The 2016 rugby season has started well for the Redlands Muddies. Both senior men’s teams are currently top of their competitions, while the ladies’ team is third.
Last Saturday was another good day for Redlands Rugby with the men’s teams hosting the Ipswich Rangers and the women hosting Logan.
In exciting displays of running rugby, all teams had comfortable wins: Firsts (Barber Cup) 41 – 20, Seconds (Pegg Cup) 45 - 7 and Women’s 36 – 14.
The Firsts expected the Rangers players to come out firing after Ipswich’s poor performance in their previous encounter.
The Rangers forwards began strongly, playing a much improved structured game and dominating the pick and drive.
In reply, the Muddies players weathered the onslaught and gradually gained field position and ball possession.
This, combined with accurate tactical kicking especially by George Habib, put pressure on Ipswich and allowed the ball to be run wide.
A key feature of the game was the patience and organisation of the backs. Their superior skills were a constant threat and forced the opposition into handling errors and scrambling defence as the game progressed.
While too early to predict end of season success, the team has been building a good foundation and looks to consolidate its position as a Premiership contender, reflecting the input of head coach Mike King and the coaching staff.
As a result of the team’s good performance, six players have been selected in the Queensland Suburban Rugby Union’s squad to contest the Barraclough Shield against New South Wales to be played in Sydney in June: Ryan Barrett, Dylan Hills, Shaun King, Tyler Papuni, Jason Rogers and Matthew Te-Rokena.
This Saturday, the men play Goodna away, while the women are at home to Wests, 12.30pm. However, the following Saturday is Ladies Day when Redlands will host the Riverside Rebels. Starting at 1pm, this will be a day of fun, excitement and colour.
Apart from impressive on-field performances, Redlands Rugby Union Club has had a good year to date, with new lights and player numbers up in both juniors and seniors.
The club has implemented a number of initiatives, including: the Mini Muddies for 3-5 year olds with the focus on catching, passing and having fun; the Modified Rugby Program for 10-14 children with special needs where each player has a mentor; and an U14 girls 7s team which is playing in a six week competition.
Redlands has also introduced Viva 7s starting on Friday May 27, from 6pm.
For more mature players, the Redlands Golden Oldies Crabs offers great company, good sportsmanship on and off the field and a range of social activities. Contact Redlands Rugby.
