Mustang's Final Game

Today the Mustangs played their final game for the season. Oh, what a season - it has been marred by a good number of cold and wet days which have seen many games cancelled. This season has also highlighted those boys (and girls) who have the 'fight', the grit and determination to really commit to full-on tackle rugby.

Joshua used to love ripper rugby and, in fact, was one of the better players. However, this season was a full one of tackle. Put simply, we have seen Joshua "pull back" this year and not really get into the game. There is no real 'fight in the dog' so to speak. He doesn't get involved in the tackles or the rucks and although he runs, he runs on the wing so is a fair (and safe) distance from the action! Coach Kevin has been phenomenal and has continued to encourage and include ALL players, however it is clear to see those Mustangs who are itching to get on the pitch every Friday and Saturday and those who are a little 'scared'.

For Joshua, the pull to play rugby this year was really Tomo - he wanted to play because Tomo was playing and I don't think he even gave any real thought to the game of tackle this year and how physically hard it was going to be.

2012 will be up to Joshua - he will choose if he wishes to play. But for now, we are all very pleased to hang up the rugby boots and bid farewell to the season.

It has been a huge commitment for all of us this time - Daddy as one of the 2IC coaches, Huddy as Team Mascot and Mummy as Team Manager. Josh is very happy to have us involved and, in fact, seemed very proud when Mummy got the Team Manager of the Year award at the Club - however, HE has to decide whether or not he is 'built' for full tackle.

Coach Kevin put on a Mustangs' Muster at his house after prize-giving with party food and games and did a speech to each and every Mustang. He presented them all with an individual certificate and a bag of lollies. He is an exceptional Coach and is always positively full of praise and encouraging words for all the Mustangs! In addition, Mummy had put together a team calendar - she had sorted through the hundreds of photos and chosen a 'good' photo of each player and dedicated a month and calendar page to each player (we did a 15 month calendar from November 2011 to January 2013).

So it is goodbye to yet another season. The Mustangs are a special group of boys and girls and there are some lovely little friendships that have formed over the past 4 years of playing together in the same team. We will obviously keep in touch with Tomo, Maia & Sophie and hope to bump into the others on the beach sometime over summer. Rugby 2012 is 7 months away and a lot can happen between now and then.