All were ready for a tough and bruising encounter that had the crowd on the edge of their seats throughout the game. A deserved 3-3 draw was the result to bring down the curtain on the 2009 season for the much revered local side. “I want to get all their autograph’s, especially Stavros’…..” shouted one delirious fan from the sideline.

A contingent of 27 sprightly Nasties lined-up to take on the Kiwi’s in what was expected to be an action-packed match. The local side was loaded with forwards with many backs either injured or away including crowd favourite Dimmy, prolific try-scorer Phil Scarr and rising star Colin Scott. Despite this, the Blue, White and Pinks still fielded a formidable backline that had Deaks and Flynnie calling the shots. Within the first five minutes of the game however, disaster struck as Mita fell awkwardly and dislocated an elbow that signalled the end of his season. He was quickly replaced by utility star, Michael King who chimed into the backline well despite playing most of the season in the forwards. “…..the backline still oozes class” commented the injured Adam Peates from the sideline.

It was not all bad news in the opening stanza as the mercurial Dean Guberina showed he still possesses that star quality when he dummied and went through a gap to score the first points of the match. “Unbelieveable…..” was Pete Johnson’s retort who also played a starring role on the day. Much excitement was caused when Chris ‘Notso’ Smalley ran on for his first home game that saw him get through a mountain of defence. “Notso is in the Rocky Elsom mould…..” chirped Darren ‘TTE’ Vaux who along with Pesty once again played at another level. The Kiwi’s then hit back with two quick tries before a magnificent run from Flynnie saw him score his third try of the season and had the local side draw level with the visitors at the first break. “It was tougher out there than I thought it would be…..” said a tired looking Stavros.

The second stanza saw the forwards take control with Trooper and the Hoff combining with The Enforcer to keep running the ball up the middle of the pack. The quiet achiever, Jamie King played what was described as probably his best game with Wallaby selection not out of the question. “…..I’ve always thought Jamie had higher honours to achieve” Coach Trollope told Fox Sport commentators. This forward dominance helped the depleted backs gain some advantage when Paul Hawke received a beautiful ball from TTE to sprint 80 metres to score. “…..I just had enough in the lungs to run that far” Hawke said afterwards. Others playing there part in the pack included the perpetual Mick Watts and Sin-Bin who lasted a home game without being sent from the field. “I must admit, it was a relief to play the whole game…..” Hodgson told a wry smiling POM who along with Leroy had 4 stitches put in head wounds at the local hospital after the game. “I wasn’t going to get off the park early…..” Leroy commented.

The final stanza saw some brutal tackling with PUP and The Axe heavily involved. With the home crowd looking forward to a big win over the Kiwi’s, the visitors had other ideas and scored with about 5 minutes of the season remaining. “It was disappointing, but a fair result…..” commented Paul Staunton at full-time. Despite some ribbing from the New Zealand sideline, rookie winger Darren Warrener combined well in the backline making some darting runs in the game and will look forward to improving next season.

After the final whistle was sounded by referee Dennis Fardy, much cheering and handshakes followed into the Clubhouse. The capacity crowd hung onto every word of Tim Bentley and Skip McGrath as presentations were made to both sides of boisterous players. The incumbent ‘Golden Boy-Lo’ holder, Cowboy having the final say when presenting the coveted trophy to the Skipper who soaked-up the atmosphere of the day. “…..I love yous all” shouted the effervescent flick-pass specialist. Much merriment followed until well into the early hours when the final group that included Flynnie, Dimmy, Cowboy and Matty Read among others, bade farewell to a great season.

The Newport Nasties Rugby Club would like to thank the Methven Maulers for the great spirit and friendship they showed during their stay in Sydney and for a great game today. While the Rugby is over for another season, the socializing certainly isn’t with many events planned over the next few months. Among these include the BTB, The ASHES Twenty20, Clareville Christmas Party and the infamous BOB. We can then look forward to the 2010 season which will culminate in the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival in Sydney.

Onwards & Upwards.