Rugby Report
Games v The Scots School Bathurst
Under 13sCoaches: Mr David Blackshaw & Mr Stewart Ross
The Under 13s displayed their magnificent skills in maintaining possession for long periods of time which naturally created opportunities to score tries. Both the backs and forwards took advantage of these opportunities and ended up scoring seven tries to nil. Spencer Morgan showing more and more confidence drove the ball forward well while Nolan Parker was the standout forward on the day, treating the opposition with contempt. Tom Morris, a definite hunter and gatherer, was never far from the ball and finished with a hat trick of tries. Nick Peterson leads his team confidently and by example, never shirking any responsibility. While the forwards played extremely well, they will need to lower their body height and use their legs to drive more aggressively in rucks as the season continues. Mitchell Thompson, at scrum half, sniped effectively from the ruck base and his defense showed courage and excellent technique. Angus McClelland and Adam Plummer, playing No. 10 & 12 respectively, combined well to use the ball unselfishly in feeding their outside backs. George Storrier, a real trooper, came back after injury to support the Under 14s after scoring two tries in the Under 13s. The backline supported each other effectively and showed the crowd a glimpse of their true potential. Congratulations on a solid victory.
WON: ASC 41 - TSS 0
Try Scorers: Tom Morris 3, George Storrier 2, Mitchell Thompson, William Quaife. Conversions: Nick Peterson 3.
Under 14sCoaches: Mr Marcus Croft & Mr David Hitchick
The Under 14s were a little off their game when they started against the wind in the first half. With James Keech and Kouch Akot leading the way in the forwards, the team was competitive throughout the match. As the team turned with the wind in the second half, they were keen to pressure their opponent and keep them pinned in their own half. Unfortunately this was not to be. Possession needed to be valued more highly and recycled and used more effectively. Irrespective of the outcome, Alex Mitton played an outstanding game contesting and challenging the opposition wherever he was. Angus McClelland, Adam Plummer and George Storrier not only supported the Under 13s but played outstanding games for their own team. This team’s enormous potential will be realised when they learn to play more passionately with the football in hand. Keep training hard!
LOST: 0-26
Under 15sCoaches: Mr Patrick Sinclair & Mr Chris Moffatt
Showing a passion to play rugby, the Under 15s put on a display which any coach or supporter would have been proud of. They played to their coach’s instructions and reaped the benefits. In the first half, against the wind, they were told to run the ball and retain possession to stifle the opposition of possession. In the second half they used the wind to pin Scots down in their own half and waited for their opportunities. They displayed a capacity to play to the conditions and nullify their opponent’s options. It was a masterful display of intelligent rugby. The forwards played like forwards, together, tight and disciplined. Bill Hurley was outstanding, never a pass or two from the ball and skillfully cut a swathe through the Scots defense time and time again, scoring five tries. Mitchell Hillier had more opportunity to run the ball and displayed his elusive abilities on the wing. Max Hope, as captain, played his role superbly weighing up his options intelligently. The backline worked seamlessly under his direction. Trent Mitchell’s strength in taking the ball forward and his tenacity to secure the ball when supporting others was excellent. Carnaby Gilany made incisive territorial gains every time he touched the ball. The team would like to thank Michael Waldren and Alex Mitton, from the Under 14s, who backed up to support them on the day. Congratulations on an outstanding team performance.
WON: 30-0
Try Scorers: Bill Hurley 5, Sam Armitage.
Under 16sCoaches: Mr Greg Thornton & Mr Shawn Hooper
No Game Played
1st XV Coaches: Mr Scott Gardner & Mr Peter O’Neill
Having returned from a successful tour to New Zealand, the Opens squad displayed more combination and aggression than the Scots 1st XV to dominate the fixture on Saturday. All Saints’ went into the game with a simple plan - to get to the break down in numbers and ensure the defense and the ruck is strong. The team certainly achieved these goals and consequently did not have their line crossed. Recycling of possession was excellent and created opportunities for the team to exploit the opposition’s defense. While the lineout was strong and the scrum solid, the coaches will be looking to improve these phases of play. The backs enjoyed a number of expansive opportunities to run the ball but their alignment and ‘last pass’ left little to be desired, at times squandering a number of opportunities. Overall, the coaches were encouraged to see a solid team performance, securing the win in the first of the Harlequin Shield fixtures against The Scots School.
Riley de Mestre, Cameron Watt and Kyle D’Adam led the team strongly taking the game to Scots in an aggressive and uncompromising manner. Their leadership set the platform for a comprehensive victory. Flankers Max Eggleton and Jake Thornton had constructive games and the coaches were also encouraged to see Julian Gaal and Chris Edwards ready to play their part when required. Congratulations to the team for a great start to the season.
WON: 46-0
Try Scorers: Paddy Webber 3, Cameron Watt 2, Riley De Mestre, Kyle D’Adam, Blair Hooper. Conversions: Kyle D’Adam 3/8.
Next week’s games will be against ScotsCollege in Bellevue Hill, Sydney. Game times will be posted on the website later in the week.
Please note that the Rugby Cocktail Evening, to officially open the season, will be held in the Bickerdike Centre (College Gymnasium) on May 5th from 5.30-7.00pm. All Rugby supporters and friends are welcome. No R.S.V.P required.
Greg Thornton (MiC Rugby)