The Mid North Coast Rugby Union competition starts this Saturday, April 14, with the Port Macquarie Pirates hosting the Kempsey Cannonballs at Stuart Park, Port Macquarie.
The Pirates take on the Cannonballs in three grades with the U/18 fixture commencing at 12 noon. The Pirates have had a good start to the season with strong trial matches against Taree and Muswellbrook, in addition to the good showing in the Crescent Head Sevens in February.
The Pirates have several new additions to their playing strength including New Zealander Joel Rabbidge who has shown that he will be a force to be reckoned with around the ruck. Also new this year are John Talamaivao, Christian Joergenson and Joe Patrick. Lucas Wall is back after a few seasons away and will be pressing for selection. Wall also has the advantage of being an excellent goal kicker.
The front row has been strengthened with the addition of Jeremy Brigden who will bring a wealth of experience from the United Kingdom to complement the strength and guile of Geoff Lee. Ryan Dodunski has shown his worth in the centre combination with the experienced Matt Mane.
Second rower Chris Geary, from Newcastle, has combined well with Sam Atkinson who was one of the form forwards last season. The Pirates have been strengthened this year with the addition of several players who have shown outstanding ability in trial matches and training sessions. The match on Saturday against Kempsey should be a great curtain raiser for the Pirates this year and a good crowd is expected at Stuart Park. The Hastings Valley Vikings go on the road for their first match against Southern Cross University in this years six team, first grade competition.
Pirates Club President Steve Shields said this week “We certainly have gained some strength this year as well as retaining club stalwarts such as Matt Mane, Tim Platt, Mick Zucker and Lucas Webb. I am quietly confident of a good start to the season and with the depth that we have built in the off season there will be competition for most positions on the paddock which will put pressure on those selected in first grade.”
Werner Coetzer has his U/18 team ready for the season with strong showings in trial matches as well as a high standard at training not to mention his “bonding’ sessions away from the rugby field. Several of the U/18 players have representative ambitions which should come to fruition.
The Pirates will be welcoming all supporters and new supporters are encouraged as well for a fun, family friendly afternoon. The ladies will also be welcomed with complimentary champagne with the obligatory strawberries.
