There was a surprise result on Day 3 [Div I] of the Championships when NSW II played their best game of the week.
NSW II 23 — QLD I 21
by “umbrella_defence”
NSW II win a thriller to crush any hopes of a Queensland presence in the finals.
NSW II showed grit, passion and a determination that simply could not be matched by the boys from up north. From the get-go it seemed as if Queensland had underestimated their opposition, and they later suffered for that confidence. NSW dominated in the forwards and backs, though Queensland showed brief glimpses of brilliance to stay in the game.
First Half
There were no jitters or nerves from either side as both teams settled into the game quickly. NSW II clearly looked up for it – their speed and intensity at the breakdown areas were impressive – and early on they seemed to be building up a lot of pressure. However, poor discipline consistently cost the NSW side.
A kick from Alex Horan (Queensland #10) bounced awkwardly for NSW #14 Tom Wright. This enabled Queensland to captalise on field position and build up pressure, but NSW II captain, James Lough (#8), who was a persistent pest at the breakdown, managed to defuse the tension temporarily with a sneaky pilfer out of nowhere.
Unfortunately for the boys in blue, poor exit strategies cost NSW as Queensland’s counter attack, ably lead by their elusive #15 Clifton Setu, put them in try-scoring range. Queensland’s #12 Calvin Pritchard crashed over the line through some weak tackles on the 10 minute mark, with Harry Nucifora (#9) converting from in front to take the score to 7 – 0 for the team in red.
There was a feeling that QLD might run away with it but their momentum was stifled regrettably by a few injuries to key players. Their captain Alex Mafi, the incumbent Australian schoolboy hooker, had to come off within the first 20 minutes, while Joey Fittock (#11) and Pritchard (#12) both nursed injuries at some point.
Starved of opportunity, NSW II responded through with a penalty goal to their #10 Sam Renton (playing fullback), following strong carries by various forwards. Eventually, a powerful NSW scrum helped position fly-half Jack McGregor well for attack, and he took the ball to the defenders.
An excellent move with #12 Will McDonnell gave McGregor a bit of space, but unfortunately a dropped ball ten metres from the line was costly, as QLD’s Joey Fittock (#11) showed electrifying pace and agility to turn the tables.
The game continued to ebb and flow until a deft kick from McGregor, chased hard by Simon Kennewell (#13) and a defensive Queensland misread, saw NSW with a lineout five metres out. An excellent piggies’ try ensued as NSW’s #1 Tuamelle Laimani benefited from a mighty maul. Renton converted from wide out to make the score 10 – 7 to NSW II.
The game continued, and began to open up a little more, with NSW making inroads through their backs. Kennewell made good metres for NSW, though he later sustained an injury after a big tackle.
The Queensland boys seemed to be out on their feet as NSW II were beginning to dominate the game.
Tom Wright (#14) continued to impress for NSW with his positional play and understanding of the game, but poor discipline from NSW continued to keep Queensland in the match.
Nucifora had to retire just before a penalty and unfortunately for QLD I Horan missed a goal from in front, which meant that NSW II had the lead at oranges 10-7.
Would the miss be costly?
Second Half
NSW maintained the ascendancy they had in the second quarter of the game and their technique and intensity were impressive.
NSW captalised on their momentum when McGregor made a clean break through the defensive line, before offloading the ball to McDonnell, who returned it to him. It was brilliant interplay and McGregor scored under the sticks. Renton converted to take the score to 17 – 7.
Just as it seemed that NSW were about to run away with it, the momentum shifted rapidly as Queensland counter-attacked superbly. This resulted in a well-deserved try out wide to #14 Sam Edwards, which was converted impressively by Nucifora, now back on the field.
With the scores at 17 – 14 it was an open game though NSW seemed to have the upper hand. They worked their way down to Queensland territory but poor discipline cost them again.
Then a NSW basketball pass error saw Edwards intercept and run away for his second try for QLD I, under the sticks. Nucifora kept his record intact to take the score to to 21 – 17 for the Queenslanders.
It was a horror five minutes for NSW II but they maintained their intensity, and their calmness, despite the two surprise tries.
Reserve flanker Jum Woodhill was consistently impressive at the breakdown, slowing down QLD ball and being a general nuisance – in a good way. Captain James Lough (#8) showed his experience and opted for a kick for goal from about 40 metres out despite the four-point deficit. Renton rewarded his trust with a deft three-pointer to take the score to a nail-biting 21 – 20 for Queensland.
Then NSW was awarded another penalty. It was near the end of the game and Renton stepped up for the goal and the ball went sailing toward the left-hand post. But it faded inwards and NSW was back in the lead 23-21.
There was drama as QLD I recovered the ball after the kick-off and the boys in red had one last mighty crack, a testament to their character. It wasn’t to be however, as they lost the ball under pressure and NSW booted it out to secure a mighty victory.
In many ways it was good to see them rewarded for their good play throughout the game and recovering from a bad five minutes. They were, in this writer’s opinion, the dominant team, but the close result was disguised by two breakout tries to QLD I.
The Players
NSW II
Man of the match, flyhalf Jack McGregor, was exceptional for NSW, with a try and a few telling runs. He has a solid kicking game, though he didn’t get to show his prowess off the tee as his fullback was given those opportunities. At times he overplayed his hand, but his confidence and enthusiasm in taking the ball up was commendable.
Other solid performances:
Simon Kennewell (#13) was solid with some great hits and some damaging runs. Injury marred the business end of his game, but he was still key to NSW’s success.
Tom Wright (#14) was also consistent, with excellent positional play and a few dangerous runs.
Prop Francis Brown, flanker Jum Woodhill and no. 8 James Lough were all excellent in the forwards, doing the tough stuff and making Queensland’s job hard at the breakdown.
Queensland I
Winger Joey Fittock and Sam Edwards looked sensational, and it would be wonderful to see these guys with a few more opportunities out wide. They were electrifying at times, and showed great pace, intelligence and athleticism in the way they played.
Before he was injured, Calvin Pritchard (#12) looked the goods. I hope he recovers quickly because I’m sure national honours beckon.
Harry Nucifora was exception with the boot, kicking all his goals. Alex Horan (#10) was consistent but didn’t manage to have the attacking impact some were anticipating.
Wrap Up
NSW II should be proud of how they played. Queensland will probably be doing some soul-searching tonight. By no means were they bad, but they were outplayed for the majority of the match, and were it not for some great individual performances the scoreline may not have been as generous.
It will be interesting to see how these respective teams do against their intra-state rivals.
The scoring
NSW II 23 (T Laimani, J McGregor tries; S Renton 2 cons, 3 pens) bt Queensland I 21 (S Edwards (2) C Pritchard tries; H Nucifora 3 cons)
See next page for another match report
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