Hey Guys,

Another really positive weekend for the Convicts. We had our first away games where the teams were separated and a good turn up for the seconds was shown on the score board at half time with a 7-7 half time score. It was great to see Chris Lesa back plus I think we may have had our first brothers play together in a team (Matt Barnes’ brother). A little misscommunication after half time saw only 14 players take to the field but that was sorted out after a scrum or two. Macquarie Uni put on a couple of tries but a great gutsy game.

The first’s went out to the Hills and had another great solid win. At half time with only 2 tries scored there was a lot of talk about keeping the structure to the game, this happened which saw some fantastic team and individual tries. Good games to Josh who was calm under pressure and some great kicks and defence while Lukie’s brilliant chip, chase, kick forward, re-gather and score was worth the trip up the M2 - but Jay not to be out done then broke up the right flank and decided that a fend to the poor unsuspecting full back was the way to get through…and he was right. the full back was face down as Jay crossed over the line. This was after the Convicts front row had dominated Hills to the extent that the Convicts were winning more from Hill’s feed than Hill’s were. A tight head resulted in Jayson’s try while Lukie and Jay scored anotehr one each plus James’ early try from a grubber in behind the defence rounded out the 6 tries. More points than were available to hand out were given out but the 3 Points went to the Front Row (Aki, Jumbo & Charlie). 2 points to Gus & Aron “big Girl” and 1 point to Lukie & James. Final score of 34-0.

Player Availability
Inform your managers NOW if you aren’t available this weekend! The managers contact details have been in the last 3 weekly emails. ALSO if you’re injured that doesn’t mean you just have a weekend off rugby - make sure you’re getting down and supporting your club and team. Also it is great if the players from each team can get down and support the other team, run water, run the line and just support/help out the Manager (it isn’t the Manager’s job to do everything, it is his job to organise & ensure things are done).

Games this weekend:
2nds Vs Petersham @ Camperdown Oval, Mallet St. Players there for 8:45 (9:45 Kick-off)
1st Vs UNSW @ David Phillips Oval, Dalmeny Ave, Roseberry. Players there for midday (1PM kick-off)

Rugger Bugger XI
The date for RBXI is locked in for May 29th at the Shift. So keep that night free (some of you will be in the show - it is a priviledge to be asked) and make sure get all your friends, ex shags and aquintances down.

Bingham Cup Tour:
Newsletter & update this week. Look out for the next newsletter, it will require you to provide additional information via a survey.

Contact Duncan, myself or anyone on the Committee if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Charlie
President

Hey Guys,

NOTE:
- Tuesday fitness is ON next week even though I said it wasn’t yesterday
- SUBS (membership fee’s) are DUE please pay ASAP

Game Review
Another good hitout on the weekend, i’m gonna get sick of saying that but it’s oh so true. Experience won out in the second half of the seconds game but what a gutsy effort to take to the Colleagues. To give up the first try early and then not only hold out the half but get one back to into the break 5-5… BRAVO!!! notably it wasn’t a game of individuals but it’s hard not to mention some great kicking and the try to Joshy, big Erik bringing out the solid hits and good work from Mark in the centres. The whole team lifted and there was no shortage of bodies on the line. Well done boys, brings a tear to my eye seeing guys only just taking up the game show everything we hold so dear about rugby. Final Score: Colleagues won 5-25

Ok, enough gushing, the good form continued with another strong showing from the firsts. In a year where mental approach and ‘playing the full 80′ is key it’s great to see us not only take down the top two teams from last years Halligan but blank them both. holding true to our ethics of giving up nothing for free and starting the game hard, the Mossy boys were beaten in the first 5 minutes with phase after phase threatening to breach the half way but getting nowhere. Another 3 points to James was well deserved and a HUGE shout out has to go the the whole pack who smashed… nay, abused the strongest scrum of last year. And thus, we shall all stand and applaud Fez, Jumbo, Aki and some other guy… there I go getting emotional again. Final Score: Convicts 29-0

Great effort all round boys, the wheel keeps rolling on…..
(Steve T)

Games this weekend
There are currently 2 games scheduled for this weekend as the Managers have not heard from that many that can’t play. If you can’t - INFORM your manager now as we may have to cancel a game if we don’t have the numbers.

