NSW AAGPS 2024

[Rudderless]

Well done to the following old boys who have made the Australia Under 20 WC Squad

J.Dillon (I)
H.Sharples (J)
J.Barrett (J)
E.Doyle (J)

+ Boston Fakafanua (K) (Class of 2023)

 

[Run The Ball Like Tommy]

Well done to the following old boys who have made the Australia Under 20 WC Squad

J.Dillon (I)
H.Sharples (J)
J.Barrett (J)
E.Doyle (J)

Also, I didn't see Joey Fowler named in the squad. Is he injured? He was the starting 10 in the U20 Rugby Championship. It would be a surprise if he missed out.

RTBLT

 

[CasualObserver]

+ Dan Nelson (I)

RTBLT

+ Ronan Leahy (J)

 

[CutOutBallFanatic]

Agreed - Tommys exceptional eyes up footy and Man-On defence proves he a threat both offensively and defensively. His beach training seems to have payed off

To me it seems Ignatius are struggling to find the position best suited for everyone, and I feel as thought when they do, their side will become even stronger. Mostly to my untrained eye, Hartman looks to be struggling a bit with adapting to the centres, and also with the constant injuries and in/outs for the side.
Who knows how they perform against Joeys at Joeys?
I guess only time will tell.

Cheers,
- Fanatic

 

[Agent]

Bit more to this, some of the finest AAGPS Athletes have been in both.

Nicholas Purnell (E) was First XV 2008 and First VIII 2008. He would represent the Aus M8+ at Tokyo 2020.
Alastair Holmes a Court (E) was First XV 2011 and 2012, and would go on to win the 2012 HOTR in the Bow of the First VIII.
Jackson Kench (E) played A's rugby all the way from 13-16s but would have to stop due to rowing comittments. He would be in both the champion 2016 and 2017 crews.

Probably a few that i'm missing but those are the ones that are off the top of my head

There was another fellow named P. Waugh, who some may have heard of, that played 3 years 1st XI and 3 years 1st XV that also ran GPS athletics for at least one year while at Shore.

 

[Mosmanwhale]

Shore vs Scots @ THE BRIDGE



Battle of the Stars: Shore vs. Scots @ THE BRIDGE

I apologise for not doing post-game reviews I simply just didn't have the time however I will be doing them next week. For now I will be doing my game pre-views again. This is my first of all the 3 games expect the rest later in the week... They will all have a similar format but this one will have a Star Wars theme.


Preseason Jedi Masters

Far, far away a fierce battleground is set: THE BRIDGE. Champions being hailed pre-season, Shore and Scots find themselves lost in the cosmic turmoil of a season gone wrong. The squads, despite all efforts to uphold the destiny of their teams, have succumbed to dreadful defeat.

The Force Awakens: A Glimpse of the Galactic Showdown

As warriors of both teams gather from their waterfront palaces and ingest celebratory concoctions, the Shore boys of Stirling Bridge move towards their battlefield with hopes of redemption burning in their hearts. Meanwhile, the Scots seem disheartened by the dimness of their enthusiasm. But in this cosmic arena, where destiny is unpredictable and hyperspace is just another potato, one can never discount the power of the underdog.

Key Matchups: Clash of the Galactic Titans

Fitler Vs Conick - Battle of the Jedi Knights

In a cosmic shift, Fitler is thrown into the middle of the battleground as inside points to do battle. Master of the Force, his domination could spell doom for the Scots if he gets some early impetus. Conick, however, is ready to unload the echoes of past victories. A mighty clash of lightsabers, or a battle of kicking. If Conick drains all his conversions and penalty's like usual it may lead Shore the the Victory.

Johnson Vs Callaghan - Duel of the Cosmic Warriors

With Callaghan now at new cosmic heights, the tides of fate could finally turn in favour of Shore as he stands firm and is wanting to prove himself to get him that coveted spot in the GPS 1s. But Johnson, one of the Scots' true warriors, will stand firm and write his name in the annals. The cosmic battle that no eye in the galaxy can look away from.

Sopena Vs Bassingthwaite - Galactic Confrontation

Now, Sopena tries to break away from mediocrity, seeking dominance for his school. But Bassingthwaite, a maestro of the cosmic field, dances with the stars, his footwork a spectacle. They engage in a battle of wits and skill, with the outcome affecting field position.

It's Brial vs Baxter - Clash of the Titans

Then, in that cosmic battlefield, the meeting of two giants of the field, each one nothing less than a gargantuan rival, so determined—their clash hears the cosmos echo. The destiny of their schools hangs in the balance.

