Coming up against our Pre-Season Finalist early in the season gave us the opportunity to formulate a game plan against them and to also recognize their strengths and weakness. We entered the Match fully aware that Wanderers are going to be a serious contender for a top four if not a top two finish this season.
The Mariners started strong asking questions of the Wanderers defense and before long Tim Scott made it over the line for a try, a message was sent out to remain composed as it was only 5 minutes in to the match and a lot more rugby still to be played. We maintained some resemblance of a game plan for the majority of the first half and went into the break with a 19 to 7 lead at half time. We spoke of keeping to the game plan and to increase communication in defense and attack and to play to the slippery conditions.
As the second half started we went to our usual (as unfortunate as it is) going to sleep mode. We gave the Wanderers a perfect platform to attack our flat and bunched defensive line. With the half time lead any one would have thought we would have run away with the game however allowing four un answered tries in gave us a 12 point deficit with around 10 minutes remaining. By looking at the body language of the majority we had lost the game. With a blink of an eye one man stood tall and managed to lift the other dejected souls and put a bit of fire in there bellies. The man I speech off is Tim Scott and before long the rest of the team followed suit. We clawed back the deficit to put our selves 2 points up with only minutes remaining, but the game wasn’t over with Wanderers gaining a penalty in our half and the Referee indicating this will be the final play of the match. To no surprise the Wanderers pack elected to take the tap and run the ball (who wouldn’t have) to there credit they made around 30 meters before our defense extinguished any late points for the men in green.
Despite the fact we let in 5 tries I couldn’t be happier to see the boys lift at the end there to pull of a miracle and go away with 5 points for the round. The points this week go to Tim Scott with 3, Jordan Massey with 2 and Tahl Young 1 point. The Managers Mug this week went to Jordan Massey who played a great game and also taking the lead in the try-scoring tally for the club with 3.
Final Result JCU Mariners 33 (Jordan Massey 3, Dion Pryor and Tim Scott Tries, Justin Brown 3conv and Dion Pryor 1) Def Wanders 31 (Bruce Martin 3, Lenny Warren and Aaron Luki tries, Levi Zeiglebauer 3 conv)
– David “Norto” Norton
Reserve grade
Second game, and what a test! We were playing on their (slippery) ground, in their conditions (rain), and word had it before the game, they were a contender this year. We were still a fairly green team with a majority of the boys still not having played with each other, or experienced players playing in different spots, and we had a full bench. They came out with their usual vigour only to be matched by our boy’s enthusiasm. This week, we looked like we could last the match with that vigour. The forwards took it hard at them, and it wasn’t long before the first crack in the defences appeared and we were in. Without our usual no 10 (Rob Dog was out with a hamstring injury) and kicking duties fell
to Pete Woody. Points slotted and they came back with a vengeance. They were upset, and the cheap shots started. Mostly in the bottom of the ruck, but it was obvious their game plan was to niggle us and throw us off our game plan. It back fired for them with one of their guys being sent off so saying one too many words to the ref.
While the backs were struggling with the conditions and failing to adapt (as I said – keep it tight with short passes – nothing silly), with dropped balls all over the place, the conditions did not lend themselves to them keeping the ball either. Before long we had managed to keep it tight enough and another try was scored. With an unsuccessful kick, they were still in the game. Not long before half time, they reminded us of that with a try of their own. We defended fairly well, but too many phases, and not enough focus with the ‘pillar, posts and key’ and they were in. Half time saw us up 12–5.
While a reminder that they would come into the second half full of ‘piss and vinegar’ and taking us on didn’t seem to get the message across, they certainly showed our boys what that message was in full 3-D. And the lesson of this game was how our boys reacted – they didn’t. Hats off to all of you that took one of those cheap shots – and some harder than most, and did not react by lashing out. Notable were Kane Paramo and Michael Woodward who, at different times, seemed to be surrounded by green wanting to clock someone as they backed out with hands raised. Excellent discipline. Unfortunately one too many blind sided hits got Carl’s attention and he, with his opposite, were sent off for ten minutes. This seemed to give us enough space to finally get the ball out to the backs with another try. With their game plan not seeming to work, and their fitness unsupportive, their spirit seemed to be on the wane. Another try of ours through the backs and it seemed our team was starting to gel. By now we had already exchanged 6 of our 9 from the bench and the team was not disrupted. Individual efforts from the likes of Rodel’s dummies, Gary’s bursts, Albert taking the ball at pace were supported by back up players there to protect the ball or take the follow on pass. Efforts like these, with the back up support, turned into three more tries. With an untried and untested Des coming off the bench to convert one of them and just missing another. A late head butt to Sean took him off and a quick reshuffle ended with all of the bench on the field and Charlie having to slot into Centres. With his usual tenacious defending, the spot seemed to suit him well.
A late effort on their part saw them cross the line one more time while we were napping, but the result ended with a very good 34 – 10 win. Extra points for us and a terrific confidence boost after last weeks narrow loss to take into, what will likely be, a very tough contest next week.
Try scorers were Evan Japp (2) (good effort and some well deserved ribbing from the boys), Brendan Turner (1), Michael Woodward (1), Craig Trenberth (1) and Gary Morton (1). Conversions were one a piece to Peter Woodward and Des Mekoya. Special mention to the forwards with a majority of the tries, but it is arguable whether Jappies were a result of forwards or backs, but a combination of all to which the scrum half always seems to benefit from…
One point to Boe – he made it through the entire game, and had a very good one at that!
Two points to Jappie – being in the right place at the right time, supportive and heads up individual effort.
Three points to Rodel – out of position and great heads up attack, drawing the dumbie, opening the holes and everyone benefitted from those efforts. Not to mention excellent tackling.
Managers Mug to Craig – scored a try and showed some great skills in the wet on the wing with some excellent defence.
One final word; everyone needs to help the team out off the field as well. With no takers for the Jersey’s this week, I had to appoint someone to wash them and am starting at the top of the list. Sorry Boe. Help means filling up water at practice, at the game, keeping an eye on the balls we bring to a game, each others bags, helping with injured team mates and putting away training gear and balls, among other things. See you all at practice.
– Pete
