MIGHTY THIRDS OVERPOWER BUSHPIGS ON SATURDAY

The school glamour winter sports team, the Mighty 3rd Fifteen battled the Jindabyne Bush Pigs on Saturday on the Grammar Main, coming away with a convincing 24 -7 victory. Strengthened by recent reinforcements in Henry 'Indiana' Jones and Robbie 'Scotty' Cachia from Strathallan, and new Yr 11 boarder Mike 'Brucey' O'Donoghue, the team fielded was arguably the strongest this season. The backline was packed with talent, whilst the Grammar pack did everything asked of them. New hooker, Matt Hughes was well supported by Matt Stevenson and Gerard Seaniger, whilst locks Tom Studholme and Lachlan White maintained their reputations as fierce and unrelenting skirmishers. Andrew 'Dog' Smith introduced flanker 'Brucey' to the big time and a couple of interesting discussions with the Pigs heavies, combining with the rampaging Scot, Robbie Cachia to bludgeon the opposition front line on several occasions. Replacement scrumhalf, Indiana Jones ensured an outstanding supply of quick and accurate ball to Captain Tom Laudenbach who was in everything. Tom was instrumental in directing the backline surge through the Bush Pigs defence and narrowly missed scoring himself on several occasions. Lee 'Crabs' Effrosynnis produced his best whilst running sideways, well supported by Gus Pfahl, the ever reliable Greg Kourpanides and speedsters Pedro McColl and Chaz Gibbs.

Best on the day were Brucey, Crabs, Captain Tom, Matt the Hooker, both locks Lachie and Tom, Indiana, The Dog and Gus 'Sook' Pfahl. Special mention to Hugo Ford who showed excellent gamesmanship in suiting up for the under-manned Bush Pigs-Hugo was in the thick of play for most of the game, emerging relatively unscathed from the expected attention from his (former) teammates. Hugo's Mum is to be called up by the coach for barracking for the Pigs during the game!

Tries were scored by Crabs, Pedro and the Dog, whilst Sook provided the extras in a goal-kicking display which deserves attention from higher grade. Looking forward to sneaking into the Finals !!!

MIGHTY THIRDS SQUASH COOMA

The School glamour rugby team, the Mighty Thirds, overcame the Cooma Mountain-men on Saturday with a 24-5 victory on the P&F oval in front of a vocal crowd.

Highlights of the encounter were Cody Davis and Palin courageously swapping sides to mount up for the visitors who arrived a couple short in the top paddock, Lee Effrossynis' dazzling runs through heavy traffic, Lachy White in ferocious form, a hot Golden Boots Gus Pfahl at five eight totally bewildering the Cooma backline with his devious play and also producing aerial supremacy across the goal line to score in a manner not seen since the 2005 U/15 Black 'Stallions' coach positioned a steaming souvlaki on the goal line to produce a near suicidal attack from Lee Effrosynnis.

Also of note was Matt Peacock's initial reluctant shift to the Wing which resulted in a major change in his future positional preference. Tries were scored by Lee Effrossynis, Gus Pfahl, Chaz Gibbs and James Howe. Best on the day were Lachlan White, Lee Effrosynnis, Gus Pfahl, James Howe, Chaz Gibbs and Justin Topfer. Casualties included Chaz Gibb's pride, Bobcat's hopes and the coach who lost a small sum to the Captain of Grammar Rugby in a foolish wager.

Thanks to all who supported this great effort by the Mighty Thirds.