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Since Jon does such a good and timely job with the Bulls Roar, which tells about all the games anyhow, I won't include them here. Please check the latest Bulls Roar for what's happened.

If you have any photos you would like on this web page, however, just send them to me at ctrugby@rugbynet.com.au

CT Veterinary Surgery U17s

March 20

As usual, the game against Teachers West was always going to be a tough encounter. The game see-sawed for a while as both teams looked for the opposition's "kink in the armour". Captain, Zac Santo calmed things down by scoring the first try which Tom Vinson converted. Teachers then scored and converted as well. Max Burgess finished off some constructive forwards play with an unconverted try before half time. Teachers also scored after a lapse in our defence. Half time saw the teams tied at 12 - all.

The second half was just as exciting. Tom Vinson scored next showing some individual brilliance by running through the staggered opposition's defensive line. Teachers scored the last try of the match but missed the conversion. In the dying minutes, the young Bulls continued to apply pressure on the Teacher's line with structured forward drives. They were rewarded with a penalty in front of the uprights which Tom Vinson converted for a 22 - 17 final score. Fullback Anton Wolmby did a 'soccer' kick with the rugby ball returning one of their high kicks without catching the ball first.

I thank the leaders, captain Zac Santo, vice captains -Tom Vinson (Backs) and Dan Tuiqali (Forwards) for keeping the boys focused. The team did not buckle under pressure which is a positive sign that these young men have what it takes to make the final cut. Everyone put in the required effort and blended well as a team.

If there was one thing the spectators agreed on, it was that the game was entertaining, nail biting and kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The young men displayed maturity to rally their resources together and take charge of their own destiny when the pressure intensified. They never let the vocal Teachers' players and spectators divert them from achieving their objective. We also defended well neutralising most of their attacks with hard, clean tackles.

Injuries sustained this week: Darcy Campbell (ankle), Kenny Trindle (ankle), Daniel Buck (neck), Darren Knuth (cut chin), Anton Wolmby (thigh) Edward Buck (hand).

Coaches points : 3pts - Anton Wolmby, 2pts - Digby Doyle, 1pt - Callum Smith. Referres points : 3pts - Daniel Tuiqali, 1 pt- Digby Doyle.

Thank you Jone Tuiqali

March 13

The Bulls CT Vet Surgery U17's recorded its 2nd win of the season from as many games. Burdekin put up a spirited fight with some brilliant runs especially in broken play.

The plan was to play a tight and structured forwards game before utilising the fast backline. Digby Doyle scored first after charging down a kick near the Burdekin team's tryline. The second try was scored by Zac Santo after the forwards had laid the platform with good drives upfront and a solo effort by Max Burgess . Other try scorers were Darcy Campbell (off the ruck)and Anton Wolmby (from a backline move).

The backline was at its best again with Tom Vinson marshalling the lads well. A new move was well executed resulting in Jack Pickering running nearly 50 metres only to be brought down by the fullback. Flanker, Daniel Buck had to leave the field midway in the first half with an eye injury. Overall, the team played exceptionally well and everyone needs to be thanked for a good game. Final Score : Bulls CT Vet Surgery U17's - 26 Burdekin - 10

I'm glad that the boys stuck to their guns when under pressure especially at the start of the game. The young men had been reminded that 2009 is now history and the team's premiership achievement last year should not make us complacent. 2010 is a totally new challenge and if we want a repeat of last year's win, we need to put in the hard work at training.

Coaches points: 3 - Tom Vinson 2 - Esa Tuiqali and Max Burgess 1 - Zac Santo and Callum Smith. Referees points: 3 - Tom Vinson 1 - Daniel Buck.

-Coach Jone Tuiqali

March 5 - The U17s kept Ross River from scoring while piling on 48 points on offense. Way to go boys!

The CT Vet Surgery U17s had a fantastic win of 48-0 against Ross River Redskins. Everyone had been anticipating a tough first game against the Redskins, but they turned up 2 men short. Russell West (2009 - U17s) was on hand to present the team with their jerseys and wish them well for 2010. Club stalwart Ted Vinson also gave an inspirational speech on behalf of the club. The lads were all keen to get straight into it and play some entertaining and structured rugby.

