WARRINGAH RUGBY CLUB EST 1964 01/09/17
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WARRINGAH RUGBY CLUB EST 1964
01/09/17
ROUNDS 1-18 WARRINGAH RUGBY CLUB
A WORD FROM 3RD GRADE CAPTAIN
After a couple of times of making it to the last game and falling just short,
Warringah 3rd grade finally made that last hurdle and won the premiership. What
made it all the more sweeter for the team was to do it against Manly. A team that
had got the better of us twice earlier in the year.
This year we knew it was our year. All you had to do was look around at pre-
season, or more accurately, the last two weeks of pre-season when the majority
of the team turned up, to know that we had the team to do it. A team made of
good rugby players and even better blokes.
This year the team was lucky to be predominately made up with "specialist third
graders". Players who play one brand of rugby and that brand works best in third
grade.
After we won the grand final and were in the sheds celebrating Scott Reid
grabbed the groups' attention and said that "he would like recognise that this
years win wasn't just a single year of work but built on the back of a lot of guys
some still playing, some not". Warringah 3rd grade is an attitude and a culture.
You win your game on Saturday and then you make sure you win the party on
Saturday night. You don't let your mates down and it's all about being there and
enjoying it.
WORD FROM OUR 1ST GRADE CAPTAIN
After a semi final finish in the 2016 Shute Shield, the first grade squad under the direction of new
coach Darren Coleman set about making history - aiming to end the 53 year drought and bring the
Shute Shield to Rat Park.
DC, assisted by his coaching team set about moulding his players through a tough pre-season,
starting back in October 2016. A few new faces joined the fold and only added to the rats unique
culture and the belief within the group that we could achieve something special. This belief had been
building for a number of years.
On the back of a successful sevens season, including wins at Lake Macquarie and Kiama, the boys
were looking forward to starting the 15s season against the defending premiers Norths at home. A
narrow loss in round 1 followed by a number of inconsistent performances in the early rounds found
the Rats mid table as they approached the first derby of the year at Manly oval in round 10.
In what turned out to be the performance that changed the momentum of our season, we were able to
defeat the previously unbeaten Marlins, winning at Manly oval for the first time in over 10 years. Our
performance was not based on the trademark Rats attack but rather a physical, uncompromising,
relentless defensive display that would form the basis of our season.
We carried this momentum through the back half of the season with impressive wins over Randwick
(A), Easts (H), Uni (H) before hitting a stumbling block falling in consecutive weeks to Manly (H) and
Souths (A). We finished the regular season with a solid win against Norths at North Sydney Oval.
Finishing the regular season in 3rd position and with all grades qualifying for finals, our quarter final
was played at Rat Park in front of a healthy rats crowd. In arguably our best performance of the year
we dominated a dangerous Randwick side running away 49-13 winners.
With other results going the Rats way, a home semi-final awaited us against the minor premiers
Manly. In what was reminiscent of the 2005 final, a huge crowd flooded into Rat Park to witness the
Rats booking themselves a spot in the final with a 27-17 win. As the final whistle sounded the crowd
invaded the pitch in moments that will stick with players and supports alike in what was a thrilling day
for the Rats faithful.
A Grand Final at North Sydney Oval versus the defending premiers Norths was the last challenge
between the Rats and the Shute Shield. 3rd Grade set the tone and created the momentum with a
clinical performance to claim the Henderson Shield. Come 3.10pm it was our turn. In front of a sold-
out NSO filled with the Rats faithful, Warringah won the Shute Shield ending the 53 year drought! To
be honest the game and the celebrations are somewhat a blur. Memories that will stick with the
players, staff and supporters for the rest of our lives.
In a year that has seen challenges never to be wished upon a club the RATS have shown their
compassion, community spirit and resilience in the toughest of circumstances. To those who have
supported the players, our families and our support staff we cannot thank you enough. Your kind
words, friendly smiles and shoulders to lean on in toughest times have formed the foundation that we
have built our season.
As a first grade team we do not play as 15, we do not play as 23. We play as one proud club. It is a
true honour to represent this club.
It has been so memorable to be a part of the latest chapter in its proud history.
#LW #53 #SHUTESHIELDCHAMPS #ONEGREENONEONEWHITEONE
WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Welcome to the 2017 WRC presentation night where we get to celebrate individual efforts and team
successes. It’s also a time to remember the family and friends we have lost from our wonderful
community. We finish the year with three premierships and having the no 1 teams in Australia for
men’s and women’s 7s. We have produced a record amount of champions across the various
versions of our game. It’s certainly been a memorable year to be a Rat.
