May 24 2009 Pirates v Bushratz
On Saturday, the Mighty Bushratz took on B-Grade Championship leaders University Pirates at the Uni Oval.
The Bushratz started brightly, with Gontscharow putting the frighteners on the Uni backline early on. University still seemed to be dozing when Steven Smith capitalised on the weak line with a bursting run through to go over on 8 minutes. Ryan Ilett converted to make it 0-7 to the Ratz.
Uni re-started with a bit more purpose and held the play deep in the Bushratz half for over five minutes, but the Ratz started to build momentum. May was showing impressively committed tackling when Illet and Smithy, with a combination of dummy passes and cut-out set up a Brett Gontscharow near the corner on 18 minutes. The tight angle was not kind to Ilett, leaving the score at 0-12 to the Bushratz.
The Bushratz were working hard to maintain the momentum, Lindner leading with chip and run moves. Following a deft dummy run, Lee Day surged through the Uni defensive line and stormed over the try-line on the half hour mark. The angle was again unkind for kicking and the score stood at 0-17.
University were rattled from the re-start, but then began to compose themselves and only a prolonged period of doggedly determined defence prevented University points. The battering resulted in a blood substitution for Day just before the break, but Jabiru just made it half time with their lead intact, at 0-17.
Straight from the re-start it seemed like different teams had taken the field, University dominating straight away. Regular Bushratz supporters will be painfully familiar with the Ratz second half collapse, but one of this magnitude had not been seen in a while. University’s first try came only 3 minutes after the re-start (unconverted) to take the score to 5-17.
University kept up the intense pressure on the Ratz, going over again on 50 minutes. At least the post was on Jabiru’s side, keeping out the conversion kick, but the score now stood at 10-17.
The Ratz re-started brightly, but all too briefly and Uni clattered over the try-line again on 56 minutes and taking the score to 15-17.
With their lead disappearing before their eyes, the Bushratz made a couple of substitutions to inject fresh legs into the tired side, but to no avail. With 5 minutes to go, University scored again, this time converted, to take the lead at 22-17.
The Bushratz continued to battle hard, but had no answer to University’s power and organisation and were unable to regain their lead. The Bushratz had to console themselves with a bonus point when Full Time blew, scoring at 22-17 to Uni.

Following a frank team-talk after the game, the Bushratz should know what they need to do this week. Training attendance and fitness need to improve, as tired players clearly do not make smart decisions on the pitch.

The coming Saturday sees the Bushratz take on Casuarina Cougars at Magela Field, followed by a big-screen viewing of the Super 14’s Final. Kick-off time is to be confirmed; pending a decision on a later game to fit in with the S14’s final and will be communicated later in the week.

Go the Ratz!

Benno. 

May 17 2009 Bushratz v Dragons

On Saturday, the Mighty Bushratz faced off against their Grand Final foes, the Darwin Dragons.
The Ratz started very brightly, with Dwayne Wauchope showing his intentions very early on. The Dragons were reeling from the early onslaught when Captain Brad Wilson dived over for a 6th minute try. Ilett slotted home comfortably, giving the Ratz a very early 7-0 lead. 

The Bushratz kept the pressure going and were rewarded on 19th minute with a well worked try from Rookie Daniel Eakin on only his second game of rugby. An Ilett conversion took the score to 14-0.
With the Dragons punch drunk, the Bushratz continued their barrage, personified by the sight of Gould dragging four Dragons with him on another strong drive through the midfield. The third try was only matter of time, coming following a well paced run by Gontscharow, via Wilson and a deft pop-pass to Ryan Ilett, surging over on 25 minutes, taking the score to 19-0.

The Dragons continued to show no resistance, failing to reach the 10 from the kick-off. The Bushratz capitalised from the scrum re-start, with a move between Rawlinson, Smith and Gontscharow nearly resulting in yet another try. Big hitting in the opposition half was maintaining the pressure on the Dragons, when a lapse in concentration at the scrum on half way resulted in a breakaway steal against the run of play The Dragons back broke free of the main pack and sprinted all the way under the posts. Unaccustomed to being that far up the pitch, the Dragons kicker sliced wide to keep the score at 19-5.

Strong tackling from Rawlinson, Wilson and Gardner prevented the Dragons from gathering any real momentum and held the score to 19-5 at the half time whistle.

The Bushratz started the 2nd half sluggishly. Occasional flashes of the first half performance were seen in the catch-kick-chase-tackle antics of Gersch –Mizen and several big tackles from Ilett, but the Dragons could smell the beginnings of the Bushratz trademark second half implosion. Following a period of bright play, the Dragons finally made the Ratz pay with an unconverted try on 56 minutes taking the score to 19-10.

