Nasties Rugby

Matty Read becoming a late casualty with suspected broken ribs in the final game. “…..it only hurts when I laugh, pass me my Rum thanks…..” Read screamed above the crowd at the post-match presentation.

The Nasties missing many of their big name stars begun the day against an unknown side from Killara. In what was a hard fought and physical match which saw Darren Flynn K.O’d and Scotty Dalton with a blood splattered mouth had the North Shore team sneek in for a 1-0 victory. “It was tough but a lot of fun…..” Mick Watts commented to ESPN News after the match. Injured Nasties recruit, Chris Smalley commentating for Fox Sport said “…..I need to get fit, they really need me…..”.

This second match of the day saw the Nasties against old foes and fellow peninsula side the Warringah Wrinkled Rats. A great start saw many promising runs from the forwards especially Tim Bentley and the Crazed Giraffe with Mark ‘Sin Bin’ Hodgson chiming in magnificently. Boyo played well in getting the team to move forward however in the end it was a lack of ball which saw the Rats score in the corner late in the match and resulted in another 1-0 loss. “It was ours to win…..we have the team to do well” Coach Trollope called to a dejected Nasties side after the match.
 
A two and a half hour break ensued and many of the side took advantage of the free chiropractic sessions on offer. Thomas The Tank had them stumped when he told them about his torn calf muscle. “…..what calf, I can only see one very long thigh muscle!!!” said one Chiropractic Student. Meanwhile Matty Read continued with tradition and headed for the bar and a relaxing beer or three. “…..it’s to keep me flexible for the afternoon games…..” Read quipped.

The first afternoon game saw a revitalised Nasties side score their only try of the day by promising winger Michael King in a 1-1 draw against a strong Wahroonga side. Despite some positve play in the forwards from The Hoff and Pillow Ribs and an injured Sean Panambalana, some dubious refereeing saw the blue, white & pinks unable to finish off the North Shore side. “I thought I was over for a try, it wasn’t forward…..” screamed a disappointed Paul Hawke.

The final match of the day was against a fired-up St Patrick’s side looking to finish their day on a high. The Nasties were there to stop them and resulted in the game ending in a 0-0 draw. Strong games from Colin Scott and Deeks along with Ray Howells in his favoured fullback position. “Well I’m glad that is over, it’s off to the Bar…..” Bruce Ritchie signaled after the final whistle.

The tough encounter took it’s toll on many of the Nasties with Adam Peate, Hugh Woods and Jamie King among the walking wounded. “The camaraderie will carry us through the pain…..” King said at the post-match celebrations. Congratulations and welcome go to the new Nasties recruits who played their first game today, Johnny Fienieg and Darren Warrener who also won this week’s Golden BOYO. The other week’s award, the FRONTLINE man-of-the-match deservedly went to Pete Johnson for an outstanding effort at his first Gala day. He proudly displayed the coveted trophy on the window of his car on the drive back to Avalon.

It is now onto Oakhill College in 3 weeks against their Golden Oldies team in what should be a tough encounter in the lead-up to the Lovedale Gala Day in Mid-July. Thanks to all the families who supported the team on a great day of Golden Oldies Rugby.

Onwards & Upwards.