireland’s ‘Land of a thousand welcomes’ reputation to attract everyone. Thankfully, since beginning the journey we’ve picked up members from all corners of the globe which has brought new vigour and energy to the cause.For now, our concentration is on Saturday, our first ever game, playing Woollahra Colleagues at Boronia Park, Hunters Hill. Kickoff is at 2:30pm.As with all good Irish events, there are some celebrations lined up for Saturday night at Bar Cleveland in Surry Hills. Guest speakers Alan Gaffney, Jim Williams and John Langford will give us their views on what it means to be involved in an Irish club. Doors open at 7:30pm and tickets $30, are available online http://sydneyirish.eventbrite.com.au, or on the door. Tickets include a drink and some food supplied by Irish businesses in Sydney.We still haven’t come up with a club song... maybe someone will feel inspired on Saturday night.”Good Luck boys. Welcome to Subbies Rugby!

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to Peter Boylan who won the Muhammad Ali photo montage for correctly answering that Quade Cooper is the 11th most punchable player in Rugby who is now taking up Boxing.This week I am giving away a signed Super Rugby Match Ball from the HSBC Warathas v Bulls game on the 11/5/2012. The ball has kindly been donated by NSWRU and the HSBC Waratahs and is signed by Captains Rocky Elsom and Pierre Spies. A great prize for sporting memorabilia enthusiasts, I’m sure you will agree.This week’s question: Two Waratahs have notched up their 100 th game for NSW whilst playing against the Sharks. Who are they?Remember, to be in with a chance of winning this week’s prize send your answer to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Play Up ParkinIt seems like we have celebrated quite a few long servers who have reached significant milestones this season. However, not many have got near Glen Parkin’s achievement. The Blue Mountains man is making his 500 th Suburban Rugby appearance on Saturday as his side takes on UWSH. Well done Glen, a fantastic achievement!

Subbies TVThe boys are back, you can catch the latest episode of Subbies TV right here.

The Round UpDiv OneIt was upsets galore in the Kentwell Cup last weekend as some fantastic encounters ended with some unexpected winners. We start the Round-Up at Rawson Park as Mosman overcame St Pats in a thriller. The game wasn’t without its controversy as St Pats were denied a try in the dying seconds, the Whales holding on for the points in a 22-21 victory. The win gives Mosman a slight glimmer of hope in their pursuit of a finals berth. Drummoyne had a mighty successful day at the office as they punished Barker at Drummoyne Oval in a 72-8 romp. The Kentwell win was the icing on the cake for the Dirty Reds as they tasted victory in all 4 grades they played. The competition leaders are now nine points ahead of their nearest rivals Colleagues who slipped up at unfancied Beecroft. The Headen Park encounter saw the Beecroft boys record a 21-13 victory. The result keeps their finals hopes alive coming into the final few rounds, while Colleagues have some ground to make up in their games in hand. Campbelltown remain in 4 th spot after their 53-10 home win over Knox at the Showgrounds. The Harlequins hold a two point lead over Beecroft in the Kentwell ladder and will be looking over their shoulder as the regular season drawbridge closes shut. We leave Div One by visiting Ryde Oval where two clubs are going in differing directions. Old Iggies have been sliding in recent weeks; a collapse at the hands of St Pats in Round 14 was aggravated by another home defeat last weekend, this time to Hunters Hill. The resurgent visitors have now won three on the spin and are ending the season on a really positive note. However, the Ryde Oval Reds are in danger of slipping further down a slippery ladder.

Div TwoWet weather weekend in Div Two, so there is just a couple of games to report on. Porter Reserve played host to an exciting match as Newport took on Lindfield. The game ended in a 23 all draw and Lindfield will be slightly disappointed they did not manage to cement their finals position. The match was an emotional spectacle as the late Neville Bayfield OAM was remembered with a minute’s silence. Neville was an ardent rugby man and his passing has filled the local area with great sadness. The other two sides involved in Saturday’s action were Kings Old Boys and Petersham. The Camperdown Oval tussle saw the Shammies come out on top with a 31-19 win. Petersham are now six points behind UNSW in 4th and it looks like they would need a bit of luck to get finals footy this year, especially as they face old foes Balmain next week.Div ThreeThe top four look like they have booked their date with the end of season fun and games in Div 4, but that 5 th place still looks up for grabs to me. St George managed to put 56 points on the board against their visitors to Carss Park. Epping certainly felt the brunt of a determined Saints outfit, the game finishing 56-17. The chance of that finals place has encouraged St George and with their rivals Waverley stuttering, they could well get there. The Waverley boys’ loss at Brothers was a tight one, the Bondi outfit going down 19-14 to the unbeaten leaders. UWSH ended Hills chances of playing a further part in the season as they slipped to defeat at College Oval. The 36-7 score line leaves the Radford Cup premiers 10 points behind 6 th place and they will see out the remaining rounds with just pride to play for. Blacktown’s solid display earned them the points as they travelled to Merrylands; the Warriors were too good for their hosts, winning 32-14. Blue Mountains continued their good season with a big win over Hawkesbury Valley at Lapstone Oval. The 3rd placed Mountain Men have notched up 11 wins from their 14 matches and have the second best defence in the division. Hornsby tasted victory for the second week running and have really improved recently. The Lions big win last week followed a few narrow defeats against strong opposition; unfortunately their good form has come too late. Nevertheless, they will have enjoyed the 45-7 win over bottom placed Macquarie Uni on Saturday.Div FiveThere was just the one game in the Jeffrey Cup on the weekend. Rouse Hill managed to cross the line six times to rack up the points as they defeated their hosts Notre Dame. The Renegades took full advantage of the home side’s defensive lapses and ran out eventual 36-13 winners. Both sides don’t have a chance of finals footy so it is credit to them that they are continuing to put the points on the board. Div SixThe definition of winning: ‘Gaining, resulting in, or relating to victory in a contest or competition’...Chatswood now know the feeling! That sweet taste of victory as full time is confirmed is like no other. It has taken until Round 14, but the mighty Stags now have their first win of a torturous 2012 Meldrum Cup campaign. The centenary year will now not blot the history books as a winless season. Manly Savers were the opponents at Beauchamp Park and Chatswood performed in style to voodoo the hoodoo. The final score was 44-5, Glen McCormack the standout, scoring two tries, three conversions and a

penalty to bring the boys home. Well done Chatswood, it’s been a long time coming but you got there!Other than Div One, all Divisions have now caught up with the Subbies schedule that was disrupted by the wet weather earlier in the season. Div One’s make-up round is next week.

