PLAYERS, COACHES & MANAGERS WANTED FOR 2012 FOR U19S 2ND & 3RD GRADE CONTACT TROY 0410 304 533

BE PART OF A GREAT FAMILY RUGBY CLUB!

JUNIOR PLAYERS & COACHES & MANAGERS WANTED FOR 2012 U6-U11 PLEASE CONTACT BRUCE 0422 193 322

BE PART OF A GREAT FAMILY RUGBY CLUB!

Upcoming Event: LIONS SENIORS AWARDS NIGHT & AGM SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER AT BIZZOS DEN LEVEL AGM 6PM TO ELECT OUR 2012 BOARD AWARDS NIGHT IS FROM 7PM TILL LATE OPEN DOOR $25 INCLUDES SNACK FOOD AND DJ WILL BE A GREAT NIGHT TO CELEBRATE OUR SEASON ALL WELCOME. RSVP: pickering7@msn.com or 0410 304 533

THANKS!!!

With our upcoming Sponsors and Family day, we are hosting the Kiama Rugby club on Saturday 9th July Old Bush Rd Oval from 12NOON-5PM. All in the Shire district are most Welcome to watch some great free footy and support the Yellow & Black our club colours! There will be a barbecue for all plus face painting and a Jumping Castle on hand for all the kids, and a special VIP area for all the sponsors ask Dion 0450 035 185 for details. After match celebrations for everyone there and the other clubs will be at our local sponsors Engadine Tavern with, live music, top food, the coldest beer taps in Sydney and a courtesy bus on hand. For all club events, information player or sponsorship from enquiries check out our website: www.lionsrugby.com.au also you can join to the list on Facebook under Engadine Lions Rugby Club!

Our innaugral Lions Rugby Sportsman & Shire businessleaders Lunch is booked at Engadine Tavern St Moritz Room, Friday 22 July 1-5pm. This will feature ex-Wallaby world cup 1999 winner, and ACT brumbies, Leicester Tigers and Saracens center Mr. Rod Kafer now weekly fox sports presenter on Kafes Corner . There will be lucky door prizes, a top comedian to be revealed other rugby heads whov've played top level rugby, some Dragons players and sporting memorabilia auctions. For ticket enquiries cost is a bargain at $80 as it includes drinks, ldinner, and entertainment/bookings: domritchie@hotmail.com 0418 168 589 or from club president Dion Miller 0450 035 185 who can get you as a club member if you are interested in helping out managing, sponsoring or playing our First grade. Tickets are selling fast, with several people flying in from Osaka just for the event, turn up it should be a momentous for the club.

Our Juniors had a great turnout at the Sthn Districts Gala day with the kids getting a feed , training and meeting some of the top NSW Waratahs that were there. Also the Lions had an awesome tent setup for it thanks to John, Louise, Nikki, Shannon, the rest of the parents and everyone else on hand to support the Lion cubs. Also if you would like your kids/family to be involved with our juniors for this season or the next please call Nikki 0425 319 968. See you at the Lions Den.

Check out our new website for the Lions Junior Draw/Photos & News: www.engadinelionsjrs.weebly.com

Our 1st grade faced Wolllongong Tech-Waratahs opposite to Uni last weekend I didn't get the final result as The Lions XR8 Ute had to made an emergency dash to the city, but the team went down quite disapointingly, but had a much stronger effort against local foes Wonoona Shamrocks. Our 3rds were down 15-7 to Tech with a try to Occy off a Stevo flick pass. We kept to our guns racking up a a comeback win 17-15 in the Gong, although had we had more possession at the break down and Tech took our pack head on we should of won by thirty plus, and have moved to fifth position on the ladder, a win is a win win well done boys and solid games to Centre Steve and big lock off the bench Nigel Voigt whos had more comebacks than Lance Armstrong and seems to improve with every game! Cheers to coach Mark Inglis who's doing an awesome job and job is as safe unless Wayne Bennet gets sick of Newcastle and Moana's beatbox who fired the boys up into a frenzy with Rammsteins Mein Teil blaring in the visitors change room, before the game. Head coach Dion and Ian has been adressing both defence the past few weeks blooding a few new players into the top grade, which still needs vast improvement for the games ahead apart from Fijian centre Moses Civoniceva who hits his opposites like a freight train, take note boys! We now move into the second stanza of the season with several tough games looming.With our upcoming Sponsors and Family day, we are hosting the Kiama Rugby club on Saturday 9th July Old Bush Rd Oval from 12NOON. All in the Engadine district are most Welcome to watch some great footy and support the Yellow & Black our colours! There will be a bbq for all plus face painting and a Jumping Castle on hand for all the kids, and a special VIP area for all the sponsors ask Dion for details. After match celebrations for everyone there and the Kiama crew will be at our sponsors Engadine Tavern with the coldest beer taps in Sydney and a courtesy bus on hand. For all club events, information player or sponsorship from enquiries check out our website: www.lionsrugby.com.au also on Facebook under Engadine Lions Rugby Club!

