WESTRYDEROVERS
IN
OFF
THE
POST
It’s an East Coast low, not a cyclone!
2015 Issue 2
www.westryderovers.asn.au
6 May 2015
The sun is out, the sky is blue...
Wet weather is by now
giving everyone the proverbials. But hey, it happens, and it doesn’t happen that often. The club
is doing very well in filtering news through to everyone, through Team
App, coaches and managers, Facebook and
emails.
You can check the wet
weather line on 9952
8244 after 3pm on a
weekday to see if the
grounds are open for
training. This is a rough
guide only though.
For weekend games,
assume the game is ON
unless you hear from the
club.
Sheekey’s Sharpshooters : Under 8 Orange set for a big season.
An utterly crazy month of
April has come and gone,
and we’re now deep into
the guts of the season.
The rain has played havoc
with the ﬁxture list, and
the decision to postpone
the majority of games on
Anzac Day was a blessing
for all. The Super League
though was forced into action on an afternoon that
started out in bright sunshine and ended with the
ﬁrst team game being abandoned in the 70th minute as
Meadowbank 3 was enveloped in lightning.
May is looking a little more
promising, and this jittery
start to the season is going to give way to a good
run of games.
Great to see everyone
enjoying training and
game days. Plenty more
to come and keep up the
good work everyone.
Go the Rovers!
Newsletter Editor farewell...
U11/1 coach and SL star Abs
The me has come, the prize-winning
West Ryde Rovers Newsle er is saying
goodbye to its editor in chief Pete “Tex”
Smith, who is stepping down. The club is
fran cally searching for a replacement - if
you or anyone you know would be interested in producing this publica on, please
contact your club via the usual means. We
are only two games into the season in
most cases, so there will s ll be plenty of
ac on to come in the next few months. The
club will soon be entering its 60th year and
this will see much excitement, along with a
new club house and an exponen al growth
in team numbers over the next few years.
Come on, this is your big chance, seize the
opportunity to write for your local club.
2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 2
PRESIDENT’S CORNER FOR FEMALE FOOTBALL WEEK
This week is Female Football week, an initiative by Football NSW that sees the Matildas
training at nearby Valentine Sports Park in the lead up to the World Cup 2015 in June over
in Canada. Get behind our Rovers during female football week, there’s some cracking
games this Sunday for Mothers Day, including O30W Blue v O30W Black on Meadowbank
No 9 at 3pm. Check out the Football NSW website or NWSWF website for details.
We’re now looking forward to getting back to action after three weeks indoors sheltering
from the howling wind and lashing rain, the fields are looking very green, and it’s going to
feel like the start of the season all over again. Soccer Kickstart minis training has started
on Meadowbank No 3, and we are two weeks into the programme, which is proving to
be a massive success. That success
should transfer to the field, we
know that our young players are
desperate to get out there again
after a false start to the season
which is only one game old.
On behalf of West Ryde Rovers
Football Club, have a happy Mothers Day and keep up the good
work.
A sunny day at Meadowbank
A totally impartial referee takes charge of an uncovered game.
A moment in history
Two massive milestones for our O30W Black team,
the first competitive game ever at Meadowbank No
7 that saw the girls hold their own in a 5-0 reverse
against All Saints Hunters Hill. Crowd figures were
huge, but that was eclipsed the following week as
O30 W Black prepare for their first league game ever with a serious pep talk
the Gladesville Sharks took on our girls. A huge bank of supporters filled Meadowbank No 10 to see the Rovers go behind
midway through the first half, only for Kerrie O’Brien to race on
to a through ball and slot home an equalizer. The second half
was a tense affair with Alyssa Le Breton making a string of
saves, Rovers close, but going down 3-1 on the day.
The girls square up to their opponents
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the weekend, and you would still like to assist with the printing costs of In Oﬀ The Post, please contact [email protected] for
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2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 3
Yes, yes, yes, it’s back! Be quick to secure your table!
Carn Aussie! And then we won!