Out for the CountAn interesting article about the IRB’s new concussion rules that are being trialed. Can only agree that it is often wrongly joked about when serious head injuries occur.http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3555_7966357,00.html

Wallabies Fan DayGrab the kids away from the tele and get down to the Wallabies Fan Day between 2-4pm this Sunday at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour. Members of the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Bledisloe will be attending and there will be plenty of giveaways, face painting and a skills station. Further info available here:http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1516/ArticleID/7361/Default.aspx

Super ChiefsAlways a decent read. Here is Bob Dwyer’s view on the Chiefs v Sharks and why he thinks they deserve the title:http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/dwyers-view-sharks-10min-chiefs-70/Their victory war dance is also worth having a look at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7M6WHw645lE

TweetsIain Payten @ iainpayten Graham Henry: Quade Cooper was the "glaring weakness" for Wallabies at RWC. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/new-book-reveals-how-all-blacks-targeted-quade-cooper-in-rugby-world-cup-semi-final/story-fn8ti7yn-1226445158130

Waverley Rugby Club @ WaverleyRugby The London Olympics are almost over. In 4 Yrs Rio will host, and Rugby 7s will return. Will a @ WavesWomenRugby player be there too?...

Hugh Cavill @ hughcavill Feel a bit for @ itsstephrice at the moment. Just because she sits next to Kobe at the cycling, it's on? What about the girl on Kobe's right?

Jokes

What do you call a dog with no legs? It doesn’t matter because he ain’t coming!

I bought my wife a wooden leg for Christmas. It's not her main present, just a stocking filler.

My niece once had a boyfriend with a wooden leg, but she broke it off.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 17 Aug 2012

VALE GRANT OPIE, BLEDISLOE PREVIEWS, TRIVIA, CONCUSSION DISCUSSION, UPSETS ROUND UP, DAVE AND PAT, RIO SEVENS, MANDLE, TWEETS AND JOKES

Vale Grant OpieIn what has been a tragic year in Subbies we have another tough, all too early, goodbye. Much loved Grant Opie from Blue Mountains passed away last weekend. Everyone at Subbies Rugby would like to pass on their condolences to Grant’s family and his teammates at Blue Mountains RFC:http://www.rugby.net.au/newsitem.asp?id=14965

The Bledisloe and Rugby ChampionshipsSo, it’s the Bledisloe this weekend at ANZ Stadium. I am sure most of you have seen the squad and there will be quite a few of you going to the game. The ARU are offering some advice for those attending:http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/GameDay/MatchDayInformation.aspxA few greats sharing their thoughts on the upcoming test:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwjwd1ktQ1w&feature=plcpArgentina are finally involved in a major Rugby Championship outside the RWC, here is a preview on what to expect from the Pumas:http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/trc-preview-los-pumas/It will be fascinating to see how the Argies cope with the demands of a top end competition and if their squad is up to the task.

Trivia TeaserWell the winner last week was…me. Nobody managed to guess which two Waratahs players played their 100th NSW game against the Sharks. The answer was Phil Waugh and Matt Burke. I will again offer up the Rocky Elsom and Pierre Spies signed match ball from the Waratahs v Bulls game earlier this year. This week’s question:Which Wallaby scored the first try of the Robbie Deans Wallaby coaching era?If you think you know the answer, give me a shout at wbamatt@hotmail.com

Concussion DiscussionFollowing on from last week I have attached an interesting video from ‘One News’ in NZ. It explains the new guidelines and the surge in prominence of ‘head knocks’ as a talking point in Rugby and other Football codes.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2efUH-VWPyESANZAR will be trialing these new rules in the upcoming Rugby Championships.

The Round UpThe plot thickens. This week I am focusing on the upsets in divisions one, two and three. To check out what happened across all of the divisions click here.Div OneBarker Old Boys 38-36 Campbelltown

I understand that Campbelltown enjoy playing at home. I also understand that they often struggle on the road. However, Saturday’s 38-36 result at Turramurra Oval was a surprise. Barker sit bottom of the Kentwell Cup ladder with just 19 points and 3 wins this season. The Harlequins on the other hand, had it all to play for as they are lying 4th and on the verge of a finals berth. The usually reliable Campbelltown no.8 Adam Choice only managed to convert 3 of his side’s six tries which was a contributing factor to their defeat. However, the fact Barker managed to score 38 points says something about the visitors leaky defence, a worrying thought for the coaches as they look to hang on to their end of season spot. Definitely the upset of the Round in Division One!Div TwoBalmain 10-17 PetershamArguably, the biggest derby game in Subbies Rugby ended in a win for the Shammies. Blackmore Park played host to a superb defensive effort from a determined Petersham side. Balmain have been superb this season, only tasting defeat at the hands of Oatley just a few weeks ago. Petersham have had a somewhat more mixed campaign, winning 50% of their matches. This result is probably a wakeup call for Balmain; they need to keep the concentration levels up going into the finals. Petersham will enjoy this win over their old foes but will hope they can kick on and end the season on a high. Div ThreeSt George 31-26 BrothersThe 100% record is broken as the Saints go marching on at Carss Park. Brothers tasted defeat for the first time in 2012 in what was one of the games of the season in the Clark Cup. The free scoring hosts, who notched up a well-deserved bonus point, will be delighted with their efforts on the weekend. They certainly look like pushing Waverley all the way to the end of the season. Nick Vaalepu and Mata Roache both scored a brace of tries for the Saints. As for the visitors, the dream of having an invincible season is over. However, they will regroup and still look like favourites for lifting the Clark Cup in September.

Dave and Pat DiscussWallaby and Waratah Dave Dennis and New Tah Club Captain Pat McCutcheon have a chat about their roles and the upcoming challenges they both face. Have a listen: http://blogs.abc.net.au/grandstand/

Brothers IV BrothersI mentioned Lifehouse last week but check out the promo video for the Brother IV Brothers day:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRBgQHCeZJQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sevens in RioA good little ad from the IRB to start promoting the sevens as an Olympic sport: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pgDAnbSJxE&feature=player_embedded

Mandle

Ever fancied an arm as a candle? Or maybe a leg? Nah, me either but Adam Ashley Cooper and Dan Carter have teamed up to give fans the chance to own an odd piece of memorabilia in the aid of charity:http://www.ecoya.com.au/an-arm-and-a-leg-for-charity/

TweetsWaverley Rugby Club @ WaverleyRugby Waves has its destiny in it's own hands. For 1st & 3rd Grade to make the final, all they need to do is win. 2nds & 3rds are thru # getonboard

Quade Cooper @ QuadeCooper Chicks with tattoos...yes or no?