Our innaugral Lions Rugby Sportsman & businessleaders Lunch is booked at our major sponsor Engadine Tavern St Moritz Room, Friday 22 July 1-5pm. This will feature ex Wallaby world cup winner and ACT brumbies player Rod Kafer now weekly fox sports presenter on Kafes Corner . There will be lucky door prizes, comedian other rugby heads and sporting memorabilia auction. For ticket enquiries cost is a bargain $80 as it includes drinks, lunch, a trip thereand entertainment/bookings: domritchie@hotmail.com 0418 168 589 or from Dion Miller 0450 035 185 or if you are interested in helping out managing, sponsoring or playing First grade.Special thanks once again to Dom for organising it, tickets are selling fast support it should be a great day for the club, Cheers to local firie and landscaper Ben Russell for his recent sponsorship to the Lions for 2011.

The Juniors had a great turnout at the Sthn Districts Gala day with the kids getting a feed , training and meeting some of the top NSW Waratahs that were there. Also the Lions had an awesome tent setup for it thanks to John, Louise, Nikki, Shannon, the rest of the parents and everyone else on hand to support the Lion cubs. Also if you would like your kids/family to be involved with our juniors for this season or the next please call Nikki 0425 319 968.

Well done to Lions U18 junior winger Tiaan Walkington who's final operation went well he should be primed for rugby in our seniors next year and according to our treasurer Troy Pickering to fit him under our salary cap probably take the two wayward bludgers Danny Cipriani's and Gazelles contract!, see you at next weeks game T mate, and cheers to Damo Batty who's taken up a position with the Lions Senior board to drive us into 2012. Cheers to Ron who did really well as club physio in Steve's absence welcome back too.

Last weekend at the Lions Den on a lovely sunny Autumn day the Juniors hosted Oatley Rugby club notching up some wins. Our 1st grade enjoyed a bye and face Tech-Waratahs this weekend. Our 3rds took on old foes Wollondilly Waratahs racking up a hard fought win 22-21 in front of the home ground, to move to fifth position on the ladder. Head coach Dion has been adressing both teams defence this week which needs to improve as we move into the second half of the season with several tough games looming.With our upcoming Sponsors and Family day, we are hosting Kiama Rugby club on Saturday 9th July Old Bush Rd Oval. all are most Welcome to watch some great footy and support the Yellow & Black! There will be face painting and a Jumping Castle for the kids. After match celebrations will be at our sponsors Engadine Tavern with a courtesy bus on hand. For all club events, information player or sponsorship from enquiries check out our new website: www.lionsrugby.com.au also on Facebook!

Our Lions Rugby Sportsman Lunch is booked at sponsors Engadine Tavern St Moritz Room, Friday 22 July 1-5pm. This will feature ex Wallaby and ACT brumbies player Rod Kafer now fox sports presenter. There will be lucky door prizes and sporting memorabilia auction For ticket enquiries cost is $80 includes drinks, lunch and entertainment/bookings: domritchie@hotmail.com 0418 168 589 or from Dion Miller 0450 035 185, special thanks to Dom for organising it, support it should be a great day for the club.

The Lions Third grade took on last years premiers University Bulls at the Lions Den on "Ladies Day"last weekend, pressing for their third win in a row. With a squad of thirty plus we had a strong interchange bench at our disposal! "Occy" got his first start at blind side flanker and had a solid game, we were ahead 10-3 at the break, but according to Mark we had so much possession and should of been winning by thirty. Uni put on a try in early in the the second half and lifted their game in the end we were victors 10-8, leapfrogging the Bulls on the table putting us into the top five in the the Illawarra competition. Our 1sts bagged their first win for the season 26-10 against Bowral Blacks and have picked a few new players from the country and are improving week by week according to head coach Dion Miller.

With Our next Home game our 1st grade have the bye, we are hosting Vincentia Van Goghs Vs Bundanoon Highlanders and our in form third grade take on old foes Wollondilly White Waratahs Saturday 21st May Old Bush Rd Oval all are most Welcome to watch some great footy and support the yellow & black! After match celebrations will be at our sponsors Engadine Tavern. For all club events, information player or sponsorship from enquiries check out our new website: www.lionsrugby.com.au also on Facebook!

