27/06/2015
The match vs College Rifles Bullets was always going to be a good rematch after our first round loss of 38-5. It was also a great opportunity to measure how much we had improved as a team or not as the case maybe. And it lived up to everyone's expectations. With the sniff of a potential win all the boys raised their urgency and commitment and without doubt played the best game of the season so far. The boys started a little slow in the first half missing a couple of critical tackles to allow the opposition to cross the line. However there was without doubt an air of growing confidence as the game progressed and at half time the boys were only behind 12-7 after Ronny made a decisive run to the line from good ball distribution from the forwards through Bailey, Finn and Flynn. A tough conversion from 15 metres from the sideline nailed by Flynn. The forwards look confident with several strong and confident pick and goes creating havoc for College Rifles. Scrummaging was brilliant again and the opposition struggled to counter the solid technique and strength the forwards exerted. Many balls were won against the head which allowed the boys to run several counter attacks. Set plays from rucks and scrums were the best we've seen all year. Bailey took control from the start this week making quick decisions and passing well to Finn who offloaded well allowing Flynn to dominate the mid field once again. His numerous crash balls well over the advantage line generated a great platform for our forwards to run off and as a result we continuously stretched the opposition. With such dominance at the breakdown our backs were able to run all our set plays with great effect allowing the backs to run in another try shortly after half time to bring the score to 12 a piece with growing dominance. Flynn was unable to convert the try kicking into a difficult cross wind barely missing by hitting the post. The boys however rallied again and Ronny was able to secure his third try. This time Flynn slotted the extra points to take the boys ahead by 7. Unfortunately a period of intense pressure from College R and the over eager referee to award penalties against both sides and send people off upset our flow and after a string of penalties and some lack of discipline by the boys the boys found themselves the victim of a pressure try to College Rifles. 19-17 to Suburbs. The conversion to come the boys charged and the ball went wide. Unfortunately the referee deemed that the charge was illegal and allowed College Rifles a second chance which they took and slotted the extra 2 to tie everything up at 19 all.
A tremendous effort by our boys who were by far the better team today. They destroyed the opposition in many aspects of the game. A huge game from Ronny who scored three tries and ran hard and fast when ever he had the ball. A worthy player of the day achievement. Great attacking from Flynn who often took three or four to bring him down setting up great ruck ball. Finn distributed brilliantly while also making several strong runs. He also kicked well on defence. Bailey controlled the backs and forwards, communicated brilliantly and dictated the speed of the game with great affect. A step up even from his player of the day game last week. Jamiel and Riki played brilliantly on our wings this week. With Nico sick, Jamiel stepped up and played his heart out with unbeatable defence and great hands on attack. His strong running and body position allowed the forwards to recycle the ball on very occasion. Riki as always looked strong on attack and with Jamiel both chased kicks hard putting constant pressure on our opposition. William R was effective on attack allowing time for our forwards to arrive to recycle the ball. Our tight five of Ezi, Daniel, John, Harrison, William and Findlay set the best platform of scrums, rucks and line outs so far this year. With an enormous effort from George, Josh and Villi in the loose are now possibly one of the most dominate forward packs in the grade. Very week they dominate their opposition in most aspects of the game. Their improved confidence, work rate, skills and superior technique will only grow as the season continues. This season will continue to prepare our boys for what is without doubt going to be more competitive run in the second round of the competition not to mention the cohesion being banked for next year as the boys learn how each other play. Well done lads and while some of you may be disappointed about the result today the bigger picture is without doubt the progress you have made as individual players and as a team. Well done to each and every one of you! Ron, myself and your parents are extremely proud of the momentum you're making and the team you're developing into. Go the Scorpions! Andrew