Saturday 30 June 2012 was in stark contrast to the previous monsoonal game against Penrith on 16 June 2012 and the night game against Warringah the previous Friday. The ground was in magnificent condition and the sun was shining ready for some great rugby.

Notwithstanding the normal competitiveness between Norths and Easts there was a lot at stake on Saturday as the afternoon’s matches represented the inaugural Sam Carson Fresh Tracks Foundation Charity Cup to be played between the two clubs.

The 1st Colts match started at a quick pace with Norths scoring an early try but gradually settled into a heavy weight bout between what appeared to be two evenly matched opponents.

Norths appeared to be able to bust Easts defence out wide with ease, but also spent long periods defending deep in their own quarter against a determined Easts outfit. The Norths backs threatened to play an expansive game but on many occasions in the 1st half the final pass went astray. Handling errors continued to add to Norths frustrations as our forwards attempted to overcome the spoiling game played by Easts. Hugh Sinclair, Declan Carroll and Sam Figg played strongly throughout the game and were well supported by the rest of the pack.

In particular, Will Weeks appeared to enjoy himself enormously, playing against his former club, or so it seemed from the sideline with many warm words of encouragement flowing from the Easts bench.

The score edged its way to 17-17 after 64 minutes of play. Die hard Norths supporters remained nervously confident despite Easts increasing determination.

The referee had a significant impact on the game with an unusual number of penalties running against the Norths team. After demonstrating his frustration at some adverse interpretations of the rules, Harry Hobden was rewarded with a 10 minute rest by the referee.

Jack Cameron was involved in a major collision and head clash with his opposing centre, James Stokes, which resulted in Jack having to leave the field for Dr. Steve Freeman to insert several stitches to a cut under his chin.

As in many close games the final result hinges on a specific act by an individual that sparks an increased effort by the entire team. On Saturday that act of brilliance was contributed by the ever reliable Jack Grant who scored a sensational try in the 65th minute of the game to break the deadlock.

Jack’s inspirational effort and try was the catalyst for Norths to run away with the game, outscoring Easts 31-3 in the last 15 minutes of the match.

Michael Freeman and Christian Jones had another strong game in the backs while Harry Cleaver excelled with his ball distribution and tactical kicking.

Norths ran out worthy winners defeating Easts 48-20 at the final bell.

Try Scorers: Declan Carroll (2), Christian Jones (2), Jack Walters, Jack Grant, Michael Freeman, and Jack Cameron.
Conversions: Jack Grant (3), Tom Redden.

Best & Fairest: 3-Hugh Sinclair, 2-Michael Freeman, 1- Sam Figg