Presidents Post

As we enter the final stretch of the 2010 season it may be time to reflect on a few things that have gone right this season, and a few things that could do with a little improving.

Whilst some days it doesn’t seem like it, we’ve had over 130 players registered with the Club this year. That’s a vast improvement over the previous few years. Unfortunately we’ve also exceeded our injury quota for the year, so we’ve still struggled with numbers from week to week. We still need players to finish off the season, especially front rowers, so if you know of any, bring them down for a run.

We still have what can only be considered a woeful attendance at training. If we expect to compete on the field, then we need to train regularly as teams. I would suggest that part of our failure to win across the grades comes down to how much we put in prior to match day. There’s only a few rounds left in the season, and training has been cut back to one night a week, so lets make the effort to get to training and improve out on-field performance.

I would also like to bring up the subject of subs. Some players are yet to pay anything so far this season. The most important thing we do with that money is to pay our player insurance, so that if you get injured, the ARU can provide insurance cover for medical fee’s and potential loss of income. We have had a few instances of players using this insurance this year, which we support, however, we can’t cover members who are not financial. The subs are also used to provide strapping tape, and playing and training kit. Given that we are a generous bunch, we will accept a payments over time. The Club Captain and coaches have a list of players who haven’t paid, and will be continuing to name and shame those that haven’t coughed up.

One last thing before I talk about the work going on for 2011. I seem to see the same faces on a Saturday running water, running the line, helping out on the BBQ, or setting up for home games. We are a club, and as such, all need to be involved. Can you make the effort to get to home games well before your run-on time to carry out a few duties, and support your club mates while they’re playing.

As 2011 comes to a close, it’s time for us to start thinking about what we can do to make 2011 more successful. While the Rugby side of things has been an uphill battle, we’ve had success on the social front, with a couple of really good bus trips, and a very good Social Olympics. Our aim for next year is still to provide a great social colander, but to also improve our on-field performance, because, lets face it, we’re in this to play and enjoy our Rugby. We can’t say too much at this point, however, we will be keeping in contact with players over the off-season, and enticing as many of you back to the club as we can.

Last but certainly not least, I’d like to congratulate our hard running wild man from the back of the 1st Grade pack, Jacob Anderson for being selected to travel to New Zealand as part of the Marist NZ Under 23 Tour.  On behalf of the Club I’d like to wish Jacob well, and I’m sure he’ll have a fantastic time.

Captains Log, Round 13, 2.0.1.0

With the season coming into its last stages for the year we have a few players returning from injuries as well as a few dropping our because of injuries. 2010 has seen more injuries that i care to remember with a number of players already gone under the knife and yes, a few more booked in!!

We have had all types of injuries but we have had a few players step up and shoulder the strain. There are a few players that have played 2 and sometimes 3 games a week for the past few rounds and the club really does thank you. Yes, we have had uncontested scrums a few weeks but these players have played with heart and never given up. I thank you. Also there are a few players that are always trying to get new players to help this out.

On the footy front, all grades have never given up. 4th grade remain at the top of the table and looking strong for a semi final spot. 2nd and 3rd grade continue to fight e! ach week and have had some unlucky decisions go against them and had some close losses and 1st grade have been very unlucky. They have had 6 games where they have lost by 7 or less and injuries have not helped them either

With 5 games to go for 2010 we are looking to finish strong in all grades to cap off the year. So fire up to finish the season strong and lets get a few wins on the board for 2010.

Blue And Gold Ball.

The Blue and Gold end of season ball has been locked in for Saturday 18th September. The venue is the North Sydney Harbourview Hotel. We have a fantastic night of eating, drinking and dancing lined up and it should be an even bigger and better night than last year.

Tickets are $110 each, but for that you are getting the once in a lifetime opportunity to hear Scotty give a speech. Also included but less of a crowd puller is free drinks, an awesome three course meal and dancing until late. Just think what you would get normally on a Saturday night for $110 dollars.

The end of season ball is the pinnacle of the Brothers social calendar and is the best night out you will have all year and that’s a money back guarantee.*

As usual dress is formal. Guys, this means a suit…. turquoise tuxedos preferred obviously. Ladies, I think you probably don’t need any fashion tips.

Pay for your tickets on the social membership page.

*Money back guarantee does not include complaints about not winning player of the year, or getting slapped by Keith Kitchen. Neither does it include complaints about Scotty’s speech. In fact the money back guarantee pretty much means that you can complain all you like but you’re just not getting your money back. Always read the fine print.

Ladies Day

Ladies! All the Ladies! Time to reward the Lady in your life!

This year Brothers Rugby invites your Ladies to be spoilt rotten at the annual Ladies Day.

