Convicts say thanks to supporters
The Sydney Convicts have sent a message of thanks to its supporters following its Bingham Cup campaign in America at the weekend.
While the Convicts missed out on a third consecutive Bingham Cup, going down to the New York Gotham Knights 18-15 in a tight grand final, the Convicts 2 side picked up the Bingham Bowl.
“The seconds were amazing and came away with the Bingham Bowl overcoming the team they lost to in the pool match to claim the final in an impressive and dominant fashion,” Convicts president Charlie Winn told Sydney Star Observer from Minneapolis.
“The firsts team dominated the tournament and threw everything at the final, having most of the running and doing plenty enough to win but, alas, chances slipped by and Gotham (New York) snared every chance they had.
“No regrets at all, we did everything we set out to do, winning is what usually happens as a result of fulfilling your mission, but never a certainty as it turns out.”
Winn said the Convicts were buoyed by the support from family, friends and, of course, the Sydney gay community.
“All in all we carried the hopes and support of families, fans, community and country and we know we put that all on the field, many local people remarking that they were cheering for a Sydney win,” Winn said.
“It seems we made a pretty big mark on this tournament and as a club we again carried away the lions share of not only accolades but, more importantly, respect from all involved.
“We’re buoyed by the support we’ve had from all corners and thank everyone for their support here at the tournament and in the lead up in Sydney. We’re also hopeful of bringing the magic of the Bingham Cup to Sydney in 2012.”
Sydney – you are an awesome team, and an amazing set of guys. Both on and off the pitch. You always steal the show at every Bingham tournament. It was a pleasure to play such a hard fought final against you guys. Gotham are big fans, and we show the upmost respect for the Convicts. Good luck on your bid for 2012!
Sport has always been a tool to break barriers, bridge gaps and subvert cultural canons of masculinity, race, orientation – South Africa winning the RWC to completely unite a nation, Puma organizing football matches between Israelis and Palestinians, Gareth Thomas coming out while still playing professional rugby in the UK, and setting the bar for straight, and gay, professional sportsmen alike! Negativity, homophobia and hate has no place in sport! Men; real men, gay or straight, playing a competitive game such as rugby, are changing the views of all that see them. Well done Sydney – you a part of this ever growing machine.
Peace – Greg (Gotham Knight)
I love footballers, I wonder what goes on in the locker room – I will be there enjoying myself [so to speak]!
Drew…what a negative out of touch wanker you are. Gay men playing rugby has nothing to do with being ‘Straight acting’- it has to do with being masculine- there is a big difference ! Gay men can be masculine or effeminate just as straight men can be and are.
Gay men playing Rugby….LOL
What are these guys trying to prove??? Its pathetic.
Straight acting is a Sham!
Congratulations to all the Convicts and especially the Bowl Winners – Convicts 2 side incorporating the guys from the Melbourne Chargers. Definitely want to see the next Bingham Cup in Sydney for 2012!
Congratulations to all the boys in the Convicts…once again you have done us proud ! Thank you boys for all the hours of hard training , to their supporters for all your generosity and once again to the boys for breaking down the barriers and the sterotypes of what gay men are and can be.