en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
Are all the Laffan Cup players playing at Melb Uni this year? Was that basically their 1sts?
VRU 2014
- Thread starter swingpass
- Start date
- Status
Are all the Laffan Cup players playing at Melb Uni this year? Was that basically their 1sts?
swingpass
Peter Sullivan (51)
I don't know but will find out more. The clubs official season launch is on wednesday. I assume it was whoever could get time off to travel away for the week.
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
Yes. It was never intended to be an absolute best 25 but due to the limited people who were able to go, it was probably a slightly weaker side that went away than was originally hoped.
A good example was that we couldn't get a specialist halfback on the trip due to availability of players.
Whilst Jason did have designs on winning the whole thing, I imagine looking back, he'd be happy with the result from the group. There were a couple of very good players there like Brenden Westney and Jack Grover, but it has highlighted that some decent depth is there.
A good example was that we couldn't get a specialist halfback on the trip due to availability of players.
Whilst Jason did have designs on winning the whole thing, I imagine looking back, he'd be happy with the result from the group. There were a couple of very good players there like Brenden Westney and Jack Grover, but it has highlighted that some decent depth is there.
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
I imagine anything less than 3 wins on the weekend would be considered pretty bad by Uni's standards.
swingpass
Peter Sullivan (51)
the uni team that went away was a composite side, some firsts, some lower grades and plenty of colts, icluding some of the rebel U20's. they won their 3 preliminary games, had a few injuries and really only had a fit 15 for the final. the ACT team were also a composite of firsts and colts.
at the launch last night the vibe was pretty positive, but playing and coaching staff are wary of the strength of all the other clubs, especially those with the rebel contingent available. uni apparently have very good numbers registered (> 100 players) which bodes well for their depth, but once again, they are however a very young sqaud.
we shall see what the weekend brings against a resurgent box hill
at the launch last night the vibe was pretty positive, but playing and coaching staff are wary of the strength of all the other clubs, especially those with the rebel contingent available. uni apparently have very good numbers registered (> 100 players) which bodes well for their depth, but once again, they are however a very young sqaud.
we shall see what the weekend brings against a resurgent box hill
swingpass
Peter Sullivan (51)
from the rebels website teams for round 1
http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/news/article/dewar-shield-teams-round-one-2014
http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/news/article/dewar-shield-teams-round-one-2014
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
Dewar Shield Round One results are in with RaboDirect Rebels Nic Stirzaker, Eddie Aholelei and Endeavour Hills having a huge win over Power House 59-24.
Other results:
Harlequin 41 def Melbourne 12
Moorabbin 22 def Footscray 13
Melbourne Unversity 43 def Box Hill 35.https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dewarsheild?source=feed_text
Make sure you tune into the Rebels website on Monday for Club Watch, for a full wrap of the round.
Make sure you follow the @MelbourneRebels with the hashtag #DewarShield for all the latest news on the Dewar Shield Competition.
Other results:
Harlequin 41 def Melbourne 12
Moorabbin 22 def Footscray 13
Melbourne Unversity 43 def Box Hill 35.https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/dewarsheild?source=feed_text
Make sure you tune into the Rebels website on Monday for Club Watch, for a full wrap of the round.
Make sure you follow the @MelbourneRebels with the hashtag #DewarShield for all the latest news on the Dewar Shield Competition.
pablo
Darby Loudon (17)
Hills outplayed House from the start...well drilled and a fresh outlook from the Hills boys, hope they can keep it up and reward the club with a few more wins this year.
Lots of new faces in both sides as well so it is good to see new players coming and the young players coming through.
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
pablo
Darby Loudon (17)
Yes was there. They did score a few tries of House mistakes but there was a bit more substance to them this time out. Their backline is pretty skilful, scored some well worked and some long range tries.
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
Watching the game again it seems a bit of both. House just didn't seem like their normal self in defence, and the Hills backline can clearly run off each other very well. The scrums were a good battle.
