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Vice President Seniors' message

It only seems like last week that the sun was setting early, the warm breathe escaping from the players lungs as they trampled up and down the field in the cold winter air. But the months between September and January (now February!) have flown by and season 2013 is now upon us.

Season 2012 had its challenges. Whereas the results, particularly in first grade, did not wholly flatter the Saints, there were elements of the club’s endeavours that were admirable and a credit to the Saints brand.

 

Season 2013 - When the Saints go marching in!

 

Season 2013 will be different. Quite simply, it is time to right the wrongs of 2012 – put up or shut up. The Saints will take a new approach to training, match days and game performances. Learn from the past, adapt for the future. Our aim is to exude the positives that come with a healthy rugby club culture and cut the negativity adrift. It starts with the attitude of each of the players from the first moment he steps onto to Hassall Park to train for 2013. In short, come ready to work, learn and enjoy the benefits of the game they play in Heaven – then you will embody the type of Saint that we want in the club!

 

Training

 

Training is at Hassall Park every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:45pm. Even if the weather is inclement, there will be training in some form at Hassall Park; you might not be doing laps or contact, but pilates, yoga, zuu, core work, strategy and technical training are all on the cards.

 

Coaches

 

Going into season 2013, there have been some changes to the coaching panel. With thanks to our coaching selection committee, I am pleased to welcome the following persons to their respective roles:

  • Coaching Co-Ordinator – Steven Martz
  • 1st Grade - Shane Carty
  • 2nd Grade – Steve Martz
  • 3rd Grade – Doug Potter (aka “The Guru”)
  • 4th Grade – Peter Grubi
  • Colts – Tom Forde
  • Trainer – Jodie Calvert

 

Committee

 

That speaks to the on-field maestros, but behind the scenes there are a few more persons who complete the senior’s portfolio:

 

  • VP Seniors – Tim Calvert
  • Club Captain - James Middleton (“Piddle”)
  • Registrar – Mike Gorrie
  • Coaching and Development – Steve Martz
  • Recruitment - James Keevy
  • Socials – Ben Stockton
  • Facilities – Leslie Chow and Josh Martin

 

Trials

 

Just so that you know where we stand on pre-season trials, the following have been arranged:

 

  • 9 March - Forest at Melwood
  • 16 March - Lindfield at Wakehurst
  • 23 March – Briars at TBC (for the Briars/Saints Cup)

 

Season 2013 First Match and Home Games

 

The season proper sees the Saints take on Forest at Melwood Oval on 6 April 2013.

 

The Saints home games this year are as follows:

 

13 April 2013 – v Petersham

27 April 2013 – v Brothers

11 May 2013 – v Barker Old Boys

18 May 2013 – v Kings Old Boys

1 June 2013 – v Lindfield

15 June 2013 – v Forest

29 June –v Uni of NSW

20 July – v Oatley

3 August – v Newport

 

Due to Council’s superb off-season drainage work to Hassall Park, it would really have to be coming down for a game day to be cancelled – so we expect the above dates to stand literally, rain, hail or shine.

 

Final words

 

By way of offer rather than plea, organising a rugby club takes an inordinate amount of volunteer time. Whilst I acknowledge that people are busy with work, family and their own down time, the Senior coaches and committee would be grateful for any assistance that can be provided to the Club. It may be filling up water bottles, managing a team or roping off the side lines at home matches, but every effort is gratefully appreciated. Offer rather than plea? Well, the reward you see in the rugby club prospering makes even the thankless tasks seem worthwhile.

 

I look forward to seeing the former, current and future faces of St Ives rugby at Hassall Park in the coming months. In a time of semi-professionalism, even in Subbies rugby, nothing lifts the 15 on the field more than a roar from the side line. Until clubs start paying spectators to attend, let’s outnumber and out-support all our competitors during Season 2013 – the year that the Saints go marching in.

 

Tim Calvert

VP-Seniors

0449 157778