Qld GPS: Round 4 – Stamping Authority

The second half saw more of the same — a fierce contest at the breakdown and the collision area generally.

TGS were, for the most part, the more cohesive and polished unit, which allowed their gradual progression to ascendency. In the 50th minute, a good set play off an attacking lineout saw 7. Stuart Bougoure get over the line. Bougoure then threw some handbags with Downlands 10. Thompson (and the rest of the team). They both earned a ten minute rest for their efforts.

The interruption was of little disruption to TGS, who were able to run in another good try, with 8. Minenko throwing a great ball for 13. Drew to score in the corner. 33-3 to TGS.

With the clock winding down, Downlands were finally able to cross the line with a try off a rumbling rolling maul in the 70th minute. 33-8.

Not to be outdone, TGS closed out the match with one of those tries you just love watching. Seeking to clear from their 22, Downlands went to hoof the ball downfield, only for the kick to be charged down. Downlands 11. McIllhatton was able to regather and went to kick again, only to do so straight into the arms of the TGS number 18, who had but to fall over the line to score one for the masses. Full-time, 40-8.

TGS thus continued their impressive run for season 2012.

Brisbane Boys’ College v. Gregory Terrace

BBC were out for revenge after an agonising draw with Churchie last weekend, while Gregory Terrace sought their first win of the season after two narrow losses and a bye.

After an early penalty from right in front to Terrace, BBC slowly began to build a degree of momentum, enabling two quick tries. 12. Brodie Collins crashed over running a solid unders line in the ninth, while 4. Luke Peterson started and finished a rolling maul, taking the ball down from the top of the lineout and working his way to the back of the maul to score the try in the 15th.

Gregory Terrace hit back late in the first half with a try of their own, using the width of the field and finished with good strength by 13. Jack Heenan.

The contest was intense but not necessarily in the ways you might hope. BBC sought to continue their recent form in the tackle area, and in many instances made a successful ‘jackal’, only to be penalised. Referee Steve Leszczynski seemed to be excessively picky in this area, as other seemingly more obvious and more frequent indiscretions went almost totally ignored.

Both teams contributed to a messy breakdown but Terrace certainly got the run of the green with the referee’s calls – the halftime penalty count read 11-3 – including receipt of the benefit of a deemed ‘shoulder charge’ in a tackle that had more arms than popeye.

The interpretation at the breakdown stifled BBC’s efforts to replicate past weeks, where they had been able to build a strong platform through forward dominance. Unable to adapt to the referee, BBC were to struggle for the rest of the match, despite their excellent 75m try in the 40th minute, taking the score to 19-8 in their favour.

Too often 9. Mikey Dyring had to wait a number of seconds at the base of the ruck for an option to pass to; BBC needed to realign faster to make the most of their talented outside men – especially 15. Josh Bowyer, who has looked dangerous with every touch this season.

Gregory Terrace played well, led by captain and flyhalf James Dalgleish. With the BBC forwards being more timid at the breakdown, Terrace frequently punched a number of phases through the ruck, before spreading the ball the full width of the field. Often finding space, the Terrace backs frequently made good metres.

Consistently executing this plan, Terrace were able to score three good tries, taking the score to 27-22 at full-time.

For yet another week this season, BBC will be ruing some missed opportunities while Terrace will take a great deal of heart from the match.

Other Fixtures

Ipswich Grammar were able to take down the fancied BGS at home 25-21, while Nudgee College took on State High at home, running out 48-28 victors.