Cedric, our guest coach for the tournament, had given the team their game plan and was confident that, if they followed it to a T (or a D as the case may be) that they should do well.

Our first game was against Clovelly. We scored first up, and were leading 4-0 at the break. The boys went backed fired up after half time and were eventual winners at 6-1.

We had thought that our next opponent was going to be Coogee, but after a few drop outs that morning we soon discovered that our next opponent was going to be Rockdale – favourites we thought for the comp. The boys had seen the physicality (and size!) of Rockdale and I was with some trepidation that they took the field. Again Cedric spoke to them about the game plan and his confidence it them to get the job done. It was a very close and physical match but the DY boys were once again victorious, winning 3-2.

Our last pool game was against Killara. Even though the boys had a bit of a wait before getting on the field, they were still switched on and were eventual winners at 7-1.

The heat of the day was really upon us now, and we starting playing a waiting game as to who we were set to play in the semis. We knew that we had finished on top of the U12 Div 1 table, so were set to play 4th. It seems that some of the teams were feeling a bit too hot and so headed to the beach rather than waiting to play footy, so after a long 45 minute wait we were told that DY was straight through to the Grand Final playing our old foe Easts.

Some may say that it is good to have a rest before a big game, but the team’s 1.5 hour rest obviously did them no good and, as the whistle blew for the start of the game, Easts had scored a couple of tries against us within the first couple of minutes. 2 tries led to 4 and at half time Cedric spoke to the boys about keeping their game plan together and working for each other. Although DY managed to score 1 try against Easts early in the second half, Easts were eventual winners and Tournament Premiers, with DY finishing as Runners Up.

Thanks to all the boys who competed so well in the tournament – Chay Bainbridge, Jake DeAngelis, Luke Downman, Nathan Hogg, Darcy Lyons, Kyle Martin, Charlie Norrish, Angus O’Donnell, Corey Smith, Luke Sully and Tyrese Walker – and thanks to Cedric Walker for coaching the boys up to and through the tournament.

We look forward to a successful season ahead with the whole U12s team!

• Allambie Jets
• Collaroy Cougars
• Harbord Harlequins and;
• Wakehurst Rugby Club

To our annual Mini’s Gala Day at James Morgan Reserve on Saturday 23rd March.

The day kicks off early with our smallest minis the U6s and finishes with the U9s.

So please come down and support the future of rugby on the Northern Beaches.

Not long now until the Dee Why Lions Minis kick off their 2013 season.

Training starts for our U6, U7 and U8 teams on Wednesday 20th March from 5pm.

The first game is locked in for Saturday 6th April at Narrabeen Park (behind Rat Park).

Don’t forget to buy something RED from the club canteen and wear it to our Saturday games.

WHERE: JAMES MORGAN RESERVE, CROMER
DATE: SATURDAY 16th MARCH 2013
TIME: 11am – 1pm

If you are interested in your children playing a FUN, Cheap, Safe and Well-Run team sport then why don’t you give MINIS RUGBY a go this winter with the DEE WHY LIONS.

U6 & U7 is a non-contact “tag” based game that focuses on ball handling and running skill and well suited to younger boys and girls.

Registration is FREE for our U6 and U7 teams and if you register on the day we will provide you with a free pair of shorts and socks.

U8 & U9 is more “contact-based” with the introduction of tackling and contested possession.

Should you have any questions please contact the Club’s Minis Co-ordinator Stephen Comber on 0438 248 359

Tuesdays

Opens, Subbies, Oldies: 6:30 – 8:00pm

Wednesday

Minis: 5:00 – 6:15pm

U11: 6:00 – 7:00pm

U12: 6:00 – 7:30pm

U16: 6:00 – 7:30pm

Thursday

U10: 6:00 – 7:15pm

Friday

U12: 5:00 – 6:00pm

We are running a “COME AND TRY RUGBY DAY”

We are inviting boys and girls between the ages of 4 – 7 to come and spend a morning learning about and playing “Under 6 & 7 Minis Rugby”.

WHERE: JAMES MORGAN RESERVE, CROMER
DATE: SUNDAY 3rd MARCH 2013
TIME: 10am – 11ish
COST: IT’S FREE!!!

Should you have any questions please contact the Club’s Minis Co-ordinator Stephen Comber on 0438 248 359

Saturday 2nd February 11am – 2pm

Friday 8th February 4pm – 8pm (BBQ)

Saturday 9th February 11am – 2pm

Contact us for further information.

Every Tuesday 6pm – 8pm

Every Thursday 6pm – 8pm

Contact us for further information.

The game commenced and a great attacking display had all of us thinking that we might be okay but an intercept pass resulted in a length of the try to Lane Cove … oh oh!

The kick was unsuccessful and from the ensuing kick off David showed the leadership and skill we all appreciate and scored a try and then another to make the score after Kyle’s 2 conversions 14 to 5. As half time approached Luke made a run that led to his first try ever in Rugby and didn’t his smile look like Luna Park. The score at half time was 19 to 5.

The talk at half time was positive and focussed as we knew we were up against a representative front row but Nic , Luke , Hugo and Darcy had really stepped up in the first half. As the second half began a bustling try from Nic asserted our ascendency and the defence we showed made all the supporters proud.

Once Hugo Blackley scored his tenacious try towards the end of the match you could sense the relief and pride in all of the DY Lions supporters. The final score was DY 29 and Lane Cove 5.

The boys were happy not only because they had won but they had been able to give Corey the win he deserved. Before the game Corey was asked what was his standout memory from his 100 games and he mentioned last years Grand Final win against Lane Cove and the coaching he had received from Michael and managerial advice from Col.