All Blacks @ AllBlacks # Genia the danger man for # AllBlacks : Queensland halfback Will Genia, rated in some quarters as the best number nine... http://dlvr.it/20tMt3

Jokes

Up in the attic earlier with the wife. Old, cold, full of cobwebs, but she's good to the kids

Once I painted a girl in the nude.I almost froze to death.

The other night I had an argument with my wife in the laundromat but we went home and ironed things out.

I've always been unlucky. I had a rocking horse once, and it died.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 24 Aug 2012

COWBOY CUP, GAMES OF THE WEEK, TRIVIA, FINALS PREVIEW, DOC HARRIS SHIELD, SUBBIES IDOL, ALL BLACKS WRAP, TOP 14, TAH NEWS, SURPRISE IN BELGIUM, TWEETS & JOKES

Cowboy Cup NoticeThe Cowboy Cup, the inter-divisional club championship, will this year include finals series matches, unlike the individual club championship competitions which conclude with the minor premiership.For finals matches, Cowboy Cup points will be awarded in the same manner as during the minor premiership. The only difference, so as not to disadvantage winning clubs, will be that teams earning a week off during the finals (i.e. major semi winners; minor premiers in Divs 3 & 6) will earn maximum applicable Cowboy Cup points for the week in which they do not play. For more info, and to see how your club is faring, click here.

Games of the WeekDiv Two: Newport 47-21 Kings Old BoysA great win for Newport on home soil against a determined Kings Old Boys outfit. The Porter Reserve encounter saw the Breakers run in seven tries, Ryan Oldfield and Matthew Docker each getting a brace. Newport no.17 and fly half James Vanisi will also be pretty happy with his performance as he kicked 5 conversions and ran home a try of his own, although he did get sent to the bin. (For the fourth time this year, so he sits out Rd 18.) The game pitted two teams together who have found themselves slightly cut adrift from the finals chasing pack and in the lower echelons of this year’s Barraclough Cup. This didn’t stop them going all out for victory in this one though. Both of these clubs will look to rebuild next season and learn from what might have been in 2012.Div Three: Epping 35-29 WaverleyThe Bondi Boys of Waverley secured their finals berth - albeit with a home defeat to an Epping side playing for pride. However, they cut it mighty fine! Waverley secured bonus points from scoring 4 tries and losing by less than seven. Had it not been for the narrow margin of defeat they would have been level on points with a superb St George side who have been rampant in the past few weeks (they even notched up 69 points on the weekend). No such worries for Epping, although I am sure they would have preferred to be in the Clark Cup finals predicament. They did salvage a final day victory though; bagging five tries to end the season on a good note.Div Five: Sydney Harlequins 22-15 MaccabiIt is going down to the wire next weekend in the Jeffrey Cup. It is one of the most hotly contested run-in’s we have seen for some time in Div Five. Maccabi’s narrow defeat on Saturday means they have to take something from their game at home to Canterbury to have any chance of playing end of season footy. Harlequins on the other hand are third, level on points with second and are looking to lay down a good marker in a couple of week’s time. They had Patrick McDonnell to thank who put in a stellar performance by scoring a try, converting and slotting a penalty to cap a good day for his side.

Maccabi will be disappointed that they have not yet secured a top four spot - but they might just do so this weekend.Div Six: Sydney Grammar Old Boys 39-27 ClovellyIt was perfect preparation for Grammar as they stormed past Clovelly at Reg Bartley Oval, scoring seven tries in a 12-point victory. The coaches won’t be too happy with defensive aspect of their display though and they might have to tighten this up for the weekend. The Blowflies, on the other hand, gave one of the strongest teams in the Meldrum Cup this season a stern test and will be hopeful of causing a stir at Wills Ground on Saturday.

Trivia TeaserWell done Ben Selwyn for correctly answering that Berrick Barnes scored the first try of the Robbie Deans Wallaby coaching era. Ben won the signed Rocky Elsom and Pierre Spies ball from the Waratahs v Bulls game earlier this year. The prize this week is a Wallabies backpack, kindly donated by ARU.This week’s double barreled question is: Which team last beat the All Blacks at Eden Park? What year?If you think you know the answers, drop me a line at wbamatt@hotmail.com.

Finals PreviewDivisions Three and Six begin their finals campaign this weekend with the Qualification Finals taking place at Deerubbin Park and Wills Ground, hosted by Hawkesbury Valley and Canterbury respectively. As these two divisions have a five team finals series, the minor premiers have the first weekend off. This weekend is second versus third and fourth play fifth. In the Clark Cup, minor premiers, Brothers, take a watching brief while Blue Mountains play UWSH at Deerubbin No.1. The other final out at Hawkesbury Valley is Blacktown against Waverley. Both of these games are expected to be tight and tense affairs. On paper, Blue Mountains and Blacktown are favourites, but we all know it rarely works out like that. I can’t wait for those results on Saturday evening. The Meldrum sees Minor Premiers Liverpool put their feet up, safe in the knowledge they will face either Sydney Grammar or Dundas Valley next week. Grammar have looked strong all year and rightfully find themselves still in the hunt for the Meldrum winners plaque. Dundas are an extremely hard working side who have the best defence in the division and they will fancy their chances against their slightly more favoured opponents at Wills ground. The second final in Div Six pits Clovelly against Terrey Hills. Clovelly are an entertaining outfit and will be slight favourites coming into this one. The Blowflies have scored plenty of bonus points this season and will look to continue this trend against Saturday’s opponents. Terrey Hills edged into the end of season party at the expense of Seaforth and will look to take full advantage of their extended 2012 season.Welcome to the 2012 Subbies Rugby Finals Season. It should be a great weekend.

