Med Rugby v Ipswich
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- Category: Notables
- Published on Monday, 16 April 2012 13:44
- Written by Mark Andrews
- Hits: 925
“Go West Young Men” – so that’s what we did !!
As the traffic slowed to a crawl and the skies darkened, Med Rugby left the city and headed to Ipswich to play the Wyatt Cup’s newly instated team. After the nail-biter against Law, then virtually a 2 week gap with the Easter break with no team training, it would be interesting to see if the boys were focussed enough on the prize as they arrived at Woodend Park.
Ipswich were thumped in Round 1 so we knew they’d come out fighting this week. The Med Squad we aware that this could become a danger game and complacency could also be a factor.
So when the rain started to fall again, we knew a greasy ball and slipperier playing conditions meant less attacking opportunities, therefore making our job tonight that little bit harder. It would possibly become a forward battle – but either way – we‘d be up to the task !
Due to the early start and traffic conditions out of Brisbane worsening, Med saw some players running out onto the field with little or no preparation at all. But the respect shown to this new side was warranted as Med struggled early on to gain any kind of advantage. To Ipswich’s credit, they played we above what we expected and while some decisions were frustrating at times, our discipline was brilliant. Early on, this frustration crept into our own game and we to push the last pass instead of going to ground and waiting for support players, and with loose carries, we turned the ball over on far too many occasions. Thankfully our defence was solid though and after grinding down the Ipswich attack, we started to march forward towards their posts.
The UQ forwards dominated their larger opponents, resulting in the first try, finally, after 15minutes. To Ipswich’s credit, they fought hard throughout the first half and on a couple of occasions were unlucky not to put points on the board. Med’s scrambling defence and little luck prevented them from scoring 2 long range tries – it was the jolt we needed and after some brilliant teamwork, we scored again out wide. As the boys jogged to the sidelines at half-time, it was still anyone’s match as Med was leading by only 12 points to nil. Everyone knew what had to be done and discussion on the break defined the areas of concern. Confident that these issues would be addressed and knowing a large group had made the trip and were keen to get amongst it (some for the first time in UQ Med Rugby colours), we raced back with Ev’s words in our ears. We’d done enough to win the match if our defence was up to scratch but we weren’t prepared to stop at 2 tries with the talent around us.
With some interesting “no try” decisions going against us, we held our nerve and continued to play in the oppositions half for the majority of the second half. Our kicking games was superb and Ipswich had little answer as we drove them time and again into their corners. In true Med spirit, it was fantastic to witness many of the experienced players guiding the debutants around the paddock, encouraging them to try harder and harder. The team was playing as a tight unit and the determination to finish the job was there for all to see. Med barged over for 3 more gutsy tries and with conversions successful, a satisfied Coach was very happy with the 33 – 0 score line which included a bonus points for 4 or more tries. Clearly the most pleasing aspect was the clean score sheet on our side – proving once again – the pride we take in our defensive efforts – it’s the backbone of this great club.
A big thank you for everyone who made the trip out west on a cold, wet night – especially those who travelled huge distances and left work/hospital early – and hopefully the results helped make it all worthwhile.
We finished the 3-cheers and team song just in time as the heavens decided to open up, so everyone piled into the cars for the long drive back to Brisbane.
Boys, there is still plenty to work on – but everyone contributed to tonight’s big win. Congratulations to the entire squad tonight; an excellent result and just what we needed to continue the momentum into the season.
Med Rugby v Law
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- Category: Notables
- Published on Thursday, 12 April 2012 13:44
- Written by Mark Andrews
- Hits: 987
2012 – Here we go again !!
But this time it’s as “Reigning Premiers”…
After 7 weeks of training and trials the UQ boys were chomping at the bit to rip into Griffith Med last Friday for the “ProLENDING Cup” but it’s been postponed ‘til later in the year.
We have that chance again though tonight as first up – we face off against our arch rivals, ‘TC Bierne School of Law’. In previous 2-3 years, Med has had the wood on Law but a considerably larger and fitter looking group emerged from the darkened corners of Field 5B, St Lucia.
UQ Med’s new-look squad, sporting last year’s Premiership winning strip, ran out with high expectations – raring to go.
Within minutes both sides were bashing each other – aaah – Rugby’s back !! although a little rusty, we seemed to be playing with plenty of confidence and after good field position and some tight forward combinations, we barged over the try line to take an early lead.
The game then turned and over the next 15 minutes our defence was tested and Law’s heavy weight of possession proved to be the difference as they ran in two unanswered tries. We needed to sure-up some gaps in our defence as the scoreboard showed 12 – 5 in their favour. Fortunately a late penalty goal saw the margin close to just 4 points at the main break. With both sides losing players to injuries, this was shaping up to be another close encounter.
The first huddle of the year produced some spirited discussions and home truths – but everyone knew the effort was there. We were definitely in the mix but with Law’s confidence growing, Med couldn’t relax for a second and everyone was going to have to step-up.
The contest continued and the defensive efforts from both sides – so early on in the season - was outstanding. The momentum was still with Law though and they scrambled over out wide for another very good team try, widening the gap now to 9 points.
