4th Grade GRAND FINAL PREVEIW EAST TIGERS VS SOUTHS MAGPIES 2014 SAT 16TH AUGUST 1:20 pm For a 2nd year in a row Stuart Purcell has coached the now 3rd grade to his 2nd grand final. However the situation is a bit different now. 2013 1st 5/8 Brendan Ward has gone up a grade playing in the 2nd grade team, along with Nick NG who was been playing splendidly for higher grades. Along with guys like Dan Horgan (Mini Jugs), Brendan Cannon, Vula Sumsum (R.J), Harry Jensen and many others who have either been promoted to higher grades or have decided to take a sabbatical to concentrate on life itself. This grade is for players, that due to time constraints with work, family or study commitments are unable to fully commit to all training sessions and games. Also is the fact player’s want to excel in higher grades, which should be applauded and praised. Whilst it has been challenging to face these issues – it did face an opportunity, which could not be turned down. Unlike the 2013 team which was youthful, fit, fast and skilful bunch, with guys like Richard Fox, Tom Gerhke, Ray Amos, Chris “DAD” Denaro, Trav Stanbury who still in the team - the now 2014 team could add to their artillery a bigger, grunt and killer forward pack as well as some experience and strike playing packs from were from other grades that could be utilised. Assistant Coach Tui Tulili, who played last year in 4th Grade who just retired - brought some hard-nosed forwards - like they came straight from 1990’s museum of rugby. Men like Eddie Uhatafe who at peak – 155kg – plays massive role in prop department with also the help of grizzled veteren prop Paul Stowers who also tips the scales at 160kg, These 2 men have put on the biggest hits of the season, that stretchered off a uni and a gps player and have eaten metres up like it was an open buffet. Then comes the Auckland hardman of George Elekana at hooker with his devastating hits and ruck play, demolishing runs and accurate throwing, along with his vast knowledge of the game, has helped the remaining 2013 crew. Then there is Joseph Te Puni – who despite not playing in the last 2 months due to work commitments is still our 2nd leading point scorer (59pts). Morgan Faletolu, as well as Sam Crump, Alex Vili Lote, Ryan Mchugh, timber Josh Craig were new to the fold but blended well emerging from colts grade and interstate. It is a great recipe for a good rugby team – a mixture of young and old. One thing that hasn’t changed is the skipper – JOSH REID – was to remain captain again after leading a successful campaign in 2013. The man leads with his heart and in the front along with his lieutenant at half back, Richard Fox who breeds consistency. The Sniper that is Richard Kay leads at 1st 5/8 who is not afraid to take the line on despite his minuscule frame. He darts at the enemy line like Phil Taylor finishing on a double in World Series Dart Tournament. So after 18 rounds – 12 wins – 5 loss – 1 forfeit (who the hell wants to travel to Redcliff), 31 players rostered, 2 FINALS playoff victories later – it has come down to this Game. East Tigers – who South’s have not beaten all year, who South’s have never, ever came close to 7 pt point losing margin. It’s a East team full of confidence after getting a week rest after they down trowel Uni in Finals Week 1 back to St Lucia. It’s complete East team who are serious campaigners of the game and know every hook turns, rights and u-turns in the game. It’s also a East team in a Grand Final – where anything can happen – were little mistakes become a bigger issue. It’s also a East Team playing a South’s team running into a final, rather then a rusty ole Toyota corolla struggling on low gear up hill. It’s a South’s that have left a path of destruction on the way to Ballymore to this point. It’s a South’s Team that fear nothing – feel nothing – and have nothing to lose. As well as the fact that veteran prop Paul Stowers will be playing his 100th game – it would be fairy tale ending for the big man. It’s an old grizzled pack with some flashy backs that glide on the grass like a blades of glory movie. It will be battle of a hustle and tussling like a good ole fashion streetfight. Players to watch – Richard Kay – (1st 5/8), Travis Stanbury (lock) - Richard Fox (Half Back) #inyomouf with Joseph Agresta Chris Denaro Morgan Faletolu Ryan Mchugh Dimitri Loukaras
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 05:14:41 +0000