Scorers: Simon Samu (2 trys), Matt Strik(1 try), Ben Potaka (1 try),
Brent Maguire (1 conversion), Shane Wahl (1 conversion)
Player of the Day: Matt Strik
Swede Caroline: James O'Brien (feeding the pitch with Friday's dinner
@ half-time)
Injuries: John Brown (chipped knuckle bone on index finger - 2-3 weeks,
James O'Brien - wrenched knee)
It
was the third game this season for which we have conceded over 50pts
in a game. This game however produced a flattering result given we have
been severely restricted to player numbers due to serious injuries,
and thankful for the successes of recruiting and securing 35 players
at the commencement of competition games. This dilemma has provided
a few 'positives' with abundance of forwards being rewarded(?) with
the opportunity to play in the backs...hence now converted a prop to
2nd-five to 'crash-it-up'. We shall soon see the return of Jamie, Dennis,
Chip, Soft, Matt O, Danksy, Graham, Moo-dog, All Hill and co from these
injuries the next round will surprise the opposition. Keep up the mid
week exercise, and continue to enjoy the game on the Saturday.
A
mention to the efforts of last Saturdays team. Of which players rotated
on/off even with contact injuries 'brave' and committed. Given we were
leading 12 - 0 in the first 10 minutes. Our game broke down with succession
of injuries disrupting the scoring momentum and dropping off the defensive
tackles in our 'temp backs. Possession was equal, we were also dominant
in being in the oppositions 22 for greater periods, however quick turnovers
and charging running at our mid-field defences results in their speed
on the wings to score out wide.
NOTE:
Dennis will take-over Managem-AMNT in my absence (mid year holiday -
Melbourne) over the next fortnight. Expect tough competition against
Orries and Johnsonville.However I expect wins the return of several
players from injury, flu,holidays & other commitments to provide
a better all-round performing ANT Team!!
Result: Dead Ants lose toe Pink Ginners 58 - 0
Scorers: nil
Player-of-the Day: Matt Carter - busting middle field breaks
Swede Caroline: Oscar (mis-diagnosis of two dislocated fingers)
Injuries: Stu Turnball - crucial/medial ligaments 4 -6 weeks, Simon
Samu - dislocated finger 3 weeks)
Managers
Memo
Beaten by a training team! Mercy shown by the ref to end the match in
the 63rd minute.
Praise
again to our forward pack, including the adaptable Greg Danks playing
fullback! Graham Bundle on the wing. Jeremy played a committed game
displaying a high work rate, and superior level of fitness to any other
player from both teams. Simon & Greg covering tackles when out numbered
on defence. Gerry aptly slotting in at 1st five on short notice...standout
individual performers.
Obviously
a busy weekend for others and apologies received and accepted, but will
require more than 16 fit players each week to beat the Ginners next
time!
Managers
Memo - Sat, 24th May 2003
Result: North's Surfie defaulted to Dead Ants
Bloody
shame that we were defaulted (informed late Saturday morning) to by
a team who has successful thrashed every other team at their Onepoto
Domain...but such is their fear for travelling onto the home of OBU
Social Grade Rugby - Kelburn Park. Note: the unfortunate few who decided
to turn up for a 'trot' would agree at the perfect conditions on Saturday
to extend the ANT's current good form (max. points from first competition
game).
Again
a gathering after the game(?) at the Cambridge to watch the ALL Black
trials. Congrats to the sole Dorklander in the ANTS - Nick' Moodog'
Moody for displaying the new found loyalty in his Team. For those present
that evening it was even harder later to digest the result that the
Crusaders had lost by also attempting to 'gullet' with Mark, Danksy
& Nick a KFC 'Mega-feed'.
Still
awaiting subs for the resistant few!! Return email to myself if you
wish to confess and with reason....I'll then re-send our bank account
details.
cheers
Oscar
MANAGERS
MEMO
Result: Dead Ants victorious 31 - 27 vs. Para-Plim
Scorers: Kyle Arnold (2 Tries) Matt Archibald (1 try) Dennis Rodgers
(1 try) Jamie Brundell (1 try, and 3 conversions).
