SOUTH West Rocks Marlins have maintained their Hastings League title charge, with a convincing win at Comboyne.
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The ‘match of the round’ promised an exciting contest, particularly after with the third-placed Tigers coming off a 100-point win over the Harrington Hurricanes.
The visitors withstood a late Comboyne bombardment to win 28-22 and consolidate second place on the ladder.
Again coach Craig Smith’s men went into the game under-strength, but the Marlins backline fired to outclass the hosts in the first half.
The Marlins forwards - led by Tony Duncan - set up the platform, with simple straight running in the middle of the ruck and paved the way for the backs to show full flight in attack.
In the second minute of play, fullback Mick McPhillips scored to establish an early lead.
With the Marlins forwards dominating their counterparts, centre Alex Rouse scored a double in the 15th and 21st minutes of the game for a 12-0 lead.
In the 25th minute, winger and Macleay Valley Mustangs loanee Pete Griffen finished off a superb backline move to score stretch out the lead to 16-0.
Griffen and fellow-Mustang Rhys Sines were involved for the Marlins, thanks to a regulation that allows Group 3 players not selected for senior grades to play in the Hastings League.
Coach Smith thanked the Mustangs club for sanctioning the arrangement.
Shortly before the half-hour mark, Craig Smith (junior) ran through the Tigers to increase the margin to 20 points.
The visitors could have had a bigger lead, but were unable to convert any of the five attempts.
Comboyne ended the first half with a late try to Jason Troy, leaving the half-time score at 20-6 in the Marlins’ favour.
The Tigers knew they had to score early to have any chance of getting back into the game.
Prop Bevan Castle obliged, crashing over in the 42nd minute - with Dennis Jones converting - to close the gap to eight points.
But the Marlins backline was in full flight again, with Jim Stokes flying in to score.
Judd’s conversion restored the 14-point cushion.
The visitors maintained control right to the 70th minute, with Judd scoring a crucial penalty for a 28-12 Marlins lead.
In the final 10 minutes, Smith’s side took its foot off the accelerator and the Tigers scored two consolidation tries, leaving the visitors winners by six points.
The Marlins will travel to Beechwood in round 15 on Saturday.
The match, at Shamrock Park, will kick off at 2.30pm.
“The Marlins in Pink” night will be held at the SWR Country Club, on August 16 -and is nearly a sold out event.
Tickets will be on sale until August 2 only, for catering arrangements, and will not be available on the night.
For more information, contact Brienna Elford, on 0407 695 696; or Donna Owens, on 0408 098 021.
The function is dedicated to the Ladies of League, and the Marlins are showing their gratitude, with a cocktail theme.