1st Grade: WON 25-0
Congratulations to our "Engadine Tavern" 1sts on their first win for the year in very wet, conditions in Bowral.

3rd Grade: WON 21-10
Have now won two on the trot with away scalps and go into this week’s home game against the Students full of confidence.

With the Gunners Welcome to the Jungle blaring in the sheds, the Lions Third grade came out roaring dominating the first 15 minutes with us controlling all the possession and territory until Kiama managed to get the Lions on the back foot. We lost a little composure when our line was pressured giving away silly penalties and dropping intensity when it was needed most. At the half time break it was Lions ahead by two 12-10.Coach Mark told the team to step up a gear and work more as a unit in the forwards which we did. The Lions finished strongly with a standout three try performance to Grant and Moana bagged one in his cameo from the bench, in the end the Lions won 27-17 their first win for the season well done. Our Second grade team Van Goghs had a win but the 1sts weren't so lucky missing several players away for the easter break going down 55-17 at Cowtown, as I missed the game no comment! Howevever Bowral away next week will be a blockbuster in 1st grade with our trials now behind us as the Lions now knuckle down as both clubs chase that elusive first win this weekend.

1st Grade Lost 41-6

We were up against the 2010 Illawarra prermiers at their home field it would never be easy compounded by the Lions limited preparations. However we started strongly with an early try in the 10th minute countered with a 26 metre penalty goal to Lions 5/8 Sonny Tuaraki. Our backs were linking well making several line breaks with Our winger Joe Naika making good ground every time he touched the ball. The Vikings cover defence was superb with the Lions blowing about three tries through unecessary passes instead of backing their own speed to the try line. The Lions first half with the wind was sound with Joel Hunter putting on some great hits.However with us leading at the break 6-5. The second half the Vikings grinding style saw them make some yards and bag a few tries agast a tiring Lions pack and cover defence from our backs.Joel Hunter the Lions hooker got yellow carded for an obstruction, which had to see some readjustments so we could compete in the scrum, Vikings kicked into gear once they noticed our Achilles Heel match fitness and dominated possession for the rest of the half of hard running rugby, apart from a 62 metre break by Lions winger Chris Stanley who nearly bagged a pearler. The Lions side is young and fresh and full of talent which their Illawarrior Paul Fisher picked up on in a glowing appraisal in the post match speech, "We had to work really hard to seal the win, and think from what we saw in the first half will be a tough rematch when we play you at your ground." in a match that didn't reflect Engadines efforts. Yes there are negatives, but many positives to come out with the inevitable fact that over the coming weeks we will get fitter and more confident and learnt an important lesson from the Vikings in their running lines, composure and sustained pressure which the boys will adapt against the other Illawarra teams. History was made today when the Hayne shield similar in concept to NZs Ranfurly shield was awarded to Vikings by the Illawarra Rugby Union. From their performance today they may have it for some time! Sonny Tuaraki from the Lions was awarded two Illawarra points for his deft kicking and attacking game linking brilliantly with Stacey, Iese and our other centre Fabes. The Lions 3-2-1s went to Fabian, Sonny and new lock Grant who had a very solid performance off the bench at lock.

2nd Grade WON 7-5

Our brother team for the Lions Vincentia who are our second grade this year following a formal alliance came out firing all cylinders to avenge their Grand final defeat to the Vikings. Down 5-0 Emu, rallied the Vincentia troops to strike back with a converted try and their in your face leaugie style defence punish the Vikings to snatch an impressive 7-5 win!

3rd Grade Lost 31-10

Debutant coach Mr Mark "Wayne Bennett" Inglis, has big boots to fill coaching our thirds who've made the finals 80% of the seasons since 2005. He got the ball rolling with an awesome pre-match spiel with Lions captain Lee back out of retirement adding "play and put in for your mates" also reminding us of the Japanese scale disaster scoreline from last year. Andre Snyman scored a try in the 10th minute from skirting through the ruck to bring the scores 12-5. Our forwards were quite brutal with bookend Benny Russell belting the Vikings inside ball runners. We lost our spread getting drawn into the ruck way too much with outside speedsters Cody and Beal getting frustrated with lack of ball. At the half it was 19-5. New lock Grant from Tumut and Andre were absolutely superb carrying the Lions pack, the Vikings backrower who was was getting frustrated with their dominance took a swipe at Andre then cowered 5 metres behind his prop like a rabbit when the Andre arked up at him! In the 2nd stanza Our forwards who need to work on their fitness kept on having to be interchanged and our props look like they need to ease up on the KFC, to their credit our front row dominated the scrum and hit hard when needed. Greg Evers would make a great full forward stealing two kickoffs from the Vikings. Glen H scored a nice 28 metre try down the blindside , but coverage in defence of the blind is one area the 3rds must adress going into the Camden game who belted Tech 54-0. When our winger got blindsided by a high shot little Tristan "Pacqiuo" Pumpkin flew into the Vikings 16 with a three rabbit punch combo which were so quick the ref. didn't even see it he then yellow carded the No 16! Ben Russell got yellow carded for the Lions which saw the Vikings seal a penalty goal. Captain Lee Bailey ran the full game getting stuck into some of the boys for laziness at times, too which they listened lifting in the last 15 minutes. H broke the line to go over to have has second meat pie disallowed in a controversial call by the referee for a forward pass. Final score Vikings 31-10. Injured players Coves and Gazelle will be keen to rejoin the team against the Rams next week in a game where we need and will adress a few issues that Mark will look forward toodrilling into us this week for the Rams game at the Lions den. 3-2-1s went to Grant, Tristan and Guy Shipley who ripped into the Vikings like he was on diso cookies playing his guts out to get his first match point ever well done, and may be appointed goal kicker by coach given Pumpkins off-boot today!

