Fathers’ Day 2012 turned out to be an absolute ripper! For the 3rd consecutive week Norths 1st Colts journeyed South to Foreshaw Rugby Park to play West Harbour in a cut-throat semi final match from which the loser was to be eliminated.

Despite a number of injured players and niggling injuries Norths 1st Colts were confident they would prevail on the day against the large Wests pack and powerful back line spearheaded by Debreczeni their No.10.
The crowd at Foreshaw was left amazed from the kick-off when, after a short line-out throw Wests punched down the right hand side of the field and scored within 2 minutes of the match starting. This powerful start by Wests was typical of their 1st half performance in which they dominated set piece and phase play across the paddock. Norths Colts were taken by surprise and took the entire first half to regain their composure during which time Wests amassed 27 unanswered points including 3 tries. Norths 1st Colts were flustered and made a number of uncharacteristic errors as their play became hesitant and lost structure.

However with only 2 minutes to half time Harry Hobden received a ball out wide on the left hand side of the field and then popped a perfectly timed delayed ball to none other than the ever present Jac Cameron who scored in the corner. Jack Grant converted the try and Norths retired to the sheds for a soul searching session with Arch and Hallie. The score at half time was 27-7 in favour of Wests and things looked bleak.
At first in the 2nd half the ball and the referee’s calls continued in West favour with Debreczeni scoring another penalty goal to add to his tally and move Wests to a 30-7 lead. Die hard Norths supporters were wringing their hands in desperation and fear that the season my end in 35 minutes.

Whether it was the warm afternoon that took its toll on the large Wests forwards or the growing determination of the Norths pack that started to dominate their opposition but the balance of the game started to swing towards Norths. This was lead by the usual suspects in Hobden, Weeks and Jones in the front row. Sinkers and Declan Carroll played a blinder in the second half with Sam Figg, Ciaran McWhite and Josh Calcagno playing a monster second half as well. Regrettably Tommy Irons badly injured his ankle in the pregame warm-up and could not take the field. As Norths confidence began to grow, Wests dominance began to unravel, with their huge scrum losing its advantage.

As the Norths pack boldly fought its way back into the game the Norths backs, led by skipper Michael Freeman, also began to assert their dominance.

Unfortunately the match was marred by the referee issuing several yellow cards for repeated minor infringements. Yellow cards were issued to Michael Freeman and Harry Hobden.

Several great tries were scored in the match by Norths, including two by Will Weeks. The most spectacular was scored by Blake Murray on the right wing after an amazing break by Michael Dowsett and a sublime reverse flick pass behind his back to draw two Wests defenders and leave Murray an open sprint to the try line.

All of the Norths backs played with great composure in the second half and dominated field position and possession.

Norths finally took the lead with 17 minutes to full time. Norths final try resulted in them leading by 36-30 however another Debreczeni penalty resulted in a final score of Northern Suburbs 36 defeating Wests 33.

The nail biting, “come from behind victory” should provide further confidence to Norths 1st Colts in preparation for the Grand Final against Sydney University next week.

Final Score: Norths Suburbs 36 def. West Harbour 33

Tries: Will Weeks (2), Jac Cameron, Blake Murray, Hugh Sinclair & Chris Smith
Goals: Jack Grant (3)

Best & Fairest:
3 - Josh Calcagno
2 – Jack Grant
1 – the rest of the team!