Perth-Bayswater
Rugby Union Football Club
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Perth-Bayswater Rugby Union Football Club |
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| ANNUAL DINNER TRIUMPH |
| 26 SEPTEMBER 2003 |
Another top night at the Barocco restaurant in Northbridge for the 2003 Perth-Bayswater Annual Dinner and Trophy Presentation saw some well deserved awards handed out, a few well prepared speeches made, some well enjoyed dancing -- and some probably not very well people the next morning.
President Ray Goodall welcomed the assembled masses, MC Rick Boyd made one or two sad attempts at humour, and the entree and sumptuous buffet dinner were enjoyed by all present. Hard to be enjoyed by those not present really.
The usual endless array of awards was presented (see the Awards page) and sleep-inducing speeches were kept to a mimimum. Second grade coach Sam McCourt didn't pull any punches with his speech and he didn't need the microphone either. First grade coach Jamie Hohapata had one or two words to say, and once he put his glasses on, quite a few more words after that.
Congratulations to the awards winners, notably first grade best and fairest (Dave Watene -- who assured us that first grade would win the premiership next year); Players' Player (Dylan Davies); the Allan Hill Award for Courage and Commitment (Joel McIvor); Coach of the Year (Wally Murphy); Clubman of the Year (Dennis McLoughlin);Clubwoman of the Year (Bubs Brown); and the President's Trophy (Mary McDougall).
The formalities concluded with Jason Legs Bastaja reciting a poem, as he optimistically called it, and the gyrating to loud music began. This continued until the sensible people had gone to bed with a cup of cocoa and a panadol, and in fact probably continued until the sensible people had got out of bed again and taken their dog for a walk.
| PERTH SCORE RUGBY WA TROPHIES |
| 18 SEPTEMBER 2003 |
Congratulations to Nicki McLoughlin, who received the trophy for the Western Australian Best and Fairest Women Player at the annual PG Hampshire Awards last night at the Duxton Hotel. Congratulations also to first grade wing Dylan Davies who was equal top try scorer in the Perth Competition in 2003; and to former president and perennial fifth grade lock Steve Fink who was awarded one of three Vounteer of the Decade awards for his work with juniors at both club and state level, his work with Perth-Bayswater and on the Rugby WA executive.
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
| 18 SEPTEMBER 2003 |
The annual Maori v the Rest match will be held at Morley Reserve on Saturday October 4.
The Annual General Meeting will be held at the clubrooms on Sunday November 9 at 11 am.
| PERTH END SEASON ON A HIGH |
| 25 AUGUST 2003 |
First grade finished the year in a solid fifth position, just four points adrift of the final four, with a 38-20 win over University. A quick look back at some of the ones that got away -- 10-12 to Soaks in round 6, 22-24 to Cottesloe in round 9, 13-15 to Wests in round 12 -- combined with a couple of games that should have been reeled in safely-- an 8-27 loss to Kalamunda in round 1 and a 20-34 loss to Palmyra in round 10 -- show what a very different season this could have been from this talented young team.
In other grades, seconds went down to Uni 19-12 and third fell 26-3, while Colts lost to Rockingham 5-0.
Fabulous Fifths (proudly sponsored by GM Mining Electric & Ching Contracting NZ) enjoyed a 33 - 0 victory over University. To University's credit the score was flattering to Perth. The students pushed Fifths all day and the match was much closer than the score suggests, with Perth's scrum under pressure throughout. The first try of the game came from a well timed pass from Wee Bruce McFinlay to Dwayne the Train Barr, the Kingaroy Express, who sliced through the defence to score under the posts, which was converted. This try was followed shortly after by Kevin "Granddad" McKeagg who was at hand to take the final pass from a charging forward pack to score his first try for fifths. In fact it turns out that it was the first try he has scored for 35 years. He last scored as a fifteen year old playing down in deep dark Invercargill, NZ, in prehistoric 1968. The next try was the highlight of the match. Fifths had just spent ten minutes on defence as Uni pounded their line. Uni were awarded a penalty but missed the shot for goal. Bruce weighted a perfect 22 kick, which Japie got under to take a fantastic catch and secure the ball (he was obviously trying to impress his parents, Errol and Dedee Campbell, on the side line, here on holiday from South Africa). Japie fed the ball to Bert "two left feet" Bothwell on the charge who shot up the paddock with Uni's defence hot in pursuit. Just before he tripped over his two left feet he fed Handsome Danny Vella who was largely unchallenged on his way to scoring under the posts, apart from the usual couple of defenders left unconscious in his wake.
The second half was also a hard-fought affair. It took a while to get another try but it came from a ball being hoofed down field by Phil 'The Legend of the Valleys' Oliver, who followed up in the company of Wayne "Bubs" Salter. They combined for a tackle that coughed up the ball right in front of the posts, for Pete the Prop's lookalike to score. Phil could have scored a try himself a few minutes later when Bubs Salter counter-attacked from his own 22, moving the ball wide to Fungus. The Fungi fed Dwayne The Train, who took the ball deep into Uni's half. Dwayne passed back inside to Phil with the line open, only for the Legend of the Valleys to spill the ball forward. Phil's only excuse was to proclaim that he was so surprised that Dwayne had actually passed ithe ball with only one man to beat, that he was caught completely off guard. The last try of the game came from a move down the blindside. Goose, (one of the 'Three Amigos' -- the other two being Troy the Boy and Paul "Porky" Sefton --who shared the halfback duties for the day) popped a pass to Wee Bruce, who fed the ball to Noel "the Flying Fridge" Spittal. The Kelvinator pushed off his opposite number and deaf to all calls from his support to pass the ball, cut inside the defence to score next to the posts. Good performances also of note from Herr Fink (who provided good ball from the lineouts) John and Matt (who provided plenty of go forward in the pack) Lionel "Ritchie" Johnson (who kept the ball moving with quick taps from penalties) and of course "Mega Manager" Grunter, whose motivational R-rated support and water keeps us focused on the job at hand ... working up a thirst for the beer in the changing rooms after the game.
| PERTH THE BEST OF THE REST |
| 14 AUGUST 2003 |
First grade wrapped up its place in fifth in the Perth Competition with a solid 30-17 over their nearest rivals, Kalamunda. With a ten point lead over Kalamunda, Perth-Bayswater will finish the season in fifth regardless of next week's match against wooden-spooners University. It has been a year of significant improvement for the men in black, to finish the season as the best team outside the finals, a mere eight points adrift of the top four. With at least three very close losses against top sides, it is clear Perth-Bayswater are close to cracking the big time once more.
In other grades, seconds fell to a disappointing 37-0 loss to Kalamunda but thirds did the business 59-17, while colts went down 17-12.
Fabulous Fifths had a 64-5 victory over Wanneroo at home on Saturday but this was not enough to get the lads into this year's finals, with Associates Green beating Nedlands to take the final spot. There is a silver lining to every cloud though and in this case it is the fact that the team from Cottesloe who misused the new rule from Rugby WA about uncontested scrums will not make the finals either. The rule was introduced in good faith but unfortunately one club has forgotten the phrase about "playing the game in the spirit of rugby" and used it to try and gain an unfair advantage over other teams. Rugby WA must look at this rule before next season and make adjustments so it can not be misused again.
