GALLANT CLAMS FALL TO DOLPHINS
MISS TITLE
The Forster Dolphins are the inaugural 2008 Southern Shield winners after a hard fought 27 10 win against a gallant Clams side at Tuncurry on Sunday.
Played in front of a crowd of over 1400, The Dolphins broke away with ten minutes
remaining to hold off a brave Clams side. Old Bar won the toss and with the aid of a strong
southerly breeze attempted to pin the Dolphins in their own half. Despite strong defence,
Forster opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a smart blind side play to lead 5 nil. Old
Bar responded with numerous phases on the Forster line, with continual professional fouls
closing down the Old Bar attack. Chad Lambert eventually took the penalty to reduce the lead
to 5 - 3. Forster responded shortly after with a smart try from a scrum close to the Old Bar
line where the blind side was exploited again to extend the lead to 10 -3. Old Bar again
returned fire and were pressuring the Dolphins line, with Brett Ramage and Matt Oates
continually testing the Forster defence which held solid with the aid of continual professional
fouls resulted in a sinbinning for the Dolphins. Sadly Old Bar could not turn this into points.
Just before half time with the momentum swinging the Clams way, Danny Mundey was
wrongly sinbinned after he retaliated after being hit from behind.
Old Bar went into the break at 10 - 3 and were a strong chance of taking the title Forster
scored early in the second half when Old Bar were still reduced to 14 players. The Clams
however found another gear and with Matt Thompson directing the attack from half back, the
Clams lifted to put more pressure on the Dolphins. Old Bar regained ascendency in the scrum
and attempted two push over tries in short succession, with the first effort going close until
the Dolphins bought the scrum down. The second attempt looked sure to succeed when the
Dolphins again bringing the scrum down to deny the Clams. The Referee however had
enough and awarded a penalty try to the Clams and sinbinned the Dolphins captain. At this
point, Old Bar supporters could see an upset on the cards and there was a very real chance of
stealing the game from Forster. Old Bar threw every thing but the kitchen sink at the
Dolphins, with the backs attempting to out flank the Forster defence with Chad Lambert,
Andrew McDermott and Jamie Murray showing great skills in moving the ball wide
quickly. Old Bar had two golden opportunities to score out wide but with two last
passes going to ground with tries going begging, the Dolphins were let off the hook. Forster
weathered the storm and broke away with two tries in the last 10 minutes to extend the final
score to 27 - 10.
Despite going down, all the Old Bar players put their hands up and didn't leave anything on
the field. As always, Brett Ramage, Chad Lambert and Matt Thompson showed the way for
the Clams, with Matt Oates putting in his best performance of the year. Joel Minett at fullback
showed tremendous courage in playing through out the entire match with a badly injured
shoulder.
The Clams are looking to build on this years disapointment to take the title from the Dolphins
in 2009.
Forster 27 ( 5 tries and 1 conversion) def Old Bar 10 ( Penalty try, Chad Lambert 1 penalty
goal and 1 conversion)
Points Brett Ramage 3, Matt Oates 2, Matt Thompson/Chad Lambert 1
Ruckers Mug Brett Ramage
CLAMS CLAIM SHOT AT TITLE
The Old Bar Clams will go into the 2008 Southern Shield Grand Final as long priced under
dogs against the Forster Dolphins after a hard fought 17 – 0 win over a gallant Nabiac Bulls at
Old Bar on Sunday.
Playing before a large home crowd of around 500, the Clams showed the Bulls that this
wasn’t the same team that lost at Nabiac three weeks ago. After a shaky start where Nabiac
missed a penalty goal attempt in the first two minutes, the Clams went to their forward pack
and continually applied pressure to the Nabiac eight. Nabiac had few answers to continued
strong rucking and mauling from Old Bar and soon found themselves pinned on the goal line.
Only resilient never say die defence kept the Bulls in the game for such a long period of the
match.
Old Bar opened the scoring in the 15th minutes after a strong maul close to the Nabiac line
resulted in half back Matt Thompson spotting a vacant blind side to dash five metres to score
in the corner. Chad Lambert converted the try. The Clams again used their forward strength to
gain territorial advantage, however poor handling and some time poor options saw numerous
try scoring opportunities go begging. Nabiac tried hard at counter attacking from deep inside
their own territory, but some misguided passing and some inspired defence by centres
Andrew McDermott and Jamie Murray managed to shut down the Bulls attack. At 7 – 0 at
half time, the game was well and truly up for grabs.
The second half began how it ended with Old Bar pressuring the Nabiac forwards. Again the
Clams put themselves in try scoring positions only to be denied by the Bulls or by the Clams
on hand. Old Bar responded with a magnificent push over try to number 8, Wayne Sinclair to
extend the lead to 12 – 0. The Bulls then had their best period of the match with 10 minutes of
sustained pressure on the Clams line. The Bulls were denied however due to some inspired
last ditch defence by the Clams. Nabiac due to being denied went to the penalty goal option
which was missed. With pressure relieved, The Clams marched their way back up field where
a 15 metre rolling maul ended with Matt Oates claiming the try to shut the Bulls out of the
match. Old Bar were dealt a blow late in the match due to the sinbinning of Adam Gregory.
