Welcome to the first edition of the Trinity College Rugby Club Newsletter. The aim of the Newsletter is to enable the rugby community to learn more about Trinity Rugby as we enter this exciting time of growth and success. Trinity College Rugby is currently fully supported at all age groups. The Year 8 and 9 teams have large squads including the Magic Team which is a developing side made up of a mixture of keen and enthusiastic Year 8 and 9 players. The senior teams have also made considerable improvements as the 2008 season has progressed, and their successes to date has far exceeded recent years. Numbers at training have improved tremendously and the players are taking onboard new structures and ideas enthusiastically. The passion and commitment of the Trinity College Rugby players is inspiring, however, this would not be possible without the support of parents. Thanks to all parents for supporting their sons rugby dreams and also my appreciation must be extended to coaches who brave the winter weather to prepare the boys for their matches. As a community I believe we can revive Trinity Rugby and hopefully enjoy the success of yester-years again. I hope you enjoy the Newsletter and that it provides you with more of an insight into Rugby at Trinity College. Thank you for all your support. Geraint Lewis HEAD OF RUGBY Geraint Lewis 1st XV COACH COACH My first season coaching the senior team started with a pre-season training camp at Camp Kelly in Dwellingup. The camp was an opportunity for me to get to know the players a little better, but also for the boys to display their skills and attributes and to put their name forward as a potential first team player. The camp was a huge success and the boys from year 11 and 12 came away from camp with new friendships and a clear idea of what was expected of them as a member of the Trinity College 1st XV team and the level of success expected from the upcoming PSA season. The first game was against Christchurch Grammar. It was always going to be a tough encounter with the Trinity College boys playing new combinations and tactical plays. Mistakes were expected, but after a shaky start, the team played some excellent rugby and illustrated that if we stuck to the game plan, we could and would be a major force to be reckoned with. We won the match 31-17 and the celebrations after the game showed how much this meant to the team after the disappointments of last season. The only disappointment of the match was the injury to our state fullback, Callan Phipps, which would prove to be a major loss to the side. The following two games against Wesley and Scotch were always going to be difficult. Unfortunately against Wesley, we were punished for poor defence and lack of ambition and went down to a heavy loss. The Scotch game was one which got away from us. We had our chances. We had the possession. We had the territory, but didn’t have the patience at crucial times and went down 15-6. This game did highlight though that this young side can mix it with the top three sides of the PSA competition and that the team was definitely moving forward. The following match against Guildford was one which we had targeted pre-season as one to win. A blistering start from the boys put us in front and the return of our injured half back, Sean Taggart from a broken wrist, definitely gave the team a boost. But once again we relaxed a little too much in the second half and allowed Guildford back in to the game managing to just hang on for a 21-20 win. The match against Hale was predicted to be tough. They have dominated PSA rugby for a number of years and this would be a real indicator of how far the team had come. Hale got off to a flying start and were leading 24-0 up at half time, but the team showed tremendous commitment and, in typical TC Spirit and 'never say die' attitude, won the second half and ended with a 24-7 loss. The commitment at training has been good and with the addition of extra Wednesday morning skill sessions the teams fitness and skill level has definitely improved. The aim of the season was to improve from game to game and I can safely say this has definitely been achieved this far. I hope the boys can take onboard all they have learnt so far and push on for a top three finish at the end of the season. All the best boys. You deserve your success. Geraint Lewis 1st XV COACH CAPTAIN The 2008 rugby season so far has been very successful and much more positive in comparison to last season. The season started with a camp to Dwellingup, something most of the boys had never been on previously. The camp was a great team bonding exercise and allowed us to focus on improving our fitness and skills in preparation for the season. Our first game against Christchurch was a win, taking an immense amount of pressure off of the year 12’s who failed to win a game last season. This game showed how far the team had come over the pre-season and indicated to us that our game plan worked, boosting everyone's confidence for future games. Our second game was against Wesley, one of the roughest teams in the competition. Unfortunately we lost, however, we did not give up and managed to score two tries in the second half. This match showed us that we can compete with the stronger teams in the competition. Our third match against Scotch was a narrow loss and we will be as determined as ever to beat them in our return encounter. After the 2 week exam break period with