May the Force be with them all as they embark on this epic journey through the stars of THE BRIDGE.


Prediction: The Cosmic Outcome

In this cosmic clash of titans, the outcome remains shrouded in mystery, like a nebula drifting through the vast expanse of space. Will the Shore rise to claim victory and defy the odds, or will Scots rally and reclaim their stellar glory?

The Shore Mums' Legendary Tuckshop

Amid the cosmic chaos of battle, one thing remains certain: the legendary tuckshop operated by the Shore mums. With a culinary prowess to match that of even the finest chefs in the galaxy, they offer players and spectators an oasis of comfort and nourishment. From Wookiee cookies to Ewok treats, their legendary larder remains an example of the power of maternal love and an ever-present community spirit.

As the stars align and destiny unfolds, only time will tell the cosmic victor. Until then, let the games begin as the Force guides them all to glory.

Shore by 10 Galactic Gummy Bears

Yours in sporting reason, A sane observer and Wissey's wisdom..

-wisemaan

Are the teams for this weekend out? They may have some changes.

 

[TriggerBall]

To me it seems Ignatius are struggling to find the position best suited for everyone, and I feel as thought when they do, their side will become even stronger. Mostly to my untrained eye, Hartman looks to be struggling a bit with adapting to the centres, and also with the constant injuries and in/outs for the side.
Who knows how they perform against Joeys at Joeys?
I guess only time will tell.

Cheers,
- Fanatic

Agreed @CutOutBallFanatic - forwards seem settled but backs are changing each week. Don’t think they’ve come close to having their best backline on the field.

 

[The Grail]

View attachment 19286Tales from the wise old badger

This weekend will find the attention of the Universal Church focused on the first edition of the battle of clerical orders between the two premier Catholic boy schools in Sydney. This is where the similarities stop. Both institutions were founded on completely different theological principles and both have different doctrines in the manner they work in society. It comes down to this. In the 1970’s one was exclusively for the wealthy, educated Catholics of Sydney’s lower north shore. The other one is the for the bush lads, PNG boys and a small smattering of city youngsters. Throughout the years stellar athletes like the legendary Jim MCann from Joeys and the incredible Jim Lenehan from View being just two instances of some of the standout athletes over the past century these two rugby nurseries have produced.

But what happens when one school superstar “defects” to other side?

It has happened.

In 1980 St. Ignatius celebrated their centenary. It was a glorious year for the wolves of Lane Cove. That year View dominated the rugby, basketball and senior athletics. (Any others please let me know) The outstanding star of both rugby, basketball and the track was the lightning quick and very talented Denis Facer. An outstanding finisher on the wing he single-handed won the 1980 rugby title with his blinding acceleration and swerve. Best example of his talent was in the game against Joeys. Denis was marked by the Brian Sullivan, a great athlete in his own right who never got the recognition he deserved. In this game he twice beat Sullivan on the outside and made him look sluggish. (Sullivan was runner up to Facer in 100m later that year). The swamp that day was packed with spectators taking in every vantage spot. Plus, it was wet, perfect conditions for the mud monsters. Facer was incredible and View deservedly won the game and then the title. Later in the 1980 Athletics Facer won the Open 100m, 200m and anchored the 4 x 100m team to wins to help View secure the athletics title. He was unbelievably talented but a fairly humble bloke.


At the end of 1980, Denis told his father he wanted to repeat year 12 but wanted to board as well. He needed to knuckle down in his studies. The school was overjoyed that their superstar athlete was going round again. The sticking point was that the family was not happy to pay the boarding levy which was quite steep at the time. They were happy to pay day boy fees but not the boarding. They figured that since Denis had a played an enormous part in the centennial success the school would cut the family some slack. A stalemate began. It was during this time Denis’ eyes turned to the west and in the distance, he could see an answer. Joeys.

Denis and family spoke with the Joeys headmaster Br. Geoffrey Joy about a possible enrolment. Joeys had heard about the sticking point on boarding fees and told the Facer parents Denis could stay at Joeys for the same price as a day boy from View. The sweetener for the Facer family was that Joeys was not asking extra for boarding. So, in late January 1981 Denis arrived at Hunters Hill and unpacked his bags in his new boarding room in year 12. To say fellow classmates were gob smacked would be an understatement. Here was the Riverview golden boy in 1980 now outfitted in cerise and blue. His worth was immediate with Joeys winning their first ever basketball title. Mind you Joeys were also lucky to have a 200cm student start in year 10 as well. You could feel the sense of hope he bought with him for the rugby season.