From the first whistle, the opposition realised that the Bulls were in town to play hard, clean rugby. Daniel Buck scored the first two tries of the game with a magnificent performance at open-side flanker. Forwards leader, Daniel Tuiqali consolidated his pack's efforts well with the backline ably organized by their leader, Tom Vinson. New captain Zac Santo ensured that the boys focussed on the task at hand with inspiring encouragements throughout the game. New recruits, Troy Pollard, Darren Knuth and Anton Wolmby played their hearts out and did what the coaching staff expected of them. Eddie Buck, David Batt, Jake Peno, Callum Smith and Esa Tuiqali also put in the required effort in the game.

Tryscorers were Dan Buck (2), Kenny Trindle, Mick Emms, Digby Doyle, Jack Pickering Tom Vinson 1t 1c and Zac Santo 1 try and kicking 3 conversions over. Overall, every one defended with a lot of vigour and Daniel Buck was at his usual best putting on the best hit of the game. Thanks to stand-in manager, Marnie Wilson, assistant coach for the day, Ted Vinson, water boy Manny Tuiqali (although he deserted us midway through the game) and linesman John Vinson. Coaches points were : 3 points - Darcy Campbell, 2 - Daniel Buck, 1 - . Zac Santo. Referees points - 3 points - Daniel Tuiqali, 1 - Darcy Campbell.

 

Eagle Boys U15s

March 20

The Under 15 Eagle Boys Bulls travelled to Ignatius Park in Townsville on Saturday to take on Brothers for the first time at their new home ground. While the facilities were impressive, some of the rugby on display was not.

The bulls started the game well. Keeping the ball in the forwards, the bulls dominated the ruck against a much bigger Brothers pack. However, a string of penalties, some questionable, against the bulls saw huge pressure build on our line. To the boys credit, we defended well against a much bigger, well-trained Brothers side who had all the run of play in the first half, going into half time at only 12-0 down.

At half time, the discussion focussed on retaining posession, playing smart rugby and sticking to our game plan. This was evident straight away after half time, with the bulls regaining posession from the kick off after an excellent tackle from Shannon Bailey. With more of the ball in the second half, the bulls threatened the Brothers' defences on numerous occasions with Ryan Trindle, Doug Rayment and Josiah Phillot breaking the line. However, Brothers managed to keep us scoreless, and ran in one try of their own late in the second half. To the Bulls' credit, we never, ever gave up during the game. The boys were hitting just as hard in each tackle at the end of the match as the at the start. This tenacity from the Bulls was evident in the last few minutes of the match, with Brothers taking a shot at goal from a penalty inside our twenty-two, not being game to take on our defences again. The final score was 20-0 in Brothers favour

Coaches points went to Luke Holdcroft 1, Ryan 2 - both of whom were rock solid at fullback and wing - and Josiah 3. Refs points went to Doug Rayment.

March 13

The Eagle Boys U15s gathered early on Saturday morning to travel to Townsville to take on Teachers West at Hugh St. The excitement amongst the boys was apparent on the bus. It's a surprise Manny Tuiqali had any energy left for the game after all the talking he did on the way down!

However, as we approached the rugby grounds, the mood amongst the team changed from one of light hearted conversation to one of focus and determination on the match ahead. After tunnelling on the Town and Country Foodworks U12s, the Eagle Boys U15s looked sharp during the warm up. This then carried onto the field - the Bulls dominating possesion and field position during the opening exchanges, going into the first half drink break 14-0 up with Harry Campbell and Manny Tuiqali scoring tries and Daniel Webb converting both.

As the Bulls began to tire during the later stages of the first half, the structure and control we had been playing with began to fall apart, and Teachers scored out wide off an un-contested scrum, after putting forwards in their back line.

The half-time talk focussed on controlling the play, retaining the ball and playing structured rugby. This was evident in the second half, with the Bulls forwards running rampant up the middle, and the backs consistently breaking the Teachers' defence. This led to two more tries for the Bulls, through Daniel and Doug Rayment.

Josiah Phillot, Billy Cumming and Shannon Bailey all played excellent games at break away, running hard and ensuring the Bulls kept possession. Jack Clarke, Patrick Brennan and Manny Tuiqali were solid up front in the scrum, with Jack Clarke stealing posession back from Teachers on numerous occasions. Ross Leggett, Daniel Webb and Harry Campbell were a force to be reckoned with in the second row, dominating the line out, and running the ball with purpose.

