By Adam Daff, Secretary
Firstly, a big thanks to the efforts of our volunteers so far this season. Having two canteens running as well as scoreboard updates, strapping, an assistant-referee for every match and of course ground set-up at home games requires effort from a bigger group of people than many might realise.
We are grateful to all of them, as well our Social Committee led by Club Captains Trev Rangel and Luke Fletcher as well as Marnie Hobbs and sincerely assisted so far by Lewis Williams and a host of others. We are all looking forward to the Harbour Cruise!
On the pitch, it’s always a good week when your set pieces are tested and pass, in some grades, with flying colours.
Lindfield played a forward-dominated style of rugby throughout Saturday and it was great to see our big men meet the challenge.
The day started brilliantly with 4s singing our Club song in victory for the first time in their season. Some extra numbers and, clearly, better player communication with the coaching staff about availability – made a big difference this week.
Some new faces with a few stalwarts amongst the action led to some entertaining, albeit relatively random, rugby.
Third grade missed another opportunity in what has so far proved to be a strong Whiddon Cup competition this season. The general feeling is – this side is close to where it needs to be to record a win. And when they do, anything is possible. Injury will certainly play apart as it does every season – but with time together at training our full strength third-grade side would have the personnel to be as strong as any.
The Colts competition is – once again – a doozey. Perhaps the best example of this is Mosman a traditional Colts powerhouse, is running sixth from eight. Knox, who’s strongest team has, on occasion, been their Colts side are leading followed by Colleagues and Drummoyne.
The feeling many had about our Colts in pre-season remains – if they continue to play for each other with the structure they’ve learned, they’re a genuine chance. The availability of players throughout June – a time when university holidays and exams can create chaos – could prove crucial.
Second grade might have taken a step back this week but there is no question they have the talent to take 10 steps forward this week. And they will need to because Balmain is top-heavy with talent.
Our Kentwell Cup side, meantime, are on a roll, which is exactly where you want to be before a trip to Leichhardt Oval #2.
One particularly noticeable quality about this side is their ability to lift each other. There are some stars on the rise in this side but when one lifts, everyone lifts – and that’s not a quality every side has. It’s also a quality that can sincerely assist when injuries hit as they are starting to.
Winning when you’re not at your best, as 1s did this week, is also a sign of a side with enormous potential.
Special mention to hooker – John Tato. His quiet and humble manner means he doesn’t often standout, but Tato’s lineout throwing has only become better in the last few seasons and his toughness epitomizes what the Dirty Reds are about.