SCU MARLINS were pummelled on the ropes for most of the first half as the Coffs Harbour Snappers applied the early pressure but they bounced back with a vengeance to dominate the second half, winning the match 45-20 and claiming the Des Hoy Cup.

Snappers coach Brendan Hoy was pleased how the team started the match winning the opening exchanges in front of a big crowd.

“Fantastic weather and a great crowd at Rugby Park,” he said.

“Snappers started well and just before halftime were in front 15–5 with new recruit Jason Dyer crossing in the third and thirtieth minute and Nathan Hardaker scoring in the fourteenth minute of the first half.”

However, conceding three tries was the catalyst for a comeback for the Marlins as their captain and coach AJ Gilbert explained.

“We didn’t get the start we wanted to, Snappers definitely came out the first 20 minutes particularly hard and put us under pressure,” he said.

“But we got our act together in the second half and were pretty happy with how we played, particularly losing a couple blokes to injuries.

“I thought our outside backs particularly Josh Rayner, Simon Donald and Pete Uikulotu carried well.

“But that was done on the back of outstanding work from our front row of Matt Potts, Learoy Davis and Cam Smith.

“With that result we have the Des Hoy Cup wrapped up for another year.”

Snappers coach Brendan Hoy couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“Very disappointing performance in front of a large home crowd on old boys day, we conceded seven tries, five tries in the second half,” he said.

“To be honest after the first 30 minutes there wasn’t much to get excited about as a Snappers fan.

“Everyone was trying, however our defence was poor and our set phase play went from dominating scrums and lineouts to being dominated.”

The Snappers have an array of emerging talent graduating up to first grade but the lack of training due to the weather has hampered their progress to gel.

“We have a young team that has to learn how to keep switched on for 80 minutes,” said Hoy.

“Like all teams momentum has been hard, with cancelled training sessions and closed grounds.

“We now have a number of more experienced players to help guide the younger guys but we need time to get used to each other.

“Playing the competition leaders Hastings away this weekend, we will be stretched with players out but we will be confident of giving them a shake.”

By David WIGLEY