19 May 2021
On Tuesday the 18th of May, the under 14’s rugby league team embarked on a massive journey to Coffs Harbour. The North Coast regional final saw 8 teams vying for 2 positions to progress to the top 32 teams in the state.
The early morning saw the boys slowly dribble into school. Thankfully Captain Markus was on time. The 2 and a bit hour bus ride pushed the limits of the boy’s patience and bladders.
The first game was against a confident Maclean team. The warmup was questionable with a number of boys dropping the ball and the inability to count to 4 in the drills was concerning.
Surprisingly, as the whistle for the first kick-off blew, professionalism took over. Cannonball Cooper got the boys moving forward with a number of runs that bent the Maclean’s defensive line. Baxter (I promise sir I won’t kick this game), Turner in his new role was outstanding in organising runners and pushing the boys forward. T-Rex and Ethan were exceptional on the flanks as Maclean pushed wide to test our defences.
The first half’s 17 minutes seemed to go in the blink of an eye. Kai’s blistering speed and Zac’s ability to move the team around the park were highlights. The half time score was 18-0 to the mighty Fighting Prawns!
The start of the second half saw a few errors sneak in with Maclean scoring in their first set. With some well-articulated advice from Ryan and injection into the game by Twinkle-toes Barry, the boys started moving in the right direction. Great defensive efforts toward the back end of the game by Will-Da-Beast and Coxy saw the final score 28-18 to the mighty Fighting Prawns.
With the first part of the puzzle complete, the might fighting prawns faced the much rumoured and notorious powerhouse of South Grafton.
Before the kick-off there were some key changes to the line-up. Harrison (I don’t get the ball enough on the wing), got his opportunity to demonstrate his ability in the second row and did not disappoint. With the Mighty Prawns receiving the kick, the boys were able to dictate the terms. The Rock of Gibraltar (Tully) was resolute in his domination of the middle of the field leaving defenders in his wake. Little Loosemore did not disappoint in his aggression and constant talking from the wing. With only one try scored in the first half and Baxter breaking his promise not to kick, the Might Fighting Prawns went to the break up by 4-0.
The second half started more intense than any half of the football played for the day. The sets were quicker, hits were bigger and the pressure was mounting. With Captain Markus succumbing to a high shot from South Grafton, the boys were under the pump. After being camped on our line for 4 to 5 sets, South Grafton went over, under the posts. Devastation was expressed in the huddle in the in-goal as the extras were added. 4-6, the prawns hopes of progressing were slowly slipping away. 2 sets max is what the boys would get.
Bolstered by the miraculous return of their captain, the boys stepped up a gear. The first set attacking South Grafton’s line saw an open line but we fumbled 5 metres out. After a scrum – yes these still happen in league – a drop ball from South Grafton saw the boys on the attack.
After a number of attempts without being able to break the line and frustration setting in, I reminded the boys that this is where champions are born. The giant killer, big bustling Brett swung from left centre to the right edge of the field, demanded the ball from Gussy. With a jink, a jive, a step and carrying 10 would be tacklers, the killer player stretched out and launched forward in the last metre and slammed the ball down on the line. Jubilation erupted as the Prawns lifted the giant player up. With the try recorded on the board and a new goal kicker needed, old twinkle toes Barry tried to add the extra, unfortunately he was unsuccessful.
The final score after the maestro gussy put the ball into touch was 8-6.
Player of day was Triple M, Mason “Maddog” Martin. Maddog’s outstanding efforts in defence coupled with his ability to carry the team forward in attack ensured the Might Prawns success on the day.
The under 14’s Prawns are top 32 in the state. Their next game is a home game at Prawn stadium against Mt View High School. This will most likely be played Week 7 this term.
Make sure you wish these warriors luck as they progress to the state finals.
Mr Cameron McQuae