Game Reviews

Grand Finals 13/8/2011

3rd Grade Merrylands vs St George

Today represents the 6th year in a row the mighty Merrylands 3rd Grade has made the G.F and if they are successful it will be their 4th premiership in a row. Despite going down to St George in the major semi most punters probably had Merrylands as favourites. The Wolves blew several chances in the major semi and with an improved team taking the pitch it really was Merrylands title to lose.

The first period saw the Wolves take up residence inside the Saints half, enjoying plenty of possession and territory. Despite boasting a backline with names like Liam “ring-in” Parsons, Andrew Lima, Richie Ngawini, Ex “drop myself” Brown and Usa Vulimaibau, the Wolves couldn’t seem to put points on the board. Plenty of chances went begging as final passes found grass instead of hands, tight forwards got in the way or the Saints defence simply held strong. Although the Merrylands fans where nervous at half time Super Coach Ngawini knew more powerful running from forwards like Jason Ise and Anthony “X-Box” Tuara and a little patience would see the Wolves take the lead they deserved.

A few changes were made after the break with Tama Bush taking up a place on the side of the scrum and Tama “Can’t Wait a Minute” Territo giving A.J Tuara a break. The second half saw St George get their hands on the ball a little more often but still failed to put the Wolves under any real pressure. There was one point where some poor tackling saw the Saints get a clear look at the line but Andrew Lima and Greg “Hefner” Benson produced some champagne cover defence to keep the ledger even.

U.S.A U.S.A U.S.A...........with time running low and many Wolves supporters fearing a repeat of the semi final, the Wolves found some space up the middle of the park after a good run by Jayson Waters. Some fancy foot work and nice hands by Andrew Lima put Greg Benson out in the clear with only 1 defender in front of him and 2 Wolves next to him in support. Greg threw a nicely timed, lofted pass to the one and only Usa Vulimaibau who, with a smile as big as the harbour bridge, raced over in the corner, narrowly avoiding going out and FIRMLY PLANTING the ball to give the Wolves the lead at the most crucial time. An amazing side line conversion from Andrew Lima gave the Wolves a crucial 7 point buffer that they easily carried to full time and another 3rd grade title!

Special mention today goes to A.J Tuara who headed some desperate calls from Wolves management to bolster the front row stocks for the day. Also big ups to Jerry “The New Cole Newman” Keen. At the start of the season Jerry made a decision that he wouldn’t stand in the way of some of the younger hookers like Harley Nicholson and Kaitoa “missing in action” William and so dropped himself to 3rd grade. As fate would have it, half way through the season Merrylands hooking stocks had depleted massively and 1st grade coach Kelly Phillips asked Jerry to come back to the top side. In a herculean like effort, that belies his tiny stature, Jerry guaranteed he would still captain 3rds but would also give everything he had to first grade.

An apology needs to go to James Macklin and Jake Eldering who didn’t get much time on the field on grand final day. Grand finals are always a challenge for coaches when it comes to giving everyone a run. The supporters and players want victory but as a coach you want to be good to the guys that have been there for you all season. It can be an impossible juggle that in the end requires a smart coach and team focused players to make sure no one goes home angry. All of the involved players understood the situation and where happy to let Coach Ngawini do what he thought was best...........Merrylands 7 – St George 0

2nd Grade Merrylands vs Brothers

It is difficult to know exactly what went wrong today for the Wolves 2’s. Their regular powerful line up took the field, they had a good training session on Thursday and after hammering Brothers in the major semi it seemed like this game was a mere formality. But sometimes the confidence that goes with knowing you have hammered your opposition can manifest itself in negative ways.

The Wolves didn’t play badly but never really found their rhythm until very late in the match. They would produce an excellent piece of counter attack or a strong forward surge but would be thwarted through poor refereeing or bad decision making at crucial moments. Brothers on the other hand just kept getting lucky. Two of their tries came from freakish bounces off long kicks and one try came from an intercept that look distended to be a Merrylands 5 pointer.

The Wolves kept trying, refusing to kick back possession and attacking every chance they got but alas the harder they tried the further away success seemed to get. The closing 10 minutes saw the Wolves finally start racking up points but it all came too late as the proud Wolves 2’s suffered an undeserved grand final loss. The boys seemed to take it in their stride as they kept their heads held high and reminded everyone this was the first G.F this playing group has lost in 3 years.

Big ups to Marc T who took control of the Merrylands 2nds mid season after several other coaches pulled out. He got the boys on track when things seemed to be going way wood and all of Merrylands management would like to thank him for his stellar effort.....Merrylands 20 – Brothers 29

1st Grade Merrylands vs Brothers

Anyone involved with the Wolves this season, indeed anyone involved with Sydney Subbies rugby this season, would have heard the rumours. Year after year of watching their rugby teams get battered, bruised and bashed into loss after inglorious loss has forced the Brothers management to throw all morals, spirit and decency out the window and try to buy a premiership. Although the exact amounts may never be known, as both Brothers players and Brothers management are justifiably too  embarrassed to tell anyone, it has come from reliable sources that the total figure payed to players is well in excess of $500 000!!!!!

All though plenty of well educated, intelligent and worldly people have tried, finding words within the English language to truly convey the shot sightedness, the ignorance, the gutlessness and above all the utter stupidity of paying players that kind of money has proved impossible. The fact remains if you can’t come up with the cash year after year to keep those mercenaries, whom have no affiliation with the club, then they will simply go and crawl back under the rock they came out from.

The Wolves 1sts have faced Brothers 4 times before this Grand Final. The closest Merrylands has got was a 41 – 27 point loss. The worst it got was a 56 to nil hammering. It’s pretty safe to say that no one outside of the 1st grade squad really gave the Wolves much hope. Some folks were just hoping it didn’t get embarrassing. Within the playing group and from Coach Phillips, the opinion was much different.  The semi final loss Merrylands suffered to Brothers looked bad on paper, 29 to 10, but in reality the Wolves 1’s knew Brothers never cut them up and only scored tries off continued poor discipline and some even worse refereeing. The Wolves felt if they could turn up the mongrel level, get a fair ref and keep their own discipline in check they would be right in there with a chance.

The first half saw the Wolves defending almost constantly. Good kicking from Brothers kept the Wolves pinned back but they refused to drop their heads. The entire Wolves forward pack was keen as mustard to bury their shoulders, knees, fists and heads into any Brothers forwards game enough to come near a ruck while the Wolves backs tried their best to use whatever ball they could get, attacking from within their 22 on several different occasions. At one point Mr Excitment battered a touch finder from a penalty back infield that was scooped up in the Wolves in goal by Baz Nicholson. The ball was shifted through 3 sets of hands under enormous pressure inside the in-goal before Nash Steward found open space and was dragged down near the half way.  Their continued monster defensive effort saw Brothers go to the break with a mere 14 point lead.

The second half was a bit of a reverse of the first. The Wolves got a little more honesty from the ref and a better supply of set play ball while the pressure of the situation seemed to stun the Brothers forwards who stopped really giving their backs any momentum. Midway through the second half Nash Steward fielded a poor clearing kick and after some jinking and swerving sent Baz Nicholson into open territory. Baz then saw off some lazy attempts by Brothers forwards and carried the ball within 10 meters of the try line. From the ensuing ruck the Wolves ran a couple of forward charges before Todd “Schoi” Parsons threw an awesome flat ball to a flying Joe “Dove Body Wash is My Choice” Ngawini who carried several defenders over the line to open the scoring for the Wolves.

Merrylands threw absolutely everything at Brothers for what was left of the game and came close on several occasions. Joe Ngawini gave a short ball to Jade “I’m Arnie, Marc is Danny Devito” Taivairanga that he probably should have ran himself while Jade Taivairanga was desperately unlucky to lose possession attempting an off load that surely would have seen Levi Sciascia crash over. Some frankly poor reffing also played its part but with the Wolves hard on attack 10 meters from the Brothers line a slight knock on saw the reff check his watch and call time on what was an amazing effort from the entire Wolves community. 

It rings of an overused cliché but in a year where Merrylands lost a major sponsor, had no pub to use as a base for bonding or fundraising and suffered the heart breaking loss of a truly massive figure within the club it was an awesome effort that all 3 grades made the big one. It’s an even more amazing effort that a bunch of jokers that play the game simply for the joy and friendship of it could come so close to beating a half million dollar team......Merrylands 7 – Brothers 14

3rd Grade Semi Final 6/8/2011

Merrylands vs Convicts

Although you could mount an argument that the Merrylands weekly game reviews often paint the Wolves as the underdog, only to then go on to tell of another powerful performance resulting in another victory, it would be hard to argue that the Wolves 3’s entered this match as favourites. In fact even the most one eyed Wolves fan would probably have told you a win today was unlikely. Merrylands 3rd grade have faced the Convicts 3 times during the year and although some of those matches saw plenty of 1st and 2nd graders pitching in on field, Merrylands where yet to register a win. In fact the Wolves failed to ever really get close. The best the Wolves could muster was a 21 – 7 loss.

With 2nd grade winning last week and there for moving straight to the G.F, there would also be the added challenge of not being able to call on second and first graders to STIFFEN UP the team. Despite this the team that ran out was quite strong, featuring Richie Ngawini, the Chapman-Barber brothers, Kenny “No Mistakes” Bladwell, Jase Ise, Andrew Lima, Kris Gemmel and Jerry Keen.

Unfortunately for the Wolves the first 15 minutes went according to predictions. The Wolves forwards where unable to wrestle possession from a talented and determined Convicts pack and were SUCKED into giving away some cheap penalties that saw the Convicts get clean lineout ball less than 10 meters form the Wolves line. Although the entire Wolves backline are very able TACKLErs, when defending that close to the line communication and trust is essential. The problem for the Wolves 3’s is that they were playing a well DRILLED, well disciplined team that doesn’t suffer the week to week FLUCTUATIONs in playing staff that a regular 3rd grade, like the Merrylands 3rd grade unit, does. As a result most of the Wolves inside backs are a little unfamiliar with one another while the Convicts backs PLAY WITH ONE ANOTHER every week. A fact that was made painfully clear as the Convicts outside centre received quick, flat ball from his #10, threw a couple of dummies and drifted through the Merrylands defence and dotted down under the posts. All the Wolves backs could do was look at one another and wounder who should have TACKLEd him.

Super Coach, Cool Head Ngawini, had thought pre-match that his scrum would probably be a week point during this game. The Convicts scrum had DOMINATED the Wolves pack in every other game they had played. With the early running going against them, the Wolves where in need of some heroes and so it was a shock to most watching that the saviours of the first half would be the two Wolf props, Dean “the Last Gammidge Standing” Gammidge and Tama “Man of the Match” Territo. Nerves were having an effect on both teams but the Wolves were able to win more possession through there scrum rolling over the Convicts front row at every re-start. So much so that the Wolves managed to disrupt their scrum base service,  win 2 tight heads and give their new strike number 8, Jase Ise, a solid platform to make meters of the back of every scrum.

The Wolves went to the break feeling a little lucky to only be 7 points down. After the interval though, things went a little better for Merrylands. Once again the legendary Ngawini strategic and ORAL ABILITY had a stunning effect as a few changes were made and the Wolves came out firing. The Wolves back three of Tanga “back for the semis” Wakeford, Greg “The Swordsmen” Benson and Albi Chapman-Barber playing well, returning kicks with interest and forcing the Convicts back into their own half. Finals series often come down to a bit of luck and the Wolves got the lucky break they needed early in the second half with a period of sustained pressure seeing the Convicts give away repeated penalties and the Wolves taking up residence INSIDE THE CONVICTS twenty two. An impressive, clinical PASSAGE of play close to the Convicts line, saw the Wolves take some clean line out ball, punch a couple of runners up off the ruck then fling quick, clean ball from the biggest half back on the park, Jayson Waters, to a fast moving Richie Ngawini who palmed and stepped his way over the line and between the posts. Embarrassingly though Andrew Lima missed the shot from right in front.

The mood on the sideline and within the Wolves squad lifted any way and even more personnel changes saw the Wolves take FIRM control of the match. Once again solid, smart play from the Wolves back three and powerful running and TACKLing from the Wolves forwards gave Merrylands plenty of territory which resulted in the Convicts caving into pressure and giving away penalty after penalty. Truth be told a few of the Convict forwards should have been yellow carded but it didn’t really matter as the Wolves took the chances they needed, slotting a penalty ten minutes from the end that saw them take a slender one point lead.

Although there were a couple of nervy moments the Wolves closed out the game quite well. Coach Ngawini used his bench to far greater effect then his Convicts counterpart with all of his subs making a positive IMPACT. Most notably was Tama Bush, who won plenty of lineout ball and ran some fantastic lines out wide off Andrew “spray boot” Lima, putting the Wolves on the front foot and giving Richie “my brother doesn’t coach me” Ngawini plenty of time at 5/8 to make the right decisions.

The biggest pats on the back though need to go to props Tama Territo and Dean Gammidge. Both have had UP AND DOWN years as far as scrummaging is concerned but have always been there when the Wolves needed them to play extra games.  They could not have picked a better time to play their best games of the year, destroying the Convicts normally solid scrum and giving their backline and number 8 all the front foot and time needed to grind out this type of semi final, gutsy win.....Merrylands 8 – Convicts 7.

1st Grade Merrylands vs Macquarie University

Merrylands have been playing Mac Uni for a very long time and have quite a healthy rivalry with one another. That said most honest Mac Uni supporters will tell you Merrylands have probably been on the better side of the score board the majority of times these two teams have faced off. In fact this season has seen the two teams meet twice with Merrylands victorious on both occasions. The first game was a bit of a belting with Merrylands winning by 59 points while the second game was a little close with the score board reading 19 – 10 in the Wolves favour at full time.

