NSW AAGPS 2024

[argentinaontop]

Speaking of this 'mudgee mud crab', heard hes come back from injury and had a stellar debut. Is he looking to take a spot in the joeys 16a? Perhaps a front row player dropped from the A's? would love to hear your opinion gus.

hey mate,

tell the Mudgee mud crab to lay off the carbs.

Thanks.

 

[Rookie21]

Does anyone have intel on if the GPS schools will be bringing their crowds to the away games this Thursday?

- Cheeky

Shore are

 

[footyismyname]

Obviously the Joeys year 10 cohort has found Green and Gold

 

[The Front Rower]

Why would Leo Jaques be out injured?

Lower back issue he had in preseason I have been told, wish him a speedy and safe recovery.

 

[Mr.K]

 

[Joker]

Tales from the Badger

Jika recalls….

One glorious afternoon, as the setting sun shone its final golden beams across Stirling Bridge battle field, a group of Joeys/Shore lads were demolishing the spread the lovely Shore mums had presented. In the corner huddled a couple of likely lads who had no right to be there. They weren’t 1st XV or 2nd XV players but interlopers from the lower teams. These two lads were mates and had been for years and this was their only chance to taste some of the serious Shore hospitality. The sneaky duo was spotted by the imposing figure of “Jika” Travers, Headmaster of Shore who shuffled towards these two. We stuffed whatever goodies we had into blazer pockets and hoped for the best. Here is my best recollection.

Jika asked who we were. I explained we were part of the support crew for the senior teams. I lied through my teeth but I hoped that Jika would believe a good Catholic boy. He gave me a curious look, followed by a sly grin that spread across his face. Firstly, he was thrilled to hear that a Joeys lad and Shore boy were best friends, even more so that we had first met on a rugby field. Tim then explained how it all happened (that’s for another story) but rest assured Jika was impressed that boys from completely different schools, faiths and back grounds could maintain their mateship. Jika then went quiet as he was thinking and then he told me this story about his Joeys “mate”.

In his early days at Shore as Headmaster he told us he had encouraged every master to take a rugby team. He himself took on a lower grade Under 14 team to set an example. Even though he had won a blue from Oxford in rugby and had captained the Oxford team, he admitted that his coaching needed some support. He just wasn’t getting through to the team. So, on one windswept afternoon in 1957 Jika found himself at Hunters Hill playing at the Park. His team were being thoroughly thrashed in the first half. He said it seemed that there 18 players on field for Joeys as support play was incredible. They simply didn’t let the ball die. At half time his bedraggled players slowly marched to the him and sat forlorn on the dry Hunters Hill turf. He admitted he knew nothing about lifting their spirits but he soon caught the eye of a wizened old man with white wispy hair poking out from beneath his hat.

He asked Jika if he could have a talk to the boys. Jika complied and allowed the old man to take the reins. “Stand up,” he commanded. The Shore boys jumped to their feet. He called them all in close. In a soft but stern voice he spoke of nothing more than the spirit of Shore. “Play for your jumper, your school, your mother and family, but most of all, play for your mates beside you.” Other words were said about not giving the Joeboys time but to swarm like seagulls at the beach but those first few stuck with Jika the most. The second half began. In the movies you would expect the team to come back and win. This is not that type of movie. In this feature film, Shore held Joeys scoreless in the second half. A victory of sorts that the coach revelled in. He turned to thank the old man for his inspirational words but he had vanished.

Later in the afternoon Jika was at the main game. It was his first Joeys experience as Headmaster and he was most moved by the level of support for their team. Jika was also most impressed with the level of hospitality shown by the Joeys community. It was at this reception he ran into the small old man. The Joeys headmaster introduced him to Br. Henry, winner of 24 1st XV titles, a legend in Australian rugby. In the following years he and Br Henry became firm friends. They would sit and watch games together, not just the main game. He said he would love to walk around Northbridge or Hunters Hill with his little mate, encouraging the boys. Over time when Br Henry became frail and weakening, Jika would visit his good friend in hospital and then a hospice. When Brother Henry passed away his funeral was held in the College chapel. Sitting close to the front was Mr Travers along with the Shore school captain and the captain of the 1st XV. No other AAGPS school Headmaster was present.