Lions Boat Race v Vikings

A lousy first leg couldn't be redeemed with the Lions going down at their second beer. The Irishman Paul said to club officials "that was abysmal and the Irish will be taking over next week!" The officials agreed no-one will take part next week unless you have a green passport and the three in question who have bought the club into great disrepute Alan, Sonny and Fabes were given first and final warnings a case of VB and put on the first bus to the Beaches hotel at Thirroul for three hours session as a the Lions board strong club disciplinary message to the rest of our senior squad. Club Official Mr Dave Walkington has already drafted thier transfers to Bosco hockey club, should the low act re-occur!

Lions Rugby is on the lookout for 2010 coaching staff for 1st Grade. Applications now open until 1st November.

Contact Dion Miller on 0450 035 185 now!!

Our club only survives due to your ongoing loyalty and support.

Lions Rugby is a community and family orientated club that survives only by the passion for the game, and also support from our proud sponsors.

Please contact Dion Miller on 0450 035 185 to discuss how you could be a part of the Lions Rugby success in 2010!

Spring is now here and season 2010 is now over for our four junior teams who played in the local Southern Districts competition and three senior grades with all our teams performing strongly. To the seniors, unfortunately our First grade that started so well missed out on the finals after losing some key players to season ending injuries and misfortunes. Our Second and Thirds missed out on finals appearances with special mention to the thirsty thirds comprised mainly of new players and seasoned veterans won most of their games, but didnt get through on for and against. This was the first time in the short history of our club that we fielded three grades in the seniors in the highly competitive Illawarra club competition and the players really stepped up, well done lads, 2011 should be definitely be a strong one for the Lions!

Our Engadine Lions Golden Oldies 35+ are competing in the 200 team IRB World Cup held in Sydney, this month if they dont take out the trophy they aim to take out the boat race!

Our club wishes to thank all its supporters, players, coaches, managers physio Steve Brown, officials and its loyal sponsors such as Shire Life, RMG Partners, Kodi Civil, Bizzos, Dexion, KFC, CCSG et al. for their generous support for this season.

If you wish to join or play rugby for our club in 2011 please contact Dion Miller on 0450 035 185 or visit our website www.lionsrugby.com.au, our home ground is Old Bush Road Oval Engadine.

Till 2011, Year of the Lion!

1st XV Lost 20-17We started strong against finals bound Shoalies despite missing several key players. At the break we were ahead 14-7 courtesy of tries to Iese Lupena and Mud Dog who was promoted after a strong game before in second grade. Shoalhaven scored early into the second half to get back in the game with scores 17-14 to the Lions. Engadine suffered two costly penalties with the Shoaliessuccessful penalty goalon fulltime to Illawarra rep. Leith Cooper give thefinals bound Shoalhaven teama narrow 20-17 victory. The Lions did get a bonus point for their efforts andalthough not a win it was easily one of our best performances of the season.

2nd XV Lost 34-14but our mighty 3rd XV Won 21-0Our third grade team appears to be getting stronger every week especially with the massive influx of players on deck every time we are at the Lions Den. The Lionscontained the Shoalies forwards and certainly let the Shoalies prop who is the king of the Jungle without saying any more! Marty "Kava"Irving, Rhys Hart, Shannon "Kurtley"BealandSouthland bound Matty Coves had strong games.

1st XV Bye

2nd XV Won 50-15 vs Bowral

Our Second grade team avenged their narrow loss last round to control the game and possession putting on thirty points in the second half in a comprehensive victory at the Lions Den.

