In the news this week: - Sweet Rats Revenge
- Good Day All Round
- Dry July
- Byron Raises The Bat
- Marlins Tie One On
- Daniel's Fan-Tastic
- If The Cap Fits
- Hitman's Stranglehold
- Dates For The Diary
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In the news this week: - Sweet Rats Revenge
- Good Day All Round
- Dry July
- Byron Raises The Bat
- Marlins Tie One On
- Daniel's Fan-Tastic
- If The Cap Fits
- Hitman's Stranglehold
- Dates For The Diary
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For months, Manly had been waiting for the chance to make good on a promise to fans. Since Anzac Day, when the Rats marched down to Manly Oval and embarrassed us on home soil, there was a score to settle. It was all put right last Saturday when we returned the favour, seeing off the competition leaders 20-17 at Pittwater Rugby Park in arguably the season's most courageous win. This was an old-fashioned ambush built on desire, attitude and a drop or two of revenge. Twice, we were reduced to 14 men but refused to give an inch, even when rival fans resorted to blowing air horns to put our kicker, Brendan Owen, off. When the final whistle sounded, Warringah had spent 21 phases attacking our line without fully breaching it. It was the Rats' first loss since round three and the pain was palpable as their fans filed out of the old Narrabeen tip as our boys posed with the Bayfield Cup. "We spoke about holding each other accountable and sticking to our values," an exhausted but delighted skipper, Hunter Ward, said. "If anyone was walking, you were to get up them. "We had a point to prove after Anzac Day. Our fans went home really disappointed that day and there was no way we were going to dish that up again. "I'm not sure if this is a statement victory (to the rest of the competition) but we said if we can roll these boys, we can really turn the competition on its head and end up in that number one or two spot down the track." There wasn't a bad player in blue and red. They were all outstanding, from the starting XV through to the bench players who finished the job off. Assistant coach Damien Cummins said: "The set piece was pretty good and our defence was solid. "We knew they were going to come hard at us at the ruck but we held our own. "To beat a team like that on their home track with 14 players for 20 minutes says plenty." |
For months, Manly had been waiting for the chance to make good on a promise to fans. Since Anzac Day, when the Rats marched down to Manly Oval and embarrassed us on home soil, there was a score to settle. It was all put right last Saturday when we returned the favour, seeing off the competition leaders 20-17 at Pittwater Rugby Park in arguably the season's most courageous win. This was an old-fashioned ambush built on desire, attitude and a drop or two of revenge. Twice, we were reduced to 14 men but refused to give an inch, even when rival fans resorted to blowing air horns to put our kicker, Brendan Owen, off. When the final whistle sounded, Warringah had spent 21 phases attacking our line without fully breaching it. It was the Rats' first loss since round three and the pain was palpable as their fans filed out of the old Narrabeen tip as our boys posed with the Bayfield Cup. "We spoke about holding each other accountable and sticking to our values," an exhausted but delighted skipper, Hunter Ward, said. "If anyone was walking, you were to get up them. "We had a point to prove after Anzac Day. Our fans went home really disappointed that day and there was no way we were going to dish that up again. "I'm not sure if this is a statement victory (to the rest of the competition) but we said if we can roll these boys, we can really turn the competition on its head and end up in that number one or two spot down the track." There wasn't a bad player in blue and red. They were all outstanding, from the starting XV through to the bench players who finished the job off. Assistant coach Damien Cummins said: "The set piece was pretty good and our defence was solid. "We knew they were going to come hard at us at the ruck but we held our own. "To beat a team like that on their home track with 14 players for 20 minutes says plenty." |
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We walked away from Rat Park with five wins from seven games in the men's program and a surprise draw in the women's. There were wins in 1s, 3s and 4s, and victories in 2s and 3s colts. For the first time since round one, the Mermaids failed to win. They were held to a 17-all draw by a Warringah team they had beaten by 50 on Anzac Day. "Rat Park is a tough place for an away team, so to go up there and only drop two games is a testament to the talent throughout our playing ranks and the work our coaching staff put in," proud president Matt Curll said as he enjoyed a celebratory drink at the Rats clubhouse. "It sets us up nicely for the last third of the regular season. We are still well placed for all eight teams to reach the finals." |