This seemed to give the Bushratz the slap to the face they needed. A surging back line move that also included a few loose forwards found front row stalwart Drew Weaver with a clear view of the line. Weaver, dragging several Dragons players with him, collapsed over the line on 60 minutes. Ilett took his personal tally to 3 from 4 and the score to 26-10.

Following a period of strong pressure by the Bushratz, the Dragons once again capitalised in gaps in the defensive line, with Lindner executing a fine try-saving tackle to save the day. The pressure by the Ratz was maintained and a bursting Wauchope run finally resulted in a Richie Lindner breakaway try on 72 minutes. With Ilett substituted, Smith was unlucky to hit the upright and the score stood at 31-10.

The Dragons embarked on a final last gasp push and finally went over against the run on 78minutes. Following more woeful Dragons kicking, the Bushratz lead was reduced to 31-15.

The score at the final whistle was a well deserved 31-15 to the Bushratz.

The Ratz have made some significant improvement following the previous week’s near miss at Palmerston, showing that with exemplary discipline and much stronger tackling and forward play, what can be achieved against strong sides.

The Bushratz resurgent push to the Grand Final continues this week, with an away fixture against University, at the Uni Oval at 4pm. The bus is back and to celebrate the fact, we are embarking on a Big Bus Trip. The bus will leave the Mess in Jabiru at 11am on Saturday and return following a few beers after the game. Many appropriate “rest-stops” will be taken along the way, included an extended visit to the Bark-Hut. We are appealing for drivers for both journeys so speak to Drew or Ben at training if you can help out.

May 9 2009

On Saturday, the Mighty Bushratz made their way to face Palmerston Crocs at Moulden Oval.  Lack of team transport this week resulted in a disjointed pre-match warm-up, however the Bushratz started brightly.
 
A number of key absentees in the front row meant that the Ratz were forced to go uncontested in the scrum after 15 minutes, but continued to command the midfield. At the 21st minute mark, the hard work payed off, with a try by Justin Gould taking the score to 0-5. This kick-started the brightest period of the game for the Ratz, with good back play from the wings, culminating in a textbook overlapping move between Smith and Gould, straight off the training ground, resulting in a Brett Gontscharow try at 25 minutes.
 
The Ratz started to lose discipline in the forward play, rucking and tackling too high, and were forced to defend their line for an extended 5 minute period.  Palmerston finally managed to make the pressure count and on 37 minute mark scored a converted try, taking the game to 7-10 Bushratz leading into the break.
 
The team talk at half time was upbeat and positive, focusing on reminders about the tackling and rucking, as well as discipline and offside infringements.
 
Whatever the Palmerston management said at half time seemed to have galvanised the opposition, with the Ratz having to show some improved rucking straight from the kick off.  Despite Morrison dominating them in the line-outs, Palmerston managed to sneak an unconverted try against the run of play at 44 minutes to take the lead 12-10. The Ratz lost focus after this and discipline plummeted, resulting in several reversed decisions and lost metres nearly costing further points.  The Bushratz started to show signs of a resurgence with Creeky almost scoring at 59 minutes and the re-introduction of Gouldy following a blood bin substitution, further bolstered the team effort.  Zorion, on his Bushratz debut was unlucky not to have assisted a Lindner try following a dazzling run.
 
Finally the break came, with a quick thinking tap from captain Dingers, bursting through for a try at 68 minutes. Ilett converted, taking the Bushratz to a 12-17 lead. Smithy and Dingers enjoyed good runs, but continued poor discipline finally resulted in a yellow card for Smithy at 74 minutes for persistent offside and back-chat.  The Bushratz found themselves on the back-foot, but against the run of play Selwood caught the ball on the half way, executed a deft up-and-under, kicked and sprinted, only to fall tragically short of the try line with a meaty Palmerston full back breathing down his neck.  Being a man down, the Bushratz held out until Palmerston scored a try deep into injury time with the last play of the day, taking the score to 17-17.  With the weight of the game on his shoulders, the Palmerston kicker shanked the conversion wide, leaving the score 17-17 at Full Time.
 
There are positives to take from this week’s game, however the Bushratz should feel that it was 2 points lost rather than 2 points gained and that they were lucky not to have lost.  A significant improvement in discipline and defending the ruck are needed for next weeks home clash with the Dragons, who are unlikely to let such mistakes go unpunished.
 
Next weeks game against Nightcliff Dragons is a 5pm kick off, with the bar opening at 4.30.
 
See you all there,
 
Benno.

 

March 28 2009

Saturday saw the start of the 2009 NTRU B Grade Season for Jabiru with a game at home against a full strength Palmerston Crocs team. The Palmy team was so full strength that they travelled out with 29 players kitted up and ready to roll. The Mighty Bushratz however suffered the usual last minute drop in numbers and went into the game with only 17 players.
 
