We had a mixed start to the season.
The Bs started in fine form, scoring early tries against a much older and slower Port side. The game tightened in the second half, as Port's experience came to the fore. Nevertheless, the Bs retained their composure and defended well late in the game, to finish 22-15 winners. Axel Sonnenburg, Max Douglass and John Mangira all scored long-range tries, and Seb Amodeo scored 2 conversions and a penalty.
The As were not so fortunate, and came up against a very fired up Port team, determined to demomstrate its Premier Grade credentials. Port started the game fast and hard, and scored a series of early tries to set up a dominant 45-7 lead by half time. Leading from the front with his usual strong running, Bron Lett scored a try for Uni shortly before half time. The second half was a different story, with Uni playing with more confidence, and eventually Max Douglass scored in the corner late in the game, after a raking 60 metre run, to make the final score 55-12. Max achieved a rare distinction in his first appearances for the club, scoring tries for both the Bs and the As. Welcome to the Club Max!
Whilst the scoreline was not flattering to the As, the second half rally gives Uni supporters confidence that much better performance from the boys are not far away, and it will be a determined Uni squad that heads to Barossa tomorrow.
Due to changes to the draw, most junior teams had a bye in the first round, although the Under 7s enjoyed their first hit out, and some of the other younger age players attended a coaching clinic organised by Rugby Union SA.
Away games this weekend
Senior games are against Barossa at Lyndoch - with games times 2pm (Bs) and 3.20pm (As). It's always a good day at Barossa, so we hope to see a good contingent of supporters making the drive.
New Lights
Work has now commenced on the lighting project.
Sponsor news: Pirate Life
The range of Pirate Life brews available from the bar has already proved immensely popular. Here's a bit more information about our new sponsor:
"Pirate Life was founded on the ideals of the Pirates of old: do what you want, when you want, wherever you want. Our beers are fresh, hoppy and full flavoured, brewed that way because these are the beers we like to drink, and that approach has resonated with the public. Good beer plays a big part in enriching our lives and that’s something we want to share with anybody’s nose and taste-buds that are willing to tune in."
2018 Draw
The 2018 Home Game Schedule for the rest of the season follows, with our senior opponents listed in brackets:
12 May (Elizabeth)
26 May (Barossa)
16 June (Port)
30 June (Elizabeth)
21 July (Barossa)
4 August (Port)
18 August (Elizabeth)
Junior home games will be held on the same day as senior home games listed above.
Training nights
Training nights are as follows:
Monday: Seniors, Romas
Tuesday: Juniors
Wednesday: Romas
Thursday: Seniors, Juniors
Friday: Romas
Senior training commences at 6.30pm sharp, with an 8pm finish.
The Bar is open on Thursday nights until around 9pm. All our welcome to drop by, have an ale or two, catch up with old friends, and find out about what is happening around the Club!
Volunteers wanted!
The Club runs on its volunteers.
We are especially looking for a video cameraman, to record both senior games every weekend. This is an important role, which for many years has been ably filled by Janice Knight. We now need to find someone else to take on the role. It doesn't need to be commercial tv quality - but the videos are important, both for coaching purposes, but also to have a video record of any on-field disciplinary incidents. Anyone who is willing to take this on, please let Jim McMillan know as a matter of urgency - 0417 476 982 or by email at jmcmillan@murraychambers.com.au
If you want to get involved for the 2018 season in any capacity, your help will be greatly appreciated. Volunteer roles span the full spectrum of the Club's activities, but we especially need help for match days, with running the BBQ and the bar, and ground setup and packup. Let Nick O'Brien (nickhob@hotmail.com), Vikki Chave (vikkichave71@gmail.com) or Jim McMillan (jmcmillan@murraychambers.com.au) know if you can help out in any capacity.
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