G’day Convicts
The heat has arrived, Mardi Gras is just around the corner and before you know it we’ll be pulling on those boots for another bumper season of Convicts- style rugby. Having spent the better part of 2010 on the sidelines, I personally can’t wait. But I reckon there’s no better way to start the year than with a resolution or two, so here are a few for 2011, recently decided on by the Committee:
Convicts Goals 2011
1. To maintain the gay identity of the Sydney Convicts Rugby Club, with a strong, fun and diverse culture; and provide a valuable contribution to Colleagues and the Community
2. To improve as rugby players through the year; recruit, welcome and assist new players; and promote respect for ourselves, team mates, opposing players and the game of rugby
3. To win the Halligan Cup and Purchas Cup in 2011 and strengthen our capability to win the Bingham Cup and Bowl at Manchester 2012
4. With the Melbourne Chargers, to support the development of gay rugby in Australia
Big Convicts’ summer
These goals give you an idea how you can make an important contribution to the Club this year. The rugby season kicks off in the first week of April but we have a busy summer program focused on three key areas:
- Visibility - community involvement, raising the profile of the Convicts and gay rugby
- Recruitment - attracting new players and supporters
- Preparation and development - for a successful and fun rugby season
We will have strong visibility during the Mardi Gras Festival, including at Fair Day, in the Parade and of course at our showcase event, Convicts’ Open Day. These are always a heap of fun, so get involved and if you have ideas for improving the events or any questions please contact the guys on the list - I can put you in touch.
Convicts’ Summer Schedule
Date-Event-Contact
Sunday 20 February -Mardi Gras Fair Day-Brett Barrakat
Sunday 27 February -Convicts Open Day-Fez Bey
Friday 4 March -Event with Melbourne Chargers-Dale Gurney
Saturday 5 March -Mardi Gras Parade with Melbourne Chargers-Chris Lesa/Fez Bey
Saturday 19 March -New Players Night - First Trial Match-Dale Gurney
21 – 27 March -Kowloon Tens Rugbyfest/Hong Kong Sevens-Duncan/Jumbo
Saturday 2 April -NSWSRU Season opener – Convicts Pub Crawl-Dale Gurney
Saturday 9 April -Rugger Bugger - Convicts Season Launch-Maxi Shield/Chris Lesa
22 - 24 April-Easter – Convicts Boot Camp -Steve Thorne
Recruitment – Get it out there!
Our summer recruitment drive helps us replenish player stocks for the 2011 season and 2012 Manchester campaign. We’ve gained some great players (and bloody good mates) in recent years – let’s make sure it continues by introducing new faces. Who better to get out there sell the Convicts story than the guys who love playing every weekend? – You.
Visibility - Mardi Gras Parade – Earn $ for the Convicts when you buy Party tickets
We have entered the Mardi Gras Parade and will march with the Chargers under the banner of “Australian Gay Rugby United” in what will be our largest Parade entry to date. But hold off buying your Mardi Gras After Party tickets because a new subsidy system (PETS) could earn us $10 every time you buy a ticket and quote the Convicts. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we get full details from Mardi Gras, which we expect very shortly.
Preparation - Convicts Touch Footy off to a great start
Almost 30 guys made it down for the first installment of Convicts Touch Footy last Sunday – well done guys – and particularly Bretty for organising. It was played in great spirit and we met half a dozen new players. There is no better way to improve your fitness, skills and teamwork. So make the effort to come along, and bring any potential recruits or mates who just want some fun touch footy on Sunday afternoon. We’ll have more news on summer training shortly.
Preparation - Hong Kong go ahead
It looks like we have enough player interest to lock in the Kowloon Tens/Hong Kong Sevens Tour in late March. This will involve us entering the Kowloon 10s comp that runs for a day ahead of attending the 7s. It will be a lot of fun just before the season kicks off. Contact Dunc or Jumbo for more info.
Preparation - Booty Camp is back - from Steve Thorne
Hi boys
We’ll we’ve all had a fun off season so far and although it’s not yet time to be thinking all things rugby there is one warning shot across the bow from yours truly.
It seems a few… Ok all of you have been tucking into the pies already and your fitness needs a bit of work. “Oh no, does my bum look big in this?” I hear you say. Well yes, it does but like all good infomercials, I have the solution.
Boot Camp 2011 is scheduled for Easter (22-26 April) and it’ll be a good ol’ throwback to the days of death threats to me, tantrums, fun and great fitness. So book it out and pack those heels because the fitness event that has bugger all to do with fitness is turning 4!
Love you all,
Stevie
Get involved Convicts
There’s plenty happening at your Club this year – we will have a lot of fun developing our playing ability and growing gay rugby. It was a good turnout at Xmas drinks and touch footy – a very nice display of enthusiasm. I urge every Convict to get involved in 2011 … we can’t do it without you.
Go Convicts!
Dave
President
Message from our mate Barnstorming Bill Lockley
Fellow Convicts,
I’ve registered for the Warrior Dash on 12 February on the Central Coast, and I could use some support on the course from those of you who feel up to joining me in a 5km obstacle course that involves climbing over things, crawling under things, running through mud, and jumping over fire.
http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_australia.php
If anyone feels like donning their Convicts t-shirt and proving how tough we are, let me know. I reckon we would do well as a group.
Bill - luckycanuck1977@hotmail.com
