The first trial matches were played this weekend against Waverly College and Oakley. The boys hit the field at Rodney Reserve in Dover Heights on what must be one of the most scenic fields around. The field is on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, which I can tell you made all the difference. It was a stinking hot day, the first game was on just after midday, so the sun was blaring down in all its glory. The cool ocean breeze was a god send. But still the sweat poured as the boys hit it up for two 40 minute games.

What are trial matches you may ask..? Trial matches are held for the first few weeks prior to the first match of the season. Trial matches don’t contribute points towards the actual season, rather they give coaches a chance to move players around into different positions to see who’s best suited to which position and to sort the players out into the different grades or teams. So it was a bit of mish mash of a game this weekend with payers being swapped all over the shop throughout the game.

The convicts are fielding two teams this year as they have in previous years. Generally speaking the 1st team will field the more experienced players and normally play in a higher grade of rugby than the 2nd team. However some experienced players do opt to play for the 2nd team to help support the new and upcoming players and to ensure the team is still a strong and competitive team. There was plenty of new talent on the field this weekend so it will be interesting to wait and see who will play where. It looks like some of the boys could have a run for their money in securing their position as the new boys try to nudge their way in.