Knox v Trinity
by “Elfster”
The new term saw Knox host Trinity on a classic winter’s day at Warrawee.
It was overcast, windy, cold, and showers threatened. A perfect day for watching Rugby, ideally in a pub with a few beers and roaring open fire, but Knox 1 offered splendid viewing and the oval looked in excellent shape.
Though Knox were strong favourites, both sides had something to prove. For Trinity to possibly show their potential and ‘what could have been’, and Knox to get back to their winning ways.
It was a shame that few Knox students bothered to turn up: the student attendance was dismal.
First half
Those expecting a leisurely sorting out period were quickly disappointed. From the kick-off Knox made inroads into Trinity’s territory. Watson for Knox spotted a gap and with strength and deception went over into the corner. After one minute Knox were up 5-nil.
Knox had started with intent resulting in more attacking forays. They were passing and linking well, defensive lapses were exploited, and players were running with support and made ground. Soon the Knox 13 Armstrong used his speed and ability to get through traffic to score. The try was converted by Bosch (15) and Knox were 12-nil up and scoring better a point a minute.
At that point momentum shifted and with more possession Trinity started gaining territory. The Trinity scrum was looking better and their lineout was strong – in one case winning a Knox throw when they were deep on attack.
Trinity looked good when they played tight. The pressure caused Knox to give away penalties and the Trinity 10 converted one of these. The first Trinity points raised both the hope of the Trinity spectators and the spirit of the players.
However the Knox captain Widders-Leece then decided to have a run, barged his way through numerous players and scored a try near the posts. From the stands there didn’t seem too be much a gap, but he created one.
Despite finding themselves down 19-3 Trinity picked up their game and dominated the last 60% of the first half. They had the majority of possession and territory. It was only resolute and good Knox defence that held them out.
Numerous times Trinity lost the ball near or over the try line. Trinity looked to be a physical side – which showed in the scrums. But they lacked guile except when their halfback took a quick tap that took Knox by surprise, and fed the 6 to score a converted try.
Trinity had more possession and territory in the first half but Knox led 22 – 14. The second half promised a good game.
Second half
Similarly to the first half Knox attacked early. With excellent speed and footwork Watson soon scored in the corner.
Unfortunately for Trinity one of their starting props did not start the second half and their hard fought scrum domination started dissipating. This took away a fair bit of their momentum.
From some scrappy play on the Knox 22, Widders-Leece spotted a seeming gap and then with great acceleration burst through a few defenders, ran across the field, dummied the winger and took off. The fullback was in front, but he stood him up and scored a long distance try of which most wingers would be proud.
At 34 – 14 Trinity was shell-shocked. The game started drifting, it was getting colder, darker (the lights were turned on) and injuries and substitutions took the edge and intensity out of the game.
That said Knox scored three good tries before losing a bit of focus. This resulted in some scrappy play and Trinity, never giving up, won a penalty and scored off another quick penalty tap. Their hooker (Nguyen) running through a distracted Knox defence scored a good try with a minute or two remaining.
Everyone thought the game was over. Except for Widders_Leece who went in for his fourth try.
The Teams
The defence of Knox is good. Knox has a good capacity to offload in the tackle and keep the ball alive. They apply constant pressure in attack and exploit advantages. Their weakness is that they lose focus and intensity at times.
Trinity could and should have scored more tries. Their backline looked fluid and well-organised.
They have a good forward pack. They are probably the best scrumming CAS team after Cranbrook. However they lack options in attack. With their big, physical side they can threaten, but often the threat is more implied than real as they don’t have the ability to exploit an advantage.
Players
Trinity
I liked the Trinity front row. The loss of McLennan in the second half was noticeable. Their 6 Filipo was visible and effective. The 9 Gregory was smart. His quick penalty taps resulted in tries.
Knox
What can one say? James Widders –Leece was outstanding. I think he has the skillset to be a useful 7’s player in the future.
Connor Watson was a revelation at 10. He has rugby smarts, good passing, effective defence and is an excellent runner. His hat trick was overshadowed by Widders-Leece’s four. The new 13 Armstrong looks promising.
The scoring
Knox 62 (Widders-Leece 4, Watson 3, Basson, Armstrong tries, Bosch 7 cons, pen) def. Trinity 17 (Filipo, Nguyen tries, Longville 2 cons, pen)
See next page for a report on Cranbrook v Waverley