As for the game it was go forward and score all day for the fifths. Tries went to Wayne "Bubs" Salter, the baby faced assassin, who scored a hat trick. I am informed that due to none of the opposition backs being over five feet tall or weighing under 150kg he was able to run rings around them at will. Dywane the Train scored his usual double with Troy the Boy also chipping in with two. Other tries were scored by Tom Lynch " the Desert Madman", Simon "China Doll" Munrowd-Harris and Bert "Two Left Feet" Bothwell. Bert managed his try only after tripping over his own two left feet. Unlike earlier this year he was close enough to fall over the line this time after being in the clear. Japie almost scored after being put into the clear by Fungus but was run down by one of the 150kg dwarfs and had to pass it to Troy the Boy to take the glory. Wee Bruce McFinlay had a great day with the boot and popped over seven conversions.
| PALY PULVERISED |
| 14 AUGUST 2003 |
First grade set all sorts of records for the season with a massive hammering of Palmyra, 67-17. It seems Paly are really suffering for numbers this year -- they even have that redoubtable old warrior Gary Mickle propping in third grade. All grades won, with seconds downing Paly 32-19, thirds getting up 31-7, and fifths receiving a disappointing win by forfeit. Colts had a bye.
| DIRTY DEEDS AT COTTES-LOW |
| 6 AUGUST 2003 |
Perth-Bayswater first grade went down to Cottesloe 38-19 last weekend, and the other grades followed suit with seconds losing 30-23, thirds losing 32-0 and colts going down 10-5.
Filthy Fifths had little to report this week, for a change, after their 14-0 loss to Cottesloe because this week they really are filthy. Cottesloe Fifths have adopted a policy of playing a forward pack consisting entirely of flankers, which means that they refuse to have contested scrums, thereby destroying any contest up front and depriving teams such as Perth-Bayswater of the dominance their big forward pack would normally earn them. It also means the Cottesloe forwards run all over the park likes hares on steroids and are first, second and third to every breakdown. This reduces these games to a kind of hybrid league and makes a total mockery of one of the most traditional and valued facets of rugby union. Uncontested scrums happen now and again, and sometimes not entirely by accident (I seem to remember a Cottesloe first grade match a few years ago....) but Cottesloe Fifths have been doing it for some weeks now. The committee are launching an official protest to Rugby WA.
We understand Cottesloe are considering a new jersey design -- blue on blue with a yellow streak down the back.
| SEVENTH HEAVEN |
| 20 JULY 2003 |
Perth-Bayswater staged the mother of all comebacks in the Home Building Society Perth competition today to defeat Nedlands 34-32 on the bell at the Foreshore. Trailing 27-0 at half time and unable to match Nedlands' pace and accuracy out wide, the embattled Morley outfit seemed destined for ignominious defeat. But the boys in black had other ideas and followed coach Jamie Hohapata's half time instructions to the letter.
"If they can score 27 points in the first half, we can score 27 in the second," Hohapata told them in the time-honoured fashion.
Nedlands were on fire early with three quick tries in the first 15 minutes. Perth-Bayswater competed strongly, working their way downfield with short forward charges off the base of the ruck but each time a simple error would undo all their good work. Nedlands spun quick ball to their pacy three-quarters and the gaps opened up. When Shannon Apaapa scored and converted after 30 minutes, and hooker Rob Ball scored just before half time following multiple phases from a tap penalty, it seemed all over bar the shouting.
There will be little shouting in the Nedlands clubrooms tonight as Perth-Bayswater turned their passion into control in the second half and stole the game from under Nedlands' noses. At 27-0 Nedlands must have felt that nothing but an act of God could take the game from them, and it may have been their complacency that led to numerous fumbles and poor options -- snapped up by a hungry Perth-Bayswater.
Ten minutes in, Perth-Bayswater wing Damien Milich scored in the left corner following multiple phases but two minutes later Apaapa intercepted a loose pass on the sideline and dashed 30 metres to reply for Nedlands. A minute later the fun began as Perth-Bayswater right wing Dylan Davies returned the compliment with an intercept of his own to score a try, converted by centre Joel McIvor. At 32-12 Perth-Bayswater entered a phase of sustained attack. It yielded results after 23 minutes when prop Tom Hughes drove over from a lineout on the try line, following a penalty kick to touch. Minutes later Davies nabbed a spilled loose ball and sprinted 30 metres, handing on to fullback Logan Cribb for the try. McIvor converted to trail 32-24.
When Davies grabbed another fumbled Nedlands ball and sent lock Tim McLoughlin steaming towards the try line for halfback Mark Hill to wrap up the try, the impossible suddenly seemed achievable. Perth-Bayswater threw everything at Nedlands for the final five minutes but with little result until yet another loose ball from Nedlands was toed ahead. As Nedlands scrambled in defence the ball was scooped up and switched back and forth for Milich to score out wide, sending Perth-Bayswater supporters into frenzies of delight and plunging Nedlands fans into disbelieving shock.
"We believe in ourselves," explained Hohapata.
"At half time we decided to keep our structure, but throw caution to the winds," he said.
"We tried to push the ball wider and have more confidence. Once we got the momentum going forward and kept the pressure on, Nedlands fell in a hole."
"We thought we were almost certainly out of the four, but we still wanted to finish as high as we could. We have good team spirit and good cameraderie, and we're already building for next year."
In other games, second grade lost to Nedlands 45-5, third grade lost to Nedlands 60-3 but colts won over Nedlands 10-0.
Fabulous Fifths (sponsored by GM Mining Electric & Ching Contracting NZ) went down to Nedlands 18-10 on a cold windy Sunday afternoon at the Foreshore. Fifths started well when they drove the ball from a line out close to Neddies line which resulted in a great forward try to "Handsome" Danny Vella. The try went unconverted as did all Perth's attempts at goal for the day and in the end this would prove the difference between the two sides. The comment was made that if we had a kicker more like Daniel Carter and less like Carlos Spencer we might have had a chance when the pressure was on.
Neddies took the lead midway through the first half when they went in for a try out in the centres which they converted. They gathered up some loose ball not long after to score out wide due to Perth not getting across in numbers to defend their line. They followed this up with a penalty to go to half time 15 to 5 up.
Strong words from Grunter at half time had little affect as the team continued to make unforced errors like not putting their touch finders out or kicking them out on the full when not inside the 22. Mike "The Prince of Whales" Jones, celebrating his 53rd birthday, was pushed all day by a much younger KC Maxwell around the rucks and mauls, which upset Perth's supply of ball (Traitor!). Then ref Alan Gorman decided he wanted to set a new world record for awarding penalties in the shortest space of time by blowing Perth off the paddock. (Double traitor!) Lucky for fifths Neddies could only manage to gain an extra three points from this deluge of wayward whistling. The forwards were very upset about this as they where adamant that they only stretched the rules a little bit and that hands in the ruck, entering the maul from the wrong side, not releasing the ball on the ground and being off side are perfectly acceptable practices of play, indeed almost mandatory at this level.
