Trials Report - St Pats

Greetings gentlemen,

Finally for the first time this year the OIRFC hit the playing field for trials v Pats at Strathfield.

Colts coach Micky Palmer has a big and talented squad already well drilled and kicked off the day with 3 impressive 20 min periods.

The senior Redmen planned for 5 x 20 min periods, with the usual idea of lower grade players starting first. There was at least a dozen new guys to the club
to consider and we quickly strung together a team with a mix of new(*) and old for the 1st game:

1st team (1-15) Adorini, Lachlan Tate*, Gelo, Matt Smith, Chris Pascoe, Nick Jackson, Pat Fatarone(colt), James Doherty*,Lachlan Crammond*, Gavin Wheeler*, Adam Rixon, Olly Trusler, Brian Beecroft*, James Cant*, Tim Wheeler

2nd team: Baker, Bova/Aurisch, Liam Hogan(colt), Ben Fessey*, James Doherty*, Carlos Costa Leite*, Stoker(new), (Keegan - yes, 8), Harro, Doug Frewin*, James Cant*, Pat Hughes*, Brian Beecroft*, Mike Bailey, Tim Wheeler

3rd team: Miles Docker, Nick Ward, Xavier, Sam Jurd, James Parmentier, Chris Galvin, Jackson ?* , G. Kenny, Nick O’Connor, Mitch Dow, Lachy Macca McMahon, James Elphverson*, Dave Parmentier, Mike Bailey, Jimmy Sheehan

4th team: Docker, Galvin, Xav, Fessey*, Gillespie, Luke Sheehan, G. Kenny, Mark Jenkins*, Luke Crawford*, Mark Fenwick*, Dom Pascoe, Ry Evans*, Mitch Dow, James Cant*, Lachy Macca McMahon

5th team: Docker Ward, Xavier, Gillespie, Jurd , Carlos Costa Leite*, Jackson ?*, Alex Carver, N, O’Connor, J. Sheehan, Doug Frewin, James Elphverson, Pat Hughes, Nick Jackson, Don Pascoe

The interchange was used frequently due to the particularly warm clime and the desire to watch certain players in different positions. I thought our performances were surprisingly competent considering the total lack of any team trainings prior to today. But our guys know how to play rugby and all of the new players performed. Most, I believe, will play 3’s and higher.

During the fifth period Pats surprised us when they revealed a fresh, professional-looking, 1st XV expecting a further 60 minutes. We negotiated down to 40 min, Gus rallied the troops and put together a team who dug deep and went out and gave it to the opposition. Pats may have “won” 2 tries to nil, but the skills, guts and commitment of the Redmen were the highlights. Indeed, the defensive work by all the teams was committed and strong all day, but some very strong club spirit emerged when asking the guys to dig deep for the last “game”.

Our next assignment is trials v Hunters Hill (1st grade and colts only) on Wednesday 4th April (colts to kick off at 6.30pm), with the whole club to go to Boronia Park. We shall need to communicate effectively over the next couple of days to nail down exactly what we want Wednesday night.

Cheers,
Aspro