Jika smiled at the end of that just like he had rediscovered a long-forgotten memory. He asked us to always remember that rugby teaches you more about life than any other game. He told us to always respect your opposition because without them there would be no game. Finally, he said he was giving us one more minute to fill our pockets before he had to “do his day job”. Tim and I grabbed a few lamingtons and scooted off. I never spoke to Jika again. But to think this giant of education, war service and sport, willingly gave his time to couple of lads who were pinching cakes will always stay with me.

Basil, you were a good man.

 

[TriggerBall]

Fastest wingers in the GPS….1sts and 2nds….?

 

[Rookie21]

Is anyone aware if Scots has Leo Jacques this round or is he unavailable.

- Bobcat

I go to Scots I'll ask him

 

[Rookie21]

View attachment 19207
Tales from the Badger

Jika recalls….

One glorious afternoon, as the setting sun shone its final golden beams across Stirling Bridge battle field, a group of Joeys/Shore lads were demolishing the spread the lovely Shore mums had presented. In the corner huddled a couple of likely lads who had no right to be there. They weren’t 1st XV or 2nd XV players but interlopers from the lower teams. These two lads were mates and had been for years and this was their only chance to taste some of the serious Shore hospitality. The sneaky duo was spotted by the imposing figure of “Jika” Travers, Headmaster of Shore who shuffled towards these two. These lads stuffed whatever goodies they had into blazer pockets and hoped for the best. Here is my best recollection.

Jika asked who we were. I explained we were part of the support crew for the senior teams. I lied through my teeth but I hoped that Jika would believe a good Catholic boy. He gave me a curious look, followed by a sly grin that spread across his face. Firstly, he was thrilled to hear that a Joeys lad and Shore boy were best friends, even more so that we had first met on a rugby field. Tim then explained how it all happened (that’s for another story) but rest assured Jika was impressed that boys from completely different schools, faiths and back grounds could maintain their mateship. Jika then went quiet as he was thinking and then he told me this story about his Joeys “mate”

In his early days at Shore as Headmaster he told us he had encouraged every master to take a rugby team. He himself took on a lower grade Under 14 team to set an example. Even though he had won a blue from Oxford in rugby and had captained the Oxford team, he admitted that his coaching needed some support. He just wasn’t getting through to the team. So, on one windswept afternoon in 1957 Jikka found himself at Hunters Hill playing at the Park. His team were being thoroughly thrashed in the first half. He said it seemed that there 18 players on field for Joeys as support play was incredible. They simply didn’t let the ball die. At half time his bedraggled players slowly marched to the him and sat forlorn on the dry Hunters Hill turf. He admitted he knew nothing about lifting their spirits but he soon caught the eye of a wizened old man with white wispy hair poking out from beneath his hat.

He asked Jika if he could have a talk to the boys. Jikka complied and allowed the old man to take the reins. “Stand up,” he commanded. The Shore boys jumped to their feet. He called them all in close. In a soft but stern voice he spoke of nothing more than the spirit of Shore. “Play for your jumper, your school, your mother and family, but most of all, play for your mates beside you.” Other words were said about not giving the Joeboys time but to swarm like seagulls at the beach but those first few stuck with Jika the most. The second half began. In the movies you would expect the team to come back and win. This is not that type of movie. In this feature film, Shore held Joeys scoreless in the second half. A victory of sorts that the coach revelled in. He turned to thank the old man for his inspirational words but he had vanished.

Later in the afternoon Jika was at the main game. It was his first Joeys experience as Headmaster and he was most moved by the level of support for their team. Jika was also most impressed with the level of hospitality shown by the Joeys community. It was at this reception he ran into the small old man. The Joeys headmaster introduced him to Br. Henry, winner of 24 1st XV titles, a legend in Australian rugby. In the following years he and Br Henry became firm friends. They would sit and watch games together, not just the main game. He said he would love to walk around Northbridge or Hunters Hill with his little mate, encouraging the boys. Over time when Br Henry became frail and weakening, Jika would visit his good friend in hospital and then a hospice. When Brother Henry passed away his funeral was held in the College chapel. Sitting close to the front was Mr Travers along with the Shore school captain and the captain of the 1st XV. No other AAGPS school Headmaster was present.

Jika smiled at the end of that just like he had rediscovered along-forgotten memory. He asked us to always remember that rugby teaches you more about life than any other game. He told us to always respect your opposition because without them there would be no game. Finally, he said he was giving us one more minute to fill our pockets before he had to “do his day job”. Tim and I grabbed a few lamingtons and scooted off. I never spoke to Jika again. But to think this giant of Education, war service and sport, willingly gave his time to couple of lads who were pinching cakes will always stay with me.