Festivities start at our home ground in Killara on August 7th from 11am.

There will be treats aplenty and free wine and food.
Ladies will be able to trial and purchase Body Shop products by placing an order on the day with the Body Shop Consultant. Cash payments or Credit Card details are required so make sure you bring your wallet in order to treat you far better half to some foot scrub, or a nice coordinated pair of pink toe separators. The orders will then be delivered through you at training.

There will also be a raffle to win some lovely Body Shop goodies – funds raised going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation

Ladies will also have the opportunity to have a pitch side Mini Pedicure or Mini Manicure for $25 To reserve a 25 min spot please email Emily at email.emilymcintyre@gmail.com

End Of Season Tour

2010 Road trip to Port Macquarie

Friday 24th September to Monday 27th September

Location – Sundowner Break Wall Tourist Park.

It is your responsibility to gather a group of trusted tourists to share a cabin with. 2-6 persons per cabin. At this stage the cheapest room is $120 a night (working on MID SEASON RATES). This amount is then shared between the occupants of the cabin.
We will be car pooling, and there may even be a bus depending on numbers.

List of pubs and clubs…(sample night out)

Please get back to Paul Gibbs ASAP as the first rooms are bring booked, first in best dressed…
Any questions, please text Paul Gibbs on 0412482916 or call or text Matt McIntyre on 0423883133.

Hero Of The Day

Every home game we give out an award to the “Hero Of the Day”. The “Hero Of The Day” is the person who goes beyond the call of duty on a match day and makes the biggest sacrifices to make the day a success for Brothers Rugby on or off the field.
Each “Hero Of The Day” receives a $50 dollar voucher for Casa Bella Pizza and Pasta, Chatswood.
Here are the winners so far.
Round 2 – Lee Tasker
Round 4 – Tori Gompertz
Round 6 – Tom Burns
Round 8 – Tania Betts
Round 10 – Gerry Shannon
Round 12 – Ash (Partly due to having to tend to a certain first grade second row who had just recieved a full on kick in the crown jewels.)

Social Update

There is still some Brothers Apparel available, wet weather training gear, boardies, hoodies. Check the apparel page to see what is available and contact Matty McIntyre for ordering information.

Also, keep an eye on the Galleries page for photos of big sweaty men in action.

MVP day is coming up in Rebel Sports Chatswood, if you’ve paid your subs, you will have recieved an MVP card for Rebel Sports.

Bring that up on the 5th August in order to receive 20% of all goods in store..

See flyer for details…

Player Profile

This edition’s Player Profile is John “Johnny” “Joey” “Jo-Jo” “Junior” “Shabadoo” Nichols.

Full Name: John Nichols

Specs (Height, Weight): 184 cm (that’s about 6′3″ in old money), 100 Kg

DOB: 30/12/1982

Position: Prop

Most respected opponent: Any Islander

Most famous player played against: Matt Dunning

Best game you ever played: Aussie A Schoolboys vs. NZ A Schoolboys

Any strange pregame rituals: 14 Schooners Friday Arvo

Quick Fire Questions

Holden Or Ford: Ford
Blonde Or Brunette: Brunette
Cheese Or Chocolate: Cheese
Boardies Or Speedos: Boardies
Star Trek or Star Wars: Neither
Would you eat a horse: For Starters
Last book you read: Where’s Wally

If you could have one super power for a day what would it be? Invisibility

Name three famous people dead or alive you would invite to dinner.
Lance Armstrong
Halle Berry
Brock (My Dog)

Lookalikes

Has anyone else noticed the uncanny similarities between our fearless third grade second rower Andy Carroll and gangly, leggy, useless English footballer Peter Crouch?

Competition

OK, last edition’s Bro News asked you what Brownie’s next excuse would be for not playing.

Nobody got the answer right…. It was a neck injury…. so…. no jokes there.

This weeks competition has a different theme.

How many times will first Tom Burns throw his hat on the ground during the first grade game against Hills this weekend? No hat, no competition.

Answers to the usual address social@brothersrugby.com.au

Welcome to the latest edition of Bro News, the newsletter that fills you in on what’s happening on and off the field.

Some good news to start.

Brothers Rugby received a lovely phone call during the week from the mother of a player from Gordon Colts who got injured last Saturday.

She was incredibly grateful to the 2 Brothers Physios that ran on to the pitch and took care of her son when no other club (including their own) did anything.

She was so grateful that she wished to thank the two girls (Ash and Sophie) personally. Her son spent 2 days in Hospital with a fractured eye socket and smashed cheekbone.

Brothers Rugby was delighted to receive this feedback and hear some real thanks and praise for the under appreciated work that these girls do.

