Clanregeln » LB Leonard Floyd leads leagues rookie

Club rugby has a pulse. A powerful, healthy pulse. This is despite it being continually neglected, with funding chopped off by those who run the code, and has had to rely on the most selfless of volunteers to survive.But as was shown at the Shute Shield grand final on Saturday, it provides a vital core to the game. It is where so many discover and develop their love of the code. It continues to produce talent for the professional level. And as it involves intense tribalism, it really means something.That it still has a major impact has to be applauded when as the Sydney Rugby Union chairman and president Rob Millner explained in the match program that this years funding from the Australian Rugby Union (had been) cut to zero.You can have your many and varied professional competitions, with cobbled together teams. But for the bulk of the 10,000 or so who were at North Sydney Oval, they would say that the highlight of their season was witnessing this rollicking club final. It was where they can show their true allegiances.As delighted were those involved in the 7Two free-to-air television coverage, who have been enthused with their club rugby figures all season, where in NSW only they have been averaging 65-70,000 viewers per game.It was a highly emotional day. When the teams ran out- there were on-field scuffles among supporters from various clubs- not just the grand-finalists- who had formed tunnels for both sides. And it finished with a crowd invasion before the end of the game in the last minute, when hundreds hopped the fence and made a mad dash down the field to enjoy the moment when one of Sydney rugbys longest droughts ended. The final involved one of the powerhouses of the local game- Sydney University- which in recent times had become accustomed to accumulating premierships- seven Shute Shield titles in the past decade.Up against them was one of the competitions battlers- Northern Suburbs- an organisation which has had its tough times, but always boasted a strong club spirit. Nonetheless they had been under-achievers for some time- not having enjoyed Shute Shield success since 1975, or had appeared in a grand final since 1998.So the Norths diehards arrived at their home ground, buoyant about a lineup that had won 12 games straight to make the grand final, but with reservations, as they were aware of the difficulties of having to confront an opposition long accustomed to success.Among them were Norths Test representatives, including Al Baxter and Richard Tombs, while there was a sighting of their current Wallaby- Adam Ashley-Cooper- on the Hill. In the stands were representatives of Norths 1975 premiership team, including their captain Reg Smith, who long ago at the Sydney Sportsground had defeated an impressive Parramatta side that had Ray Price who was about to head to the league ranks.And like any good final, which must have its heroes and villains, they had someone to jeer on Saturday. In the Sydney University side was Tom Carter, long-time Waratah, playing his last game. For years, he has polarised crowds, irritating many with his on-field aggression and often masterful sledging skills. So the anti-Carter chants began.Carter had his moment of retaliation, when after Norths had dominated the first half, he scored after the break right in front of their cheer squad in the Charlie Macartney Stand. With it a fist pump aimed at both the Norths and University fans.It looked as if it had the desired effect, as University again scored shortly after to take the lead 15-13. But Norths, as they have done so many times this season, rallied, breaking through twice, including in the final minute that prompted the crowd swarm. A conversion still had to be taken, but due to the chaos, referee Will Houston had no option but to call full-time.After the game, Carter impressed many with his gracious words, explaining that the Shoremen fully deserved the Shute Shield and that it was a fitting way to end a 41-year famine.But it was still a tough moment.I suppose Ive made a lot of people happy in Sydney tonight going out a loser, Carter said as Norths were being presented with the Shute Shield.Its a shit way to finish your career, I guess. But Ive given it my all. I didnt play for Australia, and I didnt win a grand final in my last game. I still love the game and its given me a lot.Nearby on the field, Reg Smith was delighted he had witnessed such an important club moment and a day that reminded all how crucial this level of the game remains.They are a fabulous side, as theyve come from behind so many times to win, Smith said. They are so gutsy, so spirited. It wont be 40 odd years before we win another one, thats for sure.Its days like these which shows how much spirit there is in club rugby. Its all very well for the 0.1 per cent of the guys who make a living out of rugby, but for the rest this is the real heart and soul of the game.Thankfully there were ARU officials in attendance. After witnessing such a vibrant finale, it would have been impossible for them to ignore the fact that club rugby is alive, well and kicking... but most importantly deserves greater support. 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Charlie McAvoy Bruins Jersey .C. -- Rodney Hood connected from all over the court while freshman Jabari Parker was busy swatting shots and scoring in transition.CHICAGO (3-9) at DETROIT (8-4)Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBSOPENING LINE -- Lions by 7RECORD VS. SPREAD -- Chicago 5-7, Detroit 7-4-1SERIES RECORD -- Bears lead 97-71-5LAST MEETING -- Bears beat Lions 17-14, Oct. 2LAST WEEK -- Bears beat 49ers 26-6, Lions beat Saints 28-13AP PRO32 RANKING -- Bears No. 28, Lions No. 7BEARS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (16), RUSH (19), PASS (17)BEARS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (7), RUSH (18), PASS (6)LIONS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (21), RUSH (29), PASS (15)LIONS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (15T), RUSH (13), PASS (20)STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES -- Bears can sweep season series for first time since 2012. ... Chicago had lost three straight, six of seven before beating San Francisco. ... Bears QB Matt Barkley had career-high 97.5 rating in win over 49ers in second straight start with Jay Cutler out for season. ... Chicago rookie RB Jordan Howard ran for 111 yards against Detroit in Week 4, had 117 yards rushing and three TDs last week. ... Bears WR Josh Bellamy had career-high 93 yards receiving against 49ers in 40th game of career. ... Chicago DE Akiem Hicks had twoo sacks last week and has career-high six sacks.dddddddddddd ... Bears LB Leonard Floyd leads leagues rookies with seven sacks. ... Lions have two-game lead in NFC North, moving closer to first division title since 1993. ... Detroit has won four straight and seven of eight since losing at Chicago. ... Lions QB Matthew Stafford has thrown one INT in eight games since he had two INTs against Bears. ... Detroits Theo Riddick leads NFL RBs with 12 TD catches since 2014. ... Lions WR Golden Tate had eight receptions for 145 yards and TD at New Orleans. Tate had one catch for 1 yard at Chicago. ... Detroit DE Kerry Hyder has four sacks in last four NFC North games. ... Fantasy Tip: Lions WR Marvin Jones is expected to play after missing last week with quadriceps injury. With Tate getting plenty of attention, Jones may get lots of opportunities to make plays.---AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '