A great day for Convicts rugby on Saturday with two big wins in Halligan and Walker Cup. It was an excellent club effort and fantastic to see plenty of guys on the sidelines backing up and supporting at both games. The standard of rugby continues to improve helped by fitness and combinations becoming a bit more established. The new boys are settling in very well and are an exciting feature of both Halligan and Walker Cup – the future looks bright for the Convicts. It was brilliant to see the return of some much-loved Convicts veterans on Saturday – their presence helps the new guys a lot, providing an important balance of experience.

The Walker Cup is as hoped providing some excellent motivation as well as providing greater certainty for both teams. But it was no coincidence our best day of rugby of the season followed a strong turnout at touch and Tuesday fitness and I think one of our better turnouts on Thursday for the year. The link between training and Saturday performance is pretty clear. Let’s all get to Thursday training, make the most of the session and have two wins this Saturday.

Strong start to the year for Colleagues – well done Jay Z

Colleagues are having a strong start to the year and are currently in 2nd place on the Division 1 Subbies Club Championship, a trophy they have won more than any other club. The first grade (Kentwell Cup) team is also going well in 4th position and our very own Jay Z is having a big impact. Jay has made the rapid transition to Kentwell without skipping a beat and has consistently been a strong performer for Colleagues. Last weekend against Iggies Colleagues won every grade except Colts and romped it in 52-17 in Kentwell Cup. Three tries and man of the match went to Jay, who was making his debut on the wing. Well done Jay, we are very proud of your efforts mate and hope you guys bring home some silverware in 2011.

This week’s games – St George and Petersham

This week Halligan is at Petersham (Camperdown Oval) at 10am and Walker meets St George at CA Redmond at 12.55pm. We got a bit closer to the Rockdale boys on Saturday after we leant them our jerseys – it’s great to have a bunch of new Convicts on board! They have been very impressed with our playing style and are keen for us to hang around after the game and watch 2nds and 1sts. So don’t be shy, say g’day and make yourselves at home at CA Redmond, they are very happy to have us there.

Rugger Bugger – 10 days away

Rugger Bugger, our most important fundraiser, is shaping up to be a cracker on 28 May.It’s only 10 days away.
See the poster on our homepage – share it on facebook, email it to your mates – sell those tickets. Tickets are also available at daisytickets.com, the Shift and Bang.

Go Convicts!
Dave

Great start to the Walker Cup

It was a solid weekend of rugby for the Convicts with a convincing win in the Walker Cup against Brothers and an unlucky hard fought draw against Epping in Halligan. Well done to the lads who played a strong first half of hard hitting rugby in our Walker Cup debut at Rockdale. A loss of focus and a revival by Brothers left us defending most of the second half. After 30 minutes of solid defence, a try in the dying moments allowed Brothers to finish with points on the board. Thanks to Charlie for stepping into the coaching role to lead us to a great start in the new comp.

We have committed to play the remainder of the Walker Cup season, with comp games until 23 July followed by three weeks of finals. It’s a shortish season so make the most of it - don’t miss a game. Subbies have kindly given us seven competition points to allow for the four rounds we missed, which places us third on the ladder. This week we meet a much tougher competitor, Merrylands at Holroyd. In five games Merrylands have scored plenty of points, suggesting they know how to get over the try line. It will be a real test and we need everyone at training.

Convicts spirit strong in Halligan Cup
It was brilliant to be part of the spirited performance by the Halligan team at Epping on Saturday. In true 2s tradition, a real mix of guys, many of whom didn’t know each other that well and many of whom were pretty new to rugby, fought to the very end and had a great time doing it. Having led the whole game, a couple of injuries in key positions left us defending our for most of the 2nd half. Epping managed to level the scores and that’s how the game finished. Well done to the newbies who put in an inspirational effort. It’s really important that if you are playing Walker Cup you try and get to the Halligan game to backup or just support on the sidelines. There’s always someone who will give you a lift.

ACON Pub Crawl – Drama Downunder - Tonight
ACON has launched its latest men’s health campaign, called Drama Downunder and organised a pub crawl starting at the Beresford at 8.30pm tonight and finishing at the Shift. These events are a great chance for us to give back to the community that has helped us so much in the last seven years. Please wear the 2011 Convicts ACON/Shift t-shirts – there will be some available tonight. Starts at the Beresford straight after training.