All at Brothers Rugby really want to thank the girls for their hard work.

President’s Post

It’s been a while since we’ve had a Bro News, and a lot has been happening. By far the biggest event is that we’ve moved our playing and training grounds from Roseville to Bert Oldfield Oval, Killara Park and Koola Parks respectively. For those that have yet to put in an appearance as either a player, or a supporter, I recommend making the trek to Killara next time we have a home game, check out our new facilities, and avail yourself of a sausage sandwich or two. For those of you that are playing members of the Club that haven’t visited our training ground at Koola Park, perhaps it’s time you dragged yourself off the couch and came down and joined in one of our invigorating training sessions.

On the playing front, the Feisty Fourths have continued their domination, First Grade have racked up their first win, and Seconds and Thirds have shown great improvement in their results, and can’t be far away from putting some wins on the board. We’ve also held the ever successful Social Olympics which brought out some of the more competitive aspects of some members of the Club. There are more social events planned for this year, so be sure to check out the dates on the website.

After a rough start to the season with a lot of injuries, player numbers have started to improve. We’re still short of front rowers and unfortunately have actually managed to break both of our regular First Grade props for the season (including yours truly), so if anybody happens to have a spare prop or hooker (the Rugby playing type) lying around, please send them our way. We promise to try and not break any you send our way.

On that note, the Club wishes Jon Evans a speedy recovery from his recent surgery after sustaining an injury at training.

Subs are still due. To plagiarize a line from the Feisty after match report, $225 will get you a striking pair of shorts to run, jump an play in. Since we’re a generous bunch, included in the package is your very own socks, polo shirt and training tee, emblazoned with our sponsors on the back, all in a very striking blue and gold. Seriously though, the Club has bills to pay so we’ll be chasing those that haven’t yet paid.

Club Captains log, Brogate 4

We find ourselves almost midway through the season and improving week by week. 4th grade have been performing well, 3rd grade are getting closer, 2nd grade are ever so close to that elusive first win and 1st grade finally got that win last week.

The club has settled well into our new home ground and I think the performances are not far off. The numbers at training have been good and with a lot of the injured players coming back, there is some serious competition for positions starting to happen.

We had Petersham postponed on Saturday and the committee will be working hard to reschedule these games as soon as possible. We may even do a few night games!!

We now need to chase the players that have not paid their subs. The club has a few bills arriving and if you have not paid, you may receive a tap on the shoulder in the next few weeks.

One of the facets that we as a club need to work on is our attendance at speeches. At both home and away games we only have a very small number of players that hang around after 1st grade is finished for the speeches. All clubs are ranked at the end of the season by the other clubs and last year we did not rank highly on the social side during the speeches. Lets see if we can improve on this in the 2nd half of the season.

Good luck to all grade for this weekend.

Matty Mc

Social News

This year’s social calendar has been updated and features many old favourites and plenty of excuses to get to the pub and have a good old time.

Here is the full social calendar for the entire season.

The next big social event that is Sponsors/Veterans day on the 19th June 2010.

Then what we have all been waiting for… Ladies Day… this will take place on the 7th August.

Heros of the day

Every home game we are giving out an award to the “Hero Of the Day”. The “Hero Of The Day” is the person who goes beyond the call of duty on a match day and makes the biggest sacrifices to make the day a success for Brothers Rugby on or off the field.

Each “Hero Of The Day” receives a $50 dollar voucher for Casa Bella Pizza and Pasta, Chatswood.

Here are the winners so far.

Round 2 – Lee Tasker
Round 4 – Tori Gompertz
Round 6 – Tom Burns

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches

Congratulations are due to Beau and Veronika on their recent engagement.

Also, congratulations are due to Ian Welsh (Welshy) & Amy Tredinnick on the birth of their baby girl Lola.

May 7th – Inaugural Blue & Gold Rugby Lunch with Rod Kafer

Approximately 80 people were on hand to enjoy the Inaugural SPX Rugby Club & Brothers Rugby Club, Blue & Gold Rugby Lunch with Rod Kafer as our special guest speaker. The venue, Roseville Golf Club, really turned on a treat with beautiful food and a wonderful atmosphere. Rod kept the audience thoroughly entertained recounting the tough road he had to become a Wallaby and other stories. There were prizes a plenty, auctions and more. Some much needed cash was raised for both our clubs. All those that attended left with a smile on their face and eagerly anticipating the 2nd Annual Blue & Gold Rugby Lunch! Make sure you don’t miss it. Thanks to all our prize donors, and for all those that turned up to make it such a great day.

Player Profile.

This issue’s player profile is our Giant Geordie Michael Hughes.

