McSorley's Match Report Marauders Vs City RFC 3 By Stephen Trainor

Before the game even started, Marauders continued their winning streak by winning the coin toss. A solid drop-kick from Rhys started off the game, and City received the ball in their 22, where they’d spend most of the game. The ball was turned over, and Marauders edged their way to City’s try line - or what they presumed to be the try line, with Ross and Matt going down metres short, confused by an additional line due to the pitch doubling for football games. This mistake was made up for by patient phase play, which lead to Rodders securing the first try of the game. The first half was very physical, and not without casualties, with JJ Bull suffering a compound dislocation of the pinky, and Stephen Trainor receiving friendly fire via a swift heel to the face, courtesy of Rodders.

Josh was subbed on for JJ, and put in a solid twenty minutes before subbing himself off via yellow card. In spite of this, Marauders kept a clean sheet at the end of the first half, with a scoreboard of three tries to nil. City quickly found a second wind in the second half, getting a try in the opening minutes. Marauders promptly regained their composure, assisted by some fresh legs off the bench.

The strengthened defence didn’t concede any more points, and added another four tries to their tally.

It was a strong forwards game, with Harrison, Rodders, Lewis and Bradey netting 6 of the 7 tries.

Rhys represented the backs with one try, while Bradley scored one of his two tries in the back-line, with a clever mismatch on outside centre. Any attempts by City to kick the ball into space were quickly shut down by the backs, with the back three speedily running it right back at them, happy for the renewed possession.

Several Marauders showed exemplary stamina and dedication, with Josh, Lewis, Jasmeet, Denis and Tom also playing for the Raiders, and Conor playing an incredible three matches (Marauders, Raiders and Vikings!). Denis had his debut for the Raiders and Marauders, earning Man of the Match by playing the full game for Marauders; starting on the left wing and moving into fullback when needed.

The final score was 39-5. It was a great match, followed by a fantastic court session, which left no man sober (except Jasmeet, who will be punished).