The Clams will be awaiting decisions from the Mid North Coast as to availability of Gregory.
While coach Jack Mundey was pleased with the intensity of the Clams attack and defence
during the match, he is well aware that the team has to play for the full 80 minutes and that all
point scoring opportunities must be taken if the Clams hope to upset the Dolphins at Tuncurry
on Sunday.
Old Bar 17 (Matt Oates, Wayne Sinclair, Matt Thompson tries Chad Lambert conversion)
def Nabiac 0
Points
Brett Ramage 3, Andrew McDermott 2, Matt Thompson 1
Ruckers Mug
Brett Ramage
HARD ROAD FOR CLAMS
Forster put one hand firmly on the 2008 Southern Shield with a comprehensive 30 to 14
victory over the Clams in a torrid major semi final at Tuncurry. The Dolphins outclassed Old
Bar in a five try to two win that leaves Old Bar facing a sudden death Final at Old Bar next
Sunday against Nabiac.
Forster won the toss and were aided by a strong southerly breeze in the first half. Old Bar
started strongly and went to the maul which made inroads into the Forster defence. This
attack however was again let down by poor handling which turned the ball over time and
again to a gratefull Forster. Using the breeze to pin Old Bar in their 22 and continual missed
one on one tackles allowed the Dolphins to outflank the Clams after 15 minutes to score in the
left corner. From the kick off, the Dolphins again utilised the breeze to kick deep into Clams
territory. Poor handling and missed one on one tackles allowed the Dolphins to double their
lead with a try in the right corner to lead 10 nil. A penalty goal 5 minutes later gave the
Dolphins a 13 nil lead and coach Jack Mundey would have been happy going into the break at
13 nil down with the wind at the Clams back in the second half. This was short lived however
after a missed Forster penalty goal and a total lack of fore sight and urgency, resulted in a
turnover which ended with Forster scoring right on the stroke of half time to go into the break
at 18 nil.
Old Bar started the second half in a determined frame of mind and began pressuring the
Dolphins line almost from the kick off. After building momentum, Old Bar again were let
down by poor handling when tries were in the offing which allowed the Dolphins to kick
them selves out of trouble. Old Bar eventually got on the board on the 15 minute mark of the
second half after a misplaced Forster kick allowed Andrew McDermott to regather and sprint
80 metres to score under the posts. This was converted by Chad Lambert and at 18 - 7, the
Clams had a sniff of an upset. The Clams however turned over possession once more and a
dubious sin binning of Adam Gregory gave Forster much needed momentum which resulted
in two tries while Gregory was off the field to seal the match. A late try to Andrew
McDermott after a brilliant piece of individual play which saw him beat 2 players before a
chip and regather saw him score under the posts to finish the match at 30 -14.
As always, inspirational captain Chad Lambert led the way and was aided by a strong
performance by five eigth Adam Gregory and winger Darren Swinfield. Old Bar will have to
regain some much needed confidence if they want any chance to progress through next weeks
final at Old Bar Reserve and gain revenge on the Dolphins in the Grand Final in two weeks
time.
Forster 30 ( 5 tries, 1 penalty goal, 1 conversion) def Old Bar 14 (Andrew McDermott 2
tries, Chad Lambert 2 conversions)
Points: Chad Lambert 3, Adam Gregory 2, Darren Swinfield 1
Clams Premiership Hopes Stall
Old Bar's main rivals for the 2008 Southern Shield, the Forster Dolphins, must be rubbing
their hands together in anticipation for the Major Semi Final at Tuncurry in two weeks after
the Clams were out muscled and outclassed against the bottom of the table Nabiac Bulls on
Saturday at Nabiac.
The tenacious Bulls were in contrast to a lethargic Clams outfit that were overwhelmed by a
hard tackling Bulls defence. Old Bar again attempted to apply pressure through the scrum and
line out. While Old bar were winning substantial possession from the set pieces, poor
handling, poor options and poor kicking was responsible for turning over any advantage
which had been gained. Nabiac opened the scoring from a charge down from an attempted
clearing kick close to the Clams line. The pressure applied to the Clams by the Nabiac
defence forced a lapse of judgement which resulted in the try. This seemed to spur Old Bar
into their best fifteen minutes of the match, with sustained pressure on the Bulls line finally
resulting in a try from close range to big second rower, Peter Wilson. This try was converted
from out wide by Chad Lambert to level the scores. Nabiac responded a short time later with
a great try down the right side of the pitch after fielding a clearing kick on the half way, the
Bulls spread the ball wide to out flank the Clams defence, this was followed by a chip
over Joel Minett's head to regather and score in the corner. This was converted from the side
line to allow Nabiac to go into half time with a 14 - 7 lead.