All that said it was never going to be an easy match. Mac Uni are a lot younger and probably a lot fitter then the Wolves and with their first grade being their only side left in the semis they had plenty of players to choose from. Plus it was difficult for the Wolves not to look forward to another battle with Brothers on grand final day. At training during the week Kelly “My Knees are as stuffed as the New Zealand Economy” Phillips tried repeatedly to stop the boys talking about how to beat Brothers and to get the 1st XV to concentrate on Mac Uni but to no real success.

And it showed in the opening minutes with Mac Uni catching Merrylands runners isolated on several occasions and using the territory gained from the subsequent penalties to slot an early 3 pointer. The Wolves then failed to learn from their mistakes. Giving away more holding penalties before the pressure finally told with Mac Uni scoring off a clever cross field kick straight from a penalty tap.

The sting on the score board though managed to finally sting the Wolves into action. Baz Nicholson fielded a Mac Uni clearing kick on the full before gathering up a full head of steam and slicing through the Uni defence. The resulting chaos saw the Uni boys give away a penalty directly in front and the Wolves where finally on the board.

The Wolves then managed to control possession for an extended period and found themselves surging into Uni territory. From a series of rucks inside the Uni 22 Todd “The Littlest Schofield” Parsons got a long flat ball away to Joe Ngawini who sucked in several defenders before off loading to Mark Taivairanga who was playing in his first run on game for 1st grade this year. A little over awed by the occasion and openly afraid of the approaching Uni defence, Marc T then cried out desperately for someone, a hero to come to his aid, to rescue him from certain pain and failure and the indignation of an entire rugby club. Luckily for him a true leader was close at hand as Benjamin “a try in every grade this year so shut up” Davis swooped in, tenderly took the ball from Marc T’s trembling hands and then exploded into the clear, crossing the line untouched and sliding in to put the Wolves within 3 points of their rivals. Another Merrylands penalty goal before the break saw the scores locked at 13 all at half time.

Soon after the break though, the Wolves turned in a vintage period of play. Pete Whijohnfgjkgilgi was running rampant from the back of rucks and Bick Hicks was up to his usual Fijian antics putting the re-worked Merrylands backline on the front foot. The resulting quality ball saw Luke “super thin” Ansell and Joe “It’s the Body Lotion” Ngawini make good yards out wide before one telling break from Nash Steward put the Wolves meters from the line and the Mac Uni defence in tatters. From a mere 5 meters out Marc Taivairanga received perfect service from the ruck base, picked out the smallest bloke in the Mac Uni team and selfishly bullied his way over the line right next to the posts.

The game then swung back Uni’s way. The Wolves scrum was dominating their counterparts but the Ref insisted it was Levi “I’m really a number 8” Sciascia and Bick “so am I” Hicks job to look after their less able rival props. As such the Wolves where unfairly penalised on two subsequent occasions and found themselves defending a lineout from only 5 meters out. As any educated rugby watcher will tell you a well executed line out drive from 5 meters out can be almost impossible to stop and so it was Mac Uni crossed for their second try Merrylands found themselves only 3 points in front and a little nervous.

The Wolves handled the set back well and where soon marching down field and helping themselves to plenty of easy meters up the middle of the park. Today’s run on team saw a slight change to normal settings with Luke Ansell moving to number 12 and Marc T playing 5/8. The new alignment bore it first fruit with 10 minutes to go. Clean scrum ball saw Marc T hit Joe Ngawini with a clean cut out ball and a looping pass form the Uglier Ngawini gave Baz Nicholson a good look at the line and the Worlds Toughest midget made no mistake, sliding in out wide and giving the Wolves an 8 point lead. A further penalty to Nash Steward not long before full time saw the Wolves cruise to what in the end was a comfortable 11 point victory.

The biggest cheers of the day should go to Bick Hicks and Levi Sciascia. With the likes of Mike “Smash Box” Smith, Rua “I don’t wanna be mean” Katuia and Frank “chur” Waionio deciding other things are more important than rugby (like what?) the club found themselves midyear with no obvious first grade props. Bicks and Levi accepted the challenge handed to them by Captain Ben and Coach Kelly and today showed how far they have come, dominating their opposite numbers and giving the Wolves backs plenty of time to attack. A big thanks needs to go to Marc T who stepped in to fill the injured boots of Kelly Phillips and directed the team around well and Arana Rissetto who on his 30th birthday played the unfamiliar roll of number 8 with plenty of skill. Also thank you to Roy Chapman-Barber who for the last few weeks has helped the Wolves 1st grade out on several occasions, playing centres, wing, flanker and number 8.

2011 Major Semi Finals 30/7/2011

3rd Grade Merrylands vs St George

Other than a direct spot in the G.F there was a fair amount riding on today’s game. The winner would get a week off (always welcome to the aging bones of most 3rd graders) and the looser would face a tough game against the title favourites, the Convicts.

So it was a little disappointing that some players within the Merrylands fraternity decided that consistency and pre-game preparation are not important. Todd Parsons, Oska Ah-Wong and James Macklin need to take their heads for a s@#t. On top of these 3 douche bags forcing the bus to leave half an hour after the scheduled time,  several other normally reliable players turned up very very late indeed. This had a direct effect as the opening exchanges went the Saints way with their forwards getting on a roll right off the kick off, pushing deep into Merrylands territory. The slightly disorganised Wolves then allowed the Saints too much room out wide and St George crossed for the first 5 pointer of the game.

The Wolves gave themselves a solid talking to then responded in brutal fashion. Kenny Bladwell and Kris Gemmel teamed up to effect a turn over only moments after the restart with big Tama Territo charging forward to get Merrylands on the front foot. Jayson Waters then fed his backline with Richie Ngawini cutting through off a great ball from new 5/8 Andrew Lima. Tanga “If the misses asks I didn’t play” Wakeford than linked up with the little Ngawini to dot down under the posts and put Merrylands ahead mere minutes after going behind.

The quick strike seemed to sting St George and they struggled for the rest of the half to get into Merrylands territory. The Wolves back 3 of Jake “I love Jager” Eldering, Greg “Tiger Woods of Rugby” Benson and Mr Wakeford had an awesome first half returning some way wood St George kicking with real venom. Jake Eldering made one very impressive run. He scooped up the ball after a decent St George clearing kick and turned to see 4 Saints defenders right on him. With no one in support and no time to get a kick away Jake tucked the ball under his arm, dropped the first defender  like he was a pair of extra short Convicts rugby shorts on mardi gra night, brushed the next two off like mosquitoes and carried the fourth 10 or so meters until help arrived.  At only 17 and in his first year of rugby, if Jake can curb his terrible Jagermister habit he could turn into a very good player.

Most educated Merrylands fans will tell you games against St George and their like normally go a certain way. Their big boys will go with you for 80% of the game, but if you keep pressure on them and don’t give away too many penalties they will fade at the back end of the contest and you should be able to run away with the match. Deep into the second half all was going according to script. The Wolves bench players had belatedly turned up and the appropriate changes to playing personnel had been made to ensure Merrylands kept up the high tempo that saw the Saints slowly fading.  Merrylands were given a scrum only 10 meters from the Saints line and it looked for all money like the Wolves would cross for their second try and put the dying Saints 3rds to bed. But alas over eagerness at the scrum saw the Wolves give away a penalty for early pushing. The Saints took a quick tap and before the Wolves knew it they were standing behind their own goal posts again franticly trying to figure a way back into the contest.

All though the final few minutes saw the Wolves desperately throw everything at the Saints, time ran out for them and the Wolves where left to contemplate a game they truly should have won and another match up with the Convicts next week for a second shot at the G.F. A big shout out goes to Josh Manning. Midway through the second half Mr Manning got sandwiched between two rather large, rather fast running Saints forwards and didn’t get up. Josh reported tweaking his back and hearing a crack on impact. The onsite medical team than stretchered Josh off the field and he was quickly taken to hospital. He was discharged after several tests showed no long term damage and should be at training on Tuesday!!!.......... Merrylands 10 – St George 15

2nd Grade Merrylands vs Brothers

After a shaky start to the season that involved several coaching changes and a sudden loss of several important personnel including A.J Tuara and Jade Moses, Marc Taivairanga took up the coaching and 5/8 roll for second grade and the team has never looked back. And although there was some late season player disappearances this competition really does seem like it is there Wolves two’s to take.

The two teams contesting today’s major semi are polar opposites. Brothers are a well drilled, well disciplined, well trained unit that tries to strangle teams out of matches. Merrylands on the other hand are very spontaneous and very aggressive and look to blow teams off the paddock.

The Wolves got off to a ripper start with Mathew Briggs, Harley Nicholson and Bicks Hicks rolling over their Brother counter parts. With the pack going forward at warp speed it was never going to take long for the likes of Marc T and Star to find holes in the Brothers defence and after only 5 minutes the Wolves, through Chris Magle, crossed for their first try of the match.

All though Brothers never really threatened the Wolves line, the Wolves failed time and time again, in the first half, to really put space between them and their opponents. Much of the blame for this must lie at the feet of Marc Taivairanga. His forward pack was going forward consistently, especially number 8 Nathan Smith, and his backline was looking sharp and ready with Oska Ah-Wong and Alex Seni carving up. But unfortunately Marc, playing at 5/8, was unable to provide the link his team needed. There is talk Marc is too old and some even suggest years of excess alcohol consumption, too much pornography viewing and a few too many visits to uncle Ronald McDonald have finally caught up with the less skilful of the Taivairanga brothers.

Despite this the Wolves combined there over whelming skills with a few lucky breaks and 10 minutes into the second half crossed for their second try. Mathew Briggs, playing the unfamiliar second row roll, slotted the extra two points and from there Brothers simply caved in. The weight of aggression and pressure was too much for the Roseville based club and the Wolves run rampant late in the second half, crossing for 3 more tries and finishing the game well in front and earning themselves a week off before the big one..... Merrylands 28 – Brother 0

1st Grade Merrylands vs Brothers

Brothers went in to today’s game as clear favourites. In the previous 4 encounters between these two teams this year Brothers had come out on top every time. At the last meeting Merrylands failed to register a single point while Brothers managed to.....well they got a lot.

Despite this no one in the Merrylands 1st grade squad was in a mood to give up. At training during the week the Wolves had decided there best hope lay in upsetting Brothers rhythm. To get in there faces, be aggressive, even violent, whatever it took to try and stop Brothers settling into business as usual. And in the early stages it had the desired effect. Straight off the kick off Merrylands were all over Brothers hassling at the break down and hitting hard in defence. In a hurry to ease the pressure the Brothers 5/8 put in a below average kick that was fielded on the full by Nash Steward. Nash chipped over the advancing Brothers defence line and found open territory. The Brothers fullback then made a complete hash of cleaning up the kick and with his forwards struggling to get back in time Brothers gave away an off side penalty right in front that Nash Steward easily slotted to give Merrylands an early lead.

With their tails up the Wolves where bashing Brothers at every chance they got. At one particular ruck early in the first half almost the entire Merrylands squad flew into a pile up that had gotten a little heated, showing all the Merrylands fans that the Wolves 1’s where here to party and where never going to roll over and play dead.

Unfortunately for the Wolves a combination of terrible refereeing and poor discipline conspired against them and at the half time interval the wolves where 14 points down. After the break the Wolves suffered a bad set back, losing inside centre and Coach Kelly Philips to what seemed a pretty heavy knee injury. The backline reshuffle saw Roy Chapman-Barber come onto the wing with Joe Ngawini moving into the centres. It had no ill effect though as the Wolves kept Brothers scoreless for the first 20 minutes of the second half despite the ref doing everything he could to ensure all the cash Brothers have invested into trying to take Merrylands title away didn’t go to waste. In fact the two Brothers tries that did come toward the end of the match where a direct result of Merrylands poor discipline rather than any real defensive frailties. The Wolves kept coming at the Brothers all day and where finally rewarded with the last play of the game. Joe Ngawini had begun to find his form and some room in midfield and cut a gap through the Brothers defence with Kave Ngata in support. Kave made a good 50 meters before being caught but managed to off loads to Nash Steward who in turn found Todd Parsons who strolled over under the posts untouched and with support to spare in the form of Benjamin Davis on his inside.

All though it has been said a few times without really becoming a reality, the Wolves learned a lot from this encounter. If the Wolves can manage to beat Mac Uni next week they now have a game plan they believe can beat Brothers. If the Wolves can tighten up their line out and improve their discipline but continue to play aggressive, violent, mongrel like rugby the G.F could very well see the Wolves raise their 3 title in 4 years............. Merrylands 10 – Brother 29

Merrylands vs Brothers 16/7/2011

3rd Grade

The last time these two squads faced each other the result was a bit of a hoax. Roseville (Brothers home) to Merrylands is one of the longest road trips in the current comp and as such the Brothers lower grade teams that showed up where a little depleted.

This time around with the roles reversed and the Wolves travelling up to Roseville, it would be Merrylands that would have scarcity of players. The team that coach Ngwini and captain Kenny B sent out was laced with talent that is more suited to higher honours. Baz Nichols, Jerry Keen and Roy and Albi Chapman-Barber all pulled on the 3rd’s jersey. Even the Incredible Hulk himself, Super Coach Joe Ngawini, slotted into 5/8th.

Even so Brothers 3rd grade are very similar to the Wolves 3rds from the early 2000’s. Players like Barry Brown, Moku, Pete Bladwell and Steve Beddingfield may have looked a few years past their prime but they had an awesome knack of getting hold of the ball and never letting it go, straggling teams into disciplinary errors and ridding the ref up the field. This Brothers team seems to have a similar ability.

