Aloys vs Oakhill
Aloys defeated Oakhill 57 – 7
Report by Scotsman18
Both teams headed into the game at Tyneside with points to prove. Oakhill had to make up for some poor prior performances against CAS schools like Trinity and Barker, while Aloys needed to show a more consistent, smarter approach to their attack as well as being tougher in defence.
First Half
The opening phases were generally dominated by Aloys with Oakhills kicks being returned with a strong counterattack by Westbury (15) with Aloys being rewarded with a try in the corner to Rahme (6) after a barnstorming run by the blindside. Aloys showed dominance in the scrum throughout the half with penalties allowing them to stay in Oakhills half and off this a superb break from Westbury (15) found a link with Branagan (13) who crossed after stepping the oak hill fullback for his first of the game.
There was then a long break in any try scoring as Aloys struggled to string together phases due in many parts to the terrific oak hill defence, stealing a lot of ball from work in the breakdowns and mauls led mostly by Ashkar (3) and White (8), until a scrum from 5 metres out allowed Aloys number 8 Ryan to dive over untouched to give Aloys a 17-0 lead 25 minutes in. Another long period of no scoring was highlighted only by superb kicking and running displays from the Aloys inside centre, S Spalding, and more strong runs from Rahme (6) until on the brink of halftime a Westbury (15) counterattack was finally converted with some brilliant passing shredding the oak hill defence apart with a team try scored by Rahme in the corner for his double.’
Second Half
Aloys immediately got the pill back off the kick off and a beauty of a grubber from halfway off a scrum by S Spalding (12) was chased down by Branigan (13) who picked it up to score his second of the afternoon however he went off immediately after with an apparent hamstring injury. A few intense raids on the Aloys line were repelled over the next period of play with their resilience paying off as a turnover was able to spark a break lead by Pollack (10) that almost ended in a beauty of a try but was deemed to be held up. However this didn’t affect Aloys spirits as Hampton (14) ran a great line to score under the posts off the scrum giving Aloys a 38-0 lead.
Oakhill played some slow counterattack off the Aloys exit from the kickoff which proved costly as after a couple of phases the ball was intercepted by S Spalding (12) who was run down by Murray (11) of Oakhill, however some fast ball from Di Sano (9) found Pollack (10) who sliced through the Oakhill line to bag himself a five-pointer. A knock on off the kickoff allowed for Oakhill to finally run in for a try with outside centre Tom Watson bursting through the line to get his team on the board. With 10 Minutes remaining and the score being as it was, 42-5, Aloys did exceptionally well keeping the throttle down with the forwards staying dominant thanks to destructive runs from Brennan (4) and F Spalding (2) down the sidelines. Westbury (15) eventually scored an individual try in the corner due mostly to the enormous pressure Aloys had built on the Oakhill line. This pressure was highlighted again as Aloys Prop Ienco scored after a substantial period of time in the Oakhill 22 for the last score of the game.
Rundown
It was clear from the offset that Aloys had come to play on Saturday and they dominated the set piece never giving the Oakhill pack the ability to form a platform for their backs to attack. Aloys even though they were dominant throughout the day still have a lot of weaknesses to address before playing better opposition who will punish them for their lack of speed at the breakdown or their costly handling errors. Oakhill clearly are a weaker side then what we are used to from the hills boys but if they can play smarter in their attack they should find a lot more opportunities to score rather then solely relying on go forward from a forward pack who were beaten in the first stages of the game.
Best Players
Oakhill: 3- George Ashkar – Strong ball runner and fast for a lad his size, never gave up always looking for work
8- Lachlan White – Like Ashkar, was a menace at the breakdown and worked well around the field
13- Tom Watson – Scored the only try for the team, was good defensively
Aloys: 4: Max Brennan – Industrious work around the field, always taking the ball to contact and must have led his teams tackling
6: Rahme – Destructive with ball in hand
9: Alex Di Sano – Fast quality ball all game, kept the defence around the ruck alert with his ability so have a sniping run from anywhere
12: Spencer Spalding – Elusive ball runner as well as a keen vision to find gaps in the defence, very good defensively as well
Trinity vs St Joseph’s
Trinity 22 vs St Joseph’s 19
Report by Anon
One of the greatest upsets in recent schoolboy rugby occurred in Trinity’s win over St Joseph’s. Undoubtedly the better side, Trinity dominated all day in the scrums and were clinical in defence. Joeys looked dangerous all day, particularly early in the second half when it looked like they might run over the top of them, however, full credit to the Trinity boys for holding their nerve and remaining in striking distance when the final opportunity was presented to them with a penalty kick at full time, nailed by Tane Edmed (10) to seal the victory.