The boys take up UFC cage fighting at the Asian Cup
For those in the know, this is an epic evening of fun and laughter with fellow players, parents, coaches, and friends. Brush Park bowling club is a super
friendly spot just up the top of the hill on Marsden Road. Prizes galore, laughs a-plenty, but its so popular you will need to act quickly. Go for it!
2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 4
FFA CUP ACTION
You need some grading done? I’m your man...
A slight lack of support for the man in Royal blue. No problem - one quick turn and he was away.
West
Ryde
Rovers
Super
League team were disposed in
the first round of the Waratah Cup, the NSW qualifying
tournament for the prestigious FFA Cup, beaten handsomely by State League side
Hawkesbury City. Our victors
then went on to snatch a
dramatic 1-0 at St George to
set up a fifth round tie
with South Coast's Woonona
FC. A two goal victory took
Hawkesbury
through,
and
elsewhere there was a marked
reduction in scores as the
difference in quality of the
teams narrowed. Fellow Super
League team North Epping
were given a 5-0 drubbing,
but no disgrace, against
Balmain, Blacktown City won
the derby against the Spar-
tans 4-1, and there were six
ties that went to extra time,
three of those ending in penalty shootouts. The local
association team Spirit FC
went down 3-1 at South Coast
Wolves to end their participation in this year's comp.
So, on to the 6th round,
Hawkesbury
entertain
the
Western NSW Mariners after
their
counterparts
came
through
their
penalty
shootout in the previous
round. This one could be
Hawkesbury's undoing, find
out in the next edition. In
the games already played, the
big scores returned to the
competition,
South
Coast Wolves demolishing Yagoona Lions
10-1, while Blacktown
City thumped twelve
past Nepean who were
lucky to get one goal
in reply. The final GHFA
team standing was Kenthurst,
who went down 3-2 at Prospect in an exciting tie.
Stand by for some excitement
as the competition reaches
the
stage
where
winning
teams qualify for the FFA
Cup.
We are continuing to follow :
HAWKESBURY CITY
Concern as Rovers hold on.
GHFA CUP NEWS
The GHFA Cup continues, Rovers having again been knocked out in round one against Ryde Saints United.
Round two has been ravaged with the weather, but we're back on track, the two washed out games to take
place at the end of the month. St Pats against Ryde Panthers should be a cracker, whereas our conquerers
Saints United will find it tough going against high flying Kenthurst of the Premier League.
Round 2 results so far :
NMH v HWK (0 - 2)
STP v RDPaa (P - P)
RAV v THL (P - P)
YMA v PEN (0 - 3)
PHD v WPH
STU v KEN
PUT v NER
STA v EEW
Kickstart is underway - a packed Meadowbank No 3 plays host
2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 5
COOPS’ RESULTS WRAP
Rain, rain go away I hear you
all say. It would be nice to get
some training sessions in and
then a game to follow, but it
seems to be one or the other
at the moment.
So a;er last weekend’s wash
out and a previous weekend
oﬀ due to Anzac Day, we have
hit May and played only 2 West Ryde Rovers head for Parra Stadium to take part in some half time shenanigans on the field.
rounds (minis just 1). It’s early
days and hard to tell where all teams sit in the
Other teams on maximum points are the U11/4,
overall landscape of their respec ve compe 13/3, 14/3 and the U18/1 Red team, while quite a
ons, but we have had some teams start the seafew teams are undefeated with a win and draw
son oﬀ really well.
so far.
In the GHFA compe ons, its the veterans of the
In the women’s compe ons, the U18/1 team is
club that are showing the way for their younger
the only team to have maximum points, which is
colleagues. Our O35/2, O35/5 and O45/3 teams
quite remarkable, given they have only just sehave all started the season with 2 wins apiece,
cured a coach for the season. The U15/1 team
with the O35/2 team looking like an exci ng team
secured a 16-1 win in its opening game, but has
to watch... at both ends of the park. For example
frustra ngly spent the last 3 weekend’s twiddling
their 2nd game against Ararat saw them race out
their thumbs, as they also had a bye in Round 2.
to a 4-0 lead a;er 25 minutes only for Ararat to
Our two All Age teams – AA4 and AA7 are both
have it level by half me. Thankfully our boys
undefeated with a win and draw so far.
woke from their slumber in the second half to run
out 10-4 winners. This is a newly assembled team Let’s all pray for some good weather and build
and big things are expected – no pressure Pete some momentum for the remainder of the seaSmith.
son.
