SJC 9ths vs SIC 9ths @Joeys No 1. aka. Heaven Pasture
Over the past few years I have been asked by the View lads to attend this game if possible. This years addition was given an early start @8am. When I stumbled down the Park roadway I noted a very large contingent of View boys warming up. They looked keen and focused with the goal of being to protect their undefeated record. Joeys lads stumbled in later and did some cursory stretches and ran through a few drills. View has brought along with then at least 2 sides, some I am sure some pinched from some higher teams. Joeys had a bench of five players.
As games go for this grade, it was played with some incredible high skill. Yes there was a few fumbles with handling but in all both teams threw everything at one another. A bit of niggle finely flared and some spice was added. With scores deadlocked at 5-5 the large View fan base made lots of noise, in particularly for one player was the focus. There was a late possibility of View snatching the win but were denied. A draw in the end did the trick to keep the legacy of the Nicotine ninths intact. After the game I spoke with several players who were very happy at how the season went. I myself was thrilled for them. In all a tremendous bunch of young men who did View proud. I wonder how many view teams also went undefeated?
The day progressed well with meeting up with several other G&G members, in particular @TheApprentice who was a great young man to chat to. He explained the relative silence from the Lane Cove Lunch Club as another school has stomped down hard on access. A number of brave lads came up and said hello, even a View mother. Not long after my legs were giving out and tried the pie medicine but it made no dent in my condition. During my time in the grandstand Finn Hannon came over and introduced himself. Simply put, a great young fella who enjoys his rugby and his older teammates who have been "awesome" with him. Imagine, walking into a team stacked with some great players and having to steer them around. What a challenge!
Soon my energy was failing badly. It took me an hour to walk to the Augustine St gate. During one of my rests a Joeys 1st XV mother introduced herself. She said she was a big fan of the forum. I have known her son for many years and I told her what a simply lovely young man she and her husband has produced. He has the biggest heart of I have seen for many years. I hope he spends the off-season mending well from all the hits he has taken.
Disappointments? Yes I missed meeting up with Gus Grover. I had to watch him on the Streamer. Gus is a great half back I feel in the vein of Nick Farr Jones. He almost plays as another loose forward. His kicking game was deadly on occasions. In particular when you have excellent chases. (#11 was great) The noise coming from the View stand was on par. A small observation, the Joeys lad started chanting "its all gone quiet" Somewhere in the Field of Mars cemetery the late, great Br. Henry would be spinning in his grave. This is not what Joeys do. I hope someone follows this up. May this type of "cheering" never happen again.
Soon my ride appeared to take me off to be checked out. Fortunately it was not too serious.
I am sorry I missed the rest of the day. This fixture is a highlight and I look forward to it. This year View did the right thing to beef up the ground security at the swamp. I feel it is important that the year 12 lads get to play the old enemy on their home turf. Well done.
Best wishes to the Nicotine 9ths and all who will now focus on the HSC. Good luck and remember your quotes.
Joker