Ladies and Sponsors Day saw us faced with a season defining match-up in A grade. The loser, although still mathematically possible, would most likely drop out of semi-final contention. JCU were on 27 season table points and Beaches on 26, in fourth and fifth place respectively. Moreover, a bonus point win would keep JCU in touch with second and third place on the ladder, 5 points away.
Reserve grade had received a forfeit, which took them into second place on the ladder, 5 points clear of Penhryn.
Yet again we took the field carrying injuries, sick with the flu, or missing regular A grade starters. (To give you an idea of the disruption to our co-ordination and backline defence and attack, our starting half-back, both centres, and winger were out.) Mudcrabs, running into the wind, took their first opportunity to put points on, taking a penalty kick at goal successfully, and were clearly aware of the importance of the game. Penalties and possession were against us but we defended well, Claude Thomsen (blindside flanker) and Bryce Stanley (openside flanker) scrambling well on the few occasions they broke the line, and out wide, covering (great work Nick) and shepherding the overlap well ((Suma Nona (outside centre) and Callum Longhurst (winger) prominent here)). Their scrum was dominant early but as we gained parity, and with our line-out working well, eventually the tide turned and we put on two unconverted tries before half-time. Considering we were turning into the wind, 10 – 3 seemed a tenuous lead.
Mudcrabs used the wind well and put a lot of pressure on our line and considering our pre-disposition, we stood manfully- a great effort boys. A lapse in concentration saw them find a gap and score a converted try. We got back into the game kicking into their half and with the benefit of a penalty which gave us a line-out 10 meters out, mauled till it “collapsed”??, but five-eighth Tim Horrocks was quick to spin the ball wide, with Bradley Manoi (winger) hitting the gap and scoring and converting his own try, after some deliberation by the Assistant Referees. 17 – 10. Beaches were not done as much hung in the balance, and scoring an unconverted try in their forwards pick and drive, pulled up to 17 -15. However, Eugene Connelly ran determinedly at a thick defence, turned to protect possession, then with his support now latched in, drove and spun his way to ground the ball over the line – JCU up 22-15 – a win and a bonus point!
Man of the Match: Eugene Connelly(lock) – 3, Chase Hay (inside centre) – 2, Nick Cameron (no 8) – 1.
Tries: 2 to Eugene, and 1 each to Bradley Manoi and Dudley Miles.
Conversions: Bradley Manoi – 1 from 3, Chase Hay 0 from 1.
Manager’s Mug went to Tim Horrocks.
