- JT Back in form - click for images against Southern Districts
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Marlins Sunk late by Shoreman
Brave Manly sunk late by Shoremen
By Adam Lucius
What: Shute Shield round 2
Who: Manly v Northern Suburbs
Where: Manly Oval
Result: Norths 25-21
Manly are where on the table: Fifth (6 points)
80 minutes in 80 seconds: A tit-for-tat first half saw both sides score a try each and exchange penalties goals for an 11-8 scoreline in the Marlins’ favour. Norths got the jump early in the second half, scoring their second try to edge ahead 15-11. For the third time in the game, Manly quickly regained the lead – 16-15 - via a try to the impressive Michael Adams. But that was a signal for Norths to up the ante and they effectively put the game to bed with back-to-back tries as Manly centre Kevin Fuavao was cooling his heels in the bin. Manly scored at the death through prop Makani Fuavao to secure a bonus point.
Where it was lost: The Marlins went punch for punch all the way but those back-to-back Norths tries in the last 15 minutes proved a bridge too far. Manly’s effort and commitment on another hot April day could not be faulted.
Marlins' best: Michael Adams, Kotoni Ale, Alex Westgarth, Harry Bergelin
What they said: “It was a really decent effort. We missed a few winning moments and they just finished that bit stronger.” – Manly coach Brian Melrose
Worth a mention: How about Russell ‘Rusty’ Mackie making a cameo in fifth grade at the ripe old age of 71! It was game 378 for this Marlins legend – and they won. Rusty’s made it clear to Billy that he’s available for first grade should injuries hit.
Where to from here: We are on the road south to Forshaw to meet Southern Districts. Both sides are 1-1 after two roundsFirst Grade Team v Southern Districts!
We are proud to announce that the starting 15 for our game down in the Shire, and the 3rd game of the Shute Shield 2018 is as follows:
THE MARLINS WELCOME WIRSOL TO THE TEAM
Manly Rugby Football Club is delighted to announce a 3 year Platinum Sponsorship with one of the world’s leading solar providers, WIRSOL Energy. Founded in Germany, WIRSOL has a prominent global presence in the renewable energy sector and have recently commenced their Australian operations, establishing new offices in the heart of Manly.
Pirates put Marlins to the sword - but bring on the finals
By Adam Lucius
What: Shute Shield round 18
Who: West Harbour v Manly
Where: Concord Oval
Result: Wests 62-52
Manly are where on the table: First (74 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: We'd need more like 80 hours than 80 seconds to run you through this one try by try. A newcomer to the Shute Shield might have thought he'd walked into a touch footy game by mistake as the five-pointers just kept coming. But while defence wasn't the order of the day, there was some cracking attacking rugby. Wests got the early jump, holding a 28-7 advantage before Manly went bang, bang to make it 28-21. The Marlins took the lead briefly – 40-38 - early in the second half but Wests Harbour was not to be denied. The Pirates finished the stronger, clearing out to an entertaining 10-point victory
Where it was lost: Give credit where credit is due – West Harbour were very good and thoroughly deserved the win. Manly were without a few topliners and had some disruptions during the game, but lacked energy from the get-go. They found something after the break and threatened to steal the game at one stage, but Wests finished the stronger.
Marlins' best: Tim Donlan (3 tries), Dennis Pili-Gaitau
What they said: "What West Harbour brought to the game was better than what we brought to the game. But that's the end of the regular season and we finished first and they're eighth. We need to bring our best now the finals are starting and, if we do, I'm confident we can achieve something over the next few weeks." – coach Brian Melrose
Odd Spot: It's probably not a record you really want but Manly's 52 points could be the largest losing total in Shute Shield history
Where to from here: We are back at Manly Oval against Eastwood in the 1 v 6 qualifying final on Saturday. Be there!
Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Marlins secure minor premiership with high-scoring win over Emus
By Adam Lucius
What: Shute Shield round 17
Who: Manly v Penrith
Where: Manly Oval
Result: Manly 48-38
Manly are where on the table: First (73 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: Manly scored inside the first 70 seconds and most of us thought this would be a stroll in the park. But Penrith had come to play and were not about to roll over for us. The Emus played some terrific rugby to lead 19-17 just before halftime and there was a real sense we could be about to witness one of the great Shute Shield upsets. Manly eventually pushed the go button to pile on 31 unanswered points, but still Penrith wouldn’t throw in the towel. Trailing 48-19, Penrith scored the last three tries to go down by just 10 points. The Marlins were missing a number of regulars and made plenty of changes during the game, but take nothing away from the plucky visitors.
