Scotch College

Rugby 2003 - 1st XV Review

The development and changes in this year's 1st XV Team have been in the making for almost 10 months, since the conception of the idea to take a touring party to Japan in April, with an aim to develop a far more balanced team, and in turn be less dependent on individual brilliance, but more on a team performance to get the desired results.

With two exceptions, all boys in the 1st XV starting line up played five hard games in Japan prior to the season getting underway, and what a season we have had!

Some doubters (mainly from over the Yarra, I hasten to add) felt that we would struggle this year, our domination and Premiership reign would come to an abrupt end...

How wrong they were, we ended up winning all 9 games; compiling 256 points for and 31 against all season, which extends the 1st XV side to 30 unbeaten games in a row over the last 3 years. Added to this the side retained the Geelong 15-a-side cup and came a close 2nd in the Xavier 7s.

Individually James Wark from the 2001- 2003 Victorian Schools Premiership Winning Team made the Australian U18 Div.2 Combined States side and by default Charlie Bowler represented South Australia (he, however, scored a try against Victoria).

Congratulations to the 1st XV Rugby Team, 2003 Premiers, for the third consecutive year

This year's side contained a nucleus of players who were in last year's 2002 Premiership winning side. This, I feel, helped stabilise the side, their experience and knowledge was vital in really pulling the team together. All players in the 1st XV side have thoroughly deserved their successes; this has only been achieved through hard work all season. It has been really enjoyable to coach them; a great team spirit has been engendered throughout the season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bruce Norton for his help and guidance as his experience and knowledge has been priceless.

Ian Lundie - TIC Rugby and Coach 1st XV Team

Rugby Developments in 2003

Scotch College has fielded teams at Under 13, 14, 15, 16 age levels, plus two teams in the Open Grades. The school is aiming to have all teams coached by teachers with Level 2 coaching qualifications in season 2004. In addition, there is a coaching support group of two Level 3 Coaches plus a number of former students who provide technical and practical assistance. The respective coaches of each age group liaise in establishing the required concepts, principles and techniques, to ensure that the Scotch Rugby Pathway develops our players appropriately. This will, in turn, maintain the Scotch style of play, and this layered approach will achieve the desired outcome, whilst also allowing coaches a certain amount of self- organisation' or the opportunity to utilise their 'individual style' in achieving the outcomes.

Plans for season 2004 include a pre-season Training Camp at the Super Sports Centre, Gold Coast, QLD, for an open age squad, plus contact safety sessions for all grades, an expanded mid-season camp, and again the successful George Gregan/Jaguar Clinic. With continued support from parents and the Scrum Club (the supporters group), Scotch College teams will continue to be a major force in Victorian Schools' rugby. The continuing program of the development of players and coaches within the School's resources is aimed at maintaining Scotch College's pre-eminent position well into the future.

Season 2003 Highlights were ...

• Winning of the 1st XV Premiership for the third consecutive season. This year's 1st XV continued its run of 30 unbeaten matches.
• The George Gregan/Jaguar coaching clinic, held the day after the England Test.
• England trained at Scotch in the week prior to the Australian game.
• A pre-season tour to Japan, by players from the Under 16s and Open Age Teams.
• Successful introduction of SAQ (Speed, Agility and Quickness) programme into 1st XV training sessions.
• Numerous Victorian State representatives in U13 through to U16 age group.
• Seven players from the 1st XV side selected for the APS winning Team.
• International sides training at Scotch during the World Cup.
• Featured in 'The Timesî - UK Leading newspaper in June 2003.