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Main club sponsors will automatically see their logo in our monthly newsletter. However, if you would like to assist with the printing
costs of our premier publication, please contact [email protected] for newsletter-only sponsorship at really competitive rates.
Supply your logo or artwork and reach over 900 local players and their families for a small fee.
Rovers players in full flight at Meadowbank No 2. Never a better place to watch football, with the canteen sizzling in the background.
2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 6
Separated at birth??
Action
If you’ve got an iPhone, take some photos and send them in!
Phil Baker
Mikey U11/1
That bloke of My Kitchen Rules
Tony Brown’s Blue and White Army prepare to do battle in their opener at North Epping.
A historic moment as 30W Black start their very first game as a team
James Gethin U11/2
Beecroft attacker given the Will O’Brien treatment with a terrific tackle
A makeshift 11/4 team, hit with a last minute re-scheduled game in the middle of school holidays,, pour upfield in search of the opener
2015 ISSUE 2
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Majors sponsors
PAGE 7
Upcoming events
West Ryde Rovers Football Club now have a home, and that home
is up at Top Ryde at Gallaghers Ryde Royal Hotel. All Super
League players make their way up to this superb venue after Saturday games and you are free to join them.
Our new event co-ordinator Michelle Prasad has her work
cut out this year organizing the following activities for the
2015 season:
Golf day
@ North Ryde golf club - date to be conﬁrmed : West Ryde’s ﬁnest golfers including Chris Goddard and Paul Henry battle it out in a very good value all
day extravaganza. Stand by for news, get yourself organised in teams of four and be ready for a Friday oﬀ work!
Trivia night
After a recent washout, all the boys made it up to the Royal for a
charity trivia arvo, what better way to spend a rainy Saturday af-
@ Brush Park Bowling Club - 13th June :
this is the biggest night of the social calendar and is always a sell out. Get in early when tickets go on sale, as it
is an absolute ripper of an evening.
ternoon? With Saturday tea-time fast becoming the busiest part of
the week, get yourselves up there for a beer and a feed after the
games and join the fun with like-minded Rovers personalities.
Kids disco
@ Ermington Community centre - date yet
to be set : we had a taster last year when this event returned to our calendar, this year it will be back bigger
than ever.
Junior and senior presentation day : We’re
putting this one out to you, the footballing public, to
come up with suggestions for a winning formula for our
senior presentation night. The junior version is such a
blast, that the senior night has a lot to live up to. Talk to a
committee member if you have any cunning plans to attract all senior teams to an end of season event.
A cosy Ryde Hotel hosts a charity trivia afternoon as games are called off
2015 ISSUE 2
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LOGIE TIME...
PAGE 8
www.boingcentral.com.au
Trampolining Centre
Wind and rain hits
Good thing the games were cancelled this Sunday - it’s Logie time
Spotted on the red carpet and up on stage receiving a
Logie on Sunday was our very own O30W Black team
member Lucy Addario. Good work Lucy, always great to
see one of our own doing the business on and oﬀ the
ﬁeld.
Doppelgangers!
Wild weather hit the region in late April and early May, taking out
a whole round for the NWSWF over the Anzac Day weekend,
then taking out all football the following weekend. The associations and the council got it right, it was horrible on those days,
and the wind was incredible, uprooting trees and aiding the pruning of many of the bushes at the Park. Pictured here is a typical
street view in Melrose Park, just next to our very own Meadowbank Park. Hopefully the worst has gone and we can get on with
Mick Molloy
Vito Totino
the important stuff.
