MRUFC Newsletter 152010 - Melbourne Rugbysecure.melbournerugby.com.au/sites/default/files/152010.pdfU12 State Rep Player – Tim Davis Congratulations to Tim Davis who has been selected

UNICORN TALES

Welcome to Unicorn Tales Issue #Melbourne Rugby Union Football Club.

Hello to you all, Due to heavy work commitments Paul Boyes have regrettably resigned from the position of Assistant Treasurer. I would like to thank him for his commitment and efforts over the years, he will continue to be around the club and will playing in the Gerries. however create an opportunity for somebody to be involved in the dynamics of the club and take up the role of Assistant Treasurer. We have an Under 12 lad - TIM DAVIS who has been selected to be in the state rep squad. below. Well done Tim! Also one of our colts, Max Slater, a prop has been selected in the state colts team to play NSW Country We have a huge weekend ahead - junior pathway day , 300 juniors from our zone are playing, the 1,2,3 and colts blue are at home, colts green have a bye, the Gerries are at Croydon and the fourths and heading to Warrnambool and there is a Presidents lunch on which is booked out with 94 persons. BBQ will be running all day

Presidents Report

BRIGHTON HOLDEN

UNICORN TALES - Page 1 of 9 – Issue No: 15 – Welcome to Season 20

Welcome to Unicorn Tales Issue #15 – 20th May 2010, the official newsletter of theMelbourne Rugby Union Football Club.

the club and will playing in the Gerries. This does however create an opportunity for somebody to be involved in the dynamics of the club and take up

TIM DAVIS who has state rep squad. Refer

ne of our colts, Max Slater, a prop has been selected in the state colts

junior pathway day , 300 juniors from our zone are playing, the

nd colts blue are at home, colts green have a bye, the Gerries are at Croydon and the fourths and heading to Warrnambool and there is a Presidents lunch on which is booked out with 94

Please get behind the raffle for tmajor fund raisers this year. Reminder about the clubs Code of Conduct which applies to all club members and spectators. available on the website under the member’s login area. Please show some respect to the refs and opposition players and show outrageous support for our playing groups Team managers are required for the colts. This is a very important role as the club management of our teams Tim Lindsay is our Club Captain elect. Cheers,

John Rosenhain MRUFC President

This Weeks Games – 22nd Under 5 - Demonstration Match @ 9:00AM Under 6/7 - Melbourne Blue v Melbourne Green @ 9:00AM Under 8 - Melbourne Gold v Eltham @ 9:00AM

This Weeks Games Coaching

Report

HOLDEN

Welcome to Season 2010

, the official newsletter of the

et behind the raffle for the car. It’s one of our major fund raisers this year.

Reminder about the clubs Code of Conduct which applies to all club members and spectators. This is available on the website under the member’s login

Please show some respect to the refs and opposition players and show outrageous support for

Team managers are required for the colts. This is a ery important role as the club restructures its

management of our teams

Club Captain elect. Well done Tim!

22nd May

Demonstration Match @ 9:00AM Melbourne Blue v Melbourne Green @ 9:00AM

Melbourne Gold v Eltham @ 9:00AM

This Weeks Games Coaching


This weeks Games Cont’d: Under 10 - Melbourne Blue v Melbourne Green @ 10:30am Under 12 - Melbourne v Endeavour Hills @ 9:45am 3rd Grade - Melbourne v University @ 12.00pm 2nd Grade - Melbourne v University @ 1.30pm Colts Blue - Melbourne v Harlequins @ 1:30pm 1st Grade - Melbourne v University @ 3.15pm Orrong Park, Orrong Rd, Prahran (between High St & Malvern Rd) (Melways 58 H6) Under 14 - Melbourne v Footscray @ 11:00am Henry Turner Memorial Reserve, Cnr Farnsworth Av & Myers Rd Footscray (Melways 42 C1) 4th Grade - Warnambool v Melbourne @ 12Noon Brauerander Park Athletic and Sporting Complex, Curamat Road, WARNAMBOOL VIC 3280 Masters - University v Melbourne @ 3.15pm Griff Hunt Reserve, Lyons Rd, Croydon North (Melways 37 B7) Colts Green have a bye

