Round 1 vs Gordon
Round 1 V Gordon
5 out of 7 grades against the Highlanders was a great way to start the season for the Mighty Marlins!
The Colt's set the tone for the weekend at Keirle Park on Saturday with fantastic displays across all 3 grades.
Stu Wilson's boys have obviously been hitting the tackle bags in the off season as the defence (especially in the 1st grade game) was outstanding. Mind you the 3rd graders held their line for some 15mins late in the 2nd half.
Well done boys!
On Sunday the grade boys headed out to Chatswood for their meeting with the Highlanders.
Chatswood Oval hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the men in blue of late and regardless of the reported mass exodus of players from Gordon, games against the Highlanders are always tough!
Luckily Laney had the boys fired up and donning the clubs new strip they came away with a strong win. There were some great performances across the board and when the combinations start to gel the Marlins are going to be a force to be reckoned with.
This years Gordon clash had a bit of extra spice with new Manly signing Ed Gower returning to his old home. "Big Ed" as Laney likes to call him has been a Freshwater resident for some time now so the move to Manly was only a matter of time! Less travel time more Harbord Hilton time - good move Ed.
Congrats to Ed, Robbie, Jono, Kotoni & BJ for making their 1st Grade debuts!
It was great to see a strong local presence in the 1st Grade starting line up with 5 ex Manly Roo's and 1 ex Seaforth Raider all running out in the main fixture (take note Mr. Avedissian).
It was also good to see Lui "two-hands" Siale exercising his Chatswood Oval demons with a successful "put - down". Congratulations Lui.
A big welcome back to Gareth Inches who has been in the UK for 2 years playing for Westcombe Park. Good to see you back home and in blue GD!
It was a bit of a mixed day in the lower grades.
Reggies had a disappointing loss going down 21 - 17 in a game of missed opportunities. There were however some very strong individual performances with newly married skipper Andrew Davis definitely getting his post Hawaiian honeymoon workout with an unrelenting (albeit 60 minute) performance. Old man Davis must enjoy playing along side youthful back row partners Mitch Gibson and Harry Bergelin who also had strong outings. Boat race cheat and new UK half Will Matthews shrugged off this weeks "WD" award and had a promising Manly debut.
The thirsty thirds came up trumps in a see-sawing game 29 -21. Issac "Angels brought me here" Treml had a great game and his goal kicking was equally as impressive! Strong performances by big Pete Gilmore who made some trademark runs up the field, and James Atwill who crossed for 2 meat pies against his old club!
4's went down 12 – 7 in a very tight match that might have been different if the boys had taken a few easy shots at goal rather than try to chase the tries! 2nd rower George Hitchcock and wily No 8 Daniel Boland were the standout performers in the close contest.
It's early days boys so there is plenty to build on and we shouldn't need any extra motivation for next weekend's derby at home against the Rat's.
See you at the rugby!
Bergo