Convicts aim for more season glory

Fresh from their overseas triumph at the Bingham Cup which got rugby greats like John Eales and Nick Farr-Jones singing their praises, the Sydney Convicts are now only one small step away from claiming another prestigious trophy this season.

It’s been a huge year for the Convicts, with their A and B teams destroying the opposition at the gay rugby World Cup in held Manchester, England in early June to bring back the Bingham Cup as well as the Bingham Bowl.

At the same time on the domestic front, the Convicts boys have been toughing it out in the local Nicholson Cup competition, which is the highest level of competition the club has participated in nine seasons of rugby.

After an arduous season, the Convicts A side last week beat Blue Mountains to qualify for the Nicholson Cup grand final to be played on Saturday, September 15 at the Macquarie University Sports Grounds.

Convicts president, Dave Whittaker, said he would love to see a big crowd for the match and called on Sydney’s gay and lesbian community to turn up to cheer on the boys.

“The Convicts A side has just chalked up 14 wins in a row after not losing a game in Manchester or at home since returning in June,” Whitakker said.

“After missing out on the grand final last year by a point, the Convicts are really pleased to have made it through to the Grand Final.”

Convicts coach, Charlie Winn, said he was hopeful the team could back up for one more win later this month.

“The game on Saturday was very positive. I was proud of how we muscled up to the Blue Mountains as they beat us through the forwards last time we played,” Winn said.

“The tight five forwards were outstanding. We also converted our opportunities when they come up.”

Steve Thorne, captain of the Convicts, said regardless of what happened in the grand final he was proud to be known as a Convict.

“Glory overseas is awesome. Winning at home also makes a big difference to us as rugby players,” he added.

“We hope the gay and lesbian community will come down on Saturday 15 September and cheer us on.”

The Nicholson Cup grand final takes place from 10.30am on Saturday, September 15 at Field Number One at Macquarie University Sports Grounds, Talavera Road Macquarie Park