A momentous day in the history of Margaret River Rugby was recorded at the weekend, with both junior teams celebrating a victory.
In just their second year of junior rugby in the area, Margaret River Gropers were able to field two full teams, Under 8s and Under 10s.
The under 10s took to the field first, playing away against a strong Bunbury Bulls team. Their hard work at training really started to show, putting together a team effort that saw them came away with a deserved win.
The tone of the game was set to a high standard from the kickoff by Oscar Craigie by tackling and running with purpose. The first try came as a result of well-structured rugby and inter play.
It was Ben Szandtner who showed power and pace, making a break and running for around 50 metres, but it was a brilliant support line ran by his brother Dylan which resulted in the first try of the day and probably the 7 scored in total.
The Bulls responded well and scored a well worked try themselves but this only spurred the Margies boys to play even better.
Maximo Chalmers having an incredible game in both attack and defence. Certainly showing just how much he has improved in a relatively short space of time. Throughout the game there was work-rate, effort and positive attitude shown by all.
Archie Pateman forced numerous mistakes from the Bulls. Darcy Craigie was always keen for a run and made yards every time. He also has an awesome goal kicking record, adding 10 points just by his boot.
The tackle technique and ability to secure the ball at the ruck was simply awesome by Travis Schwier and Thomas Edwards. The three Rodley boys, Tas, Reuben and Kyle played incredibly well as a unit, supporting, tackling and never giving up.
The whole team had groper spirit throughout. The final score was Gropers 45 Bulls 24.
Under 8s start strong
Buoyed by the outstanding energy, effort and enthusiasm shown by their older club peers, the Under 8s started off exceptionally well, passing, tackling and beginning to show some stupendous team play.
After a number of Gropers players had a chance to run with the ball and numerous passes, Zion Kaweroa found himself in some space. He still had a lot to do, but managed to side-step his way to the try line.
Bulls responded with a try themselves, showing excellent attitude and efforts. Something they did through the whole game.
A marked improvement in tackling made all the difference, with Hyrum Jenkins (Captain for the day), Coby Schwier and Ben Goodwin leading the way in defense all game.
The Gropers next try came a s result of Barney Chanin's hard work in a maul to steal the ball from the opposition.
He passed to David Le Cornu who ran 40 metres to score. Again, the Bulls never gave up and scored a well worked try of their own.
From the restart though, the Gropers began to put some structured rugby together, resulting in Zion showing his class to score his second of the day.
The Gropers managed to get some breathing space with a fourth try. It was Taane Kaweroa who was the impetuous for this one, showing great determination and technique to cause a mistake by the Bulls.
This time it was Henry Pateman who demonstrated that he's one to watch for in the future, dodging, weaving and sprinting to the line. This was the last play of the first half.
The second half saw the Bulls play some excellent rugby, closing the gap with a couple of tries of their own. It was an outstanding play by Ted Chilton who kick started the gropers back into gear.
Making a great tackle and then securing the ball, it found its way to David who race almost untouched to the white wash.
The game was still on a knife edge with the Bulls looking dangerous every time they had the ball. It wasn't until the penultimate play of the game when Oscar Chanin secured the win with some exceptional pace and awareness not to step out, scoring in the corner.
The Bulls scored in the final play, with a very well deserved try, a fitting end to a great game. The final score was Gropers 30 Bulls 25.
We welcome all new players!
Training is on Wednesdays at 4.30 on the Lower Western Oval. If in Year 1, 2 or 3 call Abi (0490 764 427) or in years 4, 5 or 6 contact Stephen (0422 902 199).
