Coach Trollope had the team primed for this day against two of the toughest teams in Golden Oldies Rugby, ‘Killara Lions’ and the ‘Withered Oaks’. After a reasonably disappointing day at the Eastwood Gala day a few weeks ago the Nasties came of age in a solid display of rugby probably unmatched in their short history. In a day that was hard to separate anyone in particular, the forwards served it up to the opposition all day while the slickness of the backs kept the ball going all the way to the tryline. ‘It was just pure magic…..” Skip McGrath commented while rallying his troops. It was obvious from the sideline that the injured Matty Read and Wendell were itching to get on the field and join their teammates in combat. “…..it is going to be hard to get back in the team after that display” Wendell said in his sideline commentary box. 

Three superb quarters of rugby were played with the first against their Eastwood Victors, Killara. Unlike their previous encounter the Nasties were ready for the job ahead and turned up determined to play and WIN. The forwards through Trooper, Tony Smythe and Jamie King kept the ball moving forward before it was released to the waiting backline. From a ruck the ball was picked up by Deaks onto Flynnie who served an absolutely magical pass to Pete Johnson to run through a gap to score unopposed. It set the Nasties tone for the day and they never looked back. Killara hit back later with a try before another Nasties five-pointer put the icing on the cake for a well deserved victory. The Withered Oaks were next on the radar and in a tough and bruising encounter a draw was a reasonable result. Adam Peate was everywhere the ball was and managed to make many damaging runs and score a try in the process.

The Axe once again chopped down anything that came near him while Frank Elsworth and Ray Howells defended magnificently and chimed in with some great runs. Just as the other teams were tiring the Nasties were only building up to their best. In their final encounter with Killara the deft touch of the football shown at training was on display for all to witness. Some great running in the forwards by Sin-Bin and Cowboy as well as some great defence by Johnny on the wing gave the Nasties a handsome 2-0 victory. All was not done and a final challenge from the Withered Oaks gave the Nasties their best quarter of rugby. The game day statistician, the injured Tim Bentley gave a VB, Red Bull & Voltaren induced scoreline of 23-2 to the mighty blue, white and pinks in this game. Confirmation of this result could not be given as the Nasties had enjoyed such a fantastic day no player had kept count of the tries scored. 

On a challenging day the Nasties really stepped up which even brought Gordon Bray to comment that the games were played at a Super 14 style pace. “It was tough but fun out there, now for a beer…..” said an exhausted Stavros who once again proved 2008 was a wasted year in the backline for the Englishman. A special welcome to our two newest recruits, Aido and Sean Gartner who complemented the team superbly and were outstanding in both attack and defence on debut. “…..I only turned up because I was told the team was short of players” a bewildered Aido said after the match to Fox Sport. The Nasties look forward to introducing another recruit, Darren Mann at the Lovedale Gala Day.  While it was hard to separate anyone who played, this weeks Golden BOYO was won by the lightning fast winger Colin Scott to thunderous applause.

A deserved FRONTLINE Man Of The Match Award this week going to the very quick and elusive centre Adam Peate. It is now onto the Hunter Valley for the Lovedale Gala Day in 2 weeks. A rumour has circulated that the Crown Plaza’s spa has been extended to accommodate the 2009 Nasties during their annual stay. Thanks to all the families and friends who came to support the team on a very entertaining day of Golden Oldies Rugby. Onwards & Upwards.