3rd Grade Match Report – Merrylands

Brothers 19
Merrylands 38

It was always going to be a tough day as we were down regular forwards Matt Gibbs, Andy Carroll, Brad McGregor and Tristram Howes being unavailable and Stuey Mangnion out with a knee injury also our mates from the Ferrets who usually cover a few positions in the back line had a Saturday game.

It was really a case of all hands on dec! k and it was only as a result of a fantastic club effort that we were able to field 2s and 3s.

It is greatly encouraging to have first graders volunteering to have a run so thanks to Jacob, Johnny Gibbs, Billy, Broomie, Dom and Jeff – hopefully I have not missed anyone. Also to the guys in the 2s and 4s.

With so many stars in the side we were very competitive in the first half with some good attacking footy from both sides.

A Merrylands offical advised they were struggling with numbers also and it was obvious that they had a number of higher grade players in there team.

At half time we were right in the game but a decision to rest as many 1s as possible meant that the score got away in the second half.

The game was highlighted by some great preformances by some of our regulars.

Felix Volz was outstanding in defence and would have topped the tackle count (if we were keeping stats) He pulled off some great hits including the one he was yellow carded for which was a try saver. Nothing wrong with the tackle the Referee stuffed up.

Also Steve Caruna had a fine game in attack and defence and for a guy thats only played a handful of rugby games he will just keep getting better and I think Pat Gortley has found a new home as a flanker.

Points
3 Felix Volts
2 Steve Caruna
1 Pat Gortley

We are quitely confident about our next game against Petersham as we will have a lot of guys back and The Ferrets have finished for the season so numbers should not be a problem.

Greg Carew
Ian Meers
Coaches