The early exchanges, in fact almost the entire first half, was a ding dong affair with each team gaining momentum then loosing it then getting it back again but never really pushing forward on the score board. It was the Wolves though that managed to strike first. Merrylands was in good territory, inside Brothers 22, and had maintained possession for several minutes. A perfectly executed line out saw the ball sail across the Merrylands back line with Roy Chapman-Barber carrying the ball into contact inches from the line. The ensuing quick ruck ball saw the young rookie, Jake “the New Jerry” Eldering pushing over for the first try of his promising Merrylands career.

The second half saw Merrylands slightly fade yet Brothers could only manage a penalty goal in response to Mr Elderings first half effort. The Wolves rallied and showed there true fighting spirit to close out the match.  With a sizeable crowd, the referee and the poor ground conditions against them, the Wolves held their nerve in the dying stages to control possession and send Albi Chapman-Barber over for their second try that effectively killed off the match. Big ups go out to Mr Chapman, Roy and Albi’s farther, for making an appearance on the wing in the first half. Also big churs to Tanga “I play tag” Wakeford who’s had more come backs then Johnny Fahrnem..... Merrylands 12 – Brothers 3

2nd Grade

Mid way through this season the Wolves where forced, for different reasons by different parties, to swap match venues with several clubs. At the time this seemed like a blessing with Merrylands enjoying 5 straight home games and off the back of this a massive swelling of player numbers. But like any methadone swallowing, needle jabbing, pill popping, bong sucking, joint toking, soft drink swilling junky low life will tell you the bigger the artificial high, the bigger the come down. Four straight away games, coupled with the loss of several players from several key positions, most notably Frank Waiomio, Conrad and Ex brown, have seen the Wolves playing roster shrink worryingly.

There have been some awful rumours floating around about Kelly Phillips. It’s been speculated the Merrylands Director of Coaching has been taking time off his Wolves duties to prepare himself for what has been his dream since he was a wee boy, running around the streets of down town Waykickamoocow in his superman undies playing rugby with his best friend the Teddy Bear..... selection in the New Zealand Convicts!!!!

Whether or not this very believable, completely feasible story is true or not, Kelly Phillips was unable to attend today’s games. The stand in player manager, Benjamin “Not Son of Jingles” Davis, did his very best to put out a competitive second grade side with what he had available without sacrificing too much “freshness” for the upcoming first grade fixture. Todd Parsons, Pete Whigonhjoniyuigy, Jerry Keen, Benjamin Davis, Luke Ansell and Baz Nichols all regular first graders, all forced to take the field for the two’s. The Wolves had all the early running but due to rustiness and fatigue couldn’t turn the pressure into points. A good steal and run by Tangi Aranga and an ify off load to a rampaging Benjamin “Ell Torro” Davis saw the Wolves cross for their first points of the game.

Unfortunately for the second grade squad half time saw many of the first graders that had been filling their ranks rested for the following first grade game and with their departure went the intensity the Wolves need to put another win on the board against resurgent, stubborn Brothers. Although he often talks a good game, Marc Taivairanga and his decimated squad where unable to hold on to their half time lead. Consistent poor discipline saw Brothers dominate territory and possession and all though the Wolves managed to score another try in the second stanza, penalty goals and fresh legs saw their chances slip away. Although the loss hurts, after the game second grade realise that the semis are just around the corner and with their full squad are capable of beating anyone in the comp..... Merrylands 12 – Brothers 25

1st Grade

Big thanks go out to all the boys that played two or more games today. Tama Territo, Dean Gammidge, Harley Nichols, Michael Parker, Todd Parsons, Joe Ngawini, Roy Chapman-Barber, Albi Chapman-Barber, Baz Nichols, Jerry Keen.... every man that turned up today could be mentioned here. It can be a heart breaking experience to look at your sideline and only see 20 odd players for 3 grades. Simple math will tell you that is at least 25 players short of the minimum number of players you need to ensure no one needs to back up. Even so no player that showed on Saturday made even a hint if complaint. Every player Benjamin Davis and Mark Milner asked to play on through pain and fatigue smiled and walked back onto the field like they wished it was like this every week.

To mention the result of today’s game here would do those that were present a disservice. Sure the Wolves got outclassed, but that is to be expected when one club (like most every other club in subbies) plays the game for fun and passion while the other club pays as much cash as they can to buy players and fans so they can feel like a real club......

Merrylands vs St George 8/7/2011

3rd Grade

It looks as though the 3rd Grade title will be a ménage e tui between Merrylands, a bunch of fairies and today’s opponents, St George. Taking into account St George inflicted upon the Convicts their first defeat of the season a few weeks ago, this game truly took on some titanic proportions. Beyond simply winning and losing and points on the ladder it was important for the Wolves to know they’re capable of beating the competition leaders.

Things where looking a little shaky before kick off. The bulk of the Wolves playing roster decided Kogarah was a little too far away and so showing up might put them out a little more than they were willing to cope with. As such the sideline was only populated by approximately 20 Wolf players. These numbers alone may be of no real concern to Kenny Bladwell and his 3rd grade troops but Benjamin “the Brain” Davis and Coach Kelly knew stretching the playing ranks over the whole day was gunna be a tough ask.

Consequently the 3rd Grade side that ran out was rather heavily populated with players whom most would normally attribute with higher grades. The likes of Nash Steward, Jerry Keen, Tama Territo and Todd “the Black Schofield” Parsons all ran on for the high flying Wolves 3’s.

With St George occupying top spot on the ladder the opening exchanges where predictably fierce. The Saints had some early ref decisions go their way and after 10 or so minutes where 7 points up on the Wolves. This however would be the only time the Wolves would trail for the whole game. Mid way through the first period the Wolves built some momentum through some strong ball carries from James “Sleeping Beauty” Macklin and Jason “the New Merv” Fullwood. Off the back of the go forward ball the Wolves backs crossed for an impressive try to Nash Steward. Soon after, the Wolves where at it again. This time the make shift number 13 Mathew Briggs got the boys rolling forward and some nice interplay between the backs and forwards saw another make shift player, this time Baz Nichols at number 7, find an open path to the line.

Straight after the break the Wolves moved further ahead, this time after some trademark devastating running from Kris “I  used to coach but I got smart and now I just play” Gemmel. With the Wolves managing to convert all of their tries through several different kickers including Mat “Galloway” Briggs and Nash Steward, the pressure was on the Saints kickers to do the same. Late in the second half ,after yet more ref blunders saw the Saints cross for another 5 pointer, the rather accurate Saints 10 lined up the conversion from only a few meters wide of the posts. Most of the Wolves and Saints faithful thought the extra points where a fore gone conclusion, but alas, just as boot was about to strike ball an errant seagull passed over head, let out a distinctive “ahh ahh” and the kicker sprayed his shot wide.

The final few minutes were a see sawing affair with the Wolves getting several chances to lock the ball and the game up. But the last play of the day saw the ref give the Saints a very kickable penalty some 30 meters out. Once again things looked gloomy for the Wolves 3rds as most in attendance didn’t think the Saints 10 would miss twice, but once again super Gull came to Merrylands rescue, swooping in low and singing its beautiful song just as the kickers boot sent the ball left and short of the posts.....Merrylands 21 – St George 19

2nd Grade

As has been mentioned several times in this section of this website, the usual game review writer has a habit of going missing during second grade matches. As a result written reviews of 2nd grade fixtures are often not possible. To make up for this and to satisfy the millions of Wolves 2nd Grade fans out there, a crack field reporting team has been dispatched to complete some interviews of players, managers and fans that where present. The results of these interviews will be posted right here a.s.a.p

1st  Grade

It is hard to know what to make of the Wolves 1’s this year. On paper they seem to have enough talent, aggression and size to go all the way. They also seem to have a good mix of youth, in Luke Schofields and Baz Nichols, and experience in Jerry Keen, Ben Davis and Arana Rissetto. But it’s hard not to watch their performances over the last few weeks without wondering whether the players themselves have the intensity to match their ability. This in its self is not a slight on the coach, Kelly Phillips. Kel has an amazing knack for gauging what mood the lads are in at training and on game day and then setting them tasks that go as far as possible toward winning but without losing sight of the most important rule of running a Subbies rugby team, having fun.

And all though the Wolves players would admit themselves that their attendance at training has been a little lack lustre, this is no real reason to be critical. The last few years have seen unbelievable success for the Wolves and its only human nature that at an amateur level, it can be hard to maintain the intensity required to be super successful for long periods of time as players not only have football  to think about. Players and management have mortgages, children, Jazz ballet, Playstation and online pornography that they must dedicate time to.

From what has already been said it wouldn’t take a genius to figure out this week’s result was a departure from the success of the last few rounds. Merrylands has over the last few years had a lot of Polynesian players and played against a lot of Polynesian teams so it was no surprise to the Wolves 1st grade that the Saints, a mostly Tongan and Samoan team, came out full of fire and aggression. What was surprising was that the ref decided he would do absolutely nothing about the illegal aspects of this aggression, even though he was warned by the Wolves captain, Ben Davis, and Wolves management that games between these two teams had a history of getting feisty. He chose to do nothing even though he watched as several Saints players chased Harley Nichols across the field after he had chased down a kick and was isolated. He chose to do nothing even after Harley had clearly been punched from behind and presented with a massive black eye. He chose to do nothing even after one of the Saints players stupidly attempted to knee the Wolves captain right in front of him.

Any way the list of brain snaps committed by the Saints players and the lack of action by the ref could go on forever. All the Wolves players need to be commended for how they handled the silly shit that seems to go hand in hand with playing St George. The two easiest options when faced with this kind of rubbish are to fight back or whinge like a Hunters Hill President. Both these options will result in nothing positive. The hardest option, but the best, is too face off to them legally and when f@#kwits want to turn it into U.F.C 2011 simply walk away. Which is exactly what the Wolves did.

Any way the game it’s self was simply a matter of the Wolves taking too long to wake up and not having the man power on hand to get the job done. The Saints were in the ascendency for the entire first half, going into the break 12 – 3 up. The second half saw the Saints big men run out of puff and the Wolves begin the long road of running them down. Unfortunately for Merrylands, as mentioned before, the lack of players on the day meant the Wolves usual ability to finish over the top of teams didn’t quite produce the usual result. For instance Michael Parker played half back for  the last 10 minutes, Kelly Phillips had to stand in at 12 for the dying stages and both Kave Ngata and Baz Nichols where forced to play outside centre. The second half also saw a few minutes of uncontested scrums due to the fact Jerry Keen, Tama Territo and Bick Hicks had already played at least 2 games each. All that being the case if games where 82 minutes long the Wolves would have completed their 3rd straight win over their moronic opponents. Instead it turned into a result the Wolves will use to motivate themselves if the two squads come together again in the finals....Merrylands 13 – St George 20

Merrylands vs Rouse Hill 2/7/2011

2nd Grade and 1st Grade

As Peter Parker, aka Spiderman, once said “with great power comes great responsibility” and so it is the reviews for today’s games could not be posted as the usual writer, Merv Wolf, has been called up by the U.N to undertake a very dangerous, extremely difficult, top secret mission in Afghanistan. There is no truth to the rumours that Merv a) has not been seen since the Convicts game

                                                                            b) is in fact Todd Parsons mysterious lover and has gone into hiding after the middle Parsons refused to accompany Merv to Hillsong

                                                                            c) has decided to follow/stalk Justin Bieber

                                                                            d) is selling hallucinogenic drugs in return for sexual favours

                                                                            e) has been recruited by New Zealand Rugby to teach its player about living in hiding in preparation for their inevitable World Cup failure.

Merrylands vs Convicts vs Rockdale 25/6/2011

3rd Grade

For those of you that don’t know, the Convicts where drafted into the 3rd grade comp after Rockdale succumbed to lack of numbers and notified the Subbies board they would no longer be able to field a 3rd grade. Convicts are technically 1st division club Colleagues 7th Grade, but are in reality a completely separate entity. They are a team made up exclusively of homosexual men. Now although some of the more childish Wolves fans out there may think this means they may be pretty soft and a bit of a push over they are in fact quite successful. The reason they do not form their own club is that every two years they travel to the U.S to compete in the Gay Rugby World Cup, something they have won several times. The New Zealand Rugby Board has actually publicly spoken of entering the All Blacks in this version of the World Cup if they should fail, as everyone expects they will, to win this year’s real World Cup. All though the Wolves 3’s copped a lot of slack over their dismal result the last time these two sides met it has to be said since joining the competition the Convicts are yet to lose.

Any hows to the game. The Wolves fielded a far stronger 3rd grade this time around and the opening half showed it. Both teams found it difficult to get any attacking rhythm as both squads turned up with ready tackle, sorry ready TO tackle. 10 minutes in Convicts won a scrum in the middle of the field and with two passes had their 100kg+ winger in plenty of room and with only Baz Nichols in front of him. Alas as any Wolf fan will tell you running at Baz is an exercise in suicide. Being three times Baz’s size and clearly unable to side step, the big, fat......fa....guy tried to run over poor innocent Baz, only to find his feet above his head and his face buried in dirt, a position the young Convict usually only takes up on a Saturday evening.

As Midnight Oil once sung about, the Convicts must have short memories as no more then 2 minutes later their 100kg+ flanker darted around the blind side, lined up Baz and ended up performing his favourite yoga pose in the middle of a rugby game. As if to rub more salt into the wound the reff penalised Baz for a “dangerous tackle”?????.....Its rugby, every tackle is dangerous?????

