Season Launch

The pre-season concluded on Saturday with practice matches for our 1sts, 2nds, 3rds and Colts. The Thirsties started the day with a fine hitout under the tutelage of David Feenan and Andrew McNeil. The Thirds showed the benefit of some solid training over the past few months and look to be in fine fettle for the year ahead. It was great to see the Thirds supported by Colin Bostock, Glenn Hurley and Gerard Aynsley from the Vets. The Masters competition starts on 1 May and our Vets look, once again, to be in for a for a fun-filled season . Those of a certain vintage who are keen for a trot with the Vets are warmly invited to contact Colin Bostock for further details.

The Colts recorded a strong win over their Uni opponents and show that they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2010. The win was not without cost, however, as promising young hooker, Jack North, injured a shoulder and appears to be in doubt for the opening round of the season. The Seconds showed some patches of very bright rugby but were outgunned by a good University outfit. The 1st XV, meanwhile, capped off a good day for the club to easily outgun a solid University team with some very promising performances from Brendan Goodwin, CHarlie Sale, Matt Moore and Josh Moore.

The day concluded with our inaugural Season Launch. A gathering of over 120 members, resplendent in their new Harlequin polo shirts, listened to the announcement of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grades teams for our games next week against Souths. The various grades received membership packs and ties from distinguished Life Members Andy Corp, David Bray and Mike Bull. A great evening ensued.

And, so, we turn to the season ahead. We commence with four hard matches away against Souths. Souths are always tough to beat on their home patch and whispers suggest they have recruited well. We will need everyone's presence and vocal support to tip the balance. Let's get down and cheer on the boys as we seek to open our 2010 account with wins in all senior grades.