Basil, you were a good man.

A celebrated man at Shore. I remember going into the War Memorial Hall for Assembly every Thursday after Period 2 and seeing his enormous golden-framed portrait hung on the wall adjacent to other portraits of previous Shore headmasters. In my early years, I had no idea whose portrait it was. My only impression was that this was a stern and serious man who valued discipline. I often thought to myself, "I wonder what school would be like for me if he was the current headmaster?"

I remember being in Year 7 in 2017 and asking Sergeant Major Clarke who that man in the painting was. He scoffed at me and walked away as if I had just asked him if the Earth orbits the Sun. I can't say I ever warmed up to that man. His departure was not met with sadness from the boys.

However, I asked a teacher who I was quite fond of, a man who lived and breathed Shore, and he told me all about Basil 'Jika' Travers. I was fascinated by this story. I went home, jumped on my computer and read everything I could about Jika.

To this day, I still wonder what my experience would have been at Shore should my tenure have been under him. A man who had Shore coursing through his blood and a man who cared about every boy regardless of ability.

 

[The Chairman]

Shore Teams for Tommorow

1st XV

1. Armati
2. Warner
3. Harvison
4. Hamilton
5. Baxter
6. Gordon
7. Le Maitre (c)
8. Reardon
9. Binnie
10. Bassingthwaighte
11. Francis
12. Conick
13. Kingdom
14. Breakwell
15. Callaghan

2nd XV

1. Armstrong
2. Garner
3. Cowdery
4. Galligan
5. Stock
6. Smith
7. Reardon
8. Clout
9. Greig
10. Segeart (c)
11. Longes
12. Mackellar
13. Scott
14. Hockey
15. Cowan

 

[Newitonga]

I once fell asleep at the rugby after watching shore get demolished every game. The one game that woke me up was when shore nearly beat trinity away in 2018. Good times that was. My son has left the school now and is in uni playing for Syd Uni. Anyone have a guess who it is? Love a little tricky game me self

Not sure you got your dates right. In 2018, Trinity came 3rd in the CAS, now with 3 of their players playing professional rugby/league. Trinity even beat Joeys in 2018 (pretty sure 22-12 - someone please double check that), Trinity lost to Barker however (35-22), which Barker also beat Joeys (28-29) and Trinity also lost to Waverly as well (not sure of score but Barker beat Waverly by 2). Although Trinity came 3rd that year, the CAS was likely stronger than the GPS as multiple teams beat Joeys (GPS co-premiers) and Barker also beat Kings 36-32 (Kings also co-premiers), as well as I'm pretty sure the CAS 1st XV beat GPS 1st XV. I'm no advocate for the CAS but couldn't help myself share an information overload when someone mentioned a great year of schoolboy rugby from both comps.

From memory Shore lost not by a landslide but by a reasonably firm margin (10-15 points) (would love to find out what the actual score was) against Trinity that year, which I assume you've got mixed up from Shore v Trinity in 2021 when Shore lost 10-14, which was a very close instance to Shore making their GPS comp game winning drought less bitter by getting a win in the trials, which Shore hand not won a trial since Oakhill in 2019.

 

[CheekyHooker]

Any intel on the team lists for the Scots 1st and 2nd XV?

 

[thesolicitor]

A celebrated man at Shore. I remember going into the War Memorial Hall for Assembly every Thursday after Period 2 and seeing his enormous golden-framed portrait hung on the wall adjacent to other portraits of previous Shore headmasters. In my early years, I had no idea whose portrait it was. My only impression was that this was a stern and serious man who valued discipline. I often thought to myself, "I wonder what school would be like for me if he was the current headmaster?"

I remember being in Year 7 in 2017 and asking Sergeant Major Clarke who that man in the painting was. He scoffed at me and walked away as if I had just asked him if the Earth orbits the Sun. I can't say I ever warmed up to that man. His departure was not met with sadness from the boys.

However, I asked a teacher who I was quite fond of, a man who lived and breathed Shore, and he told me all about Basil 'Jika' Travers. I was fascinated by this story. I went home, jumped on my computer and read everything I could about Jika.

To this day, I still wonder what my experience would have been at Shore should my tenure have been under him. A man who had Shore coursing through his blood and a man who cared about every boy regardless of ability.

