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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
The Marlins Kick Off the Season & Announce the Round 1 Team
On Sunday, the Marlins kicked of the 2017 Premier Rugby season at the Manly Bowling Club in front of a strong crowd of supporters, sponsors, players & coaches! Certainly there was a clear sense of community around the room and Club President Anthony Bergelin made note of the diverse attendance“We have a renewed focus on our engagement with the Manly community and we look forward to rewarding all of our supporters with an improved match day experience both at the Oval and post-game here at the Bowling Club”. In attendance were Directors from the Mounties Group the club's Major Sponsor as well as gold sponsors and a host of businesses, many local, who have taken back of jersey sponsorships.Head Coach Brian ‘Billy’ Melrose said the squad was in good shape for kick off but pointed out that there are a number of very strong teams in the competition and it is as tight as he has ever seen it. Melrose also pointed out that he is after improvement first & foremost“The reality is we finished 7th in 2016 and looking at the teams ahead I can’t see any of them going backwards, so we either improve or we stay 7th”. He also encouraged fans to travel to watch the team throughout the season “I live in Manly & I know how wonderful life is by the beach but the reality is the competition is played all over Sydney and if our supporters want success then we have to get along and support the team away from Manly Oval - as hard as it is to leave!!”The 1st Grade team selected to face Souths on Saturday saw the welcome inclusion of Dennis Pili-Gaitau who has returned to the Marlins following a stint at the Rebels. The team also includes 3 players from New Zealand making their debut for the Marlins, brothers Gunnz and Kevin Fuavao from Auckland, and Cam Bailey.Bailey, who arrives from Christchurch said "I am definately excited about the opportunity to wear the Marlins Jersey with the history that comes with it. My family are heading over from Christchurch, and I hope to do them and the club proud on Saturday"The Marlins always welcome the support of their loyal fans whilst on the road, so head down to Forshaw on Saturday to start the season off with a bang!Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Download your season calendar here!
Get those dates locked in!In just 16 days the 2017 season begins and for your convenience we've created a calendar of our fixtures, so you can now schedule your life around the rugby!Just follow this link to add to your calendar, what could be easier?And don't forget that you save if you buy a season ticket, and the first 50 ticket holders get a free Marlins trucker cap.Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
PEOPLE AND CULTURE STRATEGIES ARE PART OF THE TEAM AGAIN IN 2017
Following on from last weeks Major Sponsorship announcement, the Manly Rugby Football Club is delighted to announce that People + Culture Strategies (PCS) have renewed their commitment to the Marlins in 2017 as our Platinum Sponsor. Announcing the deal, PCS Founder & Managing Principal, Joydeep Hor said: “PCS is delighted to once again be a significant sponsor of the Marlins in 2017. The Marlins... are a club steeped in history and have a tremendous culture and sense of community. These qualities align very strongly with our firm which remains the only firm in the labour and employment law space that blends management consulting and legal services. Our commitment to making our client organisations stronger and more successful in their people management is a trait resonant with the Marlins. We are looking forward to an exciting year." MRFC Club President, Anthony Bergelin was equally thrilled in welcoming PCS back to the Marlins “We are very excited that PCS are back on board for 2017 and are committed to the growth of Rugby in the Manly District. PCS are an industry leader and the Club has found Joydeep and his team very personable, we are really looking forward to working with them again this coming season.”Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
MOUNTIES GROUP RECOMMIT TO MRFC
Manly Rugby Football Club is delighted to announce that Mounties Group have extended their significant long term support of the Marlins and have agreed to a further three year major sponsorship term. Mounties Group, through their Manly Bowling Club and Harbord Diggers sites have been a long term supporter of the Club, first becoming the major sponsor in 2011.
MRFC President, Anthony Bergelin, said “We have enjoyed a terrific relationship with Mounties Group for a number of years now, and we look forward to an even stronger strategic partnership moving forward. There is clearly an alignment between our organisations with a strong sense of community engagement at the forefront, and I am delighted that Mounties Group continue to support us in this way”.
“Commercial support in Club Rugby is becoming increasingly challenging to secure, and through our relationship with Mounties Group we are able to plan for an exciting and successful future”.