Player of the Day: Andy Marriot
Swede-Caroline: Kyle Arnold (broke early at attempted charge down of
a conversion.....by whole 22yards!)
Injuries: Chip ('twinged' hamstring - 1-2 weeks), Kyle (concussion -
3 weeks standown), Comb (Head/neck - ? weeks).
...even
the after-match beer (warm 'Lion Brown') tasted sweet of victory.
Great
spirited effort by both teams, in which both teams played fair and enjoyable
'social' grade football. A game to which the benefits to the team are
greater than the result, but the way in which we played as a team to
win on the whistle with a 80 metre try to Kyle!! The return of Soft
gave direction/and decisiveness to Dennis to then provide attacking
opportunities for Simon, Kyle, Jamie and Ben.
Combinations
are coming together with the loose-forwards with adaptability of new
players being acceptable(?) to new positions (out-of-position). Honest
work-rate from debut-ANTS Ian Riley and Johno Brown whom responded from
the encouragement of the sideline supporters. Encouraged by the size/speed
of Shane, Nick Moody and Andy Marriot both in cover defence and support
play at attacking rucks zone. Special praise for brave tackle efforts
by Greg Danks and Simon Samu.
Our
recruitment campaign has been successful, and encourage ALL Players
to keep up your mid week training/recovery (rehab).
Again
to re-iterate my thanks expressed on Saturday for the prompt payment
of Players subs and jerseys. We can now concentrate on establishing
game-plans for possible RURU Shield challenge at the conclusion of this
season?
Managers Memo (vs North's Surfies)
Dead Ants vs. North's Surfies, 3pm - Sat, 10th May @ Onepoto Domain.
We
were well beaten by a bloody well 'practiced' team. Pretzyl (OBU Club
Captain) almost 'hit-the-roof' when we told him that our game was called
off 20 minutes early?.....he was somewhat jaded after a week of meetings/documentation
with efforts to ensure our current (prior) complaints of social grade
conduct was TRULY heeded by the WRFU!.....but a wry-smile emerged from
Pretzyl, that the referee had accepted our submission prior to the scoreline
became farcical..realistically heading towards the 'ton'!.
Good
aspects from the game was we won the last-half of the first half (or
is that middle third of 60 minutes total?) with our only assertive period
of attack, resulting in a seething run from Jamie from a set play. Chip
continued a golden period with the boot converting out wide. Also the
spirit of the Players & Supporters encourage each-other to enjoy
the game. Dennis and myself, have discussed the impact to the frequent
Player changes throughout the game, and this shall continue as we firmly
establish the team numbers for the season. I hope Shane's 'Dog' rib
injury will recover, as with Ben's (Collar Bone), Jeremy (Fractured
Jaw) Pere's & Kyle's (Carpal Bones), Murray & Manly-Jack (Knee's).....and
putting to 'rest' the season opening grading (hunting) games behind
us. Ray & our fellow Supporters say we have a makings of real great
bunch-of-guys for the rest of the 2003 season.
To
those who went down to the Cambridge on Saturday evening, cheers for
the hangover....and awoken f***** early for Mothers day by the kids!!
All I can remember was that we put the 69-ers to shame with our own
consumption efforts!! YES, we doubled the previous record of stacking
the jugs to the ceiling, previously held by the '1997 Ruru Team' This
power session was anchored by Matt O, Muzza, Jamie, John, Julia, Stu,
Graham, Kurt, Ben, Ben and co.
Other
News: GREAT NEWS - Dennis and Giselle announce they are due their first
baby in November. I know there are a few lads who will also be observing
the breast feeding activities. Congratulation to you both!
JERSEYS - Please confirm by email to myself no later than Friday, this
week!! your jersey size, Number, and nickname (reasons to be explained
also?). Remember the initial cost is $125 with the personal assurance
that you will be refunded up to $60 once we receive our OBU contribution.
This will be our
current style top, log, black lace-up, green with black padded shoulders.
