In the last couple of weeks some of the lads have become Dad's for the first time. A big Congratulations to James Roberts and Reece Clark. Now that Rabbits has seen what the ladies have to go through, he won't be running to the physio everytime he gets a paper cut. Well done to the Roberts and Clark families, its great to know your doing your bit to expand the Newport fan base. Hopefully we'll get to see the new additions at the Sponsors day next week.



Match Reports

2010 Match reports

Round 9 v UNSW at David Phillips Field

1st grade - Lost 15-37
2nd grade - Lost 12-30
Colts - Lost 14-21

The Breakers had the unenviable task of travelling to Daceyville to take on UNSW in one of only two Division 2 matches played over the weekend. Having endured a week of disjointed preparation as a result of the recent wet weather and with a depleted line-up, it was always going to be a tough ask.

Things didn't start well for the Breakers when they lost key backrowers James Knight and Jack Brownlow inside the first 15 minutes. However, with young fly-half James Vanisi pulling the strings, the Breakers showed some enterprising play, scoring tries through inside-centre James Roberts and winger Nick de Klerk. Nick Pearson kicked a penalty and a conversion but UNSW struck back with a converted try and a penalty of their own. In fact, the Breakers were unlucky not to score more tries in the first half and went to the half-time break ahead 15-10.

The second half started with the Breakers coming under intense pressure from their opposition and desperate defence saw them repel phase after phase of UNSW attack. Eventually however, the visitors cracked and UNSW went on to score four unanswered tries in a lop-sided second half - the Breakers eventually going down 15-37.

It was a disappointing end to a match which promised so much at half-time. However, there were plenty of positives aspects of the match - not the least was the man-of-the-match performance of 18-year old fly-half Vanisi who played with a maturity beyond his years. The result in 1st grade came at the end of a tough day for the Breakers who lost 2nd grade 12-30 and Colts 14-21. Both 3rd grade and 4th grade games were postponed for the third week in a row due to wet weather.

1st grade coach Dan Bradford commented after the match, "It was one of those games where things came a bit too easily for us in the first 20 minutes. It is at these times that the small things need to be done well and pressure needs to be constantly applied. Uni hung in there until the 65th minute by being more relentless and were able to run away in the back end of the game. This is the type of game that demonstrates to all involved that the difference between success and failure is very small and those little things need to be executed consistently well and at a high level. There is no questioning the heart, enthusiasm and coachability of this side, but we must learn to 'dog out' these kinds of games when we are faced with them."

Round 8 v Hunters Hill at Porter's Reserve

1st grade - Lost 10-12

The Breakers took to the field against Hunters Hill keen to blow away the cobwebs gathered after having their previous round washed out against Waverley. Depite the intent, it was a disjointed effort throughout a match punctuated by ill-discipline, a lack of direction and a crippling penalty count against the home side.

The Breakers again failed to commit to an 80-minute effort, combining period of dominance with crucial lapses in concentration and judgement, eventually losing 10-12. One pleasing point to come from the match was that the Breakers' tryline was not crossed. Other highlights of the match were the debut performance of James Vanisis at full-back and the standout performance of flanker Gareth Birch.

1st grade coach Dan Bradford, commented after the match, "We had some really good patches of play during the game and our defence is a credit to the effort of the players. Unfortunately, we let ourselves down through a lack of patience and an inability to deal with outside influences, but these are definitely fixable. Positives that we can take out of the match were the fact that three Colts took the field and handled themselves well and we managed to get away with a bonus point - these factors can be crucial at the back end of the season."

Unfortunately, all lower grade matches were postponed due to wet weather.

Round 7 v Waverley at Waitara Oval

All grades postponed to Saturday, 12 June due to wet weather.

Round 6 v Barker Old Boys at Porter's Reserve

1st grade - Lost
2nd grade - Lost 0-33
3rd grade - Lost 0-17
4th grade - Won 19-0
Colts - Won 17-0

The Breakers 1st Grade side lost just their second match of the season when they were defeated 27-11 by competition front-runners Barker Old Boys at Porter's Reserve.

In perfect conditions, the Breakers started the match with positive intent, putting together some of their best phases of play of the season so far and causing plenty of trouble for the visiting Barker side. But Barker's pedigree was apparent  in their ability to weather the Breakers' early onslaught and reply with deep attacking raids of their own, resulting in the visitors scoring two tries in the first half to the Breakers' one. However, with the score at 15-5 at half-time, the Breakers were very much in the contest against the reigning premiers.

