Yes Sir!
All round sportsman Matt Saul has put aside his rugby boots and cricket bat in favour of hob-nails and a new 'umpire'!
Matt is currently saluting the Drill Sargent at Singleton Army Base before heading north to Townsville to complete his entry level training and kick-start his career in the Defence Force.
Matt joins a number of former Dubbo Kangaroos and RSL Colts cricketers who have made the decision to commit themselves to service of our country through the Armed Forces.
Angus Ryan (Army) and Simon Aird, Dave Mann and Michael Champion (RAAF) all came through Dubbo junior sporting ranks and maintain close ties with their old clubs.
No doubt Matt will be keeping an eye on the prrogress of his teammates - the Roos in their trials at Mudgee and the RSL-Colts teams in their semi-finals.
When "Oirish Eyes are Smoiling'!
Diarmaid O'Shea - 'DJ' to all and sundry - is a proud 'Paddy' and he's telling everyone that his beloved Irish Rugby team is Six-Nations Rugby Champ.
DJ was up till the early hours on Sunday morning making every tackle and scoring every try and goal as the 'Four Clover' boys scored a famous victory at Staid de France.
The hard-fought 22-20 victory over the passionate Frenchmen took its toll on the young fella who was still to be sighted at the St Patrick's Day Eve Party at the Pastoral late on Sunday afternoon!
DJ has ingrained himself in the local culture since making Dubvegas home about four or five years ago. The likeable rogue went back to Mum and Dad's for Christmas and came back to Oz confidently predicting that Brian O'Driscoll would wrap up his fabulous career with the velvet isle in glory.
Not a bad tip considering Ireland had just gone down to Australia in their last test!
DJ will don the blue and red of the Roos for this Saturday's trip to Mudgee, though methinks the O2 guernsey will get a showing at some stage!
Gotta love the Oirish! 'Dey shore no 'ow t' party'!
Central West Blue Bulls
Brad Pugh is one of five Dubbo players selected for Central West in the annual Country Rugby Union championships.
The tall back-rower joins 2013 Country Cockatoos Peter Nau (hooker) and Filisoni Pauta (wing) and newcomers Scott Burgess (utility back, who has just transferred from Narromine Gorillas) and new prop Enoch To'Ofohe.
Pughey's selection is being hailed by teammates abd club officials. The tough-as-teak back rower's selection comes after a series of impressive performances in the Bulls' lead-up matches.
"I'm stoked," he laughed. "It's been a goal of mine since I played with the junior Bulls as a Colt and I am really focused on developing my game at Country Week in Mudgee."
Pughey started his sporting life playing soccer and junior rugby league in Peak Hill before joining the Kangaroos Under-15s 10 years ago.
"I played in the grand-final that year, then with Under-17s, Colts in 2007, Second Grade in 2008 and first grade in 2012 for a zero from five record, so getting picked in the Blue Bulls is like winning a premiership for me," Brad chuckled.
He did back up from the losing Second Grade Grand Final to sit on the bench for the Roo's 2008 First Grade win, but Brad says he is still aiming for a Central West title in his own right.
"It was great to be on the bench when we won, but i still don't feel like that was 'mine' so I've been really focused over the past couple of years. I think we've matured as a team and with a couple of new faces this year, who knows, I might be in for a double-whammy."
Roos president Graeme Board was full of praise for the talented player.
"Pughey works harder than anyone at training. He's a great clubman, always upbeat and encouraging the younger blokes and puts up his hand for the club board and contributes in lots of different ways. His selection for the Blue Bulls is richly deserved," Graeme told me.
Graeme says its a feather in the cap for the club to have five players in the senior Central West team as well as Brad Collins who has joined this season.
"We acknowledge there are a few newcomers like Scotty, Mercy and Brad but turn over happens in all clubs. These guys add to the strength of our juniors," Graeme said.
"Brad's dad, Troy, played his early rugby with the Roos and I think he's pretty excited to see his son in the blue and red."
"He had a fine year with the Rhinos last season and played for NSW Country Under 18s on their end-of-season tour to Europe. He's still a Colt but could well challenge for a first grade spot this year."
Brad Pugh is certainly in good company in the Blue Bulls which includes five players from last year's grand finalists Parkes, five from the rejuvenated Bathurst Bulldogs, several CSU students and a strong contingent two-time Premiers Orange City included in the squad.
Country Week in Mudgee
The Central West Blue Bulls will chase Country Rugby Union's 'holy grail' at the Glen Willow Complex this weekend.
Five Dubbo Kangaroos first-graders and one Colt carry the hopes of the region in semi-final matches on Saturday.
Hooker Peter Nau and prop Enok To'Ofohe are among those hoping to go one better than last year.
The senior team returns to the prestigious first division Caldwell Cup after taking out the Richardson Shield last year, while Colts are looking for their first title in many years.
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