Having now played our last Premier match for the season and missing the finals cut I guess all the 2010 Breakers can do now is reflect on what might have been.

The team put together good on field performances in their last two matches, posting an away win against the Stingrays (Round 17), and putting in a very determined effort against last year’s champions Brothers (Round 18), finally going down 31-27.

It was a season of close misses which leaves one feeling rather empty. I have always espoused the philosophy of ‘no ifs or buts’ but… if we had closed out those tight matches throughout our season, we too would have been preparing for a tilt at finals football – 2010 was a very close, tough competition, so there was never going to be too much room  for error, no matter how small. 

Whilst obviously disappointed with our final season standing, my instincts are to always look for positives, so I will mention some of these.

One that does immediately spring to mind, is the patience the boys showed closing the Stingrays out of a very close match in Round 17, we had talked a lot about the importance of this approach in these tight situations (especially after some earlier harsh lessons), it was great to see they guys learn and apply the message.

I was also really proud of the spirit the side showed, never once during the ‘dark days’ of the season did any of the boys throw the towel in, I know this spirit will grow, and if it is fostered will be a great asset to next year’s coaching staff.

There were also a number of players who put their hands up for future selection at higher levels, keep an eye out for Jay Halevu, (backrower) from Palm Beach,  Brendon Holgate, (second rower) from Helensvale, and of course Jarrad Butler (backrower) from Bond.     

For me, it’s time to take a bit of a break from coaching, after having been involved every year from 2002 in one capacity or another around the coast.

It’s also a good time to mention the great work done by the ‘backroom’ of the Premier team, these are the unsung heroes: Dan Bowdler (Manager), John (pogo) Morgan (Asst Manager), Grant Julius (Field Runner), Rachel Light (Strapper). I would also like to thank Garrick (Morgan) and Herls (Graham Herlihy) for their support and input to the coaching regime. Lastly a big thanks to the players – for always giving their best – it is appreciated. 

The Premier Colts working off the back of some consistent performances and good late season form have secured the No.1 spot in the finals race for the Premier Colts competition. I have said this before, there is some great talent amongst this team, I am sure we will a lot more of them in the future – at all levels of rugby – they are worth a look at.  

John Dart and Matty Taylor as coaches of this side, have done a tremendous job, both are very talented individuals and great contributors to the greater Breakers scheme. I wish the Colts all the best for their upcoming games, I am certain they will make us all proud.   

Local club rugby moves into top gear after with the last round of the regular season having now been concluded. With the top four sorted, the real deal gets underway. Finals football always brings out the best in players and teams, and I am keenly looking forward to some good rugby in the 2010 series here on the coast.

While Surfers may to be title favourites at this stage, any team is a chance in finals footy, Eagles, Palmy and Nerang, (making up the top four) are all capable of pulling big games out of the bag. I wish luck to all concerned. 

Yours in rugby   

Tom Rosewarne

Head Coach

RGC Breakers.