Victoria 36 — Combined States 15
by “Lee Grant”
In the second game of the day both sides were looking for their first win and both had been unlucky in one game earlier in the week. Who would get the win?
First half
Five minutes in Combined States [CS] rumbled a maul over the line and THP Jack Bodwitch scored.
But 15 Graig Semisi responded for Victoria when he was stationary a few metres out and as the CS guys watched him as he spun around and dashed between the posts.
Five minutes later there were more pick and goes near the line and Vic reserve Antonie van Zyl got the nod for the try. Both were converted by flyhalf Billy Gray and at 17 minutes Victoria was ahead 14-5.
Victoria were getting into the rhythm of the game despite their initial set back.
It got better for them when Gray seemed to run straight to attract defenders before passing, but he couldn’t find any; so he ran to the corner to score.
CS made up some leeway before the break when Harry Rowe scored for them after they had got into Vic territory a couple of minutes earlier from a kick-through by winger Ben Fontaine
But Victoria looked the better team and they were the leaders at oranges 19-10.
Second half
7 Robert Leota scored not long after the break for Victoria and they were in again through reserve back Jerry Lemalu after a sloppy pass was intercepted . The first try was converted and Victoria was coasting at 31-10.
After a long period of equal play Vic THP RJ Fa’aga went on a run, started by a bunny-hop. Before he went to ground, which shook from the impact, he passed to 6 Ikapote Tupai who progressed further. When play was switched to the other side Victoria’s best player for the week 12. Sione Tuipulotu scored.
CS looked well-beaten but winger Lucas Price scored a team ensemble try for them to finish strongly.
Final Score: Victoria 36 – Combined States 15
The Scoring
Victoria 36 (G Semisi, A Van Zyl, R Leota, J Lemalu, S Tuipoluto tries; B Gray try, 3 cons) bt Combined States 15 (J Bowditch, H Rowe, L Price tries)
Photos by Lee Grant
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