training continuing throughout, we played our fourth game against Guildford. This game was a win and while it was not by as big a margin as we would have liked, we played patches of very good rugby, however, took our foot off the accelerator at crucial times. The fifth game against Hale was for the Lindegaard cup in commemoration of David Lindegaard, a teacher at both Trinity College and Hale School. We knew that we would have to play an incredible game to beat Hale as they were widely regarded as the best team in the league. We played well but unfortunately not well enough and lost the game, however, much like the Wesley game we played a very offensive second half and managed to score a try and out score them. At this half way mark in the season, our win-loss record is 2-3 and our aim is to finish the season on 6-4. This target is extremely realistic considering the improved skill and fitness levels of each and every one of our players. The rugby season so far has been very enjoyable and we hope to play some high quality rugby throughout the remainder of the season. Jack Edwards and Tom Graydon 1ST XV CO-CAPTAINS Tony Webb 2ND XV COACH COACH The first half of the season has been a mixed affair with injuries from the camp and in the 1st XV impacting on our team structure. We now have a reasonably settled squad with players in their preferred position which this will lead to a much stronger and more organized structure for the remainder of the season. We have seen glimpses of good rugby being played but only in short bursts and over the last five games these bursts have lengthened. Although we have not yet had a win we are doing the right things rugby-wise and I feel our first win is not too far away. The team is keen and is putting in the effort to make this happen. Tony Webb 2ND XV COACH CAPTAIN So far this season the 2nd XV has been unsuccessful in its 5 games. Initial poor results reflected a team that had never played together before this season and continued losses can be attributed to the team's lack of training and inconsistent player group. Injuries in the 1st XV has led to the elevation of key players from the 2nds squad and a number of players having to be played out of position. Training has been the key factor in the poor performance of the 2nd XV so far this season. Poor turnouts have meant new moves and plays could not be learnt and practiced and skill levels have not been up to standard, letting the whole team down. The 2nd XV target over the next five games is to salvage some pride in this season by putting up strong performances and hopefully having some success. The 2nd XV goal is to win or improve on previous results against the remaining sides we play for a second time and to look to improve on attendance levels at training. Tom Shaw 2ND XV CAPTAIN Ian Hailes YEAR 10XV COACH COACH The Year 10 Rugby team consists of 20 of Trinity's finest young men. The team is well lead by Captain Lachlan Spence, Vice Captain Liam Burke, Assistant Forwards Leader William Singer and Assistant Backs Leader Kurt Penney. Last Saturday's fixture against Hale School marked the half-way point of our 10 match season. The record to date in summary is: 2 wins - 3 loses; 56 points for - 63 points against; 9 tries scored - 10 tries conceded. We are part of a very close PSA competition where we hold our own with the very best of the opposition. The boys' performances to date have shown tremendous courage, determination and perseverance. We compete energetically at all phases with our defense being our strength. We are working hard at developing our attacking skills and converting opportunities. The boys are well supported by family and friends on the touch line and they never disappoint their fans. On the Saturday of the TC bye, the boys enjoyed a team outing to Paintball Skirmish organised by the parents with Mrs. Booth coordinating. The most significant feature of the team is the even contribution made by all players. They train enthusiastically and understand the importance of quick transitions and forack skills. They are willing to expand their experience and develop their skills by playing in a variety of positions. Whilst the coach is not frightened of any of them...yet, we are working on it! See you on the touch line. Ian Hailes YEAR 10XV COACH CAPTAIN The season so far for the Year 10XV team has been a promising start. It has been a vast improvement on our previous years, but still little mistakes seem to be our achilles. Our first game against Christchurch was riddled with little mistakes, causing 5 and 7 point turn arounds resulting in us losing the game. The next game against Wesley was a huge improvement; fewer mistakes helping us come away with a win, our first in 2 years against them. Scotch was again a disappointing loss, only by two points, but it was a game we should have won. The team was asleep for the first half, providing the Scotch team with various opportunities to score. The Guildford game was a tough, robust game, a good match for our over ruling defensive power in the centres. Some great hits by Kurt insured the Guildford teams weren't going to run at the back line again. The game against Hale was a tight and competitive game right to the 80 minute mark and beyond. The first half was nil all for most of it until a Hale thrust resulting in a well deserved try. The second half was closer, with Hale scoring again from an intercept try and Trinity scoring off a tap