The whistle blew and we immediately applied pressure to the opposition scoring a good team try to Kyle out wide after a half dozen passes. A great conversion from Kyle meant we led 7 –nil. An on going tussle amongst the forwards highlighted by great scrummaging from Paul, Adam and Luke resulted in Chay being able to break free and score another try which Kyle converted; the score now 14 – nil.

Hunters Hill spread the ball out wide to a player who would make Usain Bolt look like a mini minor in a Formula One car race and an ensuing pursuit by Zac and Charlie couldn’t stop him from scoring under the posts. The kick was converted and the score was 14 – 7. The boys restarted and David along with Corey drove well and we were able to force a scrum in their quarter. A great push and drive buy Hugo Blomfield allowed the ball to be passed crisply by Jake and Angus managed to step over for a try. The kick hit the goal post and the score was 19 – 7.

Once again after sustained pressure from Hunters Hill and with another ball passed out wide a try was converted and the half time score was 19 – 14. At half time the talk was positive by Michael, Craig and Blommy and the game was there to be taken.

The game restarted with Damo making a great defensive tackle and along with Isaiah saved an early onslaught by Hunters Hill. Pressure was building and Caleb made a tackle that stopped the Hunters Hill forward and forced a drop ball. A scrum was called and unfortunately they scored out wide but missed the conversion we were now all tied up at 19 all.

The Hunters Hill backs continued to kick for position and spread the ball out wide whenever they could but all the boys defended strongly. Hugo Blakeley made a good run from broken play which allowed us to make a break but Hunters Hill defended well. As full time approached and with Tonga making a timely appearance we were camped in our 22 and the signs weren’t good. However as The Bird in the tree whistled a break was made by Angus who passed to Hugo Blakeley who then offloaded to Kyle who with what seemed like 28 players chasing him and continually fending off the opposition scored a try that made the Qantas 747 taking off from Mascot sound like a snail eating grass.

The final score Dee Why 24 Hunters Hill 19. Another great team effort from all involved and the result was a great reflection on the boy’s character in bouncing back from last weeks tough match. A special mention to our captain David who once again led from the front.

I’d also like to congratulate Angus on playing his 100th game for Dee Why and look forward to recognising this effort at our next home game.

After the kick off and the first couple of passes the football deflated and as a result a scrum was called which led to a Harbord try – very unfortunate. As it turned out several more tries would be scored in the first half with the boys struggling to find the legs to keep up with the Harbord forwards and backs.

At half time the talk was positive and the boys knew they were in for a battle right to the end and that they needed to dig deep and play for each of their mates. Several more tries were scored and as the game drew to a close everyone was exhausted and looking forward to sampling some of the fine food on offer at the canteen.

The boys will learn from this result and we look forward to watching them develop further throughout the season and rise to the next challenge on Friday against Hunters Hill.

In the last week we had five new players join the team and as a result we will now field two teams in the U8 competition. We were also lucky to have Mark Philp from the ARU at James Morgan on Wednesday night to help coach the boys, concentrating on the breakdown and the results were fantastic.

This week a much improved performance resulted in a win 9 tries to 2 against Seaforth in an all round fantastic team effort. With 16 players a great effort also by the parents on the sideline that were trying to manage the substitutions. Two man of the match awards were presented to Hayden and Jackson and encouragement awards to Tevita, Hamish, Connor and Max. As well as these players some great runs were made by Jack, Alfred, Alex, Will D and Dylan. Will G did a great job following the ball to score a great team try, the captain for the day Lachlan made some great tackles along with Nathan and Cato. Josh scored a great stepping try in the first half beating about 10 tackles with some great side stepping.

So well done to the boys and we look forward to splitting into two teams so the boys will all get plenty of game time, the players will however interchange between teams and train together as one squad during 2012.

The game began and after 5 minutes Adam had scored a try from a penalty and the score was 5 nil. However Wahroonga, with a strong breeze behind their back, took full advantage and put Damon under intense pressure which he handled well. A ruck close to our line resulted in a try to Wahroonga followed by another one 2 minutes later and the score was 10 – 5. Unfortunately another try to Wahroonga at half time made the score 15 – 5.

The talk at half time was positive from Michael and the boys knew they had it in them to fight back. As evidenced over the years their spirit as a unit had held them in good stead in the past (like their gutsy come from behind win in last year’s Grand Final) and today was no different.

The second half began and through constant pressure another try was scored against us and we were down 20-5. The support on the side line was encouraging and some good physical hits by David, Hugo Blakely and Hugo Blomfield as well as Corey and Chay started to intimidate Wahroonga.

Angus scored a try after an offload from Adam scoring under the posts which Kyle converted and the score now was 20-12. The boys lifted another notch and David scored a try after a burrageing run from the 22m line in the corner. The score was now 20 – 17 with 2 minutes to go.

Well what can one say but talk about a GRANDSTAND FINISH. With Wahroonga close to the DY try line, an injury to Damo while trying to bring down the biggest player on the field (an ex DY Lions team mate) , Angus picked his moment, picked up the ball, pinged back his ears and started to run. With a few side steps, and with Kyle following all the way, the ball was quickly passed over to Kyle who scored a try in the corner.
A huge Lions ROAR was heard around the ground and the boys were jumping up and down after their first win in A grade – well done. Kyle converted his try and the final score was DY 24 Wahroonga 20.

The key to the win was that, as a unit, we have a team of players we can call on at any time to come on to the field and play a role in the match. The support from all is appreciated and hopefully we can build on this win and have another enjoyable year. Jake at halfback provided good ball , Luke played strongly with one and a half knees , Zac was solid and supported when required, Paul played one of his strongest games ever ,Isaiah didn’t let anyone down whilst on the field , Charlie not only ran strongly but was key in defence , Nic never stopped going forward , Adam caused plenty of headaches for the opposition both in defence and attack and Tonga was ready to support when required. The boys have to be congratulated on their never say die attitude.

Dee Why, Dee Why, we are the DY LIONS
Dee Why, Dee Why, we are the DY LIONS

James Morgan is our field of choice
We are the DY LIONS
Another win were full of voice
We are the DY LIONS

Lions, Lions, we are the DY LIONS
Dee Why, Dee Why, we are…….

THE DEE WHY LIONS

Other draws will be posted in the coming weeks.

Sunday 14th August saw the mighty Dee Why Touch
team come up against our football neighbours, the Cromer Kingfishers, in the Division 2 Minor Semi Final. Dee Why came out on top 7-2, avenging an earlier loss to the Kingfishers during the season proper.

Dee Why moved into the Division 2 Finals played on the 21st August and we came away winners against the Checkers Resort in a big win 13-4, with everything we touch turning to gold.

With 2 wins in the finals series, Dee Why moved up into the Division 2A Grandfinal, played on Sunday 28th August against the Pittwater TFC. In a close Grand Final, played in great spirit, the scores were locked at 3-3 on fulltime and extra time was played, playing drop off of players each minute, which wasn’t required as Dee Why scored on the first set of 6. As the rules go, Pittwater were entitled to a set of 6 in an attempt to even the scores and after some anxious moments, Dee Why held them out for a second Grand Final win in a row.

We now turn our focus to the Summer Comp commencing Sunday 18th September.