By Jon Geddes

IT was a day when the Shute Shield immersed itself in the true spirit of Anzac Day as a pulsating crowd of 7500 witnessed the Warringah Rats defeat arch-rivals the Manly Marlins 30-19 at Manly Oval.

Rats’ skipper Ben Marr revealed what it meant to be involved in a game on the solemn and sacred day of reflection when Australians pay tribute to all those heroes who served their country – and in some cases sacrificed their lives – in wars, conflicts and peace keeping operations.

Before first grade kick-off on Thursday both teams lined up on the field and the supporters of both clubs stood in respectful silence, with headwear removed, as the Ode of Remembrance was read and the poignant playing of The Last Post echoed around the ground.

CAPTAIN’S  CALL  

MARR admitted that moving pre-game ceremony  did affect him as he linked arms with his teammates while our servicemen and women, both past and present, were honoured.

 “I was a bit emotional,” Marr said. “It was very special.

 “The Rats of Tobruk has always been a special part of this club.”

Following the commemoration the skipper moved amongst his Warringah teammates with words of encouragement.

“After remembering the Anzacs, it was getting them to refocus on job ahead when that first whistle went,” he said.     

With Marr again inspiring his team from fullback, the Rats scored a convincing win to inflict  Manly’s first loss of the season.

“If we stuck to the task we knew we could get over the top of them and we did,” he said. “I’m so stoked for the playing group; we have been working really hard.”

He was very happy how the team bounced back after their disappointing loss to Eastwood the previous week. 

LOCK IT IN MATTY 

It was great to see Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh, a strong  supporter of club rugby, at the game to again experience the best qualities of the Shute Shield       

The game’s impact was illustrated by a Vietnam veteran who told Rugby News after fulltime : “I became quite emotional.” 

No wonder that Manly’s proactive president Matt Curll wants the battle of the beaches to become an annual Anzac Day event. 

“We know the AFL and NRL are building these Anzac Day games,” said Curll, the No.10 in Manly’s 1997 premiership winning Shute Shield side.

“We fully intend to approach the Sydney Rugby Union to lock in this day as the Manly v Rats Anzac Day game.

“There is no better rivalry in rugby. So what better day to have it because there are so many values that go with remembering and honouring the bravery of the Anzacs – and the game brings out the best in everyone.”                                             

While there have been plenty of negatives about rugby in recent times, Thursday’s derby  was a very positive day for the code.      

“I think it shows the heartbeat of what rugby is really all about,” Curll said. “It is about getting the community together – it was absolutely packed 10-deep with lots of families, lots of men, lots of women and lots of kids.”

The sea of youngsters enthusiastically kicking footballs around the field at halftime was a terrific advertisement for the game. 

Former Sydney Rugby Union president David Begg, one of the game’s most astute administrators, said the northern beaches derby proved one very clear thing.

“Rugby is alive, that is the message,” Begg said.