The game started well for the Bushratz, with team Captain Andrew ‘Dingers’ Lehmann taking advantage of the new quick taps courtesy of the ELV rule changes. The Bushratz managed to get a roll on and by spreading the ball quickly out through fly half Ryan Ilett, put prop Lee Day over for the first Bushratz try.
 
Dingers managed to capitalise on another quick tap and some quick phase play saw the Ratz cross again.
 
Jabiru were all fired up and within minutes had their third try on the board, followed very quickly by their fourth courtesy of a Palmerston infringement which resulted in a penalty try.
 
Within the fist 15 minutes the Mighty Bushratz were 22-0 up and in full control of the game.
 
However a few mistakes started to crawl into the game and very quickly the Ratz defence was under pressure from a determined Crocs team. A lack of support in defence saw Palmy cross for their first try, and it seemed to spark them up. Jabiru started making a lot of silly mistakes and dropped a fair bit of ball. The rule regarding defenders staying behind the last feet at the ruck was a constant infringement for the team as well.
 
The Ratz managed to hold out a rampaging Crocs team til halftime and went into the break up 22-14. Coach Wiki commended the team on the first 15 minutes and urged them to return to that style of play. The talk seemed to work for the start of the second half, with the team sparking up for a while. However the mistakes and penalties came back into the game and the Palmerston team were able to get on top.
 
Palmerston then went on a scoring rampage, chalking up 29 unanswered points before the Bushratz regained their composure to pick up a late consolation try. Final score was a 43-29 thumping by Palmerston.
 
With a result like that it is hard to have many positive things to comment on, however we do have a lot of them in our game. Our attack when we controlled the ball was outstanding. We had many of our players stand up and played the hearts out. Mention to Justin Gould for playing one of the best games I have seen him play. Andrew Lehmann and Ryan Ilett also played fantastic rugby.
 
The Players Player award was not given as many people did not hang around after the game long enough to get their vote (I will endeavour to get them by Friday), however the Rookie Award went to Brett Gontscharow for his efforts in his first game. He still has a million things to learn, but did well with no real instructions before the game. Both awards come with a $50 club voucher.
 
There are however many things we need to concentrate on if we are to turn this result around in the next 5 days. We need to spend more training time on our defence and our ruck play. Many of the penalties we suffered were a result of this area. Players need to commit themselves more in the contest, many times the Palmy players simply muscled us out of the ruck contest without us putting up a fight.
 
The important thing for us to do now is to fix this area of out team game, get everyone up to the same level in defence and attack and then continue on with our original season plan.
 
One of the bad things to come out of the home game was a complaint regarding the language not only from the sideline but also the field (both teams) during the game. I think at one stage I was guilty of a few choice words but I do recall a fair bit of swearing during the game. We try to make the home games a family friendly environment (I haven’t streaked in years...), and the complaint was well justified. It is something we all will have to work on, and I would like to apologise to the offended persons on behalf of the club.
 
Training this week will be a full team requirement, although we are already expecting the unavailability of several of our key players due to work commitments. If you know you are unavailable please contact me or Nick ASAP.
 �
This weekend we will be travelling in to Darwin for the first Darwin based game of the season, against our Grand Final opponents Darwin Dragons at Austar Ground 2. Kick off is set for 4.30pm, so we would like everyone at the ground by 3.30pm. At this stage we do not have a bus available due to ERA’s decision to stop the bus being driven at night.
 
Friday night will see the Bushratz meat Raffles at the JSSC from 6pm, as well as the ‘Chase the Ace’ jackpot now up to $700.00. Sunday will see the monster meat tray at around 1.30pm at the JSSC.
 
Cheers
 
Turtle Smuggler
 

 

March 17 2009
‘The Jabiru Bushratz had to unfortunately bow out of the 2008/09 KRU season with a disappointing forfeit on the weekend due to lack of numbers. While the club has enjoyed decent numbers over the course of the competition, the fates were working against us and we ended up with only 9 available and fit players for the match. This gave our planned opponents the Katherine Brahmans a easy run to this weekends Final against the competition favourites Barbarians.

The KRU season, despite the ending, proved to be a resounding success. It gave our club a new option for our rugby and we also had an opportunity to play a different style than what we were used to playing. This experience will hold us in good stead in the up coming NTRU season.

Our first game of the NTRU Season is on Saturday 28th March at home at Magela Field. Old mates the Palmerston Crocs will be making the trip out, and they will be bringing their best possible team.
For us to succeed in this competition we will need to be on the ball from the season opener, so ALL players are encouraged to attend training if they plan on playing in the game.

We will be hosting the Palmy guys for a social BBQ and Drinks after the match. All are welcome, the game kicks off at 5pm and the Bar opens from 4.30pm.