We walked away from Rat Park with five wins from seven games in the men's program and a surprise draw in the women's. There were wins in 1s, 3s and 4s, and victories in 2s and 3s colts. For the first time since round one, the Mermaids failed to win. They were held to a 17-all draw by a Warringah team they had beaten by 50 on Anzac Day. "Rat Park is a tough place for an away team, so to go up there and only drop two games is a testament to the talent throughout our playing ranks and the work our coaching staff put in," proud president Matt Curll said as he enjoyed a celebratory drink at the Rats clubhouse. "It sets us up nicely for the last third of the regular season. We are still well placed for all eight teams to reach the finals." |
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An industrial strength dryer has been deployed on Manly Oval this week to “drain the swamp” ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Souths. The Village Green was left anything but clean after torrential rain hit before, during and after our match against the Wildfires three weeks ago, leaving the centre wicket square and surrounds a quagmire. Fillets walked on the ground Wednesday and it was still quite soggy in parts. But head groundsman Gene Ngamu is hopeful the dryer - and the return of some sunshine – will have the playing surface in reasonable nick. Souths have struggled this year but won’t roll over for us. It’s always a challenge to get up after a derby and the Manly coaching staff has emphasised the need to switch on, particularly against teams outside the top six. Fan favourite Yool Yool makes his first appearance in the top grade this year, replacing the unavailable – and in-form – Wilson Dulieu (staph infection) on the wing. Hooker Hugo Patterson, who has been playing the house down, is gone for the season after suffering lower back fractures following a dubious collision in the derby. The experienced Aaron Blacklock comes in at No.2 while Byron Leach replaces Justin Mataele at lock. And in an interesting development, classy utility back Kemu Valetini returns off the bench after a couple of years with Fiji Drua in Super Rugby. Get your game tickets here... |
An industrial strength dryer has been deployed on Manly Oval this week to “drain the swamp” ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Souths. The Village Green was left anything but clean after torrential rain hit before, during and after our match against the Wildfires three weeks ago, leaving the centre wicket square and surrounds a quagmire. Fillets walked on the ground Wednesday and it was still quite soggy in parts. But head groundsman Gene Ngamu is hopeful the dryer - and the return of some sunshine – will have the playing surface in reasonable nick. Souths have struggled this year but won’t roll over for us. It’s always a challenge to get up after a derby and the Manly coaching staff has emphasised the need to switch on, particularly against teams outside the top six. Fan favourite Yool Yool makes his first appearance in the top grade this year, replacing the unavailable – and in-form – Wilson Dulieu (staph infection) on the wing. Hooker Hugo Patterson, who has been playing the house down, is gone for the season after suffering lower back fractures following a dubious collision in the derby. The experienced Aaron Blacklock comes in at No.2 while Byron Leach replaces Justin Mataele at lock. And in an interesting development, classy utility back Kemu Valetini returns off the bench after a couple of years with Fiji Drua in Super Rugby. Get your game tickets here... |
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Baz pictured second from left |
Baz pictured second from left |
One of Manly rugby's most loyal – and popular – servants will play his 100th grade game when he runs out in 1s against Souths. And it could be a case of 100 and out for lock Byron "Baz" Leach. Fillets put him through a Q and A on the eve of his milestone match. MF: When and how did it start for you at the Marlins? BL: I started at the Harlequins when I was 7 and started playing for the Marlins in juniors at the June long weekend state cups and other rep games coached by our now GM Greg Marr. I also played 3 years of colts and then onto grade. MF: Career highlights? BL: Unfortunately I haven’t been able to win a premiership but the highlights are definitely the big games. Rats derbies and finals footy are the best times of year. Having the opportunity to captain my childhood club in first grade this year was pretty special also. MF: What’s kept you going and how long is left? BL: I'm still in love with game day and the feeling in the sheds after a win. However, the main reason is the boys. Seeing your mates, whether that be people you’ve played with for 15 years or new ones you’ve met along the way, keeps me coming back. This is actually my last game for the year. I’m moving to London on Monday to live. Time will tell whether I’ll be back playing at Manly Oval in the future. MF: What does it mean to crack 100 grade games? BL: It’s a privilege to still be playing for the club I’ve played for since I was a kid. To crack 100 this weekend means a lot to me and those around me. This club is unique and its best attribute is the community driven approach it’s always had. The players, coaches, support staff and supporters ride the wave of the season together and are closely connected. Congratulations Baz. |