Finals Venue GuideDeerubbin Park

Location: Hawkesbury Valley Rugby Club, Deerubbin Park, Cornwallis Road, Windsor. Parking: To ensure no issues with local turf trucks, there is only off-street parking available. The Club is asking for a gold coin donation for injured players – of which there have been quite a few in recent weeks.Food & Drink: This year sees the return of the highly sought after “Valley Rissoles” and “Valley with the Lot Special” - just $5.00. Combined with plenty of cold beer, good rugby and country fresh air, you won’t get better.     Wills GroundLocation: Canterbury Rugby Club, Corner Wardell & Lang Roads, Earlwood.Wardell Road Gate opens 12pm. Note that access to Wills Ground is from the Wardell Road main gate ONLY.Parking: There is plenty of FREE parking right next to the ground, on surrounding streets & directly across the Cooks River (on Tennent Parade).Food & Drink: The Canteen & BBQ will be running all afternoon & will be fully stocked with beers, wines & mixed spirits. Come try our mouth-watering fish rolls or get a pie & beer combo!Ground advice courtesy of Harry Maniatis and Trevor Manual

Doc Harris ShieldCongratulations to Brothers who have already wrapped up the 2012 ‘Doc Harris Shield’. The Div Three Club Championship was sealed a couple of weeks ago and is testament to a fabulous season for the revitalised club. The Brothers boys have now sealed promotion to Division Two which is a great achievement considering they were playing Division Four footy just last season. Brothers are also in the hunt for the Cowboy Cup, an impressive feat for a Division Three club.

All too familiar, All BlacksThe reliable Bob Dwyer assesses the damage from the weekend:http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/dwyers-view-all-blacks-way-good/

Rugby Champs StandoutsDo you agree with these selections? Can’t really argue that more Wallabies should have been selected:http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8005429,00.html

Top 14Check out the best tries of the 2011/2012 Top 14 Season:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TodLE8DXciM

Great AdSurely we need more stunts like this in our daily lives?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316AzLYfAzw&feature=player_embedded

Tweets All Blacks @ AllBlacks Extra seats for # AllBlacks # Dunedin test: An extra 450 temporary seats are being installed at Forsyth Barr Stadium... http://dlvr.it/22JlWy

Paul Cully @ whiskeycully The Wallabies are now talking about talking less. But if they couldn't get up for last week in front of their own crowd, what chance this?

Iain Payten @ iainpayten Hard to please some people. Wallaby team too defensive last week, not defensive enough this week. They'll go down throwing shots at least.

Hugh Cavill @ hughcavill If Beale's confidence wasn't totally shot before, it is now. Happy with Cooper/Barnes 10/12 but not tight 5, which is where the game is won.

JokesDoctor, Doctor, my arm has been broken in three places.Well, stay out of those places.

Two silkworms had a race – it ended in a tie.

I met the fella who invented the crossword the other day.Can’t remember his name - it was P something T something R.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 31 Aug 2012

FINALS WRAP, GAME OF THE WEEK, RUGBY REVIEW, WEEKEND PREVIEW, VENUE GUIDE, DAN VICKERMAN, PUMAS PROOF, TWEETS AND JOKES

Finals Wrap I am sure the winners from Saturday will still be on a high after the Subbies Finals for Divisions Three and Six began last weekend. This week, Divisions Two and Five join the finals fray, so whether you are heading to David Phillips Filed, Macquarie Uni or Wills Ground, there are sure to be some great matches. My pick for game of the weekend has to be Balmain v Oatley in the Barraclough Cup. You can keep up to date with all the finals action right here, including fixtures, results, times and venues.

Game of the WeekKentwell Cup: Drummoyne 32 - 22 ColleaguesThere was a highly charged top-of-the-table clash on the weekend as Drummoyne stole the show with an impressive display to see off the challenge of Colleagues at Woollahra. The penultimate round of the Kentwell Cup was a great advertisement for Subbies Rugby. The Dirty Reds have now taken an eight point lead at the summit and will surely see themselves as having a great chance to claim the Premiership come the 22nd September.

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to Ron White from Hunters Hill who picked up the Wallabies Backpack. Ron correctly answered that France were the last to beat the All Blacks at Eden Park, in 1994.I am giving away a fantastic prize this week. By answering correctly you could win a subscription to Australian Rugby Review, the premier Rugby magazine in Australia. This prize is kindly donated by our great supporter, publisher John Blondin.This week’s question: Who did Dan Vickerman play his first game of Super Rugby against?To be in with a chance of winning send your answer to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Finals PreviewDiv Two:What a great weekend we have in prospect in the Barraclough Cup. The two runaway sides, Balmain and Oatley, square off in what could well be a Grand Final preview at David Phillips. The other match-up sees Petersham take on Lindfield in the 3rd v 4th knockout. The chase for that last spot was highly contested and it is worth noting that Forest missed out on finals footy due a point deduction in round two for ref abuse. Remember, David Phillips Filed is home of UNSW who won the inaugural Subbies MAN V FOOD Challenge (featured in Holding’s Bits earlier this year) so make sure you grab your lunch from the BBQ.Div Three:

It is the second week of finals for Div Three and with it comes the entrance of the Minor Premiers in each grade. Brothers, the Doc Harris Shield winners, take on reigning premiers Blue Mountains in the Clark Cup major semi, with a place in the Grand Final up for grabs. In the minor semi, UWSH take on Waverley – as with any elimination match, this will be a tense one. Brothers are the obvious favourites for the Clark Cup crown but their rivals will be out to prove a point and put a cat amongst the finals pigeons this weekend.Div Five:In the Jeffrey Cup, Redfield will be overwhelming favourites to continue their unbeaten season and overcome the challenge of 2nd placed Fairvale/Lansvale. The runners-up finished ahead of Sydney Harlequins thanks to a lower number of losses in the regular season. This now sees fourth placed Maccabi take on Harlequins and ultimately they will be looking to take out revenge on the leaders, who beat them in the Meldrum Grand Final last season.Div Six:A clash of the Meldrum titans this Saturday, as leaders Liverpool take on Sydney Grammar Old Boys at Wills Ground. In what promises to be an extremely close game, Liverpool will look to assert the dominance they showed over the latter stages of the regular Div Six season. In the Minor Semi, Dundas Valley takes on Clovelly. The Valley boys will need to bounce back from the heavy defeat dished out to them by Grammar last weekend as the Cloey Blowies have got great momentum after their victory over Terrey Hills.