Cheers Turtle Smuggler

March 8 2009
Saturday evening saw the Mighty Jabiru Bushratz make the big trek once again down the highway to Katherine for what was set to be a massive game of rugby.
 
Due to work commitments, injury and family duties, the Ratz were travelling into the match with at least 10 of their established players missing. However this gave an opportunity for many of the Bushratz juniors to step up and perform in a game that regardless of the result sent the Ratz into the finals.
 
On paper the team was fairly good, with a few of the older heads up front, however our main weakness was the backline with only one of our established players there and playing out of position.

The Katherine Brahmans were a pretty impressive looking outfit, and I can tell you that looks were not deceiving. Their forwards were on the ball from the kick off, turning over possession and after a couple of well set plays strolled over for a fairly easy try.
 
That set the scene for the remainder of a first half of rugby in which the Ratz only had their hands on the ball for around 3 or 4 minutes. The halftime huddle was not all doom and gloom, as no matter what throughout the first half not one player shirked from their duty and continued on regardless.
 
The second half started to look as if it would be more of the same, with the Brahmans being able to make good ground at will, however there was a noticeable lift and improvement in the Bushratz game. More possession was starting to stick and the switch of 5/8 and a few replacement loose forwards brought a bit of confidence into the team.
 
Though the change in play didn’t result in any tries for the Mighty Ratz, it stopped the Brahmans from scoring as well. The game continued on and ground out for the final 20 minutes with no score to either team.
Final score Bushratz 0 – Brahmans 62.
 
The common phrase is that the score was no reflection on the game, and in this case it was true. The young backline (average age of 17) and many inexperienced forwards went up against a team that had played together for many years and were well drilled in the basics of the game. Something that our team struggled with when in possession.
 
It is only fair to mention the standout players in a game like this, and they were Tyrone, Tama and Elijah. Each of these guys never gave an inch and tried their best to lift the others around them.
 
First gamer Gilbert Nabobob was a stand out on the wing and looks to be a natural at the game. Hopefully he will stick at it and develop his skills. A steady game from ben Cordier in his first (and if he has anything to do with it – last) game in the front row. Big Clinton made some devastating runs, but was unable to control the ball at the breakdown. Also special thanks to the 4 guys who turned up and had a run to help us out.
 
Hopefully all our players who were on other duties will be able to make a return next Saturday for the first of the finals series, believe it or not, against the Brahmans. The game is at the Sport & Rec Club on Giles St Katherine and kicks off at 6.30pm.
 
Training on Tuesday will be a SmartRugby session being conducted by the NTRU. It will start at around 5.30pm and goes for around 2 hours.
 
Thursday will be an extended team run, followed by a $5 club and BBQ.
 
Next Saturday night is also the KRU Presentation Night to be held at the Katherine Golf Club. The Bushratz have booked a table of 10, so if you are keen to attend, let me know before Tuesday.
 
That’s all for this week, look forward to seeing you at training.

Cheers, 

Turtle

News from the South’s 10s’ 
February 2009

Last weekend saw the Mighty Jabiru Bushratz take a very ‘green’ team into Darwin for the annual South Darwin RFC 10’s Tournament.

The team only had 3 or 4 established Bushratz and was made up of a lot of the clubs new and young players.

The team had a tough start, being drawn to play last years grand Final rivals, Darwin Dragons. The Dragons team was their full strength squad, boasting many familiar NT Rugby names.

To put it mildly, we were crushed. In the whole game we only got our hands on the ball twice, the first in the early minutes of the first half, and we immediately turned over possession by getting isolated. Our second touch was a show of better control, and we held the ball successfully for 6 phases before getting isolated and losing possession.

The final score was a full reflection of the talent and skill that the Dragons have at their disposal. 76-0

We had a fairly decent team talk after that effort and worked out many of our weaknesses.

Our second game was a win or die affair against a combination South Darwin Barbarians team. To the credit of the team, we stuck to our game plan and held the Bar bars to 0-0 at half time. However the fact we had no reserves and were still very inexperienced against a quality squad saw the second half turn into a fairly easy 22-0 win for the Souths team.

Coach Nick Wiki was happier with the second performance, but still outlined the need for our younger players to attend training (actually that applies to ALL players) and to get more involved in the game instead of waiting for other players to do their share of the work.

The Braveheart Ball held at the Parap Hotel was a resounding success, with much ale quaffed and many bonnie lass were chased by all.

A reminder that this weekend sees the Mighty Bushratz travel to Katherine for the last of the regular KRU season games against Katherine Brahmans.

The game is Saturday 7th March at the Katherine Sport & Rec Club on Giles St Katherine. Kickoff at 6.30pm.