The team decided to get itself back into the game for the last fifteen minutes of the match with Conrad "Star " Kovac, Kevin "Granddad" McKeagg, Handsome Danny Vella, Lionel "Ritchie" Johnson, and Bert and Pete the Flower Pot Props winning good ball and really taking it up to the Nedlands pack. This extra pressure forced a handling mistake from Neddies for Grant "Fungus" Phillips to dive onto with Handsome Danny Vella quickly moving the ball blind side from the ruck to Noel "The Flying Fridge" Spittal, who beat two defenders on his way down the sideline to score Perth's second try. Even though the Kelvinator took the ball close in to the goal posts we still could not manage to get a kick over so the team has decided to blame the loss on kicking guru Wee Bruce McFinlay, the Hero of the Highlands, who was absent from the game without notice. A carton of beer for the team may make amends, Bruce.
| NOT THIS TIME |
| 13 JULY 2003 |
First grade couldn't repeat their second-round upset over Associates this year and went down 34-3. Ash Murphy and Cale McCourt were missing on representative duty with Perth Gold but Associates had more players out for the same reason.
In other games, second grade went down 18-10, thirds lost 15-13 but colts defeated Associates Green 27-10.
Fabulous Fifths (proudly sponsored by GM Mining Electrics & Ching Contracting) managed a 29 - 19 win over Associates Gold at Allen Park. Despite the "support" of the Westaway Gang on the sideline, fifths still managed to score four tries — even with three sin bins. Bert could have scored early in the game when he was put into the clear with ten meters to run, but chose to show everyone why he was expelled from ballroom dancing school by tripping over his two left feet and spilled the ball forward just before the line. The first try actually went to inspirational captain and stud muffin (his words not mine) Wayne "Japie" Campbell who managed to fall over the line after "Handsome" Danny Vella broke free and fed Tubs. The teetotaller and careful driver took the ball into Soaks' 22 only to be run down by the defence, but managed to get a pass away to Japie (who many suspect was still making his way back on-side from a foray into the opposition territory five minutes earlier) to score the first try.
The next try went to "Handsome" Danny Vella who, in his normal bruising way, bumped of half a dozen defenders to score under the posts. Danny's running style looks something like a combination of a raging bull and a two-year-old toddler. Soaks managed a runaway try against the run of play before half time to keep the game interesting.
The second half saw fifths score a great try when they drove the ball from a lineout near Soaks' line and squeezed Chris " Faeces" Jardine over the line to score. The game turned nasty after this with Trevor Baldwin nearly having his head kicked in when on the ground, by a very silly boy from Soaks who should know that sort of action is best left to drunken thugs outside seedy Northbridge night clubs late on a Saturday night. Adrian "Hitman" Hughes and Faeces weren't having any of that sort of shit and promptly intervened on Trev's behalf. This earned them both a yellow card with the main offender from Associates getting his marching orders for the rest of the game. To make things even worse Phil "Legend of the Valleys" Oliver got sent to the sin bin moments later for questioning the ref's parentage. This meant it was fourteen against twelve and allowed Soaks to score two quick tries. But fifths had a secret weapon in the form of Dwayne "the Train" Barr, the Kingaroy Express, who came on for the last few minutes of the game and we know that's all he needs to twinkle-toe his way over the line for a try and gain the bonus point. Other performances of note were from Pete The Prop and Wee Bruce McFinlay, who managed a penalty and three conversions. The team would like to wish Mike "Model" Plaister bon voyage as he has decided to join his father in England.
| SO CLOSE BUT YET... |
| 6 JULY 2003 |
First grade let another big fish slip from the hook with a 13-15 loss to competition leadersWests-Subiaco at Perry Lakes.
In other games, second grade went down 33-5, thirds lost 46-6 and colts lost to Associates Gold 36-0.
Fabulous Fifths (proudly sponsored by GM Mining Electrics & Ching Contracting) defeated Rockingham on Saturday by 50-5 even without inspirational captain Wayne Japie Campbell, who for some reason decided a dirty weekend with his wife was more important than a dirty game of rugby with his mates. In a display of running rugby at its best the boys ran in eight tries and five Wee Bruce McFinlay conversions to Rockingham's one penalty try. Dywan the Train Barr was the star of the day scoring four tries, with three of them in the first half. After the fourth try we tried to drag him but for some strange reason he became deaf and wouldn't leave the field.The other tries were scored by Lionel, Fridge, Josh Fink and Wayne Salter. Young Finky's try was great to watch as the big man scooped up a loose pass from J.T. and crashed over the line with proud Dad Steve cheering him on. The try of the day was saved till last when the backs ran the ball out of their own 22 with the Baby Faced Assassin Wayne Salter cutting though the defence and racing up the field to score a brilliant 70 metre try under the posts. Talking about sets of posts, just before half time Mike Hillyer had been standing behind the same set with some bloke looking down the front of his shorts. Turns out that Mike had the unfortunate experience of loosing a ball (not the rugby type) while contesting a maul and the stranger from Rockingham was helping him to find it. We are not sure who the stranger was but it is thought that he and Mike were seen out later that night having a romantic dinner for two. Good news is that the lost ball was found and is now sitting back next to its partner in Mike's bag. Other performances of note came from Adrian Hughes. Adrian made his presence known on the field by first rucking the hell out of some poor Rockingham bloke that was nowhere near the ball. (Lucky Adrian is not allowed real sprigs or he may have done some actual damage). Then later in the second half he showed off his kung fu skills by trying to high-kick a ball instead of catching it, nearly taking out the opposition chaser. Referee Hamilton, who had a good game all round, decided a penalty was needed to curb that sought of play as the laughter from the sidelines was getting too loud. (welcome back Adrian).
| BULLS ROUNDED UP |
| 30 June 2003 |
First grade gained sweet revenge on Kalamunda for their first-round loss with a solid 22-3 win over the Bulls at Hartfield Park, Forrestfield. More details to follow.
In other games, second grade went down 26-20, thirds won 13-7 and colts lost to Rockingham 14-0.
Fabulous Fifths [proudly sponsored by GM Mining Electric's & Ching Contracting] had a hard-fought 22-0 win over Wanneroo at Kingsway. In driving rain and stong winds the game was never going to be a great running game even through all the four tries were scored by backs. The first try of the game came within ten minutes of the kick off when Mike (The Prince of Whales) Jones quickly cleared the ball from a ruck near the opposition line to Phil (Legend of the Valleys) Oliver who danced through the Wanneroo defence to score a fantastic try. I haven't seen such fancy footwork from a Welsh back since Phil Bennett retired. The next try came shortly after when Dwayne The Train Barr, the Kingaroy Express, powered through the defence to take fifths to a 12 point lead after only 15 minutes. This seemed to make Wanneroo spark up and get back into the game. A combination of this and poor handling from Perth meant that there was no addition to the score before half time.