REALITY TV - Tonight, Monday 8.35pm, TV1, Dave & Ruth Prentice (Dead
Ant - Centre) displays parental skill worthy of the nationwide TV....'an
the award for best behaved millennium son (plus older sister?'...Ben
Prentice.
cheers
Oscar
Managers
Memo dated 05 May 2003
Dead Ants vs. Stokes Valley, 3rd May @ Nairnville Park.
Result: Loss 22 -23 (half time 5 - 3)
Points: Steve Rodgers (1 try, 1 penalty, 1 conversion), Dennis Rodgers
1 x penalty Player of the Day: Steve 'Chip' Rodgers. Injuries: Ben Rapson
(Broken Collar-bone 6 wks) & Kurt Gross (teeth-thru Lip 1 -2 weeks).
Officials Pere Linesman & Ray 'Reliable' Waterboy
Given that we fairly lead 13-10 with 10min till the last round 'corner-bell'
rung...the final result was a an overstatement. We were is summary 'battered'
off the ball and cumulatively this left our back defensive line 'fragile'....we
certainly muscled-up in the forwards.
Thanks to the guys for the display of respect for Dennis to resolve
with the 'vulnerable (weak) referee and Scroats Valley captain of matters
which resulted in only 2 of their players in the bin!! Also the solidarity
when then on-the-ball scuffles ensued. Endorse Nick Moody comments after
the match that the only loss today was the gene pool. We move on from
this game comforted that that leaves only Poneke and Ories to front-up
and sustain composure in what should be (and previously was) a Social
weekend game-of-code!
To the virgin ANTS (Matt - No.8, Mark & James - Flankers, Nick &
Rob - Locks) ...much appreciated your enthusiasm and commitment to enjoying
both on/off the field ANT-ics. No doubt you sense the ability and potential
of fellow Players (both the ole-guard, and recent-ANTS) to play 'speights-like'
code. The ole-guard welcomed the ability to substitute or observe from
the side-line (Hamish Stallworthy, Singe, Crossy, Steve Joll & Quintin)
or the player veterans (Matt O, Will, Comb, Matt Mahi)...been a while
since we've had 10 reserves eager to be thrown in the Stokes Valley
'Slam Competition'. Lets not fall away and continue with necessary recruitm-ANT
for players and Supporters (great to see and hear from Saturdays sidelines
Mel, Erica, Giselle and our team 'Photographer' Debs.
Other News Dead Ant Committee Meeting - all welcome, 6pm 'Cambridge
Hotel, Cambridge Tce Tues 6th May. Simon 'Stealth' Winstanley off to
A%#&-land (shame cos he's a Naki boy too!) by the end of May. Special
thanks for body-n-all efforts on the paddock and heaps of free after-match
beverages over the last 3 years...and mostly speights! ...yawl be back
mate & take care..
cheers Oscar
Managers
Memo dated 29th April 2003
Hi
Guys,
Welcome to (Recruit-ANTS) Nick Moody, Robbie Fryer, Craig Howard, Stu
Jacob, Ben Rapson, Jamie Brundell, Stu Turnball & mates (Phil Lucy
& Seam Mck).
COMPETITION GAMES The WRFU has arranged for 3 divisions of 7 social
grade teams over the 2003 season. Dutifully we have a BYE for Sat, 3rd
May arranged?...NOT!
I have arranged a non-competition game of 35min each between Hammers
& 69-ers this Saturday (I shall confirm grounds and time later this
week), so please disinfect the mouthguard after your 3-week break.
I want a full-team turn-out this Saturday (apologies can be sent via
email to myself). I can confirm that we have a squad of 32 players (of
which 5 are unavailable due to injury). Given that there has been a
change-in-guard of retire-ANTS, important that we take this playing
opportunity to re-acquaint/induct the player-mixes youth-size-abilities....cos
by the start June, we the Managem-ANT will be in a position to confirm
suitability for the challenge for the RURU Shield (held by the DT's
still!).