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
Endeavour Hills 59 def Power House 24:
Endeavour Hills have launched straight into the 2014 season with a huge win over Power House. Boosted by the inclusion of RaboDirect Rebels Nic Stirzaker and Eddie Aholelei, Endeavour Hills were ruthless in attack against Power House, piling on the tries for an emphatic win.
Endeavour Hills finished second last on the ladder in a disappointing 2013 campaign, however an impressive pre-season, with strong recruiting and hard work looks to have paid off for Coach John Eden.
Eden praised the work of Stirzaker and Aholelei in helping set up the win.
"Stirzaker had a good game, gave us plenty of options and when our forwards were going forward, the ball service was crisp and snappy. He had good vision and gave great direction around the rucks," said Eden.
"Eddie only played 40 minutes due to a knock in the ribs. He is very good in the set plays and works the scrum well. Both of the guys are a pleasure to have around the Club."
This was a disappointing start to the year for Power House, who has traditionally been one of the stronger teams in the competition. Following their appearance in last year's finals series, Power House undertook an intense pre-season, however were unable to play to the standard that was set over the summer in their first outing.
Power House will face another big challenge next week when they are hosted by 2013 Premiers Harlequin, while Endeavour Hills will be looking to build on their early form playing at home against Moorabbin.
Harlequin 41 def Melbourne 12:
The Grand Final replay between Harlequin and Melbourne was one of the most anticipated matches of Round One, with last year's Premiers Harlequin, making a resounding mark on the 2014 season.
Harlequin was ablaze against the Unicorns, with Rebel Alex Rokobaro featuring amongst the best players for the home side, capping his performance off with two tries.
Coach Craig McGrath was full of admiration for the young winger, saying that he played his best game yet in a 'Quins Jersey.
"He was defensively sound and provided us with another kicking option with his left boot which was long and accurate. On attack he excelled and created plenty of opportunities for others and himself. His communication at the back was invaluable to those around him."
The 'Quins came into 2014 with a wealth of confidence, and it showed when their players took to the field on Saturday afternoon, with a fearless attack and solid defensive structure.
The Unicorns would have been dissatisfied with their opening efforts, particularly in defence, with their opposition finding the try line too easily for the visitors liking. Even with the inclusion of Rebels Telusa Veainu and Jordy Reid, Melbourne was unable to fire.
In 2013 the Unicorns boasted an impressive forward pack which they aimed to strengthen over the pre-season. Rebel's flanker Reid joined Melbourne for the first time, impressing Coach Ellis Meachen, and adding extra force at the set piece.
"Jordy played well at open-side flank with new players around him who he has not trained with," said Meachen.
"Veainu also played a solid game despite limited opportunities. He was very busy in defence before coming off with a thumb injury. Both players contributed really well to the team."
Harlequin will continue their premiership defence against Power House in round two, while Melbourne will take on Southern Districts at Cerberus.
Moorabbin 22 def Footscray 12:
Moorabbin have made a positive start to 2014, with a tight win over Footscray.
In a match that was low scoring compared to the other Round One clashes, it was a battle of the forward packs between the Rams and the Dogs, with Number Eights Mana Faraimo and Sosaia Tofui the players to watch for each side respectively. Moorabbin faced an extra challenge in the set piece with Footscray enhanced by the inclusion of Rebel's back row utility Lopeti Timani.
Footscray Coach Nic Henderson commented on Timani's solid work, though his game was unfortunately cut short.
"Lopeti had a strong game with ball in hand and was solid when defending around the ruck. A knock to the knee forced him off early in the second half."
Moorabbin have been one of the competition's most prominent sides in recent times, and are looking to go one better in 2014 after being three points away from a Grand Final birth last season. The Rams' defensive effort and clean ball handling was key to their win over Footscray.
The Dogs will be looking to put their first win on the board against Box Hill in Round Two, while Moorabbin will need to build on their tight defence to control Endeavour Hill's impressive attack.
Box Hill 35 def by Melbourne University 43:
Box Hill has been denied two bonus points after a late try gave Melbourne University an eight point win in a thriller at Sparks Reserve.
