ROUND 09/2010 - Mal Meninga Cup

Still a rough chance of making the semi-finals, injury and promotion of players made the task a little more difficult. Not only was a win required but a significant scoreline would be also be needed to improve the for and against differential and force the team into third place and a semi-final position.

Missing Mitchell Cronin and Tom Clark-Kennedy through injury and the promotion of Nick Doyle and Kieran Battelly to their Colts debut was not made an issue, but in the final wash up it proved significant. With the football the Souths boys were always a threat. Mitchell Moore in particular pressured the Gold Coast defence around the ruck all game. Eventually he was rewarded when one run out of dummy half resulted in a try. Conner Toia had his most influential game of the season. Constantly he threatened the defence with elusive running and passing to supports.

Photo courteous of Scott's Shotz Photography

Ilai Faamita in his return game from injury showed his potential scoring a try and making a 50 metre break throught he middle of the defence. An ill directed pass though broke the movement down however.

Unfortunately it was defensively that they again came up short. Marty Shaw, Jay Mullholland and Jake Downington were two of the black and whites who were solid in this area all night. The Vikings though were good enough to expose some weaknesses from the “back 5” in defence to come up with tries. If the team defended like they are capable of, again shown in the final 10 minutes when the game was there for the taking better results would be enjoyed.

If not for the quality of the game, the closeness of the scores kept spectators on the edge of their seats until fulltime. With 60 seconds remaining the Magpies gained possession to sweep downfield, only to have the last play penalised. The different emotions of elation or frustration from each team reflected the effort both teams had given for this game and the season.

A number of the boys will train on with Mark Tookey and the Colts squad. This reflects the significance of the competition for development of players in Souths Logan group. Nev Blair squads will enjoy a large number of the boys moving to this competition.

On behalf of the Souths Logan Magpies well done to all boys for their commitment to the competition. We hope that all have gained something positive from the experience.

We will certainly be there to cheer on our 16 Cyril Connell Cup team as they contest their finals. Good luck to Mark Gliddon and his young chargers.

Results Table - Mal Meninga Cup U18's