This year your board remained firmly focused on the business of Rugby with over 50 meetings
throughout the year to ensure the commercial and strategic positioning of the Club stayed on track.
We made our budgets and we stayed financially viable . We launched our new website which will
provide us the electronic platform to extend our database management and e-commerce activities.
WRC has the first joint venture Rugby Development Officer with NSWRU and we launched the
Northern Beaches rugby hub.
We couldn’t do all of this without the ongoing support of our wonderful sponsors and community. Our
gate numbers set new records with several Saturdays beating the Waratahs. WRC has the largest
viewing audiences on Ch7 including both derbies. The GF was the highest rating show on the day
beating the Sydney Swans.
All of this is done standing on the shoulders of the many that have gone before us and those that
support the club in many ways today.
Enjoy the night and share those wonderful memories of a year that through adversity reminded us we
are a family and this is our community.
WORD FROM OUR HILLBILLIES
TODD MARKS, MATT CHAPMAN & JAMES MORRISON
The Hillbillies concept was borne out of irony; selling membership to stand on a hill. We
did this to bring back fun, atmosphere, crowds, past players, a feeling of community and
$$ to the club. The real irony is that this half-witted idea and festive culture is spreading
like a plague through the club rugby ranks.
This is mainly thanks to Luke, the club and the players for embracing us, not in a creepy
court order kind of way, and giving the Hillbillies a sense of inclusion and member pride.
Apart from the obvious success on field, we have had
some notable season highlights:
- huge member engagement
- a Tug Of War victory against Manly
- our own bar queue
- 4Pines VIP seating
- a Tug Of War victory against Manly
- Daza's Haka
- a Tug Of War victory against Manly
The Rats club this year didn't just make history but is also
creating a legacy. If we have played even a small part in
this, then we Hillbillies have done good.
WORD FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER
I'm still pinching myself that we've got three premiership teams this season and that
as a club, we are stronger and more determined than ever before. As the GM, a lot
of my focus this year has been around the health and welfare of our club. To say 'it's
been quite a year' is nothing but an understatement. We've navigated unchartered
waters and of all the fractured hearts oscillating in chaos, the fact that ours could
collectively break together as we said goodbye to some of our most treasured loved
ones, has really left an indelible impression not to mention a huge hole. Amidst deep
tragedy and pain, we've found and experienced some of our greatest moments and
dare I say, it's really exposed the fabric of who we really are. That kinda sums up
this (rugby) year for me. Yes, the success on the field has been outstanding, the
growth and development off the field has been completely mind blowing. We've had
packed crowds (the biggest in the comp!) at home games, we've had requests
locally and internationally for sports administrators and the like to come and
volunteer, intern and/or merely watch and learn, we've had record breaking media
and press and a resounding interest from local community bodies to jump on board
and be a part of the action, but for me? Our biggest "trophy", our wildest
accomplishment and our deepest pride is that we've fallen forward together, as one
and as a family- and there's nothing, absolutely nothing, more important than family.
A quick mention to my family- the bunch I've barely seen this year;) Thanks for
always being up for the wild ride it's been. The sacrifice that no-one will ever really
know, but I have seen, has been my saving grace. Here's to a huge 2018 where we
back up, keep growing and creating more memorable experiences with each other,
for our sponsors and supporters and get Rugby back on the map where it should be.
Cheers,
WORD FROM OUR
SIMON KACIMAIWAI
The 2017 season began with a road trip to Armidale & new coaching group comprising Matt
Crawford, Greg Lee, Tom Impey, Greg Marr, Scott Gourlay, & Myself, Andy Kemp managed
the program almost single handedly, Ed Doyle in charge of skills-extras. Ben Bidencope in
charge of S&C with Jules Harrison looking after rehab and physio.
We set a goal to reach the finals in all grades. 1sts finished 6th, they beat Manly twice & took
Sydney Uni to within 5 points in round 15. Uni went onto win the grand final by 40 and have
been undefeated all year. Our mighty 3rds finished 5th with 2's missing out by a point after
they sacrificed players to 1st & 3's.
Special mention to Greg Lee and Tom for having the most difficult role as 2's coaches. Our
Colts teams played some magnificent rugby in 2017; the 2nd and 3rd grade come from
behind wins over Eastwood where two of most finest days on the paddock. The club can be
confident that the legacy from the departing Colts players leaves the Warringah program in a
perfect position to challenge the club championship in 2018.