Where it was won: Manly scored four tries between the 49th and 59th minute marks and that was the end of the section. In all, there were 14 tries scored on the day as defence not only took a back seat but moved to the boot.
Marlins' best: It was more a collective effort but there were some good things from Sam Shires and Josh Turner, in particular.
What they said: "It was a bit like a Sunday hangover (after the derby) and we did what we had to do. It would have been nice to win more comfortably but we got the job done and now move on." – coach Brian Melrose
Odd Spot: The win wraps up the 20th minor premiership in Manly's long history. We will play either Eastwood, Sydney Uni or Wests in the 1 v 6 play-off in the first week of the finals
Where to from here: We travel to Concord Oval on Saturday to take on the much-improved West Harbour in the last game of the regular season. The Pirates remain a mathematical chance of reaching the semis
Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Emus dispensed with, now for the Rats
By Adam LuciusWhat: Shute Shield round 9Who: Penrith vs ManlyWhere: Nepean Rugby ParkResult: Manly 52-26Manly are where on the table: First (44 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: Manly were missing a few topliners and perhaps had one eye on the local derby, but take nothing away from the gallant Emus. They led early and only trailed by five at the break. Coach Melrose gave his team a nice rev-up at halftime and the expected points rush started to come, but it was the points conceded that would mostly concern Billy. After being so good defensively, the Marlins have conceded eight tries in two weeks against teams at the wrong end of the table. That needs to change, starting this Saturday.Where it was won: It was just a touch of class here and there – and superior discipline - that proved the difference in the end. Penrith kept coming but the Marlins were never really in danger of defeat. The second half was marginally better than the first, with Manly finishing eight tries to four victors. But this one won't make the collectors' set of great Manly rugby victories.Marlins' best: Will Cocker, Cam BaileyWhat they said: "The performance over the last couple of weeks has dipped below our previous standards. This week we need to regain some lost pride in the derby match. Last time against the Rats was a day that did not represent anyone from Manly well (43-17 loss). We need to restore some pride on Saturday in front of our supporters and the community." – coach Brian MelroseOdd Spot: Was that Rats assistant coach and ex-Manly great Damien 'Turtle' Cummins we saw swapping information with two high profile Marlins on Sunday night….surely not?Where to from here: As if we need to tell you. It's New Year's Eve, Christmas Day, and the key to the brewery all rolled into one – local derby day at the Village Green. The Rats have not left 2095 with victory since 2007.Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Manly Rugby Foundation Steps Up
After more than 2 years of steady fundraising, the MRF is in good shape and has now launched 4 projects as part of its “success through development “strategy.
We now have 85 members of the foundation. These donations have enabled the MRF to safely invest its core capital of $100,000, and has sufficient surplus to execute on four projects we believe reflect the objectives and values of the Foundation
Each of these projects have been approved by the Australian Sports Foundation. This is of course essential in securing tax effective donations and is a process closely monitored by the ASF. This requires us to account directly to the ASF for expenditure under each project on half yearly basis.
MRF Project 1—Colts scholarship programme. The first ever scholarship of this nature has been awarded to Will Haskins. Will was the outstanding recommendation of the Colts selection panel after a wide ranging search for our first scholarship winner. Will is a local junior from the Manly Roos, won his blue in the GPS 1st XV last year and played for the NSW schoolboy 1st XV in the National Championship—he plays as half-back. Key to his selection is the leadership he has already shown within the squad and his professionalism, especially in recovery from serious injury last year. He has commenced studies for a Bachelor of Business at UTS. Other candidates are in the pipeline.
MRF Project 2—Northern Beaches Rugby Pathway. In many respects this is our most exciting , most important project for 2017. Based upon an excellent rugby development programme for high schools designed by Tom Crerar, the inaugural MRF Gala day will be held on June 20th at Nolans Reserve between 930am-230pm. This projects involves 14 high schools in the northern beaches and north shore area. Our development team will attend all schools to instruct u13, u15 and open teams , boys and girls, in the Olympic sport of rugby sevens. There is no other support for rugby in these selected schools.
