Although the local glamour side won 5-0, the encounter was tougher and closer than the scoreline indicated. With many players either injured or away, the Nasties still fielded a formidable team. Three of them, Tim Bentley, Paul Hawke and Frank Elsworth all playing the match for the Stags giving nothing to the home side.

But it was Phil Scarr who proved the difference in the sides with his third treble of the season.Once again though, the forwards lead from the front to lay the foundation with Mick Watts the major contributor. “…..absolutely awesome, QF was everywhere today – he flew through the pack” a happy Skip McGrath commented to the ABC camera’s after the game. Jamie King has now established his credentials in the forwards with another outstanding display and as always was solid in both attack and defence. Darren Flynn also continues to prove his worth after setting up three of the tries. “I’m just glad to see us all celebrate the win together…..” Flynnie quipped as he limped on his way to the bar. Despite another injury, Flynnie is already looking forward to the next encounter against Dee Why.

In brilliant winter sunshine the two sides played a hard fought contest over three 15 minute stanza’s. Scarry got the side off to a terrific start with a double in the first stanza before Johnny Feinieg managed to scamper 70 metres up the field to score under the posts. The Axe playing out of position in the backs gained his first injury of the season and promised to never play outside the forwards again. “It is very lonely out there in the backs….” The Axe confided to teammates after the match. Mark Hodgson, Trooper and Paul Staunton all contributed to ensuring a healthy scoreline for the Blue, White & Pinks with Boy-Lo and Pete Johnson combining solidly in defence. We’ll be an awesome team by the time the World Cup is here…..” Pillow Ribs aka The Enforcer told a capacity crowd after the match.

In the pavilion afterwards, Tony Smythe was awarded the ‘Golden Boy-Lo’ for the first time. “I’ll treasure the memory of this game…..” Smythe said to the packed crowd of adoring Nasties fans. The FRONTLINE Man-Of-The-Match deservedly being presented to QF1 for a brilliant all-round performance that had Robbie Dean smiling on the sideline. There will be a lot the Nasties take away from this game and the great spirit the match was played in. It is now onto Game 7 of the season in a match against Dee Why at Avalon Bulldogs Stadium in two weeks.

Onwards & Upwards.