Presidents welcome to 2011

Welcome to season 2011 and the first Bro News of the year.

There has been an enormous amount of preparation work gone into the coming season already as we gear up for another season of Subbies Rugby

Firstly, with the not so good news, there has been some speculation over the past months as to what Division we would be playing in for the season. In mid February Tom, Matt, and myself were summoned to the union offices to ‘show cause’ why we should stay in 3rd Division as Subbies were very keen to re-start the 4th Division competition. I unfortunately now have to announce that we were recently informed by Subbies that we have been graded in 4th Division for the season.

The basis for this decision was the result of the lean years we’ve experienced since around 2006, and especially our shortage of front-rowers last year which saw us go uncontested for most 2nd grade games during the year. Rather than seeing relegation as a kick in the face, we now need to see it as an opportunity to rebuild the club, and focus on winning the competition and gaining promotion back into 3rd Division for next season. I know that the committee and the coaches are certainly focused on achieving this goal. That said, we still need numbers to training. We have had a good core of players turning up to Thursday training for the last month where the focus has been on both fitness and ball skills. Do yourself a favour, if you haven’t already shown your face, get to training and do a bit of preparation.

There has been a massive amount of energy put into organising this season, with special focus on recruiting players, especially front rowers. A number of you were at the player introduction meeting in late January where we introduced a crop of players that had joined us. I wish to welcome those guys, and any other players that have swelled our ranks in the past month or so, we look forward to your contribution both on and off the field. In this meeting we introduced the player expectations to everyone that was there. The committee has been working hard the past few years and written these after engaging the coaches, senior players and feedback from NSW Subbies. If you do not have a copy, it is available here on the website.

Late last week the council informed us that Roseville Chase was nearing completion, and that we may get back onto it by the beginning of the season. We are in close contact with the council over ground readiness, and hope to be able to confirm whether we have the green light to play there in the next couple of weeks.

Lastly we have a club first coming up, Pickle’s 400th game. This is the first time we’ve had anyone tick over the counter to 400 games, so we’re planning to celebrate this massive achievement. What for emails and text messages over the coming weeks for details.

Club Structure

President: Scott James
Club Captain: Paul Gibbs
Secretary: Matt McIntyre
Treasurer: Tania Betts/ Emily McIntyre
Communications/Website: Andy Carroll/Niall O’Riordan
Committee members: Dave Bullard, John Andrews, Adrian Brannan

Calendar Events

This Saturday
Unfortunately we have had to cancel our trial against Avoca due to ground and timing issues so we are now trialling at 4pm at the Orchard Tavern. There are 3 Super Rugby games in a row. All must be there for at least 1 game.

Saturday 12th March – Trial Vs Blue Mountains @ Blaxland Primary School

Saturday 19th March – Trial Vs Forest at Wakehurst. (need lots there to make money over the canteen)

Friday 25th March – Grading and Gear night at the Orchard. Come to the orchard, pay your subs ($225 or $175 for students) and you get your kit, documents for the year, membership cards, draw and lots more. Have a cheap meal and the weekend off.

Saturday 2nd April – Round 1

Gear night details

Friday 25th march we will be having a subs and gear night at the Orchard. Come up with your cash/credit card or bank details, pay your subs and get all your kit, insurance information, contacts and more. Subs are the as last year $225 for all players or $175 for students with ID. You can hang around for a beer and dinner or head home. Preference in selection will be given to those players who have paid their subs. If you have any questions please email play@brothersrugby.com.au

Sponsors – See our support for 2011

Flight Centre Archer Street is proud to support Brothers Rugby Club. For every booking made with Flight Centre Archer Street we will donate a percentage to Brothers Rugby Club. Simply mention the club when booking your travel and we’ll take care of the rest. Your friends, family and associates can also do the same. You’ll benefit from Flight Centre’s great low prices and know you’re helping to support Brothers Rugby Club. From airfares and accommodation through to travel insurance and visas, we have it all. And don’t forget our Lowest Airfare Guarantee.