Rugger Bugger – Saturday 28 May - Midnight Shift
The shows are heaps of fun for everyone is keen to be involved so if you think you don’t want to be involved in this crucial Club activity. Don’t forget to get your tickets early.

C’mon Convicts!

Dave
President

The Walker Cup

If you were at Tuesday fitness, and it was great to see plenty were, you will have heard my announcement about an exciting rugby development for the Convicts. NSW Suburban Rugby (Subbies) has invited us to join the Walker Cup, which is Division 4, 3rd Grade and has recently lost two teams. We would enter our 1sts team in this comp while the 2nds would remain in the Halligan Cup. We see this as a great opportunity for a number of reasons:

• Our 1sts would have a known draw with a consistent game time – 12.55pm
• Grounds and referees are pre-booked for the year
• Walker Cup includes a final series, unlike Halligan
• It will provide us consistent competition as we prepare for Bingham 2012
• Our 2nds will be virtually guaranteed a Halligan game every week
• Convict players are eligible to play for either team and finals

We play in the comp as Colleagues Convicts, replacing Rockdale’s 3rd Grade side and play many of our “home” games at Rockdale against the club visiting Rockdale. We would play away with Rockdale also. We will endeavour to play some of these “home” games at Colleagues subject to agreement from the opposition clubs.

It looks as though there will be just five teams in the Walker Cup, meaning we would have a bye every five weeks. We would be able to play Halligan Cup in these bye weeks and this would provide further opportunities to play at Colleagues. The top four teams play finals and competition games are 60 minutes.
You might remember that the Convicts have played in non-Halligan comps before, having competed in both 1st and 2nd grade 5th Division- Noice and Jefferies Cup - which was very important in setting up the club for our most successful Bingham Cup in New York, when we won both the Bingham Cup and Plate in the same competition.

Why the Walker Cup is good for the 2nds too

We think the Walker Cup is very good for the 2nds team as well as the 1sts. It’s been quite difficult to organise two Halligan Games every week. By having only one team in Halligan, it will virtually guarantee a game every week for the 2nds (subject to weather!).

All Convicts can play freely in both comps, so our strategy of sharing game time between 1s and 2s to aid player development will continue. A number of players will be asked to play in both games. It will be a lot easier to book Halligan games that fit around Walker Cup, given a consistent kick-off time.

Walker Cup (1sts) @ Rockdale 12.55pm; Halligan Cup (2nds) @ Epping 9.50am

We will play our first game in the Walker Cup against Brothers at Rockdale this Saturday 7 May (Happy Birthday Gus) at 12.55pm. More info on the Walker Cup and who’s in it can be found on the Subbies website under Draw/Results: http://www.rugby.net.au

The 2nds will play at Epping at 9.50am. Ben and Brett will send out full details for the games this week but we will be looking to win both. A number of players will be asked to be available for both games. It’s a bit of a hike from Epping to Rockdale but we can car pool to make it easier.

Post-match fun – Tahs again this week.

Attendance at Bar Cleveland and the Shift last week was excellent. Some great rugby, good food and good company were enjoyed by about 30 Convicts – This week the Tahs have the Force at home. There’s a number of Convicts who go along to the games at the Stadium regularly, ask Jumbo about it if you want to join in the fun. Otherwise we’ll be back at Bar Cleveland – Jumbo and Dale will provide full details. Gus might even let us buy him a beer for his birthday.

ACON – Convicts Pub Crawl – Thursday 12 May

ACON has launched its latest men’s health campaign, called Drama Downunder. As part of our great relationship with this crucial community organisation, we will be staging the ACON – Convicts Pub Crawl on Thursday 12 May after training (see attached flyer). We need a big bunch of Convicts to accompany a bunch of ACON boys up and down Oxford Street spreading the word about men’s health. These events are a great chance for us to give back to the community that has helped us so much in the last seven years. We want a commitment from both senior players and newbies to attend this important event in Convicts t-shirts. Please let Charlie know you are happy to get involved.