U12 State Rep Player – Tim Davis Congratulations to Tim Davis who has been selected in the VRU U12 rep team for season 2010. Tim’s selection builds on his fine play last season in the premiership winning U12 and the hard work with this years U12 team coached by Mark Bishop. • 1998 - Born and grew up on

the rugby field at Geelong Grammar School

• 2005 to 2006 - Had his first introduction to playing rugby in Scone (upper Hunter Valley of NSW) in Walla-rugby and rugby league

• 2007 - Returned to Victoria and tried his hand at AFL - did not enjoy at all!

• 2008 - 2010 - played for Melbourne U10, U12 & U12

respectively • Position 2010 - Centre, Wing and Fullback for MRC. • Selected to play wing for State Team. The State team tour Adelaide to play SA, Wagga to play ACT, and Sydney to attend the NSW State Championships. There are significant costs associated ($1,300+) with being a VRU junior representative player and to assist the Davis family the junior section will have a fund raising bucket at the ground this Saturday. Please show you support and we wish Tim and his family all of the best as our latest State rep.

John Zarb has now been at the club for some weeks and you will have noticed him around the ground and in the clubrooms on Thursdays and Saturdays. John has joined us as the Administration Manager. He has a partner named Maria, has one daughter and has lived in Frankston all his life. He has a shared role with Prahran Cricket Club where he is also their Administration Manager during the cricket season over the summer months. He has been around sporting clubs for many years and likes to be involved as the MC for sportsman nights. John has a radio spot on Casey Radio 97.7m every Sunday night during cricket season with the Cricket Victoria Show, This year he is entering his 21st year in hosting this show. I have also worked on Radio 1116 SEN in the past featuring The Nightwatchman cricket show. His role with us is a varied and encompasses such areas as running the clubhouse and being involved in the organising of the large social activities calendar and other admin duties. He has seen only a very few games of rugby to date but likes what he sees. Please make him feel welcome at all times and freely give him some assistance if he asks for it.

Club Profile

State Rep


Last Weeks Results – 15th May First Grade : Melbourne 27 Harlequins 32 Tries: Jarrad Magee 2, Tom O'Brien Goals: Bob Windell 3 Penalties: Bob Windell 2 Despite all the momentum and what appeared to be an insurmountable 24 to 8 lead at half, 1st grade didn’t manage to put Harlequins away in their forth round encounter. Both teams had clearly prepared for a tough local derby but it was Harlequins who got off to a flyer with a try from a charge-down inside the 3 minute mark providing them with an early 5 nil lead. Melbourne were lucky not to be down further after the Harlequins chasers intercepted a risky off-load 30 metres out. A touch of luck and a great covering tackle by new recruit Andy Stephenson forced a turnover and averted the threat.

Early on, a lack of chasers saw Melbourne hand valuable ball to Harlequins, kicking possession away far too often. A silly infringement 25 metres out soon presented Harlequins with another opportunity to add to the score line; the penalty kick successful and Harlequins had extended their lead to 8. From the kick-off Harlequins quickly conceded a free kick. Melbourne seized the opportunity, finding touch just 10 metres out from the Harlequins line. Under pressure, the temptation to infringe proved too much

and Melbourne were awarded another free kick. A solid drive from the lineout saw Tom O’Brien score off the back of a well controlled maul. Bobby nailed a difficult opportunity to take the score to 7-8. Harlequins were soon down to 14 men when their tighthead prop (Fonz) was sent to the sin bin for stomping. Almost immediately Melbourne spotted a mismatch from a bungled Harlequins attack and elected to run from deep inside our own 22. Through 6 phases involving some excellent clean outs by George Linn and Jackson Hill and superb support play by captain Graham Scott, Bobby, Elliot Bull and Andy S, Jarrod Magee was able to beat the cover defence and score. Again Bobby added the extras and the score moved to 14-8.

