From The Sideline - Final Round - Here Come the Finals.
OK, the hangover has gone and the synapses have re-joined……four down with three to go. In mountaineering parlance we’ve reached base camp with three weeks remaining to climb the summit, and the events of Saturday suggest that that goal is attainable. Fourteen weeks had passed since our last home games at Quays and the Ballina rugby community was out in force. From late morning until president Al served the last of many beers in the evening the club celebrated the day in great style, my thoughts that a great resurgence in club spirit is occurring this year emphatically confirmed. I witnessed the presence of familiar and smiling faces from founding members Alex and Myra Arrighi to our latest supporters, the untiring efforts of Val, Horror and their helpers, coaches, managers, medicos and players who all contributed in making the day one of the finest in the club’s history.
Reserves (bugger this new zone terminology)took the field for their best and most cohesive start of the season and were over after three minutes courtesy of the first of a fine Liam Green double. We remained on top of a willing Mullumbimby outfit winning 17-6 to make it three wins for the week. Well done lads! I was particularly impressed by the improvement shown by the team at the set piece, and the determination and effort shown by every player throughout the full seventy minutes, a feature of their game all year. A shortage of referees earlier in the season may have cost them the minor premiership, and they’ll play Casuarina in the major semi at Wollongbar on Saturday. Al awarded his points to Stephen Paskins, Jeremy Tozer and Liam Green who was also adjudged player’s player.
Our ladies (or Womens 10’s) followed with their best game of the year despite missing the services of key players. It was end to end stuff played at good pace highlighted by some great chasing and tackling by both teams. After trailing 10-5 at the break, we went down 15-10 to minor premiers Casuarina and will play Richmond Range in the minor semi at Wollongbar next Sunday. Paul awarded his points to Laura B, Jen R and Anna S.
A large crowd was in attendance for our First XV’s match against competition leaders Bangalow and was pleased with their progression into the semis when the match ended with Ballina running out deserved and convincing 43-26 victors. The match and evening had many highlights, a few follow. An outstanding defensive effort particularly in the second half against a very willing attack. The performance to a man of our hastily reorganised pack. The improvement in Syd’s and Muzz’s game this year also noted, both have blended into the team seamlessly. Words escape me about the effort of Wilson who this season has played in 15,14,13,10,9 and 7 and never shirked the task……..and Hic NO FURTHER FORWARD thank you!
The brilliant footwork of fullback Letty when scoring an early double.
The Larkham like sleight of hand displayed by Sam Giltap as he glided through the Rebels backline scoring a fine individual try.
Semeli scoring a double, engaging the afterburners in a sixty meter dash for his second, and unveilling his Fijian rapping talent on the microphone in the evening.
The deafening rendition of the club song with one and all involved in the sheds on sunset. The special edition jerseys sold like hot cakes in the evening with $14,500 raised for breast cancer research.
Great work to all involved. You’ve created a buzz in the club, and we like buzzing despite the fact that Seahorses either click when contented, or growl when angered. That information courtesy of Google.
Hic awarded his points to Letty Sam and Brad, noting that scoreboard points were left out on the paddock ……..still seeking perfection. Letty was also player’s player and got the refs vote. On that note match officials are duty bound to enforce the rules of the game, however I believe that the deliberate knock on ruling is becoming a blight on the game at all levels. We’ll let the IRB ponder that over a sherry. Firsts are playing Lennox in the minor semi at Wollongbar on Sunday, you’d be mad to miss it. Sheather and crew left the ground at full time with plenty to ponder.
Our teams are performing on the paddock, we’re duty bound to head up the hill on both days and offer our support to get them down to Seagulls for the remaining finals.
