Rugby Union is more than just a sport. It is more than just tackles and tries.
It is more than just passing and running. Rugby Union gives an opportunity for all ages, abilities, backgrounds, genders, economic status or intellect to come together to succeed common goals.
These goals aren't centred around winning or losing, being the best or getting trophies.
Rather, Rugby Union is about comradeship, respect, self-discipline, fairness, persistence, leadership, team work, resilience, self-esteem and FUN!
Both our Under 8s and Under 10s have shown these values throughout their season, developing these skills and morals week in and week out.
After 8 rounds of rugby, played across the South West, our players have not only grown in terms of how much better they have become at playing the game, but also in terms of who they are as well-rounded people.
The Under 10s played in a very competitive game against the Beetles.
Our Margies boys gave it their all and certainly made their opposition work hard for every point.
The reward for Archie Pateman's hard work, commitment and dedication was his name added to the score sheet, nothing less than this inspirational young man deserves. Darcy Craigie add two points with his laser-like, accurate kicking.
Lollies, laughs and little legends
Having already played the Beetles twice this season, the Under 8s knew this week would be the biggest test of the season.
But with the afore-mentioned skills and attitude, as well as being inspired by team mascots Elsie Chanin and Ivy Pateman, the Gropers met the challenge with enthusiasm and confidence.
As expected the Beetles started strong, scoring two early tries. It was this brace of tries that ultimately made the difference in the score line as the rest of the game both teams scored 6 tries a piece.
When we consider fairness, teamwork and respect, Hyrum Jenkins is the absolute epitome of this. A true gentleman on and off the field, Hyrum never fails to give every second of every game his everything.
Saturday was no exception.
It was his desire to win a loose ball that gave the Gropers the opportunity to launch their first venomous attack of half of which Captain David Le-Cornu (aka Actionman) found himself in space to carve open the defence line, crashing over the whitewash.
Like a grist of bees, the Gropers' defence would swarm all over the Beetles, giving them little chance to play any free-flowing rugby. Sure enough in the middle of each and every single maul would be Barney Chanin (aka The Bulldog).
It would take the jaws of life to prize him off the ball such was his steely grip. The prolific try scorer, Henry Pateman, turned the provided for the Green, Black and Gold's next try. After slicing open the Blue and White's D, he offloaded to speedster Oscar 'Gonzales' Chanin who turned on the jets and dashed into the corner.
This was the final score of the first half. There was no time for a team talk at half time as everyone (including all coaching staff) were too busy scoffing lollies.
Was it the sugar?
Was it the knowledge that this was their last game of the regular season?
Or was it because more lollies were promised for a good second half?
Who cares what it was... the second half was by far the best phase of rugby so far this season.
In the final 15 minutes the Gropers dominated every facet of the game! Taane Kaweroa was instrumental in Marg's ascendancy, tackling without trepidation and running without reservation.
Ted Chilton's tackle count must have been in the high twenties...if there was a VB (alcohol-free of course) 'Hardest Worker' Ted would certainly have taken top spot.
Henry Pateman unsurprising added a try, taking his personal tally for the season to an incredible 18! The beneficiary of the next awesome team try was Zion Kaweroa, but it was a result of an exceptional buildup of which most of the team were part of in one way or another.
The local fire brigade was almost called after Ben Goodwin's fast footwork left scorch marks in the turf, he set off on a mesmerising, meandering, mind-bending run, passed onto to Kyle Rodley, who fragmented the Busselton's defence.
The ball then found its way into Zion's hands, who characteristically bamboozled, bewildered and baffled the Dungers with his sidestep, to dot down for 5 points.
Reuben Rodley then added his name to the growing list of try scorers, with an individual piece of brilliance. The score line for the second half was level at 3 a piece leading into the final 30 seconds. Cometh the hour (well half minute) cometh the man (well, 6 year old), Koby Schwier.
From the restart he tapped and made yards, the only way the Dunger's boys could slow him was to jump on his back and hold onto his shoe laces, but it wasn't enough...Koby (with at least 4 of the opposition hanging off him in some way) powered his way to his first try of the year.
Talk about persistence and resilience!
An epic final game was a fitting close to the U8s Groper's regular season. Just a mini tour to Albany in October left...players and parents alike can't wait! Wahoo!
If you are interested in joining in with some of the junior rugby fun next season, give Stephen a ring on 0422 902199.