Melbourne were full of running and full of confidence, taking every opportunity to follow the game plan. Good cleaning out, effective use of penetrative runners and pushing the ball wide once again put Harlequins under pressure, this time Lotu combined with Andy S and James Slattery to make some valuable ground. Harlequins again infringed and the score moved out to 17-8 with another successful goal. Some strong play off the back of the scrum by Tony Booth and new recruit Antonn Russek backed up by Rai Ghiri and Graham set up Andy Castleman and Jarrod to work a quick one, two before Jarrod scored under the post. Bobby continued with his 100% record and Melbourne moved to a 24-8 lead just before half time. We’ve all heard the analogy, but yet again this game proved you have to play for both halves to win the match. Unfortunately, Harlequins were more desperate and began

Round 4 Results


clawing their way back into the game. Firstly with a quick try just after half time and then after some sustained pressure we conceded our third try to still hold the lead but not the momentum at 24-18. Harlequins struck again following several strong set piece plays and some poor decision making in and around the break down area let them score right under the posts. With the kick successful, Harlequins took the lead back 25-24 and importantly secured at least a 4 try bonus point. After a 15 minute arm wrestle, Melbourne were rewarded for their positive play and Bobby stepped up to take the penalty kick and with it the lead. With 12 minutes to go, Melbourne led 27-25. The good work was quickly undone with a penalty to Harlequins awarded at the 1st break down from the kick-off. Thankfully for Melbourne the kick was wide and we had the 22 restart. But the relief was short lived when the Harlequins attack drew in multiple defenders in close and then the cover defence slid straight -by allowing the Harlequins attacker to run in close to the post. The kick was successful and the lead changed back to Harlequins 32-27 with less than 8 minutes to go. Whilst we put Harlequins under pressure and had our opportunity to win with a last ditched try it was all too late. A disappointing result felt by the entire squad. That said, it is early days in a long season and as a team the Unicorns in 2010 have shown they are capable of footing it with the best sides in Victoria with four nail-biters in the first 4 rounds. We all look forward to seeing a full 80 minute display of high quality rugby this weekend against Melbourne University at Home.

Second Grade : Melbourne 26 Harlequins 0 Tries: Leighton Dougall, Ben Hibbell, Eric Fransella, Gerdus Buitendaag Goals: Paul McConnochie 3 Following a clinical performance in defeating Powerhouse 29- 5 the week before, the seconds approached this game against Harlequins determined to continue to improve each game in our structure, execution and communication. Strong defence has been the feature of this team and it was just that strong defensive showing that would pave the way for a hard fought but definitive result. Having Morrissey and Jay Coote back from the ones, Mark Watson out injured and James Stuart - Menteith unavailable, meant some positional changes and restructuring. However, as this

team is showing, they seem all prepared to work hard for each other and do what is required for the team. Eric slotted back into fullback and proved a nightmare for the Harlequin defence.

Harlequins were relentless in their attack in the first 30 minutes, constantly driving at our line; searching for gaps that closed quickly every time, as player after player threw themselves into the defensive line, snuffing out any chance of a line break and driving them backwards when they thought they were on the ascendency. Hocks, JK, and Andrew Kennedy worked tirelessly to repel the Harlequins attack, while Paul McConnichie, Jason, Benny and Zippy gave their backs no room to move all day. As good as our defence was, the only reason we had to do so much was the number of drop balls and turnover balls we kept giving back to Quinns.


