WE’RE BACK, BABY!

After a loss to arch-rivals Burraneer in Round 6, the Sea-Lice came into our 
Round 7 clash with Maccabi determined to show what we are capable of.

After a tight battle in the first Round of competition, and with a string of 
tough wins under there belt, Maccabi would always pose a tough competition, 
and an early penalty goal saw them take the lead just minutes into the game.

The Lice hit back quickly with a try to elusive winger Ryan Willis, 
dutifully converted by the consistent Lachlan Coffey.

Another penalty goal and a try saw Maccabi take an 11-7 lead, and the 
contest remained tight, with both sides trading offensive salvos and many 
near-misses. Special mention here should go to the steadying influence of 
the returning Doltyn Cremin at scrum-time, a positive improvement that could 
prove important as the season continues.

Just minutes before half-time a powerful kick-return from assistant 
coach/occasional winger Joel Smith saw Daniel Ross-Hopkins score with just 
minutes remaining in the half, sending the Sea-Lice into the break with a 
slender 1 point lead.

The second half could not have started better for the Lice, with prop Damien 
Lockton doing what many has suspected he may be capable of, crashing through 
the Maccabi defence before sprinting 50 metres to score just minutes after 
the restart.

The effort invigorated the boys, and tries to Sam English, Chris Charlton 
and Liam Holt followed on the back of powerful work in both attack and 
defence.

Maccabi were not to be discouraged, however, and a strong attacking effort 
saw them score in the corner, before a final try to scrum-half Drew Nuttall 
sealed a 43-16 win.

On best and fairest this week, 1 point was shared between Lachlan Coffey and 
Joel Smith, 2 points went to try scorer Damien Lockton, and three to Hooker 
Jack Mealey.

A fantastic win, getting our boys back to what they love, and what will win 
them this competition:

Great mates.

Great supporters.

And Great running rugby!

ITCH ITCH ITCH!