Souths Juniors A-grade: Full wrap and results from round three, plus our first Little Legend of 2023
Catch up on what made headlines from round three of the Souths Juniors competition, including a suburban gem getting back into the spotlight. Plus see the latest standings and results from the weekend.
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HERE are the latest talking points from round three of the Souths Juniors competition.
SUBURBAN GEM BACK IN THE GAME
How good was it seeing senior football return to Waterloo Oval?
Redfern played host to Mascot with a pair of reserve grade fixtures on the undercard, and here’s hoping there’s more games to come from the venue.
BIG BOYS GET IT DONE
Sticking with Redfern and they moved up to second on the ladder courtesy of a very solid win over Mascot.
Their forwards led the charge and owned the middle of the field in what was a slog at times due to the conditions.
That sort of performance puts them in good stead with a huge clash with South Eastern on the radar.
STAR HALVES CLICK INTO GEAR
They’re among the top halves combinations in the comp, and the duo of Kurtis Preece and Josh Natoli had their finest game together for Matraville at the weekend.
Coach Grant Hyde was full of praise for their control of the game and their ability to steer a talented Tigers outfit aronud the park.
They’ll only get better together, which is a scary thought for the rest of the competition.
PATHWAYS YOUNG GUN ON THE RADAR
Speaking of Matraville halves, Brent Hawkins showed he’ll be ready for a call-up if needed with a strong showing in reserve grade.
The Rabbitohs SG Ball player looked good in the step up to open company, was willing to take the line on and almost helped them snatch a late draw.
I think it’s safe to say we’ll see him get a shot in A-grade at some stage in 2023.
DOLPHINS DEFENCE ON POINT
Coogee’s ability to hold South Eastern for 70 minutes without conceding is a big notch on their belt.
The Seagulls had their share of chances too, only to be turned away by the Dolphins at every point.
It’s what they are hoping to build their identity on, and after some good showings without reward to start the season, this can get them on the right path.
ROUND THREE WRAP
ROUND three of the Souths Juniors competition is in the books with a big upset and some star performances headlining the weekend.
RAB FIRE IN RETURN TO WATERLOO
It’s been over 20 years since the senior Redfern men played at Waterloo Oval, and the All Blacks turned it on for the comeback.
RAB came out on top of Mascot 32-10 to improve to 2-1 for the season, while condemning the Jets to their third loss of 2023.
The club took plenty of sentiment from the fixture, buoyed by a wealth of support despite the impacts of rain.
“It was a good solid win, especially getting back to Waterloo,” player Thomas Johnson said.
“They were tough conditions but it was unreal to have the whole community there. We made a point to advertise the game well and it was good to get out there in front of them.”
Leading from start to finish, the All Blacks turned it on in the second half to stretch out their lead ahead of a huge upcoming clash with South Eastern.
“We felt comfortable throughout the whole game,” Johnson said.
“We stuck to the game plan early on, held the footy and tried to grind them out. It clicked late in the game and we were able to score some late tries.
“Isaac Chapman was named man of the match at hooker. His kicking game was strong and he controlled everything. Our middle forwards were good and allowed the backs to finish things off.”
MATRAVILLE MOVES TO TOP SPOT
They were the two remaining undefeated sides in A-grade, and now Matraville holds top spot following a 28-18 win over La Perouse at Coogee Oval.
The Tigers turned in their best effort of the season against an in-form Panthers outfit, racing out to a 24-6 advantage.
A Jamie Ingram double helped narrow the gap to a converted try in the second half, before the defending premiers closed it out to take their record to 3-0.
“I was extremely happy with the effort. We let them back into the game with a few tries from kicks, but we finished them off with five to go,” coach Grant Hyde said.
“Our forwards are quite fit and they were able to get the tip-ons happening, as well as making some good yards.
“La Perouse never say die, and they gave us a scare late.”
Hyde was happy with the way the backline was able to gel after not quite getting it right in the opening two rounds.
“Out backline has been a bit clunky and we worked on that during the week,” he said.
“All our tries came from them, and even though they came up quick on our edges, our boys did well.
“Kyle Wilson was our man of the match. He’s previously been on the wing but we wanted to get him more ball at centre. He’s a country boy who is big and strong, and awkward to tackle.
“Kurtis Preece and Josh Natoli had their best games together. They’re right on the cusp of hitting their best years.”
DOLPHINS SHUT OUT SOUTH EASTERN
The Coogee Dolphins picked up their first win in style, shutting out South Eastern 18-0 at Pioneers Park.
Coming into the game with narrow losses in their first two outings, the Dolphins punched in a defensive effort that had coach Michael Golden overjoyed with their performance.
“We’ve been in good form, we just haven’t had the wins,” Golden said.
“It was our most complete performance for several seasons. It was really pleasing.
“It was based off our defence. They had 60 per cent of the ball but we defended aggressively and strongly. We wanted to make a statement.”
That’s exactly what they did, with two tries in a five-minute stretch giving them a 12-0 advantage into the break.
“Our middle forwards set the benchmark,” Golden said.
“Decota Dargan was good coming back from injury, Cheyne Whitelaw was good as always and Josh Rudolph at lock had some very powerful carries.
“Mark Daoud was outstanding. His execution and keeping the team on point was great. We completed at 80 per cent and we didn’t give the ball away.”
Golden hopes this is the catalyst for his side to go on a run, continuing on this weekend against La Perouse.
“It’s a game I hope will build belief in the type of football side we are,” he said.
“We want out defence to be the cornerstone of our game. We want to frustrate teams with our defence, and Mark to steer us to victory when it’s time to attack.”
RESERVE GRADE
La Perouse, South Eastern and Alexandria all sit atop the reserve grade standings as they continued their unbeaten runs.
The Seagulls held off a determined Matraville side to prevail 26-20, with Marc Cranshaw’s dummy half scoot five minutes from time proving the difference.
La Perouse took down the Dolphins 22-8, while the Rovers looked very solid in a 28-6 win over Moore Park.
Mascot scored its first win of the season with a 32-12 win over defending premiers Marrickville.
LITTLE LEGEND - JAYDEN DAHER
Young Jayden Daher has been making plenty of noise on the field, while his father is known for making it on the sidelines.
The son of Gosh, who has bamboozled many over the years as ‘The Phantom Siren’, is loving his local footy for the Coogee Dolphins.
He’s coming off a four-try performance that saw him scorch the turf at Rowland Park in the U7s, and he’s loving his footy.
“I like having fun and making good mates,” Jayden said.
“I want to score five one day.”
Gosh said he loves seeing his little boy getting out on the field and enjoying himself with a big smile on his face.
“He’s grown up understanding league and he just loves the game,” Gosh said.
“He’ll watch it on TV and know every player from every game.
“Jayden loves meeting up with his mates at Kensington Oval and having fun. That’s what it’s about, learning the game and understanding the basics.”
Jayden said Ben Hunt is his favourite player, and there’s a special connection between the Dragons and his club, with club legend Anthony Mundine apart of the management of sponsor MGM Australia with Gosh.
“It’s all about giving opportunities to Indigenous men and women of today,” he said.
“We’re definitely going to have Anthony there for a training session and a game to give the kids a bit of a pep talk. The kids and their parents will love it.”
If you’ve got a little legend from your club, get in contact with us at sean.teuma@news.com.au.
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