Eventually Benny crossed for a great team try and Paul converted to make a 7-0 halftime scoreline. Quinns continued where they left off at halftime and continually put pressure on us, but we'd learnt our lesson and started keeping possession and started creating our own pressure by fearless defence, causing them to panic, throw a loose pass and Eric swooped to intercept and run 75 metres to score under the posts and Paul converted- 14-0. Our forwards took control, with Tim lindsay, Morrissey, Jay and Craig Smith dominating possession allowing JK ,Cruika and Charlie to find gaps around the fringes and set up good second phase ball for the backs to dominate from. Special mention to Paul McConniche, playing only his second 2's game for an outstanding all round game. Great defence, great positional play, great running and passing game, along with a superb kicking game, kept us on top of the Quinns game through the second half. Great team tries to Zippy and Gerdus sealed our best performance so far this year against our best opponents so far as well. A gutsy, well deserved team win 26-0. Congratulations to Paul McConnichie 3pts, JK 2pts and Ben Hibell 1 pt.

Third Grade : Melbourne 39 Harlequins 5 Tries: Sam Bioletti 3, Hayden Rakich, Grant Forsyth, Mike Brown Goals: Sam Bioletti 3 Penalties: Sam Bioletti

Colts Green: Melbourne Green 0 Endeavour Hills 51 Ouch the score hurts!!!! the match was well contested but the Endeavour Hills backs and lose forwards caused havoc at every counter attack opportunity. the score does not reflect how well the Greens played for long periods of the game but this will not help if the defence does not tighten up!! outstanding performances from Ned Rohrt and Billy Stewart in the backs and Will Harms, Paul Rowe, Peter Wolan and Simon Kerr in the forwards. Also a mention for Eric Yelf on his debut for the Club who played well in the second row. With a number of injuries soon to be mended things will improve for the Greens and we look forward to maybe our first win in 2 weeks time after the this weeks break. moral is still good and the season is only just beginning!!! 3 points Ned Rohrt Bill Stewart 1 point Will Harms Simon Kerr Peter Wolan all played well and they can't be separated!!!

Colts Blue: Melbourne Blue 20 Souths 0 On a field that was highly deceptive, initially looking lush and green but being more like a swamp challenge in Man


vs. Wild, the Blues battled out a well deserved win. The pack dominated, pushing the Southern Districts forwards all over the place in the scrum and generally controlling the break down. Scott Ogilvy marshalled the pack well from 9 and the backline were able to work well even in the poor conditions. Boggy conditions made running hard work, but the backline were still able to make decisive breaks down the middle; Chris Ling, Teakan Otang and Charles Cowley all being fed some good ball from Ben Stokes. Great team support play enabled the Blues to maintain a lot of possession, create space and work our way up the field. A few chances were squandered on the opposition line, but with so much control of the match the Blues always looked like the team to win this one. Southern were limited in options due to the Blues dominance and were unable to use any of the weapons in their armoury. A dryer day may have seen more points on the board, but this game gave the Blues an opportunity to test themselves in poorer conditions which can eventuate toward the end of the season and although there was some scrappy play this was a good eye opener the side. Breakdown Score: Melb Blue 20 - 0 Southern Districts Tries: Ogilvy, Ling, Cowley and Calvi Pts : 3 Chalmers, 2 Ogilvy, 1 Cowley

Fourth Grade: Melbourne 15 Ballarat 20 Tries: Geoff Pyman, Wolverine Thacker, Chris Elderidge

Under 12: Melbourne 5 Wyndham City 55

Under 10 Blues: Melbourne v Endeavour Hills Best Player: Josh Canham Best Effort: Callum Johnson Tries: Laughlin Moeller It was a hard day at the office on Saturday for the mighty U10 Blues. They went up against Endeavour Hills who were a much bigger and more experienced side. But it should be made clear to all the boys that they showed great courage and perseverance. They kept their heads, played their positions and did well at the breakdowns. The boys are learning from each game and they are showing they know how to commit to their team mates when things got tough. As they focus more

on tackling low the boys will see their game continue to improve. Despite the size differential, several time the boys combined well to drive the large opposition pack off the ball. Of note there was some good work in tight from Nic, Rupert and Max. It is worth mentioning the high work rate from Josh, Ned, James N-B and Callum J. Callum in particular put in a great effort for his first game of Rugby. We again saw great breaks from Mad Dog Moeller, Bud and Steady. At the back of a ruck Hayden showed us some fancy foot work when ran wide into space and cleared the ball to Tom for a good attacking run. The focus this week against the Melbourne Greens will be tackling and one of the game trophies will be awarded to the Best Tackler.

