Marlins Repel the Rebels!

For the 2^nd week running the Marlin Army fell just one game short of a clean sweep but took out an impressive 6 from 7 grades against Southern Districts.

Unfortunately the one that got away for the Marlins was the main event at Forshaw with 1^st grade succumbing to a disappointing loss.  

Both sides were a little depleted due to Aussie U’20s and Super Rugby commitments but as Laney lamented after the game there were plenty of chances to take the points. Ill-discipline really hurt the top squad with yellow cards either side of half time and a swag of penalties not helping the already difficult task of a victory at one of Sydney rugby’s “graveyards”. There weren’t too many bright spots in the match but young half Jack Rowntree made a good fist of his debut against the highly experienced Chris Cussiter.

Tram track Tuesday might await the boys at training tomorrow night as they prepare to do battle with the Bumblebees on Saturday.

Reserve grade had a very gutsy win against an equally desperate Souths outfit in a match that hung in the balance for a long time. It was replacement half James McDougall who created the match winner with a little snipe and lovely ball for Ryan Melrose who bumped off the covering winger to seal the victory. There were a few standouts for the reggies with skipper Andrew Davis and his blindside partner Harry “Cherry” Bergelin both having big games and a special mention to Joe Christie who had a huge day. Joey actually played 70 odd minutes in 1s after an early injury to BJ Hartman – massive effort mate! Well done!

Whilst the 2s didn’t play at their best it was still very satisfying considering all of the changes right up until the last minute. Brownie & Goldie echoed these sentiments in the sheds after the match with both commending all of the players for hanging tough and getting the job done.

One of 2^nd grades big traditions after a win down at Forshaw is a bus trip to Northies in Cronulla for a few celebratory ales. Team manager Goggo was kind enough to drive the bus there and back and even put up the first case of beers. Tooheys Old might not have been the reggies beer of choice but the lads appreciated the gesture!

Highlights of the night included:

- Goldie hanging around Aussie Test Captain Michael Clarke like a bad smell

- Mark Watson absolutely tearing up the Northies D-floor. Check out Facebook for a full routine.

- Anthony Calavassy’s upset tummy on the way home

- Frank Sinatra “My Way” - if you thought Frank did it well try 22 rather full rugby players on a minibus

Hopefully all of this bonding will bring the team just that little bit closer as they tackle the Students in a big 2 v 3 clash at the Oval.

The mighty 3s are still rolling along nicely with a dominant display earlier in the day. The 3s scored some lovely tries in the 1^st half with Mark Watson making some incisive runs through the midfield to set up Piney for a try and also score one himself. Watto was one of the clubs more impressive players in the trials and has continued this good form in the regular season. Cameron Cole who had a year off last year looks like he has found his running legs again after some blistering runs and a lovely try from a chip into the in-goal area.

3^rd grade are still sitting in 3^rd spot but have a fantastic chance to jump Uni into 2^nd on the weekend. No doubt Cam Murphy and Tumai Edwards have a big week at training planned to fine tune things before the big test!

4^th grade returned to the winners circle with a much better performance that will be very pleasing for coach Macdonald. Chris Soderman had a very good game for 4s and was relentless at the breakdown. Also impressive was ex Colt Chris McKenzie who scored the final try to seal the bonus point win. “Fossy” had a few good years for 1s Colts some years back and actually outscored Peter Hewat in a season – welcome back Chris!

I am happy to report that Colts outstanding form has continued with a clean sweep against the Rebels at Manly Oval. This sees the colts into 2^nd spot on their respective Club Championship table – a huge effort. We all know how tough Uni will be to knock off in the colts this weekend boys but forget about how many Aussie Schoolboys they have and get stuck in! 15 v 15 fellas, Manly Boys V Uni Boys - on our turf!

A massive challenge for the Marlin Army against the Sydney Uni rugby machine this coming weekend. In most matches only one or two spots separate the teams on their respective ladders and it is time for the Marlins to show the rest of the comp how strong we really are. Good luck to everyone on Saturday and lets come out on top!

See you at the rugby!

Bergo