Recently I mentioned how I’d seen really big flathead eat little ones on at least three occasions. At first I thought maybe the big ones were protecting the little ones. I now don’t believe this to be the case as several people have phoned me telling me they have seen the same thing. A couple have mentioned finding smaller flathead when cleaning big ones, one guy found two inside a belly.

Cabarita Beach SLSC members, Teagan Quinn and Brett Draman have been rewarded recently for their maturity by being selected to attend a NSW Government funded Young People in Emergency Services Forum.

Congratulations to the Gentlemen of Murwillumbah Rugby Union on their debut season 2010

Last Saturday in a disappointing final game of the 2010 season, the Gentlemen of Murwillumbah were shaded by a desperate Mullumbimby side 15-26.

The Moonshiners were bolstered by a surge of last game signings from a Gold Coast rugby club that had experienced a particularly unspectacular season.

A spokesman for the Gentlemen of Murwillumbah declined to comment only to say that the Gents have, and will, continue to play rugby in the spirit the Village Competition represents.

The first half began with both packs involved in some torrid exchanges. In set play the Gents forwards again showed why they have become the most respected bunch in the competition.
Mullumbimby managed a converted try midway through the half after a costly error by Murwillumbah – the Gentlemen hit back almost immediately after some terrific work by their forwards. The ball reached the safe hands of centre Mick Ford who barged over for a five pointer.

The conversion was unsuccessful.

A converted  try to the visitors gave Mullumbimby a 10-3 lead at the break.
 

Gents coach Peter Crittle had a quiet word to his charges at halftime, reminding them of their capabilities.

The second half saw some fine backline moves with both sides prepared to play some entertaining running rugby, a lapse in defence by Mullum resulting in the Gents big number three Phil Lees scoring a try which was successfully converted by Kane Jardine.

A penalty to the Gents was the only other additition to their score. Late in the game the Moonshiners scored twice to seal the win and end the season for both teams.

Gents coach and Wallaby legend Peter Crittle announced after the game that he would not be coaching in 2011 but will be keeping close ties with the club and is prepared to be involved in any way if needed. Peter has played and coached at the highest level and said that finishing his coaching career in the Village Competition was a fitting end.

Crittle named his best players for the day as Gents skipper Phil Brown, playing his last game before retiring, Nick Moran and Kane Jardine. The players elected Nick Moran as Gentlemen’s Gentleman.

The Gentlemen of Murwillumbah are looking toward next season. Both the committee and the players are confident of improvement on their debut season.

For the first time in the history of Murwillumbah High School, the boys football team has made the Errea Cup finals. ‘This is a huge achievement for our school and community,’ said teacher and team coach Andy Mitchell. ‘This competition involves every comprehensive high school in the state and to be one of four teams to make the semi finals is such a buzz.’

Last Friday the school eagerly awaited results from the Seymour Shaw stadium in Sydney, where the boys had travelled the previous day to compete in the quarter finals against Woolaware High.
At lunch-time anticipation broke when the loud speakers in every class room announced the welcome news that the team had won.

Mr Mitchell said that the first half of the match was tense as it remained scoreless. ‘The highlight of the match came in the second half,’ he said. ‘Scoring two goals in the first ten minutes, including a 25 metre screamer by Brent Malone, then going on to win three nil.’

Team member and school captain Arjuna Govindasamy was ecstatic about the first goal. ‘For a while I couldn’t believe we scored and I just stood there in awe. Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you and your team mates rush together yelling and screaming after you hit the lead.’

Arjuna believes the secret ingredient to the seven knock-out matches they have won in a row is the team’s flexibility, where every player can play in at least one other position, making defending against them difficult.

Coach Mitchell says that sharing the journey with the boys has been a great experience, especially watching them take his advice onboard and growing in self belief the further they have gone.

For Arjuna, the win means everything. ‘It’s by far the highlight of my entire schooling. I’m sure it’s the same for the other boys. I think we’re all surprised with what we’ve done, both for ourselves as well as the school.

The team will travel back to Sydney‘s Seymour Shaw Stadium this week to play Albury High School in the semi finals. The multiple trips to Sydney are placing a big strain on family budgets and any support from local business would be much appreciated.

Anyone wishing to help the boys out can contact Andy Mitchell care of Murwillumbah High on 02 6672 1566.