On Saturday, Colts had their last trial matches, and after two solid weeks of rain, we ended up playing just 75 minutes of rugby on the back field at Forshaw. Our thanks go to our General Manager, Warren Robilliard, for making this happen; it was greatly appreciated!

Unfortunately we had to cancel 3rd Grade Colts, because of the time limit placed on us, with 2nd Grade and 1st Grade Colts playing half a game each. Well done to the coaches in trying to give as many players as possible an opportunity to get some decent game time.

With players running on and off, and fresh players playing against tiring players, he the final scores were irrelevant as it was more about shedding some rust, giving players a run and making sure our game process are in place, and our skills are up to scratch for this time of the year. Norths are a very strong club, and were Grand Finalists last year in 1st Grade Colts, and finishing the day pretty much equal in tries gives us a positive indication of how we’re travelling.

Watching the day’s rugby, I was really impressed with the way our players carried themselves off the field. The support among the players for the teams on the field, and high fives and hugs, shows that there’s a great club spirit and a real bond between the boys. And there is no doubt that when the games get hard and tough, our guys will have each other’s backs.

It was also great to see Bayley Kuenzle, Dom McGrath and Harry McLennan come down and support the Colts. These guys played a tough game the day before for the NSW U20s in their come-from-behind win over the Melbourne Rebels U20s to get into the final of the Super 20s competition. We look forward to seeing them back in the second round game against Randwick, and wish them the best of luck in next week’s final against the Qld Reds U20s.

It was also great seeing so many club supporters come down and watch the day’s rugby, and I have no doubt that they would have been very impressed with the quality of the rugby the Colts played, with the speed on show and some high quality play backed up by some ferocious defence. All of the hard work the players and coaches have put in over many months was on show, and it was crystal clear that the time has been well spent.

There is a great sense of culture and spirit at the club, which is a real credit to the board, the coaches, managers and support staff, and which is backed up 100% by the players. As an example of this, last week our trial games were called off, yet 80 players from grade and colts turned up for a two hour sand-dunes session, and I doubt that any other clubs would have been doing this on a rained-out trial match weekend.

Next week is the start of the season against Manly, with Colts playing away, at Keirle Park, and Grade at home at Fortress Forshaw – we need all of our supporters to get to these venues to help us get wins in all grades, and give the Club the start that we want for season 2017. Colts will be doing all they can to repeat last year’s effort against Manly in the opening round of the competition, with a clean sweep in all three grades.

2017 promises to be a season of great rugby, and the future of the club looks very strong, both on and off the field. A Saturday at Forshaw, whether you’re watching Grade or Colts, will be a day very well-spent!

Keith Holmes