Mavs victorious in local derby

Well the gaffa found it particularly difficult to write this weeks match report. Not due to any activity on the field but more to do with the fact he wasn't there !! So thanks in main to Andy Smith and the rest of the Mavs for their match analysis and comprehensive telling and re-telling of the various on-field exploits.
First things first. A huge W in the win column against a big Port Sunlight team with all the familiar faces playing , this time however we had re-written the rule book. Instead of relying on tactics of previous years and play a 'ball up the jumper' game the Mavericks continued with their expansive running game and as a result a try fest ensued. 8 tries to one demonstrated the new commitment the Mavs are showing this year to using the entire 15 to great effect. Some good kicking ensured we maximised the tries to a seven point gain.
Try scorers this week were the ever prolific Andy Thompson, the 'poacher' Nev Pickard (more of that later), the paternal Dan Jenner, the sniper Neil Brookes, two from our speedsters Cal Thomas and the returning Ryan Williams, I think that's about it really. An excellent all round performance combining strong, dominant forward performances and well executed and pre-planned back line moves that created space in the right places.
Port Sunlight brought a strong heavy (and tall) pack to the party, however they hadn't planned on meeting the dark destroyer, the ginger ninja that is the rejuvenated, revitalised and altogether impressive Mike Potter. On an individual basis the score was Mike Potter 2 Port Sunlight 0 as both PS props hit the dirt hurt and broken Sunlight asked for uncontested scrums. The Port Sunlight pack complaining to the ref that Mike "was cheating" awww bless. The ref simply confirmed that all was well in the heady atmosphere of the front row and Mike continued in his destructive manner. Some of the more consistent feedback I've received over the performance yesterday was how effective Mike was in the forwards and although Andy Thompson was highly productive in relation to points on the board this weeks man of the match title goes to Mike 'The Birthday Boy' Potter for his outstanding g performance in securing a dominant platform in the tight 5 that allowed opportunities for his team mates to put a serious score on the board. Mike had the opportunity at 5 yards out to cap off a fantastic performance with a try only to have it snatched off him by the ever present poacher Nev Pickard who put the hip in to ensure that Mike remained off the score sheet. Don't worry Mike on your performances this season so far I'm certain it won't be long and I know from speaking to the players that the MOM award is highly deserved .
We remain at the top of the league with three weeks gone, however our big tests against Birkenhead Park and St Edwards is yet to come. Onward to Prenton next week lads and let's keep this streak going.......
A few noticeable mentions, great to see the backs firing so well and the flexibility of positions allows for a great deal of fluidity when running lines and executing moves. Ryan and Cal have both slotted in to the team really effectively with Mike Weatherston getting some valuable game time as well.
Ed Byrne continues to be mercurial in his quiet man role, popping up in almost every position on the park. As I've said in previous weeks it's the individual contributions that make the team performance.
Oh! , that's right !! I knew there was something else.
Andy Smith scored as well (well he had to avoid the duck didn't he) well done skipper.
Thanks for all your efforts
Semel a Mavericus, Semper a Mavericus.

The Gaffer