First matches of the season (not counting the micky mouse trial and 7’s games) and we were at home. Going in to both matches I was more than confident with the fact the great turn out and application at training would see us be more than competitive with Southside. With both of their squads having success last year we knew Southside would be a tough opposition. Due the early start it was difficult for our ressies to get to the match by kick off however it was pleasing to know exactly where everyone was and they were on their way. This match was a tough game for the first hit out and we saw Southside take on their bully boy tactics in which our boys where equal to the task and didn’t allow the opposition to get an upper hand. Our boys dominated field position for the first half and showed great mental apptitude in defence. We were the first to cross the line for a try which would turn out to be the only one of the match. Half time rolled around pretty quickly and not quick enough for some of the boys. The second half was much of the same as the first and this was were we saw a bit of tiredness kick in by both teams. All in all it was an awesome hit out and an opportunity to well establish a sound foundation for the season ahead. Final score JCU Mariners 8 defeated Southside Crusaders 0. Notable performances by Jack “Worm” Darby-Brenan, Gary Parker, Andrew Wright, Jeff Gall, Tom Mclaren and Lachlan Rowe. I would also like to publically welcome and congratulate our new club members this season – Tom Mclaren, Andrew Wright, Tim Horrocks, Peter Becke, Luke Neville, Lachlan Rowe, Richie, Jared White, Bryce Stanley and the many more I may have forgotten. A Grade saw us up against the 2013 premiers and we knew this would be a tough task however with all the preseason work I was confident we would take it to them. Welcoming back premiership winning skipper Mitch Francis and former premiership and top point scoring machine Jon Bell we had a squad that any coach would be proud of. As we hit the field early through true grit and determination we dominated field position and possession and created plenty of opportunities and took off to an early lead with the first try of the season to Jon Bell with his debut at fly half. We had the premiers rattled early on and had plenty of opportunity to put the sword to them however in a see sawing match Southside
went into the half time break two points up. As the mind and body began to tire in the second half we saw mistakes come from both teams besides this the quality of the contest was not lost and we saw some great running rugby. In the end we prevailed 22 to 19 victors for a handy start to the season. Notable performance were Greg Pelka, Kane Paramo, Brendan Turner, Tahl Young, Jon Bell and Mitch Francis, saying all of that it was a great victory won by the whole team. As for the ressies I would like to welcome and congratulate new members to our club who took the field in A Grade Bronson Hills, Lachie Rowe and Tom McLaren. With hot competition for all positions across the paddock and in both grades it is imperative to get down to training boys so we can build in to one very successful season. You’re Loving Coach Norto, or as Chace has decided to dub me “Coach Bombay” would prefer “Coach Boon”