MRF Project 3—Refurbishment of the Kierle Park facilities. Perhaps more mundane but nevertheless a very long overdue upgrade to these training facilities. This will benefit not just the senior club, but the colts, and all junior rugby clubs that use the ground throughout the playing season. This was very much a joint project that has secured real leverage. An initiative of the Manly Marlins, the MRF joined the consortium that also includes the Manly Junior Rugby---the combined impact was to secure both Local Council and Federal Grants for the refurbishment. This will commence once certain planning matters are finalised
MRF Project 4—Manly Barbarians to Paris 2017. Clubs from the Manly Junior Rugby Union have pooled resources to attend the famous Tournoi des Capitales in Paris in September 2017. School teams, both boys and girls, have been invited from around the world to participate in this famous event. The Manly Barbarians will also participate in the 100th anniversary services recognising the Battles of Villers Bretonneaux and Longueval. With the direct approval of the ASF, the MRF has been able to pass through the tax benefits of ASF donations to the Barbarians. This is worth noting for all clubs intending to undertake such tours and need to fund raise as part of that process.
So as MRF moves into execution phase, its a big thankyou to everyone that has donated to and supported the Foundation.
These are our first projects, we expect to learn much during execution and we shape keep you updated on our next initiatives. We are always open to suggestions and recommendations – contact board members Matt Curl, Steve Williams or Bill Calcraft This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Marlins alone on top of table after seeing off the premiers
By Adam LuciusWhat: Shute Shield round 7Who: Manly v NorthsWhere: Manly OvalResult: Manly 23-18Manly are where on the table: First (34 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: Manly fans have been waiting a long time for this match after Norths kept us out of the last year's finals series with an after-the-bell sideline conversion. The Shoremen then stormed through the play-offs to win their first premiership since 1975. They lobbed at the Village Green on the back of 19 straight wins, wary that their last loss had been at the hands of Manly almost a year to the day. The hosts got off to a flyer, with a try from the back of a rolling maul and a Tommy Chesters intercept setting up a 14-0 lead. A converted try to Norths narrowed the gap to seven before Matt Lucas eased us 10 points in front with a penalty. The premiers struck back to score a try and consecutive penalties, nosing ahead 18-17 after half an hour. With Norths losing a player to the sin bin on halftime, Lucas restored Manly's lead with a penalty. Matty's left boot provided the only points of a gripping second half as the Marlins ground out a tough five-point victory.Where it was won: It's fair to say both teams weren't quite at their best, but there was no lack of intensity, enthusiasm and physicality. Manly's goal-line defence and scramble – along with Lucas' trusty boot - was the difference in the endMarlins' best: Mitch Lewis, Kotoni Ale, Matt Lucas, Dennis Pili-GaitauWhat they said: "There is a long way to go so we can’t read too much into a round seven result, but beating a quality side like Norths certainly gives us plenty of confidence. The good thing is we know we can play a lot better." – Manly captain Adrian HallOdd Spot: There were a few raised eyebrows when the Marlins elected to shoot for goal at 70 minutes with Norths dropped to 14 men after losing a player to the bin for the second time in the game. But it was the right move. Matty Lucas' penalty meant the Shoremen had to go all out for a try to win it, rather than take advantage of several penalties from close range. They couldn’t manage a late five pointer and the Marlins are now the only undefeated team left in the comp.Where to from here: The Marlins are on the road, taking in the sights of Chatswood for a tricky clash with the much improved GordonClick here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Marlins release special mid season pass
The Marlins are on a roll, and we need your support to see us through the season! With our Top of the Table Clash this weekend, and Derby Day in just a couple of weeks, don't miss the opportunity to purchase our special 4 game pass and head down to the Village Green to enjoy Club Rugby at it's very best.The passes will be available on the Sydney Road gates on Saturday, or otherwise follow this link to book your pass today!Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Marlins hold off Wicks to make it six on the trot
