Nasties Rugby

The day started superbly with the Nasties children and others from the competing teams having a coaching session with Wallaby

Mark Ella and Nasties

With the clinic over the Nasties got their day of rugby underway with an outing against the Alpha Males. A suprisingly good start saw a few nice passes almost result in a try outwide. A pattern that would emerge throughout the match. It was, though, the Alpha males who would get the scoring underway with a breakaway try from a player we gave them ! Welcome to the Nasties, Greg and have a safe trip back to the States. Also, having represented other teams against us, it was great to see Phantom run out with us for the first of what should be many such moments.

Many times the Alpha line was threatened, but once again the failure to hold onto the final pass was costing the Blue and whites dearly. We were to get on the scoreboard with the last move of the match, Mita finally taking the cucumber off his eyes long enough to spot a gap near the corner flag and touch down for his first Nasty five pointer. An event he celebrated by inviting all Nasties back to his unit at the resort for drinks afterwards. Well done Mita.

Quite a few Nasties helped out another team before our second match - entering into the true spirit of the event.

Our second match against the Pokolbin Reds, was arguably the most contested of the day with some great rugby played by both teams in a willing encounter.

Both sides putting in some great tackles, none more so than Sean on the wing, defying his 37 kilo frame he threw himself into tackle after tackle. Unwittingly he was providing some great technical advice for a young watching player.

As the match wore on the Nasties grew stronger and once again have shown that in our first season we are more than capable of playing with the stronger teams at whatever level they choose to play. The one try apiece at the end being a fair result.

Jean scores without Pup

Everyday does have its defining moment and as the clock ticked down in this entertaining encounter a flying Sean Panambalambana - fresh from meeting the Pope - must have wished there had been some divine intervention when a young child of no more than 10 years of age absolutely drilled him into touch infront of the Nasties cheer squad. Rather than accept this fact with good grace Panambalambana spent the rest of the day trying to convince all and sundry that the small child that had tackled him was a local rep player who was 20 years of age.

At the end of a great day, much beer was had at the side of the pitch, speeches made, handshakes all round and we headed back to the excellent Crowne Plaza hunter valley resort , battered and bruised.

Such is the beauty of the resort they had kindly thought ahead and provided a spa. The said spa as Mrs Boyo ascertained can hold 42 Nasties/offspring at one time. Disturbingly Pup had only underpants available, thankfully all other Nasties were dressed appropriately.

All up a fantastic weekend in the Hunter for all Nasties, their partners and children. Quite a few of the nasties were unable to attend due to their children's illness and we hope they get better soon.

Onwards and upwards with the Newport Nasties.