3rdXV Won 14-10 vs Bundanoon Highlanders

This was a close game with two evenly matched sides, with the laser guided boot of Ben Parkinson proving the difference to give the Lions a 14-10 win in front of the Engadine crowd

Great Day @ The Lions Den for the Lions Rugby Camp Quality Sponsors Day, Sat 10th July

This years sponsors day was undoubtedly the biggest one ever with a bumper crowd filling the Lions Den, lots of great prizes won and auctioned off, plenty of food, drinks, entertainment, fundraising for Camp Quality and of course all three games of premier grade Rugby.

Due to the overwhelming support we are still counting all of your donations for Camp Quality, and will post an update with total money raised asap ;-)

Well done to the 3rds for a gutsy win with a match winning try to Dion Miller winning 10-8. Hard games were fought in both the 2nds and the 1sts but the Shamrocks sealed a win in both grades.

A huge thanks to all the sponsors, players, supporters, fundraisers and all of those who donated prizes for the raffles and auctions. Without all of your assistance and support, Lions Rugby would not be the club it is today. With your continued assistance we hope to have many more successful years of growth ahead!

Full coverage of the day and night can be viewed here

1st XV Bye (play Vikings round 13 26/6/10 in Wollongong)

2nd XV Win 48-6

The Lions biggest win in second grade this year and for the first time our try line remained intact! Well done. The Lions regrouped from a heavy loss lost week against Avondale to play decisive attacking running rugby. Our tries went to Doza, Andre, Luke Arrandale, Joe, Jones, Kindred, Wine and Chris Stanley. Benny Parkinson kicked three conversions, with new superboot lock Johan Laubscher kicking the final goal to bring the score to 48-6 at the Lions Den. The Lions face Vikings this week in what will be a tough encounter.

3rd XV Win 24-7

Showed definite improvement in attack and defense from last weeks game against Avondale. The Lions scored four tries with Zane Mitchell No#10 getting two, Richard Kahui and John Naude one off the bench. The Conversions were left to the Lions Afrikaan contingent with John and Albert Le Roux getting one-apiece. The Lions take on the in form Vikings this week hoping to make it two in a row in Wollongong.

Next Home game v Tech Waratahs 1st-3rd Grade Saturday 3rd July

Reminder: Upcoming Camp Quality Fundraiser & Sponsors July 10 home game v Shamrocks

Raffle tickets are on sale!

1st XV Lost 30-29

Usually matches played in wet and muddy conditions are dour affairs played out in the forwards; it certainly wasnt the case for these two sides today. Shoalies scored after 15 to bring the score to 7-0. Lions lock Doza then showed tremendous pace to score a 90 metre try to level the scores. Another two tries by half time it was 14-13 to the Lions. It was exciting wide running rugby from both the Lions and Shoalies from then on in.

The Lions scored a further three tries in the second half which saw the lead change three times. At 29-23 with six minutes to go the Shoalies Illawarra winger cut through our line to hand them a converted try to earn the closest of victories. The Lions were stifled at the 80th minute with the referee not playing a penalty, with the Lions resigned to receiving a bonus point. The penalty count against us once again and the referees at times bizarre interpretation in the ruck area didnt favour the Lions forwards. Apart from that a top effort from the entire team and a superb victory to the Shoalies. The Lions try scorers were Jonesie, K Hannon , #13, Doza and the Fijian Flyer Joe Manoa.

Three Lions Match points went to Grant Regan who had a brilliant attacking game and was instrumental in three of the Lions tries. Doza received 2 points and Joe Manoa 1 match point, with Lions number 10 Pares McCrae receiving 1 Illawarra Best & Fairest referees point.

2nd XV Loss to Shoalhaven at Ricoh Rugby Park

The 2nd XV will add an extra training run this week as they struggle for consistency after their top effort against top of the table Vincentia this week the week prior. Poor lead up match preparation added by the two hour trip to Nowra is never easy, with a 30 plus half time deficit. We improved in the second half but it just wasnt our day for our team going down 58-0. Match Points 3 to Damyn Atiga, 2 Mark Inglis and 1 to Andrew Gemmell.

Coach Graham Taylor had the Lions revved up for this clash against last seasons grand finalists Vincentia .It was only the 2nd XV who featured today at the Lions Den, with our 1st and 3rd having a bye. In perfect sunny conditions the Lions started well playing in the Van Goghs half. The Lions got three penalties slotted over by halfback Tristan Tymms in the first fifteen minutes to bring the score to 9-0. The Van Goghs hit back with a couple of tries after that. Number 6 Chris Urquhart had a strong game winning all his lineout contests before coming off injured midway through the game.