Under 6/7 Green: Round 3 saw Melbourne Green play Maroondah. The final result saw the boys lose by 8 tries to 6. The negatives first. This was again a game they could easily have won but for missed tackles at crucial times. Letting 3 soft tries through effectively cost them the game. The boys need to be more dynamic and occasionally, particularly in the first half, lacked some intensity. Tackling bigger kids is much easier if you haven't allowed them to get to full pace before you attempt the tackle, so we need to work on building pressure and closing down spaces.

But there was plenty of good stuff as well. Increasingly the boys are playing with, and maintaining, really good structure. The second try scored in the second half,


finished off by Jack, came after 6 beautiful phases. The ball was cleaned out, moved along the line, cleaned out again, moved again until the relentless movement down the pitch resulted in the score. Fantastic - the best team try the boys have ever scored. Everyone was involved and doing their job well. When we move the ball wide, at pace and build our phases, the boys look unstoppable. Just have to stop the defensive lapses. A good all round performance - with Owen, Jensen and Rich now confirmed in the team we have a squad of 12, allowing some rotation. Jack, Max and Ben all attacked really well with the ball, Will, Owen and Oscar made some good yards around the fringes of the rucks and mauls. Jensen and Rich linked well with the backline and Ethan moved his backline around to take advantage of gaps in the defence, well served by Oscar from half-back.

Trophy winners this week were Chris for the amount of work he got through in the rucks and mauls, Angus who's attacking running and passing is improving every week and Shevon, who received the Best Team Player award. His attacking running was purposeful and on a number of occaisions he made try-saving tackles. Well done to the trophy winners and to all the boys for another improving performance.

Your newsletter wants your photos!

Email to : [email protected]

Saturday 15 May – Round 3 A beautiful morning greeted our weary U6, U7 and U8 junior players as we packed our lunch and passport and headed off to Eltham for round three on Saturday. U8 Gold v Harlequin - Won Sponsored by – Management Pty Ltd Eltham’s satnav coverage proved problematic for one ex Sydney family and they will welcome playing at home this week. Forced to play an under strength Harlequin side Gus was their best player in the first half and our coaching staff were concerned that the half time deficit would be too big to overcome. Brendon was great as captain this week excelling in both attack and defence and scored a couple of great tries. He is very fast. Angus and Tom M was strong on defence which forced more turnovers this week. Nicki demonstrated that he had been listening at training with a number of straight runs which rewarded him with a try. Harry has recognised that his future lays in the front row and barraged over for an excellent props try despite the touch rules. Lachlan, Tom M and Gus all through some long passes in the second half to create space for their team mates to score. Troy returned with plenty of vigour that comes form three weeks in Ireland and scored a nice try. Tom C finished off a number of strong runs with a coupe of great tries. This weeks points go to: 10 points - Cadbury's Cream Egg Trainer of the Week Thurs 13th May: Harry Saturday 15th May 10 points - Captain: Brendon 10 points - Playing for opposition: Gus & Tom M 5 points - Passing, running, supporting, tagging & scoring: Lachlan, Harry, Nicky, Angus, Tom C, Troy, and Finn M

