CAS Match reports – Round 5

Barker 37   Trinity 22

by Snort
To no-one’s great surprise, Barker maintained its unbeaten record at Summer Hill on Saturday. But this was a tough, intriguing contest and the final tally of five tries to four was a fair indication of the difference between the sides.

The Vibe

Barker’s strength is its strong, speedy backline, and the game was only ninety seconds old when Harry Jones chimed in from full back, scorched past his man on the outside, and sent Tyson Davis in to score in the corner. His conversion from touch made the score 7-0 after two minutes.

Trinity’s strength is its forward pack, and within minutes they had battered their way close to the line, for scrum half Brent Whicker to snipe over. For much of the game, play went end-to-end, try for try.

In the end, Barker prevailed largely because their execution in the backs was superior to Trinity’s control in the forwards – and because it took longer for Trinity to set up its scoring positions.

To win, Trinity needed to play mistake-free football and they couldn’t quite manage that. Too many first-up tackles were missed and the clearing kick to Jones that led to Davis’ second try was a basic error. On at least three occasions, too, the first receiver from the ruck spilled the ball cold. Barker punishes mistakes like that.

The players

Best on the field was Barker 12 and captain Devan Stoltz. He made ground every time he had the ball, defended strongly, and set up his outside backs well. David Smerdon, Barker 10, controlled play skilfully and scored twice with nimble footwork and quick thinking.

Tyson Davis, Barker winger, was big, fast and elusive. In an outgunned forward pack, Nick Burkett and Slack-Smith had strong games. Another Barker forward (whom I won’t name) distinguished himself mainly by infringing at almost every breakdown.

Jones had a mixed game. He was a threat every time he had the ball and has a massive boot, but he had an error-ridden game. Early on he took a hurried clearing kick with his left foot when he had plenty of time to call for a mark. Aiming for touch, he kicked a penalty dead in goal. He was yellow-carded for an armless tackle. Worst of all, he bombed a try when he made a brilliant 40 metre run and threw a dummy with Davis unmarked outside him – only to be flattened by the much smaller Barkley-Brown. The overall impression was of a very gifted player trying to be a bit too flashy.

For Trinity, Barkley-Brown was exceptional. He has pace, but also amazing strength for his size, and time after time he simply burst through the first tackle. His tackle on Jones was a highlight. Jackson McLean and Junior Satiu were tireless carriers and powerful in defence. Whicker had a strong all round game marred by erratic passing. Winger Rowland Kotobalavu ran powerfully whenever he had the chance.

Scoring

Barker — 37

Tries: D. Smerdon (2), T. Davis (2), A. Slack-Smith

Conversions: H. Jones (3)

Penalty Goals: Jones (2)

Trinity — 22

Tries: F. Satiu (2), J. McLean, B, Whicker

Conversion: C. Ebeling

Match report on the run

Waverley v. Aloys — by silverarrow

Waverley  64 — Aloys 20

Aloys came out very strongly for first 20-25 mins with scores being matched end to end till about 15-all.  Aloys’ ability at the breakdown was what kept them in the game: several times forcing turnovers from Waverley line breaks. They have obviously been well drilled in this area.

Waverley seemed to wake up around the 25 min mark and scored some very nice tries with what looked to be practised moves. These were a real pleasure to watch with the ball passing through several hands with clever cut outs, inside balls etc. At the half time break the game was by no means secure.

There were more tries for Waverley in the second half and a consolation try to Aloys, who did not lie down at all.

The final tally was nine tries to three. Waverley goal kicker Tom Murphy slotted eight out of nine conversion attempts, plus a penalty goal.