The half time talk appeared to have little effect, with the Clams again displaying poor kicking,
poor handling and poor options. Again on the back of superior possession, Old Bar failed to
breach the Bulls defensive line. The only scoring in the second half was from a Nabiac
penalty goal. While Old Bar attempted to over haul the Bulls with more back line play, last
pass options and great cover defence denied any chance of a come back. The Clams however
lacked urgency in the remaining twenty minutes when it was needed and Nabiac comfortably
held out to a 17 - 7 victory.
There is a general bye next week before the Semi Finals commence on the 2 of August, where
the Clams will need a huge improvement to upset a dominant Forster Dolphins. Gloucester
will host a confident Nabiac side on the Sunday, and Gloucester will have a tough time over
coming a Bulls side growing in confidence.
Nabiac 17 (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty goal) def Old Bar 7 (Peter Wilson Try. Chad
Lambert Conversion)
Points Murray Polson 3, Chad Lambert 2, Peter Wilson/Darren Swinfield 1
Rucker Mug: Murray Polson
RECORD SCORE AS CLAMS TROUNCE
RATZ
The Old Bar Clams continued to build momentum leading into the 2008 Semi Finals with a
resounding 59 - 3 win over the Manning River Ratz at Taree on Saturday. The Clams forward
pack again started strongly and were immediately putting pressure on the Ratz line out and
scrum. Poor handling however continually let Old Bar down in the opening 15 minutes by
relieving pressure on a scrambling Ratz, before a try to Brett Ramage on the back of an Old
Bar maul. The Clams put themselves under pressure right from the kickoff with more poor
handling and a penalty allowed Manning a long range penalty goal to narrow the lead to 7 - 3.
Despite a huge territorial and possession advantage, the Clams had to wait until the
closing stages of the first half to capitalise with two close range tries to Nathan Earley and
Jamie Murray to go into half time with a 19 - 3 lead.
The half time break seemed to agree with Old Bar, who started the second half with much
more purpose and immediately used the wind to have Manning camped in their own half.
Number 8, Matt Oates used his size and strength to continually trouble and break the Ratz
defence before he was rewarded with a try to the right of the posts. This try was converted
and the Clams then launched into a 25 minute barrage on the Ratz. Tries to Nathan Earley and
Jason Smith followed after supporting the hard to stop Oates. With the pressure off, the Clams
began long range attacks, which resulted in Andrew McDermott being put into space by
clever work from the inside backs, to race 60 metres to score under the posts. This was
followed almost straight from the kick off with another attack down the left hand and after the
ball was quickly spread wide to again allow McDermott space. With the Manning cover
quickly converging, McDermott kicked ahead and received a dream bounce to regather and
score under the posts to extend the lead to 52 - 3. A great team try followed after beginning
on the Clams twenty, with McDermott again being the recipient of excellent support play to
again be put into the clear. Joel Minett stayed in support on the inside of McDermott who sent
Minett away to score under the posts to finish the match 59 - 3.
Old Bar coach, Jack Mundey was extremely happy with the second half performance,
however is concerned with some of the poor handling which is failing to take advantage of
the possession which his forwards are gaining.
Old Bar take on Nabiac at Nabiac next week before the semi finals begin at Forster.
Old Bar 59 (Nathan Earley 2, Andrew McDermott 2, Joel Minett, Jamie Murray, Matt Oates,
Brett Ramage, Jason Smith tries. Chad Lambert 7 conversions) def Manning River Ratz 3 (1
penalty goal)
Points: Brett Ramage 3, Murray Polson 2, Matt Oates/Jeremy Smith 1
Ruckers Mug: Brett Ramage
CLAMS CRUSH COCKIES
Old Bar showed glimpses of what they are capable of in a resounding 36 - 14 win against
Gloucester on Saturday night at Old Bar Reserve.
After a disappointing start against Forster, the Clams started with an intensity which has been
lacking in previous weeks. Both in attack and defence, an aggressive Old Bar pack pressured
the Gloucester forwards from the kick off. Despite this start, Old Bar were let down initially
by poor handling when try scoring opportunities were available. Gloucester opened the
scoring with a 47 metre penalty goal to lead 3 nil after 10 minutes. After that, it was all Old
Bar. Peter Wilson opened the scoring after another unstoppable maul from 15 metres. This
was followed by a sweeping back line movement 40 metres from the line which was finished
brilliantly by a flying Darren Swinfield to score in the corner. Old Bar continued the
dominance with Brett Ramage scoring beside the posts right on half time to extend the lead to
19 - 3.
The Clams started the second half with the same intensity and a smart tactical kick by Jeremy
Smith pressured the Cockies fullback into an error which was pounced on by Adam Gregory
to score under the posts after two minutes. Clever kicking and dominance in the line outs and
scrums allowed Old Bar to maintain pressure which resulted in a try to Joel Minett with a 15
metre dash down a very narrow blind side to score in the corner to extend the lead to 31-3.
