Avondale club members gave their annual Mad Monday celebration extra meaning with their weekend results. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
RUGBY UNION
Avondale coach James Patrick feels the club has finally "got the monkey off its back" following a breakthrough first grade win and club championship at the weekend.
As more than 40 Wombats players honoured their triumphs with annual Mad Monday celebrations yesterday, Patrick praised the club's strong will this season.
Avondale clinched their first grand final win from four attempts on Saturday with a 41-20 romp over Tech Waratahs, while in second grade the club notched up a 25-10 win over the same opposition.
"First and foremost, the club championship is what you try to achieve because it means you've got a strong club in place," Patrick said.
"It's a monkey off the back because for the past five years we've been the most consistent club in the Illawarra but that first grade title has eluded us.
"Moving into the future, our achievements from the weekend leave us in a great place. I think we're heading in the right direction and winning the premiership shows the hard work that we've put in."
Players gathered to re-live the grand final action on DVD yesterday, while also sharing moments from the match over a beer.
But Patrick decided he didn't need to see it again: "I already know the outcome," he said.
