MATCH REPORT - 28TH AUGUST 2010

Round 20 - Parramatta vs. West Harbour

'West Harbour Victorious Over Parramatta, 37-36'

West Harbour has moved up into eighth position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield Ladder after their second consecutive win over Parramatta at Granville Park.  Thirty-seven points was enough for the Pirates to pinch the game from Parramatta's grasp, who finished on thirty-six points. 

In contrast to the seventy-three to fifteen blow out in their round nine meeting, West Harbour faced a much improved Parramatta side that also fielded some new personnel.  Going into the second half chasing a nineteen to ten point deficit, the Pirates remained calm.  Rory Sidey, who has scored five tries in the last two games, said, "We knew we hadn't really started playing yet.  We just had to believe in ourselves and in our ability – playing smarter and making more secure runs."  Sitting on the side lines for five weeks due to injury, Sidey admitted to getting "itchy feet" but is relishing being back on the field and "leading the team onto the winning path and finishing the season off well." 

Next week will be West Harbour's last home game of the season and a big crowd is expected.  The Pirates will host third-placed Southern Districts at Concord Oval.  Kick-off is at 3pm.

MATCH REPORT - 21ST AUGUST 2010

Round 19 - Randwick vs. West Harbour

'Dominant Win by West Harbour Over Randwick, 43-18'

West Harbour is back in the winners' circle this week, with a convincing win over a fifth-placed Randwick.  The Pirates defeated the Galloping Greens forty-three points to eighteen at Coogee Oval.

The win comes after a string of less-than-impressive results, something which Vice-Captain Campese Ma'afu put down to attitude.  "Training during the week was quiet and everyone was focused.  We had to dig deep and believe in ourselves.  It was a mental thing – I wish we had it for the past six-to-eight games," he said.

Despite a slow start to the game, West Harbour took a sneaky lead in the last minutes of the first-half to lead Randwick twelve points to ten.  The talk at half-time centred on patience, getting the little things right and sticking to the game plan.  Captain Rory Sidey, making his return from injury and scoring three of the Pirates' six tries, was praised by Ma'afu for his strong leadership.  "He told the team that we were here to win and that the game was ours to win," he said.  Posting thirty-one more points in the second-half, the Pirates obviously stepped up to the plate.  None more so than Ben Volvola, who in only his second first-grade game, Ma'afu said, "…played his role perfectly".

With three rounds remaining, West Harbour will play two away games and one at home.  Next week, the Pirates will face-off against the Parramatta Two-Blues at Granville Park.  Kick-off is at 3 o'clock.

MATCH REPORT - 14TH AUGUST 2010

Round 18 - West Harbour vs. Penrith

'West Harbour Settle For A Draw Against Penrith'

The West Harbour Pirates and Penrith Emus could not be separated yesterday, resulting in a twenty-six-all draw.  The Pirates are still in ninth-position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield ladder, two competition points behind eighth-placed Northern Suburbs and one point ahead of both Penrith and Gordon.

Despite a twenty-six to fourteen point lead, an injury-depleted West Harbour was almost run down by an energetic Penrith outfit and their small but vocal contingent of supporters. 

However, West Harbour was victorious in all the other matches played, with the exception of Fourth Grade, Colts I and II for which Penrith have no teams. 

Next Saturday the Pirates will travel to Coogee Oval to take on a fifth-placed Randwick.  Kick-off is at 3pm.

MATCH REPORT - 7TH AUGUST 2010

Round 17 - Sydney University vs. West Harbour

'Pirates Beaten by Sydney University, 50-5'

Sixth-placed Sydney University has defeated West Harbour, fifty points to five.  The Pirates are still ranked ninth on the Toohey New Shute Shield ladder. 

Playing all Grade and Colts' games on Sydney University home ground, Maguire Tatola gave the loyal West Harbour fans something to cheer about when he scored the Pirates' lone try of the game.  The attempted conversion by Henry Seavula was unsuccessful. 

Next Saturday the Pirates will take on Penrith at home.  The game will be played at Concord Oval and kick-off is at 3pm.

MATCH REPORT - 31ST JULY 2010

Round 16 - West Harbour vs. Manly

'Manly Win Against West Harbour, 34-10'

The West Harbour Pirates have lost to competition front-runners, Manly.  The Pirates still retain their ninth-placed position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield Ladder in spite of the loss.