One of Manly rugby's most loyal – and popular – servants will play his 100th grade game when he runs out in 1s against Souths. And it could be a case of 100 and out for lock Byron "Baz" Leach. Fillets put him through a Q and A on the eve of his milestone match. MF: When and how did it start for you at the Marlins? BL: I started at the Harlequins when I was 7 and started playing for the Marlins in juniors at the June long weekend state cups and other rep games coached by our now GM Greg Marr. I also played 3 years of colts and then onto grade. MF: Career highlights? BL: Unfortunately I haven’t been able to win a premiership but the highlights are definitely the big games. Rats derbies and finals footy are the best times of year. Having the opportunity to captain my childhood club in first grade this year was pretty special also. MF: What’s kept you going and how long is left? BL: I'm still in love with game day and the feeling in the sheds after a win. However, the main reason is the boys. Seeing your mates, whether that be people you’ve played with for 15 years or new ones you’ve met along the way, keeps me coming back. This is actually my last game for the year. I’m moving to London on Monday to live. Time will tell whether I’ll be back playing at Manly Oval in the future. MF: What does it mean to crack 100 grade games? BL: It’s a privilege to still be playing for the club I’ve played for since I was a kid. To crack 100 this weekend means a lot to me and those around me. This club is unique and its best attribute is the community driven approach it’s always had. The players, coaches, support staff and supporters ride the wave of the season together and are closely connected. Congratulations Baz. |
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Can you just imagine the looks on the face of patrons at the Narrabeen Sands when 60 Marlins rocked through the doors an hour or so after our local derby win. It was the start of a pub crawl down the northern beaches following a big day at Rat Park. "The locals hated it. I actually saw a group walk in then walk straight out after they saw us all," club captain Doughal O'Reilly laughed. They must be going soft up north. The regulars at the old Antler would have cracked pool cues in half and taken care of anyone who dared step foot on their turf. From Narrabeen the Manly contingent headed to Dee Why's Time and Tide Hotel, a pub trapped in a 1980s time warp. "I don't think they'd had a crowd like us in there for a while. It was a fantastic night," Doughal reported. Apart from some colts players being cable tied to grade players, we've been sworn to secrecy over what transpired after the Timo. But let's just say the person who said nothing good happens after midnight never went out with Manly rugby players. |
Can you just imagine the looks on the face of patrons at the Narrabeen Sands when 60 Marlins rocked through the doors an hour or so after our local derby win. It was the start of a pub crawl down the northern beaches following a big day at Rat Park. "The locals hated it. I actually saw a group walk in then walk straight out after they saw us all," club captain Doughal O'Reilly laughed. They must be going soft up north. The regulars at the old Antler would have cracked pool cues in half and taken care of anyone who dared step foot on their turf. From Narrabeen the Manly contingent headed to Dee Why's Time and Tide Hotel, a pub trapped in a 1980s time warp. "I don't think they'd had a crowd like us in there for a while. It was a fantastic night," Doughal reported. Apart from some colts players being cable tied to grade players, we've been sworn to secrecy over what transpired after the Timo. But let's just say the person who said nothing good happens after midnight never went out with Manly rugby players. |
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Please make welcome the newest member of the Marlin Army. Perth-based Daniel Davini was in Sydney this week and decided to take the ferry to see a bit of Manly town. And while he found the harbour and beach more than pleasant, Dan really wanted to get off the usual tourist track. We will let him explain. "I'm a big sports fan and seeing grounds and collecting shirts from local clubs is my thing," he told Fillets. "I knocked on (Manly general manager Greg Marr's) door and asked if I could buy a shirt. "I think he was a bit surprised a guy from Perth wanted one. My wife wants to kill me with all the stuff I buy but that's what I do." Asked if that now means he is a rusted-on Manly fan, Dan replied: "Very much so. This is the first rugby club we've come across so I'll be keeping an eye on their results." He's also joined the Marlins Fillets subscription list to stay on top of the news. |
