The Rusty Ballers were founded late in 2002 (then known as the OJ’s), however the first official, statistically
recorded game was played on 28/01/2003. The founding members of the side included Matt Yeomans, Andrew Hentschke, Warren Young,
John Rowe, Brett Campbell, Brenton Jettner, Daniel Hughes and Sam Sherriff. The team went 6-2 from the 8 recorded games of
B-grade competition, bowing out in the semi-final stage to a more determined and aggressive San Georgio side.
The second season was a long time coming, however on the 16th November,
2004, The Cheezels were born. Losing Daniel Hughes to Japan, Sam Sherriff to fatherhood and Brenton Jettner to Bordertown,
the recruiting drive began in earnest, netting Jarred Mickan, Dave Lewis and Steve Goodrich. The squad for this season included
Matt Yeomans, Andrew Hentschke, Warren Young, John Rowe, Brett Campbell, Steve Goodrich, Dave Lewis and Jarred Mickan. The
team boasted a record of 8 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses, however, the ultimate success eluded them, once again being eliminated
at the semi-final stage. Playing in C-grade for the first time, greater success was sought.
This brings us to the Rusty Ballers. The season kicked off on 4th October,
2005. Starting the season in C-Grade, an improvement within the group would surely mean a promotion to B-grade would be imminent.
Gone from the second season was Jarred Mickan, however, in a major coup, Ben Way was lured out of retirement to step into
the team. The squad consisted of Matt Yeomans, Andrew Hentschke, Warren Young, John Rowe, Brett Campbell, Steve Goodrich,
Dave Lewis and Ben Way. Late season replacements included Philip Eatts, Sam Sherriff, Dan Hughes and Phillip Wingrave. After
a promising 5-0 start in C grade, the team failed to capitalise once the long year in B-grade took place, going 11-1-10
over the season, once again falling at the semi-final stage to the SR's.
The 2006/2007 season was the continuation of the Rusty Ballers Institution.
The season tipped off on the 17th October, 2006. Gone from the previous year was John Rowe, Ben Way and Matt Yeomans.
Making his debut was Roy Kempster, and a regular roster spot finally opened up for Phill Wingrave. Josh McElroy also came
into the side after the first month of the season. The squad for the season was: Andrew Hentschke, Brett Campbell, Warren
Young, Steve Goodrich, Phill Wingrave, Roy Kempster, Josh McElroy and Dave Lewis. Phill Wingrave didn't see in the
New Year, citing personal grievances with another player. A mid-season demotion from B-grade to C-grade followed a string
of poor results. With finals seemingly out of reach, a late surge of 5 straight wins to close the season was not quite enough,
with us missing the finals on percentage. Our final win-loss count ended square with 9-9, a disappointing result
for the talent on this roster.
2006/2007 Year in Review
A-Z of The Rusty Ballers
Where Are They Now?
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