4 out of 5 - A great day for the Red Men

It was as tough as finals get but the Red Men were out in force to watch the start of the 2008 finals campaign and the departure of the Red Express. And what a renaissance for the club. We were by far the loudest, largest, rowdiest, raucous, horn tooting, club-song singing bunch of fine men you have ever seen in Subbies Rugby History. And the boys on the paddock did their job too.

3 wins in the major semis is a great result and means 3 teams go straight to the Big Dance (2s, 5s and colties). The Ashley Judd's (4s) got up in their minor semi to advance through to the Final this week against Mosman at David Phillips Field. It was only the thirstiest thirds that left a bitter-sweet taste with a disappointing loss to Drummoyne bowing out of the finals race.

To see the individual Team Reports click here.

Here is the presidents report:

What a great day! It was indeed a day full of highlights. 2nd Grade , 5th Grade and Colts straight through to the GF and 4's to contest the Final next week for a shot at the GF also. A gallant 3rd grade tried their best , but some penalties given away at crucial times proved costly. I would like to thank Gus Halligan and Jono McEvoy for their great work with this year's Whiddon Cup team. 3's are probably the hardest team in the club to coach , with plenty of player movement both ways. Over 75 players have made an appearence in 3's this year and it is a great credit to Gus and Jono to get the team to the semis without really having a solid core of players week to week.

I know that the players really appreciated the support from the sidelines on Saturday and it was great to see "The Red Express" in action. Thanks to our sponsors Clarkson McLaren Corporate Communications, Australian Wild Tuna and Blindmaster we unveiled the "Red Express Finals Series" T-Shirts which were a big hit amongst the Redmen. Thanks to Anthony and Jim from CMCC , Angelo from AWT and Simon from Blindmaster for their generous support in sponsoring the T-Shirts and for Nick Sharples for getting them organised and printed within a week.

It was great seeing former player Nick Asprey chasing the balls kicked out on the far side to ensure there were no delays in play , also great to see 1st grade players Tom Flynn and Sam Martell running the water for 2nd grade...great stuff boys.

Let's keep the momentum going this Saturday and support the 4th grade boys this week and ensure we have 4 teams playing for premiership glory at TG Milner on Saturday week. Put this date in your diary.......the 13th of REDTEMBER.....it will be one to remember.....TOOT, TOOT!

Oracle.

So here are the full results:

P.S. If anyone saw half my face out on David Phillips field and picked it up, could they please return it to me at training. Grats

Any stories, additions, photos, news or otherwise OIRFC dribble - drop Grats an email on info@oldignatiansrugby.com.au