2015 ISSUE 2
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Introducing a future club legend, the U18W championship winning super coach in 2027.
Coach Profile
Dave Little
The ﬁrst U6W team in many years at the club is here, and
here’s the coach.
Q : Your role at the Rovers for 2014
A : Coach of Under 6 Girls team
Q : How many years have you been with the club
A : This is my ﬁrst year
Q : Your previous clubs
A : Played at Gladesville Ravens in my younger days. More
recently St Michaels Lane Cove.
Q : Your playing position
A : Goalkeeper / back
Q : Your honours in soccer
A : Gladesville Hornsby Reps
Q : Favourite A-League team
A : Sydney FC
Q : Overseas soccer team
A : Manchester City
Q : First professional soccer match attended
A : Marconi v Blacktown City - I was a ball boy
Q : What skill do you have that not many people know about
A : Can drive a sprint car
Q : Describe yourself in three words
A : Easy Going Guy
The important stuﬀ :
Place of birth : Ryde
Favourite TV show : Entourage
Film : Old School
Q : The meal I am best at cooking is
A : Spaghetti Bolognese
Music : Foo Fighters
Q : Most admired sports person (not including football)
A : Brett Kenny
Drink : Beer
Q : Which other sport do you wish you could play
A : Professional tennis so I could travel the world
Q : If I didn’t play football
A : ...and was younger, I’d play rugby league again
Q : What do you do during the summer
A : Swim at Greenwich baths
First car : Holden Torana
Holiday destination : Hamilton Island
Restaurant : Caesar’s No Names - Leichhardt
My favourite way to relax away from football is : Watching NRL
Champion! Good luck to you and Vanessa for the season, enjoy the ride.
2015 ISSUE 2
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The Mean Whistler
PAGE 10
Woah, this is good stuff.
Learn something new. Read on and ponder.
For this issue let’s go through
on while wai ng for a throw-in, the referee can
what’s one of the most basic, and deal with the players but the play must always be
important, rules of the beau ful re-started with the throw-in.
game: When is the ball in and
when is it out?
4. The whole ball must be over the whole line for
it to be out. That means you can take a goal kick
Some basics:
with the base of the ball just over the goal area
line, as long as some of the ball is overlapping
1. Lines form part of the area some of the line
they bound, so a foul by a defender on the penalty box line Below is an interes ng scenario with pictures
should result in a penalty. It also from our very own Meadowbank 2. Which of
means that two opposing players these three photos is a goal?
Ask me, I know!
standing side by side on half way
are both in their own half when determining oﬀside. Answer: Only C is a goal. (Yes!)
2. Once the ball is out of play, play must stop. E.g. if
the assistant referee signals that the ball’s gone out
and the ref doesn’t see it for a while, you can’t just
say ‘it doesn’t ma er, let’s play on’.
A goal is scored when the ball passes fully over the
line between the posts and below the crossbar
AND fully past the posts. The line is supposed to
be the same width as the posts and in the big
games it always is. In park football where we’re
3. Once the ball is out of play, a foul cannot be ruled. happy to be able to see any line clearly, referees
You can s ll have misconduct though, e.g. if a striker have to be aware of this dis nc on when deciding
is brought down in the penalty area by a defender if it’s a goal or not.
sliding in late but the ball has already gone out for a
goal kick, the referee can s ll cau on the defender That’s all for now. Don’t forget you can send the
for the late tackle, but the restart will remain a goal Mean Whistler any ques ons you have on the oﬃkick. More commonly, if two players have an alterca- cial side of the game by emailing the editor.
2015 ISSUE 2
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Super League action
PAGE 11
Thornleigh has the better of the first period and deservedly lead at the break 1-0. Rovers fought back and
drew level in the second half when Jayden Young slid
the ball past the on rushing Thunder keeper. The
youngster then put Rovers in front midway through the
half with a swerving effort that gave the keeper no
chance. The final 15 minutes saw red cards to both
sides and an equalizing penalty converted by Thunder
as the points were shared.
Ready to rock - the warms are done, the sleeves are up. Up the Rovers!
