• <Bar Talk 17>
• Bar Talk 18
• <Bar Talk 19>

Here we are at the mid- point of the 2010 season and we have kept our losing streak intact. Unfortunately the streak is 3 years old. To give you but just one recent example, leading at one stage in the first half against Eltham (and several All Stars) 19 -0 we ended up losing the game 19 – 38. At least we seem able to score a try or two before we run out of puff. This year we have been decimated by injuries and unavailability of 4 of last year’s players (Jim Halls, Stuart Ramsden and Nathan Banks) as they have been called on to undertake higher duties for the club and Fast Eddie is working Saturdays so he can’t play. Not only that, two of our players, regular Greg Joubert and occasional player Kevin Heath are now playing their games in heaven. We can’t even field a full side when we have a home game so you know things are tough. Fortunately we have been able to pull a couple of handy recruits. Two in particular, Chris Van de Merve and Cameron Gardiner have added a bit of class to our aging team. But you know how grim things are when Burdett has to run onto the pitch in his gear each week because we are short of numbers.

Brownie has been caravanning round Australia looking for a suitable plot where he can bury his grandmother and Carl Hunt is looking after his pot plants. In effect we have lost our management, selection and coaching staff from last year in one fell swoop. At least we look like a team in our retro jumpers. Our sponsors have somehow managed to continue to support us. Obviously they haven’t been affected by the GFC. Birdy, Peter Barge Arse, Stan the Man and Krua Thai 2 restaurant appear to be sticking with us through thick and thin. Dennis scored a try for the first time in 5 years because someone is finally passing him the ball. Meanwhile Colin Read continues to impress the other players by attempting each game to perfect his one handed pass. There is still a bit of work to do on that one. Chris the Chilean, Pete Williams and Clive Welti have all succumbed to injury. Luckily for us Quinton Richie has returned from Singapore and has starred at fullback and half back whenever he has played. Walshie is busy with his pub at Frankston so we won’t be seeing him at all this year. Pommie Paul has ventured onto the field a couple of times getting himself built up for international tour duties in November. Francois saw the writing on the wall and fled overseas with the excuse that he was working. He position may be in doubt….er no, it is quite safe. Chris Peugot started off the season with a torn hamstring, and in the first few minutes on the field testing out his recovery quickly discovered he needed a few more weeks. Ant and Nico have played a few cameo performances which have been greatly appreciated. Tony Tralragon always turns up when you don’t expect him to and Rod, Jason and Kev Sandells always put in good games. Carl Ramage is visiting his brother Paul in the UK. Let’s hope he is round for the second half of the season.

All in all it has been a less than inspirational year. Still there is always the rest of the season…. At least we continue to support the bar on Thursday nights.

For those who can remember the 1960s when we played at Surrey Park, Bobby Davis the then first XV coach has sent his regards and best wishes to the club. Bobby coached our senior side from second grade into first grade and is fondly remembered by all who knew him when he was in Melbourne.

See you at the bar.

• <Bar Talk 17>
• Bar Talk 18
• <Bar Talk 19>