The Broncos, who failed to win a game last year, were impressive in their first outing against Melbourne University, leading late into the second half only to be overcome in the final fifteen minutes with Uni scoring the final two tries of the match.
Both sides made an impressive showing in their first match of the year following disappointing seasons in 2013. The first half was a low scoring affair, with only three points separating the sides at the break, however the flood gates opened in the second half, with the two teams attacking fiercely in an exciting half of Rugby. Box Hill's international recruits added much needed speed to the side; however the brute strength of Melbourne University ultimately prevailed.
Rebel Steve Fualau made his first appearance with Uni as their Hooker, playing the full 80 minutes. Fualau was particularly prominent in the second half, setting up the visitor's last try of the afternoon with a strong pack crashing run towards the line. University Head Coach Jason Jones was impressed with the Manu Samoa international.
"Steve had an outstanding game," Jones said. His set piece was strong, he carried the ball with vigour and on a regular basis and his leadership was invaluable in a very young team. He consistently came up with repeat efforts towards the back end of the game when we were struggling to maintain possession."
Box Hill travel across town to take on Footscray next week, while Melbourne University will have a bye.
Endeavour Hills have launched straight into the 2014 season with a huge win over Power House. Boosted by the inclusion of RaboDirect Rebels Nic Stirzaker and Eddie Aholelei, Endeavour Hills were ruthless in attack against Power House, piling on the tries for an emphatic win.
Endeavour Hills finished second last on the ladder in a disappointing 2013 campaign, however an impressive pre-season, with strong recruiting and hard work looks to have paid off for Coach John Eden.
Eden praised the work of Stirzaker and Aholelei in helping set up the win.
"Stirzaker had a good game, gave us plenty of options and when our forwards were going forward, the ball service was crisp and snappy. He had good vision and gave great direction around the rucks," said Eden.
"Eddie only played 40 minutes due to a knock in the ribs. He is very good in the set plays and works the scrum well. Both of the guys are a pleasure to have around the Club."
This was a disappointing start to the year for Power House, who has traditionally been one of the stronger teams in the competition. Following their appearance in last year's finals series, Power House undertook an intense pre-season, however were unable to play to the standard that was set over the summer in their first outing.
Power House will face another big challenge next week when they are hosted by 2013 Premiers Harlequin, while Endeavour Hills will be looking to build on their early form playing at home against Moorabbin.
Harlequin 41 def Melbourne 12:
The Grand Final replay between Harlequin and Melbourne was one of the most anticipated matches of Round One, with last year's Premiers Harlequin, making a resounding mark on the 2014 season.
Harlequin was ablaze against the Unicorns, with Rebel Alex Rokobaro featuring amongst the best players for the home side, capping his performance off with two tries.
Coach Craig McGrath was full of admiration for the young winger, saying that he played his best game yet in a 'Quins Jersey.
"He was defensively sound and provided us with another kicking option with his left boot which was long and accurate. On attack he excelled and created plenty of opportunities for others and himself. His communication at the back was invaluable to those around him."
The 'Quins came into 2014 with a wealth of confidence, and it showed when their players took to the field on Saturday afternoon, with a fearless attack and solid defensive structure.
The Unicorns would have been dissatisfied with their opening efforts, particularly in defence, with their opposition finding the try line too easily for the visitors liking. Even with the inclusion of Rebels Telusa Veainu and Jordy Reid, Melbourne was unable to fire.
In 2013 the Unicorns boasted an impressive forward pack which they aimed to strengthen over the pre-season. Rebel's flanker Reid joined Melbourne for the first time, impressing Coach Ellis Meachen, and adding extra force at the set piece.
"Jordy played well at open-side flank with new players around him who he has not trained with," said Meachen.
"Veainu also played a solid game despite limited opportunities. He was very busy in defence before coming off with a thumb injury. Both players contributed really well to the team."
