The Cabramatta Two Blues have gained a psychological edge over local rivals Mounties heading into their round one match-up with a gritty 16-10 victory in last weekend’s trial.
Greasy conditions welcomed both sides on to the field at New Era Stadium on Friday night but despite the large amount of dropped ball, fans were treated to an entertaining duel in which both clubs fielded close to full strength teams.
In what was the first major hit-out for many of the Cabramatta players, it was Mounties who started out on the front-foot, converting field position into points with an early try off a Drew Dalton cross-field kick.
Cabramatta wasted little time in replying thanks to a Nick Kassis try off a sensational Andrew Dallalana around-the-corner pass. The Two Blues continued to grow in confidence and a barnstorming try from winger Henry Iuta gave the home side an 8-6 lead at the break.
The second stanza remained a see-sawing affair in which the visitors managed to hold on to a 10-8 lead heading in to the final ten minutes. Cabramatta stuck to their guns however, and when the Mounties back three were unable to clean up an attacking kick, Kassis capped off a solid game by being on the spot again for his second try and the match-winner.
Coach Ruttle founded it difficult to single out any individual stars for his side, with all players contributing equally to the victory.
Despite missing regular fullback Donny Thompson, Josh Casey showed fans that there will be no troubles with depth this year, providing another impressive performance in attack and defence from behind the line. The forwards continued to work well as a unit and Matt Lamb was as dangerous as ever, filling in at both five eighth and hooker at various stages of the match and providing a crucial 40-20 kick late in the game.
The club travels to Forster on Friday the 12th of March for its final trial match, with competition still stiff for positions in the side for round one.
The Cabramatta Two Blues enjoyed mixed success on the weekend, winning the A Grade trial but narrowly falling short in the Bundy Red trial against Emu Plains.
Led by half Matt Casey and dynamic interchange hooker Alex Engelen, the Two Blues little men ran the Emu Plains forwards ragged in the oppressive conditions at New Era Stadium, running away with the A Grade match 44-6.
Further showcasing the clubs’ impressive depth, Coach Corey Ruttle decided to rest 10 regulars for the Bundy Red Cup trial, and the early signs were positive for the home side as a series of big hits left the visitor’s rattled.
While the attitude and enthusiasm of the squad could not be questioned, the Two Blues were left to rue a series of missed opportunities leading into the final stanza, eventually falling to the Penrith A-Grade Premiers, 20-16.
It was the club’s first major hit-out for the year but there were several positive signs to take from the match, particularly the performances of hooker Luke Fahy and front-rower Pat Fitzgerald. Jason Gray was as elusive as ever on the wing and will definitely be one to watch this season.
Played in 3 x 25 minute periods, Ruttle tinkered with a number of players in different positions. While the combinations definitely need improvement, the signs were positive for the Two Blues heading into this week’s trial.
This weeks Question comes from Richie Benaud look-alike, all-round good guy and Australian of the Year nominee Jimmy Murphy.
Jim's Question: Yatesy, how do you get up for a big game?
Well I hope it’s rugby league you’re talking about here Jimmy because there are a few nasal sprays out there that may be able
to assist with your problem. However, I’m not sure if they’re on the ASDA banned list or not and they may not be welcome in
Rugby League circles. Let’s see… in your day Jimmy, during the era of unlimited tackles, the preparation for a big game may
have involved inviting your best mates around to your house, stocking the fridge full of silver bullets, firing up the BBQ and
running up a bill with the local SP bookie as you listen to the races on the wireless. After your mates had drunk and eaten
everything in the house, it was probably time to relax with the missus and have a game of knee footy in the lounge room
(clothing optional) to work on your tackle technique and score a couple of easy tries on the hush-pile carpet to lift your
confidence before the big game. But Jimmy that was a long time ago. These days I'd advise any player looking for a big game to
(no offence ladies) get their girlfriends as far away as possible - maybe shout them a weekend away with a couple of their
girlfriends to a 5 star caravan park up the coast. Woy Woy springs to mind and it's lovely at this time of year (there’s no
better place than Mt Druitt on the water). Watching love movies or listening to advice from the missus the night before the
big game could see you turn in a sub-standard performance and watching your team from the stands the following week. After
the missus has safely headed up the F3, load the fridge full of Gatorades, prepare some chicken & pasta and sit back and watch
Super Saturday on Fox Sports in peace. Thanks for your question Jimmy. It’s clear from listening to a few of Jimmy’s stories at
training about footy in the ‘old days’ that it's bloody lucky he's still with us.
Just a quick tip if you’re going to wet a line this summer: don’t forget your fishing license. You can get them online or at your
local Bait n’ Tackle shop.
I look forward to next week’s question. Keep em’ coming sports fans.
Our SIDELINE EYE Chris Yates addresses the big issues, both on and off the field!
We had one Question mailed in this week and that was from Josh "BRUCE' Mclllvenny, a young Cabra centre who is asking for some tips on taking out a girl for the first time.