Despite all this the Convicts managed to take the lead mid way through the first half. Soon after though the Wolves crossed thanks to some nice work by Nash “I just wanna play this game to help out 3rds” Steward and Luke “hey convicts, my last name is a brand of condoms” Ansell.

At half time the Wolves found themselves only 5 points adrift of their far bigger, far fitter rivals. The second half was a very similar story to the first, the Wolves tackled like men possessed and the Convicts kept coming at them. In the end the Convicts superior bench numbers were telling as the Wolves big men ran out of puff and the Convicts were able to sneak home for what was their closest result since joining the comp..... Merrylands 7 – Convicts 21

2nd Grade

AS mentioned before the details of this game are hard to come by due to the fact the usual contributor, Merv Wolf, went missing not long after the Convict team bus departed. Stay tuned for some filmed interviews with the 2nd grade coach Marc Taivairanga.

1st Grade

As has been the case all year with especially far from home away games like this one, Kelly Phillips was forced to make several changes to his team. Pete Whiiigongnhingoi was unable to make it so Luke “21 today” Schofield made his debut on the side of the scrum with Arana Rissetto and Benjamin “I’m Captain no” Davis making up the second row. Todd “I’m not going to church for no one” Parsons  made his run on return form a rib injury.

Rockdale has a titanic forward pack and an able back line, so with the Wolves perhaps feeling a little underdone the opening 20 minutes was rather even with both sides crossing for early tries. But like the Titanic the Big Rockdale forwards begun to take on water and sink and just before the break the Wolves started running riot with Nash Steward, Baz Nichols and Cody Hirawini putting in good performances out wide and Luke Schofield, Benjamin Davis and Jerry Keen playing well in the forwards.

At half time Kelly gave Merrylands finest some harsh words for starting off the pace and soon they were making up for lost time, carving holes in the lacklustre Rockdale defence. As a Club Merrylands has a lot of love for Rockdale. They represent everything that is good about Subbies rugby. So with that in mind not too much more will be said about this game other than a big chur to Cody Hiriwini who managed to set up a try after performing not one, not two, not three but four chip and chances in one ridiculous run....... Merrylands 46 – Rockdale 12

Merrylands vs Macquarie Uni 18/6/2011

3rd Grade

Away games that don’t require a bus, like this week’s game away to Mac Uni, are always a bit difficult, especially when bad weather has meant there has been no training all week. When you take a bus to the game you are guaranteed a good 20 players will be there half an hour before 3rd grade kicks off. Even if no other players show up you can get through the day with just the population of the bus. Any one that’s been playing for the Wolves for a few years will remember the famous day at Harlequins when we had 20 blokes for 3 grades and managed to draw seconds and win 3rds and 1sts. So with all that in mind you can imagine the relief in Merrylands management when Mac Uni called on Friday asking if the game could be moved to our home ground as their fields were still in poor condition from all the rain.

As is customary for home games, Super Coach Ngwini managed send out a very competitive 3rd grade outfit. The back line was bound to be a flurry of dummies and show and go’s with all 3 Parsons brothers filling the 10, 12 and 13 shirts, Joel Parsons filling the 10 jersey right up. As you would expect Uni are quite a young side and looked fit and keen.

Although the Wolves scored an early try through Josh Manning, it took the boys a good 15 minutes to really get on top, thanks mainly to some atrocious ref calls. If you are bigger, stronger and more aggressive than your opposition you would be an idiot if you didn’t use that to your advantage. Why some lower grade refs choose to baby teams that are getting mauled is beyond me. If you have a soft heart goes work for the salvos.

All the help from the ref couldn’t hide the fact the Merrylands were simply too good for their younger, fitter opponents. Giving a report on how the game evolved would be pretty useless. Instead we should talk about all the special appearances in today’s game. Roy and Alby Chapman-Baber made their customary twice yearly appearance and had a fine day out wide, scoring a couple between them and setting up a few more. Jayson Waters showed his unique attacking ploy of winding his way through scores of players, getting himself out in the open, than throwing out the anchors and waiting for the defence to catch up to him again. One day when he grows up he will put the gas on and go all the way himself. Paul Bergen made his debut appearance in the front row, slotting in at hooker and even giving propping a go. Tony Tuara made up for his sons lack of heart, playing 30 minutes in the front row. Even turning back the clock with his all new rats tail hair cut. James Macklin finally got out of bed, managing to make it on to the pitch for a full 5 and a half minutes!!!!.........Merrylands 36 – Mac Uni 0

2nd Grade

We will have more interivews about todays second grade game on friday, but for now here is a quick interview with the 3rd grade super coach Joe Ngwini who was on the sideline for the 2nd grade fixture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkkEj_S5c10  

1st Grade

Subbies rugby is, for the most part, an amateur’s competition. Sometimes though, ordinary men throw of the shekels of their boring, ordinary lives, take to a suburban rugby pitch and saw like eagles. Once in a while the rugby gods take the time to smile on mere mortal rugby players so that they and the supporters that watch them might glimpse, if only for a beautiful few moments, what it feels like to play this wonderful game the way the beautiful players do, giving them a vision that they might, like the proverbial crack addict trying to replicate that first wondrous hit, strive to replicate until their dying days.

Unfortunately today was not one of those days. Sure the wind was howling across the pitch making passing, line out throwing and kicking with anything nearing accuracy nearly impossible, but to be fair that still doesn’t account for the lack lustre performance served up by the Wolves finest today.

Even as first grade warmed up for the match things where looking slow. Pete Whigongjoiy was simply missing, Mr Cranky and his brother Joe Ngwini turned up several minutes into the game, Dillon “the Pimp” Hodgson was holidaying in New Zealand (??????) and the Rissetto plane was grounded due to volcanic ash. The forward pack that went out, all though brimming with experience in Michael Parker, International Pink and Ben Davis, was out of practice. The backline was patched together at best. The only players of first grade repute playing in their normal positions where Tim French, Luke “Glad Wrap and a Rubber Band” Ansell and Baz Nichols. The centre paring was, let’s be fair, weird. 12 was worn by the supposedly injured Todd “Loved Up and No Longer Partying” Parsons and outside him was Nash “I’m a Great Fullback” Steward. Any one that has been involved with the Wolves for a few years will tell you that on his day, Nash Steward is one of the best fullbacks you’ll ever see. On every other day he is terrible at playing 12 or 13 and should never even think about wearing number 10 or less.

Anyway to the game. Merrylands won the toss and reinstated captain Davis decided to run into the wind in the first half. Better to do the hard yards while you’ve got the energy. As such the Wolves knew points would be hard to come by and as long as they didn’t let Mac Uni get to far in front they would have a good chance of running them down. The Wolves played quite well for most of the first half. They defended for maybe 70% of time and did so rather well. In fact without the breeze its debateable weather Mac Uni would have scored any points at all as the Wolves managed to turn over possession quite regularly but could not clear their lines. And when the Wolves got the ball they headed Coach Phillips words and held onto possession as long as they could. Yet a couple of bad calls and a few minutes where the unwittingly played a man down saw the Wolves go into the break 10 points to nil down.

In the first half the turnaround got underway rather quick. Uni put in a bad clearing kick and on the return Baz Nichols found space to get the Wolves inside the Uni 22. From there a few simple off loads saw Nash Steward go over under the posts. All most immediately the Wolves were on the attack again. A nice charge from Bick Hicks got the Wolves backs some room and the proper outside centre, Joe Ngawini, made a long run to be pulled up only a few meters short. Just as it looked like the Wolves were going to get in front inside the first 10 minutes, Todd “Under the Thumb” Parsons decided to take his frustration about his personal life out on the nearest Uni forward, laying the boot into a grounded Uni player and giving away possession only centimetres out.

From there the Wolves rhythm slowed and all though they never really looked like going down, it took the most of the second half to put the Uni kids to sleep. A solo effort by the always angry Richie Ngawini from almost 50 meters out, that saw him break at least 4 tackles, was the eventual spirit breaker for Uni as the Wolves strangled them out of the game to take was an ugly but never the less deserved win.

Big Churs need to go to the Uni tight head prop who, with 20 minutes to go and his team being only 3 in front, told all of the Wolves forward pack to look at the score board. As soon as the Wolves scored their second try the entire forward pack plus a few backs reminded the half wit that he should check out the score board himself.

The biggest chur of the day though must go to Max Ng-Lam. For those that don’t know, Max has been an absolute stand out player for the Wolves for the last 3 years, winning back of the year and player of the year along the way. Unfortunately Max made a few questionable decisions during the off season and found himself unable to play rugby for 18 months. Today saw Max take to the field for the Wolves for the first time since going missing. He came on as a sub in second grade and with almost his first touch taw straight through the defence to set up his winger for a try. With the playing stocks looking low for first grade Kelly gave max the fullback jumper for the first 20 minutes of first grade. Once again he showed he hasn’t lost his touch beating several flailing defenders before unfortunately twisting his ankle. The whole Merrylands Wolves Community was stoked to see Max back, looking fit, fast and with a beaming smile on his face.....though he could do with a haircut.....Merrylands 19 – Mac Uni 10

Merrylands vs Brothers

1st Grade 7/62011

Due to reasons that can only be described as gutless and half assed, the 1st grade game between Merrylands and Brothers that was originally set down for Saturday the 4th of June was rescheduled for Tuesday night, the 7th of June. As far as anyone can remember this was the first night game the Wolves had ever been involved in.

Though it was a bitterly cold night Merrylands were able to name a full strength side with am extremely useful bench that included Benjamin Davis, Michael Parker, Mat Briggs and Benny “Black Caviar” Kakau.

It has been evident since about round 3 of this year that the division 3 first grade premiers would more than likely be one of these two teams. This was always going to be an intense, fast game. Although the Wolves started better than their last effort against Brothers, it was the visitors that drew first blood. A couple of suspect referee decisions went Brother s way and with the early territory they were able to slip through the Merrylands defence and dot down under the posts.

The try seemed to spur the Wolves on as they enjoyed a 20 minute period of good field position and more than their fair share of possession that led to Brothers conceding a kickable penalty that Nash “the Bald Assassin” Steward easily slotted. 

Brothers were happy to use the slight breeze and kick for territory which fell right into the hands of a resurgent Nash Steward and Baz “PitBull” Nichols who managed to cut the visitors defence to shreds down the left touch line finding plenty of space on kick returns. One such raid saw Baz beat 3 or 4 forwards before off loading to Nash who showed glimpses of his 07/08 form to round the fullback and slide past  the winger to touch down under the posts.

Unfortunately that, 14 – 10, was as close as the Wolves got. The momentum swung back and forth throughout the game, including one period where the Wolves held the ball inside Brothers 22 for 1o minutes, but it seemed that every time Brothers got the rub of the green they managed to convert luck and pressure into points. The Wolves however suffered from simple errors at crucial times including loosing line outs and misdirecting passes.

Make no mistake, Brothers are a very well paid, well drilled squad and will be very hard to beat, but the Wolves know they have plenty of time and opportunities to tailor their game to beat their top table rivals and firmly believe a third title in four years is well within reach....... Merrylands 10 – Brothers 31

3rd Grade 4/6/2011

In recent years Brothers have fielded quite a strong 3rd grade outfit. Most of their team is on the far side of 30 but they always seem to be well drilled and have a good understanding of one another. They also have a completely baseless sense of entitlement and a propensity to whinge like an All Blacks supporter after a World Cup but that’s another story.

With 1st grade not playing today and 3rds running a little short of props over the last few weeks, the Wolves 3rd grade brains trust (Kenny Bladwell) thought it may be a tough day at the office. He couldn’t have been further of the mark. True, it took the Wolves most of the first half to subdue what fight the Brothers outfit had in them, but by the final whistle it was an absolute demolition job. Straight from the first kick off the Wolves were on the front foot. Jason “Fully Full” Fullwood sawed through the sky like an emu to gather up the ball and race 10 or so meters to give the young, new look Wolves backline a crack at the opposition from only 10 out. The ball then sailed through 3 sets of hands before Daryl Shum shrugged off a couple of half assed tackles to score next to the upright after less than 2 minutes.

Not too long after the restart the Wolves were at it again. New 5/8 Drew put in a lovely touch finder that got the Wolves within 10 meters of the Brothers line and some nice inter play between forwards and backs saw Greg “Gigolo” Benson take 5 points home. The rout slowed down a little after the fast start, due mainly to mishandling and, dare it be said greed from some of the Wolves, but it wasn’t long before good work up the middle by Kris Gemmel, Kenny Bladwell and one incredibly impressive run from the human wrecking ball himself Benjamin “Bone Crusher” Davis, saw the likes of Daryl Shum, Oska Ahwong and Brian “Light Fantastic” Thomson carve up the Brothers brittle, child like defence.

By half time there seemed to be no danger at all that the Wolves would lose this one and so super coach Ngwini rang in the changes, bringing in the world’s second biggest 5/8 (after that fat guy that plays number 10 for St George) Joel Parsons whose trade mark Parsons dummy saw that Brothers backs clutching at air and the Wolves looking at a cricket score. There were also a few new faces in the Wolves line up that, going by the final score, all the Wolves faithful hope will make themselves more available to pull on the Black and Yellow.

