In near perfect winter conditions the Newport Nasties have put on an awesome display of pure rugby skills and claimed their most successful Eastwood Gala Day. Searching for their first win in two years at the annual event, the glamour Northern Beaches side won 3 of their 4 matches against quality opposition which included the Warringah Wrinkled Rats. An injury to Pete Johnson late in the day put a dampner on proceedings before the Nasties final success 'For Pete'.

Around 20 Nasties made the trek up Mona Road Road and like their previous outings this year showed alot of determination and focus to forge their victories. Game 1 was a rematch from last year between the Blue, White (& Pinks) and Killara. It was a match the Nasties wanted revenge for their shock 1-0 loss to them at last years tournament and they did not disappoint. The Nasties began strongly thanks to some strong runs by Cowboy, Coach and The Axe in the forwards to help pepper the Killara tryline before scoring after 3 minutes of the match. Killara to their credit were never going to stop trying and made a break out wide to level the scoreline with 5 minutes to go. However, the never-say-die attitude of the Newport side had them over the line once again just before fulltime for a 2-1 victory. ".....that was sweet!" Skip McGrath commented to the ABC camera's. This game also introduced a new recruit to the Nasties, Chrs, a mate of Roosters who played very well for his first game of Rugby.

There was no rest for the Nasties as they immediately took on local rivals and old foes the Warringah Wrinkled Rats in  Game 2. Beaten on both previous occasions by the Green & Whites, the Nasties game plan was simple - WIN. Despite the quick turnaround the Newport side maintained their momentum and scored soon after the start of the match. Flynnie was in the thick of it helping to direct play despite some discomfort from an injury. "I'll be right, lets just get a win....." Flynnie enthused. Michael King played well in amongst the forwards while it was great to see Paul Staunton back on the field in the Nasties colours. Probably the try of the day was next as the ball went along the Nasties backline which found Darren 'TTE' Vaux  'seagulling' on the wing. A side step straight over the top of his opposite winger from 5 metres out had the Nasties players cheering and looking to victory. The Rats then hit back before another Nasties try ensured an historic victory 3-1. "That was even sweeter....." sang a very happy Skip McGrath. 

A two hour break until the next game had many Nasties making up the numbers for other teams. The Axe, Tink and Sin-Bin amongst them with speedy winger Darren Warrener scoring a try for Hunters Hill. Others took advantage of the Chiropractic Services available at the ground while others sat nervously waiting for the Clubhouse doors to open. ",,,,,ahh, that is nice" a smiling and now relaxed Pup Walsh quipped while sipping on his first beer of the day.

A stronger looking side for the afternoon games with the arrival of Jamie King, Pesty and Mita had the Nasties confident of an undefeated day. Game 3 had the Nasties playing a Barbarian Shoalhaven Shags side with many Dee Why players in the mix.  Expecting a lighter game than the opening two matches, the Nasties were caught napping out wide and allowed the South Coast side to take a 1-0 lead. The game had begun to be very physical and when Pete Johnson was hit high in a late tackle the Nasties only concern was for Pete's health. Attended by St John's Ambulace Personnel, Pete laid in pain before being stretchered off the field to the applause of the crowd. It was some time before he was up on his feet, the pain obvious to everyone.

The last game of the day was against the Gordon Stags and the call was out to win this one "For Pete". It also introduced another recruit, another Chris to the Nasties fold. Despite a good start to the game, the Nasties soon found themselves staring at a 1-0 deficit after the North Shore side broke through up the middle of the pack. "That won't be happening again....." said a determined Pillow Ribs. It was then Rooster who took the game to new heights and levelled the match. Still determined to win the game, the Nasties dug deep and from a Gordon lineout it was Rooster once again who intercepted the ball to run 40m for a momentos 2-1 win. "Absolutely brilliant...." stated Gaven Sheehan who, along with Deaks was instrumental in most of the plays throughout the day for the Nasties.

Congratulations to all Nasties who played today, everyone did the club proud. A health scare for Matty Read saw him unfortunately miss the day but both he and Pete are on their way to recovery. A welcome to the new recuits Chris and Chris who both played important parts for their new team today. Only 2 week until the next game against Old Thistle and Killara at the Doggy Dome.

Onwards & Upwards