The Cockies however refused to give in and were rewarded with a try after a maul close to
the Clams line. This was followed by another long range penalty goal, and followed ten
minutes later by another penalty to narrow the lead to 31 - 14. This seemed to wake the
Clams up who responded with strong defence from the kick off which resulted in the Cockies
turning the ball over. Another great back line play gave Swinfield his second try to finish the
match.
The Clams take on Manning River Ratz next week in Taree, with coach Jack Mundey hoping
for some better finishing to capitalise on the possession which is being provided by the Old
Bar forward pack.
Old Bar 36 (Darren Swinfield 2, Adam Gregory, Joel Minett, Brett Ramage, Peter Wilson
tries. Chad Lambert 3 conversions) def Gloucester 14 ( 1 try, 3 penalty goals)
Points
Brett Ramage 3, Nathan Earley 2, Darren Swinfield 1
Ruckers Mug Brett Ramage/Darren Swinfield
CLAMS SHUCKED BY DOLPHINS
The Forster Dolphins launched a ten minute barrage against the Clams to claim a comfortable
28 - 7 win against a slow starting Old Bar side at Tuncurry to re take the Southern Shield
competition lead.
Once again the wet winter of 2008 forced the closure of Old Bar Reserve which resulted in a
Clams home game being transferred to Tuncurry. It is unlikely however that the venue would
have stopped the Dolphin's attack in the first 15 minutes. The Forster five eighth cut the Old
Bar defence to pieces, scoring three tries and setting up another to build a 28 - nil lead before
Old Bar knew what was happening. To make matters worse, Jed Tappert left the field with
a muscle strain and Matt Thompson's season looks over after fracturing his eye socket and a
fractured cheek bone.
To the Clam's credit, Old Bar finally woke up and attempted to regain control through the
forwards. Again scrums, line outs and mauls were the strong point for the Clams, however
untidy handling, ill directed passes and poor options meant that Forster went into half time
with a commanding 28 - 0 lead.
Old Bar started the second half with the intensity which was needed from the beginning of the
match and put pressure onto the Dolphin's defence, which held solid, again aided by poor
handling and poor options. Old Bar finally broke through with 20 minutes remaining when
Adam Gregory busted the Dolphins defence from 20 metres out before beating the fullback to
score under the posts. A further break from Gregory resulted in a fantastic 'Maori' side step,
where he measured up the Dolphin's star fullback. The day however was summed up for the
Clams with ten minutes remaining. Old Bar's maul marched Forster 20 metres to within 6
metres of the Dolphins try line before a penalty was drawn by bringing the maul down. Old
Bar kicked for touch to take a line out 3 metres out from the line. The ever reliable, Chad
Lambert however dropped his first line out ball in three years to see another try go begging.
Although soundly beaten, coach Jack Mundey was pleased with some aspects of the game
after the Dolphin's start. Jamie Murray on the wing showed great presence under pressure,
Danny Mundey and Darren Swinfield also showed they can regain their 1st grade spots with
more application. The mystery that has to be cracked is how to get Old Bar to start playing
from the start of the game.
Adam Gregory was a run away winner of the 3 points, followed by a very aggressive Wayne
Sinclair in the second row, and ever reliable Chad Lambert.
Next week sees a bye for the Clam's, followed by a night game against the Gloucester
Cockies at Old Bar and a prayer from the coaching staff for there to be no more rain.
Forster 28 (4 tries and 4 Conversions) def Old Bar 7 (Adam Gregory Try and Conversion)
Half time
Points
Forster 28 - Old Bar 0
Adam Gregory 3, Wayne Sinclair 2, Chad Lambert 1
Rucker's Mug Adam Gregory
CLAMS SQUEEZE PAST BULLS
Old Bar’s grip on the Southern Shield minor premiership slipped on the weekend after a very
messy 15 – 0 win against a valiant Nabiac Bulls. The match was transferred to Tuncurry
following another week of rain which closed Nabiac’s ground. The Clam’s main rivals,
Forster, thumped the Manning River Ratz 76 – 0 in the other match to narrow Old Bar’s lead
to 4 points. A win for Forster next week will see them regain the competition lead.
The match for Old Bar was nothing short of disappointing. With the Old Bar forwards totally
dominating the Nabiac 8, with multiple scrums against the feed and a total dominance in the
lineout, which gave the Clams about 80% possession, poor handling and poor options
continue to let the Clams down. While the Bulls defence was inspired, Old Bar failed to
identify when Nabiac had been stretched and failed to capitalise on try scoring opportunities.
The Clam’s welcomed back veteran five eight, Jed Tappett and also welcomed the return of
Teia Ambrosoli after his appendix scare. With Tappett on the field, he became the 5th five
eight that the Clams have tried for the year with the departure of Brent Hodge to the Army.
Old Bar won the toss and had the benefit of a strong southerly at their back for the first half.