Rugger Bugger – Saturday 28 May - Midnight Shift

Rugger Bugger needs Convicts fully behind it to succeed. Get involved! We will have pre-sale tickets available and EVERY Convict needs to bring 10 mates. This is our major fundraiser and one of the most important contributions you can make to the Club. Please tell your family, friends and workmates now to mark their diaries for 28 May. Contact Fezzy to find out how else you can help: nafezbey@y7mail.com
Facebookers wanted

C’mon Convicts!
Dave
President

Building momentum

There’s been a highly productive atmosphere around the Club since our Streisand Cup win against Maccabi. Boot Camp was well attended by around 40 Convicts camping (it up) in pristine Blue Mountains bushland for the weekend. We had an excellent turnout at touch footy on Tuesday and a pretty decent showing at fitness last night. No training tonight due to weather so if you couldn’t come to fitness or touch get off your butt and go for a run. The feeling around the Club is really positive and there’s plenty to get involved in - I hope you can come and be part of it.

First home games! – be there from 1.30pm Saturday at Colleagues, Rose Bay

The weather has been a bit against us again this season but that’s rugby unfortunately. We have two home games this week, against Petersham Halligan 1 and 2 and we’ll be playing alongside the other Colleagues teams – yep all seven of them. It’s the first Colleagues Ladies’ Day of the year and assuming the fields dry out in time, it should be a cracking day of rugby. Colleagues have had a solid start to the season and we’ll be aiming for the Rainbow Rinse – that’s when all Colleagues and Convicts teams win on the one day. Players there from 1.30pm - Let’s hit ‘em hard.

Post-match social activities

Everyone likes to hang with the boys after a game of footy so we’ll let you know when and where we plan to meet up each week. If there’s a Tahs game on, like this Sat, we’ll normally be watching it at Bar Cleveland. Our post-match activities will also involve a visit to our Major Sponsor, The Midnight Shift, where players of the round will be shouted a beer or two. It’s vital we support the Shift and have a presence there. It’s also essential we get the chance to hang out together and boast about how great we were on the paddock that day.

This Saturday, we will watch the Tahs v Rebels at Bar Cleveland from 7.00pm, have some food and then head to the Shift a bit later to meet up with the lads who are going to the game.

Thanks Booty Master Steve and Team Captains

It was a great turn out at Booty Camp and a brilliant team atmosphere. There were some real highlights which will probably have to stay on tour. Well done to all the teams for their enthusiasm and involvement. Thanks to Booty Camp Master Stevie and the team captains who put it all together. It was an excellent weekend of bonding. We have some great new Convicts and some equally hysterical stories. Well done guys.

Rugger Bugger – Saturday 28 May - Midnight Shift

Due to Easter delays in the photo shoot for Rugger Bugger, we’ve put the event back two weeks to Saturday 28 May. This will give us more time for promotion to maximise the benefits of this crucial fundraising opportunity. We have a top notch selection of Convicts lined up for the shoot and the show. Get involved! Contact Fezzy for more info: nafezbey@y7mail.com

Go Convicts!
Dave
President

G’day Convicts

Thanks to everyone who helped out, turned up, manned the stall, wore their Convicts gear, passed the ball, tugged-o-war, handed out condoms, signed up for the parade, wooed new players, sung the song and joined in the fun. A special thanks to Brett, Fez, Dale, Ben Edwards and the inimitable ST for organising the day and all the gear. It was a stinking hot day and you guys did the Convicts proud by being visible and up for it. We won the tug-o-war and impressed everyone with our sheer numbers, enthusiasm and welcoming attitude.

Convicts Open Day – 4pm Saturday 26 February – Centennial Park Reservoir
Fair Day was the large scale presence we were looking for and as a result we have a list of 20 or so potential new players to follow up for Open Day on Saturday. I ask you to come to Open Day – we need a strong turnout of current players to show the newbies how much fun it is to be a Convict. Tommy will be running a short training session for everyone.

After our big Fair Day effort, we’re now camped on the opposition 22 with the line in our sights, it’s our scrum feed and we have a crack at scoring a try. But we can’t afford to drop the ball. So we all need to make sure the new prospects get down to Open Day on Saturday arvo and have a great time with us to convert the opportunity to replenish our numbers for this season and our 2012 Manchester campaign.

Fitness training this Tuesday (tomorrow) night 7pm Rushcutters Bay Park

Matt McCorkingdale will kick off the first fitness session of the year Tuesday night at Rushcutters Bay Park at 7pm. The short, sharp, one hour session will focus on fitness with a rugby tilt - don’t be late. A mixture of running and strength, I’m sure you will enjoy Matt’s approach. In previous years there has been a small player contribution to Tuesday night fitness but I’m pleased to announce there will be no charge for these sessions in 2011. Please bring some water, your trainers and plenty of Convict enthusiasm - put it in here and you will enjoy your rugby a whole lot more on the paddock. Training is also on at Colleagues on Thursday night – Dunc to update you shortly.

