Dave Sheridan will be the focus of the players on Saturday, with the side playing in memory of the Club legend who tragically passed away in late 2024.
The Cootamundra Tri-Colours enjoyed great success on their trip to Grenfell over the weekend with a thumping 62-5 win over the Grenfell Panthers. Coach Phil Gay was pleased with the result.
“We’re looking for more continuity amongst the team, we’re almost at the halfway point of the season and we’re still figuring out what our best 15 looks like.
“We’re getting decent numbers at training but not as many as I want. We’ve tried to send a message to the players that if they don’t turn up at training don’t turn up on game day. Hopefully, they will respond.
“Pat Cameron was excellent, our fullback Junior Officer was unbelievable before breaking his collarbone, he will be out a while.
“We’ve had a few locals return this year hoping to give the premiership another go, Hamish Pennington being one, they’ve brought a great vibe into the club and I think we’re a stronger side than last year.
“We’re under no illusions about Young’s ability, they’ll be strong against us. After the final whistles blown we will know where we are at, whether we’re contenders or pretenders. “We welcome back Jack Hogan who’ll play halfback, and Thomas Morel back too. Junior’s our lone injury from last week.”
This weekend will be a special one for the Club which will be hosting their annual Old Boys Day. A day to welcome all past and present players and members.The boys will be playing in memory of old boy David Sheridan, who tragically passed away late last year.
The club along with the Sheridan family is looking to auction off cotton player jerseys. Money raised will go towards creating a fund for friends and family of Coota Rugby who may need financial support.
A few words from the 2006 coach Mark Ward in which David played a pivotal role in winning the Grand Final.
“David was a past player and member of the undefeated 2006 premiership side.
“Shero or Carcass, as he was affectionately known, was the older brother of another well-known Tri-Colour and local Andrew Sheridan,” Mark said.
“Dave played well above his weight, his competitive spirit and determination could sometimes be misinterpreted by his quiet, unassuming nature by the opposition. He was a gifted defender and a balanced speedster, that got us out of trouble on more than one occasion.
“Above all, Dave was just a good bloke to be around. He sat back and watched the crowd, would chime in with a one-liner often, and was known for always having a smile on his face.”
One-off long-sleeved vintage white cotton player jerseys will be worn by players and auctioned off post-game at presentations. At their request funds raised from these jumpers will then be distributed by the Sheridan family to people/charities associated with the club in need of some assistance in David’s memory.
As of last year, old boys and friends are invited to attend The Albion Hotel for lunch before the game at 1 pm before walking to the ground together at 3 pm.
The boys will be looking to harness David’s competitive nature and spirit as they take on Young at 3:15 pm Saturday at Bassingthwaighte Park.
-Tully Potts
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