Preview: Ben McCormack looks at the Eastwood opener
With the season opener finally upon us, I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their efforts so far.
The playing group has embraced numerous changes over the off season and impressively displaying attributes of resilience, accountability and teamwork that will surely hold the players in good stead. Behind the scenes the staff have put together a first class preseason program in which dedicated players could really accelerate their individual development.
All in all we should be in a forward position to take on heavyweights Eastwood for this Saturday's fixtures. I’d also like to congratulate Nick Wilkinson and David Vea for their appointments as Club Captain and 1st Grade Captain respectively. These two men have shown some great leadership qualities so far and will act as the voice of the playing group and will no doubt be outstanding ambassadors for the Club.
Our grade players could not be more excited to get back onto Coogee Oval and, with a great mix of youth and experience in all grades, the boys are looking to kick the year off strongly in front of their home crowd. Eastwood will present us with a big challenge. The Woodies have also undergone some changes in the off season, recruiting some high class players and coaches to their ranks. Additionally a renewed focus on their colts should ensure high quality and hotly contested games for the duration of Round One.
Our 1st grade side might have a number of new faces but we are looking to bring a very familiar Randwick style of entertaining rugby come Saturday (weather permitting). Accompanying our attack, our boys will look to continue to assert themselves in the contact areas and back their defence, something which has been a major focus of this preseason and which was positively evident in our last trial match against a much bigger Warringah side. Eastwood will present a very big and physical side and will look to dominate the set piece and collision zone, slowing the ball down to play at their own pace. It’s shaping up to be a heart-thumping contest and spectacle for the Coogee faithful.
Ben McCormack - Randwick Club Coach
1st Grade
Randwick (1-15)
George Hendry, David Vea, Cam Betham, Tom Nowlan, Nathan Den Hoedt, Kyle Harris, Jack Johnson, Christian Poidevin, Mitchell Short, Ben Donaldson, Sean Conner, Darcy Searl, Tom Molloy, Jackson Mohi, Will Harrison.
Eastwood (1-15)
Dean Doumbos, Ed Craig, Rob Lagudi, James Neale, Manasa Rokosuka, Jacob Bamford, Ikapote Tupai, Rhys Allen, Mick Snowden, Tayler Adams, Kiti Ratu, Nox Muliufi, Barton Picone, Fabian Goodall, Afa Pakalani.
Grade - Coogee Oval
4th Grade - 10.45 am
3rd Grade - 12.00 pm
2nd Grade - 1.25 pm
1st Grade - 3.00 pm
Colts- TG Millner Field
3rd Colts - 12.20 pm
2nd Colts - 1.35 pm
1st Colts - 3.00 pm
