The Cabramatta Blues season came to a permanent halt on Fathers Day as the Blues squandered an early 12-0 lead and never recoved going down 18-24 to Shellharbour in the Elimination Semi-Final at Ringrose Park. In the end the Marlins defence was too good to crack and the Blues have been left pondering what could have been as they enjoy Mad Monday celebrations.
Despite losing halfback and playmaker Luke Branigan in the first three minutes after he snapped his hamstring, the Blues looked on song as they skipped to a 12-0 lead and totally dominated the first half, despite eventually trailing 12-14 at halftime. According to Assistant Coach Corey Ruttle, it just wasn't there day.
"I thought we dominated in the first half penalties 12-12 and 14-12 half time and basically missed one crucial tackle that cost us 6 points after they ran 60 metres to score," he said. "Take nothing away from Shellharbour, they defended really well but once we lost Branigan we never set for anything in attack and were not patient enough to work ourselves into positions to attack".
While disappointed with the loss, Ruttle did praise the efforts of his players, highlighting the performance of hooker Brett Rimmer, Utility Scott Jones and prop Casey Ellis.
"Rimmer was outstanding, we was solid around around the ruck and offered plenty of spark. Jones worked hard all day just as he has all year and Casey worked tirelessly in attack and defence," he said.
"I feel absolutely gutted. I really thought we had the team to win the competition and it is disappointing that we bowed out in this way. But there is always next year."
Tries - Sammy Aiga, James Trotter, Chris Yates, Goals - Aaron Fluke 3 from 3.
The NSWRL have released the following schedule for this year's Jim Beam Cup Semi-final series.
WEEK 1 - Sunday September 7 @ Ringrose Park
Game 1 - Sydney Bulls v Mounties (3pm)
Game 2 - Cabramatta v Shellharbour (1pm)
WEEK 2 - Saturday September 13 @ Ringrose Park
Game 3 - Windsor v Winner Game 1 (1.15pm)
Game 4 - Loser Game 1 v Winner Game 2 (11:45am)
WEEK 3 - Sunday September 21 @ Campbelltown Stadium
Game 5 - Loser Game 3 v Winner Game 4 (11.45am)
WEEK 4 - Sunday September 28 @ Campbelltown Stadium
Grandfinal - Winner Game 3 v Winner Game 5 (3pm)
OUT ENTHUSED BLUES SUFFER SHARK ATTACK
Shooting for ten victories in succession, the Blues had everything to play for against the improving Southern Sydney Sharks but turned in a lack lustre performance going down 26-34 and which will now see them walk the semi-final tightrope with sudden death matches, starting this weekend against Shellharbour.
While the loss is a hard pill to swallow given both Club's position on the ladder, some say it is a loss that needed to happen to ensure the Blues are on their game during the next 4 weeks, if they can make it that far.
It was a complacent start that saw the Sharks skip to an 18-0 lead after just 10 minutes, before the blues finally kicked into gear and fought there way back into the match. By the 50th minute, the Blues led 26-18 and looked headed for victory before the couragous Sharks stormed home to finish their season on a high by escaping the dreaded wooden spoon.
Assistant Coach Corey Ruttle was a little dispondent at his sides performance, confessing his side hadn't played well but reiterated there was no need to panic.
"We didn't play well and didn't deserve to win. They out enthused us in all aspects of the game but we still feel pretty confident we'll regroup and perform better next week," he said.
Asked what players impressed, Ruttle praised prop Casey Ellis who he said played the full 80 minutes and gave the side plenty of go forward, while he also singled out speedy centre James Trotter, Hooker Brett Rimmer and the ever reliable Scott Jones for their efforts.
This week the Two Blues contest the sudden death semi-final at Ringrose Park against Shellharbour on Sunday, September 7th at 1pm.
Tries - Francis Vaiotu (2), James Trotter, Sammy Aiga & Luke Branigan Goals - Luke Branigan 3 from 5.
The final round of the regular season sees the Blues looking to make it 10 wins in a row when they travel to the Shire to take on the Southern Sydney Sharks this Saturday August 30 at Sutherland Oval commencing 3pm. Coach Len Stacker welcomes forwards Si'ikeaha Teaupa, Albert Tuara and Richie Parker back with just Ross Brown and Chris Weaver unavailable.
1. Sammy Agia
2. Josh McIlvenny
3. Alan Burns
4. James Trotter
5. Francis Vaiotu
6. Aaron Fluke
7. Scott Jones
13. Luke Branigan
12. Albert Tuara
11. Keith Heckenberg
10. Casey Ellis
9. Brett Rimmer
8. Chris Yates (c)
14. Jonathon Russell
15. Nathan Russell
16. Louis Vaiotu
17. Si'ikeaha Teaupa
18. James Roche
24. Richie Parker
The Cabramatta Two Blues made it 9 wins in succession as they disposed of a gritty Western Reds in Perth last Saturday 30-6 to maintain fourth position with one round remaining. In arguably the hardest, and possibly most enjoyable roadtrip of the Jim Beam Cup, the Blues piled on six tries to one before enjoying the hospitality of the Western Australian's.
