POWER HOUSE Finals are upon us…

With just a few weeks until the final showdown, tensions are running high and every player and his dog is working that little bit harder to reach the top of the

ladder. Who will bring home the cup?

Lions claim trophy Rugby fans flocked down under from all corners of the world for the British and Irish Lions Tour during June and July 2013. The British and Irish Lions dominated the tour this year, falling short only once to the ACT Brumbies in a close win 14-12, making the Brumbies the sixth Australian team to hold the Lions try-less. This history-making game was the first win by a provincial Australian team over the Lions in 42 years. Not a great confidence boost for the Lions heading into their first test against the Wallabies. The first two tests featured in Sydney and Melbourne, playing out just how fans would want them to: close games and leaving the third as the epic decider. But perhaps with less penalty kicks.

The atmosphere was absolutely indescribable, with chanting fans and roaring costumes that produced a sea of red and gold in the packed grandstands. The tickets were definitely worth every cent, because you can’t find excitement like that just anywhere. The Lions won the opening test 21-23 in Sydney, with a couple of Wallabies making their debut. Christian Lealiifano was taken off less than a minute into the game after tackling Jonathan Davies and knocking himself out. Israel Folau made more of an impact, showing his incredible speed and strength in a sprint to score the opening try, and following it up with a second before half time. Leigh Halfpenny continued his almost-perfect kicking streak, and by the end of the tour had broken

the record for most points scored in one test. The second test was played in Melbourne and saw a similar result, with a missed penalty kick at fulltime, this time by Halfpenny (16-15). Don’t forget the fantastic tackle by George North, who lifted a strong, 100kg Folau off his feet and carried him like a backpack. Unfortunately North ended up landing on his head, but shortly after

he continued play. In the final test the British and Irish Lions made sure to showcase all their skills, and defeated the Wallabies with a huge score of 16-41.

PH players Niki Cook (left) and Sarah Marie Govier

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"I do," was the swift answer from Welsh rugby legend, Shane Williams, to a question asked by Power House player Sophie Cantrell, one of 500-plus guests at a luncheon held on the eve of the 2013 Australia versus British and Irish Lions Second Test Match. The question was asked in Welsh, so the majority of attendees at the sold-out event weren't quite sure what Williams was saying yes to – it could’ve been anything from who would win the test to a marriage proposal... As it turns out, Cantrell had asked Williams if he spoke Welsh. If she seemed flummoxed by his response, she was simply surprised at how quickly he replied. (No, she wasn't picturing herself by Williams' side in a big white wedding dress. At least, not as far as we know.) Of course, most of the guests – particularly those overseas supporters who made the trip for the event – possibly spent the night envisioning a future win (just not in the marriage department). This was the thirteenth test match luncheon organised by Power House since 1997, and luckily there was enough entertainment to distract the out-of-towners, as well as all other attendees, from thoughts of the looming match, held at Etihad Stadium on Saturday June 29. Back in November 2012, club members agreed they needed a new approach to planning this year’s test match. They aimed to find good speakers, a new MC and a comedian to achieve that fresh look.

With this goal in mind, the club managed to secure a new MC, Greg Clark (taking over from Dick Marks). Thanks to the lovely Fran Harper and her Welsh connections, they were able to convince British Lions and Welsh Legend Shane Williams and Ospreys Coach and Rugby Analyst BBC TV Sean Holley to make the trip. If this wasn’t enough in itself, the club succeeded in finding a comedian for the event: Irishman Paul Martell. Club president Alan Latu kick started the event, held at Power House’s upstairs function room, and throughout the day the drinks were flowing and the food was delicious, making it an occasion like no other. Later Martell took the stage and had the audience in stitches, with stories such as faking intoxication while driving: when breathalysed by a very

confused and angry policeman, he’d wink and say, “my uncle always told me to make people smile!” Martell lived up to his talents and gave the audience a taste of his Hollywood impersonations, including the imagined outcome if Nicholas Cage, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine or even Robert De Niro played James Bond 007. Plus he felt inclined to insult the extensive wait in Australia’s public hospitals: “the wait was so long the guy before me had a musket wound!” With a mixture of three hundred locals and two hundred interstate and overseas visitors, the day was a great success and has received a great deal of positive feedback. Among these 500 guests, we mustn’t forget the Spoofers in their fantastic rainbow jackets, in town not just

Sean Holley - Ospreys Coach and Rugby Analyst BBC TV

Shane Williams meets some of the female Power House players (from left): Amber Hibbard, Tamara Jackson, Sarah Marie Govier, Sophie Cantrell, Katherine Houston and Jolanda Vennedunker.

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Seniors The Senior 1st team are currently in fourth position on the ladder and heading into the last few rounds before finals in September. They’ve played remarkably well all season, having not a lost match since round 10 (29/6), which was a narrow three-point loss to Footscray. Second grade are third on the ladder to the Melbourne unicorns and the Harlequins respectively. However they had a one-point win over the Harlequins in round 15 (Aug 3), giving them confidence for what are sure to be some epic finals in September. Third grade have been performing well, despite a loss to the Harlequins in round 15, they thrashed Boroondara and Cerberus in the previous rounds. They are currently second on the ladder to the Melbourne Unicorns, and with games against the Unicorns and Melbourne University to come, hopefully they can maintain this position if not improve it. Having played some tough games these past few weeks, defeating Southern Districts (July 20) and Harlequins (Aug 3), Power House Senior 4th’s are in a good position for the finals. Ladies Captain Kate Metcalfe reports for the ladies: Considering we have so many new players I think we have achieved a lot to be 2nd in the league. We are 100% committed to winning this year so we still have a lot to prove and a lot of work to  do. Our new coach, John Liuanna, has committed to the next 2-3 seasons, so it’s looking very promising for the development of Power House Women’s Team. It’s also great to  see so many of our PH girls trying out for state rugby and I am sure those that are trying out will be successful.

