On Saturday past the Mariners continued on from a tradition founded a couple of years ago, it was the annual bus trip to Port Douglas. In past years we have enjoyed the trip more so off the field than on as Port is a hard team to beat at home. With the record showing more losses than wins in Port we had to remind our selves that despite Ports record so far this year they are always up to the challenge and they seem to enjoy the game a little more with the prospect of getting up over us.
The game was played in good rugby spirit between the teams and at the final whistle we had all discovered that the spirit is alive and well between the clubs. The score line at the end of the match showed how diverse our boys have become in playing style and adaptation to conditions and interpretations. Despite winning the game 38 to 12, we lost (By my account) the penalty count 27 to 7 some decision more dubious than others. However to all the boys’ credit they didn’t drop there heads but continued to play the game in front of them with the high light of the match where our boys defended the line for the last 10 minutes of the game and not allowing the Raiders an opportunity for a consolation try. The intensity and team ship of there defence was a pleasure to see and full credit needs to be given to the Boys who put there bodies on the line for one last defensive spell.
Some other high lights to come from the game was the promotion of young Tim Hindmarsh to the team who played out of skin and played with the maturity of a player who would be tagged with more seasons under there belt.
Kane Paramo displayed great character in his game to yet again show to the club and to the opposition he is some one not to take lightly. Jordan Massey, Mike Dewhurst and Justin Brown showed great leadership on the field and should be commended for there actions.
This week we take on Barron at home where we yet again defend the John “Tubby” Jeckel trophy in another Grand Final Replay. We are travelling quiet well so far this season but this is no time for us to get complacent as we have along time to go before the finals.
JCU Mariners 38 (6 Tries and 4 Conversions) Defeated Port Douglas Raiders
12 (2 Tries and 1 Conversion)
– Norto
