Two games remaining against teams that will provide good focus across all grade and colts teams leading into the finals.
Looking forward to seeing the team sheets over the coming weeks with the returning fresh players (& some further goal kicking depth).
Marlins see off Emus and eye big prize
By Adam Lucius
The Marlins continued their march towards the big end of season games with a predictable and emphatic 71-12 disposal of Penrith at the Village Green on Saturday.
Wallaby Michael Hooper, playing his first and only club game for the year, scored a hat-trick of tries and brother Richie swept in for two from the wing.
Mali Hingano and Jacob Woodhouse also picked up doubles.
Manly scored 11 tries in all.
The home side led 31-5 at the break and scored at a point a minute in the second half to stretch their undefeated run to six matches.
"It was good that stuff we talked about pre-game we were able to put into place," coach Phil Blake said.
"I was also happy we continued to be ruthless in the second half when we could just as easily clocked off.
"If you're a good side you keep the foot down and go on with it. You don't relax and we didn't."
Michael Hooper's presence ensured there would be no let up.
Blakey said: "He was phenomenal. He needed a blow out and the boys enjoyed playing with him.
"He's an outstanding player and he really embraced playing for us."
Hooper said: "It was great to play with my brother and mates and it would be good if I could do it more often.
"The team looks really good and we just need to get past that roadblock in the semis to give ourselves a chance of winning it.
"I'll be watching with interest."
While Hooper won't be there again this year, the Marlins expect to welcome Rebels trio Luke Jones, Pat Leafa and Jason Woodward from this week.
With Matt Lucas - and possibly Cliffy Palu – to return, Manly boast awesome depth at the right time of the year.
Manly travel to North Sydney Oval to meet a desperate Northern Suburbs next Saturday.
Penrith Prove That Emus CAN Leave the Ground
By Graeme Hodge
In a magnanimous gesture, Penrith Emus relinquished their Home Ground advantage and agreed to a bus trip from Nepean Rugby Park to take on the Manly Colts at what is fast becoming known as "Fortress Keirle Park"!
The games were moved forward so that all Colts players from both Clubs could adjourn to nearby Manly Oval to enjoy the 1st Grade game. The Penrith Colts players then accepted our invitation to come back to Manly Bowling Club to complete their experience of Rugby culture.
A great day for all who love Rugby. So to the 2 games (Penrith don't field a 3rd Grade Colts side):
1st Grade Colts
In a game which entertained the assembled "crowd", Manly convincingly beat Penrith 76-20. It took a while, though!
Early in the game Penrith jumped out to a 3-nil lead and requested a photograph of the scoreboard! 20 minutes in it was only 14-13 to Manly and it was game on! Plans to send some players off to Grade were in jeopardy.
After a stern address from the Coaching staff at half-time, the players came out and played more accurately and with improved structure.
Amazing how, when players went to ground rather than pushed low-percentage passes and support players ran straight lines from depth rather than being lateral, the points began to flow!
Coach, Jono Harvey was happy about Manly's 12 tries but unhappy about conceding 3 tries to Penrith! When asked about his view of the game, Jono said, "I am happy to put that game behind us. A game against Penrith is always a danger game so we'll take the Bonus Point win and move forward with no injuries or suspensions. The other lesson to be learned from this game is that with either 4 or 5 hard games coming up in a row, we need to learn to switch on our intensity each and every week"!
With 7 players leaving the field at or after half-time in order to gain some experience in Grade, the Coaches used the maximum number of reserves. This, in turn, provided valuable experience for many of our 2nd Grade Colts players.
2nd Grade Colts
A 56-5 victory to our 2nd Grade side sees that team possibly securing 4th spot heading into the Finals Series. The positive aspect is that our destiny is in our own hands-it appears that if we beat Norths next week we'll finish in 4th spot!
With 3 more forwards returning from absence or injury, the 2nds pack is beginning to assume a menacing presence! Whomever is not selected in any given week by 1st Grade Coaches Harvey and Mills will add some much-needed starch to the 2nd Grade pack.
The backline has enough points in it to threaten any other team in this Comp-as long as those backs enjoy at least an even share of possession.
Our 2nds started from the opening whistle, scoring the first try within the first 2 minutes. 9 more tries followed in what was a commanding display.
The games against Norths next week will be vital-not only for 2nds but for all 3 Colts teams in relation to their individual goals. We can't be beaten for 2nd spot in the Colts Club Championship but it would be ideal if we could assert our superiority against Norths who are in 3rd spot!
Rep Honours for Manly Junior players
Eight MJRU players were selected for Sydney team that beat Country 27 – 5 on 28th July.
From this team boys 6 were selected in the NSW U17 team:
Ben Crerar
Conor Davidson
Harry Lowe
Scot Moran
Declan Moore
Nick Newman
The other two boys in Sydney team are Scott Williams and Will Cronin.
Congratulations!