CAS Match reports – Round 5

Knox 14    Cranbrook 9

by Elfster

Two sides that had looked forward to the 2013 season finally got to meet at Wahroonga on Saturday. The reason for the anticipation was Cranbrook, due to the success of their U16’s in 2012, and Knox with a new coaching regime. Sadly by mid-season, the anticipation seems to be misplaced; instead of a clash of the titans, it was the battle of the cellar dwellers.

The match

The hesitancy and uncertainty by Knox in the 2nds was shown in the 1sts as Knox put the kick-off out on the full. This gave Cranbrook heart and they had possession and territory for the first 15 minutes or so.

Knox struggled with discipline, at one stage the penalty count was running 4 to 1 to Cranbrook, and as the rain came were less uncertain in the conditions. Cranbrook missed an early penalty, but soon had another attempt to lead 3 nil.

Cranbrook’s 15 went off injured, but their forwards were giving it to Knox, even achieving (in these days) a rare tight head.

Knox finally got more possession, moved their way down field and scored a try to J Paek. It wasn’t a spectacular long range effort, but one built on pressure. Though ahead 5 to 3, Knox neither lifted nor built momentum, and both sides settled into a dour slug -fest. I am not sure if it was due to the, by now, increasingly heavier rain, a lack of attacking ability, the defence of both sides or a low level of skill. Both sides traded a penalty goal and went to oranges with Knox leading 8 to 6.

Though a low scoring game, there was an attraction to it. Perhaps due to the closeness and the fact that both sides were giving it a go. In may ways the second was a replay of the first half. Cranbrook got an early penalty to lead 9 to 8 and then bashed away trying to put Knox away.

In its way an eminently watchable game. And the coffee there was satisfying. The return match at Cranbrook will be interesting. Both sides are still a work in progress though.

Knox did start building pressure and possession and after camping in the Cranbrook 22 for a while, their no6 scored a try off a maul. The Knox kicker converted the most kick he had all day and the final score of 15 to 9 was reached with 5 or so minutes to go.

A late flurry of penalties to Cranbrook saw them running the ball for a winning try, but it was to no avail. Knox held on and got their second win of the season.

Knox

They seemed disorganised, which brought about hesitancy. I got the idea they were about to pull away, but then they lost the ball due to poor handling or discipline. This seems to be a side that needs confidence and ideal conditions to play to their potential.

Their defence was the best it had been this year, which should please them. The 13 looked good with ball in hand and the back row industriously effective.

Knox struggled with some discipline and handling. When they looked like scoring they would drop the ball, or even in one instance slip over with the try line beckoning. Their line-out was the same farce from previous weeks. When they kept it simple it worked, but they continued with their delayed put in as the jumpers played musical chairs. Invariably losing the line-out.

Cranbook

Their main issue was probably a lack of direct attack. They did some good things, but too often went wide rather than ahead, when they breached the first line it was by a single unsupported player who got isolated.

Their defence was good, especially on their tryline. The tight five played well and their 10 offered some spark. I think they should be more varied and subtle in attack, by probably using their forwards more brutally; guile through strength.

Other matches

The seconds was a tight affair and showed that if nothing else Cranbrook does have more depth this year. A late break-away the gave the game 15-6 to Knox, but Cranbrook doggedly held on throughout. They showed a fine understanding of forward play and their scrum caused issues.With a few more penetrative backs they could have won, but the Knox defence covered the attacks easily.

Knox let themselves down with discipline, handling and the lineout suffering the same disease as the Knox firsts. Knox butchered a few tries and their play was more hesitant and uncertain than against Aloys.

Match details

Scoring

[one_half last=”no”]Knox — 15

Tries: James Paek, James Widders-Lees.

Conversion: S. Field

Penalty Goal: S. Field[/one_half]

[one_half last=”yes”]Cranbrook — 9

Penalty Goals: A. McDougall (3)[/one_half]

Referee:  Don’t know who the ref was, but he handled the game quite well. He was quick to blow up players not releasing and stationary mauls, but was consistent. He had a better understanding of the game than some spectators I was near.

These spectators should read the parents’ guidelines on how to watch such games.

See the next page for Snort’s report on the Trinity v. Barker match, and a brief “match report on the run” from silverarrow.