The Mighty Two Blues

[2bluesfan]

Parra are auctioning the special ANZAC Day jerseys worn in the match against Wests. Check the website and support a worthy cause.

 

[2bluesfan]

I noticed that the ANZAC jersey auction is starting to heat up. I wonder what players are bidding for the own jersey and a slice of Two Blues history? I know that SWMBO is looking at a particular number. Check it out at the Two Blues website.

 

[2bluesfan]

SWMBO is feeling confident about getting the jersey of her favourite player (who surprisingly isn't me, but she never saw me in my prime I guess). Some fairly circumspect bidding going on - check out the current bids on the Two Blues website.

 

[Blackers13]

OUT OF THE BLUE - 1ST AND 2ND GRADE MATCH REPORTS ROUND 9 v PENRITH​

​

The battle of the West took place on Saturday and we were victorious in 5 grades. Congratulations to Firsts 48-0, Seconds 60-6, Thirds 83-6, Fourths 47-7 and Colts Thirds 27-19. Second Colts went down 26-33 but were good enough to secure 2 competition points in the process. A great day at the office!

We still have a long way to go by keeping that winning feeling but Saturday will be a great foundation to build a strong season from. We still need to dominate and be in charge of our own destiny. I would personally like to thank all our coaches for their continued efforts and support for the Two Blues. It was good to see Tully and John with big smiles on their faces. Tucks and Steely were smiling but looked like they needed psychological help and Gerrard would have been relieved with his first win for the year. Our results on Saturday do not reflect our efforts over the last 9 rounds of footy.

Penrith were very hospitable, as they were celebrating 50 Years of Rugby since their inauguration and it was their Penrith Supporters Day. The Mayor of Penrith opened the day with personal sentiments of the tough times Penrith have been through. The award winning Penrith Panther-ettes were also part of the celebrations. (I only see people and I don’t distinguish between male and female but the Panther-ettes looked good in black latex!!!)

First Grade Parramatta 48 Penrith 0

Parra receive the ball from the kick off and are running south. Parra allows the ball to bounce and did not take the ball on the full. Penrith are streaming through and are ready for battle. They always save their best for these derbies. The first penalty goes to Penrith for Parra not releasing the ball. It is going to be a difficult day for the referee because he won’t know which team to penalise. Penrith are fired up for their first win of the season and Parra need to stay strong and weather the storm for the first twenty minutes. Parra are in control with Woodsy kicking well to play territory showing great patience and steering the boys around well. Our first penalty is in kicking distance and Woodsy has a shot 30 metres out. The ball screws to the left. The question is asked,” Have Penrith under inflated the footballs?” The ball sounds soft.

Parra get another penalty and Captain Cox taps and runs. Penrith’s Lock is yellow carded for cynical play right on his goal line. The Penrith player is a former Two Blue with a long and distinguished judicial record. We wonder if another yellow will be forthcoming upon his return to the field in 10 minutes time. Parra lineout on the Penrith 5 metre. The ball is brought down into a maul and eventually after a number of pick and drives big Prop Nigel barges over for a try beside the pots. Tom Woods converts Parra 7 Penrith 0

The kick return goes to Flanker Evan Tuckwell who takes the ball well and swivels around to out manoeuvre Penrith. Penrith penalty for Parra not releasing the ball. Larry Hermens is working well with his centre partner Regan Haika. Parramatta lineout on the Penrith 5 metre. Parra bring the ball down in a well-constructed play to form a rolling maul. Prop Nick Blacklock drives through and scores his second try of the year. The conversion fails. Parra 12 Penrith 0 after 30 minutes of play. The kick returns sees both sides running at angles as each side turns the ball over. Parramatta scrum on the Parra 10 metre. We witness a great backline play with a cut out ball to Wing Petero Satogo. Petro nearly scores but is stopped a few metres from the try line. Penrith are penalised for coming in from the side at the ruck. Tom Woods converts the penalty right in front. Half time score Parra 15 Penrith 0

A performance has been organised for the half time break by the Penrith Panther-ettes. All present are mesmerised by the Panther- ettes athleticism.

Parra restart the second session which sees Parra camped in the Penrith territory. Parra are playing with more purpose as Larry Hermens kicks through and retrieves the ball. From the next line out there is a Parra forward rush and with good support play Flanker Evan Tuckwell scores in the right hand corner. The conversion is unsuccessful. Parra 20, Penrith 0. The restart of play sees Penrith kick to our backs and Half Daniel Tully puts in a box kick. Penrith drop the ball, winger Gabby Kolinisau swoops and runs 40 metres to score under the posts on debut. Chris Nay converts. Parra 27, Penrith 0 after 9 minutes of play in the second half. The kick return sees Evan Olmstead jumping high. Prop Nigel Vaifale then bursts through passing off to Lock Seva Rokobaro. Woodys kicks for touch. Penrith lineout on half way. Penrith turn the ball over and Centre Regan Haika make a 39 metre break with centre partner Larry Hermens scoring under the posts. Conversion by Chris Nay. Parra 34, Penrith 0.

