THE Medowie Marauders took out the Trench Menchin Cup against the Newcastle Griffins last Saturday that saw a celebration of rugby and the wider community over keeping tally on the scoreboard.

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It was a day that highlighted the importance of supporting each other through life’s ebbs and flows as two clubs came together to celebrate past players and their contributions to the game they play in heaven.

The match was a one-sided affair with the Marauders halting the early attacking onslaught from the Newcastle Griffins’ robust forward pack, turning errors into counterattack opportunities.

Bredon ‘Red’ Norton was at his zippy best for Medowie picking up a 50 metre opening try whilst fly-half Jessey Bridge controlled the tempo of the game unleashing the devastating Clayton Bourke out of fullback.

Marauders Coach, Tim Lancaster, was wrapped with the style of play his team executed against an often fiery opposition.

“I was very pleased with the Marauders effort today, particularly in defense,” said Lancaster.

“Our structures are starting to come together nicely and our counterattack was impressive.”

Play of the day went to prop Ben ‘Pumba’ Williams whose turn of speed saw the can bar enthusiasts in raptures, putting on the afterburners for a 30 metre sprint, drawing the fullback off his line and floating a perfect pass to Jessey Bridge for the try.

Marauders flanker John Landy took player of the match pinching vital ball at lineout time in what is his first year in the code after jumping ship from rugby league.

Lancaster is now looking forward to the first fixture of the shortened NHRU season opener against Pokolbin on 1 August.

“Pokolbin will be the surprise package in the NHRU Rams Cup this year and we are expecting a physical and highly contested match in the Hunter Valley.”

By Mitch LEES