
GO YOU GOOD THINGS
One of the great poems, first taste of senior club premiership success and foundation for decades to come.
Credit: Jeffrey Jones
In 1823 on a school field God and Bill Ellis hatched a plan
To create a game forever heaven and earth to span
The purpose of Rugby soon became plain
- Generations of players, regardless of size
Could test themselves for life and strive to gain
The right to hold that Holy Grail, a grand final prize
And now in Rugby's vast hall of fame
Tech Tahs of Wollongong has placed its name
Honour is due the men of Red White and Black
Who know how to mount and repel an attack
So in your mind let the days reel back
To that thunderous, wondrous 9th September
When they gave this young club a night to remember
Lunchtime - at the Clubhouse, it was nice and steady
The team confident, relaxed - they were ready
Dean the hard man took off with his paper to lie in the sun
Gus, Craig, Fatty and others watched video and chewed on a bun
Robbie and Chris Allen swapped secret brotherly back talk
Only now and then did someone take that short "nervous" walk
HK sits and, how unusual, seems lost in space
His bookends worry not - he'll be right on the pace
Reece Bratton shows how he's feeling so cool
And calmly sets up a card playing school
Uncle Ron mothered about - "with the pasta drink water!
- let the carbohydrates do what they oughta”
On the concrete Frogger laid, a football the pillow for his head
And Roger smiled as he looked at the men he had led
Wandering about is Captain Harry with his melon grin
He knows the outcome - Tech Tahs will win
History contains truths - one stands tall and grand
The power of words to elevate and ennoble man
Let us recognise that in Tech Tahs history
Two speeches which unlock that mystery
Of how in two short years - wooden spooners to Premiers
Leaving the rest sitting on their derrieres
In the first Roger called upon the ghosts of ANZAC past
A young Lieutenants' orders to hold to the last
And with these stirring words in each player grew
A determination to play up to Aussie spirit true
It didn't take long, Roger's ANZAC talk
All they had to do now was to walk the walk
The second from Rick, the grizzled campaigner - straight from the heart
And as he spoke, from his eyes some tears did start
"You fellows should realise the work that's been done for an age by many whose reward would be for you to win - centre stage"
He told them of how the word had travelled fast
The messages of support received from players past
From NZ, Queensland, Ireland, Wales, Scotland they came
Urging them onto victory and Shoalies to tame
"History supports and destiny beckons - a lot of people are supporting us"
The players grew quiet and determined there sitting in the bus
In their eyes there gleamed the battle light
They would win it for their mates, the club - this fight
On and on it mounted till it shone bright
The will to win - they would hold against Shoalies might
The hours crawled by - times relative they say
Until they were stripped, stretched and ready to play
On that slow purposeful walk from the slope of grass
The team silently vowed that the try line Shoalies should not pass
And onto the side lines appeared painted spectres brave
Leading the throng into song, flags awave
Under the grandstand thunderous with applause
Streamed the Tech Tahs all afire, then a pause
Before the announcer called each on by number, one by one
The way they ran out all knew they would climb the highest rung
The anthem was sung, teams in position, let battle start
Each man ready to play and do his part
Rugby fast and open was the plan
And didn't they show it man by man
It was a wonder to behold
And every player oh so bold
The supporters painted and clothed in Red White and Black
Stomped and screamed themselves hoarse, loving each wave of attack
Dapto's caretaker was seen to shake his head
It wasn't meant to stand this - no way - his shed
The first scrum - "locks in" and the front rows stare
"Crouch- engage"- a wild bull, those forwards would scare
Eyes ablaze, faces grim
The Tech Tahs pack never gave in
From red zone to red zone the grand final went
And many watchers thought "lord love us, they'll all be spent"
Its not half time yet
On Tech Tahs everyone wanted to bet
The pack is on fire - pick and drive - grind
Over the precious advantage line - paying the defence no mind
