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Mongrels miss out

25 Jun, 2009 11:57 AM
THE Collie Mongrels Rugby Club recently hosted the West Australian Wheelchair rugby team The Enforcers at Roche Park in a highly entertaining contest.

With the emphasis on fun, rather than serious competition, the game was something different.

Originally conceived by club president George Kelly and Collie councillor John Borlini, the idea came to fruition in an entertaining game in front of a large group of onlookers.

The spectators were not the only ones unsure of what to expect, with most of the home team competitors sitting in a wheelchair for the first time only minutes before playing.

After watching the Mongrels’ attempts at manoeuvring their new modes of transport, the Enforcers’ support crew was happy to pass on some tips.

Turning on the move, crashing an opponent, picking up the ball and basic rules were explained and practised under the friendly tuition of the visiting coach.

A quick game of British Bulldog completed the warm up and the Collie boys were confident.

Only a few minutes into the game it became obvious this was not a game for the faint hearted or unskilled.

Collie players Rory O’Connor, Jeremy Brown from Griffin Coal and even Western Force guest player Tom Hockings soon found themselves tipped out and on the floor from heavy opposition hits.

Fortunately, it was all in good fun and before long the Mongrels were giving as good as they got. Jai Davis and Hemi Clendon put in some heavy hits of their own.

As the Collie boys grew in confidence and skill, the Enforcers ramped up the tempo, easily keeping Collie at bay with bone-jarring block crashes and dazzling attacking runs - particularly from the two Australian Wheelchair Rugby team Rep players who were playing on the night for the visitors.

By the last quarter and with newfound appreciation for the skill this game required, the Mongrels pulled out all stops.

Increasing the players’ nerves was the live game commentary by Collie Community Radio 1089am host Jay Hewson.

Proving to be quick learners, the Mongrels narrowed the scoreboard gap and Collie began looking more competitive.

Again the Australian Rep player proved to be the real destroyer of the Collie players, with his quick turns and rapid acceleration to weave through defence.

When councillors John Borlini and Mark Pianta took to the court it was entertainment at its best.

The only disappointment was Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray refusal to be lured into a chair and robbing the crowd of even more fun.

Two minutes before the full time whistle, and with the score at 58 to 20, the Enforcers’ referee took pity on the Mongrels and declared the next goal scorer the winners.

The Enforcers wove their magic and soon crossed the line to win the game.

A signed, framed Western Force jersey was raffled by Force player Tom Hockings and won by Rob Young.

All proceeds raised from the raffle were donated to the Collie Disability fund.

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Pushing power: Collie Mongrels Rugby Club players Gary French (in red, left) and Jai Davis (in red, right) use all their might to chase down their opposition.
Pushing power: Collie Mongrels Rugby Club players Gary French (in red, left) and Jai Davis (in red, right) use all their might to chase down their opposition.

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