From Convenor of Rugby, John McCoy
2019 will go down as another positive year for Waverley College Rugby. It was a season which saw the‚ ‘Double V’ travel to Japan to participate in the Sanix World Youth Rugby Tournament. We had the opportunity to play at the brand new Bankwest Stadium at Parramatta ahead of a NSW Waratahs match. We enjoyed the company of visitors from the United States of America. Most notably, it was a year we showed how we, as a school, continue to play a great style of rugby with 11 CAS Premiership titles!
A highlight in 2019 watching the Waverley Rugby Community really get behind Digger Callander and the Beanies for Brain Cancer Initiative. Digger, a star player in our Junior School tragically lost his father, Matt, who had been instrumental in setting up the NRL Beanies for Brain Cancer Initiative. Digger was able to lead the 1st XV side out in the final game of the season, with all players in the 1st XV and 2nd XV wearing beanies onto the playing field. This gave Digger a moment he will never forget. A reminder of what makes rugby such a special game and what makes our community such a pleasure to be involved in. We rise by lifting others.
Waverley College fielded 22 sides in the 2019 rugby season. From the 82 CAS rugby matches Waverley College were involved with, as a school, we managed to win 60 games. A winning percentage of 73% – A strong result. Congratulations to all players and coaching staff on this effort.
Presentation Night
Presentation Night was held last Friday night for players and families in the 13s to Opens age groups. Over 450 people gathered to celebrate what was an enjoyable night at Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Club.
It was an enjoyable occasion with a great deal of spirit in the room. The Media Club shared a fantastic presentation including the season highlights, Brother Murphy gave his reflection on the season, the Class of 2019 were farewelled and the wonderful player achievements were recognised. Referees were also acknowledged for their efforts through the season.
The 15As who were coached by some of our outstanding Old Boys, Lachlan Drew-Morris, Ben Donaldson and Luca Moretti, were named as the 2019 Tim Kava Shield winners for a fantastic season. The team achieved an incredible feat going through the GPS/ISA/CAS season as undefeated.
This was matched also by the 16As, coached by James Horrocks and Shaun Foley, who also did not lose a match in 2019. This is a sign that some really exciting years of rugby lay ahead for the Blue & Gold jersey!
I would like to sincerely thank all the support in organising the night from the members of the Rugby Supporters Club committee (and their families) led by Denis Hickey and all those parents who helped on the night. Thanks also to the team at Easts Rugby Club for their great hospitality.
I would like to thank all those families and friends who donated items on the night, including Anthony Eyles who donated the Waratahs Jersey for the Lucky Door Prize as well as Old Boy Ben O’Donnell for donating two of his Australian Sevens Rugby Jerseys.
Farewell Year 12
On Friday Night we said our final farewell to those rugby players from the Class of 2019 who represented Waverley College. It will be very sad to see such a fine group of men leave Waverley. We thank these students and all their families for their contribution and support of Waverley College Rugby. Thanks must go to Alex Rice who spoke so well on behalf of his year group, Max Johnson who did a great job as Captain of Rugby and Luca Winch who helped lead the final chant of ‘We Are Waverley’ in front of the community! We wish these young men all the best for their futures on and off the playing field. Good luck & God Bless!
Thank You
On behalf of the Waverley College Rugby Community, I would like to thank the following people who have contributed so much to the 2019 season:
- To Head of College, Mr Leddie for his leadership and support of Rugby at Waverley College.
- To the College Leadership Team including, Mr Brennan and Mr O’Donnell (13As Coach).
- To Assistant Head of Sport, Mr Stephen Wilmot (also Convenor of Football), who was a wonderful support each Saturday at Queens Park.
- To the 1st XV, 2nd XV and 16A Coaching staff including Mr Paul Cornish, Mr Scott Coleman, Mr Kyle Newbury, Mr JP Boumelhem, Mr James Horrocks and Mr Shaun Foley. Preseason training for this season commenced 10 months ago and operated throughout the Summer Holidays. These men were present every step of the way (including Japan) and are the best and most dedicated coaches any school could hope for.
- To all the coaching staff, who guided our boys through memorable victories and tight losses. Particular thanks to our Old Boy Coaches who attracted so much positive feedback over the season and carried such passion and engagement during every training session and game. Thank you.
- To all the referees, led by Mr Richard Chen. Thanks particularly to student referees: Luke Harris, Sam Jagoe-Fisher, Cooper Flynn, Liam Andrews, Connor Andrews, Joshua Algie, Ryan Foley, Baxter Flynn, Christopher Salem and Edward Sullivan. We would not be able to enjoy our rugby without our wonderful officials.
- To the Rugby Supporters Club including Denis & Megan Hickey, Maureen & John Andrews, Katherine Fagan, Tania Nand, Michael Jaeger, Adam Diffin and all those parents who gave their time to support the club on the various duties across the season.
- To Deb Johnson who ran the online roster for the BBQ and Canteen. This is a fantastic initiative which is really assisting in communication.
- To Mary Connor who organised the 1st XV after match functions, and all the 1st XV & 2nd XV parents for their support of these important events. The food and hospitality was definitely best out of all the CAS/GPS/ISA schools.
- To Emma Laurence, who helped create wonderfully engaging Saturday programs.
- To Suzi Sucur, who helped with the Presentation Night ticketing and set up.
- To the Waverley College Maintenance team for ensuring that Queens Park was ready to go each Saturday, clean and plenty of gas bottles for the BBQ!
- To all Waverley Rugby Parents for supporting rugby and for getting your boys to the matches at various locations across Sydney!
- To all Waverley Rugby Players who represented the school with a great deal of pride and passion. I would particularly like to highlight the efforts of all the seniors who led the rugby program so well and have inspired the next generation of Waverley College students. We are very proud of you!
While some may believe the final whistle has blown for the 2019 season ‚ I am pleased to announce that the Waverley College 1st XV still have one more game remaining this year. Waverley will play against St Augustine‚ (Brookvale) at Bankwest Stadium ahead of the Wallabies Vs Samoa test match. More details of this event will be communicated in the upcoming weeks.
I hope all members of the community have enjoyed the season and I look forward to seeing you for the final match of the year at Bankwest Stadium!
Waverley to Win!