Junior Update

UNICORN TALES

Junior’s Report The juniors host the VRU’s SE zone pathway competition this week for the U6 to U10 age groups. This will see us host 12 Walla and 10 Mini in addition to hosting Footscray U12 team. BBQ and drinks will be sold form 8:30 so everyone can ennjoy our delicious sausages, egg & bacon rolls and make sure you get a hot, heart-starting coffee! We appreciate the sponsorship from TRUeneStantins, and Management Advisors which will help to make this morning a fun day. TRUenergy Solar Solutions is offering a free, noobligation consultation for anyone interested in switching to solar. Solar hot water specialists can assess your needs, discuss budget and find the best solution for you, as well as assist you on government rebates. If you are interested contact TRUenergy Solar Solutions on 1800 043 836. Saturday 22 May – BBQ Roster 7:30 - 8:15am Setup - All 8:15 - 9:00am BBQ Operations - U5/6 parents9:00 - 9:45am BBQ Operations - U9/10 parents9:45 - 10:45am BBQ Operations - U8/7 parents9:45 - 11:30am BBQ Operations - U12 parents11:30am Hand over to senior BBQ committee The Club will provide all of the necessary equipment and produce to run the BBQ. Families just need to turn up and help operate the BBQ and sell the produce. It is a great feeling!

NickNickNickNick

Nick Farnan Junior Coordinator Season 2010

Orrong Park Development Fund Tax return time is upon us again and what better

Development Fund


The juniors host the VRU’s SE zone pathway competition this week for the U6 to U10 age groups.

rugby teams in addition to hosting Footscray U12 team.

BBQ and drinks will be sold form 8:30 so everyone can ennjoy our delicious sausages, egg & bacon rolls and

starting coffee!

We appreciate the sponsorship from TRUenergy, Stantins, and Management Advisors which will help to

TRUenergy Solar Solutions is offering a free, no-obligation consultation for anyone interested in switching to solar. Solar hot water specialists can

eds, discuss budget and find the best solution for you, as well as assist you on government rebates. If you are interested contact TRUenergy Solar

U5/6 parents U9/10 parents U8/7 parents U12 parents

Hand over to senior BBQ

The Club will provide all of the necessary equipment and produce to run the BBQ. Families just need to turn up and help operate the BBQ and sell the produce. It is

Tax return time is upon us again and what better

way to get a tax deductionRomanis Reserve and Orrong Park Development Fund via the Australian Sports Foundation. We are considering installing an electronic score board, won't that piss the visiting clubs off. Donation form attached below If paying by cheque don’t forget to make it payable to Australian Sports Foundation and write Project 203190 on the reverse and make sure you get payment in BEFORE 30 June. Any questions contact Owain Stone Treasurer on Phone: 03 8623 3410, Mobile: 0402 893 301 Email: [email protected]

SAT 5TH JUNE GREEK NIGHT Rd 7 vs MOORABBIN (H) SAT 19TH JUNE TRIVIA NIGHT Rd 8 vs BOX HILL (A) SAT 3RD JULY LADIES LUNCH Rd 10 vs POWERHOUSE (H) SAT 17TH JULY POKER NIGHT Rd 12 vs MELB UNI THURS 29TH JULY ALL BLACK WELCOME SAT 31ST JULY BLEDISLOE TEST Rd 14 vs MOORABBIN (A) SAT 18TH SEPTEMBER END OF TRIP TO PERTH FRI 8TH OCTOBER PRESENTATION NIGHT

Social Events

Welcome to Season 2010

tax deduction than to donate to the Romanis Reserve and Orrong Park Development Fund via the Australian Sports Foundation.

We are considering installing an electronic score board, won't that piss the visiting clubs off.

attached below.

cheque don’t forget to make it payable to Australian Sports Foundation and write Project 203190 on the reverse and make sure you get payment

Any questions contact Owain Stone Treasurer on

[email protected]

GREEK NIGHT Rd 7 vs MOORABBIN (H)

TRIVIA NIGHT Rd 8 vs BOX HILL (A)

LADIES LUNCH Rd 10 vs POWERHOUSE (H)

POKER NIGHT Rd 12 vs MELB UNI (A)

ALL BLACK WELCOME NIGHT

BLEDISLOE TEST Rd 14 vs MOORABBIN (A)

SEPTEMBER END OF SEASON TRIP TO PERTH

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Social Events


Documents

MRUFC Newsletter 152010 - Melbourne Rugbysecure.melbournerugby.com.au/sites/default/files/152010.pdfU12 State Rep Player – Tim Davis Congratulations to Tim Davis who has been selected