May 24 2009 Pirates v Bushratz
On Saturday, the Mighty Bushratz took on B-Grade Championship leaders University Pirates at the Uni Oval.
The Bushratz started brightly, with Gontscharow putting the frighteners on the Uni backline early on. University still seemed to be dozing when Steven Smith capitalised on the weak line with a bursting run through to go over on 8 minutes. Ryan Ilett converted to make it 0-7 to the Ratz.
Uni re-started with a bit more purpose and held the play deep in the Bushratz half for over five minutes, but the Ratz started to build momentum. May was showing impressively committed tackling when Illet and Smithy, with a combination of dummy passes and cut-out set up a Brett Gontscharow near the corner on 18 minutes. The tight angle was not kind to Ilett, leaving the score at 0-12 to the Bushratz.
The Bushratz were working hard to maintain the momentum, Lindner leading with chip and run moves. Following a deft dummy run, Lee Day surged through the Uni defensive line and stormed over the try-line on the half hour mark. The angle was again unkind for kicking and the score stood at 0-17.
University were rattled from the re-start, but then began to compose themselves and only a prolonged period of doggedly determined defence prevented University points. The battering resulted in a blood substitution for Day just before the break, but Jabiru just made it half time with their lead intact, at 0-17.
Straight from the re-start it seemed like different teams had taken the field, University dominating straight away. Regular Bushratz supporters will be painfully familiar with the Ratz second half collapse, but one of this magnitude had not been seen in a while. University’s first try came only 3 minutes after the re-start (unconverted) to take the score to 5-17.
University kept up the intense pressure on the Ratz, going over again on 50 minutes. At least the post was on Jabiru’s side, keeping out the conversion kick, but the score now stood at 10-17.
The Ratz re-started brightly, but all too briefly and Uni clattered over the try-line again on 56 minutes and taking the score to 15-17.
With their lead disappearing before their eyes, the Bushratz made a couple of substitutions to inject fresh legs into the tired side, but to no avail. With 5 minutes to go, University scored again, this time converted, to take the lead at 22-17.
The Bushratz continued to battle hard, but had no answer to University’s power and organisation and were unable to regain their lead. The Bushratz had to console themselves with a bonus point when Full Time blew, scoring at 22-17 to Uni.

Following a frank team-talk after the game, the Bushratz should know what they need to do this week. Training attendance and fitness need to improve, as tired players clearly do not make smart decisions on the pitch.

The coming Saturday sees the Bushratz take on Casuarina Cougars at Magela Field, followed by a big-screen viewing of the Super 14’s Final. Kick-off time is to be confirmed; pending a decision on a later game to fit in with the S14’s final and will be communicated later in the week.

Go the Ratz!

Benno. 

May 17 2009 Bushratz v Dragons

On Saturday, the Mighty Bushratz faced off against their Grand Final foes, the Darwin Dragons.
The Ratz started very brightly, with Dwayne Wauchope showing his intentions very early on. The Dragons were reeling from the early onslaught when Captain Brad Wilson dived over for a 6th minute try. Ilett slotted home comfortably, giving the Ratz a very early 7-0 lead. 

The Bushratz kept the pressure going and were rewarded on 19th minute with a well worked try from Rookie Daniel Eakin on only his second game of rugby. An Ilett conversion took the score to 14-0.
With the Dragons punch drunk, the Bushratz continued their barrage, personified by the sight of Gould dragging four Dragons with him on another strong drive through the midfield. The third try was only matter of time, coming following a well paced run by Gontscharow, via Wilson and a deft pop-pass to Ryan Ilett, surging over on 25 minutes, taking the score to 19-0.

The Dragons continued to show no resistance, failing to reach the 10 from the kick-off. The Bushratz capitalised from the scrum re-start, with a move between Rawlinson, Smith and Gontscharow nearly resulting in yet another try. Big hitting in the opposition half was maintaining the pressure on the Dragons, when a lapse in concentration at the scrum on half way resulted in a breakaway steal against the run of play The Dragons back broke free of the main pack and sprinted all the way under the posts. Unaccustomed to being that far up the pitch, the Dragons kicker sliced wide to keep the score at 19-5.

Strong tackling from Rawlinson, Wilson and Gardner prevented the Dragons from gathering any real momentum and held the score to 19-5 at the half time whistle.

The Bushratz started the 2nd half sluggishly. Occasional flashes of the first half performance were seen in the catch-kick-chase-tackle antics of Gersch –Mizen and several big tackles from Ilett, but the Dragons could smell the beginnings of the Bushratz trademark second half implosion. Following a period of bright play, the Dragons finally made the Ratz pay with an unconverted try on 56 minutes taking the score to 19-10.

