There was plenty more scoring action in the second half to stir on the horde of Neddies supporters who had made the trek north to watch the game. By the final whistle, Neddies had piled on another five tries to Cam Sinden, Cody Cole, Richie “Rat” Naylor and big Tyson, completing his hat trick. Perhaps the biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for TJay Asiata, who took a pass from fellow prop Terry “Max” Smith to score with an eloquent swan dive in the corner. Both big experienced units, TJay and Max have been pivotal to Neddies’ revival after a slow start to the season and the club’s front row stocks have also benefitted from the arrival from Wellington of Joe Ritchie, who played his first game in 1st Grade colours on Saturday after playing for the 2nds last week. While everyone contributed to the 52-20 victory, centre Zane Houia underlined his star quality with a sublime performance and skipper Nathan Roberts continues to look dangerous with the No. 9 jumper on his back.

In 2nd Grade, the Roo Dogs barked but they ultimately could not prevent the Nedlands 2nd Grade caravan from rolling on to victory 39-17. The win looked convincing enough on the scoreboard but, as the week leading up to the game progressed, the odds against us securing such a comfortable win seemed to be mounting by the day. By the end of training on Thursday night we had lost Joe Ritchie to 1st Grade, Scotty Macmillan, Neil Smith and our indefatigable vice captain Travis McEntyre to injury as well as Farkie, Tony M. and super boot Ren D'Alberto to illness and, worst of all, we were without our regular captain (and formidable lock forward) Trefor Thomas who is away interstate. As it turned out, we need not have concerned ourselves. The stand in leadership team of captain Glen "the hard nut" Williams and vice captain Chris "Silky Skills" Doherty handled the troops superbly. The game started well when Trefor's young replacement Callum Sauer made a bustling run on his way to the line and found Barry “Tooheys Extra” Dry was on hand in support to score in the corner. Another cracker of a try soon after from winger Mike Dolan and another to Lean Stevens put Neddies ahead 22-5 at the break.The points continued in the second half with a try to Cody Cole, who is being fined for his attempted 'goose step' which was considered more goose than step. After a long injury layoff, it was good to see Harry “Chopper” Cogin back on the field after warming up by changing flat tyres for Cam Sinden all the way to the ground. Chopper only knows one speed and he just loves contact. Unfortunately he came out rather the worse for wear when a heavy collision meant that he had to be replaced after only 20 minutes by another speedster, promising Under18s flyer Rhyno Fourie. Wanneroo came back into the match to increase their score to 17 before Neddies had the last word with a try to Farkie, who got out of his sick bed to play, for a final score line of 39-17.

In 3rd Grade Gold, Neddies went down 36-12 to Joondalup at Iluka, while the Cavaliers were pipped 27-22 by Wanneroo in 3rd Grade Black.

In 4th Grade Black, the unbeaten Nomads keep pressing on towards the finals with a new vigilance. The first game without Sir Edmund Fleury due to an torn ear injury. A plastic surgeon was called to ensure Kenny’s good looks were upheld only to be told normal stitches are fine, and cauliflower ears are cool.The first half was needed to wear Wanneroo down and settle into a pattern before Spencer decided it was time to break through and score under the posts.The second half the Nomads got there combinations together with Ryan Carter showing skills beyond that of a first timer, the good hands, dynamite tackles and runs that finally got him over for a fiver and get POD. Spencer stepping up to take over the try scoring feast from Gadget with three. Spotty getting his one per game all on the end of good forward blow overs, penetrating runs from Fitzy and Piccolo and a forward pack that looked like it had a lot more purpose than just turning up. A great effort from James McClutchie to start as hooker then finish the game in the centres. Pomare Black showing he can keep the backline at pace and Wilko Wizard doing it perfectly again. Good to see Aussie Bob on in the first half even if all the points where scored after his subbing. The Nomads winning comfortably 33 to 5.
The Shamwari’s had a bye in 4th Grade Gold, as did both Colts teams in a master-stroke of fixturing. In the early game at Kingsway, the Under18s went down 26-15 to Wanneroo. So mixed fortunes throughout the grades, but still enough for Nedlands to maintain its number one position on the Club Championship.
Saturday looms as an absolute cracker down at The Foreshore with Neddies hosting old foe Cottesloe as well as the feature of PerthR17;s social calendar, Ladies Day. Weather forecast is for a fine day so get down to The Foreshore to show your colours!