A-Grade Report – V’ Cronulla-Caringbah – round 9 – Endeavour Oval    Won – 7-6

Following are some reminders for your calendar:

A-Grade Golf Day will be held on the 23^rd of July at Boomerang Golf course.

Golden Oldies Day – Sutherland Oval, Sunday the 18^th of July

If you were fortunate enough to catch this game you would have witnessed one of the best games of A-grade footy played in some time. It was a game that seen competition leaders play second place holders and with their side boosted with the inclusion of four of so Cronulla Rep players, and the backing of a very vocal crowd, they were certainly out to prove a point by toppling us in this game. Just on the crowd, special thanks must go to All the Engadine supporters that attended today’s game and cheered the guys on. Your support at our away games this season has been tremendous and greatly appreciated by every member of the team. With Nathan Harris and Scott Nancarrow out due to niggling injuries we were very fortunate to see the return of Dale Newton to booster our forward pack. But the real surprise of the day was the inclusion of Jake Denford back playing for the Dragons. This was Jakes first run with the A-Grade squad and he certainly slotted into the side as if he had been playing with them all season. Jakes enthusiasm to slip back into his club jersey and get back out on the paddock showed to me what playing for the Dragons and your mates is really about and why this side is travelling so well and will continue to whilst ever the club has members such as this side playing for it. Cron-Caringbah are a young fit and physical side which proved to be a real test for how well we can dig deep when the pressure is on and with Cron-Caringbah getting away to an early 4 nil lead, we certainly had some digging to do. It was around the 15^th minute of the game when Dale Newton was sent from the bench and I feel that it was his inclusion coupled with Nathan “Ritto” Bullock that changed the momentum of the game back into our favor. Dale was almost fortunate to see him awarded with a try after only 5 minutes back playing but unfortunately the Ref seen things differently calling a forward pass. It was only minutes later that we were back attacking their line when Mitch Neylan gave a sensational bullet like pass onto a rampaging Aaron “Fats” Palmer resulting in a converted try and us going to the half time break 6 points to 4 up. Like the first half, the second half of the game was a real tug-o-war where both sides gave their all. Cron-Caringbah were awarded a penalty in front of our goal posts to which they elected to kick which I feel said a lot for the quality of our defense. But with the score now 6 all and the clock running out of time, this game was fast coming down to a field goal and that is what Aaron Palmer did so well when he so calmly stepped up to the plate and booted what was one of the best points of the season so far with less than 2 minutes left on the clock. It’s hard writing these reports when it comes to singling out the players for their efforts, in-particular in games such as this when everyone has played so well. This said though I feel special mention must go to Chris Woods who like the week before against Como, played a sensational game today and as a result picked up the player’s player award. Nathan Bullock, who picked up the 2 points from his team mates and had a blinder of a game. Nathan would have to be one of the hardest guys playing in the A-Grade competition. Nathan just never gives up and must have a heart the size of his chest. Tom Iacono also had another very strong game today and just seems to be getting better each week. Tom is half the size of Nathan but these guys must eat at the same place as Tom gives his all and is a real powerhouse in defense. And not to be left out, Pat Kelly not known for his speed found himself with the footy in his hands and with nothing in front of him apart from 80mtrs and a white line at the end of it, took off like he has never run before and with his legs now pumping like a worn out diesel engine he gave his all but just couldn’t get away from the opposition. Bad luck mate and I’m sure with a bit of training you will kill them next time you find yourself in this situation. In an unfortunate note for the game, we lost both Trent Croft and Andrew Johnston to injuries and we now have a wait on our hands to see the outcome of their injuries. Finally thanks to our ball boys Bailey Ferguson and Tom Carr (Pat’s younger brother) for your efforts today. A job that goes unnoticed but is certainly a huge help to our side!
Tries:
X1  Aaron Palmer sponsored by Kwik and Easy Vending
Goals:
X1 Jason Beare sponsored by SUBWAY Engadine
Field Goal:
X1  Aaron Palmer sponsored by Kwik and Easy Vending
Dinner Awards:
Andrew Johnston and Matt Stubbs
Drink Awards:
Mitch Neylan

Round 9 A-Reserves v Cronulla-Caringbah        Lost 32 - 14

Our run to the semis was not born on the 4^th of July. We started well and completed our sets early but the wheel soon fell off. They kept turning the ball on the inside and found us out around the ruck in marker defense and up the middle. Our guys tried hard but the opposition was fitter and better organized. We went into the break 22 – 0 down. After some soul searching at the break the Dragons put on a good second half, particularly the last 10 minutes when posted our 14 points. We actually won the second half 14 -10 but too late, no cigar. Bruuey was the players pick in the forwards and “The Panther” Vili Na’baa in the front row was up there again. Loges McGlinchey and “milky” Coughlan tried hard all day. Marshy “the tank” had a good game. “Freight train” Frater scored a good try and “head”, Glen Dryland (as you didn’t know) lunged over to avoid the nudey run for the season. But then followed the 2 most remarkable plays. Firstly a try to Brayden “the Buster” Davies who, celebrating a milestone 150^th game for the club scored a beautiful try after a dummy outside then a neat inside ball from Jimmy Mollard. “Golden Boots Gavin” Priestly iced the cake when he landed a delightful sideline conversion.