A total dominance of field position meant nothing as the Clams had to wait until the 35th
minute for Adam Gregory to be put over in the left hand corner after a gap was spotted by
Matt Thompson. Old Bar went into the break at a very shaky 5 – 0
Old Bar continued in much the same vein in the second half, with the forwards totally
outclassing the Bulls in the set pieces, however failing to gain any advantage on the score
board. Basic errors such as dropped balls continued to frustrate the Clam’s attack. Luckily the
Old Bar pack was superior in technique to the Bulls, as the many mistakes made were not
able to be punished.
Old Bar waited until the final 20 minutes to finally put the game away with a try each to
Murray Polson and Jed Tappett to allow the Clam’s to prevail 15 – 0.
While the set pieces continue to be the Clam’s strength, the only other highlights were the
form of both Joel Minett who continued to worry the defence out wide and Matt Thompson’s
return to fullback.
Old Bar meet the confident Dolphins next week at Old Bar Reserve. The Clam’s will need to
build upon the strength of the forwards to have any chance of upsetting Forster.
Old Bar 15 (Adam Gregory, Murray Polson, Jed Tappett tries) def Nabiac 0
Half time Old Bar 5 - Nabiac 0
Points
Ruckers Mug
Joel Minett 3, Matt Thompson 2, Brett Ramage/Jason Smith 1
Joel Minett
RATZ FALL TO CLAMS 2
The Old Bar Clams jumped to the top of the Southern Shield table with a comfortable 37 - 10
win against the Manning River Ratz at Taree Rugby Park on Saturday. This was a catch up
game after the round 4 clash was washed out in the April big wet.
Old Bar started strongly after a backline movement close to the Ratz line with a try to Joel
Minett in the 3rd minute. Old Bar however appeared to be too complacent against the Ratz,
with a noticeable drop in intensity, with the exception of captain, Chad Lambert, whose
strong hitups through the ruck and hard hitting defence, sort to inspire his team
mates. Discipline also became a problem for the Clams, letting the Ratz back into the match
with a penalty goal. The Clams reverted to their hard to stop maul, which paid dividends by
giving Peter 'Jesus' Wilson two first half tries on the back of the maul. A penalty goal right on
the stroke of half time to Brent Hodge allowed The Clams to finish the half leading 18 - 3.
The Clams started with a bang in the second half with Adam Gregory being on the end of a
dazzling counter attack after a clearing kick by the Ratz was fielded by Joel Minett 40 metres
out from the line, who linked with Brent Hodge and Sam Kalolo to allow Gregory to out flank
the Ratz down the right edge of the field, Gregory improved the position to score under the
posts. This was followed shortly after with a Joel Minett try after flowing rugby from inside
the Clams half after Andrew McDermott split the line for a 60 metre dash only to be cut
down just short of the Ratz line, quick ruck ball allowed the Clams to find the Ratz were short
out wide, and with the ball spread, the forwards who found themselves in the backline,
showed great unselfishness to put Minett over in the corner for the Clams to lead 30 - 3.
After this passage of play, the Clams went off the boil and allowed the Ratz to dominate field
position. The Ratz were denied two crucial line outs close to the Clam's line with inspired line
out jumping by Joe Collier who stole possession for the Clams. The Ratz only try came after
an intercept. The intercept was very timely for the Ratz, as The Clams had a three man
overlap and could quite easily have went the 70 metres to score at the other end of the
paddock. Old Bar continued to attack the Ratz from inside their own half, with last ditch
defence assisting the Ratz. Andrew McDermott was unluckily ankle tapped in a desperation
tackle with 60 metres of open field ahead.
Late in the half, Wayne Sinclair and Adam Gregory were yellow carded for minor
infringements. Two Ratz players also had time to cool their heels after also being yellow
carded. The Clams finished the match the way they started with a try under the posts to
outside centre, Sam Kalolo. After a penalty close to the Ratz line encouraged the Clams
to throw the ball out wide, with Kalolo busting two tackles to score his first try for the Clams.
While it was far from the Clam's best effort, it was a solid win on a long weekend where
preparation through the week was disrupted. Next week takes the Clams to Nabiac with the
aim of consolidating the competition lead.
Old Bar Clams 37 (Joel Minett 2, Peter Wilson 2, Adam Gregory, Sam Kalolo tries. Brent
Hodge 1 Penalty goal, 2 Conversions) def Manning River Ratz 10 (Glen Smyth Try, Scott
Burley 1 Penalty goal, 1 Conversion)
Points Old Bar - Chad Lambert 3, Joel Minett 2, Leigh Woodhouse 1
Ruckers Mug - Peter Wilson
RATZ FALL TO CLAMS 1
The Old Bar Clams displayed much better form when disposing of The Manning Ratz to the
tune of 46 – 0 at Old Bar last Saturday.
Where the side had previously been guilty of very slow starts, The Clams came out of the
blocks this time and raced to a 19 – 0 lead after just 10 minutes of play. A solid forward maul
enabled Old Bar’s big forwards to pave the way for Joe Collier to score the first of eight tries
against an opposition that looked a little tackle shy. Minutes later left winger Joel Minett, the
player with ‘silky skills’ scored a terrific try with great speed and deception. The Clams were
up 12 – 0 before anybody realised.
