Colts leading the way with 7 from 8
4th grade was the only disappointment in an otherwise very successful day out for the Marlins. The boys in blue claimed 7 out of 8 grades and have started this crucial part of the season with all guns blazing.
The Colts headed over to North Sydney Oval to do battle with the baby Shoremen. Clinical performances all round for the dashing colts sides with comprehensive victories in all grades. Plenty of tries were scored and I hear that the boys are playing some very expansive rugby running bigger oppositions into the ground with quick play! Good to see the colts are having a big social after the South’s game on Saturday – so if you happen to see 40+ well dressed nearly 21 year olds out on the town Saturday night - steer clear! No doubt a good Boatie sessh is in order! Enjoy the night lads.
Northern Suburbs 1st grade have been a team on the improve for the past couple of seasons but have been somewhat of a mixed bag in 2011. With players like Cam Crawford, AJ Gilbert, Steve Evans and Scott Podmore at their disposal they are going to be a tricky opponent for most sides in the Shute Shield. Fortunately on Saturday Laney’s mob got the points and are now sitting pretty in 2nd spot. North’s simply didn’t lie down in this one and if it wasn’t for a couple of great cover tackles by BJ Hartman at the back things may have gone the other way. I saw BJ pull off some similar tackles down at the Kiama 7s earlier this year and it is great asset to this young fullbacks game! Well done BJ!
The last things 1s did last Thursday night at training were some basic passing drills back and forth on Keirle Park and the benefits of this ball work were exhibited in a lovely exchange between BJ, Yaz and eventually Woody for a great Marlins try!
The top squad will now re group in anticipation of an “acid test” out at Forshaw on Saturday.
The Marlins reserve grade squad just keep on rolling along with a clinical 35-10 disposal of an experienced Norths outfit who before the weekend were biting at our heels on the table. The reggies were dominant for the majority of the match and posted 3 great tries before half time. The plaudits must go to the Marlins scrum who demolished their opponents at every opportunity. With David Boylan back in the mix the already capable Andrew Collins and James Hilterbrandt were dominating and the Norths blokes didn’t have a hope. Tank actually got over the chalk on the weekend with sneaky try in the corner that is getting longer by the minute. The bonus point was wrapped up when big John Bairani set up Cecil next to the sticks in the dieing stages.
The win keeps the Super 2nds in 3rd spot and 7 points clear of the chasing pack but a very important game at Souths awaits the boys this weekend.
The 3s are also ticking along just as nicely as the 2s with a handy 19-13 win over their equally as close ladder opponents. There were some great performances all round for the thirsty 3s with a nice game from impromptu half Shem Grieve. One of the newcomers to the Marlins this season is Epineha Cribb who has been a good performer in the 4s and 3s either at half or on the wing. Piney used to play some code with the Manly Savers before a few Marlins convinced the ex pro body boarder to come on down to the Village Green. There are some epic pics of the Pineapple on Facebook mastering the reefs in Hawaii and the Bombie off Queensy. Perhaps Piney can take a few of the Poms and Yanks out for a few lessons when summer comes back around! Oh yeah and the Bris scored again off the trademark Show and Go!!!
With ex Marlin 1st grader Stephen Scoles lining up against the 4s it was always going to be a difficult day for Paddos platoon! Scolsie ended up scoring 4 tries against his old club and if you saw him at the Bowlo after the game he obviously had an enjoyable day out! Nice form Scuba – and when are you coming back to your rightful club?
Unfortunately things never really got going in the 4s and the boys will need to fine tune some things at training this week to ensure they get back into the winners circle. There is plenty of talent there though and I am sure the boys can turn things around in the coming weeks.
If you consider the sorts that frequent the North’s club house at Cabana Bar there is no surprise that the black and red army have attracted plenty of keen rugby players over the past few years. This surplus of players results in them regularly fielding a 5th grade side and when the call was made to Manly GM Luke Thiessen last week about a potential 5th grade fixture he jumped at the opportunity. Within a couple of days captain/coach Thiessen had organised a pretty handy roster including the likes of Paul Collins, Tumai Edwards, Cameron Murphy, Mickey Deacon and Luke Jones. The boys got the win in an entertaining match with highlights including a great try from Sullivan Jones, Tumai Edwards emulating his NRL superstar brother Greg Eastwood by belting everything in his path and skipper Thiessen missing 10 tackles and getting palmed off by a self confessed midget. Outstanding stuff gents and when are the filthy fifths becoming a regular team down at the oval? Rusty is no doubt waiting in the wings and ready to add some more appearances in the red & blue!
A great weekend for the Marlins – well done all. We have a very tough assignment in Southern Districts this weekend and it is of huge importance we come out on top. Train hard, get the result and enjoy the spoils of victory!
See you a the Rugby!
Bergo