Despite being the first to post points on the board via a penalty kick to Henry Seavula, the Pirates went into half-time trailing twenty-four points to three.  Manly bookended the second-half of the game with tries at the start and finish of the forty-minute period, taking their lead out to thirty-four.  The only try to West Harbour, courtesy of Sione Tau, was successfully converted by Seavula.  The final score was twenty-four points in Manly's favour.

Next week, West Harbour will play both their first-grade games and colts' games at Sydney University.  Revised game times and venues are available on West Harbour's website: www.westharbourrugby.com.au

MATCH REPORT - 24TH JULY 2010

Round 15 - Gordon vs. West Harbour

'First Grade Lose to Gordon, 42-28, Whilst First Colts Sail Towards Finals'

West Harbour's First Grade made it four consecutive losses when they were defeated by Gordon, forty-two points to twenty-eight at Chatswood Oval on Saturday 24 July.  However, the Pirates keep their position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield Ladder at ninth-place. 

With Gordon leading West Harbour thirty-five to twenty-eight with five minutes to go, the possibility of a the Pirates' securing a bonus point was scratched out when the Highlanders scored a final try.  The final score line was fourteen points in Gordon's favour.

West Harbour's First Colts also let in a late try to Gordon but were victors in their match, winning twenty-seven points to twenty-one.

Currently in second position on the W. McMahon Memorial Shield Ladder, Captain Rob Hahn says the team has the finals set in their sights.  "We have been thinking about it.  We're in a good position on the ladder – so after every game, you sort of think about what the finals will be like," he said.  With seven remaining rounds, a West Harbour and Sydney University grand final is looking likely.  Victors in their round seven clash, Hahn is looking forward to the match in two weeks' time when the two teams come together again.  "You're optimistic every week but you have to play your best against Sydney.  You can't give them any opportunities because they will take them," he said.

Commenting on whether or not the upcoming match would be a preview of the grand final, Hahn said, "It seems most likely that it will come down to us and Sydney Uni in the grand final but you can't count Easts or Eastwood out – they're both good teams."    

"We're playing for fun but at the end of the day, you want to win the comp." 

MATCH REPORT - 17TH JULY 2010

Round 14 - West Harbour vs. Eastwood

'West Harbour Run-Down by Eastwood, 27-24'

West Harbour has recorded their ninth loss of the season.  The Pirates were defeated by Eastwood twenty-seven points to twenty-four at Concord Oval, and for a second week in a row, the difference between the two teams in the end was a penalty goal.  The loss and bonus point takes the Pirates down one spot on the Tooheys New Shute Shield Ladder to ninth position. 

Seemingly better off from their close loss against Eastern Suburbs the week before, West Harbour took a comfortable lead in the first half.  Leading twenty-four to seven at one point, the Pirates looked likely to cause an upset against the third-placed Woodies.  However, three unanswered tries and a penalty goal saw the visitors steal the victory back, much to the delight of their large contingent of fans in the stands. 

With eight remaining rounds in the regular season, the Pirates have a hard task ahead in order to play in the finals.  Next week they come up against tenth-placed Gordon at Chatswood Oval.  Kick off is at 3 o'clock.

MATCH REPORT - 10TH JULY 2010

Round 13 - West Harbour vs. Eastern Suburbs

'Pirates Beaten by Eastern Suburbs in Controversial Finish'

The Pirates have suffered their second loss in as many weeks and drop down to eighth position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield ladder.  Coming up against fourth-placed Eastern Suburbs, strengthened with the return of their Super 14 and Wallaby stars, West Harbour were not favourites to win.  The odds looked even worse when the visitors led the Pirates, thirty points to sixteen at one point.  But West Harbour fought back and hopes were lifted when Lester Salanoa scored twice and David Fong, who kicked six from six for the match, successfully converted both to even things up with five minutes to go. 

A shoulder charge by Tom Hikila gifted East's' a golden opportunity to win the game, and when Brendan McKibbin's kick hit the upright, the home crowd cheered.  However, West Harbour was dealt a bad hand when referee James Leckie penalised Steve Mafi for a dubious dangerous tackle seconds before full time.  Brendan McKibbin converted the penalty goal and the Beasties won the game. 

