IDRU Annual Report 2012 - Illawarra Rugby

The 2012 season was a mixed one for the University Rugby Club with the first grade team
making the semis but the lower grades struggling in the latter part of the year. The major
contributing factor to our problems was injuries, especially in our front row position which saw
the club reduced to having only three props available to play in three grades for the last few
rounds of the competition.
First grade completed the regular season in third spot but unfortunately bowed out of the finals
race with losses to Tech Tahs and Shoalhaven. Shaun McCreedy again was outstanding in his role
as club coach and he was ably supported by the other coaches in Paul Kipp, Christo Crous and
Lee Tanks. The club was fortunate to again have the expertise of Mark Elson, Glenn Critcher and
Brice Zarpellon as managers who were tireless in their efforts in making sure that match days
were run in a very professional manner.
The support of our sponsors was once again critical to the ongoing success of the club. The
input of premium sponsors Physical Therapy, Ryans Dry Cleaners, The City of Wollongong Tennis
Club, Soilco, Wideform, and WDS Mining, Ledacon as well as our many silver sponsors is really
appreciated by all associated with the Mallee Bulls. These individuals and companies have made
it possible for the club to provide the players the opportunity to play rugby with excellent
facilities and equipment.
The committee of the club need to be thanked for the time and effort they put in to keeping the
club functioning and moving forward. John Pemberton, Ken Wright, Shaun Dutaillis, Canio
Fierravanti, Mark Placek, Justin Placek, Mark Elson, Bob Wheway, James Eke and Andrew Stuckey
all made significant contributions to the club this season.
The junior component of the club is going from strength to strength and the junior committee,
chaired by Canio Fierravanti, needs to be commended for their efforts in getting so many young
players involved in playing rugby.
On the playing front the club recognises the achievements of Mark Placek in playing 200 club
games and Donny Nepia who represented Country.
As president I would like to acknowledge the efforts of The Board of Illawarra Rugby who
continue to do the often thankless job of striving to move rugby forward in the Illawarra. Not all
agree with every decision that
is made but no one can deny that the men involved always have the best interest of rugby in
mind.
The same can also be said of the referees who still turn up knowing that every decision will be
closely monitored by the experts on the sideline. The fact that the referees are prepared to do
this week in and week out is a reflection of their love of the game played in heaven and we thank
them for their contributions to our game.
Glenn McGuinness
President
Illawarra District Rugby Union Inc.
Annual Report 2012 Page 45 of 61