Further tries to Andrew McDermott and Matt Thompson with a conversion by Chad Lambert
escalated the score to a very commendable 31 – 0 at half time.
It was a great display by The Clams, a period of rugby that we know the side is capable of.
Jeremy Smith playing at fly half used his wily skills to mix up his options and offered his
outside backs plenty of space to use. This was effectively utilised by his outside men
especially Adam Gregory who is a slippery customer when in space. The forwards paved the
way for the first half success with a dominant display in the scrums and line outs.
It appeared that The Ratz would be in for a torrid afternoon after beginning the second half.
No 8 Matt Oates was held up over the Ratz line on two occasions while The Clams bombed
yet another scoring opportunity, all within five minutes of the second stanza. One wonders
what the score could have been. However The Ratz to their credit hit back and aided by a few
penalties dominated the next twenty minutes play and made the Old Bar side back peddle
with good skilful rugby.
Once again though, The Clams hit back with three quick tries in succession that sunk The
Ratz . Of those tries winger Andrew McDermott scored a fantastic try with tremendous speed
and ability to brush off would be tacklers. One of the best individual tries The Clams have
ever scored. Not quite as good as Mango Hogan’s try in the 1986 semi final against Kempsey
but had the crowd on their feet cheering for more.
The match finished a couple of minutes early with and unfortunate injury to one of the Ratz
players. Hopefully young Dillon will recover well and have no ill effects from an awkward
tackle. The Clams running out winners 46 – 0.
Probably the highlight of the match was a super forward rolling maul by The Clams taking
play in excess of 40 meters late in the first half. If they can reproduce that sort of good work
more often, they will be a force in the MNC Southern Shield Competition.
The Clams Best & Fairest points were awarded to prop Brett Ramage with one after yet
another solid display. Five Eight Jeremy Smith two points with classy display and
workaholic Chad Lambert at breakaway gaining three points. Lambert also collected the
Oates Catering Old Bar $100 cash award for his effort. The Classic Design Jewellery
Rucker’s Mug was deservedly awarded to Andrew McDermott with a dashing display of skill
scoring two tries.
Clams Prevail v Gloucester
The Old Bar Clams made very heavy weather of their match against old rivals The Gloucester
Cockies before winning the match 11 - 8. Thanks to a terrific solo effort from man mountain
Pete Wilson who managed to put the ball over the line with minutes left on the clock to
enable the Clams to forge ahead on the scoreboard, then hang on and win the match.
Gloucester were very unlucky not to have taken the points, once again against a lack lustre
Clams. The Cockies were aggressive and played solid rugby with minimal mistakes that
frustrated the daylights out of The Clams for the entire duration of the match. The Clams do
have much ability with their set plays such as the scrums, line outs and general forward play
but until they learn to value possession they will not trouble Forster or other teams in this
competition. So many times, The Clams made valuable inroads into the opposition’s territory
only to lose the ball somehow and hand it back to Gloucester. This trait has plagued The
Clams in their last three matches and unless they hold the ball, their premiership aspirations
could well be blown out the door.
The Clams began the match with some enthusiasm and made inroads via skilful forward play.
Big forwards Ringo Ramage, Pete Wilson, Wayne Sinclair and Darren Drury tore into the
Cockies pack and it seemed that The Clams would steamroll their way to solid afternoons
rugby. An early penalty by Adam Gregory put The Clams ahead 3 - 0 .That was about the end
of the good news for The Clams. An injury to centre Sam Kaolo appeared to disrupt the team
and Gloucester hit back with a great try after just 10 minutes of play unconverted for the
Cockies to lead 5 – 3.
The Clams muddled their way throughout the first half with numerous knock-ons and lost
possession in rucks and mauls. No doubt Coach Jack Mundey would have been very
frustrated watching his charges with so much potential fritter possession away time after time.
Matt Thompson was very safe at fullback and without his contribution and a stirring display
from Ringo Ramage at prop The Clams may have struggled a lot more.
The score remained at 5 – 3 in favour of Gloucester after a dour first half struggle. It
continued this way in the second half although The Clams forwards appeared to have stepped
up a notch and again made good metres into Gloucester’s territory. After the half way mark in
the second stanza, The Clams were awarded a penalty goal in front and Gregory made no
mistake to put The Clams in front 6 – 5. Clams supporters didn’t have long to rub their hands
as Gloucester were awarded a penalty almost from the ensuing kick-off and neatly potted the
goal to once again regain the lead the go ahead 8 - 6.