Venue GuideDavid Phillips FieldLocation: David Phillips Field, Gwea Avenue, DaceyvilleThe entrance to the rugby fields is at the intersection of Cook Ave and Gwea Ave, just inside Astrolabe Park.Parking: Available in Gwea Avenue and surrounding streets and for those arriving early limited parking is available within Astrolabe Park. Amenities, Food & Drinks: Besides the rugby, the award winning UNSW Rugby BBQ and refreshments team will make this week’s semi-final a great day for all rugby fans. It is worth noting UNSW did win the Subbies v Food Challenge earlier this season!Macquarie UniversityLocation: on the corner of Culloden and Talavera Rds, Marsfield. Mac Uni will be running 4 grounds on the day, the main oval with two grounds for 3rd Division (from 11:20 am), and the top two ovals (Ross Gwilliam & Jim Campbell) for 5th Division (from 1:45 pm).Parking: There are two parking areas on site with about 300 spaces in total and parking on Talavera and Culloden Rds. There will be 12 games on during the day - so plenty of footy to be enjoyed by the undoubtedly big crowd.Food & Drink: There will be two canteens running on the day, with full BBQ facilities, and also a fully stocked drinks tent.

Wallabies Black day in BledisloeGreen and Gold Rugby writer and Subbies man Hugh Cavill describes the all too familiar feeling following Saturday’s defeat:

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/the-wallabies-and-mgmt-stopping-the-spread-of-waratah-itis/

Farewell Dan VickDan Vickerman has announced his retirement from Rugby. It has been a disrupted few years for Dan who took a break from the game before returning to suffer an injury which ultimately has ended his playing career:http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8027228,00.html

Pumas Prove Difficult to Beat on Home Soilhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLvfNYMlox0&feature=player_embeddedHere are the plays of the week from the Rugby Champs:http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DchJeu-VEHc#t=0s

Tweets Balmain Rugby @ BalmainRugby A Kerry Packer like revolution for Sydney Rugby I hear you say? Watch this space...... # howzat

KOB's Rugby @ kobweb Due to his lack of Subbies experience I don't think Deans is qualified to coach 1sts - will have to start out in 3s or 4s and work his way up

NSW Suburban Rugby @ subbiesrugby They sponsor the Wallabies, don't they? http://bit.ly/OpTWuh  

RugbyGold @ Rugby_Gold Rugby team forfeit semi for buck's party: A LOWER grade team at Sydney rugby club Gordon have sensationally boo... http://bit.ly/STrYLH  

Jokes

What did the elephant say to the naked man?‘How the hell do you breathe through that thing?’

I always call a spade a spade - until the other night when I stepped on one in the dark.

A dog bit a chunk out of my leg the other day. A friend of mine asked: ‘Did you put anything on it?’ I said: ‘No, he liked it as it was.’

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 7 Sep 2012

SMELL OF FINALS, THE WRAP, COWBOY CUP, TRIVIA, PRES NITE, BALMAIN’S BIG CALL, GREAT AD, PRESS POINTS, PLAYS OF THE WEEK, TRIVIA AND JOKES

The Smell of FinalsIt’s pretty much all about the Finals this week and I will leave it to an “excited Subbies player” to describe the feeling around this time of year:

“We now enter the best three weeks of our rugby lives. . . . . FINALS FOOTY. When you walk into work and things just start to come together and delegation is actually working, it’s because they can smell the finals footy on you.The secretary gets a little more efficient, it’s because she can smell the finals footy on you.You wake up mid-week to find the wife has put the alarm on 20mins early so she can be more attentive before you're up and at 'em, it’s because she can smell the finals footy ferment on you.Maybe you have been 'trying' with the missus, next thing you know she'll be pregnant with octuplets, because even the little swimmers know they want to be part of your finals footy.It is said that the best beer is free beer. That is true... unless you have tasted a beer during finals footy. It's tastier, bigger, colder, and all around just better, because it is a finals footy beer!I just farted at the desk here at work. Someone thought they could smell heavy machinery and burning diesel. That's because it was a Finals Footy fart, HARD.I noticed that as I turn up to traffic lights, they just go green. The traffic can smell the Finals Footy on me.I ran to work this morning, I was 25% faster with no extra effort. Even the pavement can feel the Finals Footy on me as I'm pounding it.The weather man has given us a week of sun and over 20 degrees every day. He can smell the essence of Finals Footy.I dare say if one of us rolls up to the Red Sea this week... Well, let's just say the last guy round those parts with Finals Footy fermenting from his pheromones was Moses!It is on like Donkey Kong, when you're only as good as the next 60mins of rugby you play. No home field advantage, no home team ref that played for your club and gives you the rub of the green can help you now... You're at the pointy end of the season, and it is FINALS FOOTY time.In the words of David Bowie, Let's DANCE!”

Finals WrapClick here for all of the finals results and the upcoming fixtures.

Games of the WeekDivision One - Hunters Hill 20-26 BeecroftIt was a special victory for Beecroft on Saturday as they defeated a resurgent Hunters Hill at Boronia Park. The win secured a finals berth for the away side

and will give the Beecroft Boys a sense of optimism for the finals. Hunters Hill came into the final game of the regular season having pulled themselves clear of the foot of the table thanks to an much improved second round. A spirited display was not quite enough to turn over a Beecroft side that had it all to play for. The encounter saw Beecroft cross the line three times to secure victory and ensure they will be the ones taking on St Pats tomorrow instead of Campbelltown, whose away form cost them dearly this season.Division Two - Balmain 21-15 OatleyI had been looking forward to the Barraclough Cup major semi all week. The rain was blowing straight into the UNSW pavilion, so I grabbed a cup of black tea (the coffee van had run out of everything else... including milk) [Wonderboy is a pom, so whinging comes naturally – Ed.] and got set for a cracker. As did the guy in front of me with the Muzzled Wolf tattoo on his leg. Neither of us was disappointed as the Barraclough Cup heavyweights went at it. The Oatley and Balmain supporters were boisterous as they urged their teams to push forward and secure that coveted Grand Final place. Jared Trevathan converted all three of the Muzzled Wolves tries in extremely breezy conditions, while Oatley fell just short of their rivals, crossing the line twice. The final whistle was welcome relief to Balmain, and now Oatley must prevent Petersham from having the opportunity to take on their old foes, when they square off in the Preliminary Final at Macquarie Uni on Saturday. Division Three - UWSH 29-29 WaverleyWhat a game in the Clark Cup Minor Semi! UWSH outed a spirited Waverley thanks only to a better record in the regular season after the teams had played out a high scoring draw last Saturday. It was an epic encounter between two sides who just didn’t want their season to finish. A Conor Geoghegan double wasn’t quite enough for Waverley and UWSH will be glad of those extra regular season points as that is what has kept them in the competition. UWSH suffered a close loss to Blue Mountains in the qualification final two weeks ago, and now the two Western Sydney teams meet again in the sudden death preliminary final for the chance to take on Brothers in the big one. Division Five - Redfield 53-12 Fairvale/LansvaleThe unbeaten Redfield boys showed no sign of letting up as they heaped on the points yet again last weekend. Last week’s victims were second placed Fairvale/Lansvale, who will now contest the preliminary final against Sydney Harlequins. Redfield have now booked their place in the Grand Final and will look to seal their second straight Premiership with a 100% record. The victory on the weekend came courtesy of nine tries - Daniel Abrams notching an impressive hat-trick from full back. It was a powerful display from Redfield and on the formidable form they have shown this year it doesn’t look like they will be stopped from lifting that Jeffrey Cup.Division Six - Dundas Valley 12-27 ClovellyThe brilliant Blowflies march on. The Clovelly attack proved too much for the Vikings of Dundas Valley on the weekend as they were disposed of by 15 points at Wills Ground in the Meldrum Cup Minor Semi. The losers from the Major, Liverpool, now stand in Clovelly’s way for a place in the Grand Final against Sydney Grammar who were comfortable winners on Saturday. It could yet be a fruitful season for the Blowflies whose attacking style has stood them in good stead in this year’s competition.