Harlequin will continue their premiership defence against Power House in round two, while Melbourne will take on Southern Districts at Cerberus.
Moorabbin 22 def Footscray 12:
Moorabbin have made a positive start to 2014, with a tight win over Footscray.
In a match that was low scoring compared to the other Round One clashes, it was a battle of the forward packs between the Rams and the Dogs, with Number Eights Mana Faraimo and Sosaia Tofui the players to watch for each side respectively. Moorabbin faced an extra challenge in the set piece with Footscray enhanced by the inclusion of Rebel's back row utility Lopeti Timani.
Footscray Coach Nic Henderson commented on Timani's solid work, though his game was unfortunately cut short.
"Lopeti had a strong game with ball in hand and was solid when defending around the ruck. A knock to the knee forced him off early in the second half."
Moorabbin have been one of the competition's most prominent sides in recent times, and are looking to go one better in 2014 after being three points away from a Grand Final birth last season. The Rams' defensive effort and clean ball handling was key to their win over Footscray.
The Dogs will be looking to put their first win on the board against Box Hill in Round Two, while Moorabbin will need to build on their tight defence to control Endeavour Hill's impressive attack.
Box Hill 35 def by Melbourne University 43:
Box Hill has been denied two bonus points after a late try gave Melbourne University an eight point win in a thriller at Sparks Reserve.
The Broncos, who failed to win a game last year, were impressive in their first outing against Melbourne University, leading late into the second half only to be overcome in the final fifteen minutes with Uni scoring the final two tries of the match.
Both sides made an impressive showing in their first match of the year following disappointing seasons in 2013. The first half was a low scoring affair, with only three points separating the sides at the break, however the flood gates opened in the second half, with the two teams attacking fiercely in an exciting half of Rugby. Box Hill's international recruits added much needed speed to the side; however the brute strength of Melbourne University ultimately prevailed.
Rebel Steve Fualau made his first appearance with Uni as their Hooker, playing the full 80 minutes. Fualau was particularly prominent in the second half, setting up the visitor's last try of the afternoon with a strong pack crashing run towards the line. University Head Coach Jason Jones was impressed with the Manu Samoa international.
"Steve had an outstanding game," Jones said. His set piece was strong, he carried the ball with vigour and on a regular basis and his leadership was invaluable in a very young team. He consistently came up with repeat efforts towards the back end of the game when we were struggling to maintain possession."
Box Hill travel across town to take on Footscray next week, while Melbourne University will have a bye.
pablo
Darby Loudon (17)
What happened to actualy game reports as opposed to highlights and a concentration on the Rebels playing locally?
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
All the scores are in from the second round of the 2014 Dewar Shield, Victoria's premier Club Rugby competition.
Box Hill 24 def. Footscray 22 - Henry Turner South Reserve, Cnr Farnsworth Avenue & Myers Road, Footscray
Box Hill, wooden spooners in 2013, were unlucky in losing to Melbourne University in Round One but are now on the board for season 2014; a feat they failed to achieve last season, when they went winless. They knocked off a Footscray team who have now suffered narrow defeat in each of their first two matches.
Rebel Ben Meehan scored a try for the Broncos on his Dewar Shield debut.
Moorabbin 26 def. Endeavour Hills 20 - Frog Hollow Reserve, David Collins Drive, Endeavour Hills
For the rams, it's 2 from 2 as they look to go better in 2014 and make a serious challenge for the shield. Rebel Eddie Aholelei packed down in the Hills' front row, but despite scoring 59 points in Round One they weren't able to secure back to back victories.
Harlequin 20 def. Power House 18 - Ashwood Reserve, Power Avenue, Ashwood
Following last week's comprehensive victory over Melbourne Unicorns, 2013 Premier Harlequin were tipped by many to be somewhat of a 'sure thing' at home to a Power House team who were thumped by Endeavour Hills one week earlier.
However, it takes a brave man to write off PH, and they went mightily close to causing a major upset at Ashwood Reserve in a game where Fijian International Alex Rokobaro was the only allocated Rebel, starting on the wing for Quins.
