On the 10^th October 2009, the Bluetongues travelled to Newcastle to take on the might of the Newcastle representative team as a curtain raiser to the Classic Wallabies. We were there to participate in the inaugural ‘Mauling for muscles’ rugby charity event to help raise money for muscular dystrophy.

The Bluetongues took to the field with high expectations from our forward pack due to most being from the win in Canberra. Our back line had changed once again due to injury and availability of players. However the new recruits for this game were help in high regard and were working well in the preparations.

The Bluetongues had a slow start in wet conditions and were immediately placed under pressure from the well drilled Newcastle team. The weather darkened and was more akin to swimming than rugby with heavy rain, which was evident in the ball handling from both teams. Neither packs would dominate through the first twenty minutes. The Newcastle team played an expansive game and along with  well placed kicks, put the Bluetongues under pressure close to our line. The Bluetongues kept ball in hand during the later part of the first half and went to the break with a 10 - 5 lead thanks to tries from Dusty Elsom (NSWP) and Mario LaRosa (QLDP).

The second half commenced in similar fashion to the first with handling errors from both teams. The Bluetongues showed great commitment with scrambling and cover defence to diffuse potential tries from the Newcastle team. They continued to move the ball wide, but it was the tremendous phase play that kept the ball in the Bluetongues  hands to allow us to remain in front. The forwards and backs worked well together to keep the pressure on the Newcastle team with several  phases of five or more rucks and one with eleven rucks.

A great counter attack by the Newcastle team put pressure on the Bluetongues and placed them in a good position, which they took advantage of and scored, equally the score. A further try to Matt Aiken (WA) and conversion by Adam Mundy (NSWP) put the Bluetongues out in front again to 17 - 10 with only minutes to go. Newcastle continued great pressure for the remainder of the game, as all good teams do and scored a converted try on the bell to conclude the game with a 17 all score line. A fitting way to end the charity game with nothing between the teams across all aspects of the game.

The A.P.R.U committee and staff wish to thank the organisers of the charity event, Bluetongue sponsors and supporters and all players for giving their heart and sole once again. All players did themselves proud. Best on ground for the forwards were Dusty Elsom (NSWP), Nathan Ross (QLDP) and Matt Aiken (WA). Best on ground for the backs were Adam Mundy (NSWP), Adam Clift (NSWP) and Mario LaRosa (QLDP).