Rovers try out a new PlayerCam in the North Epping Anzac Day match
The opening month has seen Rovers start in their traditional slow manner. After two cup defeats last month, the
opening round of the GHFA Super League saw Rovers
hosting Ryde Saints United. Ressies kicked off their campaign, going down 1-0 to an early goal to Saints. 1st
Grade looked to be heading for the 3 points but surrendered a 2 goal lead at half time to draw 2-2, not the ideal
start but something to build on.
Next up saw the boys head north to take on competition
heavyweights Thornleigh. Ressies got off to a good start
with a Micky Ferris goal the difference at the break. The
2nd half though didn’t go to script and Rovers found
themselves down 2-1 late in the game. A scramble goal to
Mat Vartuli saw West Ryde record their first point on the
year. 1st Grade turned out to be a titanic tussle.
ANZAC Day saw Rovers scheduled to take on North
Epping on, but with plenty of rain in the build-up the
game was moved from North Epping Oval to Meadowbank late on. Ressies started well and held a 1-0 lead at
oranges, with Fab Scanu opening his SL account. The
second half turned ugly, with Rangers bagging 4 goals
in 14 minutes of madness. They could have grabbed a
5th, but missed a late penalty. Plenty of soul searching
for the boys to get their season back on track. First
grade was another arm wrestle, with both sides evenly
match. The game turned 30 seconds before the break
when Rangers were awarded what can only be described as a dubious penalty which the converted.
Rangers added a second with a miss-hit cross dipped
over Buzz’s head and under the cross bar at the far
post. On 65 minutes the referee suspended play due to
nearby lightning, which was followed by monsoonal
rain which prevented the game being restarted.
An impeccably observed minutes silence before the first team game at Meadowbank 3 - four seasons in one day would see the game later abandonned
2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 12
Super League action continues
The final scheduled game of the month Rovers pitted against Putney Rangers. Unfortunately heavy rain saw the fixture postponed, which allowed the squad to hold a charity trivia competition. The team of Rami, Mark, Max & Mat picked up the crown,
with the squad raising over $300 for children’s charity, ChildFund Australia. May see’s Rovers play 4 of their 5 fixtures at
Meadowbank, with the squad will be looking to kick start their season.
09/05/15 vs. St Patricks – LH Waud (Res 1pm & 1st 3pm)
16/05/15 vs. Ararat – Meadowbank #10 (Res 1pm & 1st 3pm)
23/05/15 vs. Macquarie Uni – LH Waud (Res 1pm & 1st 3pm)
30/05/15 vs. Glenhaven – Holland Reserve (Res 1pm & 1st 3pm)
06/06/15 vs. Redbacks – LH Waud (Res 1pm & 1st 3pm)
Come down and support your
club’s No 1 team. Big match atmosphere guaranteed, goals at
both ends, incident and drama...
Bowen still organizing his wall as the free kick is taken, but Beecroft fail to capitalize.
A wall of 30W Black at Meadowbank 10
While it was raining...
So, soccer’s off. What do you get up to instead? Here’s some snaps to give you some ideas for next time...
30W Black on the red carpet...
...and on stage
...while a winter Wanderland sends a chill through our young Rovers
2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 13
Kommitee Korner
Gold, frankincense and myhrr. The three wise men in wise discussion
Chaos and mayhem as Rovers get ready for the 2015 season
Well another Newsle er rolls around, albeit one that covers very li le gameplay. Whilst the weather has not been kind to our
teams and players, it hasn't aﬀected the workload (in some ways increased it!) behind the scenes within the Commi ee.
Of note - coming soon - thanks to Chris Goddard and our Management Commi ee we have a whole new range of Merchandise coming online. A new look, some be er quality products, and a broader range of selec*on. While the Club is ordering a
limited amount of on-hand stock to sell, most will be done by order, un*l we get an idea on the most popular items and can
forecast stock quan**es needed. These will be available online from our website soon - but in the mean*me follow the instruc*ons that will come in an email shortly. There are also some good value for money packages put together, and we look
forward to seeing our Rovers in the 'new look' soon. Please be aware that the ﬁrst order will be going in soon, so get your
ini*al orders in quickly to avoid disappointment!
