The resurrected Peninsula Whalers get a pass mark for their first season back in WFR. The side has a rebuilding look to it & some of the new young players have come through with flying colors. Special mention needs to be made of fullback Robbie Robinson, First Five Colin Slade & open side flanker George Whitelock , all who have made major contributions to the side this year. Slade especially stepped into Dan Carter's shoe & led a turn around in fortunes for the side as they headed into the end of the season. Captain, Aaron Mauger led from the front at 2nd five, keeping cool under pressure, his tactical knowledge proved invaluable to the youngsters at times. The two remaining Whalers "Originals" Andrew Mehrtens & lock Alec Parker may not have played a lot of rugby , but their off field contribution to this team must not go unmentioned. Dan Carter showed at times why he is considered world class & but for injury would have played more.
Look for a big contribution from him in WFR XIII. In the forwards the Franks brothers Owen & Ben, along with "The Sherrif" Wyatt Crockett kept up the Whalers tradition of solid scrumaging front rows. Isaac Ross at lock showed the All Black selectors were wrong to leave him out & Michael Paterson showed his durability at blindside, number 8 & lock. In WFR XIII, we'll see Nathan Mauger who had an injury plagued season retire from all rugby. He will take up the newly created position of Peninsula Whalers Rugby Academy." We'll also say goodbye to halfback Andre Bachelet.
The veteran ( 40) stepped in at short notice when the call for an experienced halfback went out & we tahnk Andre for his contribution both on & off the field. Coaches Brian Byas ( Backs) & Buddha Johnston (Forwards) have been retained & former Whalers captain, Andrew McCormick will continue in the managers role.
The Winger CEO Peninsula Rugby Corp
No comments:
Post a Comment