All Saints’ Rugby
V
Kinross Wolaroi and Blue Mountains Grammar School
The Rugby ‘Start of Season’ Evening, which will include the Presentation of First XV jumpers by Marty Roebuck and the announcement of Team Captains, will officially open the season for the College. This will be held in the Bickerdike Centre (College Gymnasium) this Wednesday, 11th May from 6.30-7.30pm. This is compulsory for All Rugby Players. We would love to have all families, supporters and friends attend this function to kick off the season. Players are to wear their School Uniform. No R.S.V.P required.
Under 13s Coaches: Mr Greg Thornton, Mr Stewart Ross & Mr Liam Veigel
With great enthusiasm the Under 13s gathered in fog to face the BMGS in their first encounter. Playing some excellent rugby in damp conditions, they maintained possession from phase to phase which encouraged for coaching staff. Jack Schumacher displayed his speed and illusive running style and determination to score three individual tries, which were converted by David Cant. However, while the players enjoyed Jack’s tries, their tackling and counter rucking was less impressive. The team will need to become hungrier for the ball if they are to become competitive this season.
ASC v BMGS WON: 21 - 17
Try Scorer: Jack Schumacher 3. Conversions: David Cant 3.
While the ASC team were totally out-gunned by the speed and power of a couple of tall players in the KWS ‘A’ team, their tackling efforts improved significantly with McLangton Mbakada and Joe Hoskins displaying great courage toward the end of this game.
ASC v KWS A LOST: 0 - A Lot
In the last game, KWS ‘B’ team presented a fair challenge for our team. Opportunities for both teams were rare as the defence from both sides had vastly improved from earlier games. However, Jack Schumacher again found a gap which he exploited to score our only try in this last game and fortunately, David ‘I think I Can’ Cant, made sure of the conversion allowing the team to win 7-5 in a tight finish. As the team strengthens their skill set and becomes more courageous in the ruck zone, they will go from strength to strength.
ASC v KWS Bs WON: 7 – 5
Try Scorer: Jack Shumacher1. Conversions: David Cant 1.
Under 14s Coaches: Mr Patrick Sinclair & Mr David Blackshaw
While BMGS presented with no team, All Saints’ was left to play KWS ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams. This was an excellent opportunity to play an ISA Division 1 school to compare skill levels and abilities. The All Saints’ team was outstanding in the manner in which they approached the game. Playing the KWS ‘A’ team in the first half witnessed a closely fought battle as the ‘big boys’ took the ball forward. Yet the excellent recycling and breakdown skills of the All Saints’ team were significantly better than their opponent’s much larger pack. The backs used the ball unselfishly probing across the field under the directions of Cameron Sinclair. However, Miles Douglas displayed outstanding courage and determination to chase down and tackle run-a-way attackers putting his body on the line. The whole team was inspired by these efforts and defended their line passionately.
ASC v KWS ‘A’ WON: 10 – 7
Try Scorers: Cameron Sinclair 1, Jacob Thompson 1.
The second half against the KWS ‘B’ team was unfortunately a one sided affair but this gave the newer players an opportunity to see how this team can perform when in full flight. Juan Kritzinger, a young South African, new to All Saints’ College, was returning to rugby and enjoyed his opportunities on the day. Tom Kay was excited to score his first try playing his first ever games of rugby. Matthew Spinks again showed his talent to play any position asked of him and enjoyed the cut and thrust of the front row. Jacob Thompson not only scores tries, but he ably supported fellow teammates in clearing out opposition players from his wing position. The most outstanding forward during this half was Nolan Parker, who was simply everywhere. He was supported strongly by Adam Goddard and George Storrier. The backline used possession creatively sweeping the defence aside as though it was not there. It was an excellent display of teamwork and skill, which the home crowd enjoyed. The team would like to thank Sophie Stockman and Emily Sinderberry for running out the H2O.
ASC v KWS ‘B’ WON: 55 - 0
Try Scorers: Nolan Parker 3, George Storrier 2, Tom Kay, Cameron Sinclair, Adam Plummer and Adam Goddard. Conversions: Cameron Sinclair 4, George Storrier 1.
Under 16s
With a starting squad of 24 players, the team looks in great shape to start the season. The coaches witnessed encouraging signs, which will need developing as the season progresses. They noted that in playing a Division 1 school, many aspects of both the team and individual performances were placed squarely under the microscope. It was thus a clear wake-up call for the squad to ensure that they work solidly at training to learn as much as they can from their skilled and enthusiastic coaches. There were some players who showed they were not going to capitulate at any cost. Doug Morgan-Thomas, Colin Whitchurch and Brenton Hall as Captain displayed a ‘never say die’ attitude while Jacob Schroder, playing his first ever game of rugby was outstanding in clearing out opposing players in the ruck. Alan Mayhew, new to All Saints’, produced some effective low tackles, which impressed the crowd. In the backline, James Keech and Michael Waldren displayed class and tenacity to attack the opposition when given the chance. While the team has much to learn, they also have incredible potential to tackle this season head on. Good Luck!
1st XV Coaches: Mr Scott Gardner, Mr Peter O’Neill & Mr Marcus Croft
The forwards again set the platform for the backs to work their magic. Led by their backrow of Jock Suttor, Jack Ison and Blair Hooper, the opposition was forever under attack. Stealing possession, driving the ball forward or being first to the breakdown, these players were omnipresent. Nathan Bell and Chris Edwards each won a tight head at hooker leading the tight five in the scrum. Sam George, who successfully avoided injury, and Brendan Farr supported their hookers strongly in the set pieces. Matthew ‘Spud’ Dunn and Taylor Radinoff who worked like Trojans in the engine room, aggressively took control of the ruck zone. However, the most impressive tight forward in the game was Liam Berry. Displaying the agility of a cat and the power of an elephant, Liam displayed his outstanding skill set. As the backs enjoyed a fair percentage of possession, both strengths and weaknesses were noted. Bill Hurley’s kicking in the early stages of the match was outstanding. While Buzz Webber and Max Hope displayed promise as a centre combination, Jimmy Elias had an excellent game at fullback. Will McAloney, Austin Meulman, Max Eggleton and Matt Elias all showed they have what it takes to perform at this level. With more combination, communication and time, these young men will again create much havoc for their opponents in the ISA competition. The school community wishes them well as they approach Round 1 against Central Coast Grammar School.
Thank you to all the Referees for their clear and decisive control of the matches played on the weekend
Max Hope
Liam Berry
Mr Eliot Sanger
Mr David Blackshaw
I am also indebted to our Clinic Staff who care for all players on game day.
N.B. The Kinross player taken to hospital was cleared of serious injury.
Greg Thornton (MiC Rugby)