All road's led north once again last weekend for the Newport Nasties team of elite athletes as they ventured to their 4th Lovedale Gala Day in the picturesque Hunter Valley. In charge of the oranisation for this years tour were Lovedale debutante's Sean and Bec Gartner who did a superb job in keeping the Nasties and Families entertained and well feed over their annual stay. ".....I didn't know what to expect but I've had no complaints so far." Gunner told the local media. The 21 players that pulled on their boots did the club proud and kept intact the Nasties unbeaten run this season. "we just keep getting better....." an ever confident Gav Sheehan shouted to spectators.

Lovedale 2011

First stop for those enthused to taste the local fare was Tempus Two Wineries before the small group made their way back down the road to Nasties HQ at the Crown Plaza Resort. After a run around and a swim for some, the Dad's and Kid's were feed a gourmet meal of sausage sandwiches while the Wives watched on. It was then the Wives to the Restaurant, Kid's to the Kid's Club and the Nasties to the Grapevine Bar for some much needed refreshments.

Game day arrived and after a breakfast fit for the super athletes of the Blue, White and Pinks it was on to the new venue for the Lovedale Gala Day at the Wandin Valley Estate Wine and Cricket Club Ground. The Nellies quickly positioned themselves in the grandstand on the hill with Jill King, Jane Mann and Andette Flynn leading a chorus of cheers for their favoured rugby team. Alongside them was former Nasties star Darren 'Kiwi' Mann now known as 'Pom-Pom' as he was crowned the Nasties head cheerleader for the weekend and the retired Dimmy who ensured he was refreshed all day. The young boys went off to the Mark Ella Rugby Clinic where Evan Flynn and Charlie Mann bravely took on the older boys in the rugby drills. A look at the picturesque surrounds showed a modified smaller field that would ensure a close forward tussle in the games played today.

Meanwhile, the Nasties limbered up for their first match of the day against the tournaments hosts the Hunter Valley Harlequins. The game saw a welcome return to the Nasties fold by foundation member Jeremy 'Boylo' Beynon. "Its great to be back. I saw the side was struggling and needed some help...." commented an ever modest Boylo to his loyal fans. It also introduced another two debutantes to the famous Northern Beaches side, Steve 'Noddy' Graham and Michael 'Beaver' Beavis. Noddy unfortunately was too tired to comment on the special occasion while Beaver was looking forward to the challenge of the day. From the kickoff the Nasties forwards dominated with the Great Gregos showing the way in only his second game of rugby. A switch of play fro  Brad 'Don Johnson' Fox and some quick hands led to an opening almost half the size of the field that allowed Darren 'Fergal' Warrener to stroll over for the first try of the day. Soon after Pete Johnno was in as the Nasties began to dominate a hard fought match. Finally it was Captain Gunner to finish off the scoring for the visitors before the hosts hit back on fulltime for a 3-1 Nasties win. ".....that felt good out there" Chris Bottero commented on the matches conclusion.

Game 2 was a super game against an equally enthusiastic side from Cook's Hill Surf Lifesaving Club. Pesty and Cowboy again hitting the line hard with the crowd cheering loudly for Frank 'No Hands' Elsworth as he made inroads into the opposions line with some decisive running of the ball. In a five minute period of the game the Cooks Hill team ran phase after phase at the Nasties line to no avail as all the forwards stood as one with Pup, Paul Staunton and Mick 'QF1' Watts standing tall in defence. John 'Quasi' Chapman also showing his worth before a heavy knock to the face saw him replaced early in the match. The old guard of Kingy and Sean Panambalana combining well in attack narrowly missing a couple of try scoring opportunities. The match ending in a satisfying 1-1 draw.

The final game of the day was a short 10 minute run with a combined Newport Nasties / Cooks Hill SLSC side took on a team from Warnervale. Skip McGrath looking to keep in touch with the leading tryscorers almost added to his one of the season with Darren Flynn returning to the field and once again playing an intergral part for the Nasties side. As the shortened game was drawing to a close the unthinkable happened. The Warnervale line opened with no one in front of one J 'Boylo Beynon and he spilt the ball cold. '.....he is sure to cop plenty for that" Skip shouted. Boylo later telling FOX Sports that it just proves he is human. The eventual scoreline was a 1-0 win to the combined Nasties / Cooks Hill side after a Cooks Hill forward scored on full-time.

After the final match the race was on back to the confines of HQ where the Nasties assembled in the Grapevine Bar to watch the Wallabies take on the Somoans while the Nellies and Kid's relaxed outside by the pool and spa. The awards this year were:

Best Back - Brad 'Don Johnson' Fox

Best Pig - The Great Gregos Randall

Runner Up Best On Field - Steve 'Noddy' Graham

Best On Field - Sean 'Flamenco' Panambalana

Cheerleader - Darren 'Kiwi' Mann aka 'Pom Pom'

Dark Nellie - Jo 'Wife of Fergal' Willmore

Best Bombed Try - Troy 'Skip' McGrath

It was then onto dinner for the Nasties crew of around 90 where a feast was laid before them of chips, hamburgers and pizza's. As the night rolled on and the Nellies and Kid's along with a few notable Nasties (Skip and Fergal) had left, a new club was formed known as the 'Capriosca Club'. This 'secret' club involved the drinking of the exotic cocktail Capriosca that was consumed all too quickly by the remaining members of the Nasties. More drinking and long tales of the day's games continued until well into the early hours of the morning.

Another enjoyable and succesful weekend tour by the Nasties to the Hunter Valley. Again thanks to Sean and Bec for all their organization that saw the weekend run smoothly.  It is now onto the re-scheduled Eastwood Gala Day at TG Millner Field on Sunday 7 August. It is always a fun day and hope to see as many players there as possible for the games.

Onwards & Upwards