Bartalk 29 - SEASON REVIEW 2015

It was a season beginning with hope and anticipation. Bryan Burdett was positively salivating with excitement while selecting his first run on team for the season’s opening game. Sadly, it was all downhill from there, at an increasingly rapid rate as the season drew to a close. Our summer recruiting guru Stan McHugh guaranteed for months an influx of confirmed successful1XVgrand finalists from the early 2000s. They were going to be the backbone of the team. Of course this has been anticipated every year for the last several seasons. Jack, Spike, Darren Rutene, Big Eddie….they were all going to play Unquenchables. Darren played a couple of games in the 3XV then 2XV and ended up in the 1XV.Big Eddie had a couple of operations before he could make it onto the pitch so his season was stuffed. First run in January at touch Simon Mother blew a calf, Spike did his shoulder, Stan broke his sporran strap and Sarge, another recruit from the past never ever fronted. Meanwhile Jack was busy organising a raffle. They were all out for the season.

We had to rely on our team stalwarts from the previous year. The young recruits from the last two seasons could be relied upon couldn’t they? Huw Edwards had family commitments, Ian Moore had a back operation, Nick Reid and Rich Bristow disappeared and Clinton Capell our half back coached the 3XV. Graeme Featherstone had major knee surgery and Grant Fleet, just when he was hitting his straps in the centres was hospitalised and out of action for most of the season. Gerard Swaine started his own business and was another player from the previous season who was rarely seen.

Francois managed his leg injury through the season and became stronger and more confident with each game he played. Dennis suffered what would be season ending injuries for ordinary players but managed to almost play half the season. Chris Peugot suffered a significant hand injury and was out most of the season.

As usual whatever team was selected never made it onto the pitch. Players who did actually perform were Walshie when he began playing halfway through the season, Fast Eddie, Heath, Carlo, Glenn Hill, Steve Merchant, Nico, and Russell Roth. Cameron Gardner is one player who really improved this season while Colin continued to run sideways with the ball in one hand. Jeff Rielly, Chris Swain, Chris Pratt, Andy Munro, Pete Collins, Mick Crowe, Stu Ramsden, Grant Mahoney and Peter Fuller also made valuable contributions to the team, especially Jeff with the pinpoint accuracy of his strategic kicking. Carl and Paul Ramage played magnificently throughout the season whether they were playing in the forwards or backs.

Clive “Mr Pedantic” Welti refereed more games than he played but when he did play he set the backline on fire.

On paper we had the numbers but on game day Bryan our coach, selector and manager ended up trying to inspire a handful of players who could actually make it to the ground in time.

We travelled to Canberra to Play the Canberra Vets and played them again at Box Hill. We won both matches. Our touring team to the Cambodia 10s in Phnom Penh resulted in us finishing last in the competition.

Of course there is always next year……

Awards Jock Strap: Chris Swain, Doug McDermott Trophy: Paul Ramage, Mick Headberry Trophy: Jeff Rielly, Prick of the Year: Cam Gardner, Bryan Burdett Trophy: Steve Merchant.