In games like this it can be hard to single any one person for praise. Harley Nichols deserves much credit. He had gone missing over the last few weeks but showed up just when we needed a hooker, playing out the full game and showing the kind of aggression him and his band of merry men have become infamous for. Today also saw the once a year appearance of former first grade hooker, prop and coach, 5 times premiership winner and all round nice guy Cole Newman. As is customary Cole played about 7 games during the day and had all of us hoping we can still get around as good as the big man when we’re knocking on the door of 50. Merrylands 45 – Brothers 5

2nd Grade

Second grade absolutely smashed Brothers today. It took the Wolves a good half hour to really find their feet, and even than they fell into some scratchy patches, but Brothers never really had the firepower to do anything about it or stop the Wolves scoring when Merrylands got it right. Putting all that stuff aside today saw a worrying return to the bad old days. 3 Wolves players were sin binned for what can only be called violent play and to be fair there was 2 or 3 others that should have been carded if the ref had seen their stupid antics. It’s completely baffling that a team can get 30 or so points up on an opposition and yet still let them and the ref get under their skin. Several senior players need to take a long hard look at themselves and maybe take their heads for a s@#t or give themselves a poke in the eye if this sort of behaviour becomes the norm again.

On a more positive note Levi felt what it was like to pack against a World Cup winning prop as Brothers second grade fielded the legendary Tony Daley at loose head. Needless to say the Wolves scrum struggled until the old guy got tired and went off half way through the second half. Benjamin Davis scored his first try in two years, running over the entire Brothers forward pack from 50 meters out!!! Add to that his bulldozer like display in 3rds and his awesomely timed hit on Brothers Lomu like winger that sent the Brother number 11 hurtling over the touch line and it’s no wonder some very intelligent and influential people are saying he could be the third Ngawini. Merrylands 33 – Brothers 6

Merrylands vs St George 28/5/2011

3rd Grade

The standered of 3rd grade play this year from both the Wolves and most of their opposition has been quite astounding. No one is going to get a call from Robbie Deans but the pattern play and aggression is quite higher than most games we’ve seen in the “easiest” grade for some time.

The early exchanges of the game were quite skilful and reasonably fast. Merrylands were fielding quite a competitive side with the likes of Kelly Phillips, Richie Ngwini, Kris Gemmel and Rua Katarua all lining up for the Wolves. It was St George however that took the early ascendency, creating space through the middle of the park with their customary giant forward pack and their young, fit backline took advantage of.

The Wolves where looking a little flustered and their inability to finish off some good attacking moves saw them give up territory and when this caused frustration the Wolves gave away points due to ill discipline. With only 15 minutes gone in the first half the Wolves were down 10 – 0.

Just before the break though Merrylands managed to get the luck they needed after a strong scrum disrupted St George’s possession and Kelly Phillips swooped on the resulting loose ball to send Richie Ngwini racing over in the corner.

The second half was all frustration and, to be honest, stupidity for the Wolves. Merrylands were all over St George creating chance after chance, for forwards and backs alike, but couldn’t seem to make the last pass stick or get the last bounce to jump their way. On one occasion Kris Gemmel found himself on the end of some slick back line play and out in open pastures with only the fullback to beat and a fat prop chasing him. Instead of putting his foot on the gas (what gas he has left these days) he decided to wait for the prop to catch him and try to off load to his slowly arriving support in the shape of Deano Gammidge. Needless to say the movement was halted as Kris was bundled into touch and Deano could only struggle to catch his breath and wonder where it all went wrong. Merrylands 5 – St George 13

2nd Grade

As the current review writer, Benadicto los Davos, is currently involved, for the most part and for the foreseeable future, with the first grade squad, he is unable to watch the full 2nd grade match each week. Adding to this the fact that none of the senior 2nd grade staff and players, such as Mark Taivairanga, have a strong grasp of the English language, we will now be submitting all second grade reviews as video interviews. So with out further adue here are the first ever Merrylands 2nd grade match reviews from Con Brown, Tim French, Todd Parsons and Oska Ahwong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLbesZBlwLU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXg2_Qor8fY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mS8T2F1soI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVgtviF5KG8  

1st Grade

The last time these two teams fronted one another it was a very close, extremely brutal match. As the two teams ran out it seemed like St George had brought pretty much the same squad as last time, but not so the Wolves. The forward pack was pretty much intact with only Dillon Hodgson and Arana Rissetto missing. There places were taken by Nate Smith and Ben Davis who, through no fault of his own, was back wearing the Captains arm band. Bicks Hicks made switched from prop to number 8 to cover for the soft Jade Taivairanga who didn’t want to play against people that were bigger and darker than him. The Wolves backs on the other hand were a rag tag bunch at best. The only regular first graders named were Joe Ngawini, Luke “Slim Fit” Ansell, Toddy “No tries” Parsons and the all new, improved and sober Nash Steward. The number 13 roll was filled be the impressive and versatile Kave Ngata while the wings were filled by Josh and the 3 game gigolo himself Greg Benson.

Although St George is a big, predominantly Samoan team, they don’t play like most predominantly Samoan teams. They realise that fitness, especially in their forward pack, isn’t their best weapon and so kick a lot to try and put the ball into the corners and in front of their big boys. This tactic had almost immediate results when within the first minute the Saints received a penalty and from the issuing line out, approximately 10 meters out, spread the ball wide where there outside centre beat 3 or 4 defenders, including Joe “the Incredible Hulk” Ngawini, to cross for the first 5 pointer of the match.

The Wolves 1st grade has had a terrible habit over the years of starting games quiet and slow, though thankfully the opposition scoring usually kicks the boys into gear. After St George scored the Wolves got possession back from the restart and through some strong forward charges from Pete Whihongi and Bick “the Prop” Hicks, the Wolves put the Saints under pressure and they gave in, conceding a penalty around the half way mark. Luke “Strawberry Flavoured” Ansell than put in a ripper of a touch finder get the Wolves within ten meters of the line. Fast forward a few rucks and Pete Whihongi weaved his way through the big St George forwards to score under the posts, telling some of the opposition he had just beat “your too fat boys” as he strolled back to half way.

Nash Steward slotted a penalty before the break to give the Wolves a 10 – 5 half time lead. The Wolves must thank Greg Benson and, in particular Josh, for finding themselves in the lead. Joshy communicated well with his fullback Nashy, defended well when called upon, kicked brilliantly when he got the chance and looked every bit the regular first grader.

The second half was once again a ding dong battle with both sides enjoying momentum at one time or another. The game shifted in St Georges favour big time about mid way through when the Wolves, mounting what seemed like a very promising raid, spilled the ball in mid field. The 150kg Saints 5/8 then scooped up the ball and placed an awesome cross field kick into his flying winger’s path who then linked with his centre to give the visitors the lead. From the kick off the Wolves decided to see if tackling like 12 year old netballers would be a good tactic. It turned out not to be as the Saints flanker was allowed to run 4o odd meters before the ball went through 4 or 5 sets of hands and St George crossed under the posts.

All seemed lost. With less than 15 minutes left Greg Benson, in his third game for the day, ran out of puff and Luke Schofield went off with a slight cramp. Kelly Phillips than brought Schofields #2, Mark, into the unfamiliar wing roll and put Arana “Hayne Plane” Rissetto back into the second row. Not long after Todd “I wanna play more ruff stuff but my body can’t take it” Parons went down, robbing the Wolves of their only recognised half back. To stifle things even more Nate Smith returned limping to the field where he would take up the half back possession at set play time and leave the rest of the half back work to Jerry “I only wanna play 3rd grade” Keen. It all seemed too much, maybe the boys wouldn’t make it today.

Yet they would find their heroes in the most unlikely figures. The Saints, with their noses in front, were content to kick the ball deep and let the Wolves try and score the 2 tries they needed from well inside their own half. After one such kick Mark “I rather wog ball” Scofield found himself cleaning up a long kick after Nash Steward got caught out of possession. Like he was born to play rugby, he beat the first two defenders and raced out into open pastures with only Arana in support. He off loaded to the Flying Rissetto with a good 50 meters still to go. Unsure of how or why a second rower was in such a place Arana franticly begun looking for someone to give the ball to. Every Wolf within ear shot urged the Rissetto plane to take flight and with only 7 minutes left on the clock it touched down just left of the posts to put the Wolves within one try of a famous win.

To be honest from there it kind of felt inevitable. The Saints panicked and when amateur, Samoan rugby player panic they give away penalties. With the Wolves lineout completely dominant field position was never a problem in the closing stages. A few chances went begging, one where Frank Waiomio decided he no longer wanted to lift in the lineout, but eventually the Wolves got themselves a 5 meter lineout with only 2 minutes on the clock. From the ensuing drive the St George defence was left staggered and disorganised and with the only the likes of Joe Ngawini and Luke Schofield in his backline, Luke “Studded for her Pleasure” Ansell tucked the ball under his arm at 5/8 and beat 5 Saints defenders to score next to the posts and give the Wolves an awesome win...... Merrylands 24 – St George 22

Merrylands vs Convicts vs Rockdale

3rd grade.

“What we do in this life echoes in eternity”

So said Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife.

And so 3rd grades actions on this cold, windy Saturday will haunt them throughout this life and maybe into the next. For on Saturday the 14th of May 2011 they got fairly hammered by the Sydney Convicts. One day when 3 grades sons look up at them and say “father, did you once play rugby for the Wolves?”  They will have no choice but to answer “No my son. What I did on a Holroyd Sports Ground could never be called rugby”

2nd Grade

Over the last few weeks the 2nd grade coach, Jake Moses, has been forced to wrestle with the fact that maybe his busy schedual outside of rugby doesn’t allow him to put the full force of his considerable interlect into his coaching commitments. And so Saturday the 14th of May saw Marc Taivairanga finally except that he isn’t quite the player his brother Jade is, and opt to take over the second grade rains from Senior Moses.

The side Marc was able to name for his second grade coaching debut was quite strong, featuring several former first grade regulars including Michael Parker, Benjamin “Phoenix Rising” Davis, Nate Smith and Tanga “ground assistant” Wakeford. There were also some “should be” first graders in Star, Tangi and Captain Negative himself, Richie Ngawini.

All jokes aside it was a rather lacklustre game. The Wolves managed to draw first blood with a nicely worked back line move seeing Mr Wakeford cross out wide all most untouched. Soon after Marc T’s decision to leave the rigors of first grade rugby up to his more accomplished brother seemed all the more justified when he limbed off the field with a rather suspect hamstring injury.

His place was taken by Tim French with Star switching to 5/8. The unfamiliar backline coupled with an enormous Rockdale forward pack meant the Wolves never really got into their stride. Though you would never guess it by the score line.

The game was fairly close right up until the last 15 minutes when the Wolves superior fitness began to tell and the Merrylands loose forwards and outside backs begun running riot. Michael Parker, Richie Ngwini, Star, Tanga and Tangi all managed to cross for tries as the game drew to a conclusion. “A win is a win” may well be an apt description of the game for the Wolves but Rockdale exposed some suspect defence in close that will need to improve should the Wolves 2nds wish to go all the way to the G.F.......Merrylands 38 – Rockdale 12

1st Grade

Like second grade the final score was quite flattering to the Wolves. That said Merrylands were never really in trouble of losing this game but it was far, far from their best performance, especially in defence.

Coach Phillips stuck with a very similar team that was victorious against Mac Uni last week. The most noticeable change was Kiwi Phil making his debut on the wing. Rockdale managed to draw first blood crossing in the corner after the Wolves conceded a midfield penalty that allowed Rockdale to win lineout only meters out.

The Wolves struck straight back though with an excellent try to Nash Steward after he ran onto a nicely floated long ball from Kelly “I pick myself” Phillips. The game settled down for the next 15 or so minutes while the two teams traded blows. The Wolves than managed to push further ahead after Baz Nicholson finished off some awesome inter-play between the loose forward, especially Dilon Hodgson and Pete Whihongi, and the outside backs.

The whole game was a messy, stop-start affair that saw the points flow freely between the two teams with Merrylands only managing to stay ahead by scoring two tries to Rockdale’s one. A worrying trend developed throughout the game with the Wolves getting themselves 10 or so points in front than going to sleep until the ridiculously big Rockdale forward pack got on a roll and got a try for themselves. The Wolves backline was far too slick for their Rockdale counter parts but the Merrylands forwards struggled to get on top of the opposition until mid way through the second half when a combination of some fresh legs in Benjamin “Lazarus” Davis and Michael Parker and fatiguing Rockdale forwards saw Merrylands control possession and eventually run out handsome though somewhat undeserved winners.

Special mention to Bick Hicks who happily excepted the challenge of playing the unfamiliar loose head prop roll and did himself proud in the scrums and managed to score a 40 meter solo try. Also a big pat on the back to Luke “Trojan” Ansell who slotted into inside centre at short notice after Ex Brown went off and did very well, kicking well and providing a fluid link to his outside men. Biggest chur of the day though goes to Nash Steward who turned back the clock to his much thinner days, much drunker days and had an absolute blinder, scoring 3 and setting up 3 others

. Merrylands 50 – Rockdale 22

Merrylands vs Brothers 30/4/2011

3rd grade

Joel Parsons is a useless load of horse shit.

This is obviously true when you consider Merrylands 3rds have failed to beat Brothers 3rds all last year but did so this time with a fair amount of ease.

The weather had somewhat cleared come kick off time and the ground was in reasonably good condition. This was good news for the Wolves as Brothers 3rd grade are known for having, although aging a bit these days, quite a big, experienced forward pack. The Wolves on the other hand fielded a very uncertain forward pack. Benjamin “I used to be first grade captain” Davis and Bicks Hicks were making their first appearances for the year while in a desperate bid to relive the glory days Mark Taivairanga slotted in at the unfamiliar inside centre roll.

The Wolves got off to a fairly slow start with Brothers dominating early possession and using their vast experience to apply pressure to the Wolves line inside the first few minutes. The Wolves held out against the onslaught and after Kenny “no mistakes” Bladwell won a turn over mid field, the Wolves opted to run the ball out with Rob King throwing an incredible cut out ball that put the Wolves outside backs into open space with Brian “Dancing Queen” Thompson receiving the last pass to run in under the posts untouched.