OTHER NEWS Subs now due - $100 (bring this Saturday). Cheques to 'Dead
Ants Rugby' these can be mailed (please confirm by email) to No.59 Waikowhai
St, Ngaio or received by Chip, Comb or myself. For the new players commerce
act applies?...1-months free trial? I can also collect at the Cambridge
that evening..ATM outside! New Jerseys - no progress to report. Status
still being processed by lotteries commission, then await distribution
of funds from OBU (Steve Robertson). Expect funds <$1800 prior to
14th May. Singe to arrange 'design' and purchase. I got engaged to Tracey
just prior to the 'last-post'...irony?
cheers Oscar Home - 977 1828
Dead Ants vs. Johnsonville Cripples (Sat, 12th 3pm @ Alex Moore Park)
Lost 40+ vs.10
Halftime
18 - 0 Fulltime 40+ - 15 Scorers: Tries Simon Samu (1), Ben 'Tex' Poteki
(1) Injury: Pere Rodgers (broken 3 & 4 Carpal bone - poss. rest
of season as a 'Supporter'?). Player-of-the-Day - Jamie Brundell (Debut-ANT)
Swede Caroline - Steve Joll (prior weeks recipi-ANT)
The conclusion of our two grading games, will justify our placement
in the proposed Reserve Grade - Division two with 10 other social grade
clubs (probably including Teddy Queers, Yardies, and Hammers - to be
confirmed prior to Anzac Day). A significant improvement in application
to skill and enjoyment in this game in comparison to previous HOBM match.
Commitment to play out the final quarter with only 13 men was testament
to character on the Dead Ants....and the 'Cripples' could not capitalise
on shortage of numbers out wide. Our forward pack was able to contest
at scrums/lineout & 'penalty' set plays. The Cripples have one Reserve
3 - Division 2/3 for the last 2 years (mostly youth/ex-Prems & they
train up to twice-a-week). A 9/10 for commitment to effort, and a 6/10
for skills and 'variety'.
Notes of interest. Ben Poteki's 40 metre dash!...this only Bens second
game back after breaking his ankle early last year, bloody good effort
in your rehab! Will Neal playing in his 40th year as a 'Openside Flanker'
could and should! Steve Jolls recruitment of Ben and Jamie...welcomed
humour and jibes both on/off the paddock (damn good skills displayed
too). Shane Wahl, playing lock and running down the winger twice for
try-saving tackles...justified Rookie-of-the-Year 2002. Tight-five of
Andy Simms, Johnny Cable, Matty O, Comb and Shane were equal in attack
+ defence (no soft tries through the fatmans track, which is different
than Wayne Jones). Adaptability to new positions (virgins!) and willingness
to try and performed by Murray (First-five), Gerry (First-five, Lock,
& Flanker). Graham Bundle played-on with a corked thigh still able
to run to the breakdowns.
Our points were scored by the backs, whom have muscled up to sizeable
opposition in each of the last two weeks. Each of our seasons 5 tries
have been scored out wide, which is testament of the Rodgers clan to
distributing the ball to our wingers, and a running game away from the
slower ruck/mauls.. will miss Pere's fitness and strength. With Chip/Kurt
to return to bolster/support Dennis and his captains displayed attributes.
SUBS NOW DUE: (prior to Sat, 3rd May) - (nag..nag..nag for a weeee while)
payment of $100 subs received from Kurt, Comb, Matty O, Oscar, &
Jerry Maguire.
PLAYER RECRUITMENT: - We need yet more 'committed' players, given our
run of injuries, we need to call up those recruited (shown interest)
players...were art there.....Craig Howard, Tim Upton, Robbie Fryer,
and Stu. You just don't/wouldn't want to rely on the Managers skills
and size to make up 15 players...cos I'm shit and feel like shit on
Sunday! (not alcohol induced either).
APPRECIATE SIDELINE SUPPORT: Nice to see your partners and mates meeting
up prior and after the match. A hello to John Cables wife Julia, Tristan,
Singe, Manly Jack, and 'Shieldsey' & Harrison. Also timely water
from recently married Mr Ray Tidy!! (& Claire).
