Club rugby has a pulse. A powerful, healthy pulse. This is despite it being continually neglected, with funding chopped off by those who run the code, and has had to rely on the most selfless of volunteers to survive.But as was shown at the Shute Shield grand final on Saturday, it provides a vital core to the game. It is where so many discover and develop their love of the code. It continues to produce talent for the professional level. And as it involves intense tribalism, it really means something.That it still has a major impact has to be applauded when as the Sydney Rugby Union chairman and president Rob Millner explained in the match program that this years funding from the Australian Rugby Union (had been) cut to zero.You can have your many and varied professional competitions, with cobbled together teams. But for the bulk of the 10,000 or so who were at North Sydney Oval, they would say that the highlight of their season was witnessing this rollicking club final. It was where they can show their true allegiances.As delighted were those involved in the 7Two free-to-air television coverage, who have been enthused with their club rugby figures all season, where in NSW only they have been averaging 65-70,000 viewers per game.It was a highly emotional day. When the teams ran out- there were on-field scuffles among supporters from various clubs- not just the grand-finalists- who had formed tunnels for both sides. And it finished with a crowd invasion before the end of the game in the last minute, when hundreds hopped the fence and made a mad dash down the field to enjoy the moment when one of Sydney rugbys longest droughts ended. The final involved one of the powerhouses of the local game- Sydney University- which in recent times had become accustomed to accumulating premierships- seven Shute Shield titles in the past decade.Up against them was one of the competitions battlers- Northern Suburbs- an organisation which has had its tough times, but always boasted a strong club spirit. Nonetheless they had been under-achievers for some time- not having enjoyed Shute Shield success since 1975, or had appeared in a grand final since 1998.So the Norths diehards arrived at their home ground, buoyant about a lineup that had won 12 games straight to make the grand final, but with reservations, as they were aware of the difficulties of having to confront an opposition long accustomed to success.Among them were Norths Test representatives, including Al Baxter and Richard Tombs, while there was a sighting of their current Wallaby- Adam Ashley-Cooper- on the Hill. In the stands were representatives of Norths 1975 premiership team, including their captain Reg Smith, who long ago at the Sydney Sportsground had defeated an impressive Parramatta side that had Ray Price who was about to head to the league ranks.And like any good final, which must have its heroes and villains, they had someone to jeer on Saturday. In the Sydney University side was Tom Carter, long-time Waratah, playing his last game. For years, he has polarised crowds, irritating many with his on-field aggression and often masterful sledging skills. So the anti-Carter chants began.Carter had his moment of retaliation, when after Norths had dominated the first half, he scored after the break right in front of their cheer squad in the Charlie Macartney Stand. With it a fist pump aimed at both the Norths and University fans.It looked as if it had the desired effect, as University again scored shortly after to take the lead 15-13. But Norths, as they have done so many times this season, rallied, breaking through twice, including in the final minute that prompted the crowd swarm. A conversion still had to be taken, but due to the chaos, referee Will Houston had no option but to call full-time.After the game, Carter impressed many with his gracious words, explaining that the Shoremen fully deserved the Shute Shield and that it was a fitting way to end a 41-year famine.But it was still a tough moment.I suppose Ive made a lot of people happy in Sydney tonight going out a loser, Carter said as Norths were being presented with the Shute Shield.Its a shit way to finish your career, I guess. But Ive given it my all. I didnt play for Australia, and I didnt win a grand final in my last game. I still love the game and its given me a lot.Nearby on the field, Reg Smith was delighted he had witnessed such an important club moment and a day that reminded all how crucial this level of the game remains.They are a fabulous side, as theyve come from behind so many times to win, Smith said. They are so gutsy, so spirited. It wont be 40 odd years before we win another one, thats for sure.Its days like these which shows how much spirit there is in club rugby. Its all very well for the 0.1 per cent of the guys who make a living out of rugby, but for the rest this is the real heart and soul of the game.Thankfully there were ARU officials in attendance. After witnessing such a vibrant finale, it would have been impossible for them to ignore the fact that club rugby is alive, well and kicking... but most importantly deserves greater support. Or just some support.