Call 02 9413 1213 or visit us at Shop 1, 379 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood and let one of our consultants do the rest.

Roseville Chase update

The council have kept in contact throughout the summer and after all the rain in October and November the project was delayed massively. The rain compiled with contractor issues made the council estimate that we would not get back to Roseville until Easter at the earliest. However with the continued good weather and all the work now completed, there is a chance we could be back for round 1 this year. The grass needs to take hold a little more in a few patched but other than this it looks fantastic. There is even a solid amount of grass on the cricket pitch area! So fingers crossed we have good weather for the next month and we can look forward to getting back to Roseville for round 1

Raffle

We have managed to secure Flight Centre as a major sponsor for 2011. As well as being a major Sponsor, Flight Centre has donated a fantastic 1st prize for us to raffle off this year. The committee worked hard to secure a 2nd and 3rd prize that is worthy of being pared with this prize and special thanks must go to Bill James, Vinny McCartney and Dave Bullard in their work in securing these prizes.

You are encouraged to sell and buy as many tickets as you can. Remember this is all for the good of the club. If you do not have a book to sell, see Matt or Scott. The prizes are:

1st Prize: 2 Category A tickets to Aussie Vs Ireland in Auckland
2 Category A tickets to Aussie Vs USA in Wellington
Flights Sydney to Auckland
4 nights in Auckland
Flights Auckland to Wellington
4 nights in Wellington
Flights Wellington to Sydney

2nd Prize: 2 Category B ticket to Aussie Vs Ireland in Auckland and a $200 Flight Centre voucher (to go towards travel, accommodation etc)

3rd prize: $350 Aria Restaurant voucher

Social events

In 2011 we have all the usual social events and more planned. We are waiting on the draw to be finalised before we can finalise the dates for these. However if he plays, round 1 will be Pickle’s 400th game for the club. As Scotty mentioned this is a massive effort and we will be celebrating after round 1 or after the first home game. Keep an eye on the social pages on the website for the events. We will get the dates there as soon as possible.

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

HOME PAGE

LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES

Subs

25th March is grading and Kit Night – burn this date into your memory. In order to collect your kit you must have paid your subs. SUBS ARE REQUIRED TO COVER YOUR INSURANCE. You can pay using a direct credit (details below), or cash or credit card payment on the night, or even before hand. Remember no sub, no kit.

Students $175
All Others $225

Credit Cards pay online at www.brothersrugby.com.au/subs
Direct Credit:

Account Name: Christian Brothers Old Boys Rugby Club
BSB: 062 295
Account Number: 1027 6686

Please add your name as a reference.

Player profile

Full Name: Vinny Byrne

Specs: (height, Weight) 5’11” – 83kg

DOB: 14/08/1982

Position: Doggy Style/Halfback

Most respected opponent: I once played myself in Table Tennis… That was pretty hard…

Best game you ever played: Against Randwick in 2008

Any strange pre-game rituals: The Oaks front bar

Quick Fire Questions:
Holden or Ford: Honda
Blonde or Brunette: Heartbeat
Cheese or chocolate: Chocolate
Boardies or Speedos: Boardies
Star Trek or Star Wars: Star Wars
Would you eat a horse? I have taken what looked like a horse home from The Oaks once… So yes
Last book you read? Vinny Byrne: Trials and Tribulations of being Awesome
If you could have one super power for a day what would it be (invisibility, immortality, x-ray vision, super strength, Flying) Immortality
3 famous dead or alive people you would invite to a dinner.
Elle McPherson
Jennifer Hawkins
Stephen Hawkins….. Makes me look pretty hot…

Hatches, matches and dispatches

For those of us lucky enough to attend, Brothers recently had a Wedding in Thailand with the lovely Simon Kearney and Michelle Hewitt. It was a wonderful occasion and I am delighted to share with you some of the pictures of the day. We wish Mr and Mrs Kearney all the best in their married life and also hope they are having a wonderful honeymoon on the islands of Thailand!

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