penalty, with a great offload from Jack to Troy. I believe the aims of the team for the last game of this term and the next round is to correct the little mistakes, and play harder at the ball. The team for this year has vastly improved and is on its way to have the best season result so far. Lachlan Spence YEAR 10XV CAPTAIN Brian MacGabhann YEAR 9 XV COACH COACH Year 9 had a strong start to the season with convincing back-to-back wins over Christchurch and Wesley. Christchurch were defeated in a suitably dramatic season opener, with Trinity hanging on for a 17 -15 win with well earned tries from Luke Fogliani, Gerard Ryan and Anthony Di Michele. Captain Di Michele added his name to the following week's score sheet leading Trinity to a thrilling 24 - 19 win over Wesley, with Mitchell Boris, Tom Hill and Chris Corder bagging tries as well. Next game was a disappointment, with TC losing narrowly 29 -22 to Scotch. A slow start saw Trinity concede 3 soft tries, but the boys responded in fine fashion hitting back hard and dominating the second half. Their efforts were in vain as Scotch hung on, but one highlight of the game for TC was a spectacular break out try from a half way ruck by debutant Stefan Law. Trinity returned to their winning ways with a thumping 26 -5 win over CBC Fremantle in a well contested 'friendly', with notable tries by the ever consistent Mitchell Boros, Anthony Di Michele and tyro James Pennefather. Buoyed by this win Trinity went into their next match deservedly confident, and the first half reflected their growing strength and skill with TC dominating the opening exchanges. As the game progressed, TC were unfortunately unable to convert their pressure into points and Guildford were able to close the match out winning 10 - 7. Perennial competition favourites Hale were next up at Waterford, with the top of the table team thumping TC 34 -5. However, this score line flattered to deceive, giving no indication of what proved another commanding performance by a rampaging and aggressive Trinity pack. Most encouraging for Trinity was the diehard perseverance right to the final whistle, personified by the smashing tackling of a fiery Gerard Ryan. Trinity will expect the second half of the season to reflect their quality and efforts, and TC can take heart from the perseverance and commitment they have demonstrated game in and game out. Brian MacGabhann YEAR 9 XV COACH CAPTAIN The Year 9 Rugby team for 2008 I believe are a team that will give any of our future competitors a run for their money. We have managed to maintain basically the same team as last year with a few new inclusions; our team is now more complete and stronger and I believe we have all bases covered. The strength of our team was evident from our very first game against Christchurch with a win when it most counted, proving the depth of talent amongst the boys. Our second game of the season was also a success with a well deserved win over Wesley even though I believe we could have won by more. Our next game against Scotch proved to the boys that we can never be too confident. We beat them last year 46 nil but they have obviously studied our weaknesses and came back with a well deserved win by 12 points. Our scratch match against CBC Fremantle proved to be a good confidence booster for the team with a well deserved win by 21 points. We played a very close game against Guildford proving that a game can be lost by as little as 3 points proving every try and conversion can affect the outcome of the game. With our game against Hale the outcome of the game was not unexpected by the boys as we had lost to Hale 56-5 last year. The boys did do surprisingly well reducing that score to only 34-5 I consider this a step in the right direction for the team and a positive outcome. Our goals for the remainder of the season are to be a stronger and more formidable team with a common goal...VICTORY. Anthony Di Michele YEAR 9XV CAPTAIN Mark Dodd YEAR 8XV COACH COACH The boys have had a great start to the season with some great wins and a couple of near misses. I have been incredibly impressed with their attitude to every game, playing committed rugby to the final whistle. This desire to play to their full potential has been noticeable during training, with every boy in the squad trying their hardest to win a place in the A team. This has made my task of picking the 1st XV extremely difficult with so many boys improving on their skills and showing a greater understanding of the game. A big thanks to James Whelan for all his help during training and to all the parents for their continued support. Mark Dodd YEAR 8XV COACH CAPTAIN Year 8 rugby has had a good start to the year having had 3 wins and 2 losses thus far. We won against Christ Church, Wesley College, and Guildford Grammar. The losses came against Hale School and Scotch College but we still put up a good fight and only lost both games in the dying minutes. Training on Monday's and Wednesday's has been good with Mr. Dodd taking the forwards and James Whelan (year 11) taking the backs for skill building. The boys are very motivated and looking forward to the rest of the season. Our aims for the rest of the season is to win as many games as possible, stay motivated as a team and stay injury free. Timothy Ronchi YEAR 8XV CAPTAIN Trinity Old Boys' Association proudly supports the Trinity College Rugby Club You can instantly unsubscribe from these emails by clicking here.