Managers
Memo (Game No.1 - HOBM)
Dead Ants vs. HOBM, Macalister No.2 @ 3pm
Lost 38 -10
Scorers
- Kyle Arnold,
A
'Welcome' to new players John Cable (Prop), Phil Lucy (Full Back), Murray
Wylde (Half Back) thanks again for team loyalty from 'mature' Ants Chip,
Dennis, Pere, Matty O, Sean McKenzie, Jeremy Gardiner, Comb and Kurt-ly.
Also big cheers for the 'Reli-ANT' of Tex, Danksy, Graeme Bundle, Shane
Wahl, Gerry Maguire, Kyle Arnold, and Ben Gardiner. Choice to see a
reliable 'Water-boy in Ray Tidy, Coach - Clint, Stats-man - Erin Palmer
+ Ant-ettes and Supporters.......good effort for what ended up a rumble-in-the-jungle
game?!
Our
game plan was 1) to avoid the contact areas, by moving ball quicker
than the HOBM 'taro-guts' could position themselves in defence 2) Defensive
tackling that stopped the opposition at the advantage line by low tackle-body
positioning 3) reaquaint and introduce each other as a team for what
was only a grading game. Result our game plan was 'unsuccessful' which
reflected in the LOSING margin. Reliance on our lighter inside backs/Flankers
was nulled by reckless and dangerous tactics by the 'Tree-Climbers'.
Chip/Pere and Dennis were obstructed off the ball, challenged late,
and little room by blatant offside opposition. In the previous 4 encounters
with these 'Chumps' has resulted in 2 games being abandoned due to there
aggressive style of play. This time this has result in 80 minutes of
code and Sean plus Jeremy sustaining 'painful' injuries (rupture shoulder
ligament & multiple teeth 'dislodged' respectively). However the
match result was appropriate, and irrelevant as we are already graded
to play in Reserve 3. Also as we form a more structure team unit with
further availability of absent players/ new players absent. The reliance
to sustaining a barrage of shoulder-charges and killing-the-rucks will
be less frequent to abuse by the opposition. Due our superior fitness,
variety of players, open style with speed and nimbleness. Dennis as
the Team Captain will ably assist Clint with developing other players
rugby skills i.e the basics - passing, tackling and support play!
On a ole fashioned 'OSCAR' (pissed off) note. Old Boys University Social
Team Committee had worked hard over the summer evolving a 'Code-of-Conduct'
(want each Player to read and sign by end of April!!). Only to witness
again weekend THUGGERY displayed by HOBM!!! Both Sean and Jeremy have
injuries that will require upto 1 month (maybe more!!) recovery due
to illegal tackles buy this ill discipline and 'uneducated' players
(only 1 of their players sent off, penalty count and stoppages by Referee
to their Captain ...too many! Witnessing this from the side-line is
frustrating, I appreciate the discipline displayed by our players during
the many Dead Ant injury stoppages!! We play fair and for team pride,
our team goals are published in the 'OBU Code-of-Conduct'.
On a more appropriate note. Matty O was voted player of the day with
a very convincing display at Tight-head prop which able supported his
loose-forward defence as well!!. Manly-Jack (Mr Joll) voted 'Swede Caroline
award for an effort for despite his many efforts as a winger to score...well?
were available (speed, ability to positioned and passed to) other than
the possessing a 5-thumbed display that even Chris Cairns would be proud..chip
up dude!!
Administrative efforts well underway with sub to be payable to Comb,
Chip or myself - $100 for Players, $50 Associates. Payer Registration
forms collected (Vigilant as ACC indicated they will take a test-case
against WRFU this season...no forms, no reimbursement of medical expenses
etc). Lisa Rodgers surveyed our new 'Hotellier-of-Choice', The Cambridge!.......marginally
adequate for the little tots, but democracy rules and the 'ayes have
voted'. After-match efforts included large platters of FREE food (just
enough for Matty O to chew through) and jugs (YES!!) of beers. Appreciative
to our near secured deal for $1500 subsidisation of team expenses i.e
subs, beers, and social facilities.