Mardi Gras Parade – Sign up now! Player and partners deadline this Friday 25 Feb

We sold 30 Convicts Mardi Gras Parade sky-blue singlets to players and their partners at Fair Day. You must have one of these special edition singlets to march with us in the Parade. With 30 Chargers on the way, there are only 70 spots for Convicts and supporters in total. If you are intending to march, please advise me or Chris Lesa by close of business this Friday 25 February.

There are quite a number of supporters interested in marching and from this Saturday 26 Feb we will start allocating the singlets and wrist bands (required for entry) to all-comers. If you haven’t done so, please advise us now if you want to reserve a place in the parade by replying to president@sydneyconvicts.org, or this email.

Well done guys – it’s all coming together for a big 2011.

Go Convicts!

Dave
President

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

G’day Convicts
A few dusty heads around Monday after our drinks I’m sure. It was a great turnout, a cracking afternoon for a beer garden and quite a scene. Thanks for coming down.
Before we break for Chrissy I want to give you a quick run through of what’s in store for summer. We’ve got a busy Mardi Gras and pre-season lined up to keep you spreading the Convicts love all summer long and get you set for a big Convicts Season 2011.
Convicts Touch
To kick it all off, I’m pleased to announce the launch of Convicts Touch Footy every Sunday arvo in Centennial Park beginning 9 January. This will be a great opportunity for us to improve fitness and skills over the summer and introduce new people to our game in a fun and relaxed non-contact environment, followed by a beer.
We all know a few guys who would love a run of touch but may not be ready for a full game of rugby. Bring them down, see if they like it and who knows we might end up with the next Matty V, Lukey or Deano - these legends all came from touch footy. It is without doubt the best way to hone your rugby skills over the summer. See bottom of this message for details or talk to Brett.
Mardi Gras Madness
The Committee wants to make the most of off-season recruitment during the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival. A strong presence at Fair Day (20 February 2011) and in the Parade (5 March) has paid very good dividends in the past by lifting our profile and bringing new players and supporters. We will be going hard to make the Convicts Open Day (27 February) a real winner.
It looks very much like our good mates from down south, the Melbourne Chargers, will be joining us in the Parade in a large scale display of visibility for Australian Gay Rugby. This is shaping up to be a big weekend with plenty to celebrate and we might even manage to squeeze in a cheeky pre-season game of rugger.
A Chargers Christmas
While we are on the Chargers, if you are wondering about Chrissy gifts, the boys have just released an awesome 2011 calendar. We are proud to offer our promotional support so get some beefy blokes hanging around your place all year round. Go to the Chargers website to order http://www.melbournechargers.org - They’re selling like hotcakes.
Hong Kong here we come
If you think you might miss being on a rugby tour in an off-Bingham year, don’t worry, because just a few weeks after Mardi Gras we plan to head to the famous Hong Kong Rugby 7s, play a few games of social 10s rugby and enjoy a brilliant football tournament in one of the world’s great cities.
In 2009, a bunch of us had a lot of fun playing in the Kowloon 10s and getting amongst it with the very colourful crowd at the Hong Kong 7s. A top notch rugby experience, more details can be found below. We need to get an idea of the level of interest in this tour ASAP so if you’re interested in coming, please email Dunc at duncan.mcgregor@minterellison.com
Have a superb New Year
I hope you can see there’s a lot for you to get involved in at your Club this summer. Remember if you have any questions, comments or want to volunteer your help, give me a yell. Thanks for a great year Convicts, have a fantastic festive season and see you for a run of touch and a beer on 9 January.
Go Convicts!
Dave
President

——————————————————————————–
Convicts Touch Footy
When: Every Sunday at 5pm from 9 January
Where: On top of the reservoir Centennial Park – up the stairs opposite the Centennial Hotel on Oxford St where we have trained for the Bingham Cup
Who: Anyone can play – bring your family, friends, whoever
Beers: At the Centennial at about 6.30pm for refreshments
Contact: Brett 0434 231 551 Brett.Barakat@macquarie.com
——————————————————————————–
Hong Kong 7s
When: Kowloon 10s Rugby Tournament – Wednesday 23 March 2011
Hong Kong 7s Rugby Tournament – Friday 25 - Sunday 27 March 2011
http://www.hksevens.com
Where: Hong Kong and Kowloon Islands, China
Who: All welcome
How much: Airfare around $1,000, Accom $100-150pp per night twin share, expenses. Food and transport are relatively cheap in HK, so once you are there it’s pretty good value.
——————————————————————————–

Hey Guys,

Sunday was the 2010 AGM where the Committee reported on the 2010 year and provided a forum for the members (you guys) to ask questions. We had a great turn out of about 25 guys.