WORD FROM OUR WORD FROM OUR
BRENDAN PADDISON LINDSAY GORDON
The major expenditure for 2017 has been as follows: 2017 proved to be a stellar year for the Rat Pack with not only the huge
success on the field, but the packed crowds at every home game
Financial contribution to establish the new Rats Academy getting amongst the festivities. Under the very strategic and meticulous
for junior players between the ages of 14 to 18 years over eye of our GM, whether it be Super Hero Saturday, Juniors Day, Ladies
the 2016/17 summer; Day or the like, each home game was quite the spectacle and truly
Upgraded a couple pieces of gym equipment and something special to be a part of.
purchased some training gear for the Club;
Made a financial contribution to our two Wallaroo The love for the club is apparent with the Rat Pack and we were
representatives, Emily Robinson and Evelyn Horomia to rewarded constantly with players, officials and supporters coming by
assist them to represent Australia at the 2017 World Cup in when we were at work to pass on a word of encouragement for the
Ireland; effort the Rat Pack put in. Makes all involved feel a part of the family.
Table sponsor for the Women of Warringah charity lunch;
Contributed to the cost of upgrading the WRC website;
Funded the Rats History DVD Project (see below); and
Financial assistance to relocate some of the interstate and
overseas players.
Rats History DVD Project
In December 2016, the FOW commenced a major project
on behalf of the Club.
The broad overview of the project is to produce a 45 to 60
minute DVD that records the first 50 or so years of the
Clubs history. With the assistance of a father and son film
crew, Lindsay and Jesse Frazer, we have undertaken over
40 individual interviews with various Rats past players and
officials. The FOW thought it was important that the Club
records it’s history and the Club’s establishment is
documented. This is a major project the FOW has
undertaken on behalf of the Rats and the premiere of the
DVD will be announced sometime in the next few months.
Watch this space!!!
WORD FROM OUR
ERIN MORTON
Season 2017 was a triumph on and off the field for the Ratettes. We
started the season with the large majority of 2016 players lacing up
the boots for another year and added some quality new players that
contributed to the teams results and culture in a very positive way.
Our performances built as the season progressed and going into the
finals there was a quiet confidence within the team. We knew that to
lift the cup for the first time since 2013 we would have to get past
Parramatta in the semi-final and then beat an undefeated Sydney Uni
in the Grand Final. The ladies put together the full performance
against a physical Parramatta team and went through to the Grand
Final with a big 34 - 7 win. Grand Final week was as stressful and
enjoyable as ever, the team prepared well and most importantly got The 3 weeks after the GF win were full of merriment and Rat
their heads in the right space to give the GF a big shake. And shake it love (some days a little too much merriment…). It is a
they did…! The Ratties arrived at Boronia Park ready to rock and testament to the inclusiveness of the club and of the support
played out of their skins, handing the students their first defeat of the the ladies receive to see over 30 Ratettes (current and
season 21 – 17. retired) on the hill at North Sydney Oval yelling themselves
hoarse for 3rd and 1st grade in their respective Grand Finals.
Like all that have worn the Green and White we struggled
through some highs and lows this year. But what gets us
through the lows is the knowledge that we are a part of the
Warringah Family and that intangible prize is worth more
than all the Grand Final trophies in the world! And as that hill
on Grand Final day displayed, the friendships you make
playing this great game for this outstanding club last a
lifetime. Thank you to everyone who contributed to a great
year, let’s do it again in 2018!
WORD FROM OUR
SUE BARRY - COTTER
Junior rugby is alive and well in Warringah. Numbers have not changed too much which is promising but there is
always room for improvement There has been an increase in girls playing rugby – which is very encouraging. This
is the result of hard work by a one or two people at each of the village clubs with support, always willingly given by
the Ratettes. The momentum started with the girls 7s gala day earlier this season which the Ratettes attended,
helping with coaching, refereeing, redoing the draw and virtually running the whole day. There are 45 minis teams
being under 6s to 9s across the 6 Warringah village clubs of Collaroy, Dee Why, Narrabeen, Newport, Pittwater and
Wakehurst. The minis competition with Warringah and Manly is, accordingly to SJRU, the best run minis
competition in the Sydney area; something we should be proud of. To see the joy on the faces of these young
players as they score a try (even if it is over the sideline, and not the try line) reminds you of why we are all involved
in rugby.
The junior representative teams played earlier this season and the majority of age groups improved on last years'
performance. Junior rugby, like all sports, is run entirely by volunteers. From the committees at each of the village
clubs, to the coaches and managers of each of the 90 teams that we have within Warringah, to those who run the
canteens at each of the clubs.
Junior rugby would not be what is today without the assistance from all those people. Bring on 2018!You can also read