By Adam LuciusWhat: Shute Shield round 6Who: Manly v RandwickWhere: Manly OvalResult: Manly 46-27Manly are where on the table: Equal First (30 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: The Wicks arrived at Manly with four wins from five and were quietly confident they could be the first team this year to leave the Village Green with the four competition points. That confidence looked well founded when the visitors jumped out to a 13-5 lead midway through the first half. But Manly held their composure and, with the forwards gaining the ascendency, began the fightback. Two tries and a long distance Matt Lucas penalty had the hosts ahead 20-13 by halftime. The Marlins jumped all over the Galloping Greens to open the second half, adding two further tries for a 32-13 advantage. Randwick threatened to mount a late comeback but Melrose's men held their nerve to secure win No.6 in a row. Nick Holton and Adrian Hall bagged doubles, while Ryan Melrose, Cam Bailey and Josh Turner picked up five pointersWhere it was won: There are big moments in every match but the effort of fullback Josh Turner to turn, chase 90m and run down the Wicks fullback following an intercept early in the game spoke volumes about the Marlins' commitment. Turner's effort set the tone for the rest of the game.Marlins' best: Josh Turner, Adrian Hall, Kevin FuavaoWhat they said: "The boys are playing some good footy against good sides. Randwick kept coming at us and we probably shouldn't have been made to sweat as much as we did, but it was good we closed it out." - halfback Matt LucasOdd Spot: There was a gentle whisper going around the Village Green that one Michael Hooper may be available for the Marlins this coming Saturday, given the Tahs have a bye. At the time of writing there had been no confirmation either way, but we live in hopeWhere to from here: The Marlins are back at home against premiers Northern Suburbs this Saturday. It's the clash of the Shute Shield's two undefeated teamsClick here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Marlins stretch unbeaten run to four with home win over Easts
By Adam LuciusWhat: Shute Shield round 4Who: Manly v Eastern SuburbsWhere: Manly OvalResult: Manly 26-17Manly are where on the table: Equal First (20 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: Coach Brian Melrose indicated it had been a far from smooth preparation leading into this one and that was evident in a somewhat clunky performance. The hosts led 12-3 at the break and did just enough in the second half to keep Easts at arm's length while collecting two further tries for a bonus point win. This one won’t form part of a collectors' box set of Marlins classic, but we'll take the five points and move on.Where it was won: Although Easts scored two late tries, this win was again built on Manly's iron-clad defence. The Beasties were kept try-less until the 74th minute and never really threatened to pinch the game. The Marlins were hit and miss in attack but their dedication to the D (defence) cannot be questioned. You will not score an easy try against the men in blueMarlins' best: Sio Tatola, Daniel Alley, Tom ChestersWhat they said: "We had a very disrupted prep and I thought we were a bit off. I have to take responsibility for what was a scratchy performance . I did not prepare them well enough. We will need to be better next week to turn around the club's recent history against Eastwood . It's an exciting challenge." – Manly coach Brian MelroseOdd Spot: It was great to see the Manly Mermaids in action before the main game. The girls put on a terrific display of 7s rugby to beat Easts 25-0.Where to from here: After three weeks at Manly Oval, the Marlins hit the road to take on 2015 grand final rivals Eastwood at TG Millner.Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Marlins school the Students in triumphant home return
By Adam LuciusWhat: Shute Shield round 2Who: Manly vs Sydney UniversityWhere: Manly OvalResult: Manly 36-10Manly are where on the table: Equal First (10 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: With a delicious Marlin burger and cold drinks in hand, a good-sized Manly Oval crowd welcomed the men in blue onto Manly Oval for the first time since mid-July. Most of were expecting a tough and willing encounter against the Shute Shield powerhouse, underlined by a scoreless opening 18 minutes. A try to James 'Cecil' Hilterbrand from a driving maul got the Marlins going and the points kept coming. Further first half tries to Tom Chesters and Ryan Melrose had the hosts 19-0 up at the break and looking the goods. Things got a little scrappy early in the second half before the Marlins clicked back into gear, scoring another three tries – some of them absolute beauties. Check out the YouTube highlights and see attacking rugby at its best. The Marlins' defence wasn't too bad, either.Where it was won: Manly took control of this game midway through the first half, piling on 19 unanswered points. They lost their way a little in the second half, attempting to finesse their way to victory rather than earn the right. But once that was addressed there was only going to be one outcome. That's two wins from two (both with bonus points) against quality opposition. No wonder Manly Boom Boom could be heard all the way to Terrey HillsMarlins' best: James Hilterbrand, Cam Bailey, Kevin Fuavao, Sam Lane, Tom ChestersWhat they said: "We set ourselves a goal of winning all our home games and turning it into a fortress and a place other sides don’t want to visit. To put 36 points on a side like Uni is pretty special. We've surprised a few people with our start but we're not surprised. We put the work in during the pre-season and there is still room for improvement." – fly-half Sam LaneOdd Spot: The new Marlins burgers were so popular they sold out prior to kick-off, along with the Manly footy cards. The beefed-up match day experience was an all-round hitWhere to from here: It's back to Manly Oval to host Parramatta on SaturdayClick here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
2017 - A New Dawn for Colts?