There's Benny 0 and Fatty with their ears pinned back
Streaming across field terminating the backs track
The back line of Ross, Reece, Moana, Chris and Adam well aligned is rock solid
Look out Shoalies - there's only one greeting and that's torrid
In the stand fingernails are chewed away. ·
Though this wasn't a church, you could hear Wayne pray
And each Red White and Black breast feels fit to burst
They know it has to be now- forget the wooden spoon curse
On the sideline Roger he waits
A Coach is lonely though surrounded by mates
His men are out there doing their stuff
Proving what he knows, they're mighty tough
Twice from twenty-two restarts Mick Hayes opted for cunning
A tap and run, but Kris defence was stinging and stunning
And instead of Shoalies being down field running full tilt
Tech Tahs defence pressed hard - right to the hilt
And so it continued the first forty thrill followed by spill
And at half time the score was nil nil
In the stands the supporters were tense
Already on the edge of their seats victory they could sense
In front of the Shoalies grandstand section Simon T stirring, dashed
For his effort blood is spilt as about his head cans crashed
On the field Roger laid his orders down
"Maintain the pressure, we own this town
Take any points on offer, we're on track
Keep hammering them, not long and they'll crack"
As one the Tech Tahs heeded his words
And resolved to taste sweet victory not bitter curds
The forwards shake and move every ruck and maul
To gain and retain that treasure of prizes - the ball
The front row of Harry, HK and Gilroy, Dean
Are tigers - not for them any thoughts tomorrow of what might have been
The tight five are engaged in trench warfare, real blood and guts
Gus, Benny 0 and Fatty are rampaging madly driving Shoalies nuts
Kris makes them shudder when he hits them- they're on the rack
And at the lineouts they put Craig or Gus well above the pack
And driving these forwards on like a man demented is Rod
He delivers the ball to Ross, slick and fast, like shelling peas from a pod
The backs defence is so tight, Ross Reece and Moana - didn't care what magic Shoalies bring
They kept rocking them back on the heels with tackles full of sting
Robby the custodian covered everything in sight
And always brought the ball with him, and the team back at full flight
Then for some imaginary indiscretion the Referee his whistle blew
And Shoalies' Tim Eddy kicked the penalty high and true
And back in the stand "that'll stir them up" opined one old player
"Just watch our lads, they'll raise a cog- this team it's a stayer"
And from kick off never truer a word was spoke
Because what next happened, Shoalies back was broke
Kris Leha said to his Tongan mate "just run straight"
And to that call the centre responded - he was like a front runner in the Cox's Plate
It was a glorious sight, Moana in full flight on the fly
And when at last his straight, bumping run had ended - the first try
Panda - bloody - monium in the stands with Slacko, Paul D and Bat orchestrating the noise
On that field of glory Rod and Harry called for more effort plus discipline and poise
Wayne 0 near broke the old player's back with a bear hug
And shouted "we can do it - it's ours - that Prime mug"
A penalty to Shoalies directly in front - the Captain declines - brave decision?
Came the green and gold waves of attack - repelled with ferocity and precision
When at last the pressure eased and Tech Tahs through power and skill got room
You could hear loud and clear - the knell of Shoalies doom
For that chance of points gone abegging foreshadowed the end
Now the Tech Tahs swept downfield, unmistakable the trend
Relentless pressure on the Shoalies was telling
And on the sidelines the supporters chests were swelling
There was the smell of blood in the air
In the tank Tech Tahs would leave nothing to spare
Harry skirts out wide, runs, bumps and in the defence - a dent
Quick recycling, the passes blaze and once more Shoalies line is bent
The try line looms close- of powerful play Shoalies receive a full dose
Ross tries a field goal but it's too wide
No matter - nothing can stop this Tech Tah tide
Once more the forwards battering ram applies the heat
Moana wants the ball; in his quest for his second try he won't be beat
Again quick passes - it looked like sleight of hand
Moana was in again - strike up the band!
