By Jon Geddes

IT was a day when the Shute Shield emersed 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.