2007 Season Review

President's Message

What a great year 2007 was, with all teams making the finals and the 1^st grade side unlucky to go down to Beecroft in the G/F at Millner Field.  The lower grades again provided the strength that assisted the club to finish 3^rd in the club championship yet again, but clearly the club suffered a little last year – as in previous years – with no colts again and it is obvious to all that if the Breakers are to challenge for a spot in 1^st division in the future, a colts side will be a necessary addition to the club team lists.

I would like to congratulate all players and the coaching staff for their performance in 2007 and wish them well in 2008. The club is well placed to win the Barraclough Cup and other grades this year if a player retention programme is put in place to ensure the quality of the 4 teams (and hopefully 5 teams) this year is maintained.

I am sure it has been noted that last year there were major renovations made to the clubhouse and the change rooms and BBQ area at considerable cost to the club and personal time from club stalwarts. The renovations have certainly created a more pleasant environment for players and supporters to enjoy the clubhouse during and after match functions.

The actual ground remained grass covered for the season if not a little brown and all players benefited from the work done in the off season to maintain it.

It was good to see the number of players committed to the long term success of the club and I believe the Breakers will have a great year in 2008.

Good luck and I look forward to watching the progress of the club from the vantage point as a spectator for a change.

Jim Smith
President 2007

1st Grade Report

"So near yet so far" is the best way to sum up the 2007 season for the 1st Grade boys. A season where the positives far outweighed the negatives and culminated in a heartbreaking but typically gutsy 30-27 loss in the grand final to the powerful Beecroft side see's Chugga's and myself very excited and extremely confident heading into our 2008 campaign. 

The team's performance really picked up in the back half of the season with a number of wins against higher placed teams on the table which eventually saw us jump from 5th spot going into the last game of the season against Epping into 3rd place and the elimination semi final with Kings OB. The fact that Epping dropped out of finals contention when coming 2nd after their home loss to us in the final season fixture proved just how close the top 5 teams were. Overall it was a fairly high standard of rugby played throughout the 1st grade comp in 2007.

The cornerstone to our 2007 success rests with the consistency and potency of our forward pack. Week after week our forwards dominated opposition teams providing quality ball for our at times exciting backline. Ably led by the ever reliable ball winning second rower and skipper Griffo and in the finals series our best and fairest player award winning Dunnsy the forwards consistently laid the platform for us to attack teams from anywhere on the park.

The front row of Chaso, Christian and Fathead should take a bow and deserve credit for much our forward pack domination. Chaso and Christian had particularly strong seasons and really improved their ball carrying play and offloading close to the breakdown - we will look to build on this in 2008.

We used a number of back rowers throughout 2007 and all to a man were effective at the breakdown. Special mentions goes to Pedro our resident hit man, try scorer and soldier crab impersonator and the dashing duo of Trent Barnabas and converted centre/winger Alex Tuckett who both really stood up in the business end of the season. We're looking forward to an injury free year from No.8 Glassie in 2008 and the further emergence of the likes of Jack Hodges and Lincoln Comans who will be called upon more and more next year. We've got a great platform to build on in the forwards and will look to dominate in this area again in 2008.

The backs had a pretty exciting year overall with our only down point being our performance as a unit in the GF. Beecroft really did their homework on our backlines strengths and weaknesses which was probably the difference between the 2 teams in the decider and as such we have plenty to work on for 2008. The standout backs for 2007 were our Samoan international and horse flesh loving fly half Vai Tanaoi who was extremely consistent in his general play, kicking and goal kicking all year and country brethren Tony Gowing who was rewarded for his excellent year with selection in the NSW subbie side. Tony played just about every position in the backline this year and we'll be looking to his versatility and leadership again no doubt in 2008.

Otherwise fullback Slammin Sammy had an injury plagued season and wasn't quite at his rampaging best but still managed to lead the club try scoring ranks with 16 including a Sammy special barging through about 5 defenders in the GF. Val had his usual solid year and even though he's in his mid/late 30's is still the best outside centre in the comp. Fletch down the flanks showed flashes of brilliance and really showed confidence in his ability toward the back end of the season.

For mine the most improved player in the backs and person we will be looking for an even greater performance goes to inside centre James "Rabbits" Roberts. He was a real stabilising and solid contributor in our march to the GF. Lloydy was his typical consistent self and provided a good link between the forwards and backs whilst Dallas who is the best trainer and most wholehearted performer in the club again showed his value to the team with his versatility and 100% effort.

A big thank you goes out to anyone who played 1st grade this year and I have failed to mentioned above (if so I apologise) and all the lower graders, fans and committee members who stood by and supported us throughout the season and those of you who ran lines/water etc for us. Super Coach Chugga's and I collective hold high aspirations for 2008 and will definitely be looking to go 1 better and win the whole damn thing. We truly feel that with a pretty similar squad inline for '08 and if we can build on what we managed to achieve throughout 2007 anything less than winning the comp in 2008 will be a failure.

Simon "senior backline consultant and looking to be promoted to 1st Grade co-coach in 2008" Hill

2nd Grade Report

To be posted shortly.

3rd Grade Report

To be posted shortly.

4th Grade Report

2007 was a great year for the mighty 4th grade breakers. It saw the beginning of a coaching Dynasty between chucky Devine and myself and the club will never be the same again!

On a more serious note 4th grade bought to light the talents of a lot of new faces at the club who will surely be valuable assets for many years to come. We saw young and old rookies begin their career at Porters Reserve with the likes of Dave Minter, Luke Launders and Adam Pete showing the higher grade boys that 4th grade players can run with the best of ‘em.

As well as these new faces the usual old heads showed that age restrictions should be introduced to the club with Rydesy (who apparently retired 2 years ago), Tom "Barry Dawson" Crawford and a host of others making celebrity appearances. 

On the field we performed well above our expectations, falling just 2 points away from taking out the minor premiership. In the end our run was ended by Newport’s arch rivals Beecroft in the Semis...

The 2007 4th grade side overall showed that the future of the Breakers is in good hands, as the players will surely work their way up to the higher grades and continue to show that Newport is a force to be reckoned with in the NSW Subbies competition. 

A big thank you has to go to players and officials who came out and supported the 4th grade boys and showed that the 4th grade players are just as much a part of the Newport Breakers as the 1st grade boys are.

Mitch Lowrie