This seemed to give the Bushratz the slap to the face they needed. A surging back line move that also included a few loose forwards found front row stalwart Drew Weaver with a clear view of the line. Weaver, dragging several Dragons players with him, collapsed over the line on 60 minutes. Ilett took his personal tally to 3 from 4 and the score to 26-10.

Following a period of strong pressure by the Bushratz, the Dragons once again capitalised in gaps in the defensive line, with Lindner executing a fine try-saving tackle to save the day. The pressure by the Ratz was maintained and a bursting Wauchope run finally resulted in a Richie Lindner breakaway try on 72 minutes. With Ilett substituted, Smith was unlucky to hit the upright and the score stood at 31-10.

The Dragons embarked on a final last gasp push and finally went over against the run on 78minutes. Following more woeful Dragons kicking, the Bushratz lead was reduced to 31-15.

The score at the final whistle was a well deserved 31-15 to the Bushratz.

The Ratz have made some significant improvement following the previous week’s near miss at Palmerston, showing that with exemplary discipline and much stronger tackling and forward play, what can be achieved against strong sides.

The Bushratz resurgent push to the Grand Final continues this week, with an away fixture against University, at the Uni Oval at 4pm. The bus is back and to celebrate the fact, we are embarking on a Big Bus Trip. The bus will leave the Mess in Jabiru at 11am on Saturday and return following a few beers after the game. Many appropriate “rest-stops” will be taken along the way, included an extended visit to the Bark-Hut. We are appealing for drivers for both journeys so speak to Drew or Ben at training if you can help out.

May 9 2009

On Saturday, the Mighty Bushratz made their way to face Palmerston Crocs at Moulden Oval.  Lack of team transport this week resulted in a disjointed pre-match warm-up, however the Bushratz started brightly.
 
A number of key absentees in the front row meant that the Ratz were forced to go uncontested in the scrum after 15 minutes, but continued to command the midfield. At the 21st minute mark, the hard work payed off, with a try by Justin Gould taking the score to 0-5. This kick-started the brightest period of the game for the Ratz, with good back play from the wings, culminating in a textbook overlapping move between Smith and Gould, straight off the training ground, resulting in a Brett Gontscharow try at 25 minutes.
 
The Ratz started to lose discipline in the forward play, rucking and tackling too high, and were forced to defend their line for an extended 5 minute period.  Palmerston finally managed to make the pressure count and on 37 minute mark scored a converted try, taking the game to 7-10 Bushratz leading into the break.
 
The team talk at half time was upbeat and positive, focusing on reminders about the tackling and rucking, as well as discipline and offside infringements.
 
Whatever the Palmerston management said at half time seemed to have galvanised the opposition, with the Ratz having to show some improved rucking straight from the kick off.  Despite Morrison dominating them in the line-outs, Palmerston managed to sneak an unconverted try against the run of play at 44 minutes to take the lead 12-10. The Ratz lost focus after this and discipline plummeted, resulting in several reversed decisions and lost metres nearly costing further points.  The Bushratz started to show signs of a resurgence with Creeky almost scoring at 59 minutes and the re-introduction of Gouldy following a blood bin substitution, further bolstered the team effort.  Zorion, on his Bushratz debut was unlucky not to have assisted a Lindner try following a dazzling run.
 
Finally the break came, with a quick thinking tap from captain Dingers, bursting through for a try at 68 minutes. Ilett converted, taking the Bushratz to a 12-17 lead. Smithy and Dingers enjoyed good runs, but continued poor discipline finally resulted in a yellow card for Smithy at 74 minutes for persistent offside and back-chat.  The Bushratz found themselves on the back-foot, but against the run of play Selwood caught the ball on the half way, executed a deft up-and-under, kicked and sprinted, only to fall tragically short of the try line with a meaty Palmerston full back breathing down his neck.  Being a man down, the Bushratz held out until Palmerston scored a try deep into injury time with the last play of the day, taking the score to 17-17.  With the weight of the game on his shoulders, the Palmerston kicker shanked the conversion wide, leaving the score 17-17 at Full Time.
 
There are positives to take from this week’s game, however the Bushratz should feel that it was 2 points lost rather than 2 points gained and that they were lucky not to have lost.  A significant improvement in discipline and defending the ruck are needed for next weeks home clash with the Dragons, who are unlikely to let such mistakes go unpunished.
 
Next weeks game against Nightcliff Dragons is a 5pm kick off, with the bar opening at 4.30.
 
See you all there,
 
Benno.

 

March 28 2009

Saturday saw the start of the 2009 NTRU B Grade Season for Jabiru with a game at home against a full strength Palmerston Crocs team. The Palmy team was so full strength that they travelled out with 29 players kitted up and ready to roll. The Mighty Bushratz however suffered the usual last minute drop in numbers and went into the game with only 17 players.
 