Please make welcome the newest member of the Marlin Army. Perth-based Daniel Davini was in Sydney this week and decided to take the ferry to see a bit of Manly town. And while he found the harbour and beach more than pleasant, Dan really wanted to get off the usual tourist track. We will let him explain. "I'm a big sports fan and seeing grounds and collecting shirts from local clubs is my thing," he told Fillets. "I knocked on (Manly general manager Greg Marr's) door and asked if I could buy a shirt. "I think he was a bit surprised a guy from Perth wanted one. My wife wants to kill me with all the stuff I buy but that's what I do." Asked if that now means he is a rusted-on Manly fan, Dan replied: "Very much so. This is the first rugby club we've come across so I'll be keeping an eye on their results." He's also joined the Marlins Fillets subscription list to stay on top of the news. |
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While we're on the subject of Marlins fans, one of our Rat Park operatives spotted chief Warringah Hillbilly Daz Hawthorne seemingly having an each-way bet on the outcome of the derby. Mysteriously, the one-time Manly ballboy was seen wearing a Marlins cap over his Warringah lid shortly after fulltime. Happy to have you back, Daz. |
While we're on the subject of Marlins fans, one of our Rat Park operatives spotted chief Warringah Hillbilly Daz Hawthorne seemingly having an each-way bet on the outcome of the derby. Mysteriously, the one-time Manly ballboy was seen wearing a Marlins cap over his Warringah lid shortly after fulltime. Happy to have you back, Daz. |
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Long before Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was terrorising NRL defences on his way to a record 307 games for the Roosters, he was strangling colts players in the Sydney competition. As you can see from this Rugby News match program from 2007, JWH played No.8 for Norths on Manly Oval and tormented Marlins halfback – and our current strength and conditioning coach – Dave Kennett for 80 minutes. "I remember him strangling me in that game," Dave laughed. "He hit me a bit late and proceeded to give me a facial. I got up and we both attempted to strangle each other until it ended up getting split up. "It’s safe to say I came off second best!" Waerea-Hargreaves joined the Sea Eagles from Norths in 2009 before linking with the Roosters a year later and going on to become the foundation club's most capped player. But it was no surprise to DK when JWH marked his record-breaking game with a split melon, a sin-binning and a four-match suspension. |
Long before Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was terrorising NRL defences on his way to a record 307 games for the Roosters, he was strangling colts players in the Sydney competition. As you can see from this Rugby News match program from 2007, JWH played No.8 for Norths on Manly Oval and tormented Marlins halfback – and our current strength and conditioning coach – Dave Kennett for 80 minutes. "I remember him strangling me in that game," Dave laughed. "He hit me a bit late and proceeded to give me a facial. I got up and we both attempted to strangle each other until it ended up getting split up. "It’s safe to say I came off second best!" Waerea-Hargreaves joined the Sea Eagles from Norths in 2009 before linking with the Roosters a year later and going on to become the foundation club's most capped player. But it was no surprise to DK when JWH marked his record-breaking game with a split melon, a sin-binning and a four-match suspension. |
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July 13: Home game v Southern Districts. Wear an international rugby jumper to our home game v Souths to receive a free Marlins stubby holder at the gate BOOK NOW July 27: Home game v Sydney Uni. Juniors Day followed by Culture Night upstairs, celebrating the club's cultural diversification. BOOK NOW. August 10: Ladies Day v Norths at Manly Oval. A Country and Western theme celebrating the women of rugby – players, mothers, partners, family. Tickets include drinks, food, and entertainment, with raffles to raise funds for the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter. We will also hold Juniors Day, with minis games between 2nd and 1st grade. BOOK NOW September 6: Annual presentation night |
July 13: Home game v Southern Districts. Wear an international rugby jumper to our home game v Souths to receive a free Marlins stubby holder at the gate BOOK NOW July 27: Home game v Sydney Uni. Juniors Day followed by Culture Night upstairs, celebrating the club's cultural diversification. BOOK NOW. August 10: Ladies Day v Norths at Manly Oval. A Country and Western theme celebrating the women of rugby – players, mothers, partners, family. Tickets include drinks, food, and entertainment, with raffles to raise funds for the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter. We will also hold Juniors Day, with minis games between 2nd and 1st grade. BOOK NOW September 6: Annual presentation night |
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