WHAT could be better than sitting down with a cold beverage and great company while watching a first class rugby union game?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is what will be on offer this Saturday at the Shoalhaven Rugby Club’s Green Steam Day.
A club tradition, the day invites past players and those associated with the club to come together and support their local team while sampling some Stones products.
The club is hoping the ambience of the occasion and a good strong crowd will see their season’s fortunes turned.
Shoals have had a rough start to the season with the loss of the Brandon brothers and players unavailable due to navy and representative commitments.
The first grade side now sits at the bottom of the Illawarra District Rugby Union competition.
The club hit another blow when first grade coach John Sullivan recently had to step down due to work commitments.
However the club has lifted itself up with second grade coach Phil Duncan moving into the top spot, and Ash Henry taking the helm for reserve grade.
A former junior player, Duncan hoped Shoalhaven could record their first win playing against Tech-Tahs on Saturday.
Tech-Tahs sit just two positions above Shoals, with one win.
“Once we have our full side we are a very competitive team,” Duncan said.
“We are going into the second half of the season with a wet sail, so we need to just keep the team going and keep the morale high.”
“Over the next two weeks we hope to get some wins and use this as a launch pad to build the season from there.
“There are nine teams in the competition so with a good run in the second half of the season it will still be our goal to make the semis.”
Duncan was confident that with the return of key players and the home crowd behind them, his team could rise to the challenge and take the win.
“Our forwards are going to be very strong. Our two guys who play for country [Mith Hardy and James Smith] add a lot of muscle to the side,” he said.
“Josh Dennis in five-eighth showed good form in the early half of the season. If the forward pack give him a bit of base, he has the ability to lead the front line.”
The club encouraged spectators to come and get a taste of the action.
Entry is free.
Reserve grade kicks off at 1.30pm with the main game at 3pm.