Presentation Night - Sat 18th Oct

28th Sep 08

The Presentation night is on Saturday the 18th October at the Mount Street Terrace Bar from 6:30 pm. This is a chance to celebrate the season (yes - one more time) and congratulate team and individual award winners. Cost will be $50 a head and partners are very welcome

Grand Final Wins for Colts, 4s and 5s

11th Sep 08

A hot September day greeted the Red Men on the last stop of the red express. And the boys did not disappoint. 3 grades taking home the silverware in which litres of beer was drunk until the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The Sutherland Cup kicked off early enough to beat the heat but turned their own heat on UNSW. Early penalties were traded until Iggies scored for an 8 - 3 lead. After the break T Broom created a little bit of magic with side run, chip, chase and re-gather. Iggies then held out a committed UNSW attack and with one final raid in the dying seconds has Lee Levsen crash over. End Score 18 - 3. The Sutherland Cup back in the Old Iggies cupboard where it belongs for another year (The 6th time out of the last 8 years). 1 out of 4.

The Red Express (including the newly arrived cardboard train) moved to the top field wear the Judd's took on the biggest backline in Subbies in Campbelltown. This was a see sawing game which saw Old Iggies get out to a lead thanks to a pilfer and run away from G. Campbelltown muscled up and came back. Some consistent pressure saw the reddies score again through Doddy and a penalty kicked them 9 points clear. Campbelltown were not going to lie down though and came back again through their 300 pound wingers. They got within 2 points but that's where it stayed with inspired defense from the likes of Robbie Palmer and Paul Bova leading the way. Score 23 - 21 to the good guys. Ashley Judd was also back where she belongs (Also the 6th time out of the last 8 years). 2 out of 4.

So back to the bottom field went the Red Army to watch the Nuts and Bolts who were taking on Colleagues. A to and fro account by all reports (I will get Granville to fill in the details - if he can remember them) but extremely gutsy to hang on 24 - 21. The Barbour Cup in its rightful place. 3 out of 4.

And finally to Burke Cup. I felt like over 30 degrees running on to TG Milner and unfortunately that heat was not turned towards Knox. Old Iggies was immediately on the defensive and 10 minutes in Knox had used its out wide speed to run in a try. A second try came shortly after for a 0 - 10 deficit. A Naughto penalty goal got us back to within a converted try at half time. 3 - 10. The breeze out our backs we believed that margin could be overhauled. Unfortunately 10 minutes in a turn over a a crucial time saw an overlap turn into another 5 pointer. The Red men finally picked up their game and pressed the Knox line with concerted pressure scored through Ben Barnett. 8 -15 with 20 to play and still a real chance. But things really didn't get going, the Knox defense too good and a younger pacier side got the better of the Reddies. 8 - 20 the final score. A good season for the Burkies - just a shame it wasn't topped off with a cup. 3 out of 4 not a bad days work.

The bus took us back to the Rag and Famish where much re-hydration was done. Thanks to all for a great season - CODE RED certainly has revived the club and the 40th year of the club in 2009 is shaping up to be a cracker.

See you on Wednesday for training - Wednesday 4th February 2009.

GF, GF celebrations and Team Photos, details of the presentation night are all coming soon. Look out for the Vicarious Wrap Up this week from Boggy too.

Here are the full grand final results:

Vale Rob Ryan

25 Aug 08

Last Friday, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Rob Ryan after a long struggle. The club wore black arm bands and observed a minute's silence prior to first grade against Campbelltown to mark our condolences to Rob's family and many friends and to remember Rob's contribution to the club.

Rob was a 'zip zip' back for the Red Men from 1983 to 1994 and a loyal supporter. He played in the 1XV Premierships of 1987 (3rd Div) and 1988 (2nd Div). Here is a photo (thanks to JB) of Rob in his halcyon days, against Red Robins in 1986 (McLean Cup, 1XV).

 

The funeral service will be held on 10 am Wednesday 27th August 10am at St Mary's North Sydney (Opposite Nth Syd Oval).

Teams for UNSW

20 Mar 08

The final trial is against UNSW at David Phillips Field starting at 10:30. Click here to view the teams. You need to check your name, selected team and contact the respective coach if you have any issues.

Training is on Wednesday at Ryde. We will be training in teams and all are expected to be there. There will be BBQ and beers and Boli and Bladesy the scrum doctors will be on hand. Make sure you get there.

New players still welcome. Whether you have been to training yet or not, new to the club or played for 10 years, it is up to us, the players to turn 2008 "Code Red" year a success. Bring a mate in 08.

Orange Tens

17 Mar 08

"Shimmee Shimme Coco Pop"....

What an enormous weekend was had by one of the loosest touring parties to walk the earth. There was some footy played too so let's start with that...

The boys kicked off the tour (at Waratah Sports Park Orange, in 32 degree heat at 1:30pm) against a local side The Jack Blunt Legends. That team included some Old Iggies Red Men (Toby Tancred and Justin Johnson) and other friends such as Danny Flannery and James Grant (ex-Wallaby and West Tiger). The first game was a bit of a debacle and after some argy bargy around replacement rules the Old Ignatians won.

In the second game some great rugby was starting to be played - with Old Iggies winning against Kings Old Boys 17 - 5. Some great attacking play by Water, G and Will Harvey was inspirational in the heat.

The final pool game was against another local Orange side the Barbarians. Old Iggies 52 - Barbarians 5. An absolute try fest with the Red Men running riot. Even Cal registered his first try in eleventy billion games.

This took us to the top of the pool and into the Cup semis. But we drew up against The Jack Blunt Legends again, who sneaked into the cup semis on for and against.

