OLD Bar club's great man of rugby union, Richard Crook, presented the plaque named in honour of his late son, Charlie, to Manning River Ratz president, Jim Boyce, on Saturday, recalling with modesty and pride how the Clams' glory days had passed with honours now beckoning for the Ratz.
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Charlie's shield was the first of several prizes which could become the possessions of the Ratz this barren winter: minor premiers, club champions, Kennards Hire premiership-winners.
The Ratz duly completed their abridged and unbeaten 10-round minor premiership with a 47-0 win over the Clams, a win without mishap, without glory, but which brought smiles of delight from coaches Jake Maurirere and Danial Stone.
"No injuries, no drama, but premiership points and satisfaction with eight or nine of our regulars not playing before the semi-finals," a well-satisfied Maurirere said, glancing at injured match-winners, Sam Hartnett and Bruwyn Tisdell, treading wary paths back to recovery.
The coastal nor-easterly wind was blowing at the Clams' backs on Saturday, a tough wind to run into, and the Clams used it poorly while restricting the Ratz to two converted tries. Five tries after half-time indicated its value, to the Ratz at least.
Flanker Luke Couch displayed commendable mobility and vigour, halfback Toby de Stefano revealed speed and penetration, fullback Matt Bridge made searching runs and lock Jarrad Wooster was tireless in his work ethic.
What went with little acknowledgement by the Clams was the achievement of captain and and former MNC representative hooker, Teia Ambrosoli, in equalling Richard Crook's club record of 165 first grade games. When will it be prop Brad Lewis' accomplishment?
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The Raz' women's 10-a-side team will give a strong account of itself in the play-offs, Sheridan Clarke, Lucy Green, Bridie Maloney and Laura Rixon all performing well with Chloe Webber prominent for Old Bar in the Ratz' 50-0 success.
Last year's champions Wauchope grew stronger as the winter progressed, likewise Wallamba. Regrettably, Gloucester's once powerful women's team is not the force of recent years.
Next Saturday, the Ratz are at home at Taree Rugby Park, hosting the semi-finals, major and minor. They will play the Wallamba Bulls in the major semi-final, the Bulls stimulated by Saturday's 74-12 defeat of the Gloucester Cockies.