Cowboy Cup UpdatesWhere is your club on the inter-divisional Club Championship table? Keep up to date right here. Remember, finals games now count in the Cowboy Cup!

Trivia TeaserCongratulations to David Curran who correctly stated that the Sharks were Dan Vickerman’s first Super Rugby opponents, way back in 2001 when he represented the Brumbies.This week’s question is: Wallabies debutant Dominic Shipperly has scored how many Super Rugby tries?For your chance to win a coveted Subbies tie, send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Presentation NightThe Annual Subbies Rugby Presentation Night is being held on Friday 5 th

October at the Pullman Hotel, Hyde Park. The cost is $70 per person, including food and drink. Take a look at the invite here.Make sure you save the date!

Balmain BelieveAn interesting idea stemming from the Muzzled Wolves and Woz Livingstone - think it could work?http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-news/potential-1-million-rugby-union-revolution-led-by-balmain-rugby-club-channel-10-and-fox-sports/story-e6freuzi-1226466173702

Interesting Press Pointshttp://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/zero-points-for-spiro/

Beer Ads are the Best!Everyone wouldn’t mind the ads so much if they were all this good.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GbHpqfv9is

Plays of the WeekA quick link to the Plays of the Week, including some Shute Shield action!

Tweets

Paul Cully @ whiskeycully Stat of the day: Australian Super sides won just 24% of their games against SA opposition in 2012.

Paul Cully @ whiskeycully Freakish stat of the day: The average age of the Wallabies and All Blacks' starting XVs is identical. 26.53 years.

Balmain Rugby @ BalmainRugby

All 5 grades starting Semi's tomorrow. No booze, no sex tonight fellas. Lots of pasta & spooning. Tomorrow night you can go nuts! # pentup [No wonder they lost 4 out of 5 grades!- Ed]

NSW Rugby Referees @ nswrugbyrefs ITM Cup sin bin is the real deal... pic.twitter.com/RIW8eMPd Maybe we can discuss this for the 2013 season?

Jokes

A ship carrying red paint collided with another one carrying purple paint. Both crews are thought to be marooned.

How do you spot a blind man in a nudist colony? ..... it’s not hard!

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 14 Sep 2012

FINALS WRAP, MEDAL CONTENDERS, HOLDING’S TIPS, BLOWFLIES BLUNDER, TOTO REFIELD, LIKE FATHER LIKE SON, TRIPLE M FOR QUINS, BANANA BELTER, TRIVIA, TWEETS & JOKES

Finals WrapTake a look at what happened last weekend across all the divisions right here.

Medal ContendersCheck out all the players in the running for the 2012 Suburban Rugby Medals.And don’t forget to get along to the Subbies Presentation Night when all the winners will be revealed.

Games of the WeekDiv One Kentwell Cup - St Patricks 25-17 Beecroft St Pats came from behind against a determined Beecroft side to book a place in the Preliminary Final against Colleagues. The Beecroft boys put up a fight in their attempt to reach the grand final precursor and led the game 14-5 at halftime. However, a stirring second half comeback saw St Pats continue their fine season and they will now be looking to dig deep and get to that Grand Final! Div Two Barraclough Cup - Oatley 33-27 PetershamOatley survived a strong comeback from the Shammies to set up their rematch with Balmain in the Barraclough Cup GF at TG Millner tomorrow. In fine conditions at Macquarie Uni, Oatley took an early lead and went into the break 20-3 to the good. Petersham didn’t lie down in the second period and pulled back the deficit to put the game in the balance with 20 minutes remaining. It was Oatley who put the game beyond the reach of Petersham in the latter stages and their excited players and followers will be hopeful of a special display to upset the much fancied Muzzled Wolves.Div Three Farrant Cup - Waverley 24-19 UWSHIn Division Three, I am taking a look the second grade Farrant Cup. A tight encounter fell the way of Waverley as they ran in a five point victory. UWS Hawkesbury will be disappointed with the result and what is the end of their Farrant Cup campaign, all attention now turns to their first grade match up with Brothers! Div Five Jeffrey Cup - Sydney Harlequins 71- 0 Fairvale/LansvaleThere was a HUGE win for Harlequins in the Jeffrey Cup Preliminary Final who cut through the Vale’s defence like a knife through butter. [Wonderboy gets paid by the cliché – Ed.] The score didn’t flatter the premiership contenders who were 52-0 up at halftime and the news probably shocked a few in Div Five. It was perfect preparation for Harlequins who now face the toughest task, to turnover an unbeaten Redfield. The coaches couldn’t have asked for anymore on Saturday though. As for Fairvale/Lansvale, they now turn their attention to the second grade Noice cup, where they too face Redfield.Div Six Meldrum Cup - Liverpool 21-21 ClovellyA desperately unlucky Clovelly went down via the Minor Premiership ladder placing as Liverpool progress to the Grand Final, topping the regular season

charts. It was a tight encounter that saw the Blowflies lead for much of the game and they looked like being the ones to face Sydney Grammar in the season finale. The Cougars of Liverpool had other ideas and they crept back into the game, eventually grabbing a draw, which was good enough for them to progress. A cruel end for the Blowflies but they can be congratulated on an adventurous campaign as they played some great attacking rugby by all accounts. The stage is now set for either Grammar or Liverpool to prove they have what it takes to seal the 2012 Meldrum Premiership.