Melbourne Unicorns 25 def. Southern Districts 22 - HMAS Cerberus, Westernport
The 2013 runners up were keen to make amends for a heavy first-up defeat in last week's Grand Final replay, and were able to hang on for a three-point victory over a Southern Districts side who had the bye in Round One. Dreadlocked Rebel Jordy Reid started in the backrow for Melbourne.
Make sure you tune into the Rebels website on Tuesday for Club Watch, for a full wrap of the round.
Follow the @MelbourneRebels on Twitter with the hashtag #DewarShield for all the latest news on the Dewar Shield Competition.
Box Hill 24 def. Footscray 22 - Henry Turner South Reserve, Cnr Farnsworth Avenue & Myers Road, Footscray
Box Hill, wooden spooners in 2013, were unlucky in losing to Melbourne University in Round One but are now on the board for season 2014; a feat they failed to achieve last season, when they went winless. They knocked off a Footscray team who have now suffered narrow defeat in each of their first two matches.
Rebel Ben Meehan scored a try for the Broncos on his Dewar Shield debut.
Moorabbin 26 def. Endeavour Hills 20 - Frog Hollow Reserve, David Collins Drive, Endeavour Hills
For the rams, it's 2 from 2 as they look to go better in 2014 and make a serious challenge for the shield. Rebel Eddie Aholelei packed down in the Hills' front row, but despite scoring 59 points in Round One they weren't able to secure back to back victories.
Harlequin 20 def. Power House 18 - Ashwood Reserve, Power Avenue, Ashwood
Following last week's comprehensive victory over Melbourne Unicorns, 2013 Premier Harlequin were tipped by many to be somewhat of a 'sure thing' at home to a Power House team who were thumped by Endeavour Hills one week earlier.
However, it takes a brave man to write off PH, and they went mightily close to causing a major upset at Ashwood Reserve in a game where Fijian International Alex Rokobaro was the only allocated Rebel, starting on the wing for Quins.
Melbourne Unicorns 25 def. Southern Districts 22 - HMAS Cerberus, Westernport
The 2013 runners up were keen to make amends for a heavy first-up defeat in last week's Grand Final replay, and were able to hang on for a three-point victory over a Southern Districts side who had the bye in Round One. Dreadlocked Rebel Jordy Reid started in the backrow for Melbourne.
Make sure you tune into the Rebels website on Tuesday for Club Watch, for a full wrap of the round.
Follow the @MelbourneRebels on Twitter with the hashtag #DewarShield for all the latest news on the Dewar Shield Competition.
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Was a great game, Powerhouse was really a team of 2 halfs. In the first half you would have thought they would lose by 20. Quins looked really good and had most of the attack.
In the second half Powerhouse spread the ball and looked good. They took the lead and jut couldn't hold on, even the final play they where on attack looking for the win.
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
What is to be made of PH. A big thumping by EH who, whilst competitive, look buy their loss against Moorabbin to not be world beaters.
Then a close loss to Harlequins, the Premiership favourites by some margin.
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Think it was just the round 1 blues.
Will predict:
1) Quins
2) Melbourne
3) Moorabbin
4) PH
5) Footscray
6) Southern
7) E Hill
8) Uni
9) Box Hill
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
Footscray have opened the season with 2 losses. IDK about that.
Their 2nds are chalking up GOOD wins, so the depth is there, but their 1sts aren't performing.
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
This year will be very interesting. Both Footscry and Southern are fielding 4 teams.
Cerberus and Chargers are now in Third Div so I think Chargers v Monash final there.
Grounds seems to be a small problem at the moment. I think Powerhouse will be playing in Altona at the junior club this weekend.
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
Chargers? Is there something you know that I don't? They were a well beaten Prem 4 team and Cerberus are always a competitive Prem 3 team.
As for Souths, fielding a 4ths for them is massive. Footscray have been doing a friendly Sunday fixture for a while now for their 4ths, or so I'm told.
- Status