Rugby Briefs

Newcastle Herald

Thursday June 22, 2000

Sean Melehan

Clubs share Uni's grief

THE thoughts of the Newcastle and Hunter rugby community will be with members of the University club in coming weeks following the tragic death of first-grade flanker Mark Charles.

Charles and his mountaineering mate Steve Rogers died in an abseiling incident at the Blue Mountains over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.

Known affectionately among players as `Charlesy', he had played for the Students for the past five years and made his way through the grades.

Charles was respected for his quiet determination and commitment to club programs on and off the field.

Head coach Col Pratt said Charles was a promising young breakaway. Bulls' brave submissionOFFICIALS have congratulated Singleton for helping to bring an ugly second-grade incident before last night's busy NHRU judiciary hearing.

The Bulls came up with the tape of the alleged round-nine brawl at Rugby Park despite knowing the move would put some of their own players under the spotlight.

As a result, three Singleton players and three University players were due to answer charges last night.

The Bulls' long evening was set to continue with the appearance of first-grade fly-half Josh Valentine, who was sent off during the second half of their 32-20 loss to Wanderers last Saturday. Merrick streets aheadSINGLETON halfback Steve Merrick collected a maximum three points on Saturday to extend his lead in the Anderson Medal race.

Merrick has moved to 18 points, seven ahead of second-placed Nelson Bay second-rower Murray Smith, whose team had the bye.

Eastern Districts forward Todd Lawrence is the big mover on the table, collecting his third three-point haul for the season after a strong game against Hamilton.

Lawrence has leapt Wanderers' David Lubans and University's Junior Lene (both on seven points) to be outright third on nine points.

Talented Waratahs back Luke Kermode also made a jump. His two points vaulted him to fourth on eight points.