David Krejci Bruins Jersey . Oaklands loss to Seattle clinched the ALs best record for the Red Sox with one day to spare in the regular season. "I think everybody was kind of watching," catcher David Ross said. "Demp (Ryan Dempster) came out before he went to the bullpen and was just yelling that they lost.
Phil Esposito Bruins Jersey . Didier Drogba gave away the penalty that put Senegal one goal away from a major upset, but the veteran striker will get another chance -- probably his last -- at the World Cup after Salomon Kalous injury-time strike sealed the Ivorians place in Brazil next year.
http://www.thebostonbruinshockey.com/adam-oates-hockey-jersey/ . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action.
Kevan Miller Bruins Jersey . The Americans, skipped by John Shuster, seized the advantage in the eighth end by scoring five points for a 7-3 lead. The Czechs pulled two back in the ninth, but Shusters team of third Jeff Isaacson, second Jared Zezel and lead John Landsteiner ended with another point to secure the last Olympic berth on offer.
Brad Marchand Jersey . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator. ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Martez Walker had 21 points and Jalen Hayes added 18, grabbing seven rebounds and five steals as Oakland dominated the second half to secure a 77-60 win over Western Michigan on Monday night.The win stopped a four-game losing skid to the Broncos.Walker has started the season by scoring 20 or more in both games. The Texas transfer had 22 in the 78-70 win over Bowling Green on Friday night.Stevie Clark added 15 points for the Golden Grizzlies.Oakland (2-0) held a slim 30-26 leaad at the half, but started hitting 3s in the second half to dominate that period 47-34.dddddddddddd The Golden Grizzles started the second half on a 17-4 run to lead 52-32 with 12:19 left in the game.Thomas Wilder led Western Michigan (1-1) with 13 points. Tucker Haymond and Brandon Johnson had 12 apiece and Seth Dugan had nine points while pulling down 15 rebounds. ' ' '
Club rugby has a pulse. A powerful, healthy pulse. This is despite it being continually neglected, with funding chopped off by those who run the code, and has had to rely on the most selfless of volunteers to survive.But as was shown at the Shute Shield grand final on Saturday, it provides a vital core to the game. It is where so many discover and develop their love of the code. It continues to produce talent for the professional level. And as it involves intense tribalism, it really means something.That it still has a major impact has to be applauded when as the Sydney Rugby Union chairman and president Rob Millner explained in the match program that this years funding from the Australian Rugby Union (had been) cut to zero.You can have your many and varied professional competitions, with cobbled together teams. But for the bulk of the 10,000 or so who were at North Sydney Oval, they would say that the highlight of their season was witnessing this rollicking club final. It was where they can show their true allegiances.As delighted were those involved in the 7Two free-to-air television coverage, who have been enthused with their club rugby figures all season, where in NSW only they have been averaging 65-70,000 viewers per game.It was a highly emotional day. When the teams ran out- there were on-field scuffles among supporters from various clubs- not just the grand-finalists- who had formed tunnels for both sides. And it finished with a crowd invasion before the end of the game in the last minute, when hundreds hopped the fence and made a mad dash down the field to enjoy the moment when one of Sydney rugbys longest droughts ended. The final involved one of the powerhouses of the local game- Sydney University- which in recent times had become accustomed to accumulating premierships- seven Shute Shield titles in the past decade.Up against them was one of the competitions battlers- Northern Suburbs- an organisation which has had its tough times, but always boasted a strong club spirit. Nonetheless they had been under-achievers for some time- not having enjoyed Shute Shield success since 1975, or had appeared in a grand final since 1998.So the Norths diehards arrived at their home ground, buoyant about a lineup that had won 12 games straight to make the grand final, but with reservations, as they were aware of the difficulties of having to confront an opposition long accustomed to success.Among them were Norths Test representatives, including Al Baxter and Richard Tombs, while there was a sighting of their current Wallaby- Adam Ashley-Cooper- on