How good was Saturday? The hordes who turned out for the “Back to the Foreshore” day in brilliant conditions were treated to one of the best afternoon’s entertainment ever staged by Neddies, on and off the field. The many loyal club servants and volunteers responsible for the day - which kicked off at 8am with the Under-6s and ran late into the early hours of Sunday – deserve a massive pat on the back. The parade of past and current players was a highlight, capped off by great speeches from Murray McLean and local Federal pollie Julie Bishop, who was bemused to see her Canberra adversary Peter Garrett down at The Foreshore until someone pointed out the big bloke with the bald head and loose limbs was in fact new president Muzz.

Only a club like Nedlands could put on stage such an event and that’s what makes this club - to coin a phrase from AFL commentator Bruce McEvaney - so special. Fantastic also to see such a turn-out of former players from overseas back down at the hallowed turf, including the likes of Peter Chadwick, Roger Brown, Chris “Booga” Wilton, Waxhead, Sklennars, Chris Miles and their wives and partners. Good to see so many backing on Sunday morning up with the 7km walk from the Belltower to the clubrooms, with Richard Vaughan setting a fierce pace. With Paul “Gillsy” McGill rumoured to be due in Perth Monday to take up a suite at the Captain Stirling, festivities will no doubt continue at a great pace in the build-up to Friday’s gala 75th Anniversary dinner. That is of course being staged at the convention centre, despite ET’s best attempts to have it shifted to the Greenwood Tavern during happy hour. Checkout the website to see the other activities being staged during the week.

Back on the field on Saturday, where Neddies hosted Kalamunda and ARKs in a rugbyathon which went for more than nine hours straight, on both fields.

Looking to get back in the winner’s circle, the 1st Grade took on reigning Premiers Kalamunda in a game which saw a welcomed return to the top grade of Mark “Rocket” Davies. Neddies were up against it soon after the opening whistle when the visitors raced in for an early converted try for a 7-0 lead. However, by halftime, Neddies had reclaimed the lead with tries to dazzling backs Alvin “Stardust” Lau and Zane Houia for a 10-7 buffer. In a see-saw match which reflected the tightness of the game, the Bulls when back in front 14-10 with an early second half try before outstanding loose forward and part-time hotel bouncer of some repute Blair Morris crossed for Neddies’ third try, which Barry Mansfield converted. But at 17-14 ahead, Nedlands had to absorb heaps of pressure when halfback Scott “Scooter” Batters got a yellow card. However, Neddies finished the stronger and secured both the victory and a bonus point when Baz booted a penalty, scored a try and kicked a conversion to give Neddies a confidence-boosting 27-14 win. A turning point for sure.

In 2nds, Neddies took on its toughest challenge of the season against reigning 2nd grade premiers Kalamunda, a team which managed to edge out Neddies in all four games last season, including two in the finals. After letting in a soft try, Nedlands got in front with a try to barnstorming No 8 Lean Stevens and a penalty to last season’s leading point scorer Ren D’Alberto. Another try saw Neddies go to the break 16-15 ahead in a game which once again showed how close these two teams were. The Bulls regained the lead with a penalty goal before Nedlands turned to its bench for fresh legs. On came Peter Olivier, Dave Fitzgerald, Phil Scharff and Cam Sinden (who was making a welcome return to rugby for the first time this year after a serious shoulder injury in 2008) and virtually from the outset all were able to make significant contributions to the game as the Kalamunda boys began to tire. All were prominent in the multi-phase play that led to Neddies final try by Danny Carnachan for a deserved 23-18 win. Best for Neddies on the day were Barry Dry, Trefor Thomas, Lean Stevens and TJ Asiata in the forwards and Codey Cole, Cam Sinden, Ran D'Alberto and Danny Carnachan did well in the backs.

In 3rd Grade Gold, Neddies came away with the points in a hard-fought 18-12 win over ARKs. After a slow start by the boys in blue, a well trained ARKs squad, took advantage, piling on 12 unanswered points in the first 20 minutes. The big Nedlands forwards then took over, dominating the scrums and breakdown, providing excellent ball for the lightning backs. Pressure eventually turned in to points with Nedlands Sharpshooter Ryan Beatson securing 2 penalty shots from in front just before the main break. Unlike the 1st half, Nedlands shot out of the blocks with a well executed backline move, resulting in a try in the corner to the Nedlands Winger. The conversion from out wide was unsuccesful. For the next 10 minutes ARKs were on attack and were unlucky not to score, with handling errors letting them down. With 10 minutes to go, Nedlands were down 12 - 11, a ruck infringement gave Beatson a shot to send his team to the lead for the first time in the match, but unfortunately missed it from in front. With an injury to one of the backs, 2nd Grade star, and 2008 Nedlands leading point scorer, Ran D'Alberto took the field and had an imediate impact, using is blistering pace, he galloped down the sideline, scoring a try under the posts. Beatson converted the sitter, which gave Nedlands the lead 18-12. ARKs didn't give up, they tried their best to break the Nedlands line in the last 5 minutes, but the Nedlands defence was relentless. It was a great win to Nedlands, Back Rower, Marty Scoon was the star polling 3 votes in just his 2nd game back after spending over 12 months on the sideline after a knee reconstruction.