Chris Miller who came off the bench had some damaging runs from fullback. Among the Lions best was man of the match five-eighth Chris Stanley who had a great clash with his Vincentia opposite known only as Emu! New Signing Alfred Pongi had some damaging runs off the scrum base and lineout to earn two match points and Tristan Tymms got 1 match point. Tries to the Lions went to winger Guy Hill and inside centre Michael Lainson.

In the end it was 27-21 to Vincentia, with the Van Goghs kicking a penalty goal in the final stages. Thanks to everyone who turned up to watch a great game at the Lions Den.

It was a definite improved performance from our Bowral clash. Next week, with Bubba and Andre Snyman due back from injury, Our full strength Lions 2nd XV look forward to the bus trip for their next clash against Shoalhaven in Nowra, Saturday.

Round 7, saw our 1st grade team have the week off with a bye, not so for our 2nd and 3rd grades.Who ventured out on the Vengabus to the picturesque Southern Highlands to take on Bundanoon and Bowral Blacks rugby clubs at split venues. Our 2nd grade team started slowly to come back from a 7-0 first half deficit through a try to outside centre Josh "Wolverine"Kindred, Grant "Reggie" Regan converted this and secured a 65th minute penalty to bring the scoreline to a 10-10 deadlock. Our scrum was solid and the new line-out formations were starting to gel.

A ruck misinterpretation by the referee R. Brown saw the Lions penalised in our 10 metres with two minutes to go in the game . Bowral kicked the penalty goal, to give the home side a 13-10 win at Eridge Park. Our new hooker Dan, Andre Snyman, Richie Kahui, Doza, Matt Brown and Josh all had solid games.

This match showcased prop turned winger Benny Russell playing at 14 hoping to break Number 8 Dion Millers 5 try record at this ground and Moana Taripo helping out from 1st grade. Bruce Lawson our prop went down early in the game with a calf-tear with Damien rushed on to replace him off the bench. Our kicks didn't hit their mark for most of the game with the Highlanders punishing the Lions with their counter attack. We played some great rugby in the second half with the forwards "Milkshake" move coming into play!

In the finale it was 43-7 to the Highlanders with new flanker Zane Baker a standout for the Lions scoring the Lions sole try and what a try! With big Zane knocking over about four higlanders in the process in a 30 metre run straight down the middle of the field. The Highlanders while formidable opponents at home as history shows never travel well it will be a great clash when both sides next meet at the Lions den!

1st XV

The Lions attacked well against the Cows running in five tries, going to Iese, Chris Miller, Joe, Manoa and K.Hennon. The new look Kiama side were very impressive against our very ordinary defence in what was an exciting and attacking game from both sides. The final score was a 54-31 victory to Kiama, with Lions number 7 Stacey Miller receiving 1 Illawarra Best & Fairest referees point.

2nd XV 18-14 WIN

This was a well earned come from behind victory and 2nd grades first home win at the Lions Den for 2010. The Lions tries went to vice-captain H and our Illawarrior Under20 player Chris Stanley. The Lions discipline was the key to this victory with our sustained pressure on the Cows saw us get two penalties kicked by Ben Parkinson and Tristan Tymms to seal the narrow win.

3rd XV 19-3 WIN

The thirsty thirds continued to show good form with a 19-3 victory over a try less Kiama. Tries to the Lions went to Dom Ritchie, Guy Hill and John Naude off the bench. New players Doug Dickson, Kev Cotter, and outside centre Alan Langer Hughes all had strong games for the mighty Lions.

The Lions 1st grade team beat Camden 14-13 in a cliffhanger at Old Bush Road, Yarrawarrah a fortnight ago. Star player of the day was flanker Iese Lupena who scored a try for the Lions as did Zachary Dawes. Iese also kicked both our goals and lock Johan Laubscher kept punishing the Camden pack along with the rest of the Lion forwards all day to give us the edge in the end.

Our 2nds were also impressive to get their 2nd win for the season 18-14 over the Camden Rams with tries to Chris Stanley and Glen Hayek off a scrum move. The facilities grant upgrade is under way with the new family barbecue area already proving popular! Senior player queries please call Dion Miller on 0450 035 185. The Lions rugby club proudly welcomes a new sponsorship partner for 2010 Raine & Horne real estate at Miranda.

The undefeated Lions 1st grade team took on local rivals the Shamrocks at Ocean Park, Wonoona. This was played on the ANZAC day weekend with both clubs competing for the Burden Cup. We were missing a few players for this clash due to ANZAC weekend military commitments but were helped with the return of 1st graders Pares McCrea, Mackie Jones and Andrew Handosa in their first games for this season. There was a minutes pre-game silence to commemorate our fallen ANZAC heroes before kick-off. NSW Country halfback Chris Miller drew first blood for the Lions, crossing the Rocks line converted by flanker Iese Lupena putting us ahead 7-0, before the rocks kicked a penalty to give the game a 7-3 halftime score.