Rory Sidey, stand-in captain for an injured Nick Reily said, "I think a draw would have been a better reflection of the game…It was a line-ball decision.  I thought it wasn't a penalty but it was the ref's decision to make and he obviously made it." 

"You can't be happy with a loss, but there were positive to take out of the game.  We played with passion and if we can turn that into consistency – limiting our mistakes and penalties, we can start winning the close games," he said.

West Harbour is scheduled to play third-placed Eastwood next week.  It will be another home game for the Pirates and will be played at Concord Oval.  Kick off is at 3 pm.

MATCH REPORT - 3RD JULY 2010

Round 12 - Northern Suburbs vs. West Harbour

'Pirates Lose to Northern Suburbs, 37-24 - Out of Top Six'

Playing at North Sydney Oval, West Harbour went down to Northern Suburbs thirty-seven points to twenty-four on Saturday 3 July.  It is the Pirates' seventh loss of the season and means they drop down one spot on the Tooheys New Shut Shield Ladder, to seventh place. 

Going into half-time scoreless and down sixteen points, West Harbour had a hard task ahead of them in the second-half.  Managing to score twenty-four points but leaking a further twenty-one, the Pirates are looking to bounce back next week when they take on fourth-placed Eastern Suburbs.  The game will be played at Concord Oval, a home game for West Harbour first-grade whilst their Colts travel to Woollahra Oval. 

West Harbour's Colts I are still on top of the W McMahon Memorial Shield ladder after thirteen rounds.  Their game against the Northern Suburbs saw a vastly different score line, winning the game with an emphatic fifty-six points to three.

MATCH REPORT - 26TH JUNE 2010

Round 11 - West Harbour vs. Warringah

'Pirates Draw With Warringah, 28-28 In A Nail-Biting Finish'

West Harbour can consider themselves both lucky and unlucky with the result of their match against Warringah.  The game ended in a twenty-eight all score line that sees the Pirates retain their position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield ladder once again, but it was a game of missed opportunities.  

Dubbed by Pirates' captain Nick Reily as "a strange game", West Harbour looked uncomfortable trying to match the Rats more conservative style of football.  Passes went astray, kicks went out on the full and penalties were conceded, allowing Warringah many opportunities to take advantage of their mistakes.  The visitors went into half-time leading eighteen to West Harbour's fifteen. 

Immediately following half-time, it was much of the same, and Warringah stretched their lead out to twenty-five to fifteen.  The Pirates were camped on the Rats' try line for what seemed like an age before Lester Salanoa finally went over – the score now twenty-two to twenty-five against the home side.  A string of penalties against Warringah saw a second player from the Rats sent to the bin and Nick Reily evened up the scores at twenty-five all.  Smelling a victory, the vocal home crowd tried to lift the Pirates who started to settle back into their usual style.  Two penalty goals, one for either side, made for some banter between the two crowds of supporters and had the game still tied up with three minutes to go.  With a third player from Warringah given the yellow card, West Harbour had a great opportunity to steal the game in the dying seconds.  Nick Reily made a break and the crowd were on their feet; he passed to his inside support in Rory Sidey and the crowd started in a cheer – only to groan when Sidey couldn't control the ball and the full-time siren signalled the end of a nail-biting game. 

West Harbour are set to play North Sydney next week at North Sydney Oval.  North Sydney are currently sitting in eighth position.  Kick-off is at three o'clock. 

MATCH REPORT - 19TH JUNE 2010

Round 10 - West Harbour vs. Southern Districts

'Pirates Go Down to Southern Disctricts But Stay in Top Six'

The West Harbour Pirates have suffered their sixth loss of the season.  The Pirates were unable to topple the competition front-runners at their home ground, Forshaw Rugby Park.  But they came close, scoring four tries and keeping the winning margin under seven to retain their sixth-placed position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield ladder. 

Coach Jarred Hodges was pleased with the effort, saying, "I'm obviously not impressed with the result but our effort for the full eighty minutes was pleasing…We held our own out there."  It was a game in which West Harbour did not do much wrong but were unable to turn effort into points.   A contentious penalty try awarded to the Rebels was the difference in the end but Hodges still held Southern Districts as the benchmark of the competition.  "They are a very good team – they're very tall and they've got a very good front row.  Our front row is still very young and inexperienced." 