The game started well for the Bushratz, with team Captain Andrew ‘Dingers’ Lehmann taking advantage of the new quick taps courtesy of the ELV rule changes. The Bushratz managed to get a roll on and by spreading the ball quickly out through fly half Ryan Ilett, put prop Lee Day over for the first Bushratz try.
 
Dingers managed to capitalise on another quick tap and some quick phase play saw the Ratz cross again.
 
Jabiru were all fired up and within minutes had their third try on the board, followed very quickly by their fourth courtesy of a Palmerston infringement which resulted in a penalty try.
 
Within the fist 15 minutes the Mighty Bushratz were 22-0 up and in full control of the game.
 
However a few mistakes started to crawl into the game and very quickly the Ratz defence was under pressure from a determined Crocs team. A lack of support in defence saw Palmy cross for their first try, and it seemed to spark them up. Jabiru started making a lot of silly mistakes and dropped a fair bit of ball. The rule regarding defenders staying behind the last feet at the ruck was a constant infringement for the team as well.
 
The Ratz managed to hold out a rampaging Crocs team til halftime and went into the break up 22-14. Coach Wiki commended the team on the first 15 minutes and urged them to return to that style of play. The talk seemed to work for the start of the second half, with the team sparking up for a while. However the mistakes and penalties came back into the game and the Palmerston team were able to get on top.
 
Palmerston then went on a scoring rampage, chalking up 29 unanswered points before the Bushratz regained their composure to pick up a late consolation try. Final score was a 43-29 thumping by Palmerston.
 
With a result like that it is hard to have many positive things to comment on, however we do have a lot of them in our game. Our attack when we controlled the ball was outstanding. We had many of our players stand up and played the hearts out. Mention to Justin Gould for playing one of the best games I have seen him play. Andrew Lehmann and Ryan Ilett also played fantastic rugby.
 
The Players Player award was not given as many people did not hang around after the game long enough to get their vote (I will endeavour to get them by Friday), however the Rookie Award went to Brett Gontscharow for his efforts in his first game. He still has a million things to learn, but did well with no real instructions before the game. Both awards come with a $50 club voucher.
 
There are however many things we need to concentrate on if we are to turn this result around in the next 5 days. We need to spend more training time on our defence and our ruck play. Many of the penalties we suffered were a result of this area. Players need to commit themselves more in the contest, many times the Palmy players simply muscled us out of the ruck contest without us putting up a fight.
 
The important thing for us to do now is to fix this area of out team game, get everyone up to the same level in defence and attack and then continue on with our original season plan.
 
One of the bad things to come out of the home game was a complaint regarding the language not only from the sideline but also the field (both teams) during the game. I think at one stage I was guilty of a few choice words but I do recall a fair bit of swearing during the game. We try to make the home games a family friendly environment (I haven’t streaked in years...), and the complaint was well justified. It is something we all will have to work on, and I would like to apologise to the offended persons on behalf of the club.
 
Training this week will be a full team requirement, although we are already expecting the unavailability of several of our key players due to work commitments. If you know you are unavailable please contact me or Nick ASAP.
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This weekend we will be travelling in to Darwin for the first Darwin based game of the season, against our Grand Final opponents Darwin Dragons at Austar Ground 2. Kick off is set for 4.30pm, so we would like everyone at the ground by 3.30pm. At this stage we do not have a bus available due to ERA’s decision to stop the bus being driven at night.
 
Friday night will see the Bushratz meat Raffles at the JSSC from 6pm, as well as the ‘Chase the Ace’ jackpot now up to $700.00. Sunday will see the monster meat tray at around 1.30pm at the JSSC.
 
Cheers
 
Turtle Smuggler
 

 

March 17 2009
‘The Jabiru Bushratz had to unfortunately bow out of the 2008/09 KRU season with a disappointing forfeit on the weekend due to lack of numbers. While the club has enjoyed decent numbers over the course of the competition, the fates were working against us and we ended up with only 9 available and fit players for the match. This gave our planned opponents the Katherine Brahmans a easy run to this weekends Final against the competition favourites Barbarians.

The KRU season, despite the ending, proved to be a resounding success. It gave our club a new option for our rugby and we also had an opportunity to play a different style than what we were used to playing. This experience will hold us in good stead in the up coming NTRU season.

Our first game of the NTRU Season is on Saturday 28th March at home at Magela Field. Old mates the Palmerston Crocs will be making the trip out, and they will be bringing their best possible team.
For us to succeed in this competition we will need to be on the ball from the season opener, so ALL players are encouraged to attend training if they plan on playing in the game.

We will be hosting the Palmy guys for a social BBQ and Drinks after the match. All are welcome, the game kicks off at 5pm and the Bar opens from 4.30pm.

