THE Marauder men tasted the sobering side of rugby against the Waratahs at Waratah Oval last Saturday, going down in a tightly contested match 16 to 12.

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In their last outing Medowie had the better of their Newcastle-based counterparts, but this time the Tahs showed resolve to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

From the whistle it was the forwards time to shine with both team’s packs measuring up and whacking each other around the park.

Medowie prop Zion Takarua led the charge again applying plenty of palm to the opposition’s attempts to subdue him while centre Orisi Voresqu put a few Tahs attackers in the sick bay with his hits.

The Marauders were first to crack under the sustained pressure though when the Tahs made light work of an error at lineout time leading to a lovely backs try at the 15 minute mark.

The score was 5 to 0 and from the restart the Tahs started to frustrate the Marauders as rolling penalties saw the men in red slot a kick in front of the sticks to go up 8 zip soon after.

Medowie regathered in the huddle and it was centre Qwayde Cole who would answer the captains call diving over the line after some impressive build up work.

The following kick was wayward leaving the score at 8 to 5 to the Tahs with Medowie starting to rally around some renewed confidence.

It was short lived with Marauder ill-discipline before the half proving costly as the Tah’s Joel Ford slotted a penalty to extend their lead to 11 to 5 going into the sheds.

In the second term Medowie came out firing and when the ref penalised the Tahs for repeated infringements Marauder prop Rusiate Silimaibau rumbled across the line carrying half the Tahs team.

Jessey Bridge added the extras and Medowie took the lead for the first time 12 points to 11.

The victory lap for Medowie was all but booked until the Tahs spoiled the procession by going 50 metres in the dying stages to take the win 16 to 12.

Both teams came together in the spirit of the game afterwards clinking cans with Medowie Coach Tim Lanister praising the Tahs on a hard fought victory.

“The Waratahs executed their game plan well and were more clinical in their attack,” said Lanister.

“I think simple handling and discipline errors are something we need to tighten up on moving into the next round.”

Medowie play Cooks Hill at Boyd Oval, Medowie this Saturday in what is Old Boys round.

Spectators and players past and present are encouraged to dress up in their best 80s kits.

Kick-off at 3pm with full can bar facilities on offer.

By Mitch LEES