The second half was an equally hard-fought affair with Wanneroo bringing on their secret weapon in the form off Bad Billy Watt. Even the addition of one of Perth's most respected coaches and players (and drinkers) didn't distract the boys in black from their task with Dwayne the Train crashing over for his second try. The last try of the game went to Noel The Flying Fridge Spittal after Paul Porky Sefton went blind from a scrum on halfway and quickly fed the ball to the Fridge, who pushed off the defence and sprinted half the length of the paddock to score the last try of the game. A fifth try late in the game went begging when the ball came out to the right through Kevin McKeagg to Alan Tubs Thomas who had a sudden rush of blood to the head and decided that he was a wing instead of a prop and took off down the paddock at his top speed -- his legs going like a Welsh pit pony according to Phil Oliver. With Fridge outside him in support Tubs looked wide and gave the Fridge a big mouthguard grin -- but instead of passing it to the unmarked Kelvinator, cut back inside and was duly tackled. Props -- will they ever learn?
| PALY UP THEIR TALLY |
| 23 June 2003 |
First Grade lost to Palmyra 34-20, Second Grade won 17-12, Third Grade lost 25-10, Colts lost to Wanneroo 7-5 and Fifths had a win by forfeit as Palmyra had so many players backing up in higher grades they couldn't field a fifth grade.
| ANOTHER ONE THAT GOT AWAY |
| 15 June 2003 |
Cottesloe escape with the points if not their dignity, coming from behind for a close 24-22 win over the men in black at Morley Reserve.
Behind a strong forward pack, Perth-Bayswater were even 10-10 at half time and surged ahead with two tries, one converted, in the second half.
Cottesloe staged a late recovery with two tries. The second successful conversion gave them the two point lead and moved them up to second on the table. Perth-Bayswater hung in at fifth due to Kalamunda losing to University.
In other games, seconds lost 46-10, thirds lost 50-7, colts lost narrowly at 21-19, and even the glorious warriors of fiths were defeated 7-3 (come on Fridge, where's my match report?).
Filthy Fifths had to come to terms with a 7-3 defeat by Cottesloe on Sunday. Once again the feared fifths pack had to put up with the opposition pulling the uncontested scrum stunt by saying that they did not have any experienced props. This of course ensures that a weak pack will get 50% of its scrum ball and removes any advantage a team with a strong pack has at scrum time.
Perth's only points came from the boot of Phil Oliver who had a good game all round. Other performances of note were from Mike Plaister, Tubs and the old master himself Steve Fink. Japie could learn a lot from Finky especially in the discipline department. This might help to keep him out of the sin bin. When asked what happened to cause the punch up with the lad from Cott, Japie replied that he didn't know due to not being able to see anything because his boxing partner had pulled his head gear over his eyes.
Due to good defense from Cott, Perth's backs were unable to break the advantage line and were also guilty of a lot of turnovers. The only try of the game came from at least four knock-ons and a forward pass which the ref for some reason was unable to pick up before a joyful Cott team touched down. This was converted to give the beach boys a lead that Perth could not make up before the final whistle.
Another narrow defeat for Perth Colts, 19-21 to Cottesloe. When this team wakes up to realise that they need to switch on before the game and play the whole sixty minutes, then they may have the makings of a very good colt side. Provided, of course, that they train together on a Tuesday and Thursday.
Cottesloe came out smoking and ready and took the game to Perth, scoring two tries and converting both in the first half. They started the second half in the same vein, scoring early and adding the conversion for good measure to go 21-0 up on Perth.
It looked as if this was going to be a humiliation at the hands of Cot, with only the usual few putting in the effort. Perth then started to wake up half way through the second half and started to play like a team, aided by the changes made in the back line and in the forwards. Brett Murphy came on just after half time and made a big difference in the line out, winning good ball for Perth. Changes in the backs also helped with Woodsy coming into flyhalf, and Pascoe going to outside centre.
The first try for Perth came from Michael Murphy, the second from Nick Jury and the last try again from Michael. Nick converted two of the tries to bring Perth to their 19 points. Perth proved that they could rattle Cottesloe, who did not look as impressive as they had started. Perth definitely was the stronger side at the finish of the game, but they ran out of time.
| SINGING IN THE RAIN |
| 1 June 2003 |
Perth-Bayswater
stayed in reach of the top four of the Home Building Society Rugby WA competition
with a 15-7 win over University in wet weather at Perry Lakes. Their cause
was aided by fourth-placed Nedlands losing a vital upset to Kalamunda 11-22
on Saturday.
Perth-Bayswater stormed to an early lead when wing Joel McIvor charged down a kick in the first two minutes of play, regathered and raced twenty metres to score. Twelve minutes later McIvor crossed again when flyhalf Mark Hill ran blind from a ruck and passed back in from the touch line. McIvor missed the conversion again -- and failed to land a goal the entire match, or the Perth-Bayswater score would certainly have been higher.
Neither team garnered much glory from the match with errors and penalties aplenty in treacherous conditions, and little continuity in a messy, stop start game. The difference in the two sides was Perth-Bayswater's ability to seize their opportunities.
In the second half University enjoyed long periods of attack but inevitably came undone with spilled ball and poor passing, and tenacious Perth-Bayswater defence. University's pressure eventually told and midway through the spell their forwards pushed over for a converted try underneath the posts after Perth-Bayswater conceded a series of defensive penalties. University were unlucky not to score at least one more try when the final pass missed their wing with the line wide open.
Just as University threatened to fight their way back into the game at 10-7, Perth-Bayswater right wing Dylan Davies covered half the field in an elusive attacking run to score a clinching five-pointer.
Perth-Bayswater coach Jamie Hohapata described the game as "scrappy".
"We're keeping in touch with the top four," Hohapata said, "It would have been nice to get that bonus point, and we had our opportunities, but the conditions weren't helpful."
"We could have got the ball wide a bit more, he said, "But in these conditons, you're going to get errors."
"I'm pleased with the win. It will give the boys confidence facing Cottesloe next week," Hohapata said.
Second grade lost to University 20-25.
Third grade went down 47-7 at Perry Lakes to Uni. The only try for Perth was scored by the ever reliable Brendon McKeagg who split the Uni defense in the first half to score under the posts. This was converted to give thirds their only points for the day. The game was a lot more even than the score suggests with only a few points in it at half time.Good to see Kevin McKeagg out there with his two sons, Lyndon and Brendon. Thanks to Kevin, Japie & Fridge for turning up from Fifths to help out with numbers. The game went downhill for Thirds in the second half with injuries and sin binning taking their toll. Thirds basically had to play the whole second half with ony 14 players and at times 13. This of course allowed Uni to take advantage and score a number of unanswered tries. Good performances from Steve at flyhalf and Brendon McKeagg were the highlight of the day.
Fabulous Fifths had a 75 - 5 win over University on Saturday. Fifths had a good turn out even though it was a long weekend and they were away to Uni. The game was played in good spirit and well controlled by ref Alan Gorman. Tries where scored by Dwaine "The Train" Barr, the Kingaroy Express, and Noel "Fridge" Spittal who managed three each; Handsome Danny Vella and Richie "Lionel" Johnson, two each, with Paul "Porky" Sefton scoring the other one. Loniel's first try was the best of the day with the ball passing through many hands and Lionel handling the ball three times in the movement before crashing over the line for a try with his fourth touch.
