McSorley's Match Report - Marauders vs Scottish 01/12/2018 - by Lawrence Rumble

The Sandy Bay Marauders lined up on a glorious Saturday lunch time kick off against Scottish Phoenix to avenge the injustices of the previous week’s shambolic refereeing. A strong line up was complimented by a great bench which improved about 5 minutes after kick off with late arrivals of the Irish and Indian Marauders.

Receiving the ball the intent was there from the off. The Marauders quickly got into their groove with strong ball carries around the field and quick phase play working a treat as we gradually worked our way up field. The occasional knock on allowed us to unleash the secret weapon: Brad Malherbe, Gavin Herrman and Dayton Riddle came to play. Constant scrum dominance and we had them reeling. A relieving kick or two from the opposition and we came again. About 10 mins in to the game, after more strong phase play, the Marauders went blind, with Lawrence Rumble employing the chip and chase to great effect. Someone tell their wing to “never trust the bounce of a rugby ball”, kick collected, offload in the tackle and Finn, races under the poles for a quick 7 pointer from inside our own half. This was beginning to look like one way traffic. Unfortunately, complacency set in (not for the first time this season) and a few weak tackles meant that the Phoenix had scored five minutes later. We dusted ourselves off, and went again working our way up field to earn an easy penalty on the 22m line to go 10-7 ahead. What followed was a textbook repeat of their first try until something clicked… we weren’t going to blow this with more poor tackling. 15 Marauders fanned out, communicated and tackled like men possessed. For 5 minutes we repelled them in our 22. Left, right, quick taps, wide, short wherever, the Marauders were up to it. Eventually, the turnover came through a knock on and off we went for half time. 10-7 to the Marauders.

The second half started in the same vein as the first. Marauders dominating the ball and the contact zone. The Phoenix knew they were in for a rollicking and the Marauders obliged. Ably led by their commander in chief JJ “Runs-like-Larkham-tackles-like-Wilkinson” Bull who was leading the defensive effort with some monster hits all day and then, following good phase work and quick ball, took the responsibility to crash over for the second try from 5m out. “There’s no stopping JJ from there” were the cries from the peanut gallery. Rhys Pinna-Griffith adding to his personal tally with a rocketed conversion from wide out. 17-7 up. The replacements kept the tempo high and before Phoenix could catch a breath of air, Ross had tapped and gone from 30 out, rounded about 8 players, thrown a dummy to the touch judge and dived over in the corner. Conversion missed. 24-7 up and cruising. The Marauders forwards were dominant throughout and weren’t to be outdone by their backs, phase of phase at a relentless tempo and Jack Carson dived over. Conversion missed. 29-7 up. JB rang the changes as there were some bruised and battered bodies out there after a gallant display on defence and attack. The Marauders had done their job, but gifted the Phoenix a very soft try to close out the game. 29-14 final score.

The win was built on great communication, commitment in defence and support on attack. The one off runs of weeks gone by were a thing of the past and the results showed, quick clean ball was recycled time and again. The forwards dominated the game and the gain line, with a special mention going to Bradley Malherbe for a dominant scrumming and tackling display and some beautiful angles as first receiver. The backs enjoyed the space afforded to them and took their chances well. Thanks to all those who came through and helped out off the bench.

The lads can surely look to build on this performance and put together another big shift on the club day at Aberdeen Sports Ground - 8 December 2018. Bring your best attitudes, wives and families and let’s make it ¾ to close out the first half of the season against the CWB Marines.