The much anticipated return of the Newport Nasties Rugby Team to Avalon Bulldogs Stadium had a deliriously excited capacity crowd cheering on their local hero's against the powerful Dee Why Lions and Knox Old Thistles sides today. The Blue & Whites added a splash of colour to the occasion by wearing pink socks for the first time in their short history. "The pink had been taken off the jersey this year so we had to include it somewhere....." Tinkerbelle Bentley exclaimed. Looking to transfer their Eastwood Gala Day form onto the hallowed grounds of the Doggy Dome, the Nasties were looking to win all 3 of their scheduled games. It was not to be however, with the Glamour Northern Beaches side managing a win, a loss and a draw on an enjoyable day of Rugby. The sour note of the day was from Nasties debutante, James Horwill who was injured and taken to hospital while playing for the Old Thistles against Dee Why. No word yet on his condition. 

On a clear crisp winters day the Newport Nasties lined up against a very physical Dee Why Lions in Game 1. Playing without many of their star players including Flynnie, Mita and Colin Scott, the Nasties began hesitantly. With a makeshift Nasties backline which was strengthened with the last minute return of Frank Elsworth in the side gave the Lions an early advantage in the match. While the Nasties combinations settled into position with Michael King in the unfamiliar fullback role, the Dee Why side ran through the defence and with a three man overlap scored the first try of the day. Inspired by the presence of the injured Matty Read and Pete Johnson, the Nasties looked to dig deep with Trent, Cowboy and Pesty leading the way. A brilliant tackle by up and coming winger Chris saved a certain try however it was not enough as the Dee Why team bombarded the defence before running through for a 2-0 lead. The glamour local side was not going to give up easily and managed to score on the bell for a 2-1 loss. "That was disappointing....." shouted an irate Coach to his troops. The game also wecomed the unexpected presence of Stavros back into the Nasties team. " I just wanted to have a beer and cheer the side on, but then Skip convinced me to run on. It was great out there....." Stavros commented to the Fox Sport commentators.

After a 5 minute break, Game 2 saw a more committed and organised Nasties take to the field determined to produce a win for the screaming horde of spectators. In a hard fought match that saw the Old Thistles break the line a few times early only to be engulfed by a swarm of covering tackles, the Nasties then saw a determined Rooster once again stroll over the tryline to give the local side the lead. Some awesome runs and defence in the forwards by TTE and The Axe kept the Knox side at bay. Gaven Sheehan's direction from halfback and combinations with Deaks and Scotty Dalton was a highlight of the match. In the end the exhausted Newport team were happy with a 1-0 win. 

Next on the field was Knox Old Thistles against Dee Why with the Thistles gaining the services of a few Nasties in their side. As the previous games showed, both sides were here to play a tough game of Rugby. With most of the battle occuring in the mid-field, the highlight of the match was watching Skip on the wing dancing down the sideline. Looking certain of a try, Skip decided to take on the cover defence and as he was landing to score, dropped the ball - NO TRY. It was a big disappointment for the crowd who stood as one to watch the flick-pass specialist muster his fastest run since he was 17 only to come up empty-handed. "Well that was embarrassing....." Dim Sim muttered from the Clubhouse while Skip turned to salute the crowd. Soon after all eyes were on the newest Nasties player, James Horwill as he was left writhing in pain from a suspected broken finger. He was assisted off the field and taken to hospital, all the Nasties wishing him well. 

The final game of the day had a Barbarian Newport Nasties / Old Thistles side playing Dee Why. Another physical match in a shortened game saw both sides unwilling to give up any ground. Pup then Cowboy, inspired by Skip played well on the wing with Sin-Bin mixing it up in the forwards. Tink, playing at Fullback proved he really is a forward with Chris (the forward) having another strong game for his new club. In the end the result was a 0-0 draw to finish off a terrific day of Rugby.

Afterwards it was back to the Clubhouse for the presentation to each side. TTE was presented with a 50th Anniverary tie from the Lions which he wore with pride for the rest of the afternoon. The "Golden Boy-Lo" this week going to the The Axe for his outstanding play throughout the day. The Nasties would like to thank the Dee Why Lions and Knox Old Thistles for some great games of Rugby. It is now onto the Lovedale Gala Day in two weeks, a fun family weekend for the Newport Nasties.

Onwards & Upwards