SMC in Search for Back to Back Titles

SMC Celebrate 2013’s Hughenden Rugby 7s Victory

SMC Rugby will look for a second consecutive title when they travel to the Hughenden Rugby 7’s competition this weekend.

An ever expanding group, SMC originated with 11 people at the 2010 Goldfield Ashes cricket carnival. Some four years on, SMC now has over 62 members and compete across Cricket, Basketball and Rugby competitions.

Sean Lynch, a passionate member and initiator of the Rugby branch said, “SMC is a brotherhood of mates that continues to grow every year.”

Lynch was a competitor at last year’s Rugby 7s World Cup held in Russia, where he competed with the Philippine side. Upon returning he decided to get a team together and try their luck at the Hughenden 7s carnival.

The team experienced immediate success, taking first place in their inaugural competition and claiming the $2000 prize money offered at last year’s tournament.

“Hughenden was my first tournament after the World Cup, so I was keen to throw the boots on and play some country Rugby.” Lynch said.

A largely new look side will take the paddock this year, with only Lynch, Alex Parker, Dylan O’Connor, Mitch O’Brien and Andrew Dreger returning from last year’s winning Hughenden team.

“We have a lot of League and Touch players, so there is a bit of Rugby inexperience, however these boys will pick 7s up quickly and SMC will be fielding a much stronger team across the park this year.” Said Lynch.

New additions Mark Page and Alex Munro will be players to keep an eye out for.

Page is a League player, having formerly played with Manly Sea Eagles’ U20 outfit and in the Q Cup competition. Lynch praised Page, declaring, “He is very quick for his size and fit as a fiddle, so will suit the 7s format perfectly.”

“Our scrum half Alex Munro is another player to keep an eye on. He is a very experienced 7s player, having played a lot in Darwin, and was our MVP in last year’s Townsville carnival.” Lynch added.

SMC Rugby would like to give thanks to sponsors GNC LiveWell Townsville, Paleo Café, River View Tavern, Pacific Imports, Dan Thomson Architectural Drafting, FitXpress and North Coast PT.

SMC Team Line-up:
1. Alex Parker
2. Mark Page
3. Mitch O’Brien
4. Alex Munro ( C )
5. Josh Fletcher
6. Sean Lynch
7. Dylan O’Conner

Bench: 8. Tyson Tawhai
9. Chris Thinee
10. Paul O’Neill
11. Andrew Dreger
12. Hayden Hooper
13. Justin Zimmerman
14. Sam O’Neill
15. Justin Bell

Coach: Otto Pozzebon
Assistant Coach: Nick Pecchair
Manager: Steve Costanzo