Cheers Turtle Smuggler

March 8 2009
Saturday evening saw the Mighty Jabiru Bushratz make the big trek once again down the highway to Katherine for what was set to be a massive game of rugby.
 
Due to work commitments, injury and family duties, the Ratz were travelling into the match with at least 10 of their established players missing. However this gave an opportunity for many of the Bushratz juniors to step up and perform in a game that regardless of the result sent the Ratz into the finals.
 
On paper the team was fairly good, with a few of the older heads up front, however our main weakness was the backline with only one of our established players there and playing out of position.

The Katherine Brahmans were a pretty impressive looking outfit, and I can tell you that looks were not deceiving. Their forwards were on the ball from the kick off, turning over possession and after a couple of well set plays strolled over for a fairly easy try.
 
That set the scene for the remainder of a first half of rugby in which the Ratz only had their hands on the ball for around 3 or 4 minutes. The halftime huddle was not all doom and gloom, as no matter what throughout the first half not one player shirked from their duty and continued on regardless.
 
The second half started to look as if it would be more of the same, with the Brahmans being able to make good ground at will, however there was a noticeable lift and improvement in the Bushratz game. More possession was starting to stick and the switch of 5/8 and a few replacement loose forwards brought a bit of confidence into the team.
 
Though the change in play didn’t result in any tries for the Mighty Ratz, it stopped the Brahmans from scoring as well. The game continued on and ground out for the final 20 minutes with no score to either team.
Final score Bushratz 0 – Brahmans 62.
 
The common phrase is that the score was no reflection on the game, and in this case it was true. The young backline (average age of 17) and many inexperienced forwards went up against a team that had played together for many years and were well drilled in the basics of the game. Something that our team struggled with when in possession.
 
It is only fair to mention the standout players in a game like this, and they were Tyrone, Tama and Elijah. Each of these guys never gave an inch and tried their best to lift the others around them.
 
First gamer Gilbert Nabobob was a stand out on the wing and looks to be a natural at the game. Hopefully he will stick at it and develop his skills. A steady game from ben Cordier in his first (and if he has anything to do with it – last) game in the front row. Big Clinton made some devastating runs, but was unable to control the ball at the breakdown. Also special thanks to the 4 guys who turned up and had a run to help us out.
 
Hopefully all our players who were on other duties will be able to make a return next Saturday for the first of the finals series, believe it or not, against the Brahmans. The game is at the Sport & Rec Club on Giles St Katherine and kicks off at 6.30pm.
 
Training on Tuesday will be a SmartRugby session being conducted by the NTRU. It will start at around 5.30pm and goes for around 2 hours.
 
Thursday will be an extended team run, followed by a $5 club and BBQ.
 
Next Saturday night is also the KRU Presentation Night to be held at the Katherine Golf Club. The Bushratz have booked a table of 10, so if you are keen to attend, let me know before Tuesday.
 
That’s all for this week, look forward to seeing you at training.

Cheers, 

Turtle

News from the South’s 10s’ 
February 2009

Last weekend saw the Mighty Jabiru Bushratz take a very ‘green’ team into Darwin for the annual South Darwin RFC 10’s Tournament.

The team only had 3 or 4 established Bushratz and was made up of a lot of the clubs new and young players.

The team had a tough start, being drawn to play last years grand Final rivals, Darwin Dragons. The Dragons team was their full strength squad, boasting many familiar NT Rugby names.

To put it mildly, we were crushed. In the whole game we only got our hands on the ball twice, the first in the early minutes of the first half, and we immediately turned over possession by getting isolated. Our second touch was a show of better control, and we held the ball successfully for 6 phases before getting isolated and losing possession.

The final score was a full reflection of the talent and skill that the Dragons have at their disposal. 76-0

We had a fairly decent team talk after that effort and worked out many of our weaknesses.

Our second game was a win or die affair against a combination South Darwin Barbarians team. To the credit of the team, we stuck to our game plan and held the Bar bars to 0-0 at half time. However the fact we had no reserves and were still very inexperienced against a quality squad saw the second half turn into a fairly easy 22-0 win for the Souths team.

Coach Nick Wiki was happier with the second performance, but still outlined the need for our younger players to attend training (actually that applies to ALL players) and to get more involved in the game instead of waiting for other players to do their share of the work.

The Braveheart Ball held at the Parap Hotel was a resounding success, with much ale quaffed and many bonnie lass were chased by all.

A reminder that this weekend sees the Mighty Bushratz travel to Katherine for the last of the regular KRU season games against Katherine Brahmans.

The game is Saturday 7th March at the Katherine Sport & Rec Club on Giles St Katherine. Kickoff at 6.30pm.