They were early games yesterday though the sun was out and the heat was going to contribute to the game. The first game up was the firsts vs UNSW. The Convicts burst out of the blocks and were pressuring the UNSW’s line in the first minute - we were really getting some great momentum around the rucks and mauls. Steve was in fine form with a number of runs and he was rewarded with the try following a fend and stretched place under the posts - Charles converted.

UNSW seemed to wake up a bit at this time and came back into the game - they realised that the Convicts backs were causing havoc and decided the only way was through our forwards. This went on for about the next 10 minutes with the Convicts showing some brilliant hard work to defend the big forwards. Though eventually the pressure built and they scored on the blindside following a scrum.

However within 2 minutes of the restart Charles made a brilliant break, Gus trailing as usual in support and teh ball was recycled quickly and back out with Levi drawing and cutting again to Charles who scored and also converted his own try. Half time score 12-5.

The talk at half time was about not letting off and ensuring the win was convincing, knowing that UNSW would come back if we game them an inch. The Convicts did exactly that and the tight forwards were really doing great work, Andy Taylor and Duncan McGregor in particular casuing UNSW headaches in close - Duncan tackling himself to a standstill (getting the weekly black eye again) while Andy’s pick and drives and general ‘backrow’ work fantastic. At a point when UNSW were trying to use their backs, Charles did the old Matt V trick of intercepting and ran 60m to score under the posts. Charles converted his own try. Craig (Smurf had been relishing his return from injury with a great game at the base of the ruck - giving Levi good space to execute well the kicking game that he has close to perfected this year. Twice Levi used the short chip to turn the big UNSW forwards around while confusing their backs.

To top off the day Charles ran in for his third try and the Convicts forth - to have the final score 24-5. A convincing and great win after some agonising close losses recently.
Coaches Points:
Charles Gregory 3;
Quilkey (Smurf) 2;
Duncan McGregor & Andy Taylor 1

The Convicts seconds were up against Mosman who have had a great season…I might just skip to the second half as Mosman really dominated the first scoring about 5 ties to nill. However the impassioned speach at half time by Coach Breezy reminding the players this was the last game of the season for the team (firsts have one more game next weekend) and asking the team to all dig deep and find the Convicts spirit inside. This obviously had an effect and the team played with passion and purpose and there were some great runs from fullback by Damian and Chris Rowe and a mighty effort from Marty while no one could stop Marcel in which ever position he played and was given the well deserved coaches points. Mosman only were able to score one try in the dying seconds of the game - a brililant second half by the Convicts.

Coaches Points
Marcel 3;
Marty 2;
Chris Rowe & Damian 1

Note:
- At the end of this email is a great email from the Waverly captain after last week’s games. This is the type of reputation that the Convicts are proud to have. Thank you everyone for creating a club that has this reputation.
- Rugger Bugger 54: tickets are on Sale now see Kevin Perry and Greg Holmes and get your FRIENDS there (forward the Facebook event at the least. 5 people each there!)
- For those of you who have heard of Perez Hilton the blogger, we’ve been mentioned there. See http://perezhilton.com/2009-08-21-australian-rugby-stars-stand-up-against-homophobia. I believe this site has over 10 million unique visitors a month.
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EMAIL BELOW

Dear Charlie,

On behalf of Waverley 5th Grade, thanks again for the beers in the Convicts clubhouse following last Saturday’s games.

We appreciate the good spirit in which the Convicts always play- bloody tough and fierce, but fair and good sports too! Our website this week has a 5A match report indicating the respect we hold for every game we play against the Convicts.

Good luck to all of your players for the remainder of the season, and we hope that the Convicts will accept Waverley’s offer of drinks at our bowling club in a Waverley home game next season.

Sincerely

Dave Whetton
Waverley 5A halfback/captain