Full Name: Michael ‘Hughsie’ Hughes

Specs (Height, Weight): 6′2″ , 125 Kg

DOB: 25/10/1979

Position: No. 8

Most respected opponent: The missus

Most famous player played against: Tom Burns

Best game you ever played: Away to Epping (Round 5 2010)

Any strange pregame rituals: 1 verse of “God Save The Queen”

Quick Fire Questions

Holden Or Ford: Ford
Blonde Or Brunette: Brunette
Cheese Or Chocolate: Cheese
Boardies Or Speedos: Boardies
Star Trek or Star Wars: Star Trek
Would you eat a horse: Already have
Last book you read: The Spear (Herbert)

If you could have one super power for a day what would it be? (Immortality, x-ray vision, super strength, flying)

Immortality, that’s a stupid option, how can you be immortal for a day? Super Strength.

Name three famous people dead or alive you would invite to dinner.

Jesus - To send me on the right path.
Aristotle - To put my life into perspective.
Megan Fox - To corrupt the 3 of us.

Competition.

This edition of Bro News has a competition. The winner will receive a $20 voucher for Rebel Sports Chatswood.

The question is:

We’ve had

1. Dance Lessons.
2. Wedding Photography.
3. The Bride-To-Be Told Me Not To.
4. More Wedding Photography.
5. Getting Married.
6. Fishing Trip.
7. Stag Night.

But what will be Brownie’s next excuse for not playing?

Answers please to social@brothersrugby.com.au

Lookalikes

Has anyone ever seen Andrew Neate and Jason Bieber in the same room at the same time?

Welcome to Bro News

The Inaugural Blue & Gold Rugby Luncheon:

I’m pleased to announce that Rod Kafer will be the guest speaker at our inaugural Rugby Lunch on Friday 7th of May. The lunch will be held at Roseville Golf Club, tickets are $120 which includes canapés, a 2 course meal and all drinks.

We have an array of items to be auctioned, including signed Wallabies, Waratahs, Force and Brumbies jerseys, Golf packages and plenty of prizes to be won in our raffle, including a $350 dinner voucher at Aria restaurant, lawn mowers, Flat Screen TV (38cm), Wine, supporters packages and much more! Date: Friday 7th May 2010 Time: 12pm for 12.30pm Start Venue: Roseville Golf Club, 4 Links Avenue, Roseville Cost: $120 per head, which includes canapés, a 2 course meal & all drinks RSVP & Payment by: Friday 30th April 2010 (Advanced payments only, no door sales) Guest Speaker: Mr. Rod Kafer (Former Wallaby and Fox Sports, “The Rugby Club” Presenter)

Please see HERE for all information including booking and payment details. Please let all your family, friends, colleagues and clients know, as this will be an event to remember.

We are still looking for prize donations, so if you can help out please contact:
Marie Johnson marie@marspainting.com.au 0407 182 838
or
David Bullard president@oldboys.spx.nsw.edu.au 0414 26 26 38

Moving To Killara

The Council has made the decision to move us to the new ground at Killara Oval (Bert Oldfield Oval) early and in time for the beginning of the season. Members of the committee have inspected the new grounds and are very please with the set up, pitch and club house and we think we will be very happy in our temporary home.

As such the first home game of the season on the 17th April will be at Killara Oval (Bert Oldfield Oval) and NOT Roseville Chase. Please make sure you get this right as if you turn up to the old pitch you will be ridiculed for years to come.

The address is:

Killara Oval (Bert Oldfield Oval)
Corner of Rosebery and Koola Ave, Killara

Maps can be found HERE

Website

Members of the Brothers Rugby Committee have been working really hard to have the website looking swish. Here is where you will find all the new, information, contacts, fixtures and of course your very own Bro News.

Check it out and save it as a favourite

http://www.brothersrugby.com.au/

The Draw

Round 1 – 10th April Away at UWSH
Round 2 – 17th April Home v Blue Mountains
Round 3 – 24th April Away at Balmain

Keep an eye on the fixture list HERE

Sponsors

Brothers Rugby Club Sydney would like to welcome our new sponsors Power Partners Solar and thank them for their generous support.
Brothers Rugby Club sponsor Rebel Sport is having a 20% off day for fully payed up
members/supporters of Brothers. Just use your MVP card at the Chatswood Westfield Rebel sport on the 25th march 9am – 9pm.

The President’s State of Our Union

As you are probably aware, the 2010 season is rapidly approaching us. If you’re not aware, you need to get yourself along to training and be part of the resurgence of Brothers Rugby in 2010.