With two out of three wins at the weekend, and with third grade colts recording their first victory in over a year at Keirle Park on Saturday vs Souths, there is a quiet optimism in the Colts camp. So what’s happened, and what does the season have in store? Let’s find out from our Colts Head Coach, Dave Mills.
So Millsy, tell us what’s different this year?
It’s basically all about depth. There is no doubt that last year was a tough year, but we have been working hard during the off season to extend our networks, talking to local schools and with player and coach connections to ensure that we have got the depth required to make a difference across all three grades. We have had some new recruits that have chosen Manly and already have started to shine, and we have some players who stuck with it last season and will now come of age.So tell us about these new recruits.
We have Jack Veitch who is a country boy joining us from Tamworth, and we have Angus Burns, a prop who has come up from Wogga. Both have already made a huge difference to the squad, and are names in the first grade starting 15 this weekend versus Sydney University. Then we have boys like Lachie Armstrong, who as a Bally Boys student who has yet to reach his 18th birthday, will be planning to add to the illustrious Marlins alumni, and has already shown very positive signs.But not forgetting the boys who slogged it out with us last season. Players like Kai Lackner who came up from South Australia early last year who committed and worked hard to develop himself as a player despite not coming off the field with a win as frequently as he’d hoped or deserved. Those guys will definitely be rewarded as we progress this year.
How about the coaching staff?
We’ve been lucky to maintain some continuity with our coaching staff, with the addition of some new faces. Alongside Rob Gallacher, Alex Prendergast, Tim Herbert, Tommy Clifford and myself, new to the team are Tom Crerar from NSW Rugby and Rory Toemoe from Lindfield who will be making a difference with our third grade. We are also joined by Wallabies analyst Damon Edmonds who will be adding an extra layer of expertise and detail to support our coaching staff.So things are definitely moving forward!
Yes, and culturally we have made big steps as well. The performance culture that we have established through the players commitment to training together at the gym has been significant. We have 20 players who are consistently and frequently training together at the gym with our new strength and conditioning coach Max Braham, which, when translated to the field means that things can only get better.This is however still very much a work in progress. The Colts team has made a commitment to contribute to the Club’s number one objective of winning the club championship in the forthcoming years. Throughout our three grades we are dedicated to this, both in terms of adding to the points tally, but also by providing a robust platform from which the grade players will develop.
This weekend will be a great challenge for us. The boys are looking forward to heading down to Sydney University. I'm particularly interested to see how our third grade boys go as they are high on confidence after their trial and round one wins. Watch this space.
Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Gutsy Marlins return home with maximum points
By Adam LuciusWhat: Shute Shield round 1Who: Southern Districts v ManlyWhere: Forshaw Rugby ParkResult: Manly 35-17Manly are where on the table: Fourth (5 points)80 minutes in 80 seconds: After a 259-day/eight and a half month wait, the men in blue were finally back in action. The first scoreless 25 minutes gave no real indication of the points to come as both teams felt each other out. Souths were the first to score 15 minutes before the break, taking advantage of Manly being down to 14 men with Kotoni Ale binned. But just two minutes later – with Ale back in action – Manly grabbed the lead via a converted penalty try. The Marlins weren't to be headed from there. Two tries in three minutes early in the second half – Dennis Pili-Gaitau grabbing one and Sam Lane the other - helped the visitors out to a 21-5 lead. Souths hit back with a try on 67 minutes but a late Tommy Chesters double saw them off and earned the Marlins a bonus point into the bargain.Where it was won: We all know games go for 80 minutes but this one was arguably won and lost in the first 20. Manly was being hammered 9-1 in the penalties and had Ale in the bin during the first quarter of the match but only conceded the one try. It was a monumental defensive performance. Sam Lane's 5/5 with the boot was also critical.Marlins' best: Sam Lane, Adrian Hall, Sio TatolaWhat they said: "We competed well for the full 80 minutes and won the moments that mattered. There's a fair bit of room for improvement but it's a hard place to win, so to come away with five points is very pleasing." – Manly coach Brian 'Billy' MelroseWhere to from here: It's perennial powerhouse Sydney Uni at Manly Oval on SaturdayClick here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
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