Score: Southern Districts 20 (Tries James McCormack 2, Grant Trouville; Penalty Goal  Michael Black; Goal Michael Black) v Eastwood 48

Report: After so many weeks away from home the Southern Districts rebels will play Warringah this week at Forshaw Rugby Park, buoyed by a far more committed performance last Saturday against competition front runners, Eastwood.

South’s started well and just failed to capitalize on many try scoring opportunities. The low scoring 1st half see sawed till late when South’s had a player sin binned and Eastwood scored to lead 15-10 into the break

As has been the disappointing pattern this year that when South’s have a player in the bin, the opposition runs riot and scores freely. In the 10 minutes just after the break, the game was taken away from the young rebels as the scores blew out. Add to these injuries to outside centre David Prince (eye) tight head prop Duncan Chubb (split lip and head injury) and halfback Rob Chrystie (Ankle) all in the space of 5 minutes, knocked the continuity out of the Rebels sails

However the side did rally and never quit and some restored pride was gained through constant attacking raids when the match was out of reach. A 90 metre try to Lock Grant Trouville late in the game showed true determination to finish a better effort with a positive result. Final score Eastwood 48- South’s 20. Outstanding performances from the young rebels by Micah Watene (loose head prop) Israel Stephens (open side flanker) Michael Black (fly half) and Jackson Mullane (wing).

This week is against Warringah who were narrowly beaten by Sydney Uni 28-26, while the colts will travel to Rat Park to take on Warringah. This should be a great afternoon of rugby at both venues. Special mention to the clubs 2nd grade colt’s side, which is still undefeated after 9 rounds

The next couple of weeks Forshaw will host a wide array of rugby talent with the NSW CHS trials being conducted in the shire for the first time in a number of years. Many of the stars of tomorrow will be on show including many of the Southern Districts colt’s players who will be representing City East, coached by former Rebel 1st grader, Tim Rapp. The carnival runs over 3 days from 3rd June

Craig Hawkings

Score: Southern Districts 18 (Tries James McCormack Andrew Barrett; Goal Darren Kapene; Penalty Goals Darren Kapene 2) v Parramatta 22

Report: South’s travelled to Granville to do battle with the Two Blues of Parramatta.
In wet conditions the Rebels started well and consolidated early possession with a penalty goal to Darren Kapene. The side applied more pressure and after some excellent forward play the 1st try came to Captain James McCormack and the score was 8-0. Parra hit back with a try and a sideline conversion had the scores 8-7. This remained the way as an arm wrestle took place for territory before a great break by Dennis Pili and an off load to Andrew Barrett who raced 50 metres to score and the halftime score was 15-7 to the Rebels

A disturbing trend however is taking place where the side has led at halftime in 3 matches only to see the victory slip away. A sole penalty in the 2nd half was the only scoring for the side while Parramatta showed patience and experience to get up in the last minute 22-18- “we seemed to lack urgency throughout the match and only showed in glimpses how good they can be. However a bonus point (again) keeps the side away from the bottom and we have sides like Eastwood, Manly, Parramatta and Penrith all behind us and Gordon (11) just ahead of us”

The grade sides travel to North Sydney oval to play Northern Suburbs with 1st grade kicking off at 3.00pm

Craig Hawkings

Score: Southern Districts 33 (Tries Tim Small 2, Matt Trouville, Terry Autavagia; Goals Darren Kapene 2; Penalty Goals Darren Kapene 3) v West Harbour 46

Report: Great start was asked for and the team delivered by scoring after 3 minutes of the game. The game plan was adhered to for the majority of the first half, which had the boys up 23- 15.

Things were looking great for a second win when Tim Small dashed over for a try to take the score to 28-15 not long after half time.

Then all good things in our game went bad. Too many missed tackles, poor height at the tackle contest, turnovers and poor discipline let West’s back in the game for an emphatic win. A couple of injuries also didn’t help but the excuses are getting to be a habit and that trend needs to be rectified this week against Parramatta

Player’s player(s) Tim Small, James McCormack and Matt Trouville

3points               Matt Trouville
2 points              James McCormack
1point                Tim Small

Craig Hawkings

Score: Southern Districts 23 (Tries Andrew Barrett, Sean Rudder; Goals Michael Black 2; Penalty Goals Darren Kapene 2, Michael Black 1) v Manly 22

Report: This was literally a game of two different halves. The first half lacked discipline, structure and tenacity. SDRC gave away far too many penalties to be behind 6-0 after only 5 minutes. A missed tackle out wide saw Manly score a soft try and another penalty saw Manly in front 14-0. It was only then that SDRC started to play with some structure and worked back into the match. A few highlights in the first half were the set piece scrums and lineouts, as well as ball security and at one stage recycling the ball for 15 phases, but some poor decision making saw this turned over. A try right on half time (Andrew Barrett, goal Michael Black) had the side down 14-7 and this really flattered SDRC.

The second half was a completely different story. Much better structure and the players set out to achieve the game plan and the points would come. A try to Sean Rudder and a sideline conversion by Michael Black; the scores were now level. Constant pressure on Manly saw 2 long range penalties to replacement Darren Kapene and a 20-14 score. Manly kicked a penalty and then scored a try with 2 minutes to go leaving SDRC down 22-20 with just on 2 minutes to play. But a penalty, for off side by Manly, gave the young rebels a chance to win the match with a penalty in front and only 45 seconds on the clock. Darren Kapene, as cool as you like, slotted the goal and a nail biting win for the Rebels 1st grade, capitalising on the momentum gained form the unlucky loss last week to Randwick

Player’s player award       Duncan Chubb
3points                               Duncan Chubb
2points                               Sean Rudder
1point                                 Terry Autagavaia

1st Grade debut                  Daniel Guinness

Craig Hawkings

Score: Southern Districts 13 (Try Terry Autagavaia, Penalty Goal & Conversion Matt Adair) v Randwick 18

Report:A strong start to the year but just lacked the killer punch to close out the match. A more committed side in 2008 showed that there is plenty of talent of show.

A couple of defensive lapses early saw Randwick score off a well worked move but there was no need for panic, as the team worked hard on field position and applying some solid pressure. This was rewarded right on halftime with a try to Terry Autagavaia, after some great interchange of passing through the forwards.

The second half proved to be a real arm wrestle with another try to Randwick ultimately being the difference. SDRC had a number of line breaks but failed to secure the killer punch. A couple of opportunities late to seal the match went astray. What the match did show was that SDRC has a tough edge to defence and the side is much fitter than in previous years, but still needs to work on decision making, building pressure and maintaining possession at critical times.

Players Award             Terry Autagavaia
3pts                              Terry Autagavaia
2pts                              James McCormack
1pt                                Grant Trouville

Craig Hawkings