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for the tour but also for the World Spoofing Championships. As afternoon turned to evening, the event’s entertainment was completed with the tunes of Pat McKernan. The luncheon was a fantastic opportunity to raise funds for Power House, thanks to the many participants and sponsors who kindly donated auction items. The two diamond rings, wine, test match tickets and rugby jumpers - signed by the Wallabies and British and Irish Lions - were a hit with all the

guests. The money raised will go towards the construction of the Stan Bisset Pavilion, which will include new men’s and women’s changing rooms, along with other expenditure. Power House would like to thank all of its sponsors: Betfair, iSelect, Prouds the Jewellers, Melbourne Luxury Limos & Tours, Five Walls Wines, Smartix and the Bells Hotel. The Australian Wallabies will face France in three home tests in June 2014, with the luncheon going ahead on Friday June 13.

Question time with Sean Holley (left) and Shane Williams

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Juniors The under 8’s showcased their talent at the curtain raiser for the British and Irish Lions Second Test at Etihad Stadium, June 29. This was a fantastic opportunity for the young players to experience playing in the stadium, and in such an exhilarating environment too. Zach Harper (14 years) was also one of the lucky few to be chosen as a ball boy for the Lions game. The under 18’s have been playing fantastically all season, and they are currently on the top of the ladder. The under 16’s have constantly been improving. This really paid off when they recently drew with Moorabbin, who are one of the top teams. Phoenix Hunt from the under 14’s has just been scouted by Rebels Rising, with training beginning in October this year. Well done Phoenix! State team selections have been made, the following have been selected to compete at Nationals: Ruben Tooze (U/16), Ajaeli Laakulu (U/16), Sione Namoa (U/16, U/15 and U/14), Hiliau Fifita, Liam Stone (U/14), Phoenix Hunt (U/14), Tolu Junior (TJ) Lavea (U/14), Kelli Taumelatila (U/12), Aaron Tofa (U/12) and Maxwell Leuga (U/12). Fox Harper made the under 16’s team but unfortunately did not make the final cut, however he will be their first reserve.

Colts team Power House is aiming to put together a Colts team for next season. Anyone you know aged under 20 who is interested in playing, encourage them to get involved! The Colts will begin their training at Langshaw Reserve, Fifth Avenue, North Altona, before crossing the bridge to the Albert Park fields. Want to get more involved? The Colts will require a Coach, Assistant Coach and Team Manager, so if you’re keen don’t hesitate to try a coaching position. Contact Fran Harper if you’re interested on 0434-165-261. 2014 Sponsorship The juniors are looking for sponsors who will be given the opportunity to buy the space to advertise their company on new rugby balls that will be purchased for each junior member. They are also searching for a sponsor to support a new set of shirts, costing $1,800. If any companies are interested, contact Fran Harper 0434-165-261. Free sailing! If you’re young and interested at trying your hand at sailing, here’s your opportunity: Bursary has been received to fund five places on the Tall Ship Lord Nelson which will sail from Freemantle on August 17 to Adelaide arriving August 31! Normally costing £2095 / $3500, it will be absolutely free! This is your chance to climb the masts and be part of a complete once in a lifetime sailing experience. You must be aged 16-25 years old. If you are interested apply to Rebecca.withers@jst.org.uk or call +4423 80426849 ASAP. Not sure? Call Fran Harper on 0434-165-261, to hear firsthand what you can gain from this amazing life experience after taking the plunge. Power House: A Visual History Fran Harper, Melbourne-based sports journalist Catherine Murphy, and Katherine Houston have been working in collaboration to put together a visual history of the Power House rugby club. The aim is to help newcomers and younger players understand what they’re playing for every time they put on the Power House jersey. The Power House visual history will be screened at the end of the season, details TBC. What’s Sao up to? It’s been go go go all year but thankfully the team was allocated a couple of weeks rest after

Date Event Theme Location Saturday August 17

Bledisloe Cup Split Room – team colours

Bells Hotel From 7pm

Saturday August 24

Junior’s party – all welcome

TBC Langshaw Reserve, Altona North

Saturday September 7

Senior’s FINALS FINALS Various locations

Saturday September 14

Senior’s FINALS FINALS Various locations

Saturday September 21

Presentation Night Suit up! TBC

Meeting the Wallabies was a fantastic success, and many young (and old) players got to meet their idols and have one, or in Jolanda Vennedunker’s case, ten items signed. There were many activities available including looking, but not touching, the glass cup for the tour, and participating in rugby drills such as tackling, kicking the ball into a bin, and weaving between poles, to name a few.

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the World Cup in June. They were back to it soon enough though, with testing at the AIS in Canberra over the weekend 9th and 10th of August. The summer is already set to be a busy one, as the squad has training camps leading up to interstate tournaments in October and November, followed by the IRB 7s season starting at the end of November.

Featured: (Top right) Claire Rimmer and Anna Harper supply their endless help on the BBQ. Photos: Xavier Francois

A huge thank you to our sponsors: Alliance Recruitment, Bells Hotel, betfair, iselect, Jetts Fitness St Kilda, Prouds – The Jewellers, South Melbourne Physio Clinic, Tax affair, nacap, Bali Tours, Cellarbrations, The George Hotel South Melbourne.

Above are photos from the Sportsbet test. It was a great night of rugby to celebrate the tour between Power House, Hammersmith and Fulham rugby clubs. Photos: Xavier Francois