Gobbledegeek 2.o

The Fighting Miners failed in their quest to win back-to-back premierships when they were defeated by the Puckapunyal Boars 6-5 in a quagmire at Puckapunyal last Saturday.

Torrential rain had covered the playing surface with about 50mm of water which soon cut up to become a quagmire. Adding to the difficult conditions were intermittent downpours and a strong wind.

The Miners had first use of the wind and were soon made aware that the Boars had come to play with spirit and determination. The normally dominant Miners’ scrum was shunted in the first two encounters.

Throughout the first half, the Boars dominated field position and possession. The Miners’ ball retention was poor as passes were pushed, catches spilled and lost in contact. The Boars capitalized on this superiority with a penalty goal in the 30^th minute to set up a 3-0 lead at the interval.

The Boars stretched their lead with a second penalty goal early in the second half.

From this point onwards, the Miners lifted their intensity. Inspired by some dominant tackles by the Tuitupou brothers, the Miners brought themselves back into the contest.

They finally troubled the scoreboard attendant in the tenth minute of the second half when centre Michael Crichton scored a try in the corner after a crisp passing movement by the backs.

Bendigo continued to press forward with Jesse Tuitupou, Konrad Fepuleai and Johneen Fagavao making strong runs.

They were rewarded with a penalty goal opportunity in the midway through the half in a handy position but the kick went wide.

From this point on, play rarely moved out of the area between the quarter lines as the two teams slogged it out in the mud.

The Tyson’s Reef Hotel player of the day award went to Jesse Tuitupou. Others to shine included Fepuleai, Nick Dehnert, Elson Tuitupou, Johneen Fagavao and Michael Crichton.

Scorer: Crichton try.

Team: 24 N. Poingdestre, 2 E. Tuitupou, 3 J. Tuitupou, 4 N. Dehnert (c), 5 B. Westley, 6 A. Saville, 7 D. Fallaver, 8 K. Fepuleai, 9 S. MacDonald, 10 Jon Solomon, 11 J. Learai, 12 J. Fagavao, 13 M. Crichton, 14 Jeremy Solomon, 15 J. Manderson.

Replacements: T. Henderson, L. Tuitupou, S. McGrail, S. Fagavao, P. Thomas.

Reserves: T. Mulvaney, J. Jeffries, S. Queally

Emergencies: L. Eriksen, N. Whittle, V. Liufau

W. Coulter 54439165

Bendigo 12 lost to Cobram 24 at Koonoomooo, 5 June 2010.

The Fighting Miners suffered their first ever defeat at the hands of the Cobram Dust Devils at Koonoomoo last Saturday. The Dust Devils entered the competition in 2008 but have not been competitive until the current season.

In Saturday’s game, the Dust Devils got on top in the second half after the scores were deadlocked at 12-12 at the break.

Bendigo scorers were Jeremy Solomon in the tenth minute and Nick Poingdestre in the 35^th minute.

Bendigo had the upper hand in the first half with a dominant scrum, good rolling mauls and good hit-ups on the fringes of the rucks by the big men. This dominance resulted in a string of penalties to the Miners and kept the Dust Devils on the back foot.

Team: 1 N. Poingdestre, 2 T. Henderson, 3 J. Tuitupou, 4 S. Kelly, 5 E. Tuitupou, 6 S. McGrail, 7 D. Fallaver, 8 K. Fepuleai, 9 N. Dehnert, 10 Jon Solomon, 11 S. Queally, 12 S. MacDonald, 13 J. Learai, 14 Jeremy Solomon, 15 J. Manderson, 16 S. Paterson, 17 P. Clark

Scorers: Jeremy Solomon, Poingdestre tries; Manderson goal.

W. Coulter

Read the full match report here.

The Miners have a bye this weekend but you can still see them in action when they take on an ‘old boys’ selection as part of their 40th Anniversary celebrations. Why not head up to Shadforth Park and watch?

The Victorian Rugby Union Country Division competition resumes with round 6 on 26th June at home against the Deniliquin Drovers.

It wasn’t that long ago that the British peoples were spilling each others blood on the battlefield and even though we now coexist under one united banner, (blame the Act of Union) not a great deal has changed . These days our battlefields are the rugby parks of Twickenham, Croke Park, Murrayfield and The Millenium Stadium, where lines are drawn and blood frequently spilt. But as serious as a rugby union international is, there is nothing but humorous banter between supporters.

That said, the Celtic Nations band together, united against the Olde Enemy that is England. Of course, we hope and pray that our own team will prevail but if the truth be known, we don’t care who wins as long as it’s not the English.

The Stereophonics voiced this sentiment by putting this little ditty together…

Let it not be said that the Scots have no sense of humour. Slanj, the renowned Scottish kilt manufacturer, has added a couple of highly amusing t-shirts to its line of recreational wear which has caught the unwanted attention of Grampian Police.

An officer called in to advise the store “to consider whether the display was appropriate and should be removed”, in relation to thier ‘Anyone But England’ t-shirts. It was suggested that the t-shirts might be construde as rasist.

Read the full article here.

The t-shirts have been produced for this Summer’s World Cup in South Africa and include one for the unofficial supporters club of the teams England will compete with in Group C.

Racist? Do me a favour! I think they’re bloody hilarious and I’m going to buy some!

Anyone but the English

Group C Supporters Club

Bendigo Fighting Miners rugby union team not only celebrate 40 years of outstanding country rugby in 2010, they are also putting out a call for youth players. So, if you, or anyone you know, would like to participate in a safe and positive environment, contact Mark Luatutu on 0427315067.

Alternatively, you can reply here or email me (admin at gobbledegeek dot com dot au) and I’ll pass your details on to Mark.

Even if you don’t know anyone directly, please help by spreading the word, as this multi-championship winning team receive precious little advertising and support as it is.

Incidentally, pre-season training begins Thursday 4nd February 6:00 pm at Shadforth Park and there will be a short touch game before the AGM at 7pm in the Club Rooms and all are welcome.

It’s great to hear that the Bendigo Fighting Miners have wrapped up the season with two games in hand. It’s also nice to see their continued and considerable efforts rewarded with a mention in local press.

THE Bendigo Fighting Miners clinched the Victoria Rugby Union country division minor premiership in a 38-14 victory agaisnt Ballarat on Saturday.

With two rounds remaining and each team still to have a bye, the Miners are two wins clear of Ballarat and cannot be caught, even if they lose next weekend.

Full article linkage.

From the Miners’ own web site…

The Fighting Miners crushed Ballarat by 38 points to 17 in an impressive display at St. Pat’s Oval, Ballarat last Saturday.

Trailing 7-12 after twenty minutes, the Miners lifted their work rate, scoring five unanswered tries and 31 points to establish a 38-12 lead before conceding a consolation try to Ballarat in the final play of the game.

Article linkage.

For those unfamiliar with the Fighting Miners, they are not a group of belligerent gold diggers but a successful rugby union team.

Keep up the good work….both of you!