First Half
In the early stages of the match, Trinity showed their aggressive intent in defence, while Joeys looked dangerous with ball in hand and in the rucks with strong clean outs. Joeys were first to score with (13) going over through some swift hands in the backline. Trinity hit back within seconds after the kick-off with Ilias (13) finishing off a very skilful try. Both unconverted leaving the scores at 5-5. Joeys then took the lead again to make it 12-5, however, through their backline and Ilias, again showing his skill, hit back immediately to make it 12-12. With Joeys having more ball and looking dangerous in attack, they were unable to shake the gritty Trinity side as they headed into the sheds at halftime. 12-12.
Second Half
In the early stages of the second half, Joeys came out attacking and were looking sure to score, however, some courageous defence from the Trinity boys kept them in the game. With the match proving to be a real arm wrestle, Trinity were given a sniff due to their strong scrummaging and some poor discipline from Joeys. They seized this opportunity as they had all game as Chambers (9) crossed to take the lead for the first time at 19-12 with 10 to go. The tension rose amongst the spectators around the ground as the full-time whistle drew near. However, Joeys were given a chance due to a slight lapse in concentration from Trinity and crossed under the posts for a soft try to make it 19-19 with less than 5 to play. The next 5 minutes seemed to last an eternity with a draw looking near, until Trinity’s very dominant scrum were awarded a penalty, 40 metres out 15 in from touch. As the 800-odd students from both respective schools watched on, Tane Edmed (10) clinched the moment and stole the win for Trinity, slotting the penalty goal to make it 22-19, full time.
Standout Players
St Josephs
Joeys seemed shocked with the intent of the Trinity boys, as they had much of the possession all game and were unable to crack the persistent Trinity defence. Their only standout being Hugh Bokenham (8) who looked very dangerous all game, right from the kick-off as he leapt above the rest to take the ball and give Joeys instant momentum. Unfortunately, his energy was not supported enough throughout the game. Although Joeys were missing three players in their backline including Scolari (11) who scored a hat trick last week, they were confronted by a better side on the day. They will be looking forward to bouncing back in another exciting matchup against the very strong Barker side next week.
Trinity
As the underdogs, Trinity certainly showed a very strong defensive effort with each player 1-15 stepping up and keeping them in the game throughout. The hard work through their forwards, showing plenty of intent around the ruck and their dominant scrums allowed for their backline to show their class with Edmed (10) being clinical all game up to his final kick and Ilias (13) showing his talent all game and snaring a double. Senior players such as Ginis (1) and their captain Chambers (9) led the team and controlled them well, while Vuki (12) had another great performance in defence, making a tackle at every opportunity. A very strong performance from ALL players who showed belief before and during the match and courage in defence. They will hope to continue this momentum as they come up against Shore next week, a side eager to hit back after two thrashings.
Kings vs Knox
Report by BMW
Kings went into today’s game as favourites and didn’t disappoint their fans.
First Half
In the opening 5 minutes Kings capitalised from a Knox knock on to turn defence into attack. Kings were able to put ball through hands for Benjamin Stewart (13) to score out wide. From the returning kick off Kings went on the attack and spent the next 5 minutes camped deep down into Knox territory but the Knox defence was strong. A few errors from Kings saw Knox mount an attack within Kings quarter. From about 15 metres out Knox forwards kicked it up gear lead by big lock Ben Yates (5) saw them retain the ball for 10 pic and drive which ended up Ben yates being rewarded a try after driving over 2 metres out from Kings line. Knox at this stage were leading 7-5 as it looked to be a very competitive game. For the next 10 minutes there was some very good challenges from both sides. At the 20 minute mark Kings scored from a simple ball through hands out to winger Jordan Williams (14). Score 10-7 kings way. Before half time Kings were able to again apply pressure to Knox line which saw James Baldwin (5) and Joseph Suaalii (11) score out wide through again simple passing and drawing the defensive line. Half time score 24-7 as Knox looked to still be in the game.
Second Half
Well Knox shouldn’t have returned to the field. Kings realised at half time that they were never going to penetrate Knox forward pack as up until half time I thought Knox looked better drilled and stronger in the tight five challenge. All of Kings second half tries came through kings back as Kings stepped it up a mark in the back line and showed Knox how to play running rugby through again simple passing drawing the defence and using their speed out wide to score. Hamish Mac Smith (12), Benjamin Steward (13), Jordan Williams (14) scoring 2 and John Connolly (15) all crashing over for tries. Connolly scored a brilliant individual try from half way that saw him return a kick in general play which rolled into over Knox’s line which saw him chase his own ball and beating the opposition player to the ball.
Summary
Taking nothing away from Kings they were the better side today. They would have one on the best attacking back lines in the competition. Kings back line didn’t show much in the way of moves or change of the direction running it was I again say simple draw the opposition player pass and support. Yes they also have speed out wide. Jordan Williams (14) was very hard to contain. He has speed to burn and likes to palm of defenders. Kings are a beatable side. Knox showed today they can match any team in the forwards. Knox’s backs couldn’t hold onto the ball all game they either knocked on or gave a simple turn over to Kings. To be honest Knox back line has some worked to do. This was the difference between the sides.