Scott Cerqui directed the troops at scrum half all game, leading by example in attack and defence. Damon Hesp, Adam Fry and Curtis Millett ran the ball hard and tackled even harder. Jake Muir, Julian Jackson and Taran Harnas made valuable contributions on the wings, whilst Doug Rayment and Ryan Trindle were invaluable in both attack and defence at full back.

In all it was a convincing win for the Eagle Boys U15s. Ref's points went to Daniel Webb (3) and harry Campbell (1). Coaches points went to Shannon Bailey (3), Daniel Webb (2) and Doug Rayment (1).

March 5 - A great way to start the season with a 21-5 victory over Grammar!

The Eagleboys under 15s had a tough, but well deserved victory, defeating Townsville Grammar 21 to 5 on Saturday. The Grammar forwards came out firing in the first half and it was hard work for the Eagleboys Bulls. There was a lack of cohesion between the backs and the forwards early in the game, they were too slow to get to the breakdown and many of the players looked a little rusty, which is to be expected in the first game of the season. In spite of this, there were there was plenty to be positive about at half time. The Eagleboys Bulls were leading 7 to 5, thanks to a try by Harry Campell. Daniel Webb and Shannon Bailey were making good ground especially at the edge of the ruck. However there was still plenty of work to be done.

In the second half the boys showed that they were willing to do the work, with the experienced players really stepping up. Josiah Phillott was outstanding in all aspect of the game and received good support from Harry Campbell and Billy Cumming in the forwards, while Dougie Rayment, Scott Cerqui and Damon Hesp kept the Grammar backs on their toes. Captain Scott Cerqui was the first to score in the second half capitalising on some good pressure close to the line. While Daniel Webb combined with Shannon Bailey and Billy Cumming to score a great team try to put the result beyond doubt, with Daniel Webb landing 3 from 3 with the boot.

There were many pleasing factors with the win. The performance of many of the new players who have showed that they will be a real asset to the team, the discipline displayed by the whole team, especially in the hot conditions and the fact that the team got better as the game on. This was no doubt due to considerable experience within the team from a number of players who have already played 3 seasons of Rugby. The game has also given the coaching staff many things that need to be worked on and improved if this team is to reach their full potential.

The referee's points went to Shannon Bailey (3) and Damon Hesp (1), while the coaches points went to Josiah Phillott (3), Daniel Webb (2) and Shannon Bailey (1).

A special thank you to Keith Blaikie who stepped into the coaching role with Dean Booth, as Rob Sweeper who was unable to be present at the game. Considering that they are both former prop forwards, Dean and Keith should be congratulated for showing such creativity and eloquence on the day.

Once again, congratulations to the Eagleboys Under 15 Bull on a great victory.

-P Brennan

Thank you to all the parents and family who came to support the Eagle Boys U15'2 on a very hot and sultry Townsville day. It was lovely to put faces to names- The Frys, The Hesps,Solari/Campbell connections, Mark Harnas as well as the Webbs, Cerquis,Billy Cumming's crew, Alan Rayment as supporters. The boys all stepped up and our new members did themselves proud. A big thank you to Keith Blaikie for helping out with coaching along with Dean, Paul for running water and Mark Harnas & Seb Phillott doing the line.

-M Brennan

A&D Auto Electrical U14s

March 5 - In an excellent beginning to the 2010 season, the A&D Auto Electrical U14s had a convincing win over an undermanned Southside at the Hugh Street complex, scoring 86 points against Southside's nil.

The A&D Auto Electrical U14s had a huge win 86-0 against Southside. We travelled over with 21 of our 22 players to play our first game of the season. (One lad had swimming commitments). The opposition were undermanned but the Bulls chose to play a full strength side to ensure that all team players got a good run. The game provided a great opportunity for coaches to make selections on positions for the season. The result was an entertaining match with plenty of free running rugby. Each boy tried hard in positions they were given. We look forward in working with the boys throughout the season and developing their rugby skills. Coaches points went to: Ben Terry (3), Chris Alford (2) Austin Fox (1). Refs points went to Ben Terry (3) and Jack Fletcher (1). Ben Terry also picked up the TDRU “Player of the night” and received a $20 Troy Williams Good Guys Voucher.

Town and Country Foodworks U12s

U8 and U10 Walla Rugby sponsored by Town and Country

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