Mounties Group General Manager, Dale Hunt, said “The Marlins are one of the most iconic sporting clubs on the Northern Beaches and the alignment between high performance and community engagement that the club delivers is very rewarding. We are excited by the strategic direction the club is heading and we look forward working with their leadership team in achieving further success on and off the field”. Mitch Daniel, the Marlins Club Captain adds “It’s no secret that the Manly Bowling Club provides the best post-match atmosphere in the Shute Shield, and nothing feels better than to celebrate our on-field successes in the company of our supporters there. We are looking forward to working with Mounties to enhance that experience along with improved on-ground hospitality for all of our supporters.
The Marlins’ first home game at Manly Oval will be their Intrust Shute Shield Round Two fixture versus Sydney University. Entrance is $15 on the gate, or visit manlyrugby.com.au for season ticket options.
Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Shute Shield Draw Announced
The 2017 Shute Shield draw is now available, and offers what promises to be some enticing fixtures for the Marlins.
First off, we make the road trip down to Forshaw Rugby Park in a rerun of our 2016 first round tie vs Southern Districts, although the team will be focussed on a more favourable result this time, hungry for a strong start to their campaign.
Our first home game at Manly Oval will be huge, with Sydney University looking to stake their claim on the title early doors. The Marlins will be looking for a massive crowd with the hill painted blue to push them across the line. As with all games (unless notified) the first grade game will kick off at 3PM.
The epic Battle of the Beaches, when we welcome the Rats to the Village Green this year falls in round 10 on the 3rd June, a must for every fan across the Northern Beaches. Get it in your diary now!
Throughout the season, we will also be hosting amongst others Randwick and title holding Norths to the Oval, and look out for further special events including Ladies Day and Juniors Day.
Manly Rugby Football Club looks forward to welcoming you to the Oval in 2017, with our sights firmly set on the Premiership!Click here for the Marlins Draw 2017
Click Here for the full Shute Shield Draw
Vale Keith Blackett
Former Manly Rugby player Keith "Pottsy" Blackett has passed away at his home in Freshwater last week, aged 71.
Keith played 52 1st Grade games and 106 Grade games from 1964 - 1970. Keith then went on to a successful career at the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles,
Renowned for his pace and prolific goal kicking, Keith held sprint records at Balgowlah Boys High before a long professional career with the NSW Police Force.
Keith remained a strong supporter of the Marlins and the Blackett's are a regular feature at our home games.
Funeral is tomorrow 8th February, 11.30 am at St Mary's Manly.
MRFC Annual Reports 2016
Manly Rugby Club held its Annual General Meeting last Thursday evening, 27th October 2016.
Manly Rugby Elects New President
At Thursday night’s Annual General Meeting of the MRFC, Anthony Bergelin was elected the Club’s 24th President.
At 31 years of age, Bergelin becomes the Club’s youngest ever President.
...In assuming the chair, Bergelin was quick to acknowledge the contribution of the outgoing President David Begg, who had been President for five years and the large shoes he would have to fill.
Bergelin optimistically outlined his desire, with his new Board, to see the MRFC become a very strong Shute Shield club, financially independent, successful in all Grades and with a strong recognition of the role that the Colts’ organisation plays in the transition from the Juniors to Grade.
The AGM saw the introduction of new Board members, including solicitor Morgan Lane, who has become Vice-President and former senior Macquarie Bank Executive and triple premiership winner Ian ‘Puss’ Miller, as a new Board member.
Board members, Adam Hill, Peter Alley, Claire Martin and Annie Doyle, Treasurer have been re-elected, whilst former General Manager, Lisa Matthews has been welcomed to her new role on the Board.
Bergelin, following his election, told the strong gathering of players, Life Members and supporters at the AGM:
“It is an incredible honour, and I hope I can demonstrate the appreciation that I have for Manly Rugby through my leadership. To assist me in that, I believe I have assembled a very strong & diverse board and I’m very excited to start planning this new era for the club”
“Our newly appointed head coach Billy Melrose has certainly hit the ground running since his appointment and his level of professionalism is already very evident. I have no doubt the club will be in a strong position come kick off 2017.”
MRFC BOARD
PRESIDENT ANTHONY BERGELIN
VICE-PRESIDENT MORGAN LANE
TREASURER ANNIE DOYLE
ASSISTANT-TREASURER CLAIRE MARTIN
SECRETARY LISA MATTHEWS
ASSISTANT-SECRETARY DANIEL BOLAND
BOARD MEMBER PETER ALLEY
BOARD MEMBER ADAM HILL
BOARD MEMBER SEAN RICHARDSON
BOARD MEMBER DAVID CAMPBELL
BOARD MEMBER IAN MILLER
BOARD MEMBER SIMON HERBERT- MRFC
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