OTG Clubs

OTG Cricket

After months of anxious communication with league officials, the 2020/21 MCC Club XI season officially kicked off in mid-November – about a month later than usual. Thanks to all teams begrudgingly agreeing to forgo their cherished weeks off over the Australia and Labour Day weekends, the league was able to deliver a substantial 13game season.

Again fielding teams in both Division 1 and 2, the OTGCC has experienced a turbulent season to say the least. At the time of writing, the First XI appear to have sewn up yet another finals berth, meaning that by the time of reading it is more than likely that we will have added to our streak of nine consecutive semi-final defeats (doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity right?).

The Second XI have fared quite substantially worse – sitting at the bottom of the ladder with only a solitary victory to our name. On a more positive note, we have seen a significant number of young OTGs make their debut for the Club which has certainly provided a boost for the old codgers like me. Let’s hope the next time we check in you are reading about the month-long celebrations following a miraculous OTGCC Division 1 premiership!

As always, if you should experience a cricket itch that you feel you need to scratch, don’t hesitate to get in contact with me at sebnicolosi15@

gmail.com

Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012)

President

OTG Football

As we write, there appears to be every hope and expectation 2021 will be much more normal, or at least, ‘COVID normal’. We are planning and preparing accordingly.

In 2021 we will field record numbers. Eight teams in total will represent the Green and Gold. Women’s Firsts and Reserves, Men’s Firsts in VAFA Premier League, Men’s Reserves, Men’s Thirds (Clubbies), Men’s U23s, Men’s U19s Firsts and Seconds. This is the biggest list the Club has ever seen, fulfilling our objective of participation for as many as possible.

Despite not having a season, 2020 was still incredibly busy. Our objectives remain:

• To build engagement within our

Club, Trinity and the broader community.

• To continue to develop our relationship with the OTGA.

• To significantly increase our membership base.

• To be a club that people want to be a part of, feel comfortable within and valued. • To build our Football Program with a focus on whole of Club, participation, and being the best we can be for all.

• To provide the resources to become better. Constantly.

• Through the introduction of a targeted wellbeing program, enhance our Club by looking out for its people, being a place they enjoy, where they can thrive and feel valued.

• Honour our past players and those who have helped our Club grow.

• Strongly enhance our relationship with both Trinity and Ruyton.

• Enhance our much-appreciated sponsor base through sustainable relationships and mutually valuable connections.

The 2021 VAFA competition has begun – it’s time to kick some goals again.

Go Ts! Neil Bowman

President

OTG Hockey

After a false start in 2020, 2021 is the year OTG Hockey is going to hit the pitch!

We are based at Bulleen and welcome anyone, regardless of ability, to come on down and join the Club. We are submitting two teams to play the Metro levels in the Eastern/Central Melbourne competition.

We were only together for a few short weeks last year, but the culture and community that was generated around the Club was extraordinary. This is something we cannot wait to build upon this year and, hopefully, we

can generate some success on the pitch as well. Training is underway and our teams are developing nicely so if you want to come down, please don’t hesitate!

If you have any questions, please reach out or come see us at Bulleen.

Steven Payne (OTG 2016)

President

OTG Soccer

With last year’s lack of activity behind us, the Club is excited about the return of our playing members, who are all eager to dust off the cobwebs and get back onto the field. Last year, the Committee put much energy into organising the 2021 season, and we are looking forward to what the year brings.

In early January, the men (Seniors/ Reserves) and women (Seniors) began their pre-season training, with a strong turn-out from all teams. The Senior men competed in the first round of the FFA Cup; however, after a 3-0 loss to Deakin SC, they were unable to progress. Despite the loss, spirits remain high and players are now looking forward to the start of the season. We are also eagerly awaiting the return of our Sunday men’s teams. In late January, we celebrated our first social event, a winery tour at the del Rios Winery and Restaurant in Mount Anakie, with both players and friends of the Club attending. This was a magnificent day, full of wine, food and good vibes, and we are grateful (as always) to the del Rios (an OTG family) for their first-class hosting. We are looking forward to our next event, the Amazing Race, which is designed to enhance the camaraderie between players and teams. With COVID restrictions easing (touch wood), the Club hopes to run many other social events this year.

The OTGSC currently supports five teams: Senior/Reserves Men (State League 5), Senior Women (State League 3), and Sunday Thirds/ Fourths Men (Metropolitan League). If you are interested in joining one of our teams, please contact Jeremy Neylon on 0407 580 045 for more details.

Jeremy Neylon (OTG 2013)

President

OTG Otters (Water Polo)

The Old Trinity Otters Water Polo Club has thrived since returning to action this year. A record 27 players in two teams are playing in a shortened summer social season of water polo at MSAC.

The State League 2 side has won twice and lost twice, and the State League 6 side is undefeated with four wins. The Club has been bolstered by strong attendance at training, and a recent Bunnings fundraising BBQ, helped gather momentum for a successful year. We continue to foster a strong, inclusive culture that prides itself on Trinity values, while also trying to improve the skills of its members and chase an elusive first premiership.

The Club is always interested in new players and if you are interested in joining please email our Club President, Mike Azarnikow (OTG 2011), mike.azarnikow@gmail.com

Edward Smith (OTG 2017)

Treasurer