The second half continued to be an arm wrestle and the Breakers were able to capitalise on good territory and possession with two penalty goals from the boot of Nick Pearson which narrowed the deficit to just 15-11 with plenty of time left to play. However, lapses in concentration at key moments, coupled with Barker's ability to retain possession and build pressure allowed the visitors to score two more tries deep in the second half which snuffed out any chance of a win for the Breakers.

Best on the field were the Breakers' backrow of Todd Sawtell, James Knight and Andy Ford, as well as try-scorer and inside centre Nick Longworth.

1st grade coach, Dan Bradford said after the match, "As a club it was great to see the standard that we need to be at to get to the top. Whilst we are travelling well and have already matched the whole of last season's achievements as a club, it would be criminal of us to not want to be the best we can be. At the moment, Barker are just that - but by no means is the level that they are playing at unattainable. If we keep trust in our systems, continue to be pro-active and do the small things better than we have been, we will only improve. The weekend was a great leveller for us and we can only be excited by the prospect of meeting Barker again in round two."

Round 5 v Hornsby at Waitara Oval, Hornsby

1st grade - Won 24-12
2nd grade - Won 26-5
3rd grade - Lost 0-5
4th grade - Won 29-12
Colts - Won 27-12

The Breakers travelled to Waitara Oval for their Round 5 clash with Hornsby, looking to make amends for their defeat to Briars in the previous round. The match loomed as a potential banana skin for the Breakers, against a side who traditionally lift in front of their home supporters.

Over the first 4 rounds, the Breakers had struggled to assert their dominance from the opening whistle, conceding early points to their opposition. But in an opening period in which the Breakers' forwards showed good commitment at the breakdown, the first points of the match went to the visitors, courtesy of a try to full-back Matt Hastie. Unfortunately, the Breakers then allowed the home side to work its way back into the match and conceded a try to take only a slim lead into the half-time break.

The second stanza was much the same as the Breakers combined periods of good rugby (highlighted by the forwards' dominance at the set pieces) with lapses in concentration which kept Hornsby in the match for far too long. Further tries were scored for the Breakers by outside centre Reece Clark and scrum-half James Roberts to take the team to a well deserved 24-12 win.

Best for the Breakers for the second week in a row was backrower James Knight who dominated the breakdown and was a constant menace to the Hornsby side.

1st grade coach Dan Bradford said after the match, "The platform was laid by our set piece work and our tight five were enormous at scrum and lineout time. Unfortunately, we were unable to back this facet of the game up for long enough periods. Whilst it is pleasing to come away from a difficult venue with a win, we missed the opportunity to gain the bonus point due to us switching off at crucial moments. When we get our structures and execution right, we are an extremely dangerous side, but we are not doing it consistently enough yet. This something we will work on addressing this week."

In the lower grades, the Breakers continued their dominance with bonus point wins in 2nd grade, 4th grade and Colts. The only blemish on an otherwise awesome day for the club was that the 3rd grade side were unlucky to lose 5-0.

The round of matches sees 1sts, 2nds, 4ths and Colts all sitting inside the top 3 with 3rd grade just outside the top 4. The club is also well positioned on the Club Championship table.

Round 4 v Briars at Porter's Reserve

1st grade - Lost 18-30
2nd grade - Won 28-3
3rd grade - Drew 12-12
4th grade - Won 29-0
Colts - Won 69-14

The Breakers' 1st XV suffered their first loss of the season, going down 30-18 in a tough match against undefeated Briars. Playing in front of their home supporters, the Breakers fell into the trap of playing reactive rugby against a well-drilled Briars outfit who proved they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2010.

Despite the loss, there were numerous positives to come from the match. Not the least of which was the performance of man-of-the-match James Knight who, playing out of position in the second row, gave a brilliant forward display and proved his worth to the Breakers' pack. Tries for the Breakers were scored by wingers Joeli Ravuvo and Shane Pretty, with the remaining points coming from the boot of Nick Pearson.

1st grade coach Dan Bradford commented, "As a team we will admit that we were not as good as we could have been. But we will regroup, get back on the horse and go again this week."

