A selected line-up of teams were to gather on the hallowed turf of the world renowned Avalon Bulldogs Stadium for the inaugural Newport Nasties Seaside Gala Day in front of a capacity crowd of rugby followers. The Dee Why Lions, Penrith Legless Emu’s, Oakhill Withered Oaks and the Wahroonga Tigers were to be the combatants on this Festive Day with no one going home disappointed. “…..isn’t it good to be back on the park” screamed Skip McGrath in excitement to the boisterous spectators. 

The first match of the season saw the Nasties take on local rivals Dee Why in a hard fought contest that saw Newport win a 1-0 thriller thanks to a Frank Elsworth try. Mike ‘Cowboy’ Sergeant showed the off-season training was all worthwhile with a magnificent first-up display off the bench to prove the difference between the two sides. A combined Penrith/Oakhill side then took on Wahroonga in a tough display of running rugby. The Nasties then followed with a grinding 1-1 draw against the Wahroonga Tiger side that saw Scott Dalton off to the sin-bin for 10 minutes. “That’s unusual, that is normally me…..” Mark ‘Sin-Bin’ Hodgson commented to the camera’s.

It was then Dee Why’s turn to take on the combined Penrith/Oakhill team which gave the Nasties a good break. Soon though, with several injuries beginning to surface, it was the local side lining up against the combined Penrith/Oakhill side which proved a battle royale. Some magnificent defence from the Nasties saw them hold out the visitors from 5 metres for at least 10 phases of play before the Emu’s scored out wide to take a surprising 1-0 lead. However the Nasties were not going to give in with the Blue, White & Pink eventually running away with the match 3-1.

A hastily combined Barbarian Team then took on the hosts for an entertaining final match of the day. With a few injuries beginning to affect the local side they soon found themselves behind 1-0. Fittingly it was Elsworth to the tryline again in the final minute of play to finish the day with a 1-1 draw.

Some fantastic Rugby was shown on the field however, it was the magnificent display shown by the effervescent Frank Elsworth that had the crowd and media talking. With the calibre of players such as Phil Scarr and Adam Peate not playing, Elsworth stepped-up to the mark and wanted to prove that he should have won last year’s ‘Rookie Of The Year’ Award’. “With no disrespect to Colin, it still hurts to think that I missed out winning…..” Elsworth lamented after the final match. Elsworth is now off to Hollywood to star in a commercial with lookalike Matt Damon. “…..you know I was originally going to play Matt’s part in Invictus but I was too busy with the Nasties!!!” Frank ‘Damon’ Elsworth confided to teammates.

It was certainly a great day to remember with many outstanding performances. After an injury-riddled 2009, Sean Panambalana performed exceptionally and looks to be in for a good year. Thomas and Pestly held the forwards together while Darren Flynn, Darren Mann and Notso held the Bar together in a great team effort. Welcome also to the Nasties debutantes, Soupy, Irish and Gaven for putting in a big effort on the field. The prestigious “Golden Boy-Lo” this week being awarded to Sean ‘Gunner’ Gartner not only for his inspirational play on the field but for his organizational skills in making the day possible. “I just want to thank my wife, Bec…..” Gunner commented before being dragged away to another press conference. Other awards, gifts and anecdotes were exchanged with the other teams and the banter was warmly received by the crowd. Thanks to all the teams who played today, Dee Why, Penrith, Oakhill and Wahroonga and for maintaining the standards of Golden Oldies Rugby – Fun, Friendship, Fraternity.

Onwards & Upwards