The rugby match for 1981 was massive. Joeys were celebrating their own centenary and this was this professed as the biggest match of the year. Approximately 8,000 people attended. Riverview were confident in ruining the Marist party. View still had the nucleus of the 1980 team but now missing their speed talisman. Joeys had a blend of new and experienced players but this year they had speed to burn. On the left wing was Gerry O’Hearn who a year later was an Australian Schoolboy. A player who had a mixture of raw pace and great strength. He didn’t run past players; he ran through them. And lining up on the other right wing was Denis. In the earlier trial games, it was obvious that these two would be the major strike weapons in the Joeys arsenal. The possible issue with the Joeys v View game was the Riverview Old Boys. They saw Facer’s defection to Joeys as the greatest act of treason in View history. They came in their multitudes all intent of launching verbal abuse and whatever they could find (mostly empty beer cans) at him when he played on the eastern side. The day was bathed in glorious sunshine but the atmosphere was thick with dark anticipation. Spectators present held their collective breath waiting for the inevitable clash of these Catholic giants.

As luck would have it in the first half Denis played on the western side of the ground next to the grandstand were he got plenty of support from the Joeys boys but plenty of boo’s from the View boys who saw beside Joeys (visiting students didn’t have seating on the eastern side). On occasion Denis was caught up in the melee of the ruck and the View players made sure he felt their displeasure with boots and punches going in. The eastern touchline was heaving with the View old boys, all “warmed up” after their session at the Hotel Hunters Hill. They brought into the ground plenty of liquid courage to assist them during the match. Back then there was no Police, no bag checks and even Jack’s bar was open during the game. In 1981 Joeys employed security guards for the first time. They spent most of their day dealing with the trouble on the eastern frontier. The old boy View crowd there was somewhat tame first half because they all were waiting for the second half when Facer was on their side. Within reach. Within ear shot. Within range…

After halftime oranges (who remembers these?) the team lined up for the second half. What was noticeable was that O’Hearn and Facer had swapped wings. Facer was now left wing. The View old boys were incensed and their rage was loud and constant. When Facer found himself on that side of the field in cover defence or support, cans rained down at him. Security started to remove intoxicated fans. View old boys’ broke beer bottles and drove the glass in the cricket pitch. Some very ugly, filthy chants started up. New language was learned by the younger students. “Mummy, what does wanker mean?” One of the year 7 ball boys from Joeys refused to stay over there after he was grabbed by an intoxicated View old boy. The game though kept going, stopping once to remove empty cans from the field when Denis had to join a team huddle. The game ended up with Joeys winning but the day will not be remembered for the result. Joeys would go on to beat those pesky squid squeezers in the 94th minute with a field goal and then steamroll Shore to win the championship.

Best wishes to both teams this weekend.

PS. I got the above information from the man himself. Plus, I was there.

O’Hearn to Facer in 1981 v Scots

ggView attachment 19287

Good yarn thanks Joker, yes View had a good centenary in 1980 by all accounts winning most of the titles that year. The legendary Les Kirkpatrick aka "The Kirk" was the coach of the View 1st XV then, great bloke and you wouldn't die of old age wondering what he was thinking... I remember Dad and Mum attending the View 1980 celebration in Brisbane, think it was held at the Brisbane Polo Club, near Eagle St Pier for any that know Bris. They came back with a carton of red wine with a college crest on the label, winery owned by an OR, from the Hunter.

View won the 2nd VIII, but not the 1st VIII that year. You were not aloud to repeat year 12 at Riverview, there were special circumstances if a boy had a severe injury, but year 13 at 'View was not permitted, still isn't. Also the boarding fees at 'View have always been more expensive from when I was there in the 80's until the current day compared to Joeys, so Dennis's olds' would have saved a few quid by having him take another run at the HSC at HH anyway. Up until our boys left a couple of years ago >75% of the boarders at View were from country NSW. It has always been a big country boarding school. Joeys would be the largest GPS boarding school, but down from the '80's with dayboys now, then Kings, (with vastly different boarding houses compared to the '80's btw), then View with about 335, then maybe Scots? Shore has a little under or about 200 boarders. I know Barry and Hodges Houses at Shore are still fairly small.

Bit before my time, but The Kirk in action with the 1980 1st XV

 

[Lindommer]

Does anyone know if its raining on Saturday? It seems to be the reason for lots of upsets this year.

Forecast is 9 to 17 degrees with a 40%chance of rain. Take yer brollies, and Drizabones.

 

[The Chairman]

There was another fellow named P. Waugh, who some may have heard of, that played 3 years 1st XI and 3 years 1st XV that also ran GPS athletics for at least one year while at Shore.