The kick return sees Wing Petero take the ball forward and Penrith’s only chance to score is a pass from Centre Larry to Casper the Ghost. The loose ball is swooped on by Penrith as they toe the loose ball through. Half Daniel Tully is able to save the day by diving on the ball standing, being tackled, releasing the ball, regathering the ball and kicking into touch. 15 minutes to go. Parra scrum on Penrith 22metre. Parra spread left and then reverse the ball right. Flanker Evan Tuckwell scores his second try, however, the ref is back on the 10 metre mark with his arm in the air singling a Parra scrum. Captain Cox takes the ball to the blindside but it is too skinny and the ball goes into touch. From the ensuing lineout Penrith are awarded a scrum. From the scrum there is a turn over to Parra as we take the ball forward and into a rolling maul. Half Daniel Tully is able to put downward pressure on the ball over the line. The conversion is successful. Parra 41 Penrith 0.

As the game winds down and Parramatta lift the tempo of the game Penrith collapse the maul and Parra are awarded a penalty try. I have witnessed penalty tries against us, however, this was my first with my association with Parra. I’ve been here since the 70s! Parra win the game 48 to nil in a complete shut out as I rush across to the score board to take a photo of the 4 grades winning scores. It is an emotional time with our first win in 1st Grade for all involved. The team huddles in relief then move to the change room for the club song. The song was written by past Centre Phil Curnow who wrote the song in 1956 not far from Penrith at Blaxland. James Holden and Pat Tahaafe are congratulated on coming on in the second half for first grade and we say goodbye to Lock Seva Rokobaro who is moving to Newcastle. A good win!!

Second Grade Parramatta 60 Penrith 6

It’s a big day for the Musson family as Prop Louis leads his team out as Captain into battle. We have club President Brian Blacklock running the line but is quickly replaced as he runs out of breath. Penrith kick off to Parra who are running north. Parra spread the ball wide to probe for gaps as Penrith Seconds are not known for their defensive effort. It is already clear Parra are having handling problems with shocking errors. Penrith get the first penalty for Parra not rolling away. Penrith kick for goal 35 metres out. Penrith are successful. Penrith 3, Para 0 after 5 minutes It not long before Centre Tukia Muli supporting a short backs run scores in the right hand corner. Nathan Langsford converts. Parra 7, Penrith 3. Penalties are flowing Penrith’s way as Parra are caught for not using their arms in the tackle. Penrith convert Parra 7 Penrith 6. Finally Parra get a penalty for not rolling away in the tackle. Conversion successful for Nathan. Parra 10, Penrith 6.

From the restart Matt Borg splits the Penrith backs out wide with straight running, he then turns the ball into Fulback Moses Tavola who scores under the posts. Parra convert Parra 17, Penrith 6. The restart sees Penrith penalised. We are not certain what for? However, we think Penrith was being too slow to get off the ground because they are so big. Parra taps and runs and Moses scores his second try again under the posts. The try is con converted. Parra 26, Penrith 6. From the kick return Penrith turn the ball over and Hooker James Holden scores from a short lineout throw. Half time score Parra 29 Penrith 6.

The team goes to the far side of the field coaches Tucks and Doug aren’t talking, Louis must be doing a good job as the new captain. No, it is alright as the team walks away Tucks can’t help himself with a few last minute instructions.

Parra are running south with Nathan Langsford kicking off. Penrith turn over as Lock Siatua Solaese nearly scores with a good run. Parra scrum 5 metres from the Penrith line. The games are held up as we wait for the Penrith Prop to arrive. There are some massive boys in the Penrith team. The ref awards a short arm penalty. Number 8 Andrew Vatuvei taps and runs. Andrew nearly fluffs the try but he does score besides the posts. The conversion is successful. Parra 36, Penrith 6. It is not long before Parra score again as Prop Louis gives a nice inside pass to Number 8 Andrew who scores his second try. Parra 48, Penrith 8. Then its Centre Haino Tangi’s turn to score with a great individual run. Parra 53, Penrith 6 with 13 minutes to go. Fly Half Nathan Langford is replaced.

Penrith finally make it into the Parramatta quarter and are making damaging runs with their massive forward pack. Their scrum weight must be over 1000 kg as Fullback Moses Tavola is forced to tackle a 145kg forward. Moses would be only 60 kg wringing wet. Don’t tackle him Moses let him score. Moses stops the try but is carried off injured. Penrith are hurting us close to our line. We finally get a turnover and we kick deep to half way. Parra has got out of gaol but at a cost with injuries. Penrith line out, Matt Borg flies through the line out and steals the Penrith ball. Matts scores under the posts for a great individual try. Parra converts. Final score Parra 60 Penrith 6. A memorable win but not in the same tempo as Seconds win over competition leaders Warringah. We could have been hungrier, when we were always going to win. Seconds you are a good team.



Bring on Easts at home next week.