The Lions wavered in the second half letting Shamrocks back into the game. Shamrocks won 21-12 Lions with Chris Miller scoring another try for the Lions in the second half. The Shamrocks now recapture the Burden Cup from the Lions with today's win. Special mention to our flanker Stacey Miller who was the Lions man of the match plus receiving 2 Illawarra points and Damo and Big Alex who put in strong performances in the front row.

Our 2nd XV, started their match half asleep against the Shamrocks who dominated possession through a structured running game to be down 35-0 at the halftime break. The boys really fired up in the second half with defense improving out of site and the forwards moving up the middle as a pack to put the Rocks on the back foot. Prop Sean Carroll scored a solid try from a penalty. Final score 49-7 to the Rocks, disappointing result, yes but it was an awesome effort in the second half by the Lions. Lock Troy Pickering was voted Lions man of the match with a strong defensive game.

Our 3rd XV, put in an awesome effort to record their first win of the season 26-14 over the Shamrocks! The Lions forward pack really gelled to provide plenty of ball for our backs. Kiwi Gus was voted man of the match in his first game for the Lions with Canno getting 2 points and veteran lock Dom Ritchie getting 1 point in another solid game for the Lions.

Our next home game for the Senior grades is a top of the table encounter with the Camden Rams who are undefeated this year in all three grades. Be at Old Bush Road Oval, Yarrawarrah from Noon onwards with 1st grade at 3pm Saturday 1st May to support the Lions in this exciting encounter. The Lions have another home game the following week Saturday 8th May against old foes Kiama from 12noon onwards with 1st grade at 3pm.

Our Lions 1st grade team are now undefeated after three rounds of the Illawarra competition. Round 2 saw our Fijian winger Joe Naika star again, crossing for four tries to give the Lions the upper hand against Wollongong Vikings. The Vikings hit back with their structured game and an unfortunate, after the siren 35 metre penalty goal ending the game in a 34-34 draw in an exciting finale at Old Bush Road.

Round 3, saw our first grade team up against last years premiers the Tech-Waratahs who we hadn't defeated in our two seasons in 1st grade. The game was close in the opening stanza with us ahead by a try. We soon lost Joe Naika and 5/8 Kev Nicholas to injury causing a backline reshuffle, before the game opened up allowing our backline to wreak havoc. Ex Souths Sydney Rabbitohs player and Commonwealth games sprinter Joven Clarke who runs 10.49 for 100 metres scored 5 tries! While our NSW Country halfback Chris Miller added another 3 tries showing blistering speed too. Other scorers where Jonesie and Iese who also kicked 7 goals. In the end the Lions humiliated Tech-Waratahs with a massive 64-12 win. Joven Clarke and Iese Lupena were voted the Lions best by the referee. Special mention to our bench in particular to new recruit Andrew Gemmel who starred in all our three grades! Coach Dion Miller said it was easily our best performance for the season.

Round 1, March 27-28 2010

Congratulations to Lions players Chris Miller, Chris Stanley, Wayne Ngatai, Michael Martin, Stacey Miller and Tommy Taua on being selected in the Illawarriors winning representative team that competed in the NSW Country rugby union championships held at Newcastle last week. Ex-Engadine Lions player and 1st grade captain Wayne Miller was part of the Central-West Blue Bulls team that finished 3rd by beating our Illawarra seniors team in the final. Wayne Miller having moved to the country is playing open side flanker for the Orange City Lions club this season, our club wishes him all the best.

The Illawarriors Under 20 team won all their games and took on Newcastle-Hunter in the final, with Newcastle leading in the earlier stages, two converted tries by our half-back Chris Miller and one more to Engadine Lions flanker Wayne Ngatai sealed a 19-15 the trophy for Illawarra. The Illawarra Under 20s assistant coach was Engadines' Dion Miller and contained five Lions players.

Saturday 27th March not only marked round one of the Illawarra competition for the seniors but saw us face Wollondilly White-Waratahs to mark their 10th anniversary as a rugby club. In which their first game was also against us in the old Presidents Cup competition. Back on that day Wollondilly drew first blood winning 19-0. It wouldn't be easy for us this time at Wilton with +30 degree conditions, and having six players and 1st grade coach Dion up in Newcastle with representative duties. Our second grade came from a three point deficit to win 19-18 with tries to Glen Urquhart, Ryan Featherstone and new signing Keeghan Hannon. Ex-South African Army player Andre Snyman was voted man of the match.

