Manly face a strong balanced Easts team this week, both games this year were close, and last year they dusted us when we didn't show up.
They have nothing to loose, and people are writing them off after our game against Uni - so BEWARE, BEWARE.
The game plan, for 90 minutes, and stick to the structure.
This is now sudden death for all grades
Lets show that rowdy, noisy, Manly Supporters travel - get down to Coogee and enjoy the 24 degree day.
Colts are playing a Local Derby Semi on Sunday down at Forshaw, we've taken the points in both games through the season. Finals football is a different intensity, and the Rats have had a strong second half of the season. Rip in and bring home the spoils.
Knock out game vs Easts, 3pm, Sunday 1st Sept, Coogee Oval
The MMMs delivered a massive performance against Uni last Sunday in the narrowest of losses: 23-25. This was (club) rugby at its best! Another fantastic crowd of MMMs supporters turned out for an epic game which was lost after the full 80 mins had ticked over to a drop goal from incumbent Waratahs 5/8th Bernard Foley.
Many commented that this was top level rugby, equivalent to Super rugby levels, played in an entertaining and sporting way. NSW and Sydney Rugby Unions were delighted with the game and support shown. No other club can boast such a regular and large turn out in the competition and this was the first final series day held at Manly Oval for many years. Long may it continue!
It is important to understand that we are talking about a MMMs team comprising of young men who mostly have to work for a living (trades, retail, banks, whatever) versus a professional group of players dedicated and contracted to their sports pursuit.
“We knew if we stuck to our structure we could win it,” said MMMs 5/8th Marshall Milroy with good dose of belief. “ We made a few errors and let them back in. Unfortunately, I kicked out a ball on the full in the last minutes. The line out went back. We gave a away a penalty and the drive from this gave the drop goal position.”
Marshall had a stonking game against the opposing Super Rugby players Nick Phipps and Foley. “I feel confident in our game plan and players around me to make the decisions,” he said modestly. He worked a lovely try sliding through the 9/10 drift channel rather than off loading inside to a winger. Fooled ya!
“He has a smart football brain,” said MMMs coach Phil Blake about Marshall. “He has been great for us this season and sticks to our structure and game plan.”
“We’ve probably been under estimated as a backline this season but we defend well and know that we can attack from anywhere with speed,” said Marshall.
So to Easts
“Look out!” exclaimed Marshall simply. There is no question that about the team “getting up” for the knock out semi. “We take it each game at a time but know we can give any team a tough time.”
“We have beaten them twice this season but are expecting a different and committed Easts,” said pragmatic as always Phil. “When you play at a higher level, the better teams win on the big moments and that’s difference. We are a lot better prepared than previous years but any ill discipline in the game will be punished.”
Team Sheet
The MMMs run out the same team as against Uni. Prop Tim Fairbrother may be back but awaiting a fitness test.
1 Dave Porecki, 2 Pat Leafa, 3 Eddie Aholelei, 4 Ed Gower (c), 5 Caydern Neville, 6 Dylan Sigg, 7 Jordy Reid, 8 Luke Jones, 9 Matt Lucas, 10 Marshall Milroy, 11 Jacob Woodhouse, 12 Brian Sefanaia, 13 Malietoa Hingano, 14 Richard Hooper, 15 BJ Hartmann
MM MMM
Marshall Milroy moved to the MMMs three years ago after playing for Souths. Previously he played for the Reds off the bench a few times and Waratahs A for a number of games.
“I had issues off the field last year settling in my young family locally and a new job. I couldn’t give footy my full focus. But this year I’ve been given the chance and it has come together under Blakey.”
“I didn’t mind playing seconds last year. I was pleased to be part of a good and supportive club. I advise players to keep going and stick with it. There is no point in over reacting if you get dropped. Play your best and take the opportunity when you get back.”
Marshall has been instrumental in coaching the club’s 7s squad. “Yeah I started training sessions late last year and before we knew it we had over 30 players turning up. To me it is important to have a good bunch of boys who get on well, work for each other and play together.” The MMMs won two pre-season 7s comps. It is a huge help in building club camaraderie and confidence.