The boys may not have had a game on this weekend but they still walked away with an amazing victory on not one but two accounts. Saturday night was the Footylicious fundraiser at Slide where the boys and their supporters bannered together to put on a show that was second to none. Performers included Dance Fusion, C-Her (Deb Jackson) and her back up dancers the Convict Sailors (hot stuff as some of the boys strutted their stuff in a clearly well choreographed dance routine… nice one boys) and Maxi Shield of course kept us in stiches, in tears and in amazement with another one of her exceptional performances. It was a truly fantastic night with good times was had by all well into the evening. The night saw a very respectable amount of money being raised to help get the boys get to Hong Kong next month to play in the Kowloon Tens. A true team effort by players and supporters alike, well done to you all.
Sunday was the convicts annual Open Day where new players and supporters came to sign up and join the convict family. The day was a great success with over 50 people turning up. Many new faces were to be seen and all were embraced quickly by the convicts amazing spirit. It looks like there will be some great new talent on the field this year. The day saw an hour and a half of training followed by a BBQ and beers. A great finish to a great weekend.
The boys kicked of the season this year with brilliant exhibition of immense team spirit and comradeship when they competed in the annual national Bondi 10’s Challenge. The Bondi 10’s Challenge headed 24 of the top rugby teams and players from around Asia and Australia. The tournament rules allow only ten players a side compared to the normal 15 players a side resulting in matches which are fast, intense and brutal, leaving no room for error.
The team entered knowing it was going to be a tough competition especially given it was their first games of the season along with some of their key players out with injury. The Convicts played 5 games over 2 days and although they didn’t walk away with any wins coach Broni Mac commented “the score didn’t matter, the boys won as a club, they played with heart and conviction and put their bodies on the line, and that’s what rugby is all about”. Club president Charlie Winn further commented “even though we didn’t win games we all learnt a lot and it was brilliant to play against some of NSW best players”
Following the tournament the boys and supporters alike celebrated the night away at the tournaments after party. The bar was literally packed from wall to wall with buff rugby players which left every convict with a grin from ear to ear.
Sunday morning gave rise to Fair Day, the official launch of the Marti Gras Season. The day was a great success with the boys getting soaked in the Dunk a Hunk fundraiser along with winning back the title of Tug of War champions once again.
A big weekend to kick off a big season. Top work boys!
