On paper this was going to be a tough one. The opposition were regarded as the ‘best side seen at their place for ten years’ and, to back this up, had achieved a very impressive set of results which included a 30 point demolition of Ranby…. Wow!
What the opposition did not count on was a SA side that had made an unwritten pact that regardless of what is ever thrown at them they would ‘never give anything to the opposition on a plate’. The boys made sure that the opposition were in a game and for much of the game had quality possession and played dynamic thinking rugby. I would go so far as to say our boys played the better rugby and the only decisive difference was two or three players with real pace and power and an impressive hand off (each). Grace Dieu scored two trys fairly early on and then lost momentum; inevitable when facing an unyielding blue wall!
Charlie H kicked well on the whole and the press defence produced some fruit. The boys did very well with the ball in hand and it was great to see the opposition succumb to some deceptive dummies from Charlie H, Jack H and Ed S and, indeed, being flatfooted by Paddy D’s fast footwork and change of pace.
The scrum was solid and we even stole a few against the head in both periods of the game, a credit to Will W and Cameron D. On the other hand, the lineout was difficult to secure due to some tall and athletic opposition second rowers, but the boys fought hard in the resulting phases and made some great turnovers.
It is exciting to see some year 7 boys ‘step up’ and show their worth. Of particular note was Andrew C’s performance; within seconds he had made a crunching turnover tackle and carried very well twice. On one occasion in the second half Andrew counter-attacked from a kick and was only just prevented from scoring in the corner. Welcome young man!
Hugo R, Ben E and Ed H impressed with a few surges up the field (the one from Hugo being a quick tap and go), but the stand out forward and today’s man of the match is Alex V; in the words of our guest referee ‘he was everywhere today’, and I agree! The boys continue to grow in their rugby skill set and desire to play well for each other and their Captain continues to lead from the front, showing a tirelessness and hunger that is contagious.
As a coach this is one of those occasions where, despite the result being against us, I feel immense pride in the way the boys battled. The mutual support, defence and offensive spirit was so pleasing to experience.
Thank you.
RRGS
Posted on
Wed, November 17, 2010
by MAC