TriviaWell Done John Waugh who scooped the Subbies tie by stating that Dom Shipperley had notched 10 Super Rugby tries. This week’s prize is the best yet - two all inclusive passes to the Kentwell Cup Lunch at TG Millner on the 22nd September. If you’ve never been to this VIP extravaganza, get your thinking caps on. This week’s question is: How many times has Oatley RFC won the Barraclough Cup?To be in with a chance of winning the double pass, send your answer to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Grand Finals Preview – Holding’s TipsDiv Two - Balmain v OatleyI can’t go past Balmain in the Barraclough Cup GF. They have had a superb year in Div Two which I believe will be capped off with victory tomorrow. Oatley must be commended on their fine performance this season and they will surely look to use the underdog tag to their advantage.Div Three - Brothers v UWSHBrothers will bring the Clark Cup home in this one. UWSH have done extremely well to get here but I think they may come unstuck against the Doc Harris Shield winners tomorrow. It will be a great day for both clubs and I am hoping a close game is fought out between the two.You can see the Brothers preview right here.Div Five - Redfield v Sydney HarlequinsHarlequins will be buoyed by that MASSIVE win over Fairvale/Lansvale last week. However, Redfield are unbeaten all season and their invincible record will spur them on to win. They will have to guard against complacency though and I am sure the coaches will have reminded them this week that the job is not done yet.Div Six - Sydney Grammar OB v LiverpoolThis is the toughest of them all, however I think Sydney Grammar will just get over the line. It will not be the lopsided match that was the major semi two weeks ago. This encounter is an intriguing one and if Liverpool remain disciplined I wouldn’t be surprised if either side walk away with the Meldrum Premiership.

Toto Redfield This has impressed quite a few in our office this week!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4ka-PW85Xw&feature=youtu.be

Whoops!

The Clovelly Blowflies had to don Macquarie Uni RFC jerseys on Saturday afternoon in their game with Liverpool at Mac Uni Sports Fields. The Meldrum Cup side were all ready to contest their Preliminary Final with The Cougars of Liverpool when they realised they were missing the essential playing attire. Thankfully, the Mac Uni boys were on hand to lend them their jerseys...bit of a shame they hadn’t been washed for three weeks!

Like Father, Like SonThis weekend, Petersham’s Blunt Cup Captain, Darren Barlow, will play in his sixth Grand Final since joining the club. Darren’s record is an enviable five from five, however this weekend’s finale has an extra special significance because his son Pat is also running out for the Shammies. The 19 year old, appearing in his first Grand Final, will no doubt treasure the opportunity to join his Dad in a game of such importance.Unbelievably, there is also another father and son Grand Final story this weekend. Hawkesbury Valley Campbell Cup Captain, Matthew Rudd, and his son, Jake, take the field together on Saturday when they face Blue Mountains at Macquarie Uni.What a sensational experience that will be for all four of them. Soak it up, gentlemen.

Triple M for QuinsThis Saturday in the Jeffrey Cup Grand Final, the team from Triple M will be down at Macquarie Uni supporting Sydney Harlequins as part of the Ford Ranger Finals. The Harlequins scored the prize from the radio station - which includes some cash for the club and plenty of giveaways on the day. If you’re at Mac Uni tomorrow, make sure you go and check out the activity on Campbell Field, where there will be live match commentary and cheerleaders!

Banana BelterI bet this happens in Subbies all the time...http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mkBGWIRto7g#t=0s

Hawkesbury 10’sThe Hawkesbury Ten’s Club Challenge will take place on 23rd February at Deerubbin Park, Windsor. For entry forms, sponsorship opportunities or other queries contact Trevor Manual on 0410 545 663 or Stephen Neal on 0402 586 602.

Female Only Foundation CoachingThe Australian Rugby Union will be holding a female only Foundation Coach Education Course at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday October 7 from 8.30am to 4.30pm. This course will include SmartRugby and is the first step in the process of attaining a Level 1 Coach or Referee accreditation. Please come along and support the day if you are interested. For further Information and registration click here.[This has a reverse ‘Life of Brian’ feel to it – Ed.]

Tweets

Paul Cully @ whiskeycully "Rugby is so confrontational and tangled it may have overtaken league in toughness" From an NZ columnist. Discuss.

Balmain Rugby @ BalmainRugby At Mac Uni for Semi's. Students offering free chiro. Not sure they were meant for Batesy who is tired from his BBQ work

Tatafu Polota-Nau @ tatafu267 Hey tweeps. I'm growing my sideburns for a good cause. Please visit http://www.mycause.com.au/mycause/raise_money/fundraise.php?id=54078   … to raise funds for brain injury Australia. Thanks

Petersham Rugby @ petershamrugby All new Petersham Grand Final Historical facts revealed in the latest newsletter... http://fb.me/2enWpNmtL  

@ brothersrugby Daz Kapene and Matt Mcintyre nominated for the Clark Cup Medal.@ brothersrugby Charlie Kilby also nominated for the colts medal. Brothers rugby have the most players nominated across all grades in subbies.@BalmainRugby Really Brothers Rugby? You might want to recheck that fact. @brothersrugby Correction: Brothers and Balmain Rugby have the most players nominated for end of season awards across all grades, with 3 each.

JokesI couldn’t remember how to throw a boomerang but eventually it came back to me.

I’ve always been afraid of gardening, but then I grew a pair.

BBC News: "Police investigating burglary at actor Will Smith's home". I wonder if they'll find any Fresh Prints.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby

Holding’s Bits 21 Sep 2012

DIV ONE GF PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS, WRAP UP, TRIVIA, PROOF IS IN THE PUMA, PRES NITE, THANK YOU, TWEETS & JOKES