Convicts Seconds Vs Macquarie Uni:
Players there for midday (kick off 1PM)
Macquarie Uni Playing fields (Corner of Talavera & Culloden Roads North Ryde)

Convicts Firsts Vs Hills:
Players there for 1PM (kick off 2PM)
At YATTENDEN OVAL, John Street, BAULKHAM HILLS

Bingham Cup 2010
The next newsletter will be sent out this week and we are so pleased to announce that Chris Waring will be stepping up and taking on the Tour Manager role - this is a critical role to ensuring the tour runs well. He will be assisted in Sydney by Brad Rossiter and in Minneapolis by Brett Barakat (lots of the old school will remember Brett from POOFTA). thank you guys - your help is truly appreciated.

Note: - The club will be purchasing insurance for the trips and will be part of the reimbursements. If you have any questions please ask Duncan or myself.
- There are still major prize draw books available from Simon T.

Contact anyone on the Committee if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Charlie
President

Hi All,

Well the season is officially underway, the countdown to Bingham is that one step closer. Firstly, what a great weekend for all those who have popped thier cherry and are now fully fledged Convicts, well done boys. There was a mixed bag of results on the field and a not so mixed bag as far as the commitment and effort shown by all on the day.

With the two’s taking on a strong Waverley side and trying to form the positions in the team at the same time, it was a day to dig deep. Most pleasingly the two’s did just that and stuck it to the Waves with strong forward play, taking space and rucking making for a great platform to develop in the weeks to come. The coveted plate beckons and it’s good to see that we’re on the way to reclaiming the prized posession. A mention needs to go to the forwards as a whole, particularly Aki who gets the hit of the round award.

And with the platform set, it was up to the One’s to bring it home, and under the guidance of James the machine kicked into gear. With a structure to the play that was quite positive for the first game of the season, it was more reason to be pleased. Running in 5 tries to zip and blanking Waverley sets up the season and the run into the Cup. Again the forwards set up a big platform, which was well taken advantage of by the backs, particularly Big (bird) girl and Jay in the midfield.

So the wheel has started turning, well done to all and lets look forward to training and working on those elements to get us to where we need to be.

Weekend’s Games
Convicts 2nds Vs Colleagues
Kick-Off 1:30PM (Players there for 12:30PM)

Convicts 1sts Vs Mosman (last year’s winner of the Halligan Cup)
Kick-Off 2:30PM (Players there for 2nds kick-off at 1:30PM)
Major Prize Draw:
Books will be available at Thusday’s training for you to raise your own funds for the tour - speak to Simon Thompson or Paul Wild. Make sure you return your stubs.

Bingham Cup
With only There will be an update/newsletter in the next week or so this will outline details on insurance, accomodation and registration. If you intend on coming and haven’t filled in the survey OR don’t have your flights sorted out then please contact Duncan or myself ASAP.

Upcoming Events
- Anzac weekend there WILL be a game or a training session
- Back to Convicts Day probably on the first weekend in May (TBC)
- Rugger Bugger XI is on 29th May

Contact Duncan, myself or anyone on the Committee if you have any questions.

Cheers,

Charlie
President

Hey Guys,

The Convicts rugby season kick’s off this weekend and we have back-to-back games at Waverly - so please come on down and support us. Game details below.

GAME
Convicts 2 Vs Waverly S
Kick-off: 12:30PM
Waverly Oval #2 (Waverly Park, Birrell Street, Waverly)
Players there for 11:30AM

Convicts 1 Vs Waverly
Kick-off 1:30PM
Waverly Oval #2 (Waverly Park, Birrell Street, Waverly)

Jobs for the boys:
Guys we do have a couple of guys looking for jobs and if you could help that would be fantastic. There are two guys, one is in politics (worked more non-labor) and the second is looking for landscaping/home renovating (outdoors). If you can help please contact me and I can provide more back-ground/CV’s and introductions as needed.

Looking for somewhere to watch Super14 this Saturday?
Colleagues (our parent club) have a great new sponsor (Royal Oak Hotel in Double Bay) and this Saturday is their Season Launch from 7PM. There’s cheap beer, cheap feeds, DJ, $20 4 hr champers package for girls and waratahs and brumbies games live.

ACON Focus Groups
The Convicts and ACON work closely together so when they have something like these focus groups - we promote it: Researchers would like to talk with sexually active gay guys of all ages, backgrounds and regardless of status to discuss some advertising. Two focus groups are being held:

Session 1
When: Tuesday 13th April
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Session 2
When: Tuesday 13th April
Time:7.00pm - 8.00pm

Where: ACON, 9 Commonwealth Street Surry Hills

Participants will be provided with a $50 gift-voucher for their contribution. Call Ben on (02) 9206 2065 or email btart@acon.org.au if you are interested in taking part or for more information.

Cheers,

Charlie