Bothers 3rds are a very successful team having won the 4th grade title last year in 3rd division and as so like to complain when things don't go their way. And in this game things didn't go their way. After the first try the Wolves secured the bulk of possession andd where a constant threat with Big A.J Tuara his usual devastating self and Mark T and Rob King causing chaos out wide. Brothers found fault in everything the Wolves and the Ref did while Merrylands just kept on doing what they do best, scoring points and having fun. Bicks crossed shortly before half time to send the Wolves into the break 14 points up.

The second half was a little more even then the first. Brothers managed to cross first but  Merrylands struck back through Kris Gemmel and than managed to hold possession for the bulk of the half seeing off their more fancied opponents for a well deserved win. Special mention to Jake, Jerry Keen's nephew, who put in a great performance and keeps getting better with every game despite the fact his uncle is trying to teach him everything he knows........Merrylands 21 - Brothers  12

2nd Grade

Todd and Liam Parsons are moronic idiots. So to are Mick Parker, Mathew Briggs, Tim French and Nash Steward. Any one that would even consider going to some jackass wedding during rugby season clearly has mental health issues.

Aside from all that it was a good day for second grade. With a much changed team, due to the above mentioned morons, the Wolves faithful were a little nervous about the 15 players the Wolves put out. Half the squad, including Ben Davis, Jerry Keen, A.J Tuara and Jayson Waters, had already played a match, a few boys had yet to play much this year like Paul Burgen and the Amazing Disappearing Danny and the bulk of the back line were new faces.

It didn't take long for the Wolves to put all those fears to bed as they begun tearing holes through what was an all fresh Brothers 2nds. Kelly Phillips mustered his outside backs well and the new boys like Alex Seini found so much space at times it seemed like it was an unopposed training session. In the forwards Shane continues to improve putting in a solid performance along side the ever green Benjamin Davis and Tuama Territo gave his opposite front row no end of troubles in the tight stuff. Jayson Waters showed a lot of heart and skill, after backing up from a full game in 3rds, scooping up the ball at full speed and in traffic after a Brothers chip went wrong, racing out into open pastures then finding Kelly Phillips who finished off the move under the posts.

The Wolves went into the break some 18 points up and made several changes to allow players a bit of rest before the crucial up coming first grade game. In the second half the Wolves created just as many chances as they did in the first half but with the changes in personnel, failed to make the most of them,only managing two tries. Brothers made the most of a fatiguing Merrylands pack to put some respectability back in the score line, crossing for 3 tries of their own but it was all to no avail as the Wolves 2nd grade posted their second win of the season. Special mention to Benjamin Davis who had an absolutely mind blurringly good game, Danny and Burgen for grudgingly sharing the open side flanker role though both wanted to bludge on the blind side. Also thanks must go to Jake Moses and Loni Masters who managed to drag their cousins/friends down for a game on a day when the Wolves knew they might be short of man power.......Merrylands 26 – Brother 17

1st Grade

This was always going to be a difficult match. Brothers were undefeated and the Wolves were without at least 5 regular first graders. The backline in particular was very unsettled with Joe Ngwini moving into the centres, Loni Masters at halfback and 3 new faces out wide.

Make no mistake, Brothers are a very good side. They got off to a gift start when, under pressure from a scrum only 15 meters from the Wolves line, Loni Marsters threw a regretable ball over Luke Ansell's head and into the in-goal. The ball was cleaned up by Baz Nichols but from the insuing 5 meter scrum Brothers scored out wide. Not long after the kick off the Wolves again suffered from their own hand, knocking the ball on at the back of a ruck then giving away a ruck penalty to end up meters from their own line and under all sorts of pressure. This time the boys put up a better fight holding Brothers at bay for several phases and a line out, but they eventually cracked as the Brothers backs crossed for a second. The Wolves forwards were more then getting over their blue and yellow opponents but were harshly managed by the referee many many times. This allowed Brothers to enjoy plenty of good field position and with what amounted to a make shift Wolves backline, the points for Brothers kept coming. The intensity and aggression was always good from the Wolves, especially from Joe Ngawini, who was unlucky to be penalised for a rippa of lifting tackle on Brothers big fijian winger, and Pete Whihongi, who contiues to show some amazing, aggressive running, but the Wolves could not seem to get the messure of the Brothers backs. The half time score was 31 – 0 to Brothers.

At half time Coach Kelly gave the boys a calm, positive speech, telling them their was along way to go in the season and the game and as long as we could get some points on the board and cause some damage in the second half, all would not be lost.

The boys reacted to the inspirational words like true champions. The early going was still a little untidy by the Wolves were holding possession a lot better and their defence had learned it's lessons from the first half covering the Brothers backs well and knocking them backwoods in the forwards. Then the Wolves finally got their break. Merrylands got a penalty near half way and Luke “Ribbed for her pleasure” Ansell put the ball in the corner, Luke Schofileds won the insueung lineout and the forwards went on a relentless pick and go drive toward the line with Jade Taivairanga finally crossing a few feet left of the posts. The points seemed to lift the Wolf 1's and before long the boys had crossed for another 5 pointer, this time after some nice work across the back line with Joe Ngawini getting the reward.

With a new air of optimism the boys begun throwing caution to the wind and it came off well more often then not, most notably for Baz Nichols who made a fantastic, venomous run from fullback straight through the heart of the Brothers defence. Kelly Phillips came on with about 15 minutes to go and his talk in the backline and enthusiasm in defense drove the Wolves to close the gap even further, winning the second half 27 - 10.

Although this was the Merrylands 1st grades first loss of the season the mood in the sheds and on the bus after the game was of asured optimism. The Wolves know Brothers are the bench mark side. But they also know that if they can get their best 15 on the pitch and get a few more good weeks of work under their belts than they can hand Brothers band of heartless mercenaries the loss they deserve........ Merrylands 27 - Brothers 41

16/04/2011 Merrylands vs St George

3rd grade

For reasons only he can understand Joel Parsons selfishly decided to have his wedding right in the middle of rugby season. Even more inexplicably stupid he insisted that all of his brothers and friends attend his bucks! As a consequence the Wolves travelled to their second away game of the year aware numbers would be an issue.

The Wolves got off to a terrible start in even more terrible conditions, letting the Saints in for two quick first half tries before gathering themselves to finish the half only 14 points down. Young Hader showed some awesome skills in his debut in the number 15 jersey tackling one of St George's biggest and hardest runners in full flight and cleaning up well whenever the opposition kicked long.

In the second half Kris Gemmel and A.J Tuara produced some devastating running to give their backs the room they needed to get the ball over the line and the Wolves were soon back in the hunt. The two sides than traded tries with goal kicking the only thing keeping the Wolves snouts in front.

But alas tragedy struck. With only a few minutes left on the clock and the Wolves very much dominating possession the ref blew a very suspect penalty within spitting distance of the posts and to all the Wolves supporters dismay the Saints kicker slotted the winner and handed the Wolves 3’s their first defeat of the season. Special mention to young Hader who had a stellar game at fullback and Rua Kaitoa for strong a performance in his first game back. Also big ups and many churrs to Oska Ah-Wong who showed real club spirit by playing in the unfamiliar 5/8 roll....... Final score Merrylands 21 St George 22

2nd Grade

With a large number of players missing in action due to the selfish, mongrel actions of Joel Parsons, seconds were always going to find it tuff. The 3rd graders that backed up for a second game, Kris, Rua, Oska, Kave, A.J, Hayden and co all have the clubs deepest thanks and gratitude.

Like 3rds,2nds  got off to an atrocious start letting the Saints cross for an early try before coming to their sense and stemming the tide with a try to Mark T who was making his first appearance for the year after suffering a very suspect off season injury. Just before half time Coach Moses decided to inject himself into the fray and it had the desired effect with the Wolves winning tight heads seemingly at will. The set piece dominance continued after the break and the Wolves found themselves 2 tries up with only 10 minutes to go after Mark T put a perfectly waited cross field chip into the in goal that resulted in a spectacular try.

Unfortunately it was about this time the fatigue of having already played a game and the mistakes that come from a very unsettled line up began to take there toll. The Saints picked up a very lucky intercept try and from the following kick off managed to break a few tackles and cross the Wolves line again to put themselves ahead.  Though the Wolves never gave up, especially A.J Tuara, Oska Ah-Wong and Mark Taivairanga, the Saints simply had too many fresh legs and 2nd grade followed 3rd grades lead posting their first loss of the season. Big ups to Dan “the Mule” Baldry for making a cameo at half back... Merrylands 22 – St George 31

1st Grade

The atrociously moronic, selfish, tosser actions of Joel Parsons and his stupid, pointless wedding also cost the Wolves 1st grade several starting players including Todd “No Tries this week” Parsons, Michael “not as angry” Parker and Nash “lucky to get his spot back” Steward. With captain Kaitoa William and Peter Whihigongongi also unavailable it looked like it might be a hard day for the Wolves.

As the teams ran out it was plainly evident from the sidelines that the Wolves were the far smaller team with St George fielding a monster pack of forwards and only a slightly smaller backline. To be honest I would be surprised if there was a single guy in their starting side under 100kg’s. But the mismatch in size only made Merrylands far superior skills, pace and rugby smarts seem all the more amazing.

After weathering some early heat the Wolves maintained some good possession and with it they cleverly sucked the rather dim St George forwards into giving away some stupid penalties. That allowed them to make easy meters and once within sticking distance the Wolves were lethal. Exam Brown continued his awesome form sprinting away to cross for a well worked backline try. This trend continued with the Wolves applying plenty of pressure on the St George try line and the Saints unable to cope. So much so they lost their 5/8 to the sin bin for repeated infringements. With the St George defence now a man down the Wolves made them pay as Jade “no nudi run for me” Taivairanga crossed for an easy try off the back of a five yard scrum. Loni Masters stepped into Nash Stewards vacant gaol kicking shoes and handled the tough conditions like a Master slotting two from two in the first half.

The second half was one of the most amazing halves of rugby ever seen at this level. The Saints used their local knowledge and immense size to pin the Wolves on their own goal line for pretty much the entire half. Their gorilla like team relentlessly hammered away at the Wolves but the Wolves defence stood up time and time again. Dilon Hodgson, Arana Rissetto and Michael Pinkerton justified their selections in first grade with some simply heroic tackling and superhuman like willingness to pick themselves up out of the mud and pull down their far bigger opponents over and over and over and over over and over and over and over over and over and over and over again. Out wide Kelly Phillips showed his unmatched experienced, continually showing up at just the right time to save the day for the Wolves. Baz Nicholson and Joe Ngwini matched the Saints aggression with some maniac hits and staunch words.

But what really made the Wolves perfect defence possible was their domination at the set piece. Luke “the chosen one” Schofield caused the Saints lineout havoc while at scrum time Levi Sciascia and Frank Waiomio slowly but surely drove their opponents into the ground to the point were Jerry Keen, making his 1st grade run debut for the year, was able to steal a few important tight heads.

In the end the Saints became so frustrated with not being able to get over the line they lost their heads and earned themselves two yellow cards and a red. After the bell the Saints showed their moronic, ugly side as the shaking of hands erupted in to punches with the poor, innocent Baz Nicholson coping one in the eye. Big Ups must go to Dilon, Pinko and Loni for stepping up and having blinders. Also lots of churrs to Kelly Phillips  who had an amazing game at inside centre and Luke “Dommy” Ansell who paid the ref off at the start of the game so he would ignore his blatantly shit hands.....Merrylands 14 – St George 0

Merrylands vs Rouse Hill 9/4/2011

3rd Grade

From what we’ve seen so far, and admittedly we’ve only played against 2 clubs, it looks like a few of our fellow 4th division clubs are going to struggle for numbers. Consequently the Wolves 3rd grade have found themselves playing against teams slightly stacked teams with 1st grade and 2nd grade talent. Now Merrylands as a club can hardly complain about this sort of occurrence as we ourselves have been more than a little guilty of this misnomer from time to time (the unstoppable 4th/3rd grade of the last few years in particular) but this year the Wolves have plenty of numbers so our 3rd grade has been forced to fend for themselves. And they have performed magnificently.

Today’s game really showed the gulf in class between a Merrylands team that has slogged it out in a higher division against stronger clubs for a few years and a Rouse Hill team that is trying to cope in a higher grade. Although the final score only showed a 7 point difference between the two teams the Merrylands Wolves where never really in trouble. The opening 15 minutes saw the Wolves totally dominate possession, launching sweeping raid after sweeping raid, gaining overlaps seemingly at will. Rob King showed what a 5/8 that consistently puts the ball in front of his runners can do to an opposition with A.J Tuara and a constantly improving Brian Thompson running riot out wide scoring two awesome tries in the first half to give the Wolves a healthy lead going into the break.

In the second half the Wolves made some changes and that, coupled with a healthy lead, saw Merrylands lose some intensity and let the Renegades put some respectability back on the score board. Special mention needs to go to Jason Wayters who debut at half back and had an awesome game, tackling well above his weight and providing great service to his back line. Also Dean Gammidge has improved out of site not only getting on the front foot in the scrums but also finding a useful running game and tackling in close like every big prop should...Merrylands 31 – Rouse Hill 24

2nd Grade

Tim French. Super Star. 5 meters out, dummy, try. BOOM!

With such a positive atmosphere at the club at the moment, competition for second grade places is fierce making super coach Jade Moses job both challenging and enjoyable and allowing him to put out a second grade team that would challenge, if not soundly flog, most 1st grade teams we’ve played.