Simon Munrowd-Harris made a spectator return from injury with some great runs from full back, setting up at least three tries and proving a great stand-in for Bubs Salter who was called into work at short notice. The inside backs worked a treat with some great moves directed by Phil "The Legend of the Valleys" Oliver at flyhalf and Fifths had seven tries on the board by half time. Great defence was on show with Handsome Danny Vella putting in a huge tackle on the opposition hooker only to be outdone seconds latter by Dwaine the Train who totally put Uni's prop on his arse. The Uni player took quite a while to get up after the hammering and stayed away from The Train for the rest of the game. Porky Sefton showed he still has the pace despite his impressive girth when he chipped over the heads of the Uni defence, regathered the ball and raced away 40 meters for a try.
This week's hygiene award goes to Mike Hillarie who played his first game for the season, came off and took a quick shower during the game before returning to the sideline as a reserve. Other performances of note were the mathematical ability of ace manager Grunter who was the only person able to keep score. Uni's manager gave up after the 6th try.
Colts went down to Uni 15-14 in the upset of the day . Both teams scored two tries apiece but Uni put over a penalty which in the end was the difference. Colts posted a try in the opening minutes with Nick Jury scoring to celebrate his 18th birthday. He converted it and the colts had a 7-0 lead and were hot on attack with some great hard running. The boys will be rueing the fact that when they were given a penalty right in front of the posts they elected to run the ball instead of taking the three easy points. With experience they will learn to always play the percentages. Not long after this Uni ran in a try from out wide to go to the break 7-5 down.
After half time Marcus Thomas scored a great try from a kick and chase. This was converted by Nick and the lads were 14-5 up. But with Mike Murphy off at half time Uni was able to get a bit more ball and managed a converted try and also when they were presented with an easy penalty in front of the posts, took the points. Perth should have won this game but with coach Wally Murphy sunning himself in Queensland on holiday and the lads not moving the ball outside them at crucial times, an upset was always in the making. Thanks to Chris Smith for standing in as coach.
| THE MORLEY RESERVE ROUT |
| 24 May 2003 |
The battle for fourth spot in the Rugby WA competition turned out to be a major disappointment as Perth-Bayswater First Grade, who have so often shaken more fancied opposition, failed to register even a hiccup on the Richter Scale in their 43-10 loss to fourth-placed Nedlands.
With Nedlands not exactly setting the world on fire and rumours of internal ructions rife, and with Perth-Bayswater achieving some consistency and results this season, the stage seemed set for an upset in the upper reaches of the competition table. But an entirely different drama unfolded as Perth-Bayswater wilted early, and apart from a ten minute spell after half time, never looked like stopping the boys from the Foreshore.
Nedlands kicked a three pointer when Perth was penalised for not rolling away from the tackle after three minutes, but at the ten minute mark Nedlands were caught offside and fullback Joel McIvor goaled to balance the ledger.
Early honours were even with both teams enjoying attacking forays, and if Nedlands were making good ground with rolling mauls, and a massive scrum, Perth-Bayswater ruled the lineouts and were fierce in the loose. Two errors by ACT exchange ref Peter Lehmann conspired to give Nedlands an early advantage on the scoreboard. The Perth fullback was tackled without the ball and from the resulting kick and chase, the ref wrongly ruled that the ball was carried back over the tryline and touched down, giving Nedlands a 5 metre scrum. A couple of rucks later Nedlands mauled over the line and scored the first try to lead 8-3.
The ref blew it completely a short time later when another Nedlands maul fell over some distance from the tryline. The ref's psychic powers enabled him to see that the maul would continue uninterrupted to the tryline and Nedlands would definitely have scored a try from it, so he ruled a penalty try. Yet another glaring example of exactly how a penalty try should not be used. Neddies converted from in front and thanks to young Mr Lehmann's charity, led 15-3. When a Perth maul was collapsed later by one of the Perth players being virtually spear-tackled into the ground, the ref was not interested.
Perth-Bayswater never recovered from this setback and lost their confidence as the match progressed, but it was not until the last play before half time that the Nedlands fullback gathered in a kick to the corner, handed on to his wing who ran through a couple of tackles and scored in the corner. The fyhalf converted and Nedlands led 22-3 at the break.
Perth came out firing in the second half and put together ten minutes of dominant rugby, inspired by coach Jamie Hohapata's stirring half time rhetoric. From a lineout and a couple of rucks, wing Joel McIvor burst over for a try, and converted it himself from out wide.
Perth had their opportunities thereafter, and bad passing probably cost them a couple of tries, but it was mostly one-way traffic. After twenty minutes another kick ahead and a fortunate bounce put the Nedlands centre over beside the post for a converted try, and shortly after the Nedlands fullback scored in the corner from a simple overlap -- converted from the sideline. In the last five minutes Nedlands' young centre scored again from a well-placed kick, also converted for the 43-10 score.
It's back to the drawing board for the men in black, with more than half the season still to be played and plenty of time to put their game back in order.
Filthy Fifths went down 11-6 to Nedlands at Morley Reserve. Nedlands fielded an almost unrecognizable team from the All Stars that have served them so well over the last few years, although some of the old faces were in the crowd. The game was played at a furious pace in almost summer-like conditions which caused a few players to wonder if it really was a consolidated cup game, or a pre-season first grade trial match. Perth had plenty of chances in the game to score tries but had to settle for two penalties in the first half to Wee Bruce McFinlay. Nedlands replied just before half time with a penalty to go to the break 6-3 down.
Fifths' pack was troubled by the blue pack in the first half with a number of lost lineouts and scrums.This allowed Neddies the chance to get out of trouble a few times when Perth was camped on their line. Good to have Trevor "Truncheon" Baldwin and Bert back in the team after a few years away in the bush. The second half started like the first with the ball being moved from one end of the paddock to the other at a frantic pace. Lucky we have good speed to the ball with Conrad'Star" Kovacs, Mike "Model" Plaister and Ritchie "Lionel" Johnson getting to the breakdown first. Mike Jones injected himself into the game at half time only to spend the shortest time in the history of the fifth grade on the field. Most people estimate that it was less than sixty seconds from the half time kickoff to him being back on the sideline injured.
Nedlands scored the only try of the game midway through the second half when Perth decided to put up a Garryowen right on the opposition's 22. This was fielded by Nedlands and due to Fifths thinking someone else will tackle them, the Foreshore Fancy-boys swept upfield and scored in the corner. This was a disappointing moment after the good defence showed in the game and the added fact that it was against the run of play. We had our chances to score latter but some players who shall remain nameless decided not to move the ball wide when a couple of chances were there begging for the taking. Nedlands managed one more penalty before full time to win 11-6. Good performances from Paul "Porky" Sefton and Phil "Legend of the Valleys" Oliver in the backs was matched by Wayne "Japie" Campbell, Alan "Tubs" Thomas and Sean "Ponderous" Ormrod in the forwards. The game was played in good spirit and a special thanks to the ref who controlled the game well. Before the game when entering the changerooms, Fridge noticed that Nedlands convert KC Maxwell headed towards the Perth rooms. It's good to see that when you are at Morley your instincts still lead you in the right direction, KC. You would be welcomed back with open arms.