Not sure many would be familiar with him. I remember seeing one of his sons wearing his blazer, it is off the charts.

 

[wisemaan]

Are the teams for this weekend out? They may have some changes.

All those that I spoke about from what I am aware of are in the team. I will be posting team lists when I am more caught up on final lists thought…

-wisemaan

 

[wisemaan]

Are you going to do this for all games?

-Footyhead

Correct I will be doing this for the rest of the season for all GPS 1st XV games and will be potentially having a crack at 2nd and 3rd XV games aswell, Spaghetti Cup and finally CAS later on… I will try my best !

-wisemaan

 

[CheekyHooker]

Correct I will be doing this for the rest of the season for all GPS 1st XV games and will be potentially having a crack at 2nd and 3rd XV games aswell, Spaghetti Cup and finally CAS later on… I will try my best !

-wisemaan

Wisemaan you're a bloody work horse!

Im sure me and some others are appreciative for all the greatness you contribute to the forum.

- Cheeky

 

[Jim Brennan]

can someone give me some more insight on this so called k.tuckfield ???

yes someone pleas let me know, never heard of this coach k.tuckfield. Does anyone know?

 

[Joker]

Time is growing short

 

[The Prince]

View attachment 19294

Time is growing short

View +28
Shore +7
Kings +7

-Prince

 

[Rugbynbeers]

Any news out of Kings on returning players this week?

 

[The Chairman]

All those that I spoke about from what I am aware of are in the team. I will be posting team lists when I am more caught up on final lists thought…

-wisemaan

As far as I know

1st XV

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

3rd XV

1. Hamilton
2. Yates
3. Mason-Jones
4. Frape
5. Hall
6. Lotz
7. Sherington
8. Cope
9. Beggs
10. Horwood (c)
11. Shadforth
12. Kingal-Paia
13. d’Almeida
14. Hockey
15. Ritchie

4th XV

1. Lo Russo
2. Perkins
3. Sheridan
4. Jarrett
5. Trafford-Jones
6. Paris
7. MacLeod
8. Gaden
9. Manchee
10. Clayton
11. Edwards
12. O’Brien
13. Lane
14. Mott
15. Waugh

5th XV

1. Horwood
2. Reason
3. Perdekaris
4. Kellett
5. Hawkins (c)
6. Elliott
7. Hebblewhite
8. Cassidy
9. Brownie
10. Kierse
11. Harmer
12. Arnold
13. Reynolds
14. Denovan
15. Roberts

 

[PROPaganda]

As far as I know

1st XV

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

3rd XV

1. Hamilton
2. Yates
3. Mason-Jones
4. Frape
5. Hall
6. Lotz
7. Sherington
8. Cope
9. Beggs
10. Horwood (c)
11. Shadforth
12. Kingal-Paia
13. d’Almeida
14. Hockey
15. Ritchie

4th XV

1. Lo Russo
2. Perkins
3. Sheridan
4. Jarrett
5. Trafford-Jones
6. Paris
7. MacLeod
8. Gaden
9. Manchee
10. Clayton
11. Edwards
12. O’Brien
13. Lane
14. Mott
15. Waugh

5th XV

1. Horwood
2. Reason
3. Perdekaris
4. Kellett
5. Hawkins (c)
6. Elliott
7. Hebblewhite
8. Cassidy
9. Brownie
10. Kierse
11. Harmer
12. Arnold
13. Reynolds
14. Denovan
15. Roberts

I think there are some errors but allround great insight, thanks Chairman.

 

[Newitonga]

Agreed - Tommys exceptional eyes up footy and Man-On defence proves he a threat both offensively and defensively. His beach training seems to have payed off

Is it occurring to anyone else that the phrase 'eyes up footy' is becoming synonymous with Ignatius supporters (most likely current students) that are posting on this forum. That phrase has been used many times on this thread to try add a degree of merit and help validate those Ignatius players which the Ignatius students are so fond of. I don't think 'eyes up footy' is realistically a substantial point of credibility for a player as it is often 'a given' for those playing in high level Rugby, and is quite trivial in the sense that having great capability for 'eyes up footy' doesn't actually add significantly to a players ability. However, Joe Dillon is the epitome of playing in a way that counteract what's in front of him (led to his standout performance against SJC last year at Hunters Hill). Considering 'eyes up footy' doesn't actually mean anything significant, it seems to be often used as a phrase to try validate players usually from a lower grade by grant them such attributes, as it is human nature to play in a way that responds to the actions of the other team (although some may do that better than others) which any rugby player would.