1st Grade hit a Half Ton
6 out of 7 grades against our old enemy the Rats was a great result on a day that marked 40 years of history between the two great clubs.
A lot of things have changed in 40 years but the important things remain, they will always wear green & white and we will always wear red & blue, they will argue North Narrabeen breed better surfers than North Steyne, we will argue that the Manly 16ft Skiff Club is a far better watering hole than the Newport Arms – the arguments will never stop.
Rivalry is a key component in sport. It’s what creates a spectacle, a drama, the bitterness of defeat and the sweetness in victory. Ali and Frazier, Sampras and Agassi, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Lakers and Celitcs - classic sport, classic rivalries.
It was clear to see that the fire in this rivalry still burns in every Manly and Warringah player and I’m sure it will continue to do so for as long as these clubs still stand.
With a combined grade and colts format on Saturday the days action actually got under way over at fortress Keirle Park with the 2nds and 3rds colts fixtures. Manly got the spoils in both games – with second grade getting a particularly impressive win! In our curtain raiser the 1st colts got over a resilient Warringah side that finally cracked under some very strong forward play by the baby Marlins. A special mention to Sake our colts captain who sealed the win with a brilliant solo try and pulled off some brutal hits in defence very reminiscent of Tatafu Polota Nau – not a bad player to model your game on!
The colts are 6 from 6 in the opening 2 weekends – fantastic stuff boys!
1st grade welcomed back Brian Sefania this week who has been playing Super Rugby for the Force over in WA. Brian has been the form centre of the Sydney competition for the last 3 years and most of us in Marlinville are amazed he is only just been picked up by a Super rugby franchise - although NSW decided not to sign George Smith all those years ago so nothing surprises me there. Brian has also just become a father and after his rugby career is destined for a career in midwifery as he delivered his own baby! Brian handled the tricky situation brilliantly and with the help of paramedics on the phone he ensured the safe arrival of his son Don – awesome stuff Brian!
The main event was everything we had hoped for and after getting through a frustrating first half (credit to Warringah’s defence) the dominance up front eventually told and the Marlins came home with a wet sail and a rousing 55 – 12 victory! Rat Kill Hill was treated to some great tries with doubles to the midwife and mailman Siale. There were some great performances across the board but Kotoni Ale had a standout game against his old club making some crucial turnovers, solid defensive tackles and like all good 7s he linked well with the back line.
It’s one game at a time but after 2 games Laney’s boys have maximum points and the early signs are very encouraging!
After stumbling at Gordon last week 2nd grade got their season off and running with a good win. With players like Gareth Inches & Salesi Manu dropping back from 1s the depth is there to turn the reggies back into the feared force it always was! New recruit Jacob Woodhouse scored a very classy try with a chip, chase and regather that delighted the Manly faithful situated under the flying saucer. Big Salesi took out the man of the match honours in a dominant display that no doubt will have his big paw knocking back on the 1st grade door!
3s were beaten in a very disappointing performance. Maybe it was the 10.20am start but we were very flat and out enthused by a hungry Warringah side that were clearly desperate for a win. Bring your mouth guards to training this week boys – its tram track time.
4s had a gutsy victory in another tight match. Mark Maloney (who has a habit of turning up to training 2 weeks before this fixture) had a great game and definitely earned his beers on the hill! Coach MacDonald watches all his games through his camera lens so I’m sure he has some detailed feedback for the boys on Tuesday night.
The oval was chock-a-block on Saturday with an estimated 5000 people turning out to see the derby. It was great to see some familiar faces from the past and mixing it with the current players as we cheered 1s over the line and enjoyed a few beers back at the bowlo!
2 rounds down – keep up the good work boys! There is no reason we can’t challenge for the club championship in 2011!
See you at the rugby!
Bergo