The Pirates are back at home next week.  They take on seventh-placed Warringah at Concord Oval on Saturday 26 June at three o'clock.

COLTS' MATCH REPORT - 12TH JUNE 2010

Round 9 - West Harbour vs. Parramatta

'West Harbour Colts Run Riot Over Parramatta in a Day of Centuries'

It's not often that you see two centuries in one day but when West Harbour's first-grade colts defeated Parramatta 115-7 at Concord Oval, that's what the spectators witnessed.  Not only did the home side post over one hundred points against their opposition but their flyhalf, Shaun Treweek, took his personal points tally for the season past the hundred mark.  Sitting on ninety-nine season points going into the game, Treweek scored fifty points against the Two-Blues.  He scored four tries and kicked fifteen goals, taking his season total to one hundred and forty-nine.  Speaking about his points tally, Shaun said, "I don't really pay much attention to it.  Otherwise I would put too much pressure on myself."

It was a tight contest in the first half, Parramatta were trying hard against the competition leaders and the Pirates were not playing to their potential.  Only leading 19-7 at the halftime break, Coach Dave Treweek (and Shaun's father) gave the colts a tongue-lashing.  "We played pretty badly in the first half, so he said some stuff to really motivate us", Shaun said.  And the Pirates did come out firing in the second half, keeping the opposition scoreless and seemingly scoring at will.  Not a team for conservative football, the Pirates' pulled off some skilful plays, causing some spectators to say, "That was sick!" and "Did you see that?" 

The West Harbour Colts hope to continue wowing audiences in their game against last year's runner's up, Southern Districts, at Concord Oval next Saturday 19 June. 

MATCH REPORT - 5TH JUNE 2010

Round 9 - West Harbour vs. Parramatta

'Parramatta Embarrassed as Pirates Sneak into Top Six'

A resounding win over the Parramatta Two Blues has seen the West Harbour Pirates sail into the top six on the Tooheys New Shute Shield ladder.  The Pirates won the game seventy-three points to fifteen in mixed conditions at Concord Oval. 

It was a first half Parramatta captain, Andrew Cox would rather forget.  In a speech made following the match, he said, "We're embarrassed by that first half.  We want to apologise to our supporters who came out to watch us play".  And a large crowd of supporters it was, despite the miserable weather.  However, there were no apologies from the Pirates, who obviously enjoyed the home ground advantage and entertaining commentary.  West Harbour heaped on the tries on both halves.  Lester Salanoa and Henry Seavula racked up a tally of tries for the home side between them, whilst Nick Reily had another good day with the boot.

The Pirates fielded three debutantes to cover for the loss of the two Ma'afu brothers, Salesi and Campese, who played for Australia and Fiji respectively in the test match on Saturday night. 

The Pirates hope to continue their winning form and make it three in a row when West Harbour takes on competition frontrunners Southern Districts in two weeks time at Forshaw Rugby Park. 

MATCH REPORT - 29TH MAY 2010

Round 8 - West Harbour vs. Randwick

'West Harbour Outclass Randwick, 35-22'

The West Harbour Pirates have recorded their third win of the season, defeating Randwick thirty-five points to twenty-two at a wet Concord Oval on Saturday 22May.  The win and bonus point takes the Pirates up two spots on the Tooheys New Shute Shield Ladder to seventh position. 

Welcoming back Rory Sidey, Sam Wykes and Salesi Ma'afu from their respective Super14 teams and performing in front of ABC TV cameras, the Pirates put on a show for the large and lively home crowd.  The Pirates scored four tries whilst Captain Nick Reily slotted a total of six goals to take West Harbour to their match-winning tally, despite a spate of penalties going against the home side in the second half that offered the Galloping Greens a number of opportunities to make a comeback.  Rory Sidey commented, saying, "Most of [the penalties] are coming at the breakdowns.  We're still learning the different interpretations of the new rules…but we're trying hard to rectify that."