Perth Colts not having beaten Nedlands colts for over the last 7 seasons, this was a game that Perth were determined not to lose. Perth pressed from the first minute of the game with the forwards and backs hitting up through the centre of the field and gaining ground. Their tactics were rewarded in the first 10 minutes when Nedlands were penalised for diving over the ball in the ruck. The penalty was in front of the posts giving a great kicking opportunity, which was taken and converted by the boot of Nick Jury. Perth's first try came 5 minutes later from forward play, a pick and drive move, with number 8 Michael Murphy powering over the line. Again Nick was on hand to convert the try. A second try was scored by Perth before half time when the ball was spun out wide to the flying winger Aaron Hesse, who put his foot down to score in the left corner. This took us up to halftime with the score 15 to nil in favour of Perth.
Perth came out in the second half as they had finished in the first and saw them increase their lead with a try from the second rower Nick Jury. Nedlands came back at Perth with a fine run from their fullback Stuart Farquaharson, aided by some uncharacteristic poor tackling by Perth. Farquaharson converted his try this taken the visitors to 7 points. Nedlands celebrations were short lived when Perth scored their fourth try by flanker Sean Lee-Tuck and gained a bonus point in the 25-7 win. A well deserved win by Perth Colts with a lot of hard work and good displays from both forwards and backs.
In other games, seconds lost 61-10 and thirds lost 38-8.
| HEROICS ALMOST REPEATED |
| 19 May 2003 |
Perth-Bayswater almost pulled off their 2002 heroics when they lost to Associates 10-12 at Morley Reserve. Last season's win against the eventual premiers robbed them of their minor premiership, but this year a bonus point was all the reward the resurgent men in black received.
Ching Contracting Fifth Grade (after all these years we finaly have a sponsor thanks to "Crash" ) had to settle for a 14 all draw this week with Associates Green. Well named as it turned out -- they were green with envy at Fabulous Fifths' masterful exploits against Wests and despite having any number of fat old bastards in their team, cried off meeting the awesome Fifths front row and spun the line that they did not have an experienced hooker, forcing non-contested scrums for the game.
A string of head injuries to the backs meant that the Fifths were down to 13 players at one stage of the game, allowing Soaks to score two quick tries while the injured hairdressers had their brains pushed back in their skulls and taped up. The team then tore back into the game and scored a try late in the second half which was converted from the sideline by Wee Bruce McFinlay. The magnificent warriors from Soaks started wasting time, hoping that the game would finish before Fantastic Fifths could steal the game from under their broken noses -- mucking around at a line out and holding the ball in the uncontested scrum for over a minute. Unfortunately for them, the ref duly handed over the scrum to Perth. Fifths brilliantly scored in the corner from this scrum which was the last play of the day, except for Bruce of Bannockburn masterfully guiding the conversion over from the sideline to provide the lads with a well deserved draw.
Good performances for the day from Wee Bruce the Hero of the Highlands, Conrad "Star" Kovacs, Mike "Model" Plaisier, Wayne "Bubs" Salter and the Venerable and Distinguished Steve Fink were a highlight. Japie said he played well but doesn't he always? Finky in his new boots has answered the question as to why there is currently a leather shortage in Australia. They should see him out to his 60th birthday. Best wishes to Fungus and Simon "China Doll" Munrowd-Harris who are injured at the moment. We hope to see them back before the rest of the team steal all the glory.
| MORAL VICTORY OVER TABLE LEADERS |
| 10 May 2003 |
Top of the table Wests-Subiaco were lucky to get away with a 25-15 win over Perth-Bayswater at Rosalie Park.
A big score looked likely early on as Wests ran in three unanswered tries to lead 22-3 at the break. The men in black were not overawed and fought back in the second half, fighting over every scrap of possession and making the competition pacesetters look ordinary in the process.
A penalty kick put Wests on the scoreboard after six minutes and minutes later they scored again after a big downfield breakout. The try was converted and Wests went 10-0 ahead.
Perth-Bayswater had a minor share of the early play but were in the right place for fullback Joel McIvor to kick a penalty goal at the twenty minute mark. Wests quickly replied with their backs combining beautifully for a try five minutes later, converted for a 17-3 lead to Wests.
Perth-Bayswater were robbed blind in the closing stages of the half as they started to even up the possession stakes, and McIvor picked up from a quick ruck and barrelled over the line. The line, however, was for a soccer pitch which has confusing double markings over the rugby ground at Rosalie Park. The rugby try line was three metres ahead and and the five points went begging. This double marking is unacceptable at this level and must be an offence under the Rugby WA conditions for preparation of grounds. This unsatisfactory situation probably deprived Perth-Bayswater of the draw or even win they deserved from this game.
Immediately before the half time whistle, Wests' scored their third try. The conversion from the sideline failed and Wests went into the break leading 22-3.
The second half was contested strongly by Perth-Bayswater and they pressured Wests into a scrappy, hurried game. With plenty of possession and some nifty combinations from halfback Kyle Sproule and attacking flyhalf Mark Hill, the men in black worked their way back into the game with great tenacity. They were rewarded ten minutes into the spell when Hill scored from a charged down kick, and again ten minutes later when enterprising speedster Dylan Davies came off his right wing, intercepted a Wests' midfield lob pass and sprinted half the field to score under the posts. McIvor converted from in front. Perth-Bayswater were back in the game at 22-15.
Both teams struggled to make their mark as time ran out and there were several ugly moments, one of which resulted in a Wests front rower being despatched to the sideline for ten minutes by ref John Hill. Late in the half Wests added a measure of safety with a successful penalty kick when the referee Hill became a little precious and penalised Perth-Bayswater for some unwelcome advice. The 25-15 score line remained until full time.
In other games, second grade lost to Wests 20-0, third grade lost to Wests 34-10, and colts had a bye.
Fabulous Fifths hit their straps and defeated the much-fancied Wests V 14-8. West's massive pack supplied a large share of the ball for their team in the first twenty minutes of the game, but fifths' defence was up to the job and attack after attack was repelled by the boys in black. Our very ugly front row, which was even more beautiful after the inclusion of Fridge's brother prop Andrew "Crash" Spittal, deserves a special mention this week for first holding their own then dominating Wests' much fancied fat trackers. Even Japie was seen to run in a game for the first time this season. Perth was able to get into the game late in the first half and put some pressure on Wests' line — but was unfortunate to have Wests score an unconverted try right on half time. The second half was a different story with fifths' forwards gaining a measure of control. The resulting supply of ball allowed Perth's backs to run at Wests' midfield. This soon resulted in a try to Phil "The Legend of the Valleys" Oliver which was coverted by Wee Bruce McFinlay. Wests hit back with a penalty but Filthy Fifths were not to be denied and the Flying Scotsman sliced through Wests' suspect midfield to score under the posts. Due to the dizziness caused by lack of oxygen (or was it because he missed both in front last week) the Hero of the Highlands handed the kicking duties over to Mike 'Prince of Whales' Jones who popped it over. Good performances from Kevin "Grandad" McKegg, Paul "Porky" Sefton, Mike "Model" Plaister and Lionel "the League Legend" Ritchie were a highlight as well as some sound defence from the backs (apart from Adrian). The win was well deserved and a special celebration was held by the front rowers at Wests' bar. No one else from the team joined them as they speak a language that only they can understand. The Wests boys were near suicidal afer the game, from all reports, having had their massive egos dented by such a unlikely assembly of ruffians from Perth-Bayswater.
| DENNIS'S MENACES PUMMEL PALY |
| 4 May 2003 |
A resurgent Perth-Bayswater ran in five tries and earned a bonus point in their surprise 34-20 defeat of Palmyra in unusually warm autumn weather at Morley Reserve.
