All roads lead North up the Pacific Highway to the Hunter Valley for the Newport Nasties this weekend as they contest their 3rd Lovedale Gala Day. The charge to their destination will once again be led by Skip McGrath who has set out a punishing roster for the Nasties stay. "We'll all once again meet at Tempus Two on Saturday Afternoon and see where that takes us....." McGrath said with a wry smile. Some surprise cameo appearances from Dim Sim and Notso will help bolster the Nasties ranks at the bar. ".....we're here to ensure the beer stays cold for the players." Dim Sim sternly commented.

It has been suggested that the Nasties also need to look at their rendition of Team Songs that were prominent at the glamour sides inaugural season. One penned by speedy winger, Sean Panambalana could be a special to be sung on Saturday Night with the lyrics below. Sean will obviously be out front to show the players how it is sung.

"THE NASTY BALLAD"

(Sung to the tune of 'The Drunken Sailor')
 
What shall we do with the Newport Nasty ?
Full of Peak Ale and Porters Pasty,
What shall we do with the Newport Nasty
Earl-y in the mornin'
 
Pull-on his Boots and up she rises,
When he's got his boots on he's full of surprises,
Pull on his Boots and up she rises,
Earl-y in the mornin'
 
Run, pass, tackle !
with fun and passion,
then back to the clubhouse to start a-Braggin'
Finally off home for a Jolly-good Sh----n'    (bathin' ? lie-in?)
Earl - y in the Mornin'
 
Pull on his Boots and up she rises,
When he's got his boots on he's full of surprises,
Pull on his Boots and up she rises,
Earl-y in the mornin'
 
There's a Gale a-blowin,
The Storm'll Lash-Ye,
A Mighty Blue-Wave is surgin' past- Ye
OOOH-ARRRGH, the weather's turned NASTY
Earl-y in the mornin'
 
Pull on our Boots and up she rises,
When we've got our boots on we're full of surprises,
Pull-on our Boots and up she rises,
Earl-y in the Mor-nin'
AARRRRGH !!!

In breaking news, the Nasties regular Referee and Sin-Bin's best mate, Bruce Killingworth had some great news last Sunday when his son Boyd was selected for the Australian Schoolboys team to play Samoa and Fiji this season. After playing for NSW2 and scoring a hat-trick of tries on the way to the final, Boyd who plays for The Kings School in the GPS comp was, to say the least, excited about his selection. "This is what he has played for, who knows where his Rugby career could go....." Killingsworth Snr commented. From all of the Nasties, Congratulations Boyd, you will be an asset to our team in about 15 years.

Everyone now appears keen for a funfilled weekend with 22 Nasties, Wives and Kid's to descend on the famous Wine Valley. A question many will be asking is how many Nasties and their Kid's can sqeeze into the Crowne Plaza Spa this year. Coach Mojo has suggested a light training run then touch football for tomorrow night, it would be great to see as many players there to round out our preparation.

Onwards & Upwards