What everyone at the ground witnessed for the next 12 minutes was nothing short of courageous! With our backs to the wall, hemmed in on our try line, Med tackled and tackled. We simply had to as the Law attack was relentless. With virtually no ball, we had to dig deep and just believe in the people either side of us to do their job. One after the other, we continued to pull off try-saving tackles, it was inspirational! The commitment was unbelievable and those of us on the sidelines were comparing this effort with the great teams of the past who were renowned for their ‘never say die’ try line defence.
The game was either going to be won or lost at this moment. Luckily for Med, our solid wall started pushing their challenger back. The UQ Med boys turned defence into attack and marched Law back down the field. Finally with more ball in hand, Med raced in a brilliant team try and kicked a long range Penalty goal minutes later, to snatch back the lead 18 to 17.
The tension on the sidelines was growing at a frantic pace – and like the old Med vs Law clashes – an exciting finish was ahead. The whistle blew - another penalty and another penalty goal to Med pushed us out to 21 points to 17. 4 points – would that be enough? With 5minutes still remaining – the result was still on a knife’s edge – one try to Law and the game would be lost.
The next period of play was ‘Grand Final-esque”. Both sides gave their all and when the final whistle blew – the scoreboard read ‘UQ Med 21 / UQ Law 17’. These are the games you want to win – not just because it was Law – but the confidence in winning the tight matches puts us in good stead for future matches. Everyone contributed to tonight’s success, and the Coaching staff were extremely pleased with certain aspects of the game. The efforts at training was there to see and the overall enthusiasm from the entire squad is exactly what we’d been hoping for, at this early stage of the season.
While there’s still plenty of room for improvement and lots of things to work on for future games – a win is a win – especially when we held the opposition out for that game-changing period in the second half. As we try and explain each year, being part of Med Rugby is so much more than just training and playing football each Monday and Friday evenings - and we’re delighted with the group which has been assembled for 2012.
Thank you to all involved including the loyal UQ Med spectators and assistants.
2012 is off to a great start and while there’s a long season ahead, the signs are promising – so let’s hope we’re in for another enjoyable one.
Congratulations Boys …
Easter next Friday then we’re off to do battle in the west when we take on Ipswich on Friday 13th
Elective Opportunity
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- Category: Notables
- Published on Monday, 06 February 2012 17:46
- Written by Secretary
- Hits: 2549
I am Dr Asoka Thenabadu, a Consultant Paediatrician of Sri Lankan origin based in the UK for the past 35 years. I Live in Epsom, Surrey and currently semi retired to Sri Lanka.
I have set up an exciting and a well structured elective programme in Sri Lanka for medical students who wish to do their elective overseas. I will be grateful for making this information available for medical students please.
At present we arrange electives at a 1041 bed semi Government hospital which is located in the suburbs of Colombo and one of the best equipped private hospitals in Central Colombo. These hospitals have a high patient turnover and offers all specialties. They also have committed consultants, highly trained Registrars and SHOs who are keen to teach. They have English speaking staff at all levels so that overseas students could communicate without difficulty. This is essential for effective learning.
We will arrange an elective for the students to gain maximum exposure as possible in their selected specialties . Rural hospitals in Sri Lanka do not offer elective programmes but we could arrange students to get involved in public health programmes like immunization or dengue prevention upon availability, if interested.
All correspondence required by the hospital will be expedited by us on behalf of the student.
We will also arrange safe accommodation close to the hospital at reasonable rates and pick up the students on arrival from airport.My staff is available for any other assistance they may need during their stay. If I am in Sri Lanka by the time they arrive I will personally take them to the hospital and introduce them to the staff.
A detailed time table of the elective programme and our fees are given in our web site http://www.medicalelectives2srilanka.com/more-info.php
I will be thankful for sharing the information with students who may be interested in doing an elective in Sri Lanka.
Thanking you, I look forward to hear from you.
Kind Regards,
Dr Asoka Thenabadu
MBBS DCH MRCPCH
Sign up for Teddy Bear Hospital!
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- Category: Notables
- Published on Monday, 27 February 2012 13:42
- Written by Community Officer Elect Patrick Tunney
- Hits: 2075
Teddy Bear Hospital is starting up for the year and we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to go on TBH visits! For those of you new to Teddy Bear Hospital, it is a free program run by The Ashintosh Foundation that aims to promote preventative medicine in primary school children, by passing on messages related to nutrition, exercise, sun safety, oral hygiene and visiting the doctor. Click here to sign up or click read more to learn about TBH!
Tell us About Your Elective Experience!
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- Category: Notables
- Published on Monday, 09 January 2012 14:42
- Written by Community Officer Elect Patrick Tunney
- Hits: 3211
UQMS is currently reinvigorating the Ashintosh Electives Database in order to provide important information to first year students about elective opportunities. Whether your elective was amazing or awful, please take a few minutes to fill out our electives database form. Click here to begin!
SoM Elective Photo Competition
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- Category: Notables
- Published on Thursday, 09 February 2012 16:26
- Written by Secretary
- Hits: 3923
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