A hungry Perth-Bayswater team hustled and bustled their way to a sizeable early lead and never looked like relinquishing it. Palmyra aided and abetted the cause as masters of their own demise, with a huge error rate -- particularly in set pieces.
Perth-Bayswater started strongly and took just five minutes to post their first points, with a penalty kick to fullback Joel McIvor. It took a further five minutes for Perth-Bayswater to roll downfield for their first try, when left wing Dylan Davies raced in to the corner following a big cut out pass from centre field. McIvor converted from out wide. A big break out downfield sent right wing Andrew Hancy into the other corner and a shell-shocked Palmyra were facing a 15-0 deficit in the first quarter of the game.
They looked like a team playing their first match together, with knock ons and turnovers aplenty, exceeded only by penalties and free kicks at their scrums and lineouts. Perth-Bayswater created their fair share of errors but their energy and opportunism kept them on attack, although their game never really flowed.
A short series of forward charges brought Perth-Bayswater another attacking opportunity a further ten minutes on. Davies ran blind and passed to prop Ash Murphy to score in the corner. McIvor converted from the sideline and Perth-Bayswater were 22-0 up. It was not until just before half time that Paly made their mark on the scoreboard, with a penalty kick when referee Sean Popperwell caught the men in black offside.
Palmyra looked a different team after half time -- for ten minutes at least. They dominated possession and territory and scored a slashing backs try when centre Brett Watson (remember him?) scored close to the posts. Palmyra's new-found continuity did not last and they soon fell back into their error-stricken ways.
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| Captain Dennis McLoughlin celebrates his try with a small offering of thanks to the Gods of Rugby. |
Perth-Bayswater rolled back downfield and a quick series of rucks sent big centre Dave Watene crashing over between the posts. McIvor converted and Perth-Bayswater led 29-8 with thirty minutes to play. When Palmyra found some continuity they looked dangerous and scored a try later in the half, but Perth-Bayswater kept driving the nail home, with number eight Cale McCourt jumping at number two and totally dominating the front of the lineout.
Captain and lock Dennis McLoughlin drove over the line from a rolling maul minutes later to keep the men in black well ahead. Palmyra were down but not out and scored a skilful running try, and converted itt, but it was too little too late at 34-20.
In other games, second grade lost to Palmyra 8-30 with a late collapse; third grade defeated Palmyra 15-7; and colts lost to Palmyra 5-0.
Fantastic Fifths returned to fabulousness with a 34-7 win over Palmyra at Morley Reserve. The team was well disciplined and constructive until half time when sideline captain Wayne Japie Campbell, lineout specialist and morale manager, came on. After that things got worse, or better if you listen to Japie. Tries were scored by Dwayne the Train Barr, the Kingaroy Express; Aleks "Taxi" Randonjic, the legend of the '89 colts team returning for further heroics at Morley Reserve; Tom Lynch, the madman from the desert; Andy Keen, the Mobile Mechanical Hooker; Marvellous Mike Plaister who is really far too young and good looking to be in this team; and Wayne "Bubs" Salter, the baby faced assassin, who scored in a show of pure pace from almost fifty metres out. (He's still young enough to run that far.) An interesting selection of kicks were made by flyhalf Wee Bruce McFinlay, the Goal-kicking Guru of the Glens. He suceeded with the hard ones and missed the easy ones, just to keep it interesting or so he says. Welcome additions to the team on Saturday were Conrad "Star" Kovacs, former state hitman and strayed prodigal son; and Simon "China Doll" Monrowd-Harris. Other representatives of that recently bygone era — Alex Gower, Guy Mead and Robbie Cunningham — were also spotted amongst the throng of spectators watching this classic rugby team in action, fuelling speculation of a possible return to the game.
| MEN IN BLACK SINK ARKS |
| 27 April 2003 |
Perth-Bayswater rugby union fullback Joel McIvor is relishing playing in first grade. McIvor ran in a try and kicked four penalty goals and four conversions for 25 points as his team crushed ARKS 50-10 in a Home Building Society Perth Competition match at John Dunn Reserve today. The 21-year-old, who has risen through club ranks, is having his first year as a starting player and proved yesterday why he is such an asset for Perth-Bayswater.
It was the team's second win from three outings and puts them in good stead for next week when they take on Palmyra. While McIvor was anchoring Perth-Bayswater's points-fest, the six-try haul brought a smile to coach Jamie Hohapata's face.
"We're rebuilding and we're working off a basic game plan, which we generally stuck to. We are beginning to believe in ourselves and two wins gives us confidence for the coming weeks."
Perth-Bayswater had much of the lineout ball and dominated scrums, keeping ARKS in their own half for most of the first half. However, only two tries came in that first period with the 26-3 halftime scoreline due largely to McIvor's boot.
ARKS had the wind behind them in the second spell and repulsed many a Perth charge with long, raking kicks but the men in black were not to be denied.
Skipper Dennis McLaughlin, in the second row, helped maintain his team's composure while flanker Eugene Maxwell showed his agility and superb backing up with two tries. Scrumhalf Kyle Sproule ensured the excellent forward ball was cleanly delivered, especially in the second half as the tries started to flow.
ARKS' solid first-half defence was rewarded with a try midway through the second half but in general, their indiscipline at giving up cheap penalties was a telling factor.
(Thanks to Russ McKinnon for the report)
Fabulous Fifths weren't so fabulous on Saturday going down 50-0 to Wests-Subiaco.
Playing away from the rest of the club with just enough for a team, Fifths were totally outplayed by a team that resembled the Auckland Blues more than a consolidated cup side. Wests' mainly Islander team threw the ball around like a Fijian sevens side which meant that despite their rigorous fitness training program, Perth spent the game vainly chasing the pill all over the park, with regular welcome breaks for some heavy breathing behind the posts. The team will also need to improve their tackling if they don't want to receive another beating like this.
Welcome back to the side Paul "Porky" Sefton and John "Grass" Byrne, with the rumor that more of their former colts teammates from 1989 will be following them.