First up mate, I'd be clipping that cat hair beard you’re sporting at the moment. The young lady may suffer from hayfever and if you sneeze it might fall off. Secondly, present yourself well. Maybe borrow a pair of your Dad’s slacks matched with a sensible polo shirt - that should do the trick. Hopefully you've saved some of your Birthday money and can take her somewhere other than Sizzler for dinner. Stay away from any Indian or spicy foods or you might find yourself buckled over in pain and speeding towards the local BP servo in search of some gastro-eze: an embarassing pit stop that may cruel any chance of a follow up date or if you’re lucky, a kiss in the car outside her parent’s house. Also Josh, it wouldn't hurt to drop her Dad off a 6 pack of Pilsners and her mum a packet of Benson and Hedges super mild cigarettes. Good luck Josh.
I look forward to next week’s question. Keep em’ coming in sports fans!
Check out our brand new webpage ROCHEYS RANT with guest commentry from self proclaimed Bundy Cup Superstar and Cabramatta's very own Clarke Kent - Mr James Roche by clicking here.
Cabramatta’s Bundy Red Cup side were taught a lesson in teamwork from their less fancied clubmates at Saturday’s International Nines Tournament at New Era Stadium. After bowing out in the quarter finals of the plate competition, Corey Ruttle’s men could only watch on as the Cabramatta’s ‘two’s’ team marched into the trophy final, narrowly losing to Campbelltown’s number one side in the decider 12-8.
Coach Paul Matthews had his side playing an entertaining brand of football with the likes of Jason Hardi and Henry Iuta prospering out wide. After putting an early loss to New Zealand Tonga behind them, the ‘two’s’ knocked off the Fijian Panthers, the Maori side and Penrith Brothers before falling just short in the Final.
Unfortunately, the club’s top ranked side were unable to join them in the decider after being knocked out by fierce rivals Wentworthville 26-10 in the plate quarter finals. Earlier in the day, the Two Blues started in scrappy fashion with a 16-4 loss to eventual Cup winners Windsor followed by a 12-8 win over Campbelltown 3. Coach Ruttle was forced to rue several missed opportunities in the quarter final, with the team’s sloppy ball-handling, sadly, the theme for the day. On a positive note, livewire Jason Grey was a constant threat to the defensive line and fans got their first taste of new additions to the squad: Luke Fahey, Mason Pure, Adam Bennett and Kyle Weh.
The day provided a solid hit-out before the club’s first trial match against Emu Plains on the 27th of February and was sure to have whet the appetite of all Two Blues fans as we head towards what is sure to be an exciting season.
Final results:
Bowl Final:
Campbelltown (2) 8 defeated Penrith Brothers (2) 4
Plate Final:
Campbelltown (1) 12 defeated Cabramatta (2) 8
Cup Final
Windsor 12 defeated Balmain 6
Bundy Cup Coach Corey Ruttle has named a competitive side to contest pool D of the 2010 International 9’s on Saturday February 6th. The Blues have drawn the Windsor Wolves and Campbelltown Eagles (3) in their pool with their first game on field 2 at 10:25am.
Side is as follows:
1 Jason Gray
2 Josh McIllvenny
3 Mason Pure
4 Greg Fulmer
5 Cameron Collenette
6 Kyle Weh
7 Andrew Dallalana
8 Jamie Small
9 Adam Bennett
10 Keith Heckenberg
11 Jason Thompson
12 James Roche
13 Luke Fahey
14 Pat Fitzgerald
15 Alexander Lutu
The Cabramatta Two-Blues Bundy Red Cup have confirmed the following trials for the 2010 season.
vs Emu Plains at New Era Stadium Cabramatta on Saturday, 27th February kicking off at 5pm
vs Mounties at New Era Stadium Cabramatta on Friday, 5th March kicking off at 7pm
vs Foster Tuncurry at Tuncurry Sports Ground on Friday, March 12th kicking off at 6pm
Cabramatta will enter two sides in the upcoming International 9's tournament held right here at Cabramatta's New Era Stadium on Saturday, February 6th from 10am. Bundy Cup Coach Corey Ruttle will look after one side featuring most of the Bundy Cup players while A Grade Coach Paul Matthews will take care of the other side featuring a number of the Club's fringe Bundy Cup and rising stars. 21 teams have already been confirmed including 8 international sides, all Bundy Cup teams and Balmain Ryde Eastwood.
Cabramatta have retained the services of up and coming superstars Francis Vaiotu, Louis Vaiotu and Josh McIllvenney, together with stalwart Keith Heckenberg for the 2010 season. The Club also welcomes back local Junior Don Thompson who has played with the Newtown Jets and Chester Hill for the past two seasons, together with his brother Jason Thompson. More big name signings are expected in the next fortnight.
Cabramatta have retained the services of 2009 NSWRL Bundaberg Cup Player of the Year Jamie Small and key players Andrew Dallalana and Brett Rimmer for the 2010 season, as negotiations continue with the 2009 squad. On a sad note, local juniors Ross Brown (Bulls), Sika Teaupa (Mounties) and Sammy Aiga (Wenty) have moved on and will not be with Cabramatta for 2010.
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