Straight from the kick off the Wolves were firmly in control with Jerry “suspect thumb” Keen and Harley Nicholson showing plenty of aggression up front and Big Tama Territo and Conrad Brown getting the ball going forward. Rob King played the first half for seconds and once again gave great service to his outside backs with the likes of Mathew “red on your head” Briggs, Alby Chapman-Barber and Benji “Black Caviar” Cakau reaping the rewards out wide. Despite his reluctance to play in the backs and his continued insistence that he is now far, far too fat, Joel Parsons also played his hand well. Any time a teams wingers score multiple tries the centres can rest assured they have done their job.

The Wolves completely outclassed the Rouse Hill second grade and to be honest writing reviews for games like these are hard. Everybody played well and the fact the Wolves kept them to 0 is very pleasing. Special mention should go to Shane. After a year or so away from the game, and even than still being a rookie, he has accepted the challenge of playing second grade and is getting better and better each week. Same can be said for Ali Jawad who has stepped up from 3rds this year and has brought his own burst of positive energy and is always willing to play when ever and where ever super coach Jade Moses asks...........Merrylands 47 – Rouse Hill 0

1st Grade

At the start of the year when we got confirmation of which clubs would be in our division Merrylands senior management all believed Rouse Hill would be the pace setters in 1st grade. They have won the last million or so 5th division titles and have taken out several Taki Toa’s so their quality was assured.

The Wolves started the game with an unexpected, very welcome, extremely sexy bonus when Merv Wolf, the Merrylands Wolf, ran the team onto the park. His mere presence not only got many of the Wolves ladies fans warm in the panties but also put the fear of god right up the Renegades first grade squad.

That said his presence seems to have distracted the Wolves first grade outfit with the Renegades getting the better of the opening half hour. With Rouse Hill playing fairly tight rugby and getting a few lucky calls from the ref the Wolves struggled to get their hands on the ball, but they tackled well and did not allow Rouse Hill to score any points. How ever when the Wolves did get their paws on the ball they showed the Renegades how it’s done. Levi Sciascia, who has excelled at loose head prop this year, won a turnover in mid field and the ball flew from the ruck through debut 5/8 Liam Parsons hands to a quick moving Ex Brown who put Benji “Black Caviar” Cakau out into the open and under the posts. That was pretty much the story of the first half with the Wolves forwards soaking up wave after wave of Rouse Hill forward attack, playing patiently, tackling aggressively until a turn over chance arrived than spinning it wide quickly giving Nash “5 years ago” Steward and Joe “Richie is probably better the me now” Ngawini ample space to cause havoc.

In the second half the Wolves managed to control possession a lot better. The forwards almost never turned over possession, allowing Pete Whihongi and Jade Taivairanga to play an open, running game which in turn offered Toddy “Pink Shoe” Parsons so much space at number 9 that a one point he managed to throw a world record 15 dummies before going in under the posts untouched.

Although the points dried up slightly in the second half the Wolves managed to keep their concentration in defence, only allowing the Renegades one try and never really looking troubled. Special mention needs to go to Arana Rissetto. He was the regular first grade second rower a few years back but due to work commitments has surrendered his spot to younger guys. Today saw him make his first run on in first grade in a few years and he had a blinder, proving faultless off the kick offs and cleaning up efficiently around the park.

Luke Schofields has grown to become probably the best forward in the club and may prove to be the best in the division. His speed and fitness coupled with his immaculate line outs have allowed the Wolves to feel no real effects from the loss of last year’s 1st grade captain Ben Davis.

Also Kelly Phillips has shown amazing coaching skills so far this season. The pre-season trial program was thrown into chaos with several clubs pulling out of confirmed trial days yet Kelly has managed to keep the squad positive and make exactly the right selections to see the clubs flag ship team make a perfect start to the season picking up maximum points from the first two games........Merrylands 40 – Rouse Hill 5

2/4/2011 Merrylands vs Rockdale

3rd grade

Training leading into the first round had been inconsistent at best and there had been a few changes in the coaching ranks that left the side more than a little under done. We had never played Rockdale in normal competition but from facing them in the Taki Toa we knew they were predominately a Maori Club so playing them at their home meant they would probably have plenty of big, mean looking talent running around. This combined to make for a very nervous Merrylands senior management.....we sensed an ambush.

The game got off to a hectic start with both sets of forwards exchanging shots for the first 5 minutes with the supposedly retired Kenny “No Mistakes” Bladwell leading the way with some of his physics defying, god damn amazing round the legs tackling of blokes 10 times his size.

With a strong breeze blowing off Botany Bay onto Merrylands backs the boys new they needed to put plenty of points on the board while they had the advantage. And the backline didn't disappoint. Liam Parosons was kicking well from 5/8 and with plenty of good field position coming from that the backs managed to put two tries on the board before the Amazing Kenny B barged over to make it a 3 try andvantage at  half time.

Coach Ngwini was concerned that perhaps it wasn't enough points with the breeze as strong as it was, but he need not have worried. Rockdale failed to use the wind as well as the Wolves and Merrylands managed to extended their lead in the second half to finally run out winners 39-7.

Special mention needs to go to Daniel Padini who made his debut as half back and provided great service in trying conditions as well as save the day when the ref stupidly told the boys a missed penalty kick is out of play.

2nd Grade

Jake Moses: Traditional. Smart. Effective.

Jake has been charged with what many a learned mind considers one of the hardest jobs a man can take on, coaching second grade. Inevitably you get a huge mix of talents, motivations and mind sets and it's always hard to try and make things work so that everyone gets at least a little of what they want out of it. On saturday Jake gave us a glimpse of what his formidable intellect and astounding rugby knowledge is capable of.

The forward pack was reasonably settled with good numbers turning up to training on Thursday. The back line however was a different story. Tim French, the long serving second grade number 9,  was the only back to show his face at training. This didn't faze Jake.

He did exactly the right amounts of grovelling, demanding and threatening to ensure a decent, if very underdone, back line took the field.

All though the final result was a 14 all draw the boys walked away with a positive feeling. If the can come to a place like Rockdale and play in very trying conditions with little or no preparation and only concede 14 points than surely the only way is up for the Wolf 2's?

Big Ups to Gregy for playing two games, Tama Bush for playing centres and Pinko for starting seconds after a year off.

1st Grade

With Lonny Masters pulling out a few hours before kick off a quick reshuffle saw Michael Briggs pushed into the centres and MICHEAL PINKERTON!!!!!!!!!! coming into the second row. PINKERTON IS BACK!!!

Rockdale were fielding an enormous forward pack that probably out weighed the wolves by 50 kegs a man so the boys knew defending in tight would be tough and getting any go forward ball through the forwards would be even tougher. Pete Whihongi and Jade Taivairanga showed some powerful form early in the match while Toddy “Two Tries Party Boy” Parsons controlled  well from number nine in trying, windy conditions wearing very fruity foot wear.

The Wolves had first use of the breeze but looked to have failed to put it to good enough use. With only 10 minutes to go in the first half they had failed to register any points. But the big Rockdale forwards had blowin themselves out trying to keep up with the far fitter, far smarter Wolves pack. The boys managed to put on two tries before half time and went into the break sure they could lengthen the lead in the second.

For the first time all day Rockdale used the breeze well and put the ball into the corners but the new Wolves back 3 of Bazza, Joe and Nash were up to the task. They defended strongly when called upon and returned kicks aggressivelyly with Joe crossing for 3 tries and Bazza pulling off several of his infamous kamikazezi hits. Nash only managed to chip kick the ball straight to several Rockdale players and miss most of his conversion attempts.

With 15 minutes to go the Wolves were 32 points up and in an effort to keep players fit several changes were made. This combined with the sizable lead saw the Wolves drop there intensity a little with Rockdale managing to put on several late tries through their godzilla like forward pack. The Wolves though were never really in trouble winning comfortably 32-19

16/10/2010 San Loui Obispo vs Merrylands

Talley Fields, Arroyo Grande

California, U.S.A

With roughly a week of hamburgers and beers under their belts and only a few training sessions as a unit the boys made their way to the Talley fields unsure of what to expect. Earlier in the day we were met by the SLO captain and prop John and he was a big boy. The wolves were a little nervous.

After a 15 minuet ride through some beautiful vineyards the boys arrived at the playing fields and were greeted by some of the most amazing, lush, carpet like grass we had ever seen. Truly just to see the grass was worth the trip!

Both sides eyed each other off from across the field trying to get a sense of what the game might be like. At first glance the SLO team didn't lack for size. The props were big and their flankers looked sharp. And to be honest they looked a little fitter then us.

The Wolves lost the toss and kicked off and from the very first ruck it became clear to both sides this wasn't gunna be a leisurely stroll. In the early exchanges SLO attacked the ball at the ruck with venom and were keen to put some shots on the Wolves. The boys managed to hold onto possession and get a few lucky calls from the ref (who every one agreed was one of the best refs we had had all year) and were soon in a position to launch their first raid.

After some smooth handling and a lovely ball by Marc T, Star streaked through a hole to open the scoring in favor of the Wolves. Briggs slotted the conversion from the side line!!

From the re-start the boys managed to find some holes around the ruck and pushed their way deep into SLO territory again. Todd "Party Boy" Parsons was playing half back and seeing his chance he threw a trademark Parsons dummy and strolled through the gap as the nearest SLO defender could be heard crying (in a horrible American accent) "Oh you f@#ker"

Most of the first half was a similar story with the Wolves controlling possession and putting on 4 tries

In the one-on-one exchanges SLO had more then enough to go with the Wolves, but there lack of rugby up bringing showed when ever the Wolves managed to put a few phases together and run a few lines in the backs. Star especially showed what running a straight line can do to inexperienced players.

For the last few minuets of the first half SLO managed to hold onto the ball and with the clock ticking down crossed the line but were disallowed for a dropped ball. They managed to pull themselves together and score a good forwards try before the break.

A combination of SLO learning from their mistakes and holding possession better, all the Merrylands players trying to get on the score sheet (Pete, Briggs, Jade and Frank the biggest culprits) and SLO having twice the replacements the Wolves did meant the game evened out in the second half.

Mid way through the second half Usa scooped up a long kick deep in Merrylands territory and with the defense almost on him pulled off the kind of jink and swerve only Fijians can and took off down the field, racing past several full stretch defenders. But alas with the line only meters away the cover manged to drag him down and over the side line. From the ensuing line out and ruck the wolves managed to turn over possession and scour again.

Not long after with the game almost at an end Eddie Wihongi ran a great line on Marc t's inside, got a good ball from the 5/8 and took off for an electrifying 55 meter run to score next to the post and light up the crowd.

There were a couple of other highlights during the match. One involved Macr T running into his own posts and Ben Davis lieing on the ground screaming like a fat kid thats lost his cake ,but we won't go into those here. You will have to ask someone that was presant for the full stories.

The final score was something along the lines of 48-12.

For those that didn't come along you missed a truley awesome occasion. To walk onto such a beautiful pitch, in such an ammazing setting, on the other side of the world and play a game we all take for granted against a group of blokes who think rugby is the greatest thing they have ever discovered is some thing that will live with the 17 Wolves lucky enough to make it forever.

11/9/2010 Grand Final Campbell Cup

Merrylands looked like making it here from the first time a ball was kicked in a 3rd grade match this year. Blue Mountains looked likely to be their opponent from around about the same time. This was always going to be a good game. The conditions on Saturday were perfect. The ground was in great shape. There would be no rained out G.F this year. No dust bowl to contend with. Just good fast rugby.

The Wolves drew first blood with Tauonga “that’s still not it” Waetford scoring on the overlap early. The infamous 3rd grade Wolf backline was looking sharp.

Blue Mountains were playing their regular kick and then pressure type game but it seemed obvious to most watching that in these perfect conditions and with the Merrylands bench looking full, keen and powerful they were going to need to be a little more proactive if they wanted to wrestle the title away from the reigning premiers. And so the game opened up. The first half was a blur of running that belies the interval score line of 10-6. It was awesome to watch.  It really could have been a first grade game with the skills on show and the level of willingness of both units.

The second half seemed to be heading in the same direction. The Wolves got a couple of early breaks and found themselves in good field position after only 10 minutes. And like the true champions they are they made it pay with Tauauoga Waetford crossing for another well worked overlap try after some awesome build up by Con Viali and Texas.

The game see-sawed again for several minutes with Mountains desperate not to go any further behind and the Wolves keen to put a G.F to bed early for a change. Once again the Wolf backline sparked and Kelly “I’m not playing next year” Phillips took off down field after being put in to the clear by Richi “The number 1 Ngawini” Ngwini. The forwards sensed there moment. Con Viali went close, so did Beau Moses......but not as close as Texas who crashed over next to the posts to put the Wolves 3 tries up.

You could sense that perhaps the Mountain Men didn’t have the points in them to come back from here and they knew it. Texas’s try started and avalanche of points as the Mountain Men lost the killer instinct and the Wolves rained down on them. Tanga scored again, then the artist formally known as Todd Parsons. Then Con.

Todd Parsons scored a contender for try of the season. Mountains had the ball for a 22 re-start and it looked like they had caught the Wolves unaware with only Todd and Taounga covering one side as the kick off floated to them and a wall of hungry Mountain Men came running at them.  As Tom Cruise once said “hesitation will get you killed”. Toddy flew for the ball, leapt, took it, put on a bit of a studder (that actually looked a little retarded) and a fend and broke through to score. Awesome.

In the end the score blew out to 34 to 8 for the Wolves and so the celebrations begun. Matangi Aerenga showed why some people consider him the Martin Luther King of his generation with a powerful, stirring victory speech that will be remembered for a long time to come.

There were a lot of good performances.