We have been busy scheduling in our Golf Day, Trivia Night and other events for the year, and they will be sent out in a
Events Email soon which will detail everything that is coming up.
This weekend (9th May) we will be presen*ng the cheque for $7,400 to Legacy which was raised by the WRRFC Anzac Challenge. Our next worthy Charity cause this year will be the McGrath Founda*on, and we shall provide info on this soon.
We s*ll currently have a couple of spare seats open on the Commi ee, and with planning commencing for our 60th Anniversary celebra*ons next year, we can always use extra hands and more thinking caps.
Lastly on behalf of the Commi ee I apologise for our issues with Training Lights, however 95% of the *me it is out of our control (yes once I forgot to turn them on! Sorry!) as Council are having lots of technical issues. An email regarding this will be
sent out soon.
Good Luck, play safe and enjoy your Football! Lindsay Donald (Club secretary)
Captains shake on the opening day, exciting!
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PAGE 14
This is our home. Let’s keep it looking good.
The sun sets on another massive day’s entertainment at the Theatre of Dreams
A long day awaits this little machine
Rovers home, Meadowbank Park, was looking in tip top condition, that was until the LH Waud cricket pitch received its winter
blanket. By the end of the week, this had been brought up to the minimum standard to get the season underway, and the
lengthy grass had been given a trim. Not enjoying the fields as
much as the Rovers were the NWSWF Koalas who were offered
Meadowbank No 4 as their home for 2015. The “poor surface” and
the fact that the field is “unsafe” were enough to put the Koalas
off, and away they went.
One issue that has been raised following the first two weekends of
the season is the issue of rubbish. There has been a great deal of
rubbish left strewn across the touchlines at the games, and in particular beer bottle tops that are deemed a hazard to those who
might execute a slide tackle into a pile of them. As a courtesy at
the end of your game, please make sure that anything that is left
behind on the sideline is moved. The bins do tend to overflow at
the end of the day, but moving your rubbish away from the fields
would be a great help.
Outrageous - good enough for Rovers, not for the Koalas
Four days out from the Super League opener, worrying signs on LH Waud Un-named manager storms off after early pitch inspection
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PAGE 15
GHFA SAP and ACADEMY
The trials for the 2015 Academy, a 15
week series of training sessions for players U7 to U11 were concluded in late
April. Details are sketchy at this stage,
but congratulations go to Max Beram
(Under 10), James Gethin and Nevaeh
Wacando (Under 11) for making the
grade. They will now join up with the
SAP squads every Monday where they
will be put through their paces by some
The GHFA Spirit FC SAP Under 10 team come out to music at Blacktown Spartans. Priceless!
quality coaches with a view to preparing
them for the SAP trials at the end of the year. GHFA now has three streams in the pathway to success, Academy, Regional
League and SAP, and keep your eye on the GHFA website for more information of future events and trials.
Meadowbank Park drama!
Our very own Meadowbank Park was subject
to a drama in mid-April as a “thick-set” man
was discovered wedged in a drain at Meadowbank Park. Sparking a social media storm
as to which member of the Rovers community was involved, and what on earth they were
doing down there, the news hit our screens
as Channel 9 ran pictures of the dramatic
rescue.
In Off The Post has been unable to clarify the
whos and whys in this bizarre event, but
Sydney wakes up to the news that a man has been rescued from Meadowbank Park
many rumours have been circulating. Firstly it
was thought that a hidden underground car park had been discovered, alas this has not been confirmed. A further
suggestion was that North Epping were planting microphone equipment to snoop on Super League training sessions, but this has been denied. If anyone knows the ins and outs of this strange occurrence, let us know!