During this period of play Gloucester made some good backline breaks and last ditch defence
by Andrew McDermott and livewire winger Darren Swinfield saved The Clams. With a
number players available as reserves Coach Mundey was able to give all his reserves a bit of a
gallop in the second half and these players Brad Lewis, Rod Hopkins, Adam Jarvis and
Jeremy Smith played well when given the opportunity. Clams Half Nathan Earley had a very
frustrating match against a wily opponent in Rob Seale who had yet another blinder at half for
Gloucester. There are a number of wily mature cunning experienced players who make life
very difficult when playing Gloucester and they will worry the life out of any team in this
competition if all their players are available.
The Clams finally got home after a good territorial advantage was obtained by both forwards
and backs to place the team at the right end of the field to attack. It was a fantastic run by big
Pete Wilson who crashed, smashed and tore his way over tacklers to run 15 -20 -30 etc metres
and plant the ball over the line in the right corner and score a great try to enable The Clams to
hang on with the score 11—8 unconverted. Wilson now has a new nickname, a religious
name aligned to a saviour.
Best and fairest points were awarded to Brett (Ringo) Ramage with a well deserved one, Pete
Wilson with his team saving try and great general play with two, while fullback Matt
Thompson had a blinder and was as safe as a bank receiving three, along with a handy cash
award by Oates Catering. Pete Wilson proudly won the players Classic Design Jewellery
Rucker’s Mug with an overwhelming amount of votes.
The Clams next match is at home this Saturday at Old Bar Reserve for the long awaited local
derby against The Manning River Ratz. No doubt The Ratz should be entitled to favouritism
after their two good wins in the last two weeks. The Clams have struggled with form and they
must improve all around the park to be a serious threat. The match begins at 2.30pm.
COCKY CLAMS CRASH
The Old Bar Clams were brought back to earth with a thud last Saturday at the hands of a
very determined Forster Dolphins outfit losing the match 21 – 0.
While The Clams certainly enjoyed a better territorial advantage for most of the match, it was
there lack of finesse that cost them dearly on the scoreboard. There were two main reasons
why The Clams lost their way. The first being the forwards inability to deliver good, clean
quick ball to their half and the second being the forwards not hunting as a mean hungry pack
running with purpose and being aware of their body height when tearing into the rucks and
mauls. The Clams forwards played right into The Dolphins hands with their upright running
style being punished by a great defensive effort by the strong Forster pack. On occasions the
Clams forwards were physically being pushed back in heavy tackling.
It was not Old Bar’s day. They were caned heavily with the penalty count, the second week in
a row this has occurred. Coach Jack Mundey, while being critical of every 50/50 call, has a
few problems to sort out with the team’s discipline. It seemed every time The Clams got
themselves into a scoring position they would be penalised thus thwarting any opportunity of
posting points. In addition, there were a few times when the backs made a couple of good
breaks led by an inspirational Brent Hodge only to see the last pass go to ground for some
reason. Two definite lost opportunities in the first half handed The Dolphins the momentum
they looked for and they never looked back in the second half.
To summarise the match, The Dolphins scored a very good try about half way during the first
half. Forging ahead 8 – 0 with a penalty to Lee Crozier. Another penalty saw the half time
score 11 – 0. The Dolphins were fortunate to go further ahead after a dubious missed knock –
on when awarded another penalty to race to a 14 - 0 lead not long after half time. The score
remained the same for the next 30 minutes before The Clams defence opened up and Forster
spread the ball quickly outnumbering The Clams and scored a great try under the posts to
convert and complete the scoring 21 - 0
If ever there was magic moment in a match it belonged to Clams centre Adam Gregory who
pulled off a superb tackle on a Forster opponent. Full credit to The Forster player who
actually jumped to his feet and carried on.
Best and Fairest awards were deserved by Murray Polson at prop and Adam Gregory who
shared one point each while flanker Chad Lambert gained two after a busy match. Brent
Hodge at Stand –Off had his best game for The Clams and not only gained three points but
also won the coveted Classic Design Jewellery Ruckers Mug after all his team mates voted
that he was their best. A special mention also goes tho Andrew McDermott for a great
defensive effort in the backs.
RUSTY CLAMS PREVAIL
After experiencing a month without playing a match due to inclement weather and a bye, The
Old Bar Clams finally made it on the paddock at home to register a solid win against
newcomers Nabiac-Bulahdelah 31 - 9.
The Clams looked rather rusty after such a long lay off and they once again began the match
with a very tentative attitude. Nabiac were awarded a penalty and made no mistake with the
goal to shoot out to a 3 - 0 lead. Fortunately due to a couple of penalties and some solid
forward play, The Clams made inroads into Nabiac’s territory where strong running, redhaired No 8 Matt Oates steamed onto a set move pass and crashed over to score a try
converted by Brent Hodge.
Once again, The Clams were guilty of ill discipline and were on the receiving end of another
penalty goal to close up the score at 7 - 6 . From the kick off Old Bar began to show their
skills with very good mauling by the forwards and a few cracks appeared in the oppositions
backline for the Old Bar boys to take advantage of the territorial advantage. Once again a
determined Matt Oates displayed terrific strength to crash over for another five pointer. With
an unsuccessful conversion, The Clams raced to a 12 - 6 lead.
