A very big thank you to all the Players, Managers, Coaches and Parents for their help with the setting up on the grounds at Brittania on Saturday morning. It was wonderful to see so many helpers there so early setting up the grounds. It was especially gratifying to receive feedback from Matt Tink, RugbyWA Manager Community Rugby & Tilly Lloyd Junior Rugby Co-Ordinator thanking us for the great job we did saying "We smashed it!!" and offering us a signed Western Force rugby ball for our efforts. Congratulations to you all and very well done. It is very much appreciated, thank you!
- Nigel Eaton, Juniors President

Under 12 Swan Nedlands 37 Wests Subiaco 5
Neddies U12’s had another good win with seven tries and a conversion to Wests Subiaco’s unconverted try in what was another entertaining and enjoyable match for our boys. The match was played in great spirit and it was great to see the team enjoying the game led by Captain Jack Parsons and having fun. Jack’s half time speech to the boys was “just keep up with the same!” and they all did just that.
Try scorers were Jacob McKellar, big Sam Offer, Jonathan Knight, Patrick Paino-Povey, Reuben Romkes and Aidan Squires with an Evan Simcock conversion. Good to see the loose forwards James Dirvigillio and Will Eaton quick to the breakdowns and winning possession at the rucks and mauls. Lewis Bailey ensured we got quick delivery to the backs and our strong backline found several good breaks and use of the wings to cross their line. Wests gave us many short arm infringements which we capitalised on and dominated territory. Well played Tom Bell, Hamish Hall, George Houdalakis, William Sutherland and Henry Evans who helped and played for Wests Subiaco. Well played boys!

Under 11 Gold Nedlands 12 def Perth Bayswater 10
There was a collective sigh of relief from the coaching staff as the Nedlands Under 11 side stopped the rot of successive losses to post a hard fought and well deserved 2 point win over a Perth Bayswater side that threatened to take the game away right up to the last play of the game. For the first time this season the backline stepped up and showed some of its potential if and glimpses of the attacking flair that we know it is so capable of. The forwards once again gave as good as they got in the contest, however neither side was able to dominate up front.
The game began with a sustained period of possession and territorial advantage for Neddies with several great runs off the wing from Cam Bissett, however the Perth defence held firm in their own 22 until a series of quick passes saw first year player Alex Rigby go over for his first try for the club. The subsequent conversion was the end of the scoring for the half and Neddies went into the shed 7-0 up.
At half time Trefor warned the boys that the opposition was very capable of hitting back and defending that lead was not an option. They were prophetic words as Perth hit back with an early try out wide thanks to some crucial missed tackles. They continued to put pressure on our defences and it took some excellent try saving tackles to stop them taking the lead. Late in the half Callum Thomas picked up the ball from the base of the scrum and ran half the field on the blind side to score Neddies second try and what looked liked the sealer under the post but the conversion attempt was wide, giving Perth hope of salvaging a draw with a converted try.
Missed tackles again resulted in a try to Perth after the restart and the last few minutes were a tense affair as both sides tried to deliver the knockout blow. In the end it was a points decision but the character shown by the boys was probably the most pleasing aspect of the performance and gives the coaches something to build a season on. Best players as chosen by Mark O,Clery this week were Callum Thomas for his dangerous runs from the base of the ruck, Mac Hanlin who laid tackle after tackle and was creative at fly half, Cam Bissett who was equally dangerous in attack and defence on the wing, hooker Nic Gillespie who pound for pound is not only the most powerful forward in the team but also the fiercest and Angus Dickson-Collins who is proving as effective as a loose forward as he is in the centres.

Under 10 University Green 40 def Nedlands 20
This week saw the return of Matt Bryan to the team, who along with Morgan Maggs, Nick Seipen and Zain Allington made some impressive tackles. Coach Tom Mitchell noted that there is a steep learning curve for the new players and he was really happy with the boys as they were thinking about where they needed to position themselves in the game.
Two great breakaway tries to Zain Allington opened the scoring to Nedlands in each half. However, we were unable to capitalise on this. Despite a greater effort in making their tackles count, the boys lost possession at the breakdown, allowing Uni to get easy tries. A last ditch effort by the forwards to drive across the try-line saw the ball held up and final time blown. After the game the opposition's referee came over to congratulate Xavier Mitchell on his outstanding game, having had a huge impact with his numerous line breaks, tackles and two tries.
Two tries each this week to Zain Allington and Xavier Mitchell. Special thanks to the expert 'assistant refereeing' skills of coach Brendan Egan.

Under 8/9s - Cottesloe 35 def Nedlands 15
Well, the Co-Coach's bold claim that "Kalamunda will be as good as we were going to face this year" came back to haunt him when the Bluepigs faced a strong, fast and extremely physical Cottesloe Seagulls team. There was an intensity about the game from the outset with some impressive early tackling. A fine try from Connor Enslin hinted at a win but the much bigger opposition gradually got on top, taking a four tries to one lead into half time despite some fantastic team defence and some strong running.
The second half was tighter and credit must go to the team for not letting their heads down as the Gulls stretched out to a five try lead. The Bluepigs hit back with two specials from Robbie "Roadrunner" Harding that capped another fine all round game before Cott finished the scoring. It was pleasing to see all the kids having a real go, and mention must be made of the huge efforts put in by the likes of Max "The Bull" Lans, Ted Rose, Josh Smith and "Captain's Choice" Hamish G in never conceding an inch to some much bigger boys. One particular rip from Darcy Smith towards the end of the game off a kid marginally smaller than both Coaches was a particular highlight but there were many other good points to take away. Special mention to Hudson Swick and Max "Dee" Dunn who continue to improve every week and well done to a deserved player of the day, Connor E.
Finally, thanks also to all parents who helped with set up yesterday. As we said in the wrap "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!" so the Bluepigs will be back stronger than ever next week for the Carnival Day at ARKs.

U7 Nedlands V Cottesloe
In a late change, Nedlands U7 were drawn against Cottesloe for a 9.10 kickoff at Britannia. The relentless practice drills and fitness training that the team have been putting in during the weeks are beginning to show dividends. The boys are running lines in the right direction, and the eight tries that were scored were results of working the ball through the hands, running straight to commit the opposition, and passing to a well positioned supporting player with space in front to the try line.
To sum up the performance in a single word – Teamwork. Well done to the whole team. The Cottesloe team were a bit under strength, and so Neddies supplied two subs to put on the light blue, who managed to score a clutch of tries, and were passionate in defence. I am sure that the Cottesloe match report will be singing the praises of the ring-ins.

U6 Nedlands V West Subiaco
Despite a try to Wests within the first few seconds of the game, Coach Sam's Thursday training session had the kids defending the line as if post game snacks were dependent on it. Our new tactic of running hard in the right direction also proved a masterstroke, with nearly all of the team crossing the line. In the end, fun was had by all and a draw was a fitting result.