Great story, couldn’t imagine that sergeant major clarkes departure would be met with sadness from the boys

 

[Newitonga]

A celebrated man at Shore. I remember going into the War Memorial Hall for Assembly every Thursday after Period 2 and seeing his enormous golden-framed portrait hung on the wall adjacent to other portraits of previous Shore headmasters. In my early years, I had no idea whose portrait it was. My only impression was that this was a stern and serious man who valued discipline. I often thought to myself, "I wonder what school would be like for me if he was the current headmaster?"

I remember being in Year 7 in 2017 and asking Sergeant Major Clarke who that man in the painting was. He scoffed at me and walked away as if I had just asked him if the Earth orbits the Sun. I can't say I ever warmed up to that man. His departure was not met with sadness from the boys.

However, I asked a teacher who I was quite fond of, a man who lived and breathed Shore, and he told me all about Basil 'Jika' Travers. I was fascinated by this story. I went home, jumped on my computer and read everything I could about Jika.

To this day, I still wonder what my experience would have been at Shore should my tenure have been under him. A man who had Shore coursing through his blood and a man who cared about every boy regardless of ability.

May I ask who that teacher was who informed you about 'Jika' Travers? Wouldn't surprise me if it was Mr John Meakins. He actually played Cranbrook 1st XV fly half in I believe 1968, and is the only Shore staff member to have been at the school for 4 different headmasters; last couple years of 'Jika' Travers tenure (he actually gave John Meakins the job as a history teacher when Meakins walked into the school with his history teaching qualifications after seeing flyers for the job in public, then Jika hired him practically on the spot), the entire Bob Grant and Timothy Wright era and 1 year of Timothy Petterson. An incredible feat considering each headmaster lasts about 15-20 years (normally). I'm aware that John Meakins came to know "Jika" quite well and picked up his focus on sporting success, which Meakins coached many sports teams and I had the privilege of knowing him while I was at school there during Meakins almost 45 year teaching career at Shore. Another great man.

 

[Newitonga]

No. It is hard for me to get out these days. God I wish I was there! I look forward to the Shore games each year and the lads who show how lunatic they can be. I was baited by them at the Northbridge Centre bus stop once. Didn't blink. I even heard them say, "maybe that's not him?"

FYI. My best man was a Shore Old Boy (83) who I met on a rugby pitch in the mighty 12A's match. (Shore won) I even met Jikka Travers who just loved nothing more than hosting Joeys lads. He just "got it". It was an honour to spend some time with him. Best wishes to all.

@Joker, did you previously mention that you attended Knox prep in which you met this great friend of yours in a Shore prep vs Knox prep U12 game? Must make this mateship even more special considering you would've changed schools (Knox to Joeys) and would have been able to play against him even more (as Shore plays Joeys more than they do Knox), and then continued to be mates with him even though you were in more so rivaling schools than you were in the prep. May I ask what happened on the pitch that led to such a close friendship?

 

[Joker]

@Joker, did you previously mention that you attended Knox prep in which you met this great friend of yours in a Shore prep vs Knox prep U12 game? Must make this mateship even more special considering you would've changed schools (Knox to Joeys) and would have been able to play against him even more (as Shore plays Joeys more than they do Knox), and then continued to be mates with him even though you were in more so rivaling schools than you were in the prep. May I ask what happened on the pitch that led to such a close friendship?

Our game was early. We packed down against one another and had a great tussle. At the end of the game we shook hands and that was it. As we couldn’t return to Joeys we had to all day for the main game. I spent my time exploring. During my walks the player who my opponent saw me. He was lunching with his family. A picnic. A day out. Tim pointed me out and his mother (Wendy) said for him to invite me over to meet them. I strolled over and proceeded to chat. They offered me lunch. I was in heaven. Had not had a decent meal in ages. Tim’s dad was an old bou of shore and he told me some great tales of battles old. We swapped addresses and started to write to each other. This turned into more social occasions and holiday visits. We never really said much about the whole school thing. Tim was mate. My best mate. To think it started with a chicken sandwich

 

[The Grail]

View attachment 19207
Tales from the Badger

Jika recalls….

One glorious afternoon, as the setting sun shone its final golden beams across Stirling Bridge battle field, a group of Joeys/Shore lads were demolishing the spread the lovely Shore mums had presented. In the corner huddled a couple of likely lads who had no right to be there. They weren’t 1st XV or 2nd XV players but interlopers from the lower teams. These two lads were mates and had been for years and this was their only chance to taste some of the serious Shore hospitality. The sneaky duo was spotted by the imposing figure of “Jika” Travers, Headmaster of Shore who shuffled towards these two. We stuffed whatever goodies we had into blazer pockets and hoped for the best. Here is my best recollection.