To first grade, Moana Taripo led the team well scoring a try in a hard fought encounter with the lead changing several times between the teams, Zane Mitchell brother of Australian Wallaby & NSW Waratah Drew Mitchell had a fine debut at inside centre with the Lions strong backline proving the difference between the two teams. Troy Pickering came on in the second half as blind side breakaway having played in the inaugural match a decade ago. The star player was our flying Fijian winger Josefa Naika who scored four tries on debut to help the Lions to a 47-31 victory at full-time. Other try scorers for the Lions were five -eighth Kevin Nicholas and outside centre James Norton off a backline move.

Last month, the Engadine Lions rugby last month went into the 38th Kiama sevens defending their country cup title where they beat the Terrigal 36-5 in last years tournament. They did just this beating Merewether-Carlton for the title 28-7. This years Kiama Sevens featured 48 teams and showcased a flyover display from the elite Roulettes Air Force acrobatics team and trophy flown onto the showground from a Navy helicopter courtesy of Defence Force Recruitment. According to event organiser Mr Mark Bryant "The flyover display not only stopped the game but the town itself!"

With three senior grades our club caters for everyone with 1st and 2nd grade training as a squad every Tuesday and Thursday while 3rd grade is ideal for the more social player only training once per week at the Lions Den. Our fee structure is extremely competitive for seniors its only $175 per player with an additional $25 discount if you pay by April 1st. Third grade have the option of paying $20 a game if you prefer, all registration fees cover insurance from the Australian Rugby Union. For player or sponsorship opportunity enquiries please call Dion Miller on 0450 035 185 or via email rugbydion@yahoo.com.au.

We have reformed our Womens side this season to compete in the Sydney competition which will be coached by Graham Taylor. Please Call Dion Miller on 0450 035 185 if you are interested in playing womens rugby. Our Golden Oldies side which is our social team for players over 35 will be competing in the Air New Zealand IRB World Cup later this season.

The Lions will be fielding teams from Under 6s Under 18s to play in the local Southern Districts competition this year. The game of rugby is a fun team game which is also very safe with the modified version that juniors play on Saturday mornings no experience is needed.. If you have any questions regarding junior rugby for your son or daughter please call William on 0438 700 951.

Our next home game for the Senior grades is against old foes the Camden Rams who are looking very strong this year in all three grades. Be at Old Bush Road Oval from 12noon onwards with 1st grade at 3.15pm Saturday 1st May to support the Lions in this exciting encounter.

Roll with the Engadine Lions for this season!

Saturday 28 February 2010

The Lions rugby club from the Shire went into the 38th Kiama sevens defending their country cup title when they beat the Terrigal 36-5 in last years tournament. This years Kiama Sevens featured 48 teams and showcased a flyover display from the Roulettes acrobatics team and trophy flown onto the showground from a Navy helicopter courtesy of Defence Force Recruitment. With a first up 36-5 win over previous sevens champion side the Flying Fijian team the Renegades, the Lions then faced Sydney powerhouse club Gordon Highlanders. This first game took its toll with the Lions losing two players Stacey Miller with a hamstring injury and 2010 Fijian import Josefa Naika twisting his ankle.

Reputations mean nothing in the world of sevens, however and the Lions featuring many new players took it to the Gordon team stunning both them and the ecstatic crowd with a 26-24 defeat. In fact Gordon refused to shake hands after the game! The Lions were knocked out of the Championship final by crowd entertainers the Tongan side Sons Lapu Lapu who beat the Lions by 5 points. West Harbour also scored a massive upset win on the day over the Aussie Spirit Australian Sevens team in the finals, eventually winning the cup! The Lions were pitted in the Country Cup final against Merewether Carlton who hail from Newcastle . The Lions did it easy in the end being in control for most of the game with our Illawarra players Jonesie, Chris Miller and Iese Lupena playing leading hands in their 28-7 victory to retain their title. Thanks to the supporters, officials and most of all our players who made the day the success that it was.

EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY

6: 30pm @ our Home Ground - Old Bush Road Yarrawarra

Just look for the Lions Rugby Ute.

If you'd like to run with the Lions Pack in 2010, contact Dion Miller on 0450 035 185.

Lions Rugby is looking for players, coaches, manages and anyone who wants to be involved in Rugby Union.

We cater for:

• Men's & Boys
  • Open - 1st / 2nd / 3rd Grade
  • U/20
  • Kids - U/6 upwards
• Golden Oldies (Over 35's) - World Cup in Sydney 2010
• Women's & Girls'
  • Open
  • Kids - U/6 upwards

More info contact Dion Miller on 0450 035 185 | engadinelionsrugby@gmail.com.