There were some bright patches in the game with Fifths playing well in the second half and scoring a try that was disallowed as the ref was unsighted. Good performances by Ponderous, Mike Plaister and Wayne "Bubs" Salter were the only highlight of the day for Filthy Fifths this time.
| ROCKY OUT FOR THE COUNT |
| 14 April 2003 |
First grade downed Rockingham 23-16 at Morley Reserve. More details when the carrier pidgeon has recovered from a groin strain and is back in the air.
Second grade lost to Rockingham 19-12, for probably the first time in history, thirds won 25-0, which sounds suspiciously like a forfeit, and colts demolished ARKs 37-0. Good work boys. Now over to The Fridge for the fifth rade report:
Fabulous Fifths had a hard fought win over Associates Gold.The score was 19 - 7 to the Perth boys with Dwain the Train Barr, the Kingaroy Express, again scoring two tries which were both converted by Wee Bruce Finlay. Both tries were scored in the first 15 minutes of the game due to the overwhelming force excreted by the black machine on the lads from Swanbourne. The Train showed his power running by completely bowling the defense out of his way to score two well earned tries. Adrian Hughes made a good return to the wing with some penetrating runs while new full back Wayne Salter was rock solid.
Associates were able to score a try right on half time after pressuring the Perth line for over ten minutes and the ref allowing the first half to over run by 5 minutes so they had time to score. With the wind at their backs for the second half Filthy Fifths were able to add a third try through the Fridge busting his way over the line from a ruck 10 metres out. A fourth try was not given to Fungus as the ref thought we would prefer a penalty instead. This was the start of some very curious decisions by the man in white for the rest of the game which seemed to stop Perth from scoring any more points and allowed Soaks to spend some time on attack.
Good performances from forwards Mike Plaister, Ponderous and Darren Horne made sure the team had a good supply of ball. Due to his son Josh getting married Steve Fink was unable to play so Japie had to walk for two halves this week instead of one. Ace manager Grunter was heard to say that he takes no responsibility for team behavior if the team allows Japie to be captain again this year. Also it was reported by the Supreme Commander that Mike "the Prince of Whales" Jones was mistaken by a spectator for President Ray Goodall but Bob put him right by telling him that Mike was Ray's fat twin brother.
| PERTH GIVE AWAY FIRST GAME |
| 5 April 2003 |
After conceding an early lead, Perth-Bayswater gave away their opening game of the season 8-27. Loose handling late in the game and the loss of a player to the sin-bin allowed Kalamunda two late tries to wrap up the match.
The game was a typical first hit-out of the season with errors aplenty and there was little in it up until the finishing stages. Kalamunda failed to capitalise on their heavy dominance of territory and possession in the first half. A combination of simple errors and dogged Perth-Bayswater defence kept the red and black team at bay for much of the half.
In one of their rare forays on attack, Perth-Bayswater drew first blood with a try to dreadlocked flyhalf Geoff Martin, running the blind from a ruck. Kalamunda made amends shortly after when they went over for a try for a half time score of 5-5.
Kalamunda struck the lead early in the second spell when their wing scored in the corner. The score remained at 10-5 as Perth-Bayswater found new life and turned the pressure back on Kalamunda. They received little return from their enterprise, with prop Ash Murphy kicking a penalty at the 20 minute mark. Kalamunda restored their margin within minutes when they returned the compliment.
Perth-Bayswater took risks to snatch a win as time ran out but tried too hard and lost control of the ball, which Kalamunda gladly seized upon and scored a converted try. Trailing 20-8, Perth-Bayswater inside centre Tony Sproule was despatched to the sin bin by referee Barty Hallowell for the final ten minutes. Kalamunda made the most of their opportunity to seize a bonus point with a late try in the corner, securing a 27-8 win.
Fabulous fifths, by contrast, continued their heroic exploits by drubbing Southern Lions 22 - 5 at Midland. Dwain the Train Barr, the Kingaroy Express, added to his legendary status by scoring two tries and kicking a conversion. His second try was the highlight of the game and will probably be the talk of Midland for generations to come. It started from Fifth's own 22, was hoofed downfield before being regathered just before the tryline by the Kingaroy Express in overdrive, leaving hapless defenders scattered in his wake like the Republican Guard after the Mother of All Battles. Ian Hogg and Noel "the Flying Fridge" Spittal contributed a try apiece as the relentless scoring machine that is Perth-Bayswater Fifths racked up the points. The forward pack went very well for most of the game until a combination of heat, old age & sideline captain Wayne "Japie" Campbell coming on late in the second half took its toll and allowed the opposition in for a late try.
In other games, second grade lost to Kalamunda 41-7, thirds lost to Kalamunda 27-0, but colts defeated Kalamunda 17-8.
| PERTH WIN TWILIGHT TENS |
| 22 March 2003 |
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| Dylan Davies scores his second try for the night. |
Perth-Bayswater finally won the pre-season CANTERBURY OF PERTH Twilight Tens tournament it hosts, although they were a good bet for the title after a Perth 1 v Perth 2 final.
Unfortunately, this was more due to the low number of entries in the competition, than any dominance on Perth-Bayswater's part. The tournament was held later than usual this year and may have clashed with some clubs' scratch matches. Other clubs cited low pre-season numbers for their non-appearance.
However, the competition drew good crowds and some surprisingly able and attractive rugby was played by the mainly Districts entrants.
On the third of the competition's three nights, Perth 1 defeated Joondalup 24-12 in the first semi-final, and in the other semi Perth 2 defeated Midland 26-14. In the colts final, Associates defeated Perth 21-7.
In the all-Perth final, Perth 2 had few opportunities as the senior team kept them pinned on defence early. Scoring chances soon came with a try to Eugene Maxwell. A try and conversion to Dylan Davies closed off the first half for a 12-0 lead to Perth 1.
Kyle Sproule scored a try off the opening move of the second half and play continued in a similar vein, with three more tries — two more to Dylan Davies, and a final try and conversion to Joel McIvor for the 34-0 win to Perth 1.
The club thanks sponsors CANTERBURY OF PERTH, all competing teams for their support, organiser Maurie Day for his expert guidance, and the referees for their time and effort at this early stage of the season.
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CANTERBURY OF PERTH
Shop H11, Hay Street level, Carillion Arcade207 Murray Street, Perth Peter and Barbara Fyfe — Phone: 9485 2055 E-mail: ccc.perth@canterburynz.com.au |
| TWILIGHT TENS |
| 18 February 2003 |
The CANTERBURY OF PERTH Twilight Tens is on again in 2003. The tournament runs on three Friday nights: the qualifying rounds on March 7 and 14, and the Finals on March 21. The games are played at Morley Reserve, Wellington Rd, Morley WA 6062. There are three divisions; open, second division and colts. $1000 first prize for winning the open division. Registrations fees: $100 open, $75 2nd division, $50 colts. The tournament is run by Perth-Bayswater RUFC Inc. Click here for:
For more information e-mail The Secretary on taylord@iexpress.net.au
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CANTERBURY OF PERTH
Shop H11, Hay Street level, Carillion Arcade207 Murray Street, Perth Peter and Barbara Fyfe — Phone: 9485 2055 E-mail: ccc.perth@canterburynz.com.au |