Jika asked who we were. I explained we were part of the support crew for the senior teams. I lied through my teeth but I hoped that Jika would believe a good Catholic boy. He gave me a curious look, followed by a sly grin that spread across his face. Firstly, he was thrilled to hear that a Joeys lad and Shore boy were best friends, even more so that we had first met on a rugby field. Tim then explained how it all happened (that’s for another story) but rest assured Jika was impressed that boys from completely different schools, faiths and back grounds could maintain their mateship. Jika then went quiet as he was thinking and then he told me this story about his Joeys “mate”

In his early days at Shore as Headmaster he told us he had encouraged every master to take a rugby team. He himself took on a lower grade Under 14 team to set an example. Even though he had won a blue from Oxford in rugby and had captained the Oxford team, he admitted that his coaching needed some support. He just wasn’t getting through to the team. So, on one windswept afternoon in 1957 Jika found himself at Hunters Hill playing at the Park. His team were being thoroughly thrashed in the first half. He said it seemed that there 18 players on field for Joeys as support play was incredible. They simply didn’t let the ball die. At half time his bedraggled players slowly marched to the him and sat forlorn on the dry Hunters Hill turf. He admitted he knew nothing about lifting their spirits but he soon caught the eye of a wizened old man with white wispy hair poking out from beneath his hat.

He asked Jika if he could have a talk to the boys. Jika complied and allowed the old man to take the reigns. “Stand up,” he commanded. The Shore boys jumped to their feet. He called them all in close. In a soft but stern voice he spoke of nothing more than the spirit of Shore. “Play for your jumper, your school, your mother and family, but most of all, play for your mates beside you.” Other words were said about not giving the Joeboys time but to swarm like seagulls at the beach but those first few stuck with Jika the most. The second half began. In the movies you would expect the team to come back and win. This is not that type of movie. In this feature film, Shore held Joeys scoreless in the second half. A victory of sorts that the coach revelled in. He turned to thank the old man for his inspirational words but he had vanished.

Later in the afternoon Jika was at the main game. It was his first Joeys experience as Headmaster and he was most moved by the level of support for their team. Jika was also most impressed with the level of hospitality shown by the Joeys community. It was at this reception he ran into the small old man. The Joeys headmaster introduced him to Br. Henry, winner of 24 1st XV titles, a legend in Australian rugby. In the following years he and Br Henry became firm friends. They would sit and watch games together, not just the main game. He said he would love to walk around Northbridge or Hunters Hill with his little mate, encouraging the boys. Over time when Br Henry became frail and weakening, Jika would visit his good friend in hospital and then a hospice. When Brother Henry passed away his funeral was held in the College chapel. Sitting close to the front was Mr Travers along with the Shore school captain and the captain of the 1st XV. No other AAGPS school Headmaster was present.

Jika smiled at the end of that just like he had rediscovered a long-forgotten memory. He asked us to always remember that rugby teaches you more about life than any other game. He told us to always respect your opposition because without them there would be no game. Finally, he said he was giving us one more minute to fill our pockets before he had to “do his day job”. Tim and I grabbed a few lamingtons and scooted off. I never spoke to Jika again. But to think this giant of Education, war service and sport, willingly gave his time to couple of lads who were pinching cakes will always stay with me.

Basil, you were a good man.

Enjoyed the story thanks Joker. Jika was a great example of a gentleman from the 'greatest generation 'who could walk the walk. Admired by many, a scholar, war hero, great sportsman and carismatic leader. Any GPS School would have been extremely lucky to have had Jika as headmaster.

 

[wisemaan]

Tomorrow, much to my surprise, Mackellar (E) is selected to play for the 2nd XV - a drastic change from the 1st XV, where he has played since he was in year 10. I have no answer as to why this change is being made. Is it possible that he has gotten into trouble? Is he not working hard enough? He's too good for this to be the result of talent, I would believe. Anyway, my prediction for tomorrow is a man-of-the-match performance by Mackellar against Joeys and an individual act to carry us to victory. So I guess we will just have to wait and see...

Yours in sporting reason, A sane observer

-wisemaan

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

@Joker
View +7
Scots +10
Joeys + 10