Orange City Lions second-rower Mitch Pearce admitted he never thought he’d hit the triple figure mark in terms of games for the club at all, let alone in the top grade itself.
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So when he did achieve that feat during the 2016 Blowes Clothing Cup season, it ranked as one of his proudest moments in the sport.
He said it sits right up there with the two undefeated premierships he played such a big role in in seasons 2012 and 2013.
Pearce’s 100th top grade game was celebrated at the Lions’ presentation night last week, where he was presented with a commemorative tie. On top of that, he received another for playing his 200th game in forest green and tangerine too – in any grade.
“I never once thought I’d play 100 games, let alone 100 in first grade alone,” the affable second-rower said.
“I’ve achieved a few things I could only dream of, hopefully there’s a few more to come.
“It’s been a good trip and I’ve made a lot of good mates along the way. I’ve been pretty lucky with injuries up until last year, so that probably helped.”
Sam Dwyer was also presented a commemorative tie for reaching 100 games for the club and despite the “different feel” the night had considering on-field results, Lions club captain Jake Davis said the presentation dinner was “a good way to wrap-up” the 2016 Blowes Clothing Cup season.
The Lions finished fifth in first and second grade as well as colts and fourth in third grade, which Davis admitted was well below their expectations but said in terms of development and individual achievements the season was an undeniable success.
“It was good to see Pearcey get his ties and Sammy Dwyer too, all in all it was a good way to wrap-up the year,” Davis said.
“The feeling was different because we weren’t as successful through the year, in all grades, as we have been in the past in terms of where we finished but that’s rugby, and everyone who attended had a ball.”
Dynamic utility back Joe Lasagavibau claimed the Lions’ first grade best and fairest while first-year player Keegan Harding took out the highest point-scorer award. Taylor Smith claimed most improved honours.
In second grade barnstorming No.8 Todd Morrissey was named MVP while Paul Sliger was the highest point-scorer and Conor Ryan was named most improved.
James Prestwidge took out best and fairest in third grade with Dave Faul claiming the highest point-scorer gong, while in a show of his development through the season Shane Speechley won most improved.
Matt Van Schaik was best and fairest in colts while Lachie Stewart scored the most points and Denis Kavas was most improved.
Mitch Winslade won colt of the year, Lachie Stewart won the award for highest representative honours and John Young and Fletcher Niven were named joint clubmen of the year.
In what he and his fellow props would no doubt argue is the most prestigious award of all Darcy Garlick – affectionately nicknamed The Bull – won the gong for best first grade front-rower.