13/10/2009
The Galahs - Cobar 10's Report
THE GALAHS ‘THE HATCHING’
COBAR 10s OCTOBER 3RD – 4TH 2009
South Australia’s newest team ‘The Galahs’, competed at the Cobar 10’s held over the October long weekend in country NSW. ‘The Galahs’ are a touring team whose primary focus is to provide SA players with a rugby experience outside the club and state programme, and focuses on 10 a ‘side tournaments both here in Australia and, in the future, overseas.
After a 12 hour drive on the Friday, Saturday’s games were based on qualification from pools, and the first game was against one of the competition favourites ‘Loki Odins’, a team from the ACT club Tuggeranong Vikings. ‘Loki Odins’ scored early but from that point forward ‘The Galahs’ dominated possession and grew in confidence as they adapted quickly to the principles of 10 a ‘side, eventually running out comfortable winners.
Next up was the local club ‘Cobar Crabs’ who have just finished a successful season in their country competition. Despite vociferous support for the local boys the crowd quickly warmed to ‘The Galahs’ style of attacking rugby and a convincing win was achieved.
The final pool game was against the ‘Country Barbarians’ team which contained some strong running players and after weathering the early storm with some magnificent defence ‘The Galahs’ stormed home to win their pool and qualify for the finals on Sunday.
The semi final opponents were the ‘Northern Rebels’ from Brisbane and had played some aggressive and effective rugby the day before, however, this was no match for ‘The Galahs’ who, after conceding the first try, dominated the game in every area. The ‘Rebels’ had no answer to the pace and ball movement with which ‘The Galahs’ played, and when the ‘Rebels’ did get the ball they were hammered and chased down in defence.
The Final was played against ‘Duatava’, a team that contained four of the Fijian Rugby League World Cup team, and despite being well beaten in the final (and missing out on the $4500 first prize money!) ‘The Galahs’ maintained the pride and passion which they had demonstrated all weekend and finished off the stronger team at the end of the game.
As well as providing a rugby experience for players, ‘The Galahs’ have a family focus and the trip was accompanied by three partners and a family group, all whom made a huge contribution to running the team and looking after us in general. The weekend was an enormous success and bodes well for future trips
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about ‘The Galahs’ please contact:
Huw Bowen (0432 082657) hbowen@spw.sa.edu.au
Steve Dumican (0438 829482) sdumican@bigpond.net.au
Squad
James Sinapopo, Ashley Whiting (Woodville), Geoff Bracken, James Shearer (Onkaparinga), Calum Wilkins (Brighton), Pat Williams (Southern Suburbs), Tevita Ikahihifo, Isiah vue Tibau, Tom Farren, Sam Farren (Burnside),
Chris Bartlett (Old Collegians), Huw Bowen (Coach), Steve Dumican (Manager)
‘The Galahs’ Founders: Huw Williams and Huw Bowen
Saturday 3rd October.
Game 1 v Loki Odins (Tuggeranong Vikings ACT) won 14 – 7
Game 2 v Cobar Crabs won 29 – 7
Game 3 v Country Barbarians won 22 – 5
Sunday 4th October.
Semi Final v Northern Rebels (Brisbane) won 35 – 5
Final v Duatava (Parks) lost 32 – 15