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First Grade Match Report
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Since when did they start making magnetic footballs?! Two penalty shots 
from Newport hitting the posts was funny, but when the third one came 
from a Hornsby boot on the stroke of full-time it was just downright 
heartbreaking.

 
The Lions took the field against 15 fired up players and, as usual,  a very 
passionate Newport home crowd. We were lucky to get one look at the 
footy at kick-off, with the next touch not coming for another 10 minutes. 
Fortunately it turned out to be the best 10 minutes of defence all season, 
with Newport running forward balls off the ruck time and again, only to get 
chopped down by the Hornsby pigs every time. Newport were soon a
warded a penalty within kicking range on the back of some very strict 
refereeing. The kick hit the crossbar and was duly tidied up by the Lions, 
only for a second kick to be awarded due to either a captain’s gaff or 
poor reffing, depending on who you ask. Needless to say, Rob’s hands 
were ties to his sides as the second attempt hit the upright..


And finally the Lions had the ball in hand! Smart kicking, good discipline 
and strong running all round saw us march Newport back down the field 
repeatedly, coming away with points each time. Tries to both Brad and 
Chippa, four successful kicks by Boogs and Hornsby raced to a 20-3 
halftime lead and one of the best halves first grade has played all year.


Starting the 2nd half a man down as Brad sat in the sin bin trying to work 
out why he was there, Hornsby knew they still had a huge job ahead. The 
bigger Newport forwards certainly appreciated the break as they set about 
a copycat effort of the Lions’ first half, plenty of one-out running and pick-and
-drives. They were given a hand by a lapse in concentration and a few quick 
penalties as they worked into the Hornsby 22 early in the half. The Lions were 
by no means disgraced, holding their line strongly until the sustained pressure 
proved too much. Another forwards try soon after and a bit of luck on a forward 
pass saw Newport push to a 22-20 lead with a few minutes remaining.


(NOTE: Bingai you can stop reading now - all others proceed at your own 
discretion..)


And so we come to the final minute. A penalty to Hornsby 30m out and 5m in 
from the right touchline. What I wouldn’t give now for a slight right-to-left 
crosswind.. With Boogs on song with the boot, there was really only one option, 
and the ref pointed towards the sticks. The crowd didn’t take long to find their 
voices again, as Newport erupted in a round of boo’s and jeers that could be 
heard from Manly to Gosford. The rest is history – the ball ricocheted off the 
right upright and was gobbled up by Newport, defying a flying Dicko, and the 
match was gone. Gutted. Shattered. But with a 17-point lead at halftime, no-one 
to blame but ourselves.
 

Special mentions to Ewen - outstanding work under the Newport kick-offs; 
Duff – strong running (again!) and great options directing the backline around you; 
the whole forward pack for the best defence around the ruck I’ve seen all year – 
you guys were amazing, particularly the opening 10 minutes, let’s see that every 
week; and most importantly to Bobby G for taking Tama out of the game with a 
great legal hit – no Lion leaves the Pride and gets away with it!! 


See you all at training boys, make the effort and we’ll turn those close losses 
around.




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4TH GRADE 
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Newport 17 - Hornsby 7
 
Another somewhat disappointing result for 4s this week, going down
to 8th placed Newport. The first half was reasonably positive, 
running into the wind and going to the break locked at 0 - 0, but 
we lost the plot in the second half allowing 3 soft tries in the 
space of 10 mins. We got it together in the final 10 minutes resulting 
in a nice forwards try by Dave Morando but it was too late to claw the 
game back - final score being 17 - 7.
 
The 2 key issues in the second half were poor defense and a lack of 
bodies at the breakdown - we had too many guys standing and watching. 
We can work on these aspects at training. 
 
Good performances this week again from new player Trent Withers and it 
was nice to see Cam Riddett back in the 4th grade pack to help us out.
 
Having now lost 4 games from our last 5 outings, 'finals football' is 
not looking like it's on the cards for 4s this year. Nonetheless, plenty 
of reason to keep positive and have some fun over these last few weeks. 
Let's work towards a strong showing this week for 'Back to Hornsby Day' 
and the upcoming trip to the Mountains will also be a hoot.
 
Points this week:
 
3 = Cam Riddett
3 = Alan Pene
1 = Trent Withers