Division One Grand Finals PreviewHere it is...the day has come. This Saturday the Kentwell Cup day takes place at TG Millner, Eastwood. Division One’s finest battle it out across six grades to prove they are the best in the business in 2012. I got all my tips right last weekend so I thought I would have another go:Kentwell Cup - Drummoyne v St Pats 3:00pmDrummoyne are probably the favourites but I am going to go for St Pats in the Kentwell Cup GF. The Pats boys have had a fantastic season and ran all over Colleagues last weekend. This is a massive challenge against the Dirty Reds of Drummoyne but momentum is with them and it could be their year. Drummoyne will certainly fancy themselves but I think they may come unstuck at the final hurdle.Burke Cup - St Pats v Colleagues 1:20pmI am also backing St Pats in the Second Grade Burke Cup. These two sides met in the Major Semi and Pats came out on top with a 44-31 win. It would make a fantastic day for the Club if they can seal two Premierships and they have a great chance of collecting at least one piece of silverware this weekend.Barbour Cup - Knox v Old Ignatians 11:40amThe Colts will battle it out in a close one here but Knox will just edge it in my opinion. The Knox boys have proven themselves as being able to beat the Redmen over the past two occasions where they have won by 17 and 28 points respectively. The colts generally produce a really entertaining game and there could be some tries scored here.Whiddon Cup - Colleagues v Knox 10:15amIn Third Grade I can’t go past Colleagues. The Minor Premiers will be too much for the Knox boys, however with both teams scoring plenty of points this season, it could be a high scoring encounter. The last time they played the men from Woollahra came out on top and I believe history will repeat itself at Millner on Saturday.Judd Cup - Old Ignatians v Colleagues 9:00amI’ve heard plenty about the build up to this game in the office this week. A member of the Waratahs staff plays for the ‘Juddernuats’ and although I don’t want to agree with him really, I think Old Iggies will win the Judd Cup. This will be a very, very close game though and if the Redmen do end up winning, Colleagues will have no doubt pushed them the whole way. They have been the two stand out sides in 4th Grade.Sutherland Cup - Knox v Old Ignatians 1:00pm (Field #2)Knox finished the regular season a whole 21 points ahead of Iggies on the ladder, a monumental margin. The Knox boys only conceded 47 points in 18 games and I just cant see them losing out in the season finale.

Trivia

Congratulations to Steve Turner from Hunters Hill who will be attending the Kentwell Cup Luncheon on Saturday. Steve correctly answered that Oatley have won the Barraclough Cup once, in 1989.The final trivia teaser for this season sees the opportunity of a great prize, a framed print from our sponsors Icons of Sport. The ‘Match Winner’ Print is from the Wallabies v AllBlack Test in 2001 in Sydney.This week’s question:Drummoyne had a golden period in the 2000’s winning six Kentwell Cup premierships. In what year was their last pre-millennium Kentwell Cup premiership secured? As per usual send your answers to wbamatt@hotmail.com

Grand Finals WrapYou can take a look at who won their respective Cups on the weekend right hereBarraclough Cup GF - Balmain 24-10 OatleyCongratulations to Balmain who scooped the Barraclough Cup with victory over Oatley at TG Millner on Saturday. The Division Two Club Champions fell behind to an early Oatley try from full back Charles McGee. However, this only served to buoy the Muzzled Wolves and they came back strong, going into the half time interval 10-5 in front. The second half saw Balmain put 14 more points on the board and were declared Premiers much to the delight of the Black and Yellow army in attendance. Clark Cup GF - Brothers 32-24 UWSHA stirring comeback from UWSH gave Brothers a mighty scare in the Division Three Clark Cup finale at Macquarie Uni. The much fancied Brothers side was cruising at the break and the game looked won. However, Hawkesbury Ag showed an awesome Subbies spirit and with 15 minutes to go the game was on a knife edge, with the students clawing back to within two points, 26-24. It was Brothers in the end though, as they pushed on to win the game and the Clark Cup premiership. Jeffrey Cup GF - Redfield 14-10 Sydney HarlequinsUnbeaten Redfield took the Jeffrey Cup Premiership with a tight, hard fought win over Sydney Harlequins. The Quins were going into the game on the back of a 71-0 win over Fairvale/Lansvale, and with the backing of Triple M radio, almost caused the upset of the year. The 14-10 win sees the Redfield boys crowned Jeffrey Cup Premiers for 2012. This season’s Premiership follows up what has been a great couple of years for the Redfield boys, who have not lost a first grade match since July 2010 - a 36 game winning streak, including three grand finals. Meldrum Cup GF - Sydney Grammar OB 31-5 LiverpoolSydney Grammar took home the Meldrum Premiership with a convincing 31-5 win over Liverpool. The defeated and ill-disciplined Cougars had two men sent off as their season ended with a whimper. Grammar scored four tries, with the marauding Will Service grabbing a double. Nicholas Garling also kicked well to secure the win.

Pumas Prove Difficult to HandleThe Wallabies scraped a victory over the impressive Argies last weekend. Scott Allen reviews from his couch:

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/the-view-from-my-couch-wallabies-v-pumas

Presentation NightGet in quick! The Subbies Presentation night is taking place at Hotel Pullman, College St (formerly Marriot Hotel) on Friday 5 th October. Your invite is right here.

Fantastic SeasonThe 2012 season has been a brilliant showcase for our union and Suburban Rugby simply wouldn’t go ahead without the support of a great community. Thank you to all clubs, players, supporters, members and officials for making the 2012 season such a success, we look forward to 2013 and more of the same.

Thank YouI would like to thank everyone who logs on and has a read of the Bits each Friday. It has been a pleasure coming up with something slightly readable each week and hopefully will be doing something similar next year. Have a great summer and remember if you want to share anything rugby related you can shoot me an email at wbamatt@hotmail.com

Tweets

Fake Robbie Deans @ DingoDeans (About 60mins into last Sat’s test v Argentina):I'm about to puma pants.

Balmain Rugby @ BalmainRugby An absolutely amazing X-Ray of halfblack Josh's dislocated elbow in today’s GF. You gotta see it to believe it! Get Well pic.twitter.com/fZSRtg58

Sam Carter @ Sam_Carts 4h Good luck to the 4th grade Redmen in their Grand Final # Bernie # massivefan pic.twitter.com/3nabhm1W

Drew Mitchell @ drew_mitchell Ok enough is enough.. Explain to everyone what you’re thinking when you do this @ JamesOConnor832 # itsnotmadmonday http://yfrog.com/h2wroiacj  

Balmain Rugby @ BalmainRugby LOST: Barraclough & Stockdale Cups early Sunday morning in Balmain. Please help return. Now I understand why @ subbiesrugby supply replicas!

Jokes(I’ve been saving the “best” for last ………….)

What is brown and sticky?A stick.

Nothing succeeds like a toothless budgie.

When do cows go to sleep?Pasture bedtime.

You can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead.

I wanted to be a milkman, but I didn’t have the bottle.

I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize.

I used to have a riding school, but business kept falling off.

I was an accountant from the age of 20 to the age of 30, before I was sacked for no apparent reason. What a waste of 14 years that was.

I just saw a chicken crossing the road. Poultry in motion.

Cheers,Wonderboy Holdingwbamatt@hotmail.com@subbiesrugby