A superb semifinal was played with both sides sweltering in the late afternoon NSW country heat. 12 - 12 the full time score. And so to extra time - 5 mins each way. The boys could not muster up the try they needed and went down 5 - 0 in extra time.

The good news was that we were finally able to get on the cans. The bad news was we were paying for it ourselves. Oh and for the record, The Orange Emus beat the JBLs in the final 34 - 10. A big thanks to Orange City who welcomed us and put on a fantastic day.

And so to the other business. Much alcohol was consumed. As as we know what goes on tour stays on tour I will only provide these little tasty bits and a couple of photos. Thanks to the Hotel Conobalas for putting us up. A full photo gallery will be posted by Friday thanks to tour paps Lucas Baker, Gelo and Boli.

More Fruit!
Dirty Bird
Shimee Shimmee Coco Pop
McSweeney- McDreamey, McLoving, Hank Mc Sh*tty
Good for 2 Garside
The Golden Albino Ginger
Harvey's Fruit Bat

The full photo gallery is now available here. Thanks Boli.

The Ignator

17 Mar 08

The Scrum Machine has been named. The "Ignator". Congratulations to big Trev Leota who wins $50 for his efforts. Given that he is probably going to be spending the most time with Iggy it is only fair he got the chocolates.

Other commendable entries included: Stan Jurd, Pancake's Lovechild, Muff, Fat bastard Magnet. You can see why The Ignator got the nod.

Scrum Machine

10 Mar 08

The Scrum Machine is in. Delivered on Friday from Boorowa, the 540kg baby boy "Enforcer Pro" is in perfect health. Dad Boli, couldn't be prouder. He also couldn't wait to give it a go so was seen pushing it around the training paddock by himself on Friday afternoon. Our photographer was there to take some snaps. Click on the photo to see the large size.

We are running a competition to name the machine. Entries finish this Wednesday 12th March when we will then ask for a vote on the best name. Winner gets $50. To lodge your entry via the web click click here to email Grats.

Once again thanks to all that attended the 2007 long lunch and donated to make it possible.

St Pat's Trial

10 Mar 08

A solid hit out was had by approx 50 red Men against Pats. It was a hot day. The Nuts and Bolts lead off at noon and were giving St Pats wind burn as the ran past.

The senior grade games were much more even (and slower) with the heat taking its toll. Some 8 halves were played with the coaches liking what they saw.

What was clear (as always is at this time of the season) was the lack of cohesion, some serious training time is required in the remaining 3 weeks to build the teamwork and continue on the fitness.

Inaugural Old Iggies Tens

2 Mar 08

A great morning was had by about 50 keen Redmen who took on the inaugural Old Ignatians' tens competition. Four teams, the Waratahs, Reds, Force and Brumbies set out to win the coveted trophy.

The Reds (lead by Grats and with four front rowers) and the Brumbies (lead by the Oracle) battled it out in the final. It was hard fought and lived up to its expectations. Tough defence and running rugby was on display as "Player of the Round" Dave Bryant showed up those 30 years his junior.

At one try a piece and with 15 seconds to go, the Reds made another attacking raid and scored a spectacular try seal victory and with it the trophey.

The Victorious Reds: Lee Levsen, Mark St John, Mark Simmons, Pete Grattan, Dom Lombardo (hiding), Lucas Baker, Dom McSweeney, Callum Docherty, Luke Anderson.

Inspi[RED] Season Launch - Sat 29th March

15 Feb 08

Make sure you lock your missus in for March 29th for the Season Launch at The Italian Village at the Rocks. This is bound to be the swankiest do the club has every put on.

Click here to read Brenno's request for your attendance

Click here for the invitation and details.

Bowl's Day 1st March

12 Feb 08

Bowls will now follow our first internal trial which will be held in the morning of Saturday 1st March on the bottom field at Ryde. Bowls is at the Ryde City Bowling Club (You know the one that overlooks Ryde Oval) from 1pm.

Pep's write up in Inside Rugby

30 Jan 08

Check out Pep's comment from Mark Cashman in this month's Inside Rugby, While your at it go and get yourself a copy!

Touch Footy

23 Jan 08

Waiting around in the off-season with nothing to do?

How about a game of touch footy with your Old Iggies mates to burn off that holiday largess?

Monday Nights 6:30 at
Jubilee Park Glebe

click here for location

A Pre-Season Training Message from El Presidente

7 Jan 08

A very Happy “Code Red” New Year to all.

We have in front us, a very important year for the club. 2008 is our year to rebuild and bring back the enjoyment and excitement of playing for the Redmen.

Wednesday the 23rd of January is the beginning of Code Red season 2008. Preseason training will begin on that date at 6.30pm at Rushcutters Bay Park (end the end of the Cross City Tunnel opposite White City).

An extensive preseason training program has been prepared by new 1st Grade coach , Al Metcalfe and our Fitness/Skills coach , Sean Cogan. This program will ensure that we are in the best shape possible for round 1 on April the 5th.

It is essential that we have everybody available at this training. We need our players to step up and take ownership of the club by being fully committed to training and playing in 2008. In seasons past, too many have said “I’ll be there next week or the week after” , but for our club to succeed we need everyone’s commitment from the first week of preseason training.

The committee and coaches have been working hard since the end of last season to ensure that the Code Red strategies are in place , new training equipment  has been purchased and we are ready to begin season 2008 in a positive manner.

It is now up to each and every player to show they are ready to give the commitment and put in the hard work at preseason training to ensure that our season is one that brings success , enjoyment and excitement back to the mighty Redmen!

See you on the 23rd January!

Dave “The Oracle” Bryant
President OIRFC