McSorley's Match Report - Marauders vs CWB Marines 02/03/2019

It was hot. Suffice to say this #2 was sweating like a hooker in church (I hate wearing suits). Causeway Bay (CWB) had brought along a big squad, with their Champ A team out of contention, we knew we were not going to have an easy day. Despite the hot weather and solid opposition, the Marauders had a job to do. They had to win with a bonus point to keep the pressure on Kowloon Beavers.

First Half
From the kick off CWB pushed the Marauders into their own 22, where they spent the opening 10 mins. The Marauders deployed their defense in full force. Chopping every runner and competing for the ball at every breakdown. The referee was pinging Marauders for hands in the ruck, so they knew the turnover had to be performed with phenomenal finesse. Along comes #9 ‘The Rumbler’, following a beautiful tackle he released the player and scooped up the ball. Back in possession Sandy Bay moved the ball up the pitch. The 100m track opened up for JJ Bolt. He gunned it towards the try-line… only to have Rumbler scoop up the ball and steal his glory. JJB distraught with try theft turned on the after burners, he used his blistering speed to score two consecutive tries. JJB was aiming for a hattrick, but it was not to be. The Rumbler in typical fashion stole another try before the half time whistle.

Second Half
The speedster JJB all out of fuel and the Rumbler subbed off for arrogance saw the return of Ross (19/19) and the infamous Wello. The ball swapped territory several times in a tight opening 5mins. Play stopped following a dangerous tackle to the neck of the replacement #10 Wello, he in turn sent a forceful message to the offending CWB player to encourage him tackle more politely. The referee looked to calm down proceedings and gave both players a warning. Unfortunately, Wello saw fit to show the referee pictures of himself on the beach in Fiji, beer in hand. We still have no idea where Wello produced his phone from… The referee in pure disgust was left with one option. A FareYello. This saw the humblebrag maestro off to the sideline for 10mins.

In the ensuing 10mins the Marauders sustained continuous CWB pressure, but big tackles could not hold them to the 5m line. Following two on pitch injuries the 12 standing Sandy Bay men allowed a player slip through. A try to the bad guys. This fired up the Marauders who quickly from a kick off earned a scrum on the opposition 10m. The forwards showed complete dominance, as had been their habit throughout the game and pushed CWB forwards backwards. This set the base for the backs. With perfect clairvoyance Rhys called the ball onto the blindside. Where he sucked in a player and delivered the ball to Ross. With wide open pasture and >20m to run Ross placed the ball over the try-line. No one was concerned with the corner placement, the try scorer is also the conversion record holder for World Rugby 2018/19. He walked up to the tee and put home his 19th consecutive conversion.

Comfortably in the lead the Marauders Fiji rugby was in full flow. Although this was lethal to the CWB defense it was also dangerous for the Marauders. CWB turned over and with some speedy runs again ventured over the Ms try-line. With great risk comes great reward. Within this spell we saw our glorious half-back Stephen Chan and Saffa Tarleton score two beautiful tries. It must be said if it wasn’t for the work of Hugo and Thomas running like centres, the returned QB Wello would not have gifted the ball to each scorer in such prime territory. DoTD was given to Harrison for not sharing his off-pitch parasol.

Retrospective analysis:
The Marauders won their match 45-12 and earned their bonus point. This put them at 20 league points. Later in the day The Beavers dropped a point against the Barbarians. The Kowloon Beavers have a total of 14 points and with one game remaining it is mathematically impossible for the Beavers or any other team to catch the Marauders. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!! (CL1B League Winners 2018/19).

… A final aside
This league winning game was the authors final game for the Marauders for the foreseeable future due to a move to Chicago USA in May 2019. It has sincerely been one of my greatest pleasures playing with you all! What a season! UP THE BAY! …boys

Signing Out - Dr Lewis