Big Tama has been one of the finds of the season. Not only has he picked up man of the match awards every week but he has been keen to play when ever and where ever he is asked. He spent the majority of the season in 4ths but with the warm weather threatening to slow down the likes of Beau and Jake Moses he headed the call to play up and had a blinding game staying on for most of the game and holding up the tight head side of the scrum with ease.

Chris Magele showed why the higher grade coaches are keen to see more of him next year with some great runs and career ending tackles. Bazza found himself in the unusual position of flanker but approached it just the way we all thought he wood.....a hundred miles an hour.  Marc T came on late in the game and slotted into the second row, showing everyone why his considered one of the better 5/8’s going around. He also may be in line for an Oscar with a mesmerising display of acting ability. After missing a simple catch from a kick off he blundered his way into the nearest Mountain player, screamed like a small child and managed to earn the Wolves a penalty. Well done big man.

Texas. What a legend.  He has played a role in so many Merrylands grand finals most of us barely remember a time when he wasn’t here. He had another outstanding game.

Usa had a bit of an interrupted season with a shoulder injury putting an end to his early season form. He was keen to show his son, Joel, just what the old man in capable of and was given a chance late in the match out on the wing and pulled off an amazing cover tackle to rival Scott Satler.

Well done boys, how about 2nd grade next year? 

4/9/2010 Merrylands vs Blue Mountains

To be honest it's hard to know what to say about this game. Losing to a team that is better then you in a big game like this doesn't hurt too bad. Losing to a team you and everyone at the ground (including the opposition themselves) knows your better then is a bit like a rugby boot......hard to swallow. Losing to a team you should have destroyed if a few more folks made the commitment is a bit like Possum....... really, really shit.

With the conditions wet and muddy the game was always going to be full of kicking. The early advantage was swinging the Wolves way with some great kicking from Moses and Liam. That combined with the Wolves lineout working well insured there was plenty of pressure heaped on the Mountain men early and it soon payed off with Kristan crossing for a five pointer and Briggsy slotting a penalty. Blue Mountains didn't really seem to have any answers to the Merrylands defense and were content to simply kick and hope..... but unfortunately for us they got lucky.

Blue mountains managed to get a try and a penalty in the first half from simple mistakes  the back that led to the Wolves losing 40 or 50 meters of territory, territory I don't think they could have run or even got with kicks had we not made mistakes.

The second half was much of the same with the Wolves pressing hard and Mountains simply trying to soak up pressure and kick when they had the ball. Once again Mountains managed to get lucky on a kick, gain big territory and score a simple over lap try........but the boys didn't give up.

Anthony "A.J" Tuara made up for his late start to the game by scoring an awesome set move penalty tap 5 meters from the line. For all of you that were not there you missed out. Set moves by forwards from penalty taps years and years ago used to be some thing all sides had up there sleeve but they are a rare treat these days.

From the kick off there was only a few minutes left and Mountains resorted to some questionable tactics to slow the game down. They dropped half a dozen scrums and fained injuries at the drop of a hat. The Wolves were finally awarded a penalty for the unsportmen like behavior a few meters from half way. With Merrylands only needing 3 points to hit the front Briggs was asked to have a shot. The crowd held it's breath as one, but alas it took a slight detour and missed by a hair. Still the boys kept going and looked to really have the ascendency as the game drew to a close. 

Then with the ref spotting a dubious knock-on out wide by the Wolves a scrum was called with feed to Mountains and the ref told the boys it was last play of the game. The front row of Tubbs, Levi and A.J gave it there all and the Mountains scrum went wheeling backwoods. The ball seemed destined to end up on the Wolves side for one last hurrah.........until one of the Mountain props, in full site of just about every single person at the bloody ground, stuck his hand in the scrum and flicked the ball back.

The Wolves at once and all as one turned to the ref expecting an obvious penalty and maybe even a sin bin but he simply waved play on, one of the Mountains forwards hacked the ball into touch and it was all over.

There will be a lot said about this season for 2nd grade so I wont say too much here.

It sounds like a cliche but there was a core of fellas who have put in all year and they stood out in this game too. Moses and O'lando played awesome. Tubbs and Parker were tireless. Briggsy was maybe best player on ground and showed what he can do when he gets aggressive.From memory I think he cover 4 positions during the coarse of the match. Kristan, Tama and Arana played a proper muddy rugby forwards game. Big thanks needs to go to Bicks who was stuck on the wing on a hard day for even the most experienced back, Deano who was called up at short notice and played like he was there all year, and Joshy who heeded the call for outside backs and had a very safe game under the high ball.

Like 1st grade, 2nds have some planning to do in the off season but with eh talent we have I'm sure they can go one better next year and make the G.F..........final score 15-13 to Blue Mountains

21/8/2010 Merrylands vs Brothers

4th Grade

Shit. Bugger. Shit.

To put it simply 4th grade needed to win to make the semis but alas could only manage a 4 point loss. Blacktown on the other hand managed a 1 POINT win over Hawkesbury Valley and our fate was sealed.

In an effort to secure the win the Wolves rolled out some heavy artillery (first and second graders) and also opted to leave Steve Mac out of the side completely but still got off to a slow start with Brothers kicking a penalty and a field goal early in the first half. Hopes among the 4th grade faithful sawed though when Todd “I drink cigarette buts and tips jar juice” Parsons threw a trade mark Parsons dummy from the base of the ruck and ran in under the posts untouched.

Despite having no possession and some very, veRY, VERY dodgy ref calls the Wolves managed to hold on to their lead until about 5 minutes from full time when the brothers squeezed in a try next to the corner post.

The disappointment was etched over all the Wolves faces. Special mentions need to go to Ben Davis and Nash Steward. Despite both having long and distinguished 1st grade careers they added nothing to the 4th grade team, in fact they probably let them down. Ben missed a couple of tackles on big, slow 50 year old men and then lost his temper and questioned one of the oppositions sexuality despite being awarded the penalty?!?!?! Nash........how many bloody times do we have to say it.......NO MORE F@#KING CHIPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!.................final score 11-7 to Brothers

3rd Grade

With the Wolves playing ranks for the day being based on quality not quantity the 3rd grade team that ran out looked even more deadly then usual. I'm not going to bother to go into too much detail of how the game went and how certain tries were scored.........because there were so many I cant remember.

Probably the high light of the match was one of the Brothers second rowers slotting a field goal. I didn't see any of you tough guy, smart ass Wolves players slot a 3 pointer?!?!?!

Demolition job.......70-17 to the Wolves

2nd Grade

The boys started the day confused and worried. Their Fearless leader Chris had decided to pull out of today's match, a very important match, a match that could see them into the major semi, a match that could even see them take out the minor premiership, a match they were looking to to set up their run for the tittle because …..................he had a sore tooth?!?!?!?!

Despite this set back the boys rallied behind their Capitan A.J and quickly jumped out to a sizable lead. The Arana Rissetto Plane was cleared for take off as the big, veteran lock crossed for two classic support player tries. Mathew “nobody knows I'm Maltese” Briggs had a barnstorming game out wide crossing for a couple and setting up a bunch more. Jade Taivairanga, worried that he was one of only 2 first grade players yet to score this year, made a cameo in 2nds and smiled with blessed relief as he managed to cross for quite the handsome try, only to be told lower grade tries don't count for 1st graders.

Big games were also had by Bicks Hicks, Liam Parsons and O'lando.

Despite his questionable toughness Chris has got the lads peaking at the right time. They have looked pretty slick in their last two matches and can be very confident they have the guns to blow any one of the park.

Special mentions to Richie Ngawini, Agent Cody Herewini Conrad Viali for helping out seconds........final score 67-21 to the Wolves

1st Grade

Dead shit. Nothing to play for. No motivation. Why bother turning up .........no I'm not talking about Possum I'm talking about the Wolves 1st grade.

As you would all be aware the Wolves chances died with last weeks loss and so this weeks game against the bottom placed Brothers was really just about having fun. Which isn't all that easy to do when you have to play on an enormous piece of sand paper!!!! Honest iv seen some real shit hole grounds in my time but Killara Park is right up there!!! Every tackle felt like you were having a wrestling match with a cheese grater.

Any how the boys got off to a flying start, despite there slightly patched together team, when Brothers learned the hard way the first commandment of playing subbies rugby “thou shalt not kick the ball to Joe when his in open space”

Not to long after disaster struck. Jade Taivairanga, clearly thinking only of himself, greedily snatched the ball up at the end of some awesome work by Briggs and Moses and crossed for his first and only try of the year......thus leaving 1st grades tireless, hard working, selfless, ever worrying, generous captain Ben Davis stranded as the only 1st grader not to score.

Soon after though salvation loomed.........the Wolves were enjoying one of their best days at the line out and of the top of some good ball and nice hands through mid field Nash “wanker, prick, idiot, moron, jack-ass, lay about, sleaze bag” Steward glided into open pastures (as he so rarely does these days) and with only the covering winger to beat, and a screaming, desperate Ben Davis on his inside, decided skip passed the defence and into an open in goal then slip over and accidenlty touch the ball down. Ben was left to sulk back to mid field as the rest of the Wolves hugged the moron try scorer.

Merrylands vs Blacktown 14/8/2010

4th Grade

Pressure. Tension. Macca and the boys went into this game knowing it was all or nothing. They would either walk away with life, love and lightening pulsing through their meaty veins or sulk back to the Coolie talking, no crying, about all of this year’s near misses.

The scenario looked something like this.........Blacktown started the day 4 points in front of the Wolves so anything but a bonus point win would be useless. Even allowing Blacktown to get a bonus point loss would be no good as Blacktown have a far superior point’s difference.

Just before half time the  Wolves had managed to score two  tries and only concede one but with Blacktown converting their try and the Wolves missing both their attempts the scenario didn’t look good........then Liam “we’ll get someone else” Parsons took off up the blind, off loaded to Jason “Ragging Bull” Ises who beat a couple before passing back to Liam who with a quick flick put Captain Macca out in the clear with only 20 meters to run, 3 Wolves in support and one defender to beat...... the bonus point was looking good........draw and pass was all Macca had to do........ but alas he stuffed it. With all due respect I think stuffing it up was harder to do then scoring it so well done to you Mr Mac.

In the final wash up it proved to make no real difference as the Wolves put on 2 second half tries and held Blacktown scoreless to take max points and jump into 4th spot............20-7 to the Wolves

3rd Grade

Like a P.J’s Saturday night special, 3rd grades performance was rough, flawed and a bit ugly but some how made you feel good in the end, but not good enough to tell your mates about.

If 3rds want to make sure that the tittle that so obviously seems theirs to loose doesn’t make like Pio Sio and disappear they had better get themselves to training and sort a few things out, namely their scrum.

Blacktown pretty much dominated the game from start to finnish but could only manage a try and a  penalty as the wolves defense was brutal, aggressive and desperate. With the Wolves scrum going backwoods like they were on roller skates the only real chance the Wolves had was through counter attack.....and counter attack they did. poaching one try just before half time and an other right on full time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

There are a few people that deserve a special mention from this game. Ted Timoti. You are a legend. Pure and simple. You could have claimed elders rights and sat on the side line but instead you gladly stuck your hand up to run on and play FRONT ROW even though you knew you were heading for a certain beating. Big Tuma and Texas stayed on the pitch in the same front row all game after coming off from 4th grade and being assured they would only be needed for a few minutes. Also sticking their heads into the dark, prime evil, unknown, unspeakable horrors of the front row were Little George and Benjamin Davis......well done.

But the biggest thanks must go to Oska, Kelly and Tounga for their diabolical display of handling. If they had of caught half the balls that came their way the Wolves probably would have won by 50 but instead they gave the Blacktown guys a real glimmer of hope and all the supporters an exciting game by dropping just about everything they could....well done jokers.......final score 14-8 to the Wolves

2nd Grade

The second grade guide to rugby success  

1: Never train. Ever.

2: Never run the same halves, front row or loose forward combination. Ever.

3: On game day, make sure you leave team selection to the very last minute.

4: Ensure that pre-game preparation is kept as amateur and short as possible.

5: When finally running onto the field do your best to mix up jersey's. Grab some jersey's from other grades so that  you have a couple of the same number and under no circumstances is any one to have the correct number that correlates to their position.

It’s a complete bloody mystery how second grade have managed to get themselves into a position to go all the way. It’s a testament to Chris’s patience and leadership that they have managed get to the top of the table and stay there all year.

As for today’s game the boys showed plenty of poise and patience, defending aggressively, especially O’Lando, and exploding into attack when ever the chance arose. Liam “the Reject” Parsons had a ball tear-er as did A.J Tuara and Rampaging Roy Chapman - Barber. Moses, after last week doing a disappearing act, showed great calm and control in midfield.....................29-12 to the Wolves

1st Grade

As one of the most brilliant and talented actors of our time once said "if it bleeds, we can kill it"

The story of this game was the story of first grades whole year. At times we seemed clinical and aggressive, and when we did we were near unstoppable. But too many times we lack urgency and finishing. The fact we managed to score 2 tries against the top team int he comp and restrict them to only 2 tries (one of them clearly a knock on) shows we can do it.

Blacktown got off to a 10-3 lead in the first half and held it till the last 10 minutes of the game. A chip close to the line bounced wildly and in the ensuing chaos big Luke Schofileds managed to swoop on the ball and score for the first Wolves try. A meer 2 minutes later a sweeping counter attack saw Rob Nicholas offload to Bulla Benji who beat a couple of defenders to score out wide. Again the Wolves poured forward and in the last play of the day Moa Masters got pulled down out wide and had a very ify holding penalty called against him and the dream............ was over.......final score 15-13 to Blacktown.