the Hill. In the stands were representatives of Norths 1975 premiership team, including their captain Reg Smith, who long ago at the Sydney Sportsground had defeated an impressive Parramatta side that had Ray Price who was about to head to the league ranks.And like any good final, which must have its heroes and villains, they had someone to jeer on Saturday. In the Sydney University side was Tom Carter, long-time Waratah, playing his last game. For years, he has polarised crowds, irritating many with his on-field aggression and often masterful sledging skills. So the anti-Carter chants began.Carter had his moment of retaliation, when after Norths had dominated the first half, he scored after the break right in front of their cheer squad in the Charlie Macartney Stand. With it a fist pump aimed at both the Norths and University fans.It looked as if it had the desired effect, as University again scored shortly after to take the lead 15-13. But Norths, as they have done so many times this season, rallied, breaking through twice, including in the final minute that prompted the crowd swarm. A conversion still had to be taken, but due to the chaos, referee Will Houston had no option but to call full-time.After the game, Carter impressed many with his gracious words, explaining that the Shoremen fully deserved the Shute Shield and that it was a fitting way to end a 41-year famine.But it was still a tough moment.I suppose Ive made a lot of people happy in Sydney tonight going out a loser, Carter said as Norths were being presented with the Shute Shield.Its a shit way to finish your career, I guess. But Ive given it my all. I didnt play for Australia, and I didnt win a grand final in my last game. I still love the game and its given me a lot.Nearby on the field, Reg Smith was delighted he had witnessed such an important club moment and a day that reminded all how crucial this level of the game remains.They are a fabulous side, as theyve come from behind so many times to win, Smith said. They are so gutsy, so spirited. It wont be 40 odd years before we win another one, thats for sure.Its days like these which shows how much spirit there is in club rugby. Its all very well for the 0.1 per cent of the guys who make a living out of rugby, but for the rest this is the real heart and soul of the game.Thankfully there were ARU officials in attendance. After witnessing such a vibrant finale, it would have been impossible for them to ignore the fact that club rugby is alive, well and kicking... but most importantly deserves greater support. Or just some support. David Krejci Bruins Jersey . Oaklands loss to Seattle clinched the ALs best record for the Red Sox with one day to spare in the regular season. "I think everybody was kind of watching," catcher David Ross said. "Demp (Ryan Dempster) came out before he went to the bullpen and was just yelling that they lost. Phil Esposito Bruins Jersey . Didier Drogba gave away the penalty that put Senegal one goal away from a major upset, but the veteran striker will get another chance -- probably his last -- at the World Cup after Salomon Kalous injury-time strike sealed the Ivorians place in Brazil next year. http://www.thebostonbruinshockey.com/adam-oates-hockey-jersey/ . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action. Kevan Miller Bruins Jersey . The Americans, skipped by John Shuster, seized the advantage in the eighth end by scoring five points for a 7-3 lead. The Czechs pulled two back in the ninth, but Shusters team of third Jeff Isaacson, second Jared Zezel and lead John Landsteiner ended with another point to secure the last Olympic berth on offer. Brad Marchand Jersey . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator. ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Martez Walker had 21 points and Jalen Hayes added 18, grabbing seven rebounds and five steals as Oakland dominated the second half to secure a 77-60 win over Western Michigan on Monday night.The win stopped a four-game losing skid to the Broncos.Walker has started the season by scoring 20 or more in both games. The Texas transfer had 22 in the 78-70 win over Bowling Green on Friday night.Stevie Clark added 15 points for the Golden Grizzlies.Oakland (2-0) held a slim 30-26 leaad at the half, but started hitting 3s in the second half to dominate that period 47-34.dddddddddddd The Golden Grizzles started the second half on a 17-4 run to lead 52-32 with 12:19 left in the game.Thomas Wilder led Western Michigan (1-1) with 13 points. Tucker Haymond and Brandon Johnson had 12 apiece and Seth Dugan had nine points while pulling down 15 rebounds. ' ' '