The drama unfolds at a drain at the Constitution Road end of Meadowbank No 2
2015 ISSUE 2
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PAGE 16
Representing the Rovers at Parra Stadium
Playing under floodlights that work properly - uncharted territory for the Rovers
Familiar Rovers faces representing Soccer Kickstart
A great crowd turned out to see the Rovers crew in action
All with smiling faces. The Rovers boys loving the spotlight
A select group of young boys and girls from the Rovers were
invited to join in the action at a recent Wanderers game at
Parramatta, and they took the opportunity with delight.
A late afternoon meet-up was followed by an entertaining
first half before the Rovers took the field all decked in red to
play a half time game on the hallowed turf. Everyone had an
absolute blast, and this is a fabulous initiative by the Western
Sydney Wanderers that gives our boys and girls an experience they will never forget.
These opportunities do arise from time to time, and they are
Ready to pounce - the half time whistle about to sound, the players are ready
filtered down through to the coaches and managers to gauge interest. Stay tuned for your chance next A League season.
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PAGE 17
You’re wearing the wrong kit!
After watching the 11/1 team snatch a win
against Beecroft on Meadowbank 6, there was
just enough time to catch long time Rovers
superstars Julian Varga and Flynn Henry getting
their season off to a flying start with their new
club Epping YMCA.
As it turned out it was a five goal haul for Varga, reminding the Rovers of what they will be
missing this season in Under 12 division 1.
Both players have also moved on to represent
GHFA for Spirit FC in the Regional League, a
competition that pits the cream of the club
players from the area against other leagues
around New South Wales.
Julian and Flynn grace Meadowbank No 4
Good luck for the season, but not for the
game against the Rovers, which we await with
much anticipation.
La Cantina returns...
Aurelia grins and bears the YMCA shirt
Working feverishly to feed the hungry masses
Daz in familiar pose as the BBQ heats up
James G homes in on goal as the season gets under way at North Epping
A sunny Meadowbank Park - must have been a long time ago
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PAGE 18
Managers take note!
There are a number of coaches and managers who have been around
the traps for years. That doesn’t make them any better a coach than
those coming in fresh to their first season, but a few words of wisdom can save you some heartache.
1) Make sure you know the whereabouts of the shirts, the rego cards
and the match ball before you head to the game.
2) Keep regular communication with your team, and ask for help
well in advance if you are short of players. Make sure every player
knows where and when you are training and playing.
3) For all age teams, agree on a roster system for your esky before the
season starts, for junior teams, agree on a roster system for the half
time oranges in advance of the first game.
4) Carry a pen and a whistle - you never know when a ref is caught in
traffic and you need to ref half a game. A pen might help you fill out
the team sheet!
5) Remember that you will need to use your substitutes liberally, and
that you will need to work out a fair system of rotation.
6) Seek out a member of the opposition (coach, manager, parent etc)
and shake their hand before the game to make sure that you have the
Abs and Rami have the U11/1 team mesmerised
correct field and that you are playing the correct team.
Additionally, for competitive football :
7) Print out your team sheets the day before the game, if you are the home team. It is useful to have a copy even if you
are the away team.
8) Make sure you have a handful of pre-paid envelopes, one of which you will give to the ref after the game if you are at
home.
9) Sign the team sheet and
take care to record the
correct information for
your team, including
crossing out players who
are not playing at all. Be
aware of player number
limits for your age group.
And good luck with it all!
Sing out if you need help.
Looking for a JP?
Statutory Declarations, Affidavits, Certified True Copies, signing over traffic fines
– there are many occasions when you need a Justice of the Peace to witness your
signature. With new rules in place requiring JPs to justify renewal of their license,
it can be difficult to find one when you need one. Rovers members requiring JP
services are welcome to give club stalwart Andy Harrison a call to arrange a mutually convenient time & he’ll take care of it for you.
2015 ISSUE 2
IN OFF THE POST
PAGE 19
Esky wars - who has the best?
Who can provide a picture of the best stocked Esky this
month? It is a tradi on in super league / all age / over age
games to have a well stocked Esky ﬁlled to the brim with
quality brews, providing a focal point for the team a;er the
game, and some mes during. A source of emergency ice
for injuries, a centrepiece akin to a camp ﬁre, this is an integral part of senior social football.
