We’re into round four of the Shute Shield and as always the phone has been ringing hot with all the news and views from the greatest club competition in Australia. Here’s what we are hearing:

THE Western Sydney Two Blues are building something special at ‘The Eric’ and they will add to that at the weekend when they have a special ANZAC Day commemoration at their game against Sydney Uni at the weekend.

Special guest will be Colonel (Ret) David Wilkins who played for the Two Blues in the 1960s before heading off to the Vietnam War and a distinguished military career.

Wilkins was a pretty handy No.10 in his day and at one stage represented Australian Services against the All Blacks in a midweek fixture where he scored a try.

Not many know this fact but his inside centre that day was the great Bobby Fulton who would go on to become a rugby league Immortal.

David’s brother Phil, now living on the mid north coast at Forster, has strong links to the Shute Shield having covered Rugby for many a season for the Sydney Morning Herald when he wasn’t away with the national cricket side.

There will be a reef presentation and the unveiling of a war veterans honour board, a jersey presentation and a post game chat from Wilkins.

It’s part of a major push from the Two Blues to make today’s players aware of the grand history of the club.

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Around The Traps had the very real pleasure of being invited into the president’s function at Coogee Oval last weekend and it was a great time all around with good food, cold beer and many of the old and the bold in attendance.

Bumped into Ian ‘Speed’ Kennedy and the great Simon Poidevin at the function and were highly amused by Kennedy’s stories of his time going undercover during the Vietnam War protests in the early 1970s.

Coogee Oval had a fantastic community feel about it with the stands pretty much full, some quirky halftime entertainment, a kick about before and after each match and some pretty good footy.

It will be absolutely heaving when the Galloping Greens take on the Beasties this weekend in what will be an ANZAC classic.

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It’s always sad to hear but good to remember club rugby’s best when they pass and Ian MacAlpine certainly is amongst that group.

MacAlpine was an integral part of the Southern Districts family since the club’s inception in 1989, and his contributions to the club were immeasurable.

MacAlpine’s commitment to the club was evident in his many roles over the years, including serving as Colts Manager from 1992 and First Grade Manager for an impressive 15 years starting in 1996.

He was honoured with Life Membership in 2010, and served on the board for over 15 years, bringing his passion and dedication to every aspect of the club.

“For those who knew Ian, he was a larger-than-life personality, always ready with a joke or a story to share. His presence at the bar was a constant source of laughter and joy for many members of our community,” a club spokesman said.

“As we remember our dear friend and celebrate his remarkable legacy, our thoughts are with his family, including his wife Teresa and sons Brendan, Brett, and Nathan, during this difficult time.

“Ian will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on forever at Southern Districts Rugby Club.”

A celebration of his life will be held at St Catherine Labouré Catholic Church, Gymea at 11am on Monday April 24 then afterwards at Forshaw.

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The average age of the players in the Shute Shield is getting younger and younger with the best talent being snapped up by professional teams around the world as soon they show any sort of promise.

Back in the day it wasn’t unusual for a player of some promise to spend a couple of seasons in the colts and then head up to the big boys.

It’s so different these days and there is a feeling that if you are good enough then you are old enough!
Just look at the list of Shute Shielders who have been called into the Australian Under 20s squad, announced earlier this week.

Jack Barrett (Randwick), Fritz Jahnke-Tavana (Eastwood), Ollie McCrea (Eastern Suburbs), Teddy Wilson (Eastern Suburbs), Jack Bowen (Eastern Suburbs), Henry O’Donnell (Northern Suburbs), Charlie Worthington (Randwick), Tom Morrison (Sydney Uni), Jackson Ropata (Southern Districts) and Dan Nelson (Sydney Uni) have all got the call up and in the first three weeks of the comp have been showing some things.

You’ve got to say that the pathway is alive and well!

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My Shutecast boss Anthony Bergelin says there is a lot to like about young Manly Marlins backrower Zac Barnabas.

Some at the Village Green are even saying that he is the best player over the ball at the club since George Smith.

Now that’s a huge wrap.

Barnabas has come through St Augustine’s College at Brookvale – just like Langi Gleeson – and had a year in the well run Manly Colts system before coming up to grade this year.

He’ll have one hell of a battle on his hands against Northern Suburbs this weekend with Charlie Jeavons-Fellows.

As they say worth the price of admission!

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While we’re at Manly Oval it’s ladies day and sources tell Around The Traps that Married At First Sight contestant Duncan James will be part of the throng – yes I did say throng!

The eastern touchline marquee will be in place, with the theme for the day red, blue and/or ‘under the sea’.

It all kicks off at 2pm and will continue through until 5pm when things will relocate to the Manly Bowlo at the completion of the first grade game.

A fair chunk of proceeds from the day will be donated to the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter. A little over $6000 was raised last year and more is expected this time around!

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Lots happening down at Forshaw both on and off the field.

The first grade side is coming together and showing some green shoots although they would have been disappointed with the scoreline against West Harbour at Concord over the weekend.

Major renovations at the club house have also been completed and the bistro is punching out tasty meals from Thursday through to Sunday.

I’m told that the grub is pretty handy but at this stage not sure if the Rebel Burger has managed to elbow it’s way on to the pub style menu.

It’s Surf Club day at the weekend when the Rebels take on Warringah and I’m sure some good food will be just the ticket if you want to watch the Sea Lice taken on Burraneer under lights after the Shute Shield game.