Just prior to half time, The Nabiac Bulls played very good rugby and gained territorial
advantage themselves and once again were successful with another penalty attempt to close
the gap to 12 - 9. This being the half time score.
Being a new club to Rugby Union, The Bulls certainly have what it takes to match it with all
teams in this competition and with more experience, they will provide an acid test for
anybody later in the season. It’s a fantastic situation to have a new Club willing to be
involved in the new Southern Shield Competition with such enthusiasm.. Their forward pack
is quite strong and on occasions managed to turn the big Old Bar pack around in a couple of
scrums.
The Clams came out with all guns blazing in the second half and looked as though they meant
business, something that was lacking at the beginning of the match. Big forwards led by
Wayne Sinclair, Trent Angwin, Darren Drury and Matt Oates began to display their strength
and with their skilful play, gaps were appearing in the Bulls defence. Classy centre Adam
Gregory scored a neat try in the corner after excellent lead up work. Unconverted the score
shot out to 17 - 9. A few minutes later The Clams muscled up and tore into the defence
where Matt Oates ( Chef Extraordinaire) crashed over for try number three. The Clams were
now leading by 24 - 9 after a great conversion by skilful stand –off Brent Hodge.
The next period of the match was quite a dour affair with both teams guilty of a lack of rules
knowledge and ill discipline – according to the referee. Many penalties were awarded and this
curtailed what could have been an attractive match. Play appeared to see – saw 50 metres this
way and 50 metres that way with no team going anywhere fast. Finally the ball made it out
The Clams backline and flying winger Andrew McDermott outpaced the defence to score an
exiting converted try by Hodge. This completed the scoring for the match at 31 - 9.
There were a number of players who excelled for The Clams. Matt Thompson was safe at
fullback. Five eight (stand off) Brent Hodge was clever while newcomer Sam Kaolo made a
big impression with his straight hard running in the centres but half Nathan Earley was
awarded 1 point for the best and fairest followed by Wayne Sinclair with 2 and ‘The Chef’
Matt Oates gained 3 points. Cleaning up completely was Matt Oates who was also awarded
the coveted players player Classic Design Jewellers
Clams draw first blood
The Old Bar Clams have begun the MNC Southern Shield competition with a solid win
against the strong Forster Dolphins. The Clams won the match 24 - 6.
Played at Tuncurry last Saturday, The Clams ran onto the field with a mindset that they can a
premiership this season beginning with Forster’s scalp. Eventually, The Clams completed the
match winning quite comfortably in the end but not before Forster showed their fighting
qualities.
The match began with Forster posting 3 points via a penalty goal in the first 10 minutes. Not
long after, Brent Hodge evened up for The Clams with a neat reply. The score now 3 –3.
Both teams tried valiantly to gain the upper hand with play see-sawing from one end to the
other. The Clams missed with another penalty shot in this period. Good work by both forward
packs basically gave the backs opportunities to create scoring opportunities and it was The
Clams that drew first blood when classy centre Adam Gregory pounced on a bouncing ball to
score a try, again converted by Brent Hodge. The score line now shot out to 10 – 3 in favour
of The Clams. This score remained until the halftime break.
The first 20 minutes after half time was a fairly even affair with both teams once again trying
to gain ascendency. Forster’s backs looked dangerous on a number of occasions with Tom
Harris stepping beautifully. However The Clams defence remained watertight and a few
cracks were beginning to appear with some good runs by big forwards, Teia Ambosoli,
Wayne Sinclair and Matt Oates setting up the platform for a brilliant try once again by center
Adam Gregory. Gregory sliced through the defence with a tremendous body swerve to score a
fantastic try. Again converted by Brent Hodge for The Clams to race ahead 17 – 6.
At this point it appeared The Clams had really stamped their mark on the match with backs
Matt Thompson, Joel Minett and Brent Hodge showing glimpses of what may lie ahead this
season.
Forster continued to muscle up and never gave up at any stage. Their forwards made inroads
into the Clams territory and threatened a couple of times but never really made it into The
Clams 22 to worry the Old Bar boys. With a few minutes remaining, Forster spun the ball out
wide and while the opportunity was there to score with an overlap, the ball was chipped and
immediately charged down by Clams center Joel Minett who gathered in the bouncing ball to
race 60 meters and score under the posts. Hodge again successful with conversion to complete
the scoring at 24 –6
For quite a while during the second half the score remained at 10 – 3 and during that period it
was a very tight arm wrestle. The Clams won the battle this round and new Coach Jack
Mundey has filled the minds of the Old Bar players that this is the year to stand up and be
counted. The players responded with a very solid display.
The Best & Fairest points were awarded to Teia Ambrosoli with 1, Adam Gregory with 2 and
Matt Thompson with 3. Newcomer prop Murray Polson won the players player award ( The
Classic Design Jewellery Ruckers Mug) While Brent Hodge and busy half back Nathan
Earley also had great games and were unlucky not to have polled points