If you have a well stocked cooler, take a photo of it with your team and send it in to
h [email protected]. The best one will win a case of brews. The winning photo will
be published in the next edi on of In Oﬀ The Post.
Whose turn this week?
This ques on comes up every year for All Age teams, especially where the team is new for the season. Who is going to provide the Esky for post game refreshment?
The Esky Model 1
Every player is to provide an esky full of beer and ice at least once in a season, and be the last man standing a;er the game.
Beers are free and you can have as many as you like un l they are gone. Used in situa ons where players usually only have
one or two and there are no hardened non-driving party animals in the team.
The Esky Model 2
Every player is to provide an esky full of beer and ice at least once in a season, and be the last man standing a;er that
game. Every drink is charged at a nominal amount (say $2), which goes into a ki y, towards an end of season event, whether it be a trip, a BBQ, a dinner or simply on the bar at the Royal. This allows the party animals to consume as much as they
want, and is a good model for a thirsty team.
The Esky Model 3
One player is assigned the Esky master. They will provide an esky full of beer and ice for every game of the season. Beers
will be purchased for a nominal amount (say $2), which goes towards the cost of the next week's drinks. This model is only
applicable if you have a player who works for a brewery or similar.
Remember, you may have some people in your team who don't drink beer, that sweet cold nectar that refreshes so well
a;er exercise, so make sure you have some alterna ve drinks mixed in with the case. Good luck with your chosen method,
and make sure you get a photo of your Esky and send it in, as you could win a fabulous prize.
A welcome addition to Sunday arvo games, dinner for kids! When an Esky would be welcome
The Esky Queen in action
2015 ISSUE 2
IN OFF THE POST
PAGE 20
Here’s something to ponder...
Cold hard cash - the currency of choice
2015 ISSUE 2
IN OFF THE POST
PAGE 21
Look, future sponsors, this is what we do!
Player profile
Justin Coull
Fresh from a successful debut season which brought cottonware...
Q : Your role at the Rovers for 2014
A : Beer baron and right back for AA/4 men
Q : How many years have you been with the club
A : 2nd Year
Q : Your previous clubs
A : Burwood FC, Kahibah FC
Q : Your playing position
A : Right back
Q : Your honours in soccer
A : Three consecutive wooden spoons
with Kahibah (03, 04, 05), wooden
spoon with Rovers (14), Pennant (14)
Q : Favourite A-League team
A : Newcastle Jets
Q : Overseas soccer team
A : AC Milan
Q : First professional soccer match attended
A : Newcastle Breakers v Brisbane Strikers
Place of birth : Newcastle
Favourite TV show : The SImpsons
Film : Star Wars (original trilogy, not the other crap)
Music : Red Hot Chilli Peppers
First car : Never owned one
Drink : Tooheys New
Holiday destination : Any place hot
Restaurant : Mad Pizza
Q : What skill do you have that not many people know about
A : Nothing that is ﬁt for publication here
Q : What do you do during the summer
A: Captain of the Scott Muller XI cricket team
Q : If I didn’t play football...
A : I would play winter cricket
BONUS QUESTIONS:
Q : My favourite way to relax away from football
A : Going to the beach
Q : Describe yourself in three words
A : No thank you
Q : The meal I am best at cooking is
A : Spaghetti
Q : Which other sport do you wish you could play
A : Golf
Q : Most admired sports person (not including
football).
A : Ricky Ponting
A very final word from our editor : In Off The Post Edition 2015
Edition 2 is brought to you thanks to the contributions of Chantelle
Donald, Dave Cooper, Pete Taing, Tom Emeleus, Lindsay Donald, our
two profile stars Dave Little and Justin Coull, and our super league
correspondent Matt Hanchard, Thanks as always to everyone who
appeared in a photo.
GREAT WORK, COULLY, NOW WHAT ABOUT THEM JETS EH?