Panda - bloody - monium once more - the grandstand rocked with joy
There wasn't a dry eye to be seen, Tech Tahs were on song - every man and boy
Dapto's caretaker into the night he had fled
He couldn't face what might happen to his beloved shed
And again the old player felt fright
As once more Wayne hugged tight
Reliable, ever-steady Reece calmly potted the goal
Everyone knew Shoalhaven had hit a big hole
Manager Rick was toey and Trainer Brony too
Assisted by Julie they knew what to do
Magic water, liniment, Vaseline they dispatch
All bumps, cuts, lumps, sprains they patch
With first aide, strapping they would help
Though the hits were vicious no Tech Tah would whelp
For this was the testing of the Tech Tah name
Raw courage, great skill, open rugby the game
None thought of the pain, only the gain
None his duty did shirk - every man just looked for more work
Craig and Gus could teach eagles how to soar
Each time one went up - hear the crowd roar
Rod weaved his magic - a short kick
Chase and tackle the catcher, neat trick!
Hard, fast, open rugby - joy that money can't buy
The team and the crowd could smell a try
The pressure was on for young and old
And the old player looked for a way to beat Wayne's next hold
Supporter’s eyes strain in the dark
The whole team lifts - it’s like a great shark
Intent on its prey, it will have its way
Shoalies try hard - using every trick in the book
Tech Tahs stood firm, victory was to be theirs by hook or by crook
A highball goes up, Adam backs himself and with aplomb
Takes it at pace in goal, defusing the bomb
Drifts across field - everyone's eyes are wide
Cool as a cucumber he threads the defence with his magic stride
The pressure mounted the defence was wilting, the attack kept it up
And after torrid exchanges Fatty went over, a reward most fitting - on victory they'd sup
This time everyone knew the race had been run
Shoalies were down and although not out - Tech Tahs had won
In the grandstand every eye glazed and to the sky the cheers of triumph raised
Chris has worked hard time is short - on goes Valdo
Though slight he strong and with fresh legs watch him go
Gus also has done more than his share so on goes TimeO
He's keen to get out there and strike a blow
Frogger gets the nod to replace HK
And he scoots headfirst into the fray
With Roger like guard dogs straining on the lead
Are the other reserves hoping for the call, into the action to speed
There's Bruton, Federicci, Williams and Marto
Shane, Stokes, Readie and the Rock wanting to go
They breed them tough down Nowra way
While Tech Tah confidence soared the Shoalies still had a say
Piggyback penalties brought Shoalies close to the line
But it was a lost cause - it’s nearly full time
They had courage and pride and wouldn't down lie
And to their credit, Shoalies managed a last gasp try
It was then at last Jim full time blew
The effort and courage to climb the mountain, Tech Tahs knew
At last for the Coach full time rings
Relief and joy to him it brings
Amid the celebrations, supporters sing, flags wave
All in salute to the Tech Tahs brave
Shoalies just stood there dismayed and shocked most profound
While Tech Tahs celebrated in a cyclone of sound
The old player looked round to give WayneO the slip
He feared for his back and what the President might rip
The Coach's wife Marlene and Rick did a jig
Grand finals provide their own intoxicant - it was that big
Ron bustled and bustled about - the moustache a-twitch
On came the painted faces and wigs, even god help me, I think a witch
Round and round they danced -flags on high
To those wooden spoon days Tech Tahs yelled goodbye
That night Tech Tahs brought a smile to Bill Ellis' ghost
They stood Premiers by a country mile and played well when it mattered most
But spare a thought for the vanquished foe
Shoalies who fought strong, toe to toe
In the Red White and Black confetti strewn round
Lie shattered their hopes forlorn, ground down
Yet in rugby's company Mick Hayes can stand tall
He and his men valiantly give their all
But nothing could stem that Red White and Black tide
You had to hang on tight, it was a glorious ride
Back in the dressing room the players' private enclave
Tech Tahs like winning- they're grinning- soon they'll rave
But first with champagne fizzing Ross performs in the shower
Proudly proclaiming victory to the stallion and blood red flower
He recites in a bellow the Coaches words of power
Which contributed to the triumph grand
"No one leaves - hold the ground - here we stand"
At last from the field the players and supporters trekked
To the Conno, Tech Tahs triumphant- to the south, Shoalies wrecked
Back in the darkness at the ground
Listen carefully, only the ghosts of rugby make the sound
Echoing faintly, hear the cheers as they sing
With feeling "TECH TAHS - GO YOU GOOD THINGS"
From the Year 2000.