Despite the loss in 1st grade, Dan said "There is a great feeling around the club at the moment, with every team in the top 4. All Breakers have a real willingness to improve and are striving to be better each week."

Round 3 v Kings Old Boys at Old Boys Ground

1st grade - Won 24-3
2nd grade - Won 27-10
3rd grade - Won 18-10
4th grade - Lost 12-16
Colts - Lost 9-0

The Breakers travelled away to play former Division 1 side Kings Old Boys last weekend. At what has become somewhat of a graveyard for visiting teams in recent years, the Breakers continued their impressive start to the season with wins in 3 out of 5 grades!

Included in this fine tally was a comprehensive three tries to nil 24-3 win in 1st grade. Instrumental in the win was impressive fullback and man-of-the-match Matt Hastie who kept Kings entrenched in their own half with his running and kicking game and was heavily involved in two of the Breakers' three tries. Tries were scored by wingers Joeli Ravuvo and Shane Pretty and captain Neil Glassie off the back of some "Pest" brilliance, with the remaining points coming from the boot of Nick Pearson.

1st grade captain Neil Glassie was pleased with the win, stating "It was really important for us to come out here and show our strength in 1st grade, as well as across the club. We had a few key players out this weekend, but the club's strength in depth ensured that we had just as strong a side out on the paddock. Although our performance was far from perfect, I was really happy with the way the boys played in patches and their eagerness to score points against Kings. Our defence was excellent and the fact that Kings could not cross our tryline was testament to that."

Round 2 v Oatley at Porter's Reserve

1st grade - Won 33-18
2nd grade - Won 34-10
3rd grade - Lost 10-24
4th grade - Won 45-0
Costs - Won 22-12

The Breakers continued their solid early season form in winning 4 out of 5 matches against Oatley at their first home fixture of the year! It was a fantastic day for the club which also hosted its first social event for the year - the Breakers' Pacific Islands night!

On the field, the Colts kicked off proceedings with a 22-12 win and collected another 4 competition points in the process. Tries were scored by Harry Vivers, Tony Davis and Hugh Lamrock who also bagged two conversions and a penalty.

4ths continued their impressive form with another bonus-point victory, accounting for Oatley 45-0! The boys scored 7 tries in all, including 'doubles' to Steven Matts and Stuart Smithies. 3rds unfortunately lost 24-10 to a strong Oatley team but still managed to produce some great attacking rugby.

2nds kicked off their campaign with a strong 34-10 bonus-point victory. Tries to Tim Malone, Paul Ryan, Blake Martin, Ben Fleming and Kurt Stevenson and two conversions to fly-half Claude Dennis accounted for the points.

And in 1st grade, the Breakers overcame a sluggish start and some 2nd half jitters to deservedly overpower Oatley 33-18. Tries were scored by Todd Sawtell, winger Shane Pretty and fly-half Steve Williams. Best and fairest points were awarded to Todd (1), Hugh Lamrock (2) and Steve (3) for his efforts in guiding the boys around the park!

After the matches, the Breakers celebrated and enjoyed traditional Fijian food at the Pacific Islands night. Led by Moape, our Fijian community put on an incredible feast for both Newport and Oatley players, officials and supporters. The night was a great success and sets the tone for an exciting season both on and off the field.

Many thanks to everyone who was involved in the Pacific Islands night - especially Moape and his many volunteers! Your efforts are much appreciated!

Round 1 v St Ives at Hassell Park

1st grade - Won 41-27
2nd grade - Lost 19-27
3rd grade - Won 10-7
4th grade - Won 45-0
Colts - Won 7-5

The Breakers have kick-started their 2010 Division 2 campaign in style by winning 4 out of 5 grades against local rivals St Ives!

Travelling up Mona Vale Road to take on St Ives was always going to be a tough proposition for the Breakers in Round 1, but the players and coaching staff responded in astounding fashion, putting all of the good pre-season training into practice on the field.

The Colts started the day with a tight 7-5 victory, which paved the way for a resounding 45-0 bonus-point win in 4th grade! New captain Richie Whitaker lead 3rds winning a close encounter 10-7. 2nds were unlucky not to come away with a win against last year's Premiers, eventually going down 27-19. And in the match of the day, 1st grade won 41-27, scoring 5 tries and picking up a bonus point in the process!

Congratulations to all involved in what was a really great day for the club!

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