Kings Best
Hamish Mac smith (12), Benjamin Stewart (13) were strong as centre partners in both attack and defence. Jordan Williams (14) is a strong fast winger who I believe will play representative football this year. Apparently he is in year 10 and has still got another 2 years in school boy rugby.
Knox Best
James Frear (1) is a good scrummager and his work rate around the field in enormous. Benjamin Yates (5) is a tall Lock at 6ft8. His work rate is extremely high for a big man. Hits hard in defence and his power/strength at the break down and scrums is enormous. Oscar Cheal (8) who was called up from 2nds during the week had a tight game.
Scots vs Waverley
Scots 45 Waverley 19
Report by Crackerjack
With no bearing on Season silverware, but with local derby bragging rights up for grabs, especially to the gathered throngs of current student bodies and numerous old boys reunions parked up on Scots’ viewing balcony, The Scots College hosted Waverley College in halcyon conditions.
In a whole-of-team performance, which this Scots 1st XV is gaining a deserved reputation for, the hosts comfortably bested their near-Eastern Suburbs visitors, 45-19.
First Half
Typical of openings in the top flight of Schoolboy Rugby, these seemingly evenly matched teams played out the first 10” in the narrow pasture either side of half-way; patiently executing; probing for weaknesses.
Scots’ Captain, Will Harris(8), provided the spark for the opener. A deft pick-up and pass from an attacking scrum-base, and halfback, Seb Strang(9), strolled over untouched. Charlie Savala(10), blessed of a majestic right-boot, slotted the conversion. Scots 7-0.
With occasional highlight-reel bursts from the likes of Waves’ custodian, twinkle-toed Luca Martin(15), and lock, Harry Whiteman(4), the arm-wrestle continued until Waves’ towering lock, Alex Rice(5), made a bust for the ages, finally delivering out to right wing, Patrick Kite(14) to touch down in the corner. Scots 7-5.
In response, the Scots’ machine cranked up.
Seb Strang(9) returned the earlier favour to his captain; Will Harris(8) scoring on a switch of angles run, close to Waves’ line, and right wing, Ben Zucchiatti(14), carrying Waves’ passengers on his back, added down the left.
A last act and deed of the half, which broke Double V hearts, was scored by Scots’ best on the day, blindside Brett Wellington(6); sealing the deal from an attacking lineout and rolling maul.
Half Time: Scots 26 led Waverley 5
Second Half
Wellington(6) had his brace on the other side of halftime, with sheer strength close to the line after fine lead-up work from his skipper, Harris(8), and halfback, Strang(9). As a contest, this one was as good as dusted 8” into the second half. Scots 33-5.
Waves dug deep to respond, but were thwarted by handling-errors, breakdown infringements, and some desperate, devastating cover defending from Scots.
Waves’ IC, Lathan Hutchinson-Walters(22) scored and converted, but Scots’ scrum was getting on top of their Waves’ counterparts. Long-range rolling mauls followed, as did several tightheads, capped by another Seb Strang(9) stroll-over from close to Waves’ line. Scots 40-12.
Scots’ scoring was done after hard-running OC, Kobe Rugless(13), burst into the open to gift Jack Mossman(15) a saloon passage to the line, and Scots led 45-12 with 10” remaining.
Though outplayed, Waves never conceded. An unusually quiet (at least for him) and well-held Luca Moretti’s(8) backward flick to Lathan Hutchinson-Walters(22) provided the final match scoring, with Hutchinson-Walters kicking his own extras.
Full time: Scots 45 def. Waverley 19
Best Players
Scots:
Brett Wellington(6) – his Season’s best, so far; weaponised Scots’ attack and D
Will Harris(8) – an(other) outstanding display; Harris epitomises F/M Montgomery – capacity and will to rally his men to a common purpose, and the character that inspires confidence
Scots’ Front Row: Hugo Patterson(1), Nathan Zylstra(2), and THP, Nick Wingrove(3) – they got on top of, and ended up ‘owning’ Waves’ set-piece
Waverley:
Lathan Hutchinson-Walters(22) – Waves’ best on the day; scored couple of tries
Harry Whiteman(4) – played enormous in a well beaten scrum
Luca Martin(15) – so fleet-footed! sparkling with ball in hand; always questioned Scots’ D
The Wrap
Scots, fit, patient and purposeful, put in a whole-of-team performance to take available bragging rights. Scots look well placed for bigger games yet to come, still with areas to improve.
Waves, largely, were stifled by excellent Scots’ defence and some self-inflicted momentum killers.
Scoring
Scots 45 (Wellington 2, Strang 2, Harris, Zucchiatti, Mossman tries; Savala 5 conv) def. Waverley 19 (Hutchinson-Walters 2, Kite tries; Hutchinson-Walters 2 conv)