I made a speech which in effect thanked the 2010 Committee of:
Vice-President: Duncan McGregor
Treasurer: Greg Holmes
Secretary: John Williams
Committee members: Angus Donald, Geoff Horn, Simon Thompson, Dave Collins, Fuzz & Paul Corey
Assisted: Chris Mowbray & Erik Denison

The 2011 Committee was elected unopposed:

President: Dave Whittaker
Vice-President: Duncan McGregor
Treasurer: Greg Holmes
Secretary: Chris Mowbray
Committee members: Brett Barrakat, Dale Gurney, Nafez Bey, Chris Lesa & Maxi Sheild

I have been honored to be President over the last 2 years of one of the most amazing organisations - we have a brilliant culture, attitude and approach to rugby, the community and ourselves. Lets not lose sight of why we are here and the effect we have on each other, the local gay community, the Australian rugby community and the global gay rugby community.

I am not going away but stepping back from something that I love.

I wish Dave and the 2011 Committee all the very best.

Regards,

Charlie
Immediate Past President

Sydney Convicts Major Rugby Raffle - 2010 Winners

1st Prize: One week’s accommodation in luxury 2 bedroom penthouse at Horizons At Peregian, Noosa, plus 2 return airfares from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast to a max. value of $500 (prize not available during school holidays)
Winner: Ticket 9685 - Mark

2nd Prize: Course of 6 facials from Salt Clinic, Taylor Square valued at $795
Winner: Ticket 9695 - Eugene

3rd Prize: $200 voucher to The Athletes Foot, Bondi Junction
Winner: Ticket 0020 - G Farrah

4th & 5th Prize: 12 months subscription to DNA magazine
Winners: Ticket 2708 - John M and 4291 - Peter

Please contact Duncan 0n 0412 104 846 to claim your prize.

Hey Guys,

Match Report:
Right back into the winners circle, we traveled to Epping for what was to be a somewhat comical game in the first half. With 14 players and no jerseys, the play was a little unflattering to say the least. With a rare try to the unstoppable jumbo we began to get on track only to give up the softest of tries to let the Epping boys back in. With great work from Dale at the breakdown (whether he realised it or not) it was a standout show of commitment and effort that kept us on top.

With Fuzz making it finally to the game at half time we were jerseyed up and ready to go!

With a call to arms from Stevie to tighten up and put these guys away, the typical Convicts response wasn’t far away. With classic tries to ‘a try a game’ Josh, Jay and James it was merely a case of showing a bit of class to finish it off. Dave Collins (2) excelled on the wing and Mala (3) controlled well as usual rounding off the points with Dale ‘killer’ Gurney (1).

In truth, not the most impressive of games for the Convicts but in many ways a necessary adjustment back from the high pressure environment of Bingham. With a big game against Mosman this week we’re set to mark up again and show the other contenders why we’re still top of this table

Game this weekend:
Convicts Vs Mosman
Kick-off Midday (Players there for 11AM)
Rawson Park (Mosman Main Ground - NOT Balmoral Oval) Cross Street, down Bradleys Head Road (as if you were heading to Taronga Zoo).
We will be listing players who are playing this weekend so make sure you let us know if you can’t play.
Last week we only had 15 players - from half time - we have over 60 players in the club. We were hoping to field 2 teams post Bingham but this currently can’t happen unless we get a much better turn out to Thursday training and Saturday games - particularly from our victorious Bingham seconds team.

Melbourne Tour:
So we’ve only just returned from a trip to the US - but we already have another tour in the planning. You should have all seen the email from Chris Mowbray, please respond and hopefully in the affirmative. It will be a great weekend defending the Purchas Cup (last played for against the Brisbane Hustlers) against our great friends the Chargers.

Training:
Guys training is critical to keep your skills and fitness up. Tuesday fitness with Jono and Sam was great tonight and will be on next Tue 6:30PM so get one down. Thursday’s was “the most fun ever” according to Jumbo so get on down.

Cheers,

Charlie