 

[2bluesfan]

SWMBO is beside herself that her bid for one of Parra's ANZAC jerseys is winning at the moment. The auction closes at 5PM on May 29 so there is still an opportunity to own a piece of Two Blues history - bid here.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Near tragedy averted yesterday at University No 1 Oval.

Youngster Andrew Vatuvei suffered a collapsed lung during 2nd Grade game.

Belly quoted in the Terrorgraph:
"He is still getting help with his breathing and is sore but he’s expected to make a full recovery,” Parramatta general manager Michael Bell said.
“The cardiovascular doctors at the RPA told us were it not for the actions of the Sydney University doctor, it could have been a very different story.
“They said she saved his life. We are obviously incredibly thankful, and it really is a great example of everyone just coming together from different clubs and working together to help this kid.”
Full Story Here: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/manu-vatuveis-cousin-andrew-stable-after-suffering-life-threatening-injury-on-the-field/story-fnp0lyn3-1227376876822

Congratulations to Dr Katherine Rae from Sydney University Rugby who's quick thinking, skills and experience may have saved the life of a young player yesterday.
I'll bet she will just say "I was just doing my job".

As a parent of rugby players, it heartens me to know that we have people like Dr Rae involved in our game.

Get well soon, Andrew.

 

[BellyTwoBlues]

The support from the rugby community has been overwhelming folks. On behalf of Andrew's family and friends and everyone at M2B we sincerely thank you. All I can say is, thank God it happened at Uni.

 

[BellyTwoBlues]

Andrew underwent surgery today, so I will post an update once we have a clearer picture. For anyone that can stomach David Koch, Club President Brian Blacklock and the Uni Doctor Dr Katherine Rae will be on Sunrise tomorrow morning at 7.40am to discuss the incident.

The club is hurting at the moment, but we also have a huge sense of relief going on. As some of you are aware, we are a very close club, with a strong family bond amongst us, so when one of our own is suffering, we all feel it.

An example of the great culture of this club, we have had people take food to Andrew's family home so they don't need to waste time cooking dinner or anything so they can maximise their time with Big Vats.

Also worth mentioning is the support from the Uni players and officials in addition to that shown from the medical staff. My phone rang off the hook on Sunday with Uni players asking if they could go see him in RPA. And they delivered too by turning up to speak with him. I tip my hat to Uni, and promise to never bag them for the rest of the week!

 

[2bluesfan]

I tip my hat to Uni, and promise to never bag them for the rest of the week!

I'm tipping Belly doesn't make the week!
But seriously, incidents like this highlight the reason most of us are involved in the game. Results are important but not all-important. We participate in this game for many reasons but the sense of community is strong in most of us. This has been reinforced by the good wishes bestowed towards Kotoni Ale who suffered a serious injury this week. He too will be supported by our community, the Rugby community. I love this game.

 

[Blackers13]

Andrew Vatuvei was discharged from RPA yesterday. The surgery to repair his lung was a success and he should make a full recovery. Thankyou to everyone for all clubs who showed care toward Andrew and especially Dr Kath Rae from Sydney Uni, the reluctant hero who saved a young man's life.

 

[FTS]

Where has Kaleb Rech been?

 

[BellyTwoBlues]

Where has Kaleb Rech been?

recovering from a shoulder injury. Had a little cameo in the 2nd grade win over MMM yesterday I believe.

 

[Blackers13]

 

[2bluesfan]

Back to Parra Day is always a good day. Plenty of "upsets" in the past.

 

[the coach]

Back to Parra Day is always a good day. Plenty of "upsets" in the past.

Hope that's where they remain

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Any update on Andrew Vatuvei's recovery and rehab?

All at Chez Jarse hope that it is going well, and he is on track for a full recovery and speedy return to the starting lineup.

 

[Blackers13]

Any update on Andrew Vatuvei's recovery and rehab?

All at Chez Jarse hope that it is going well, and he is on track for a full recovery and speedy return to the starting lineup.

I spoke to Andrew on Thursday. He's been given the all clear to return to the gym and is studying a business course before returning to his plumbing apprenticeship next year. He'll be back for pre season and will be looking for a big year in 2016 at the PARRAMATTA Two Blues.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Great news. Hoping he is fit for the NSW U20 pre-season training as well.


@Blackers13, I note your capitalisation of PARRAMATTA in PARRAMATTA Two Blues.

We may need to change the abbreviation "M2B" to "P2B" as well. In the current form, it seems that too many from East of Concord Oval view the "M" in M2B as being geographically irrelevant.

 

[Blackers13]

Great news. Hoping he is fit for the NSW U20 pre-season training as well

That would require NSW actually looking at a players ability rather than their reputation. We'll look after Andrew.

 

[2bluesfan]

The Apprentice's report on the match against Easts is worth a read. Thommo will doubtless be wringing his hands at providing an opportunity for someone else to craft this topical line:
"One of the Easts’ supporters asks me if the ref is employed by Parramatta. Sadly, I shake my head: this is like asking if Bronwyn Bishop has ever used public transport."

Still, as Thommo was apparently "conducting some urgent oenological research in the Hunter Valley", perhaps he won't