
JCU Mariners Vs Southside Crusaders
Reserve Grade – win 17 -0
With utility forward Gary Morton, hooker Gus Thomsen and veteran prop Al Herwig needing to start in A grade due to absences, the opportunity for young Rugby novice Adam Du Bois to make his debut run on was seized and exercised very well at hooker. It won’t be long before Adam will be able to do some line-out throwing as well, as he has been doing some practice on the quiet – great attitude Adam! Michael Papst is just starting to get some match fitness and although fairly new to the idea of front row, is also becoming a dependable starter at loose head. Steve Larkin tried to lift the average age of the front row by doubling it, when he anchored the scrum at tight head. Onya Steve, always there when we need you. Jack Darby, although playing at half-back, ably took on the line-out throwing duties, with full-back Bradyn Boske, deputising in the half-back role for line-outs.
So once again we took the field against a larger pack, but with courage and determination, even if we were somewhat inexperienced. The “engine room” muscled up and held their own in both set plays and general play, and created and took their opportunities to score two forwards tries.
We welcomed back Cieran Connelly who filled in capably at outside centre, even though he is a winger. Talented Bradley Manoi and Andre Klink both came off their wings looking for work throughout the game. Jack Darby at half-back and “Robdog” Rodokal at five-eighth, even though they haven’t had much opportunity to play together, co-ordinated the backs and used the size of inside centres Praz Subramaniam and Mosese Naikatini to effect.
Tries: one each to Brian McCarthy and Ryan Godfrey
Conversions: two by Bradyn Boske
Penalties: one by Ryan Godfrey.
Man of the Match points: Bronson Hills 3, Dan Rosendale 2, Michael Papst 1.
Manager’s Mug: Steve Larkin

A Grade – win 32-26
Playing against a pack the size of Southside without your usual starting props, and with numerous players struggling to overcome shoulder, back and joint sprains, is not a prospect that engenders confidence, but is one that tests the mettle, leadership and comradeship of the players. Not for the first time this year, this A grade side has demonstrated the true spirit of the best of the Mariners tradition. As with the first round when we played Southside with a “no excuses” attitude, defeat was not an option. The opposition was determined to bring physicality to induce submission, but our grit and self-disciplined mindset did not waver. Although we joked about having the oldest front row ever to play A grade for the Mariners, with an average age just under 40, the toughness of Gary Morton at loose head, Al Herwig at Tight Head, and “youngster” Liam Duncan at hooker (playing with a massive corked thigh only 2 days old and so tender it was untouchable) was as inspiring as it was vital for our success. Al, ever watchful for a drive at the line, did so and came up with the first try, after inside centre Chase Hay, taking over the kicking duties, had landed two penalties. Chase then backed up with an insightful inside support line off a forwards break, getting himself a meat pie, and converting both – 20 to nil when the whistle blew for smoko.
The second half gave the tailwind to Southside and they used it to great advantage as well as running effective moves off set plays for their elusive backs. With a scarce bench, such a tough game was always going to be hard to defend as bodies fatigued. An ascendant opposition scored 4 tries but kicked only 2 conversions, whilst we put on two more “pressure” tries, with second rower Eugene Connelly (its becoming a weekly event!!) and openside flanker Bryce Stanley looking for and making the most of their opportunities. Unfortunately, Chase had left the field with a dislocated finger so five-eighth Tim Horrocks stepped up and slotted one conversion from one, but courageous winger Andre Klink, was given the very difficult task of converting from the sideline into a swirling wind. But wait. The referee says that we charged the last missed conversion by Southside too early, so they have another attempt. This time they do not miss, and gain a valuable extra bonus point by finishing within 7 points of the winner, on top of their 4 try bonus.
Our win was intended to put us on equal season table points with Southside on 37 but their 2 bonus points have put them 2 ahead of us in second place whilst we are now fourth, 1 point behind Brothers on 38.
Man of the Match: 3 to the inspiring Liam Duncan, 2 to Tim Horrocks for his improvement in controlling the game, and 1 point to outside centre “Suma” Nona, for his consistency over the weeks in attack and defence in a game he is still learning.
Managers Mug: was shared between the two stalwarts, props Gary Morton and Al Herwig.