Reserve Grade
With so many boys away for the long weekend or injured this opened the door for many of our new boys to take over and fly the flag for the Mariners. With 5 out of the 15 running on for JCU for the very first time (and some of those Uni students are new to the game but they showed no fear in taking on the opposition), coach Costello was a little nervous but those nerves where quickly erased when the boys started to pile on the points. In typical Atherton style, 20 minutes past the kick off time and with only 13 players the game finally got going. All boys stood up well with some even playing out of position, it wasn’t too long till the points started to pile on with Charlie bagging 4 tries and the 3 points for the man of the match. Other boys worth mentioning were Eddy, Micheal woody and Mike Lloyd. Score JCU 82
– Alex Costello
A-Grade
Then it was A Grades turn to take the field with once again a different back line. It was great to see Justin Brown take the field as his experience and calming effect was going to be a bonus. Like the reserve grade game it wasn’t long before we posted some points. It was difficult however at times to get some rhythm happening with the game plan as Innisfail are the kings of spoiling. We maintained a majority of position and field position and went into half time with a handy lead.
At half time we spoke of doing the simple things right and sticking to the game plan. Thru experience in the higher grade and better fitness the boys never looked back and made line breaks all half (unfortunately they didn’t all come off). Some great efforts where put in by Jordan Massey, Oscar Fasavalu, Ralph Susuve, Mike Dewhurst and Justin Brown.
So we now have a week off to rest some injuries and to see some of our boys come back into the team. We have had on average 30 plus players at training and we need to keep it going, we are going to have injuries and boys unavailable thru other commitments, we just need to remain diligent in our pursuit of two premierships.
JCU Mariners 57 (Ralph Susuve 2 Tries, Jordan Massey, Bryan Tauafao, Mike Dewhurst, Oscar Fasavalu, Tahl Young, Justin Brown and Sam Penwarden one try each, Ralph Susuve 6 Conversions) def Innisfail Vikings 10.
– David (Norto) Norton