Trials

We’ve had some good player numbers to the recent trials we hosted at Wakehurst, and same at the trial the foloowing weekend at UWS Richmond. This weekend we are planning to hold an internal trial at Roseville Chase. This will be the last chance for those of you that haven’t had a hit-out this season to get in some game time, and some much needed match fitness. The trial will start at 2PM sharp, lower grades first. We’ll put on a sausage sizzle, and our major sponsor, the Orchard Tavern is putting a a keg of loving liquid refreshment for your pleasure (after you’ve played only plkease!). For those that haven’t yet played in a trial, make sure you turn up on Saturday so so you have at least one hit-out before the season (yes, that means you member of the Fiesty Fourths). We’ll be heading off to the Orchard at the end of play to watch the Super 14, so feel free to come an join us.

Roseville Chase

If you read the last President’s Announcement, you will be aware that we’re loosing the use of Roseville Chase as of 3rd May this year so the ground can be upgraded. Whilst a short term inconvinience, the work the council are doing at Roseville will provide a much better ground for the coming years. Since the last announcement, the council have informed us, they will not be putting the posts up at Roseville this season at all. Ther upshot of this means we will NOT be playing any games at Roseville this year. The committee is working with the council to do a review and handover of Killara Park/Bert Oldfield Oval this week. Members will be advised as further details come to hand. Training will continue at Roseville until further notice.

Training

Training for the 2010 season is at full swing. Good numbers have been turning up for the fitness and skills work that our club coach Tom Burns has been running. Given the good showings we’ve made in trials the program Tom has devised is working. As with anything, you get out what you put in, so we would like to see more numbers at training. Tom has asked that I convey the message for all players to make the effort to get to training so that each team can train as a squad to gain maximum benefit from the time that we have together. Tom has also asked me to remind players that training starts at 7PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the sooner we start, the sooner we can finsh. At the moment players aren’t turning up till well after 7. If they’re hoping that fitness will be over by then so they can go straight into skills, they’re sadly mistaken, Tom just waits until everyone is there beforehe starts. Instead oif avoiding training, come along, help with the numbers, and as a bonus, get yourself fit and reduce the chance of an early season injury.

Player Registration

NSW Suburban Rugby has changed the way they are enforcing the rules around player registration this year. All players must now be registered before they play. A carbon copy of each team sheet has to be given to the opposition at the conclusion of each game, and they have the right to check online to see if the players on the sheet are registered. The potential penalty for not having players registered is lost competition point. The upshot of this is that we all need to ensure we are registered befopre we play. Moose and Panda are currently coordinating this, so get yourself along to training, and either see them, or expect to be pounced upon to fill out a registration form.

Season Start

The season proper starts on April 10 this with another bus trip out to UWS at Richmond. For those of you that have participated in the last two ‘World Famous’ bus trips, you know that this one is not to be missed. As an aside, we’ll also be playing four games of Rugby out there starting at 12 midday. Lets get a start the season the way we intend to, playing some good hard Rugby, followed by a bus trip to remember! (and if you can’t remember, incriminating photo’s always seem to appear on Facebook as a reminder).

Subs

Just a friendly reminder that we need subs. As much as we’d like to hope, the club doesn’t run on love alone. In the coming weeks we need to pay for training and playing kit as well as player insurance etc. Subs are $175 for students, and $225 for anyone else. That fee gets you all you playing kit, plus a Rebel Sports MVP card which entitles you to a 5% discount on all your purchases at Rebel Sport. Details for payment can be found HERE.

Bro News – It’s Your News

Matches

Brothers Rugby would like to congratulate Matt Gibbs and Suzanne Wilson on their recent nuptials. It was a wonderful day and we all had a lovely time. The Bride was beautiful and the Groom couldn’t take his eyes of her. Not even to look at the best man as he made his funny, touching and clean speech!

If you have any news of hatches, matches or dispatches and would like to share them with the club please email secretary@brothersrugby.com.au

Birthdays

Wednesday 24th of March is the day some 40 years ago that our president first graced this world. Happy 40th Mr President…

Social News

World Famous Bus Trip – 10th April – First game of the Season!

World Famous Bus Trip

The World Famous Bus Trip is well……. World Famous! Every year against UWSH away is a BUS TRIP. However, this bus trip is with a difference. So, we dress with a difference and as long as it’s World Famous then you can wear it………just make sure you wear something.

Social Olympics

Just a little note at the end of the Bros News, warning you that the Social Olympics will be taking place after the second Home game on the 1st May. Dare you compete in a game where winning is everything and failing will be painful and embarrassing? I dare you.

Forget Faster, Higher, Stronger. At Brothers it’s Funnier, Braver, Messier.

Bro News Edition 13

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Bro News Edition 10

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