Halfback Luke Branigan was outstanding, while prop Casey Ellis, utility Scott Jones and winger Josh McIllvenney all impressed in the victory. McIllvenney, who was almost ruled out of the match moments before kick off with illness, showed plenty of character from the flank and is yet to taste defeat since making his Jim Beam Cup debut back in Round 13.
The win becomes all the more impressive considering regular forwards Ross Brown (knee), Si'ikeaha Teaupa (knee), Richie Parker (Suspension) and Albert Tuara (Work) as well as replacement forward Chris Weaver (leg) were all unavailable.
This week the Two Blues meet the improving Southern Sydney Sharks on Saturday, August 31st at 3pm at Sutherland Oval.
Tries - Sammy Aiga (2), Josh McIlvenney, James Trotter, Luke Branighan & James Roche Goals - Aaron Fluke 3 from 6.
The tone was set for a great day, five games of football, a jumping castle and face painter for the kids, plenty of raffles, prizes and giveaways, and an Under 8's exhibition all in aid of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The Parramatta Junior League and rival Clubs had thrown their support behind the day, ensuring both C Grades, the Reserve grade and the A Grade were all scheduled to play at home on the day, and all 4 sides wore pink socks to mark the occasion.
The weather was kind early on with the C/2 winning on forfeit, the C/1 prevailing in a tight one 18-6 over Greystanes, and the Reserve Grade led by inspiring prospect Nathan DeGroot thumping an understrength Mounties 62-0. As the crowd grew, the storm clouds got darker and Brett Burns' A Grade seemed a little thunderstruck as they found themselves trailing 0-14 early in their clash with Mounties, before a fabulous 50 minutes of football saw them all but end Mounties finals hopes with a gutsy 24-14 victory. Led from the front by Players Player Chris Weaver and try scoring machine Matt Hamilton, the Blues showed no signs of buckling and claimed a very impressive victory.
By the kick off to the Jim Beam Cup a large crowd was on hand, but had to scamper for cover as the rain came, and 4 minutes into the match with Cabramatta leading 4-0, the Referee put a halt to the game as the torrential rain, thunder and lightning made its presence felt. By the time the game restarted, both sides were resigned to the fact that the field was now a mudbath and the side that controlled the ball the best would win. To Cabramatta's credit, a great defensive display and good ball control considering the atrocious conditions contrinuted to a great 42-10 win against Wentworthville.
Cabramatta Jim before and After Match Photos. Photos by David Hilyander.
Despite the dark and gloomy weather, the shining light to come from the day was the sea of pink supporters that covered New Era Stadium and helped contribute to raising in excess of $13,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Cabramatta stalwart Chris Yates has been named Captain of the NSW Combined Jim Beam Cup side that heads to Queensland to contest the annual quad series on July 9th. Yates, who also captains the Two-Blues and is an intriget member of the NSW side, is delighted to have the honour bestowed upon him and looks forward to the Challenge ahead of his talented side. On behalf of the Cabramatta Club, Congratulations Chris.
Cabramatta trio Chris Yates, Scott Jones and Allan Burns have been selected to represent the Jim Beam Cup competition in the up coming ARL “Quad” series that will be held in Queensland from the 9th – 19th July.. The trio have been rewarded for their outstanding form at Club level and will do the Club and State proud. The side in its entirety is…
Alan Burns (Cabramatta Blues), Ian Catania (Shellharbour Marlins), Tim Wynn (Wentworthville Magpies), Daniel Deaves (Shellharbour Marlins), Ben Ellis (Shellharbour Marlins), Brett Finn (Sydney Bulls), Jason Godecke (WA Reds), Jon Green (Shellharbour Marlins), Greg Hilton (Belrose Eagles), Scott Jones (Cabramatta Blues), Jacob Martin (Erina Eagles), Matthew McConnell (Mounties), Shane McMenemy (WA Reds), Simon Micallef (Wentworthville Magpies),
James Mortimer (Belrose Eagles), Jon Tavinor (Erina Eagles), Don Thompson (Chester Hill Rhinos), Craig Trindall (Windsor Wolves), David Vial (Erina Eagles), Chris Yates (Cabramatta Blues)
Coach - Mark Horo, Manager - Michael Weir, Doctor - Steve McNamara, Trainers - Alan Chong, Lisa Ponting & Craig Simon, Physio Mark Beaven, NSWRL Coordinator - David Norman.
Click the following link http://www.campdavidpt.com.au/cabra/ to see all of the latest junior league and Jim Beam Cup action photographs. Please contact David Hilyander by emailing david@campdavidpt.com.au should you wish to purchase a photo.
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