However, a comeback wasn't on the cards for the visitors, who succumbed to the Pirates inspiring attack and committed defence.  Rory Sidey praised the win, saying, "We usually play a very expansive game so to win under those wet conditions was very pleasing.  Especially against a top team like Randwick…I haven't done that before."

Hoping to make it two in a row, the Pirates take on last-placed Parramatta next Saturday 5 June at Concord Oval. 

MATCH REPORT - 22ND MAY 2010

Round 7 - Penrith vs. West Harbour

'West Harbour Colts undefeated whilst first grade lose to Penrith'

The West Harbour first grade colts are sitting pretty on top of the W. McMahon Memorial Shield ladder.  Four points clear of second-placed Sydney University and with the largest points differential in the competition, the Pirates extended their lead with a thrashing of Penrith 118-12 at Concord Oval on Saturday, 22 May.  The West Harbour colts hope to continue their match-winning form when they play Randwick this Saturday at Coogee Oval.  The game starts at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, a road-trip down to Penrith has prevented West Harbour's first grade Pirates' from claiming a third consecutive win.  The visitors lost to the Emu's by four points at Nepean Rugby Park on Saturday, 22 May.  After claiming the scalps of two of the competitions big-name teams, the Pirates were flat against Penrith but managed to keep the margin fewer than seven points.  The single competition point takes West Harbour's tally up to thirteen points and sees the Pirates move up to ninth position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield Ladder.

The Pirates are looking to bounce back from the loss this Saturday, when they take on third-placed Randwick at home.  The game will be played at Concord Oval and will be televised on ABC TV at 3 p.m.  A big, home crowd is expected.

MATCH REPORT - 15TH MAY 2010

Round 6 - West Harbour vs. Sydney University

'West Harbour Outplays Sydney University, 29-24'

The West Harbour Pirates have triumphed over rivals, Sydney University in a nail-biter at Concord Oval on Saturday.  The win and bonus point means the Pirates leapfrog three spots up, to eighth position on the Tooheys New Shute Shield Ladder. 

It wasn't a good day for the visitors who in addition to losing, had to endure a large and vocal home crowd - the result of a first-time collaboration between the two clubs to have all match fixtures held at the Pirates' home ground.  West Harbour prop, Campese Ma'afu praised the initiative, saying , "Having all the boys from the lower grades there to support us was good.  They really fired us up for the game…and we were happy not to disappoint.". 

So the crowd may not have helped them much but Sydney University managed to keep the score line modest.  West Harbour's first-grade coach, Jarred Hodges, wasn't so pleased, saying, "The end score probably flattered [Sydney University] a bit.  Discipline is something we need to work on…we can't keep giving away penalties.  Other than that, it was a very satisfying win.". 

The Pirates are looking to continue their winning form when they take on ninth-placed Penrith at Nepean Rugby Park next Saturday.

MATCH REPORT - 9TH MAY 2010

Round 5 - Manly vs. West Harbour

'Timely Win Gets West Harbour Back Into Contention'

The West Harbour Pirates have pulled of a miraculous, come-from-behind win against one the competition front-runners, the Manly Marlins.  The Pirates pinched the win, 30 points to 29 in the dying minutes of the game.

Sitting near the bottom of the ladder, West Harbour were staring down the barrel of 5 straight losses and they desperately needed a win.  However, coming up against the second-top side of the competition in Manly, a win didn't look likely.  Going into the second half down 29-13 didn't improve their chances either. 

But there must have been something in the water at half-time because the Pirates came out firing.  A dominant performance by the forwards allowed the backs room to move and West Harbour clawed their way back from the sixteen point deficit.  When the Pirates scored the fourth and last try through Isaiah Pine to steal the game in the last five minutes, they had to back it up with strong defence to keep a persistent Manly at zero in the second-half.  Pirates' flanker, Mark Porpiglia put the win down to "a real, team effort.", saying "Our season has been disappointing so far and we knew if we just kept putting them under pressure with our defence, we would get results.".

Coach Jarred Hodges praised the team's commitment and execution saying, "The last two weeks have been hard.  We've had the effort but not the execution.  This week the boys played for pride and pulled off the execution…and the bonus point doesn't hurt.".

Indeed the bonus point puts the Pirates one win outside the top six with seventeen more rounds to go.

MATCH REPORT - 27TH JUNE 2009