In 3rd Grade Black, the Cavaliers came up against a white-hot Kalamunda outfit featuring former All Black Norm Berryman. An early start for the Cavaliers didn’t allow them to get into the 75th celebrations too well on the field. Playing against the unbeaten Kalamunda side, after two early tries it was a very even first half. (Kala 17 - O) The 2nd half started well and It could have been closer had new winger Marvellous Banks scored in the corner, but was denied at the last movement. In the end Kalamunda ran in a few tries in the last 15 minutes to blow the score out to 48-0. The team can hold their heads high and if we play with the same passion the first win is just around the corner. Cavalier corner started early with the Kalamunda boys joining in and Cavalier of the day Case was in fine form off and on the field. Next week we look forward to taking on the Roodogs.

In 4th Grade Gold, the Shamwaris thought the boys from Bunbury were big last week, but some of the ARKs players were even bigger. Stand in coach and captain Murray Mansfield went with the guys who didn't start last week in a great rotation policy. The boys were quickly in trouble and two tries down as the ARKs guys tried to smash them off the park. The resolve stayed firm as the Shamwaris clawed their way back into the game with some quick ball out wide and simple draw the man play to open up the holes. The small pack was getting into the game with Anthony "Barbs" Barbaro outstanding, turning up the heat with some great pick and drive, two more tries and the boys were in front. ARKs were rattled and with lady luck against them they didn’t get back into the game. 5 tries to 3 and another bonus point win, 25-15. Huge smiles all round after another gutsy team effort. 

In 4th Grade Black, the Nomads welcomed club legends like Sir Reginald Walters, Ken Fleury, George Forster-Jones, Spotty, Hulkster and Brad Wilkinson, who led the way in showing old heads (even if they are devoid of hair) have what it takes to out play a spirited Kalamunda side 41-19. Gadget’s two tries and being everywhere possible to get hands on the ball earned him player of the day and with two tries, George Forster-Jones made it a close run. Props Clutterbuck and Atkins worked hard in the engine room again, to prevent a second half surge from Kala. Malloch- Smith and Fitzsimons burst through the gain line numerous times to get the Nomads onto the front foot allowing control in a game which could have easily gone the other way. James McClutchie never missed a tackle and the blue loosie Piccalo Black pounced to keep the Red and Black boys wishing they had legions like the Nomads. Silky Keith Brady getting on as flanker in his hardening up program found some gaps with fancy footwork and magical passes. Great u20 back ups in Taberer, Fantasia and McClutchie. Aussie titles beach sprinter Dean Scarff also crossing the line to say he’s as fast as Gadget allowed the Nomads to a comfortable win in the end.

Nedlands Gold U20 Vs Kalamunda
Lacklustre is probably the best that could be said about the Nedlands RUFC 20s Gold performance against Kalamunda on the weekend. Coming off the back of a superb win against Soaks the previous week it seems the team went into Saturday’s game with a touch of complacency – and paid the price, being outplayed by an almost faultless Kalamunda performance to go down 20 to 12. Kalamunda were allowed a bonus point on the back of a four try performance, compared to Nedland’s two tries (Warren Black & Ronan Moore) with one conversion from Simon Brett. Neddies error rate was high with 12 knock ons alone, which when coupled with a 4-17 Pen/FK count, saw very little set piece ball come our way. The only highlights for neddies were another dominant performance from the scrum plus a 2nd half try to Ronan Moore that was top shelf including a final 20m pass from Ollie thrown at full pace. Best players for Neddies included a tireless performance for 80 minutes by Ollie Baissac supported by Ben Yeats and Tim Badham making his run on debut at halfback.  No doubt training this week will focus on discipline, attitude and DEFENCE!

Nedlands Blue U20 Vs ARKS
The Blue forwards weathered an unseasonal storm from the huge ARKS forwards in the 1st half to be behind 12-0 at half time. With our scrum having its work cut out, it was up to the backs to turn on some razzle dazzle to square the ledger. With some fresh 2nd half legs, the Blue team stuck at their task & returned fire to score 2 handy tries including Connor scoring out wide with 10 minutes left on the clock to make it 12-15 & game on... Some poor decision making & white line fever saw ARKS hold on in what was a very even contest. Standouts for Blue were the returning Tom ‘Chicken Man’ Beare, Lewis Flood & Mike McLutchie who both tackled tirelessly.

In Under-18s, Nedlands spent the week reflecting on what happened from last week’s performance and what we needed to focus on to improve this. This process seemed to galvanise the team and they produced a good result against a physical Kalamunda team. Due to the need to start the match uncontested as Kalamunda where hit with injuries both teams where handed a stable platform to attack from, providing for a free flowing but frustrating game. Basic errors leading to a number of lost opportunities early where not dwelt on and the second period of each half showed some of he best rugby of the year so far. A good bonus point win for the 4 tries and no major injuries made for a successful weekend. Sean Terry performed well on debut for the club, Giles playing to his usual high standard and John Chia having an outstanding impact in his first game at 6 for us. A fantastic team effort for the 24-17 win.

Saturday looms as another cracker day down at The Foreshore with Neddies hosting the in-form Roo Dogs from Wanneroo and the Joondalup Brothers. So get down there and show your colours!